Our Vision ~ Provide Christ-centered leadership for our Catholic Parish

Our Mission ~ To collaborate with and support the pastor in fulfilling the mission of the parish/Church.  To identify and motivate strong leaders and support them in the development of our Catholic Parish Life and Ministries.

The Parish Pastoral Council is consultative to the pastor  and operates under the principles of shared responsibility and accountability.  In keeping with its purpose of continuing the mission of Jesus, the Parish  Pastoral Council strives to:become a praying community and by this example to lead the parish to a  fuller life of prayer

• be sensitive to the movement of the Spirit among the People of God in the  parish.
• be truly representative of all members of the parish in planning and  decision-making.
• support the pastor in his role as shepherd of the parish.
• foster unity in the parish.
• encourage full participation of parishioners in parish life.
• promote on-going dialogue among the pastoral staff, parishioners and the  various parish organizations.
• assess the needs and strengths of the parish community.
• establish priorities, goals, and objectives for the parish, in  consultation to and in collaboration with the pastor in service to the  parish, to the diocese, and to the Universal Church.
• provide leadership, direction, education, resources, and encouragement in  accordance with on-going and changing goals of the parish, and the Universal  Church.
• evaluate the parish community's progress toward its identified goals and  objectives.

Contact: Ralph Heimann - 345-4343

This committee assists in providing lectors, offertory participants, lay ministers, special events personnel and ushers. The committee directs itself to providing guidelines for orderly processions, reception of communion, etc. It will evaluate church music and its implementation.

Contact: Judy Thompson - 345-4333

This committee consists of those in our parish family who wish to share their time and talent to make the seasonal changes in the church décor. In addition to the spoken word and music, we invite the church family to fully participate in the celebration of the Mass. Our goal is to keep our art open to interpretation, stir them with emotion and touch their senses.

We meet as necessary during the time period before and during the seasonal changes. We need volunteers to offer ideas, do research, sew, make phone calls, maintain live plants and offer set up assistance.

Contact: Kathie Throm – 345-0347

Within our community we have two sets of Extraordinary Minister – those who minister with the liturgy of the Mass and those who minister to the members of our community who are not able to attend Mass (See Ministry for the Homebound).

At Mass the Extraordinary Ministers share in the ministerial role of "offering" communion to the faithful so that they may make their act of faith. The Extraordinary Minister is called from among the faithful to perform a service role to the community. As a representative of that community, he/she exercises a Christian witness of service for the benefit of all. In a sense not as one standing outside the community to preside, but rather as one chosen from the community to demonstrate externally the service to which each member is called.

Contact: Parish Office – 345-4343 , Legion of Mary - 345-4343

Our ministry is to cheerfully welcome all who attend our liturgies and special functions.

Contact: Herman Wenos - 344-4108

Lectors proclaim the word of God during the Liturgy celebrations. They make important announcements pertaining to the parish community. New lectors are always welcome and training is provided.

Contact: Parish Office - 345-4343

Altar servers prepare for serving in the fourth grade. After completing formal instructions with Father Larry and Sister Therese, they are scheduled for the children's Tuesday liturgies only. The fifth thru eighth graders are initiated into the rotating server's schedules for weekends, children's liturgies, and for funerals. A short period of reviewing at the beginning of the year prior to being put on a schedule enables the students to be at their best when serving on the altar. Once a student has gone through the preparation and is scheduled to serve at a particular time, that student is responsible for being present, or to find a substitute, if a reason for not meeting his/her responsibilities is of serious concern. Mrs. Ellen Bednara, the Parish Office Secretary, schedules the servers and makes sure that all students receive their schedule for serving times and days.

Contact: Parish Office - 345-4343

Fr. Francis Cunningham started this group in 1971. Its purpose is to contact families or individuals to present the bread and wine to the priest at the Offertory. These same gifts are later changed into the Body & Blood of Christ and used for Communion. We encourage you to sign-up to be gift bearers or to volunteer to be on the calling committee. It does not entail meetings and is something you can do from your home.

