June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Dear Parish Family:

Saint Peter and Saint Paul are arguably two of the most well-known and influential saints in the Catholic Church. So why do they share the same feast day on June 29? 

Saints Peter and Paul were both martyred in Rome during the persecution by Emperor Nero. Saint Paul was beheaded because he was a Roman citizen.  Saint Peter was crucified upside down because he told the soldiers that he was not worthy to die in the same way that Jesus did. An ancient legend held that they were both killed on the same day in different parts of the city, and this coupled with the fact that their ministries were often entwined, led them to be celebrated on the same day. Thanks to historical records and archeological information, it is now believed that Peter was martyred first, most likely in the year 64 A.D., while Paul most likely died in the year 67 A.D.

Since Saint Peter and Saint Paul are both so important to the Church, they each have more than one feast day. And while we celebrate them together on June 29, we also celebrate them other times during the year. We commemorate Saint Peter’s leadership amongst the apostles on February 22 each year on the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. We commemorate Saint Paul’s conversion moment on January 25 each year, and the radical transformation of his life from persecutor of the Christians to an apostle.

Peter and Paul were valiant evangelizers sharing the Good News and teachers of the Faith.  Each, in a different way, gathered together the one family of Christ. How wonderful that their special feasts begin the week when our new Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL),   Kevin Kimmel, officially begins his work and ministry with us on July 1, 2025.  The Parish Catechetical Leader (PCL) is responsible for the vision, direction, and administration of the overall faith formation program of the parish’s catechetical mission.  This includes oversight of Adult Catechesis, OCIA, Parish Religious Education Program, Youth Ministry, and Family Faith Formation. The PCL supervises, supports, and collaborates with a team of employee and volunteer coordinators and catechists.  Kevin comes to us with a Master’s Degree in Theology and over 15 years full-time experience in parish catechesis.  We are delighted to welcome Kevin, his wife Sarah, and their children Damian, Naomi, Mercy, and Dominic to our parish family.

Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan

P.S. Did you know that the main altar in Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican is built directly over where Saint Peter was buried?  The altar in the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome is built directly over the tomb of Saint Paul.  Altars are very important.  Find out more about altars on page nine in this week’s Encountering God in Time and Place.