We have the most wonderful parishioners. Thank you so much! We are grateful for each and everyone of you. 🙏 #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today is Sea Sunday, a day devoted to praying for and remembering seafarers. Mary, Our Blessed Mother, is known as "Stella Maris" - the Star of the Sea, because she guides us to Christ and has long been associated with interceding for those at sea. So St. Peter Claver family, why not pray a decade of the rosary today for those who serve us on the seas? Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for our seafarers! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

We hope you can join us for our summer enrichment series. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

If God cares about the sparrows, just imagine how much he cares about you, who were created in his image and redeemed by his blood. Whatever you might be going through, God loves you and is there with you in the midst of it. Something to ponder as you watch the summer songbirds today! Have a blessed summer Saturday, and we'll see you at Mass this weekend. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Benedict founded the Benedictines in 529 AD, and they've been known for "ora et labora" - prayer and work - ever since. But you don't have to be a monk or nun to embrace this way of life. Many Benedictine monasteries have groups of associated lay people, called oblates. They live the Benedictine charism in the world and stay united to their monastery through prayer and occasional retreats. Follow the link to locate a Benedictine monastery near you and learn about how you can become an oblate! And if you're interested, let Fr. Paolo know! https://archive.osb.org/intl/confed/nacong.html #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Doesn't this just make your heart SING? #StPeterClaverChurch #catholicschool

In the face of disaster, we turn to God with sorrow and hope. We pray for all impacted by the flooding and for those offering help and healing. We continue to pray for Texas. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Save the date for our next Blood Drive on July 20. See flyer below for details on how to sign up. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

God desires that the whole world be saved. Yet in his love, he also desires that we, his people, take part in his saving work. What a mystery and a lofty calling! Today's Gospel certainly encourages us to pray for more priests, men ordained to play a pivotal role in mediating God's love to his Church. But Jesus also gives this message to all of us, and invites us to become agents of evangelization. How can we foster a culture of evangelization here at St. Peter Claver? Let's pray about it this Sunday and ask God to show us the way. #SundayScripture #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Registration for Vacation Bible School (VBS) is open. This will be a wonderful week of learning more about God, playing games, and participating in fun, yet educational activities. The registration form can be found on the website. Please print a copy and bring it to the Faith Formation office or the parish office. You can also pick up a form in the Faith Formation Office or Parish Office. * We will be ordering T-Shirts, so please register as soon as you are able. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Here is another fun fact about Pope Leo XIV. Robert Prevost studied both mathematics and philosophy while an undergrad at this storied Pennsylvania university. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Have a safe and blessed 4th of July from all of us at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Do you know anyone who is interested in becoming an Altar Server? The next training date is next Tuesday, July 8. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

July is devoted to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. Blood represents one's life, and we are reminded that our Lord poured himself out for us on the cross. Remember that in addition to our regular Sunday Mass times, you can come receive the Precious Blood at daily Mass throughout July, Monday-Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Welcome to St. Peter Claver Church, Fr. Henry Okeke. We are grateful to God for bringing you to our parish. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Welcome to St. Peter Claver Church, Fr. Paolo Garcia. We are so happy you are here. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

"A good shepherd, a pastor after God's heart, is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy." ~St. John Vianney #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please note that our First Friday observance is suspended due to this month's 4th of July holiday. Please join us for our First Saturday observance. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Monday, 7:30am is Fr. Riz last official Mass before he retires. Hope you can join us. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Peter Claver family - on this Solemnity, we contemplate how much Christ loves his people, as represented through his Sacred Heart. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The enormous crowd came to Mass during Pope Francis' visit to the Philippines in 2015. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #FunfactFriday

Last week, our Altar Server Ministry had their social and had the opportunity to spend some time with Fr. Riz, to take photos, and to bid him farewell. Thank you Fr. Riz for all your love and support of our altar servers. Thank you to those altar servers who attended. It was a great evening getting to know each other, sharing good food, and playing games. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Come to our Open House on Sunday, June 29, at 1:15pm. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Fun Fact. Did you know? According to a former employee, the Holy Father pays close attention to international football. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today we bring to a close the great feasts of Christ in June with Corpus Christi. Lord, may we always revere you here at St. Peter Claver in your body, blood, soul, and divinity! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that it is by faith and grace that we come to know what we cannot know through reason alone - that God is a Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

