St Peter Claver Parish

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Come home to Christ... Come home to St. Peter Claver

The Saint Peter Claver parish family is a Catholic faith community within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

Building Plans Q & A
St. Peter Claver's History Our Patron, St. Peter Claver Bishop Sklba's Pilgrimage Hmong Ministries
St. Pete's Mission

The Living Our Faith web site (www.livingourfaith.net) is a brand new site created by the archdiocese of Milwaukee for Catholics. This site has a wealth of materials, including a weekly inspirational message from Archbishop Dolan, stories that focus on inspiring, teaching and serving, sections for young adults, couples and families, Catholic trivia, and resources for parishes.

While St. Peter Claver church and its buildings complete our structure, it is the many individuals and households that make up our family of faith. You are invited to listen to my personal greeting.
SPC is best known for:

Please join us for worship this weekend, and after Mass, stop by and introduce yourself so I can personally welcome you!
Ministering together in Christ,

St. Peter Claver's History
As you explore the many diverse and exciting ministries here at St. Peter Claver, you will find yourself wrapped in a rich history that began in 1888. Founded by German Immigrants, our parish was organized under the patronage of St. Peter Claver, a Spanish Jesuit missionary, who had been canonized that same month by Pope Leo XIII. We continue to build on the courageous faith of those that went before us as we experience a growth and excitement that, with the help of God, will carry us into the future for generations to come. To date, nearly 3,000 people are members of St. Peter Claver parish. (top)
Our Patron Saint, St. Peter Claver

Bishop Sklba's Pilgrimage
Bishop Richard Sklba upon returning from a pilgrimage to Cartagena in January 2006 writes the following.
"A visit to the tomb of Saint Peter Claver, encased in glass under the main altar of the parish church on San Pedro Claver in Cartagena, Colombia, is a compelling experience of confronting all forms of racism then and now. To stand at the very window of his small bedroom where he awaited the monthly arrival of the Spanish slave ships from Africa is also a chilling realization of the horror which those boats brought to our hemisphere. One cannot engage the memory of San Pedro without the grace to confront that sin in our contemporary society as well. His ministry was one of gentle compassion and charity for he perceived that the entire society was somehow tainted with the disease." (top)

The Hmong Commission meets the special needs of our Hmong parishioners through formation and the liturgy. They help the Hmong to become active and accepted members of our faith community and enlighten our parish with the gifts and talents of the Hmong and Hmong Culture. Find our more! (top)

We, the family of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, inspired by our Baptism, strengthened by the Eucharist and guided by God's Word, dedicate ourselves to ongoing growth in grace and wisdom. With respect for every person, we share our faith, hope and love; respond to the needs of others; practice stewardship; work for justice and peace; collaborate with other Churches and set a good example in our daily lives. (top)

The Catholic Cemetery serves as a symbol of the extended community of believers, a community unbroken by death. It stands as a reminder of the need to prepare throughout our lives here on earth for that life which is to come and which will be lived with God forever.
Holy Cross Cemetery, our parish cemetery, is located on the east side of South 12th Street (south of Carmen Avenue). A 252-crypt mausoleum was constructed in 1984. Each year, the first Mass of Septemberfest weekend is celebrated at Holy Cross Cemetery in tribute to the parishioners who are buried there and whose sacrifices made St. Peter Claver parish, along with its school and cemetery, possible.
For more information on the Sacrament of the Sick, burials, cremation, donating your body to science, please visit our FAQ page. (top)

Parish Directors are assigned to churches when there aren't enough priests to be assigned as pastors by the Archbishop. On July 7, 2002, Deacon Mike was officially installed as Parish Director by Bishop Sklba. As Parish Director, Deacon Mike performs all functions a Priest would do, with the exception of the celebration of the sacraments reserved to the priesthood. Full sacramental needs of our parishioners are attended to by Fr. Dick Cerpich. Fr. Dick presides at the weekend and Tuesday morning Masses. He is also available for funeral Masses, and the celebrations of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick. Parish Directors are assigned a four-year term with renewal up to two more terms, totaling twelve years. Deacon Mike's position as Parish Director was renewed for a second term in July 2006. (top)
Library & Religious Articles
SPC Parish Library and Religious Articles store has many books available for loan or purchase. We also sell religious articles such as rosaries, bibles, and religious pins. Open Sundays after 8 am and 10 am Masses. The store is located inside the 11th Street entrance to St. Pete's. (top)

Our parish is handicapped accessible via the parking lot entrance. The side section of the church has room for those in wheelchairs. Family may sit in the pew within this section. There is also the first pew in the main body of pews that is reserved for those that have difficulty walking. The Eucharist will be brought directly to those sitting in both areas. A view of this entrance is on the Bulletin page. (top)

St. Pete's is equipped with a hearing assistance system. Devices are available immediately to your left after you enter the church from the parking lot entrance. If you need assistance please ask an usher. (top)

State of the Building Project Update (Revised in October, 2010)
A few years ago we entered into a Strategic Planning process which identified the need for a gathering space, parish center and new baptismal font. In addition, it was determined that our facilities needed to be made handicapped accessible. The projected cost is $1.1M. At the completion of our current Faith In Our Future Capital Campaign we are short $300,000 of the cost. We have asked parishioners to consider giving a fourth year to make up the difference.
Construction will begin the day after Easter, April 25, 2011 with completion the first part of December 2011.
During construction the parking lot will be unusable for parking. However, with rare exception, the parking lot access to church will be available on the weekends. This might not be the case during the week.
The parish office will move to the current living room of the rectory. It is best if you call ahead if you need to stop in to the office to make sure someone can help you to navigate access. The other ministry offices will remain where they are during construction, but call ahead. Your patience will be greatly appreciated during this time of construction. It will be worth it in the end but as we all know the process can be challenging.
Stay tuned here for updates and pictures of the process as it occurs.

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