Annual Faith and Community Christmas Store - This annual event of the Catholic Action Center is supported by Lexington's churches, businesses, and non-profit agencies. For over 15 years, it has provided free "pre-loved and gently used" toys, books, and games to children during the days just before Christmas. The Store is set-up to provide "shoppers" a pleasant and dignified experience when choosing toys for their children. The Store thus provides gifts to thousands of children who most probably would not have had a "Christmas." To volunteer in December, call the Catholic Action Center at (859) 255-0301.
Baby Bottles/Clothing for Right to Life of Central Kentucky - Each year on Father's Day at our Masses, baby bottles which were distributed on Mother's Day are collected which have been filled with donations of loose cash/checks. Throughout the year, requests are also made for clothing and baby items.
BUILD. Building a United Interfaith Lexington through Direct Action - is an organization of 21 faith communities in Lexington, including St. Peter Church, which have joined together to address local issues of social injustice. We became a member in 2005, and in 2006 some 50 parishioners took part in an assembly that convinced the mayor to support a drug treatment program for women in jail and persuaded the superintendent of schools to initiate a prevention program for bullying and violence in the middle schools. Using the power of numbers, the faith communities unite in the public eye to make demands and get commitments on issues which BUILD members have identified as priorities. Specifically, members act out of their shared religious values of mutual respect, dignity, and human worth.
Catholic Pro-Life Committee - This committee was established for the purpose of enhancing respect for all life. Its members work in coordination with the Diocese of Lexington Respect Life Committee and promote many of its activities, including the Bishop's Respect Life Mass held in October, and publicize their Project Rachel retreats, offering men and women who suffer from the effects of abortion an opportunity to find peace and forgiveness in a private setting. At Saint Peter Parish, members erect 400 little white crosses on the church's front lawn every January as a memorial to the 4,000 lives lost every day to abortions.
God's Pantry Food Bank - St. Peter's has a collection bin in our bell tower (campanile) entrance for donations of non-perishable food items. The mission of God’s Pantry is to reduce hunger in Kentucky through community cooperation. In 2009, God’s Pantry collected and distributed over 17 million pounds of food to 390 non-profit agencies serving 50 central and eastern Kentucky counties. Nearly 3 million pounds of that food was fresh fruits and vegetables.
Golden Age Society - This society is a group of men and women (50 years and older) who come together monthly for comraderie among themselves blended with reaching out to others. At any given meeting, they may not only have guest speakers or exciting entertainment, but also give to charitable works. From members' donations, they give 25-50 pounds of non-perishable food items monthly to God's Pantry Food Bank. They also have supported the Annual Faith & Community Christmas Store, the Catholic Action Center, Saints Peter & Paul Regional School, the Galilean Children's Home in Liberty, KY, and other worthy organizations. They greatly enjoy celebrating the holidays together at their Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners. New members are welcome to attend their open meetings on the 2nd Sunday of the month starting at 2 PM. Check our bulletin on the 1st Sunday for more information about their upcoming meeting and location.
Habitat for Humanity - Each year, Saint Peter Parish is involved with the building of a new home. Besides donations, Habitat recruits volunteers to help with the build, prepare lunches, and serve as telephone callers.
Rosary Club - The members of this club make chain and rope rosaries and send them around the United States whenever they hear of those who need them. They meet on the first Monday of the month at 6:30 PM. The club prays the rosary at every meeting.
Thanksgiving Coat & Blanket Drive - Each year this drive supports the Catholic Action Center and the poor of our parish. We collect any clean and useable coats, blankets, gloves, or new socks that can keep a child, young adult, or adult warm. Other items include: shirts, jackets, trousers, or suits (mens' or ladies'). Used shoes are also appreciated. Donations are collected in the entrances of the church throughout the season.
