“Let us all remember this: One cannot proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ without the tangible witness of one’s life.” — Pope Francis

Altar and Rosary Society is comprised of women of our Parish who are dedicated to the Blessed Mother and her Rosary, seeking to serve Christ by serving others. They meet the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. for a pitch-in dinner, to pray the Rosary together, advocate for spiritual welfare of our Parish, and maintain the care of the altars and linens. 

The Altar and Rosary Society does not meet during the months of January, February, July or August.

For more information about the Altar and Rosary Society, please e-mail the Parish Office or call 765-765-5543.

Daughters of Isabella is a a charitable organization of Catholic women founded on the principle of its motto:mUnity, Friendship and Charity. They came together as a sisterhood to uphold the teachings of the Catholic Church, bringing spiritual benefits to their members and contributing to the common good of humanity. By their faith they are called to serve, inspired and challenged to do God’s work. They strive for the development of all that is best and truest in womanhood, they emerge in our community as a positive influence to uphold the high ideals of life and morals.  The Daughters of Isabella meets the first Wednesday evening of every month. For more information about the Daughters of Isabella, please contact our Regent, Rose Keller at 765-985-2253.

The Parish Twinning Program has been a real story of love and commitment, bringing hope and aid to thousands of people in Haiti and other countries of the Caribbean and Latin America.  The Parish Twinning Program of the Americas (PTPA) has been facilitating and maintaining parish relationships throughout the United States and Canada through the work of Executive Director, Theresa Patterson, since 1978.  The parishioner’s of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church provide prayer and monetary support to our Sister Parish in Haiti, St. Anthony of Padua, which is located in Vieux Bourg D’ Aquin.  The parish has seven chapels, a small clinic and primary school.  Construction began on a secondary school, but has yet to be completed.  The Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua is Pere Claude Jean Charles. If you wish to make a donation to our Sister Parish, St. Anthony of Padua, please click here. If you would like to participate in this ministry of our parish, or if you would like to participate in future mission trips, please contact our Parish Office at 765-473-5543.

We finally went to Haiti. There were seven of us intrepid travelers, Father Adam, Brad Rodgers, Chris and Kim Brooks, Michelle Curran, Terri McCain and me, Tammy Nystrom.  We left December 28 at an illegally early time and got home way past my bed time on January 3.

It wasn’t a very long time, but that is for future trips. I believe our goal was to reconnect with our sister parish, learn about their real needs (not our preconceived notions), and build relationships. I think we did all this.

We got in Monday to Port-au-Prince and went directly to the Matthew 25 House; there was running water, flushing toilets, and electricity (not always), and Wi-Fi. Also, we met our driver/translators, Julian and Marco. We went to our sister parish Tuesday; it is southwest of Port-au-Prince in the mountains near the Caribbean coast. We stayed there, until we left Sunday afternoon for Port-au-Prince. Then visited places in Port-au-Prince Monday, including several hospital ER’s, and left for home Tuesday about 3:30 p.m.

At the parish, we had electricity sometimes, no running water or flushing toilets. What we didn’t have in luxury was made up by love. Real Jesus kind of servant love.

Father Claude, the pastor of this dispersed flock, has only been there 13 months. The church was intact with the roof repairs that we facilitated. Daily we visited different parts of the parish; it has seven chapels (rural places where Mass is celebrated) and one Church. There is a school next to the rectory (run by nuns and for girls) and one across the road for boys (run by Father Claude).

We were fed and cared for daily; I was amazed at the amount of time just existing took. After we ate we talked which was fascinating. Father Claude spoke English, but his comprehension was lacking. Sometimes we got our questions answered, sometimes other questions got answered, but we always learned. The food was great, and I will be making some.

We celebrated our Blessed Mother and the New Year together; we worshiped together, and celebrated Mass together. We accomplished our goals for this trip, and have set new ones for the future. Who will be returning with us?

On February 6, 1882, in New Haven, Connecticut, where the Knights of Columbus were first born. Recognizing a need in his community, Father Michael J. McGivney, 29 year old Assistant Pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Haven, gathered a group of men at his parish and proposed establishing a lay organization.

