Saint Peter Catholic Church

Starting on Monday, 3/30, St. Peter Church will be opened for (English only) confessions . However, there is a government and Diocesan restriction of 10 people in the Church at one time. Please be patient by waiting in the narthex and outside, if necessary.  Please enter the church through the handicap entrance on the south side of the church.

Monday, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Tuesday, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Wednesday, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Thursday, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Confession in English can also be made by appointment. Please contact Fr Canova.
Holy Communion will not be administered during these times, but by appointment only.

Adoration on-line 24 hours at The National Shrine of St. Maximillian Kolbe at Marytown:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUp4cFcfu6I

Thursday, April 9th
Theme: "Do this in memory of me" (1 Cor. 11:23-26). This is the beginning of: "The Sacred Pashal Triduum." Do you know the consequences of this evening's celebration? Take a hint from the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God: "the bridge between my heart and heaven is the Priest..."Without them my heart will not triumph." Tonight we celebrate three gifts from God: the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ; the Most Holy Eucharist, "the Real Presence" of Jesus Christ; as well as the Commandment of fraternal charity, the fruit of Divine Intimacy: " I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do" (St. John 13:15). St. John Vianney, the Patron Saint of Parish Priests says it best: "The Priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus."  In the Heart of Jesus Christ is the salvific will of the Eternal Father: "that none may perish, yet that many may experience the gift of eternal life. David of Holy Memory explains: "To rescue their souls from death and  keep them alive in famine"- (Psalm 33). It is fitting that, every Friday is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, "pierced for our offenses." The reality of the Sacrifice of Jesus on "Good Friday" is inseparable from the reality of the Sacrament of His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity on "Holy Thursday," celebrated by Christians throughout the world on Easter Sunday! Stated simply: there can be no Communion without Calvary; no Sacrament without a Sacrifice; no Salvation without the Satisfaction for sin! Bishop Thomas G. Doran, of Happy Memory told his newly ordained Priests in 2003: "The Catholic Church exists for the sake of the Most Holy Eucharist." The Church celebrates the greatest mysteries of our redemption, keeping by means of special celebrations the Memorial of her Lord, crucified, buried and risen!  Tonight, the majesty of the Crown of Glory is clouded by the mystery of the Holy Cross. St. John, the Beloved Virgin, would be the only Apostle to witness: "this Wonder of Love," at Mount Calvary. Thus, three gifts and responses are necessary for victory over sin, the serpent and the sting of death, namely: Virginity (obedience), Victimhood (humility) and Viaticum (trust). May we be free to find and experience in this journey: the joy of Easter Sunday! "Thus, the Solemnity of Easter has the same kind of preeminence in the liturgical year that Sunday has in the week" (the Ceremonial of Bishops). Before going to sleep tonight, please listen to the Sacred hymn: Pange, lingua, gloriosi - "Of the glorious Body telling, of the tongue, it's mysteries sing, And the Blood, all price excelling, Which the world's eternal King, In a noble womb once dwelling, Shed for the world's ransoming." Imagine the fatigue of His followers, as the enemy's fury followed this "Unforgettable Fire!" May Christ's Love be the Light to illumine this night! It is customary to spend one hour in silent adoration: with the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Son of Mary. Since the Churches are locked, just light a candle next to your favorite picture of Jesus or a upright crucifix. Then try reading in advance, The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ (St. John, 18:1-19:42). Meditate on the meaning of "this Most Holy Night!" With a Shepherd's Love, Your Pastor ( :

Wednesday, April 8th
Theme: "Subject me O Lord, to Your Sweet Yoke!" Do we joyfully "submit to the yoke of the Cross," as proof of our gratitude for grace? Beware, the real enemy has already made his way into: "the inner circle," so to speak. This relates to: "the designs of the heart" (Psalm 33). What are "the designs of your heart?" Perhaps to be well known and appreciated by everyone you serve, to prove your enemies wrong or to consent to bear your "sweet yoke," so as to please God alone? Today's Gospel shows us the hidden fatality in fallen humanity, beginning with the sin of self-deception. The Apostles began to say to Him one after another: "Surely it is not I, Lord?" Jesus never overlooks what keeps someone out of the Book of Life: "that your names be written in heaven" (St. Luke 10:20, Isaiah 4:3). Beware of your "hidden sin," known by God alone, especially the sin of self-deception. The "book of life" is reserved for those, who "seek first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness" (St. Matthew 6:33). In the Court of Law in this Country: "You are innocent, till proven guilty." However, if you hope to have your name written in heaven, "you are guilty, until proven innocent," by your thoughts, words, desires, deeds and omissions (the good you fail to do). This is why David of "Holy Memory" prays to the Lord: "create a clean heart in me O God, renew within me, Your steadfast spirit" (Psalm 51:3-4). There is a traditional hymn chanted after the First Station of the Cross (the Stabat Mater): "At the Cross her station keeping, Stood the mournful Mother weeping, Close to Jesus to the last." To save us from our sins: Jesus is condemned to death. "He became sin, who knew no sin" (2 Cor. 5:21). The temptor is prone to proclaim: "What is sin?!" The catechism teaches: "an offense against God." St Paul explains: "For Freedom, Christ has set you free. Do not then, submit yourself to the yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1). The answer to the age-old problem of sin, is to say: "no," to whatever the enemy is offering in opposition to the yoke of the Cross. Then, say "yes" to the Cross," and stay: "close to Jesus to the last!" To achieve the goal of having your name written in heaven, just admit your guilt before God, accept the gift of salvation, and achieve the goal: "life everlasting!" The Sacrament of Confession is what works wonders for wounded souls. If you are still curious about who is to blame, remember the question: "Surely it is not I, Lord?" Jesus has the answer: "You have said so" (St. Matthew 26:25). Thus we pray today: "Lord, grant that I may love You always, then do with me as You will." With a Shepherd's Love, Your Pastor.

