We may wonder what Jesus is speaking about today, but it becomes clear that he means his Passion. His anguish represents his great desire to complete his mission and save the world. His zeal is for us at St. Peter Claver- glory to you, Jesus, for the great gift of your saving death and resurrection! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

We had a great turnout at last Sunday's Pancake Breakfast. Thank you to our awesome Knights of Columbus for cooking all the delicious food. It was wonderful to sit and catch up with our church family. We can't wait until next time. 🥞🍳☕ #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today we celebrate Mary's Assumption and remember - where she has gone, we can surely follow - with God's help! Join Fr. Paolo and our whole parish family on this holy day of obligation to celebrate. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today is the feast day of St. Maximilian Kolbe. This date commemorates his death, which occurred in 1941 at the Auschwitz concentration camp after he volunteered to take the place of another prisoner condemned to die. He is revered as a martyr of charity for his selfless act. Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar who dedicated his life to serving God and others. He founded the Militia Immaculatae, a worldwide evangelization movement focused on devotion to the Virgin Mary. He is also known for his missionary work in Japan. Please take a moment to visit our first class relic of St. Maximilian Kolbe in the Relic Room/Children's Liturgy Room. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Saintoftheday

“Love Alone Create” Prayer St. Maximilian, amidst the hate and lonely misery of Auschwitz, you brought love into the lives of fellow captives, and sowed the seeds of hope amidst despair. You bore witness to the world, by word and deed, that only “Love alone creates.” Help me to become more like yourself. With you and Mary and the Church, may I proclaim that only “Love alone creates.” To the hungry and oppressed, the naked and homeless, the scorned and hated, the lonely and despairing, may I proclaim the power of Christ’s love, which endures forever and ever. Amen. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #SaintoftheDay

Many of our children are headed back to school this week. This past weekend, our priests prayed over the children at the Masses. Here is another prayer you can pray at home with your family. Dear Lord, As our students begin a new school year, I pray that you will keep them in your care. Send your Spirit to open their minds to all that is true and beautiful and good Help them to see the gifts and talents you have given them and to use them well. Help them to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Help them to be kind to others and lead others to be kind to them. Give their teachers patience and understanding and help them teach what is just and true. Send your angels to guide and guard our children and to keep them from all harm. Open their young hearts to your presence and enfold them in your peace and protection. Hold them in the palm of your hand and bring them home safely at day’s end. Amen.

This event is not to be missed. You all know that the FCCG knows how to throw a party. There will be delicious food, entertainment and dancing. Hope to see you there. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #FCCG

Which is it? Let us know what YOU think in the comments, St. Peter Claver friends! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues his teaching on true wealth, which is stored in heaven. But he begins by referring to the Church as the "little flock," which shows his tender concern for all. That's why we call Fr. Paolo, PASTOR - he's our shepherd! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Friendly reminder that The Assumption is a holy day of obligation. Please see Mass times below. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please see details regarding our celebration of St. Maximilian Kolbe's feast day on August 14. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Over 2 million veterans have earned the Purple Heart by shedding their blood for our nation. Join us for Mass so we can pray for them in thanksgiving: Daily Mass is Monday to Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Happy Feast Day of The Transfiguration of The Lord. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Thank you to our Vocation Ministry for hosting Fr. Henry's 28th Ordination Anniversary Celebration this past Sunday. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Here is another fun fact about Pope Leo. According to an Argentinian newspaper, the Holy Father really enjoys the sport, though he doesn't get to play much anymore. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Happy feast day to all parish priests, especially Fr. Paolo and Fr. Henry! Today we celebrate the patron of them all, St. John Vianney, a humble French priest who often spent 10-16 hours in the confessional - all to bring Jesus' mercy to sinners. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Next Sunday is our famous Pancake Breakfast. Make sure to stop by after Mass, and come hungry! 🥞🍳☕