Contact: Parish Office - 345-4343

This ministry provides instruction to parents and godparents wishing to have their children baptized. In addition to the instruction, we assist the families and the priest with a rehearsal, setup, the actual baptism, clean up and all the documentation required for this sacrament.

Contact: Wendy Popov – 346-0161

This program is the children's component of RCIA. Its purpose is to provide faith formation for children who are above catechetical age (approximately 7 years old) who have had little or no faith formation and who have not yet received any sacraments in the Catholic Church.

Our goal is to teach children about our Catholic faith and traditions in order to help them to grow in faith, develop a closer relationship with Jesus and a strong prayer life. It is our desire to help children develop a firm foundation on which to build their lifelong journey with God.

We are seeking adult volunteers who are willing to work with children

Contact: Jeanne Thompson - 345-4343 ext. 304

Children's Liturgy of the Word takes place during the 9 am and 11:00 am Masses. Children grades K-4 are dismissed from the assembly to hear the Word of God proclaimed and explained on their level. There is no registration or charge for the program Adult leaders are needed to lead the session. Middle school and high school students are welcome to become assistants.

Contact: Jeanne Thompson - 345-4343 ext. 304

Children who were baptized as infants prepare for this sacrament in the eighth grade. Parents, candidate, and sponsors attend a meeting for this sacrament, which introduces them to a sacramental program and a deeper understanding of the sacrament. Volunteers are needed to help with the retreat for the candidates. Children in the RCIC program receive this sacrament at the Easter Vigil, along with Baptism and Eucharist. Students are encouraged to use their baptismal name or have the option to choose a saint's name for their Confirmation name. The students choose a practicing Catholic to be their sponsors: male or female. Eighth graders preparing for this sacrament are asked to write a letter to the Bishop requesting the sacrament of Confirmation and to complete a shield that depicts some of their family background origin or outstanding qualities and virtues that pertain to them as Catholics.

Contact: Jeanne Thompson  – 345-4343 ext. 304

Children who were baptized as infants prepare for these sacraments in the second grade. Parents must attend a meeting for each sacrament, which helps them prepare their child for the sacrament. The child's religious education class (either in the school or PSR) focuses most of their time on preparation for these sacraments. The Neophytes, those who received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation at the Easter Vigil, prepare for the sacrament of Reconciliation at the beginning of the year following their acceptance into the Church, with Sister Therese. They then join the planned reconciliation service set for the second graders at the appropriate time which is usually open to the parish at large. The second graders and their parents participate in a day of retreat prior to their First Eucharist. Volunteers are more than welcome to be of assistance for this retreat day, as banners and activities need to be coordinated and a meal needs to be served to our retreatants.

Contact: Jeanne Thompson – 345-4343 ext. 304

Our parish's current ministry team originated in the summer of 2000. Guided by Fr. Larry and with input from Fr. John, seven married couples from our parish are assisting by working with engaged couples. The ministering couple's primary function is to administer the F.O.C.C.U.S. (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding and Study) instrument and facilitate engaged couples communication through a guided format. The intent is to enhance engaged couples communication skills, encourage relationship and increase awareness of areas of married life that may have been overlooked. The goal is to prepare couples for the fullness of matrimonial relationship.

Contact: Jim and Diane Hill – 344-7985

Parish School of Religion (PSR) provides faith formation and sacramental preparation for children who are in first through eighth grades in Unit 10 public schools. Classes are held on Wednesdays during the school year from 6:30-7:45 PM. Volunteers are being sought as catechists to share their faith with our children. Adults and high school students also work as classroom assistants and office support. Special projects do occur throughout the year that require extra help.

Contact: Jeanne Thompson - 345-4343 ext. 304

This is a program or rather a process through which interested adults become members of the Catholic Church. This has been a ministry in our parish since 1988. During this time, including this year, one hundred fifty three candidates and catechumens have completed the process. Twenty-six others have for personal reasons decided that God was not calling them to make this journey of faith at this time. Several have expressed the appreciation they felt for the time spent and that perhaps at a later date they might return to continue the journey.

To support these catechumens and candidates and to aid them along the journey of faith, several parishioners have volunteered as their sponsors or catechists. Other members of the parish have been the silent partners in the process by their example and prayers during the days and weeks from the beginning until the great finale at the Easter Vigil.