In Genesis, Jacob the patriarch blesses each of his children in the way that is appropriate to him. Today, let's give thanks for our fathers - those who bless us and call us onward in the life of faith. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Have a blessed Flag Day, St. Peter Claver friends! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Come and say farewell to Fr. Mike this weekend. He will be on the plaza after all Masses. Light refreshments will be served. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Lord, we give thanks for your great preacher, St. Anthony, and ask that, through his intercession, we here at St. Peter Claver may always secure what is needed for our salvation. Amen! How often do you ask for St. Anthony's help in finding lost things? As I have gotten older, I feel that I have been asking him a lot more often. :) #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Last Sunday, we attended the Catholic Charities of Ventura, Partners in Service Dinner. From our parish, we honored, Laura Diaz, our Director of Faith Formation, Roberta Mastroianni, Connie Ritch, and Jaimelita Redublo. Each one of these amazing ladies have given of their talents and treasures to our parish in countless ways. Laura has led our Faith Formation team for the last years. Roberta and Connie have been involved in countless ministries, including Bingo, Bethany, the Holiday Boutique, and countless others. Jaimelita, known to some as Jaime and to others as Nene has been a proud member of our FCCG group, as well as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and currently the head of the Bereavement ministry. We are so blessed to have each and every one of them as part of our church family, here at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Lent and Easter are over - where are we in the calendar? Fr. Riz knows, but do YOU? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Who doesn't love the Makenna Koffee Truck? Come support our school on their last fundraiser for the year. Just show the photo or simply mention St. Peter Claver School when placing your order. Remember, this is for the truck only. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

As you all know, Fr. Riz will be retiring as of June 30th. To express our love and gratitude for his many years of service to so many people, we will be posting pictures of him daily. These are from his years here at St. Peter Claver. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Our next Anointing of the Sick Mass is on Saturday, June 14, at 11:00am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

ALL - without exception. This sign of unity and power, the Holy Spirit descending upon all gathered in Christ's name, is a beautiful prefigurement of the unity we will enjoy in heaven. Let's pray for that unity here at St. Peter Claver Church. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Registration for Vacation Bible School (VBS) is open. You can get the form on our website or in the Faith Formation Office. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

No better reason to head down to the ice cream shop! Fr. Riz will see you there! Out of curiosity, what is your favorite ice cream flavor? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

It's time to bid a fond farewell to dear, Fr. Mike. His last weekend will be June 14th/15th. On the Plaza after each Mass that weekend, people will have the opportunity to say goodbye and wish him well! Light refreshments will be served. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Today marks the anniversary of the start of the great liberation of Europe during World War II. Will you remember the dead today? Will you pray for them, St. Peter Claver family? Leave a prayer emoji in the comments below. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Our Preschool and Kindergarten children held a sweet Farewell Donut Reception for Fr. Riz and Fr. Mike. All the school children put their fingerprints on cards, and the Kindergarten class handmade a beautiful rosary for Fr. Riz. Fr. Riz has been singing and playing his guitar for the school children every Thursday for the last 12 years. Fr. Mike has been visiting the school weekly and accompanying Kindergarten on most of their fieldtrips. Both priests have been such a blessing to our school children and they will certainly be missed. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

We will be selling tickets to Fr. Riz's Luncheon Celebration this weekend, June 7th and 8th, and the following weekend, June 14th and 15th, after all Masses. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

According to some of his former employees in Rome, Pope Leo XIV generally prefers a glass of wine to one of Pope Benedict's favorite dinner drinks, Fanta. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

This month, our recently departed Holy Father, Pope Francis had asked us to pray here at St. Peter Claver for the following: "Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world." #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Please join us for Pentecost Sunday. Let's celebrate the birthday of our church and embrace our diversity. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #PentecostSunday

Happy feast of the Visitation! We know the scene well. After accepting God's plan to become the mother of God, Mary travels "with haste" to visit her cousin Elizabeth. However, the translation of this passage from Luke's Gospel, which was used until recently in England (the Jerusalem Bible), puts it differently. It says that Mary "went as quickly as she could." This translation makes the point clear: when we're filled with Christ, as Mary was, our hearts are moved to love and serve others to the fullest degree possible! Today, on the feast of the Visitation, our prayer here at St. Peter Claver is to receive Jesus' love into our hearts more fully, so that we can serve others as "much as we can" - just like Mary. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