Tomorrow, after the 10:00am Mass, we will have a reception to celebrate Fr. Henry's 28th Priestly Anniversary. Stop by the plaza to congratulate him and thank him for his many years of service to our Catholic faith. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati has been beloved by Catholics for decades. And later this year, this gregarious, adventurous, and holy young man will be recognized as a saint. Let's take this opportunity to ask soon-to-be-saint Pier Giorgio Frassati to pray for us, and to bless all our young adults and youth here at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today, young people from the United States will gather in Rome as part of a special National U.S. Pilgrim Gathering for the ongoing Jubilee Year. The program will include a procession featuring American saints, Eucharistic Holy Hour, and presentations by speakers like Bishop Robert Barron. Whether any of those gathered are from St. Peter Claver or not, let's lift them up in prayer! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please note our newly added Mass and Confession times. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today is the feast of Jesus' grandparents: Saints Joachim and Anne. Like the Lord, we love our grandparents at St. Peter Claver. Believe it or not, there is an entire association devoted to Catholic grandparents, aiding them in their task of passing on the faith and keeping prayer in the heart of family life. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

There's an old adage: God helps those who help themselves. But, as it turns out, the best way to help ourselves is to ask God for his help. That's what Jesus is telling us in today's Gospel: our Father loves us and wants to give us what we truly need. And God invites us to ask, seek, and knock at his door, not because he needs us to remind him of what we need, but because he knows it is good for us to ask him! It is suitable for us, his children, to go to our loving Father. So this Sunday, think about what we need at St. Peter Claver, and ask God for it in prayer. As long as you knock, he will answer. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #SundayScripture

Today is our last, but certainly not least Corporal Works of Mercy. To “visit the sick” is to bring comfort through presence, prayer, and care. In moments of suffering, our love can be a powerful reminder that no one is alone. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

What is today's Corporal Works of Mercy? To “visit the imprisoned” is to extend compassion to those often forgotten. It’s a work of mercy that brings light, dignity, and hope to the most isolated hearts. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Here is today's Corporal Works of Mercy. To “shelter the homeless” is to offer safety, dignity, and hope. It’s a reminder that every person deserves a place to rest and feel at home. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The relationship between cousins can be life-giving. Just ask the Blessed Virgin Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth. Today is Cousins Day, so it's a great excuse to pick up the phone and give any cousins you might have a call! We'll remind Fr. Paolo, too. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

What is next in our review of the Corporal Works of Mercy? To “feed the hungry” is to respond to Christ's call with generosity. In sharing our food, we nourish both body and soul. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The feast day of St. Bridget of Sweden is a great time to explore the Catholic history of Scandinavia. There might be no better way to do that than to read the great epic, Kristin Lavransdatter. Written by Nobel Prize winner Sigrid Undset in the 1920s, it tells the story of a noblewoman's life in medieval Norway. Undset's immersive writing places the reader both amidst Kristin's struggle between good and evil and within the thick culture of Catholic Scandinavia. Give it a read and let Fr. Paolo know what you think of it. #TruthGoodnessBeauty #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Let's look at the next Corporal Works of Mercy. To “give drink to the thirsty” is to meet a basic human need with compassion. Whether through clean water, a cold glass on a hot day, or support for those in crisis, we reflect God’s mercy. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Here is the next Corporal Works of Mercy. To “clothe the naked” is to recognize the basic dignity of every person. Providing clothing is a simple yet powerful way to offer warmth, comfort, and care. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

According to his brother, Pope Leo has played Wordle with his family! Do you play Wordle? Do you have this in common with Pope Leo? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

This week, let us take a moment to review the Corporal Works of Mercy. “Bury the dead” reminds us to honor life, even in death. In caring for the deceased and comforting the grieving, we affirm the dignity of every person. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Hospitality is a virtue. So why does Jesus seem to diminish Martha's efforts in today's Gospel? It's all a matter of priorities. While activity is good, we must first receive, as Mary does. In fact, the most fruitful human activity is to receive from God. If our busyness cuts us off from receiving from God, it can easily lead us to spiritual dryness and the harmful illusion of self-sufficiency. And when we reach this point, it can be hard to know what activity God is actually calling us to, and to carry it out with love. Here at St. Peter Claver, we're all busy. But let's never forget to "choose the better" part like Mary did by prioritizing time to receive from the Lord in prayer and contemplation. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #SundayScripture #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

