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Welcome to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
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Our Mission Statement: "I will make you Fishers of People." St. Peter the Apostle, a Roman Catholic parish community in Brook Park, Ohio, was founded in 1968. We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ in our everyday lives. We are an enthusiastic and humble community with many family generations who generously give of time, resources and service to our parish and its spiritual goals. We promote and provide religious education while evangelizing through our lives and actions. We encourage growth in our faith with compassion and love toward all others. Like the facets of glass that compose our church windows, each member is important and reflects the "light" that makes St. Peter's.
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Our History- In October, 1968, Bishop Issenmann appointed Father Peter McCafferty to establish a new parish in Brook Park. On December 8, 1968, the first Mass of the newly founded St. Peter the Apostle Parish was celebrated at Brookpark Memorial School. On September 13, 1970, ground was broken for the new church. The Dedication Mass for the new church building was held on December 8, 1971. Father McCafferty possessed a great love for his new parish family. His gentleness and quiet "Irish" sense of humor enriched the "growing years" of our parish. He retired as pastor on October 24, 1984.
Bishop Pilla appointed Monsignor Robert Bacher as the second pastor on January 8, 1985. He served for almost three years. Msgr. Bacher was noted for his kindness and compassion. Father George Balaun was appointed by Bishop Pilla as the third pastor of the parish on January 26, 1988. Fr. Balaun quickly became a beloved pastor and was noted for his gentle spirit and kindness. He is most remembered for his superb homilies and inspiring bulletin columns. Fr. Balaun died on August 5, 1998 at the young age of 51.
In May, 1998, Bishop Pilla appointed Father Robert Burge to be the fourth pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Church. Under his direction, the church was renovated and modernized. In addition, a parish "Ministry Wing" was added to accommodate the growing number of ministries and staff in the parish. Fr. Burge served as pastor until September 2001.
Father James Stenger was appointed by Bishop Pilla on February 11, 2002 to be the fifth pastor of the parish. At the present time, there are about 1800 families registered as parishioners. Fr. Stenger, the parish staff, and parishioners look forward in guiding the parish in the Third Millennium. St. Peter the Apostle Church is more than a building. It is truly a family who cares for and nurtures its members. It is not "they" who are doing this; but it is "we", "I", and "you". Christ said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church." We are truly a Church that Christ built.
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