This past week, the parish staff, along with the Pastoral Council and Finance Council got together to celebrate our two wonderful priests, Fr. Riz and Fr. Mike. We shared a lovely dinner, told stories, and reminisced about years past and cherished memories. Fr. Riz gave a speech thanking everyone for their love and support during his 13 years at St. Peter Claver. Fr. Mike said, it has been a fun 3 years. We will certainly miss them both. We are very grateful for their ministry! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Jesus is no longer on earth, at least as he was during his ministry. But rather than a source of sorrow, this should bring us joy for two reasons. One, he goes ahead of us to prepare a place for us in his Father's house. And two, he doesn't leave us alone but sends his Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and transform us. That's what we'll be getting ready for 10 days from now: the solemnity of Pentecost. Join all of us at St. Peter Claver as we prepare for Pentecost by coming to daily Mass, Monday to Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

It's baseball season once again! We hear that Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago White Sox fan. ⚾️⚾️What is your favorite team? And which biblical figure would you like to take with you to the game? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Written in the late 14th century, "The Canterbury Tales" shares the stories of pilgrims visiting the shrine of St. Thomas Becket, providing a rich illustration of medieval Catholic life in England. #TriviaTuesday #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Philip Neri (1515-1595) is the patron saint of humor and is known for his playful antics. But Neri was also deadly serious about growing in virtue and serving the Lord. It was this unique blend of humor and piety that drew people from all walks of life to this "Apostle of Rome," and makes St. Philip Neri one of the most beloved saints to this day. St. Philip Neri, pray for all of us at St. Peter Claver that we may imitate your cheerfulness and humility in our own pursuit of holiness. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

On Memorial Day, we remember those who have died defending our country and promoting the well-being of others abroad. Here is a prayer for today from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: God of power and mercy, you destroy war and put down earthly pride. Banish violence from our midst and wipe away our tears, that we may all deserve to be called your sons and daughters. Keep in your mercy those men and women who have died in the cause of freedom and bring them safely into your kingdom of justice and peace, especially those from St. Peter Claver Church. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

St. Rita is linked to the "Legend of the Rose," an event near the end of her life. Laying on her deathbed in January 1457, the Italian widow and nun asked a relative to get her a rose from the garden. As it was the dead of winter, her relative didn't expect to find anything. But lo and behold, a single rose was found growing. For this reason, St. Rita is known as a patroness of impossible causes. St. Rita, pray for us at St. Peter Claver.🙏 #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

As we prepare to say farewell to Fr Riz, a traditional Filipino Kamayan feast was prepared and shared with our beloved Filipino priests and FCCG members. Thank you and Maraming salamat, FCCG, for the true spirit of bayanihan! Grateful for the food, the laughter, and the community.

We here at St. Peter Claver are OVER THE MOON at the choice of Pope Leo XIV. May God grant his strength and peace as he begins his ministry! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

What does it mean to love like Jesus does? If there's any doubt, consider the context of today's Gospel reading, during which Jesus gives his commandment for us to "love one another": the upper room, on the eve before his death on the cross. This isn't an accident. Instead, it's a witness to what loving like Christ looks like: self-emptying for the sake of another. That's what we are called to do with everyone around us. A tall task? Of course. But fortunately, we're equipped with the spirit of the one who already did it. Here at St. Peter Claver, let's devote ourselves to receiving Christ's love more fully, so we can better love like he does. #SundayScripture #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Edgar Allan Poe is known as the Father of Horror. However, a lesser-known fact is that this Baltimore-based author was also curious about Catholicism and befriended the local Jesuits. As proof, here's a poem Poe wrote in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, "Hymn" (1845): Sancta Maria! turn thine eyes Upon the sinner's sacrifice Of fervent prayer and humble love, From thy holy throne above. At morn, at noon, at twilight dim Maria! thou hast heard my hymn. In joy and wo, in good and ill Mother of God! be with me still. When my hours flew gently by, And no storms were in the sky, My soul, lest it should truant be Thy love did guide to thine and thee. Now, when clouds of Fate o'ercast All my Present, and my Past, Let my Future radiant shine With sweet hopes of thee and thine! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #TruthGoodnessBeauty