The goal of this organization would be to prevent men from entering secret societies whose teachings were adverse to those of the Catholic Church. He wanted to unite men of Catholic faith and provide for the families of deceased members.

As a symbol that allegiance to their country did not conflict with allegiance to their faith, the organization’s members took as their patron Christopher Columbus who is recognized as a Catholic and celebrated as the discoverer of America.

There are four core principles that the Knights of Columbus follow: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

COUNCIL 718

The Knights of Columbus of Peru, Indiana was chartered as the 718 Council on November 30, 1902. Meetings were held twice a month at the Odd Fellows Hall for two years and then at the Concord Hall for two years. Then the Council moved to the Bearss building at 62 North Broadway until the opening of the new Council Chambers on November 4, 1923, at 18 East Sixth Street. In 1965, the Council Hall caught on fire and the damage was comprehensive. Peru’s American Legion provided their facilities for a temporary meeting space. After much hard work of Council 718, a new hall at the same location began to be rebuilt in February of 1966 and opened late that summer.

As an organization providing for social recreation of the members and their families and in assisting all parish entertainments, Council 718 became an integral part of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. This Council was also a faithful supporter in establishing the Gibault Home for Boys in Terre Haute, Indiana. This Council was among the first three Councils in the state to complete their full quota for both the original Gibault building and its addition. Today, Gibault serves boys and girls and has provided life-changing opportunities for more than 8,600 children and their families.

Peru Council has not only served the National and State Councils, but it has also been honored by them. Over the years, Council 718 has received several awards for its accomplishments. In 1996–1997, they received the Father McGivney Award for all their efforts. The Knights of Council 718 have worked beyond the scope of its Church and Council. For many years they have held an annual “Tootsie Roll Drive” for a free-will-offering. All the proceeds from this drive have gone to the learning disabled of Miami County.

Peru’s Fourth Degree (Patriotic Degree) Knights, have been around for many years. The Fourth Degree is a Knight’s life commitment to serve his Church and his Council. A Knight and his Lady are to do their utmost to serve. The Fourth Degree has its Color Guard with full regalia that often serves at Masses, funerals, and formal presentations.   Any Third Degree Knight that is in good standing may apply for the Fourth Degree. The Degree is not attained with age nor wisdom, but dedication.

If you would like more information about our local Knights of Columbus Council, please contact our Grand Knight, Sandy Ricket at 407-797-4535 or Bob Dwyer at 765-472-4970.

For information about the Knights of Columbus Council 718 scholarship program, click here

The Prison Ministry Team serves at the Miami County Correctional Facility by teaching and praying with the offenders. In the one hour each we that the Prison Ministry Team encounters the inmates, they are able to do a lot of good. Many say that it’s the only time they feel close to normal and have contact with the outside world. Each week, our group of volunteers divides into two groups to allow us to offer Mass and catechesis on each side concurrently. There is a great need to explain our faith, Sacraments, history and traditions to these men along with offering the Sacraments — Mass, Reconciliation and occasionally Baptism and Confirmation. The team meets for lunch prior to heading to the prison to minister on Wednesdays from 1:15 – 3 p.m.

Read what two members of our Prison Ministry team have to say about this ministry.

Are you being called to this extremely rewarding ministry? if so, or if you’d like to learn more, please contact Bob or Rosemary Rhodes at 765-473-7841 or Carolyn Rexroad at 765-985-2577.

This ministry meets every Thursday from 1–3 p.m. in our school gym. These ladies make colorful “I spy” infant quilts for our newly baptized in our parish as well as lap quilts for people in the nursing homes. Also, projects from home are brought in for everyone to work on together. It is a great afternoon for some fun and fellowship.

St. Vincent de Paul Society is a nonprofit Catholic lay organization, led by women and men who join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering. The Society operates a Thrift Store and many volunteers are needed to help sort and mark the donated items and prepare them for resale.

For more information, or to volunteer to help in this ministry, please contact Angela Case at 219-789-8802.

St. Vincent de Paul Store hours are:
Tuesday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store
30 W. 7th Street, Peru, IN
765-472-1855