We need all of the members of our parish family as part of the TEAM. There are many rolls that can be played. You might be just the person for a specific roll.

Contact: Jenifer Lohmann – 345-4343 ext. 302

This weeklong program provides children an opportunity to explore Scripture stories in a more relaxed atmosphere using music, games, and crafts. Volunteers are sought to work in different areas of the week. Volunteers are being sought in a variety of areas such as: classroom leaders and assistants; craft room; snack area; music room; and registration. Vacation Bible School is usually scheduled for the month of July.

Contact: Jeanne Thompson  – 345-4343 ext. 304

High school youth come together, under the direction of the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, for a variety of activities. Each month events are planned by the Youth Ministry Advisory Board, which include Faith and Life Studies, social gatherings (open gym, scavenger hunts, etc.), service projects such as leaf raking, Parents Night Out, and Trick-or-Treating for canned goods. Fundraisers are held by the youth to finance their events. Future plans include: attending the National Catholic Youth Ministry Conference in Indianapolis, a summer rafting trip, and expanding this ministry into the jr. high ages. Volunteers are needed to be adult mentors to youth, work with the Advisory Board, and chaperone events.

Contact: Missy Mark - 345-5824
Youth Ministry Web Page

The Director of Religious Education oversees the various programs that in any way provide faith instruction to our parish here at SS. Peter and Paul. It is the duty of the Director of Religious Education to foster a Christian atmosphere amongst the various organizations and to be a resource person to these organizations, as well as, to the faculty of the school and the PSR program. The Director guides and works with the sacramental preparation of the children, prepares retreats and workshops, prayer services, liturgical celebrations, and serves on various committees that lend themselves to the further development of our Christian faith, such as the Parish Spiritual Life Committee.

Contact: Jeanne Thompson – 345-4343 ext. 304

Contact: Ariel Martin – 345-4343 ext. 311,  Roseann Jokerst - 344-6022,
              Norman Slazinik - 345-5420

Pastoral Services offers professional Christian guidance and counseling services to assist people in overcoming life's trials and obstacles, and achieving relief, healing and personal growth. Pastoral Services offers:

• Individual, couples or family counseling
• Specializations in loss, grief, anxiety and depression
• Flexible office hours, including evening and weekends
• Insurance co-pays accepted or sliding-fee scale
• Instruction in spiritual meditation
• Bereavement ministry training
• Attention to privacy and confidentiality

Contact: Mark Wiegmann, MA, LPC – 345-4343

Men's bible study provides a small-group discussion of both intensive and extensive bible studies. The one and a half our weekly discussions are typically six to eight weeks in length and involve no preparation. Each discussion normally involves reading the material with scriptural references and then discussion of six to eight questions. Some of the studies are video assisted, providing excellent presentations by experts in their fields. Participants also enjoy opportunities to share questions and observations in a study environment. Curious men are urged to try a couple of evenings to see for themselves why the Bible has been a best seller for so many years.

The study meets each Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8PM in the parish offices.

Contact: Jim Wolters – 344-0400 days
Dave Gries – 344-3259 evenings

Faith in Action (F.I.A.) is a volunteer group sponsored by the Collinsville Area Ministerial Association (CAMA).  The missio nof FIA is to put our faith into actio by doing what we are called to do:  to reach out and serve one another as friends and neighbors of a united faith community, to ease loneliness and isolation, and to make a difference in the lives of others.  FIA was started February 14, 1998 and involves 12 churches in the Collinsville, Caseyville and Maryville areas.  We have 10 volunteers from SS. Peter and Paul and a total of 132 volunteers.  Since 1998, FIA has touched the lives of over 800 neighbors.  FIA provides transportation for medical and other needs, shopping, companionship, respite care, seasonal yard maintenance and minor home repairs.  We service neighbors in Collinsville, Caseyville and Maryville who need assistance due to age or disability.  There is no charge for FIA services.  Help serve one another in love.  Your neighbor's independence depends on YOU!.

Contact: Pat Grant Schapp - 345-0936,  Lori Fry - 344-8080