ALL THINGS NEW – Steadfast in Faith * Forward in Hope

A Time of Transition

        Dear Friends, we stand at the threshold of All Things New, and prepare to receive our new Pastoral Staff: Fr. James Theby, Pastor; Fr. Christopher Schroeder, Senior Associate Pastor; and Fr. George Staley, part-time Associate Pastor and part-time Priest-Chaplain for the Newman Center at Lindenwood University.  They are good and prayerful men, called by Jesus Christ to serve as Priest, for the sanctification of His Church, and the salvation of souls.  These are the Priests who will accompany you into 2025, the 175th Anniversary of St. Peter Church…and beyond!

      Over the past few weeks, my thoughts have been a bit more nostalgic and reflective.  It led me to revisit an article I wrote for July 22, 2018, soon after my arrival.

      I am also so very grateful for the kindness extended to both Fr. Eddie and me by Fr. Fred. Few parishes have a spiritual grandfather like Fr. Fred, and we are blessed to have him.  His is a ministry of presence, witnessing the compassion of Jesus: offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily, absolving the sins of those who come for the Sacrament of Penance, (at Church, or who drop by the rectory through the course of the week), providing the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, praying with our friends at nursing homes, or going out for a meal to visit with friends.  Mindful of The Lord’s fellowship meals recounted for us in Sacred Scripture, maybe Fr. Fred’s “table ministry” is just another way that Jesus is inviting us all into a compassionate, comfortable conversation of grace.  Thanks, Fr. Fred! 

Rev. Frederick "Fred" A. Meyer // (July 21, 1939 – August 14, 2022)

      Indeed, there is much for which I am thankful.  I count it a great blessing to have served at St. Peter Church for the past five years.  God sure is busy here!  My joy has been to celebrate with you the great love that Jesus has for us, through the Sacramental Life of the Church.  As a Priest, it is a special grace to stand with families at the thresholds of life: birth (Baptism), weddings (Marriage), death (Christian Burial).  By invitation, you have honored me to be part of your family, to celebrate with you our faith, and to minister the Divine Love and Mercy of Jesus Christ. 

Together, we have journeyed through a series of transitions, noting just a few:

•    From St. Peter Parish School to Seton Regional Catholic School / PSR / Youth Ministry,

•    Continued renovation of our beautiful and historic Church, to the honor and glory of God,

•    The enhancement of our parish Music Ministry, including the ongoing repair of our Church     organ,

•    The profound loss of dearly beloved family members and friends in the COVID 19 Pandemic,

•    The repurposing of our parish facilities into a multi-generational / multi-ministry campus, fit for the unfolding mission of evangelization.

God certainly has been busy here at St. Peter Church, working among us, in us, and through us!  Thank you for the privilege of participating with you in these extraordinary events of God’s Grace.

Thank you for your friendship, love and prayers these past five years.  You have inspired me and helped me to become a better person, a better priest.  Please pray for me, as I begin ministry in a new role as Senior Associate Pastor, with the good people of St. Alban Roe Parish.

 

                    With grateful thanks and appreciation,

                    Fr. John Seper