Stewardship is Valued!

Tithing of the Time, Talent, and Treasure of each parishioner is necessary to accomplish our mission.

Religious Education is held every Sunday morning in the lower level of the Parish Center.  Follow this link for the Religious Education Registration Form.  If you would like to volunteer or need further information, please contact Betty Eaton at 301-334-2202 or by e-mail at spassociate@verizon.net.

Catechists are religious education teachers who must fulfill parish and Archdiocesan continuing education requirements.  Substitute catechists fill in for the regular catechist.

Closely tied to the Religious Education schedule, we prepare children for First Communion and First Reconciliation at the 2nd grade and higher level, and Confirmation in Grades 8 & 9.  School-aged children who want to be baptized or older children who want to receive Communion can join our RCIC for children program.  Parents and godparents are actively involved in this program.  If you are interested in a shorter commitment time, then maybe becoming a catechist in this RCIC program will interest you. 

These couples help engaged couples prepare for the sacrament of matrimony by sharing with them their own marriage experiences.

The Eucharistic Ministers assist with the sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. They also bring communion to those who are homebound.  Eucharistic Ministers are recommended by the Pastor and commissioned by the Archbishop.  One must be at least 21 years of age to be eligible.  Lectors proclaim God’s Word to the people.  To proclaim well, lectors must understand the sacred scriptures and convey the meaning to all present at our liturgies.  Formal training is provided for all Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors.  If you are interested in serving in one of these beautiful ministries or if you are interested in serving in both, please call Mr. Clarence Stem at (301) 334-2222.

Altar Servers assist the priests and deacons and set an example for the people during our liturgies.  Among their various services are lighting the candles, setting the altar table, and carrying the processional cross.

Ushers seat the people, take up the collection for God's work, and direct people to and from Communion.

Adults who are not Catholic but wish to inquire about becoming members of the faith should feel free to explore the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).  Members of our RCIA team assist candidates in their conversion process as they find their place in our Catholic Community. 

The Group Facilitator leads faith-sharing sessions and ties the candidates' and catechumens' faith experiences to the churches traditional teachings.

The Catholic Daughters of America strives to unite all parish women in spiritual, social, and educational activities including monthly meetings and special programs.  The CDA meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. and is dedicated to doing good in the community and in our parish.  They meet in the Parish Center and always welcome new members.  CDA sponsors Bingo every Wednesday evening in the Parish Hall.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization for men 18 years of age and older; it is church, family, and charity oriented.  Their activities include meetings, social gatherings, and contributions to the community.  The K of C meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in our Parish Center and will also welcome new members.

If you are gifted with musical ability of any kind, be it singing or playing a musical instrument, you may be interested in joining our Music Ministry in the form of a Cantor, Church Choir member, Handbell Choir member, accompanist, or instrumentalist.  Raise your voice in glory and love to the Lord along with the beautiful voices of our choir.  Cantors lead the assembly in song at all Sunday and Holy Day liturgies.  They also proclaim God’s Word in the singing of the responsorial psalm between readings.

These dedicated men and women work hard to gather information and advise the Pastor in the day-to-day workings of our parish.  The Pastoral Council is the central consultative body in the parish and assists the Pastor in the direction of the parish.  The Council reviews programs, oversees parish goals, and assists in setting parish priorities.  Most members are elected by the parishioners at large; a few are appointed by the Pastor.  The Pastoral Council meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center, beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Mass in the Daily Mass Chapel.  All parishioners are welcome at the Pastoral Council meetings, and all parishioners are also encouraged to serve in a position on the Pastoral Council at election time.

The committee plans, prepares and coordinates our parish liturgies and environment. The monthly meetings are motivated by the goal of  “full, conscious, and active participation” of our entire parish community in every liturgy.

The Finance Committee is established by universal church law to give guidance and counsel to the Pastor and Pastoral Council concerning the material resources of the parish.  The Board oversees the parish finances, prepares the budget, and recommends financial policies.

These programs offer practicing adult Catholics the opportunity to learn more about their faith and church. 

St. Peter’s all-volunteer maintenance team helps with the upkeep and improvement of parish facilities and grounds as well as repair/maintenance needs.  General labor projects do not require special skills, just the willingness to do some hard work and a loving willingness to maintain God’s home.   

This group literally “reaches out” to those among us who are ill, grieving, or otherwise in need. If you have the time and interest, please consider this ministry which provides personal contact and support in time of need.

The Youth Committee implements activities for 9th-12th grade youth.  Activities include social, religious, catechetical, and service opportunities.

Our library is located at the church office.  Volunteers are needed to maintain its upkeep and to review and purchase new resources.

The House of Hope, in cooperation with the local Christian community, provides emergency shelter, food, and monetary assistance. 

Bingo is held every Wednesday in the Parish Hall located at 208 South Fourth Street in Oakland, Maryland.  The doors open at 5:00 p.m., and Bingo begins at 6:30 p.m.  Food is available.  The Bingos are fundraisers for the work of the Catholic Daughters of America one week and for St. Peter Parish the next.  All are welcome, and feel free to bring a friend.  Volunteers are always needed and work on a rotating basis.  (The Parish Hall is a tobacco-free environment.)

The Parish sponsors Lenten Fish Suppers every Friday during Lent from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  Volunteers are always needed to help prepare and serve the food and to prepare desserts.

The Parish Gift Shop is open after all masses.  It is located in the basement of St. Peter the Apostle in Oakland.