Sharing more photos from our St. Peter Claver Preschool and Kindergarten Auction from a few weeks ago. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Our school auction was a huge success! Thank you to our generous donors for the basket items and most especially to the parents who worked countless hours and spent months planning and executing this amazing evening to benefit our school. We can't wait until next year. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Not a ton is known about St. Matthias. He was picked to replace Judas Iscariot among the twelve apostles. He was likely born in Bethlehem and studied God's law under Simeon before following Christ. He then spread the Good News around the Mediterranean before he was martyred. But even though we don't know much about St. Matthias--whether he was a brilliant speaker, a courageous leader, or a great administrator--we know he was an apostle. He was chosen to be a leader of the Church through the means that God ordained. And the same is true of our bishops today, modern successors of the apostles. Let's pray for them all, especially our own, at daily Mass, which we celebrate Monday to Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Happy Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Known as the "Apostle of Italy," St. Bernardine of Siena was famed for his promotion of the Holy Name of Jesus. In fact, he was even accused of heresy in 1427 but was found innocent. He was canonized in 1450, only six years after his death in 1444. #TriviaTuesday #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The Blessed Mother appeared six times to three shepherd children in the Portuguese countryside, delivering messages of prayer, penance, and peace. #TriviaTuesday #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

May is a month of flowers! And there are so many varieties: roses, daisies, lilies, peonies, chrysanthemums, dahlia, irises, and so on. But what's your favorite? Tell us below, and we'll try to find out Fr. Riz's! #StPeterClaverChurch #catholicschool

Today is World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Do we have any future priests, religious, or consecrated people here at St. Peter Claver? Let's support them in their discernment, and lift them up in prayer: LORD JESUS, we ask you to send more servants to your people. Choose from our parishes, from our homes, from our schools and colleges, an abundant harvest of apostles for your Kingdom: priests, sisters, brothers, deacons and lay ministers. We pray that those you call may never lose awareness of the dignity and need of their vocation O Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, teach to all those the Master calls to say a joyful "yes" as you did at the Annunciation. Amen. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Does it ever bother you that Jesus calls us all "sheep"? Sheep, after all, can be a pejorative term meant to describe someone who never thinks for themselves but does what they're told. But that's not how Jesus uses the term. Instead, Jesus is getting at the important truth of our relationship with him: He is God, we are not. And while we do not follow him "without thinking," we do follow him with trust and devotion, even when we can't see the path he leads us down. At St. Peter Claver, we follow him because he, and he alone, is the Good Shepherd. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #SundayScripture

Happy Mother's Day! We're grateful for all of our mothers, spiritual and natural, here at St. Peter Claver. Here’s more of what Pope Francis said about motherhood: "Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children, are the antidote to individualism; they are the greatest enemies against war." #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #MothersDay2025

Today is the feast of St. Damien of Molokai, a heroic priest who gave his life serving in the leper colonies of Hawaii. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Saintoftheday

Helena, by the great English Catholic convert Evelyn Waugh, tells the story of St. Helena, the mother of Constantine and the finder of the True Cross. The novel blends Waugh's typically delightful prose with beautiful spiritual insights into this princess-turned-saint. Take it from all of us at St. Peter Claver Church, it should be on your summer reading list! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #TruthGoodnessBeauty

We're in the midst of National Nurses Week (May 6-12). A special shout out to all of the nurses in our St. Peter Claver family! Is there a nurse in your life you want to celebrate? Tell us in the comments below! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

The Pope isn't required to be multilingual, but it sure helps! He usually needs a passing familiarity with Latin, as it is the language of the Church, but other languages like Italian are useful as well. Some languages that recent popes have spoken include Spanish, English, and German, as well as Portuguese, French, and Polish. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