Tuesday, April 7th
Theme: Never waste the grace of His Holy Face! "Amen, Amen, I say to you" (St. John 13:21-33). Today's Gospel is about the so-called: "mystery of iniquity," the betrayal of Jesus Christ. Two of the Apostles will betray Him: Peter, the "fisherman" and Judas, "the one who carried the money bag." What lesson can we learn from these two men? First, in times of crisis: "do not take matters into your own hands." Obedience to God's Providence is best. During this Liturgical lockdown: just try to obey! It is perilous to panic! Yes, everyone will loose money. Yes, everyone has less work. Yes, everyone struggles to turn away from this world's madness. However, the Cross puts an end to every sin's sadness: "By dying He, Jesus Christ, has destroyed our death!" Second, never forget that our faith provides us with: "the Bigger Picture!" Providence has already painted this picture: "the stone that the builders rejected shall become the Cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22).  What a Masterpiece, indeed! How fitting, that the "Rolling Rock" or truth of the empty tomb, shall forever shock the unbelieving world. Whether we like it or not, Divine Revelation will "Rock this world!" St. James invites us to greater intimacy with the King of Glory, as he recommends: "Draw close to Christ, who desires to draw close to you" (4:8). This merciful attraction is like a giant magnet to all kinds of metal (types of human miseries). The Prophet Isaiah explains: "By His Wounds we are healed" (53:5). Like "Shrove Tuesday," may we honor on this day: the Face of Christ! Every Tuesday is when we offer our King: acts of Reparation for the face covered in spittle, buffeted by barbaric blows and wounded for our offenses. However, listen to what the Lord has to say: "I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth" (Isaiah 49:6). While we prepare our hearts for the return of the King: "to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire, do not be afraid to sing! David of Holy memory proclaims: "I will sing of Your salvation" (Psalm 71). Begin with: "the Catholic National Anthem," reserved for special occasions, like this Holy day of the Lord. The song is worth remembering: "Holy God, we praise Thy Name!" In light of His Love, please: never forsake the grace of His Holy Face. Jesus warns: "You will look for Me, as I told the Jews." How shall we find Him? Remember these three words: Trust, Forgiveness and Mercy. May the Lord look favorably upon us as we pray: "Your Face, Lord, do I seek" (Psalm 27:8). While holding a Crucifix above your head just say: "May God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let all those who Hate Him flee before His Holy Face!" With a Shepherd's Love, Your Pastor :)

Monday, April 6th
Theme: Free to worship Him without fear. "Hail to You, our King"- Ave, Rex Noster! This King has come to befriend sinners. This King was born in Bethlehem. This King makes the Holy Angels sing: Gloria in Excelsis Deo!" For Christians, we need not look for a supermarket to satisfy our hunger, rather: look to Christ, "Our Super-Man," who can satisfy hungry hearts! This "Servant of the Lord," purifies our hearts for His Kingdom to come: "I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice" (Isaiah 42). His justice is the basis our our right worship, as it relates to the virtue of religion. The purpose of this teaching is to fortify the faith of every follower: "free to worship Him without fear" (St. Luke 1:74). Scripture says in reference to the Lord, "Every nation on earth will adore You" (Psalm 72). Adoration of the Son of God is the motivation behind the generous gift made by Mary in commemoration of our Savior's Passion and death. Jesus Christ is little, by little trying to open our hearts to His treasure in heaven. In poverty, He welcomes any act of love, as seen by the gesture of Mary of Magdala. There is only one objection, from Judas: "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred days wages and given to the poor?" Who loves Him more? The one who is forgiven more. The answer to this moral crisis is provided by Jesus: "Keep this for the day of my burial." What can we learn from this living will and last testament from our Lord?  The Prince of Peace deserves to take first priority in life for the one who desires to: "seek what is above" (Colossians 3:1-2). Those who travel light benefit greatly from the giver of every good gift! In the Person of Jesus Christ we discover: "the God of all grace" (1 Peter 5:10). He shall never be outdone in generosity! The washing of His feet combined with the anointing, and drying with her hair is a prophetic gesture, since: "He shall guide our feet into the way of peace" (St. Luke 1:79). When we die, our good deeds go with us. Therefore, please avoid the sin of hoarding, by humbling adoring our Lord, and training your hearts to hunger for Him alone, in the Most Holy Eucharist. Here is a Holy helper to look up: the Prayer of Abandonment by Charles de Foucald: "Father, I am ready for all, I accept all, Let only Your will be done in me." With a Shepherd's Love, Your Pastor:)

