Mission
We at Saint Peter Parish of the Diocese of Lexington are a community of Catholic Christians committed to being the presence of Jesus Christ in this section of His vineyard. Under the leadership of our Pastor and the Bishop of Lexington, we strive to build a faith community that will worship together, support Christian education on every level, and serve the needs of those in the community.
We recognize that it is the Holy Spirit Who is "Building up the Body of Christ" as we work to grow in our community and live out our commitment to the Gospel.
Through our parish committees, we seek to identify and serve those in need, particularly the poor, elderly, sick, and distressed in our midst.
Welcome from our Pastor
Welcome to Saint Peter Parish! As the pastor, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our parish website. The parish of Saint Peter is a vibrant community. Our family of faith has been a source of guidance, support, and sanctuary for thousands of God’s people in beautiful downtown Lexington for over 200 years.
We gather to worship, learn, reach out in service, and be Christ for one another. Come join us as we celebrate together in Christ.
There are many “ministries” and ways that our parishioners can give and receive. It is my sincere hope that as you get to know the community, you will be moved by the Spirit to find a way to “fit in” and make yourself at home. If you are new to Saint Peter and would like to register as a new parishioner, please click “registration” to fill out the form or to print a registration form that you can mail in, we will respond in writing. You can also pick up a registration form at the main entrance of the church should you wish to register in that fashion.
If there is any way that I might assist you or if you have any questions or concerns, I would encourage you to seek me out or any member of the parish staff. I am only a phone call or an “email” away and serving the needs of this portion of God’s Vineyard brings me great joy.
~Fr. Peter Joseph Kizhakkeparambil
Our Patron Saint
Our patron saint, Peter the Apostle, was born as Simon, the son of Jona, in the town of Bethsaida on Lake Genesaret. The apostle Andrew was his brother, and the apostle Philip came from the same town.
Simon later settled in Capharnaum, where he was living with his mother-in-law in his own house at the beginning of Christ's public ministry (around 26-28 A.D.). Simon was thus married, and, according to Clement of Alexandria, had children. The same writer relates the tradition that Simon's wife suffered martyrdom.
In Capernaum, Simon pursued the profitable occupation of fisherman at Lake Genesaret, possessing his own boat. He was a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, at whose bidding he followed Jesus from the beginning of His ministry.
Very characteristic of Peter is his expression of true fidelity to Jesus Christ. After Jesus had spoken of the mystery of the reception of His body and blood, many of His disciples left Him. Jesus asked the twelve if they too would leave Him. Peter's answer came immediately: "Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we have believed and have known, that thou art the Holy One of God" (John 6:68).
Because of his faith, fidelity, enthusiasm, and love, although he was somewhat irresolute of character, Jesus showered him with many favors. He gave him the name Peter, cured his mother-in-law, appointed him chief of the Apostolic band, and made him head of the Church. He also chose him as one of the witnesses of the raising of Jairus' daughter from the dead, of the Transfiguration, and of the "agony in the garden".
After Christ's resurrection, lest Peter's denial make him lose prestige, Our Lord renewed his commission as chief pastor of the flock. After His ascension, Peter, by virtue of this commission, repeatedly acted as spokesman and head of the infant Church.
Peter was arrested and imprisoned for his faith, but was soon delivered from imprisonment by an angel. After this, he left Jerusalem and began his Apostolic journeys. The Church as initially established at Antioch as the first Holy See. (His establishment at Rome is disputed, but that he did go to Rome and make it the center of the Church is considered evident from tradition, from his first Epistle, and from data found in the catacombs and ancient churches of Rome).
He died a martyr's death at Rome during the persecution of Nero by being crucified head downwards, according to legend, stating that he was not worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Our Lord. He was buried at the foot of the Vatican Hill near the Via Cornelia.
At the beginning of the Valerian persecution (258 A.D.), his remains were placed with those of Saint Paul in a catacomb on the Appian Way where the Church of Saint Sebastian now stands. They were restored to their original place of burial by Constantine the Great, who built a basilica over the grave at the foot of the Vatican Hill. This basilica was replaced by the present Saint Peter's, where half of his body now rests; the other half is in the Church of Saint Paul on the Ostian Way. His head is in the Lateran Church.
Saint Peter is the patron saint of Rome. His emblems in art and sculpture are a boat, keys, scroll, and a cock. His feast day is June 29. Representations of Saint Peter are found in Christian art as early as the second century. He is shown as a man of energy, with short curly hair and beard, receiving the scroll of the law with veiled hands. He is the only apostle represented with a wand or staff, and in the fifth century, he is first shown with keys which afterward became customary.
Stained Glass Windows
In January 2015, Michael evaluated the stained glass windows. A full report with pictures of every window is available in the church office.
In July 2015, Michael Mezalick of Mezalick Design Studio in Philadelphia completed repairs on two of the stained glass windows at St. Peter. The Herald-Leader Newspaper did an article on the stained glass work. A link to the article is available to the left.
Eight of St. Peter’s stained glass windows were refurbished in August 2016 in the second phase of repairs by Mezalick Design Studio. The last five windows were restored in April 2017, completing the window restoration project. Thank you for all the generous donations in restoring our beautiful worship space for others to enjoy for generations to come.