On Sunday, July 27th, St. Peter Claver is having a Bundle Sunday for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul thrift stores. Please bring your useable clothing, useable household items and small appliances on this day. Please note that there is a weight limit of 50lbs per item. Their truck will be here in our church parking lot from 8am until 2pm. Please help them in their endless efforts to assist those in need! Please do not bring furniture, TVs and large appliances to our Sunday truck; we are also unable to accept baby cribs, child car seats, strollers or high chairs. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please see the flyer for the exact dates and times of Summer Son, In the Light of God's Word. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

We just completed Day 4 of VBS, True North, Trusting Jesus in a Wild World. We have 42 children and over 20 youth and adult volunteers with us this week. We are having so much fun. We are helping the kids discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life – something we call God Sightings. Remember to think about a God Sighting you had during the day and share it with them! Stay tuned for more photos. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Whether you like a Coney Island Dog or prefer a Chicago Dog, today's the day to eat a hot dog! It's a great summertime meal and an All-American classic. Enjoy, St. Peter Claver family! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The Brown Scapular is a popular Catholic devotion that was entrusted to the Carmelite Order by the Blessed Mother in 1251. It is said that those who wear this brown wool garment when they die "shall not suffer eternal fire." #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks, pray for all of us at St. Peter Claver!

We have the most wonderful parishioners. Thank you so much! We are grateful for each and everyone of you. 🙏 #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today is Sea Sunday, a day devoted to praying for and remembering seafarers. Mary, Our Blessed Mother, is known as "Stella Maris" - the Star of the Sea, because she guides us to Christ and has long been associated with interceding for those at sea. So St. Peter Claver family, why not pray a decade of the rosary today for those who serve us on the seas? Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for our seafarers! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

We hope you can join us for our summer enrichment series. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

If God cares about the sparrows, just imagine how much he cares about you, who were created in his image and redeemed by his blood. Whatever you might be going through, God loves you and is there with you in the midst of it. Something to ponder as you watch the summer songbirds today! Have a blessed summer Saturday, and we'll see you at Mass this weekend. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Benedict founded the Benedictines in 529 AD, and they've been known for "ora et labora" - prayer and work - ever since. But you don't have to be a monk or nun to embrace this way of life. Many Benedictine monasteries have groups of associated lay people, called oblates. They live the Benedictine charism in the world and stay united to their monastery through prayer and occasional retreats. Follow the link to locate a Benedictine monastery near you and learn about how you can become an oblate! And if you're interested, let Fr. Paolo know! https://archive.osb.org/intl/confed/nacong.html #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Doesn't this just make your heart SING? #StPeterClaverChurch #catholicschool

In the face of disaster, we turn to God with sorrow and hope. We pray for all impacted by the flooding and for those offering help and healing. We continue to pray for Texas. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Save the date for our next Blood Drive on July 20. See flyer below for details on how to sign up. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

God desires that the whole world be saved. Yet in his love, he also desires that we, his people, take part in his saving work. What a mystery and a lofty calling! Today's Gospel certainly encourages us to pray for more priests, men ordained to play a pivotal role in mediating God's love to his Church. But Jesus also gives this message to all of us, and invites us to become agents of evangelization. How can we foster a culture of evangelization here at St. Peter Claver? Let's pray about it this Sunday and ask God to show us the way. #SundayScripture #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Registration for Vacation Bible School (VBS) is open. This will be a wonderful week of learning more about God, playing games, and participating in fun, yet educational activities. The registration form can be found on the website. Please print a copy and bring it to the Faith Formation office or the parish office. You can also pick up a form in the Faith Formation Office or Parish Office. * We will be ordering T-Shirts, so please register as soon as you are able. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Here is another fun fact about Pope Leo XIV. Robert Prevost studied both mathematics and philosophy while an undergrad at this storied Pennsylvania university. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Have a safe and blessed 4th of July from all of us at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Do you know anyone who is interested in becoming an Altar Server? The next training date is next Tuesday, July 8. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

