The Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. is the nation’s oldest and largest African-American lay Catholic organization. On September 13, the entire Order, throughout the western hemisphere, celebrated the Feast of St. Peter Claver.
In St. Louis, the Mass was held at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church and was celebrated with the Knights of Columbus’ Honor Guard.
All six Councils and Courts from around the metropolitan area attended the Mass to honor the saint. Fr. Claver is known for his service and compassion to African slaves as they arrived in South America and waited to be sold.
“The Order has reason to be especially proud on its annual feast day – Dr. Regina Benjamin has been nominated to be U.S. Surgeon General and is a member of the Order’s Ladies’ Auxiliary in Daphne, AL,” said the order’s Deputy Grand Knight Leslie L. Farr.
The Order also celebrates the membership of local celebrity and Donnybrook provocateur Martin Duggan.
Other notable members are former Archbishops Cardinal Justin Rigali and Raymond Burke, Bishop Robert Hermann, and Catholic Charities President and Dean Msgr. Mark Ullrich.
The Order was founded on November 7, 1909, in Mobile, Alabama, as a counter to the large number of black men leaving the Catholic Church. St. Peter Claver was declared the patron saint of Black Catholic Missions in 1896.
For more information, visit www.kofpc.org.
Centennial celebrates
The Breakfast Club Inc. and Centennial Christian Church invite the public to their “5th Annual Sing Out For A Cure Gospel Benefit Concert” on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009 at 3 p.m. The concert will be at Centennial Christian Church located at 4950 Fountain Av. This is an Open Door Service; however, donations are appreciated. All proceeds will assist the Breakfast Club, Inc in furnishing goods and services to women who are underinsured or have no medical/health insurance. Make donation payable to: The Breakfast Club, Inc., PO Box 2678, Florissant, MO 63032
Centennial Christian Church also invites the public to attend its “Friends and Family Day” celebration on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 10:30 am. The celebration will be during Sunday Morning Worship Service.
The Reverend Derrick L. Perkins is pastor and the Reverend Samuel W. Hylton Jr. is pastor emeritus.
Singles Bible study
GreenPark Community Church hosts Bible study specifically for singles (ages 18 and up) every Thursday starting at 7-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Billie at BillieK@Greenparkchurch.com or call 314-416-7000. The church is located at 3635 Union Rd. in St. Louis.
Dog-friendly service
In partnership with The St. Charles Humane Society, Family of Christ Fellowship Church of St. Peters will be holding a church service on the first Sunday of each month where people may attend with their dog. For further information and service time, call (636) 922-5609.