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Why do we light candles on wreaths during advent?

Advent wreaths are a time-honored tradition and are rich in symbolism. The wreath is an ancient symbol of victory, in this case, paying tribute to Christ's victory over sin. The circular shape of the wreath reminds us that God is eternal; he – like his everlasting love for us - has no beginning and no end. The wreath is usually made of evergreen branches, symbolizing everlasting life. Traditionally, the four candles (three violet, one rose) represent the four thousand years between the fall of Adam and Eve and the birth of Christ. Each week an additional candle is lit, accompanied by Scriptural meditations and prayers. The three violet candles stand for the prayers, penances, and good works we do to prepare for Christ's coming. The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday of Advent as a reminder to rejoice, because it tells us the season is almost over. Finally, the progressive lighting of the candles symbolizes the light of Jesus' arrival, which brought us out of the darkness of sin. Let your Advent wreath become the center around which your household gathers together each night during this joyous, but sometimes hectic, season of celebration. As you celebrate with the Advent wreath, include your favorite Advent hymns and songs, scripture readings and prayers focusing of Christ’s threefold Advent – past, present and future.

St. Peter School Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair

The 8th Annual PTA Christmas Craft & Vendor Fair with Bake Sale and Soup Sale will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, from 9am - 3pm in the St. Peter’s Parish Hall. Many local favorite vendors will feature a wide variety of hand-crafted items and direct marketing products. There will be a soup sale, bake sale, light lunch items and a Chinese Auction! Be sure to stop by and check off a few items from your gift shopping list! 

Join the new St. Peter's Children's Choir!

Does your little angel sing like an angel? Join the new St. Peter's Children's Choir! Jason June, our choir director, and Prudence Shaulis, our CCD director, are excited to announce the St. Peter's Children's Choir! If your son or daughter, (ages 6 and up) would like to gather to sing at a Mass for Christmas, please reach out to Jason at jasone.june@gmail.com or Prudence at pshaulis@dioceseaj.org for any questions. We want to empower our young Catholics to find a way to welcome God into their hearts, minds, and lives through singing!  Thank you and we look forward to welcoming and working with the St. Peter's Church kids!

Please Join St. Peter's Choir!

St. Peter's Church choir rehearses from 6:30-8pm on Wednesday evenings in the choir loft and sings at 10am Mass every Sunday. We accept new members at any time throughout the year. Ages beginning at 8th grade and up and all ability levels are welcome (but specifically, we could use more low voices). If you’re interested in joining, please contact the choir director, Jason June, at (814)279-8132 (call or text) or simply come to a rehearsal on Wednesday evening. To quote St. Augustine, “To sing is to pray twice.”

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