White smoke signifies that a cardinal has received the required majority vote to become the next Successor to St. Peter. It is made by chemicals added to burned ballots. White is also the color of the pope's vestments, as well as one-half of the Vatican flag! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo (Literally, "Fifth of May") doesn't commemorate Mexico's Independence Day. That's September 16. Instead, today's holiday marks a significant victory over an invading French army in 1862 and has evolved into an important day for celebrating Mexican culture and heritage, especially in America. This Cinco de Mayo, come pray for the Mexican people at daily Mass! We have weekday Masses Monday-Saturday at 7:30am. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

May we pray for Pope Francis after his passing and for peace throughout the whole Church as we mourn him. Lord Jesus, welcome him into your loving embrace. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Last Sunday, we hosted a fun evening for our youth, but everyone was welcome. We had parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends attend. Our special guest, the very talented, Joe Melendrez had everyone on their feet, singing, dancing and praising God. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped to make it such a memorable evening. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Joemelendrez

This past weekend, we celebrated Divine Mercy Sunday. We had a special 12 noon Mass, followed by a procession around the church with the Blessed Sacrament, and then a delicious lunch with our fellow parishioners. We are truly blessed at St. Peter Claver to have a first class relic of St. Faustina Kowalska. Make sure you pay her a visit inside the church, along with St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Peter Claver. 🙏🙏

In today's first reading, we hear that the Apostles had true POWER - from God himself. Their words - about Jesus and his resurrection - were accompanied by signs and wonders. What they said or intended, in Jesus' name, HAPPENED. This is one of the ways that we know our faith is real - there is both word and power in what the Church intends and does! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Don't miss out on a fun day. The Filipino Catholic Community Group (FCCG) will be out on the plaza after Masses on April 27th and May 4th to take reservations. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

What has really captured your attention in prayer and in the readings, St. Peter Claver family? Fr. Riz wants to know! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Who is our greatest intercessor? Mary, of course! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

When he wrote this encyclical in 2015, Pope Francis was not only thinking of the natural environment but how natural and human ecologies are intertwined. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Join us for this great evening with Joe Melendrez. Joe Melendrez is one of America’s most exciting Catholic performers. He is a natural MC, an inspiring speaker, and an expert retreat leader. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Maybe you've already experienced it at the Vigil or are looking forward to it this coming Sunday - but what fills you up and brings you joy? Fr. Riz would love to hear! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

On this Holy Saturday, everything is still before the Lord's Resurrection. Today, embrace the beauty of this silence. Rest and reflect on God's saving work, which is about to come to completion this evening at the Easter Vigil. Will you join us at St. Peter Claver? Easter Vigil services is at 7:30pm. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #HolySaturday2025 #Lent2025

On this Good Friday of the Lord's Crucifixion, we pray that we will all hear these words at our own death. Jesus, thank you for shedding your blood for us here at St. Peter Claver, Lord. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Lent2025 #GoodFriday2025

May we all pray for one another as we begin the Sacred Triduum this evening. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

This is beautiful tradition. If you have never been, why not make this the year to start a new tradition? #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Lent2025

This past Palm Sunday, many of our youth confirmation candidates participated in a Sunrise Hike to Mt. McCoy. They were joined by Fr. Mike, Laura, parents, and Joe Melendrez. It was a beautiful morning filled with prayer, song, and worship. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Interestingly, there was ANOTHER priest who traveled on the Titanic, but he was onboard for the first leg of the journey from the UK to Ireland only. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Don't miss Tenebrae this Wednesday. If you have never been, this is your chance to take part in this beautiful service. It truly is a moving experience. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Lent2025 #Tenebrae2025

Are you keeping the radio off? Limiting your screen time? Increasing your prayer? Let us know in the comments, St. Peter Claver family! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

In today's processional Gospel, Jesus is done hiding who he is. When the Pharisees attempt to rebuke him, Jesus reveals himself - as the Lord of all Creation. The stones themselves would cry out in worship if his followers did not! #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic #Lent2025 #PalmSunday2025

Save the date! Our St. Peter Claver Preschool and Kindergarten's next food fundraiser will be Tuesday, April 15th at Toppers Pizza! 🍕 #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic

Congratulations to March's Knight of the Month, Joe Lazalde. Joe is not only our church photographer, tech guru, but he is also involved in so many different ministries. Thank you, Joe for all you do for our church community. #StPeterClaverChurch #Catholic