Sunday, April 5th
Theme: "Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord" - (Psalm 118:26). When Love comes walking in, nothing shall be the same. "Hosanna in the Highest" - (St. Matthew 21:9). King David shows his intelligence, by asking: "Who is this King of glory?" - (Psalm 24:10). Anyone with faith, would agree, we are experiencing a Chastisement for our sins and the sins of the whole world (Cardinal Burke). Fr. John Hardon taught that the denial of Holy Communion is a punishment for sin. The unworthy reception of the Holy Eucharist is dangerous to our spiritual health. King David teaches: "many were sick on account of their sin" - (Psalm 38). The Gospel quotes Jesus Christ: "My appointed time draws near!" Now is the time to tune into "the theater of redemption." No crisis can close this theater! We are most blessed because of His Pierced Flesh! Jesus Christ proves to those interested and indifferent alike this week: "See, there is no suffering, like my suffering" (Lamentations, 1:12), says the Lord. Despite our readiness, every sinner shall be rendered speechless! Focus this Holy Week on the Fourth Station of the Cross, where the greatest of secret leaks out, when Jesus tells His Mother, Mary: "I make all things new!" Sin causes our Savior great suffering and distress. It is time for us to do our share to help fix this mess. "Be merciful Lord, for we have sinned." May any opportunity we get to pray, be in honor of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, who teaches: "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified." This prayer time will transform your life! St. Leo the Great explains: "How marvelous the Power of the Cross; how great beyond all telling the glory of the passion: here is the judgment-seat of the Lord, the condemnation of the world, the supremacy of Christ crucified."  Make straight your way to pray: clean your conscience, kiss your crucifix, make a good act of contrition, forgive one another from the heart, and remember to show your love and support for your local Church. As a family, read the Gospel of St. Matthew 26: 14 - 27: 66, then ask one another: "What word best describes this gift from God?" The Greek Orthodox say: "Agape!" Latin Christians say: "Caritas!" Protestants say: "Amazing Grace!" Try listening to the Christian song from the talented group, Third Day: "King of Glory" (6:31seconds). Christ Jesus is the King of Endless Glory! Here are some the benefits from St. Leo, the Great: "Through the Cross the faithful receive strength from weakness, glory from dishonor, life from death." May we all draw close to this Humble King, who comes to us riding on a donkey. "Behold, this is the God to whom we looked to save us!"  Know that your suffering serves God's Holy will. "Christians must embrace this Holy will!" - St. Francis DeSales. Here on Mount Calvary, we shall see: "No Greater Love than this."  Near our Crucified and loving Savior we discover: "the compassion of His Mother, Mary." - Actor, Jim Caviezel. We are invited to offer up our own pain, humiliation and suffering with Jesus and Mary this Holy Week. The Passion of Christ teaches us about the holiness of forgiveness, the gift of salvation, the defeat of the devil, the grace of Divine Mercy,  as well as the powerful presence of our Mother, Mary! "Ave Maria, gratia plena!" This "Palm Sunday" we all hope to see more clearly: our Savior's unquenchable thirst for our love; the Pardon and Peace found by those who "seek His Holy Face," and the "Triumph" of a Mother's love for all her children: born and unborn. Our comfort and joy will be, to Trust in His Grace and Mercy. Discover in this Divine Lover, a blessed assurance like no other. Repeat often in these times of uncertainty:  "Jesus, I Trust in You! Jesus, I Thirst for You! Jesus, I Thank You! With a Shepherd's Love, Your Pastor :)

Due to the stay at home order issued by Governor Pritzker the Church and Adoration Chapel will be closed until further notice.

All Masses including Holy week and Easter Masses will not be celebrated publicly.  Bishop Malloy will be streaming the Holy Week and Easter Masses.  Please check the Diocese website for information.

Father Sabo and Father Canova are fulfilling scheduled Mass intentions during this time.  

The parish office will be closed until further notice.  We will be monitoring phones and e-mail - please leave a message or email stpeter-sbeloit@rockforddiocese.org with any requests.  For pastoral emergencies please contact Father Sabo at 815-321-9990.  If you wish to continue donating, you may mail or drop off envelopes at the parish office, or give on-line at https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/stpetersbeloit

Please click on the link below for Diocesan updates on COVID-19, and for information on the Bishop's Masses, prayer and spiritual communion:
https://www.rockforddiocese.org/

Meetings of all groups are suspended until further notice.

St. Peter School is closed until further notice.  Please check often for updates to scheduled parish activities and office hours. 

With text giving it only takes seconds to make a difference. Step 1: Text the donation amount that you want to give. 815-335-9696 Step 2: Fill out the brief, one time form to safely link your card to your account. Step 3: Your donation will be processed.

St. Peter parish app is available for free for parishioners to download on both Apple iPhones and Android phones.

To download search for myParish at the appstore or text APP to 88202.