July is devoted to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. Blood represents one's life, and we are reminded that our Lord poured himself out for us on the cross. Remember that in addition to our regular Sunday Mass times, you can come receive the Precious Blood at daily Mass throughout July, Monday-Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Welcome to St. Peter Claver Church, Fr. Henry Okeke. We are grateful to God for bringing you to our parish. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Welcome to St. Peter Claver Church, Fr. Paolo Garcia. We are so happy you are here. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

"A good shepherd, a pastor after God's heart, is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy." ~St. John Vianney #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please note that our First Friday observance is suspended due to this month's 4th of July holiday. Please join us for our First Saturday observance. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Monday, 7:30am is Fr. Riz last official Mass before he retires. Hope you can join us. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Peter Claver family - on this Solemnity, we contemplate how much Christ loves his people, as represented through his Sacred Heart. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The enormous crowd came to Mass during Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines in 2015. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #FunfactFriday

Last week, our Altar Server Ministry had their social and had the opportunity to spend some time with Fr. Riz, to take photos, and to bid him farewell. Thank you Fr. Riz for all your love and support of our altar servers. Thank you to those altar servers who attended. It was a great evening getting to know each other, sharing good food, and playing games. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Come to our Open House on Sunday, June 29, at 1:15pm. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Fun Fact. Did you know? According to a former employee, the Holy Father pays close attention to international football. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today we bring to a close the great feasts of Christ in June with Corpus Christi. Lord, may we always revere you here at St. Peter Claver in your body, blood, soul, and divinity! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that it is by faith and grace that we come to know what we cannot know through reason alone - that God is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

In Genesis, Jacob the patriarch blesses each of his children in the way that is appropriate to him. Today, let's give thanks for our fathers - those who bless us and call us onward in the life of faith. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Have a blessed Flag Day, St. Peter Claver friends! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Come and say farewell to Fr. Mike this weekend. He will be on the plaza after all Masses. Light refreshments will be served. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Lord, we give thanks for your great preacher, St. Anthony, and ask that, through his intercession, we here at St. Peter Claver may always secure what is needed for our salvation. Amen! How often do you ask for St. Anthony's help in finding lost things? As I have gotten older, I feel that I have been asking him a lot more often. :) #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Last Sunday, we attended the Catholic Charities of Ventura, Partners in Service Dinner. From our parish, we honored, Laura Diaz, our Director of Faith Formation, Roberta Mastroianni, Connie Ritch, and Jaimelita Redublo. Each one of these amazing ladies have given of their talents and treasures to our parish in countless ways. Laura has led our Faith Formation team for the last years. Roberta and Connie have been involved in countless ministries, including Bingo, Bethany, the Holiday Boutique, and countless others. Jaimelita, known to some as Jaime and to others as Nene has been a proud member of our FCCG group, as well as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and currently the head of the Bereavement ministry. We are so blessed to have each and every one of them as part of our church family, here at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Lent and Easter are over - where are we in the calendar? Fr. Riz knows, but do YOU? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Who doesn't love the Makenna Koffee Truck? Come support our school on their last fundraiser for the year. Just show the photo or simply mention St. Peter Claver School when placing your order. Remember, this is for the truck only. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

As you all know, Fr. Riz will be retiring as of June 30th. To express our love and gratitude for his many years of service to so many people, we will be posting pictures of him daily. These are from his years here at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Our next Anointing of the Sick Mass is on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

ALL - without exception. This sign of unity and power, the Holy Spirit descending upon all gathered in Christ's name, is a beautiful prefigurement of the unity we will enjoy in heaven. Let's pray for that unity here at St. Peter Claver Church. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Registration for Vacation Bible School (VBS) is open. You can get the form on our website or in the Faith Formation Office. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

No better reason to head down to the ice cream shop! Fr. Riz will see you there! Out of curiosity, what is your favorite ice cream flavor? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

It's time to bid a fond farewell to dear, Fr. Mike. His last weekend will be June 14th/15th. On the Plaza after each Mass that weekend, people will have the opportunity to say goodbye and wish him well! Light refreshments will be served. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today marks the anniversary of the start of the great liberation of Europe during World War II. Will you remember the dead today? Will you pray for them, St. Peter Claver family? Leave a prayer emoji in the comments below. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Our Preschool and Kindergarten children held a sweet Farewell Donut Reception for Fr. Riz and Fr. Mike. All the school children put their fingerprints on cards, and the Kindergarten class handmade a beautiful rosary for Fr. Riz. Fr. Riz has been singing and playing his guitar for the school children every Thursday for the last 12 years. Fr. Mike has been visiting the school weekly and accompanying Kindergarten on most of their fieldtrips. Both priests have been such a blessing to our school children and they will certainly be missed. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

We will be selling tickets to Fr. Riz's Luncheon Celebration this weekend, June 7th and 8th, and the following weekend, June 14th and 15th, after all Masses. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

According to some of his former employees in Rome, Pope Leo XIV generally prefers a glass of wine to one of Pope Benedict's favorite dinner drinks, Fanta. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

This month, our recently departed Holy Father, Pope Francis had asked us to pray here at St. Peter Claver for the following: "Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world." #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please join us for Pentecost Sunday. Let's celebrate the birthday of our church and embrace our diversity. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #PentecostSunday

Happy feast of the Visitation! We know the scene well. After accepting God's plan to become the mother of God, Mary travels "with haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth. However, the translation of this passage from Luke's Gospel, which was used until recently in England (the Jerusalem Bible), puts it differently. It says that Mary "went as quickly as she could." This translation makes the point clear: when we're filled with Christ, as Mary was, our hearts are moved to love and serve others to the fullest degree possible! Today, on the feast of the Visitation, our prayer here at St. Peter Claver is to receive Jesus' love into our hearts more fully, so that we can serve others as "much as we can" - just like Mary. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

This past week, the parish staff, along with the Pastoral Council and Finance Council got together to celebrate our two wonderful priests, Fr. Riz and Fr. Mike. We shared a lovely dinner, told stories, and reminisced about years past and cherished memories. Fr. Riz gave a speech thanking everyone for their love and support during his 13 years at St. Peter Claver. Fr. Mike said, it has been a fun 3 years. We will certainly miss them both. We are very grateful for their ministry! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Jesus is no longer on earth, at least as he was during his ministry. But rather than a source of sorrow, this should bring us joy for two reasons. One, he goes ahead of us to prepare a place for us in his Father's house. And two, he doesn't leave us alone but sends his Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and transform us. That's what we'll be getting ready for 10 days from now: the solemnity of Pentecost. Join all of us at St. Peter Claver as we prepare for Pentecost by coming to daily Mass, Monday to Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

It's baseball season once again! We hear that Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago White Sox fan. ⚾️⚾️What is your favorite team? And which biblical figure would you like to take with you to the game? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Written in the late 14th century, "The Canterbury Tales" shares the stories of pilgrims visiting the shrine of St. Thomas Becket, providing a rich illustration of medieval Catholic life in England. #TriviaTuesday #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) is the patron saint of humor and is known for his playful antics. But Neri was also deadly serious about growing in virtue and serving the Lord. It was this unique blend of humor and piety that drew people from all walks of life to this "Apostle of Rome," and makes St. Philip Neri one of the most beloved saints to this day. St. Philip Neri, pray for all of us at St. Peter Claver that we may imitate your cheerfulness and humility in our own pursuit of holiness. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died defending our country and promoting the well-being of others abroad. Here is a prayer for today from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace, especially those from St. Peter Claver Church. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Rita is linked to the "Legend of the Rose," an event near the end of her life. Laying on her deathbed in January 1457, the Italian widow and nun asked a relative to get her a rose from the garden. As it was the dead of winter, her relative didn't expect to find anything. But lo and behold, a single rose was found growing. For this reason, St. Rita is known as a patroness of impossible causes. St. Rita, pray for us at St. Peter Claver.🙏 #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic