As we enter the sacred season of Advent, we are reminded of the beauty of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. This is a season of anticipation, hope, and joy—a perfect time to deepen our faith as a family by attending Mass together.  

Bringing your children to Mass during Advent offers more than just a tradition; it is an opportunity to experience the joy of community, the peace of Christ’s presence, and the beauty of the liturgy. For families of St. Peter School, attending Mass is also an important expression of active stewardship. It demonstrates to our children the value of prioritizing faith and being part of a parish that nurtures our spiritual growth.

Mass attendance is more than an obligation—it is a gift we give to our children, teaching them the true meaning of our faith. Together, let us journey to Bethlehem in spirit, preparing our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all: the birth of our Savior.

May this Advent bring your family peace, joy, and a renewed commitment to faith.



Blessings,

Dr. Gayle Trachsel, ED.D

Mrs. Porting will be retiring as a 1st grade teacher at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. We thank her for her 28 years of dedicated, loyal service to St. Peter Catholic School and 37 years with the Diocese. We wish her the best in her retirement!

Mrs. Stuckenschneider will be retiring as our Music teacher at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year. We thank her for her 40 years of dedicated, loyal service to St. Peter Catholic School. We wish her the best in her retirement. She will still be a part of the St. Peter Catholic School family, as she would like to sub for us next year.

Alumni Recognition Award:

To recognize a graduate of at least 15 years of St. Peter Catholic School or St. Peter High School (living or deceased). Nomination forms are completed yearly and returned to the parish office, school office at 314 ‘W’ High St., JC, MO 65101, or a member of the School Advisory Board. Nominations are accepted until January 9, 2026. The Alumni Recognition Award Committee, appointed by the St. Peter Catholic School Council President, is responsible for the final selection. The recipient is recognized at the 4:30 Mass during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

Past Recognized Alumni:  Alan Lepper – ‘01, Anna Leah Agniel – ‘02, Nelson Vincent – ‘03, William Deeken – ’04, Sr. Esther Becker – ’05, Robert Deeken – ’06, William (Bill) Luebbert - ’07, Ted Wisch – ’08, Virginia Rackers – ’09, Msgr. Michael Wilbers – ’10, Henry McMichael ’11, Sister M. Claranne (Ruth Elizabeth) Vogel, SNND-‘12, William “Bill” Feind-’13, Luckille Rackers Krummen, ’14, Betty Bernskoetter Sandbothe ’15, Roderick Roddy Bruns ’16, Jack Kramer 17’, Mary Louise Hillen 18, Tony Hood 19’, Tyler Slaughter 20’, Paul & Frances Meyer 23’- James & Catherine Haake 24’

Alumni Recognition Award form

Youth Choir Christmas Eve Mass at 4:30

The newly formed Youth Choir will sing at the 4:30 Christmas Eve Mass. If your child is in 6th-12th grade and would like to sing with us, please contact Mrs. Garner at sgarner@stpeterjc.org for more information. 

We will also be singing every 3rd Saturday at the 4:30 Mass for the remainder of the school year. Please let Mrs.Garner know if you would like to sing at those upcoming Masses as well.

Lost and Found is on display outside the school office until Christmas break.

After this, all items will be donated!

Make sure to have your student look for any items you may be missing.

REMINDER: put your students name inside all of their items sent to school!

After School Care

Exciting news! We’ve heard back from the Young Artists Perfect Pets coloring contest we participated in six weeks ago. All our participants were selected to be published in an upcoming book! We sent home a letter from Y. A. for parents to consent to publish their child’s artwork as well as order copies of the book. Please do that as soon as possible because the deadline is December 21st . All the books will be released by the end of February and then they will let us know if we win the $1000.

Our Aftercare Christmas party for K-8 will be Wednesday, December 17th. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be here from 3:30-4:30. Please keep in mind when picking up that day, that we'll go in to see them by classes- youngest first. So if you have a child in 4th or above, their opportunity will be closer to 4:30. Lots of games planned including our ever popular Scavenger Hunt for junior high. 

Parents with children in Archery, you do not have to email me every week. You can send ONE email letting me know that it is ok for the coach to pick them up from ASC for every archery practice and if they will be returning to ASC afterward. Then just send me another if that changes.

If you need to reach ASC, please email, Betsy Bartow at bbartow@stpeterjc.org or call (573) 636-8922 ext.129.

Scrip News

I will try to fill scrip orders on the 15th, but I will probably not be able to order from Raise right so it will only be what I have in stock.  So make sure you order all of your Christmas gift cards.  

Also, don’t forget we have generic certificates available if you want a gift for your teacher that way they can order what they will really use.  

I still have about 100 boxes of world’s finest chocolate left. If you are interested in selling more, let me know.

It is that time of year when the weather can affect our school day. Below is the policy/procedure from the handbook, which is provided as a refresher.

Inclement Weather

a) When weather conditions make it necessary to close school, the cancellation or snow schedule will be announced by local/social media. Those who subscribe to our texting service will be notified via text of any cancellations or early dismissals.

b) Due to extreme weather, it may be necessary to dismiss school and after-care early. Local/social media will announce the closing time. An email will be sent to all parents, and a notification will be sent via text to all subscribers to the school texting service. Telephoning the school jams the telephone lines and is to be avoided.

c) On early dismissal days due to inclement weather, K-8 children are dismissed to the big flat for pick-up. Students not picked up 20 minutes after dismissal will report to the school office.

d) There is NO after-school care on all early release days. If inclement weather is forecasted, parents are to stay tuned to the local and social media during the day, as After-School Care may need to be dismissed early if the weather hits after 3:05 PM.

The link to sign up for text alerts is posted at the bottom of this newsletter and on our web page for anyone who has not already signed up.

Baby Shower for Jesus

For many years in a row, St. Peter has donated much needed baby items to Birthright of Mid-Missouri. We will once again have a “Baby Shower for Jesus” Dec. 8th through Dec. 18th. The following items would be greatly appreciated:

Pacifiers

Socks: newborn-24months

PJs and Sleepers: newborn-24months

Diapers: size newborn, 3, 4, 5, 6

Boy and Girl winter Clothing: size 12-24 months (gently used is fine)

Baby care items: baby wash,baby shampoo, baby wipes

Toiletries for Moms: body wash, shampoo, deodorant, personal hygiene products

Laundry detergent

Please send any items for donation to your child’s homeroom.

All are welcome to join us for:

Monday, Dec. 15: Polar Express Day- PJ Day, you may wear PJs appropriate for school, NO onesies.

Tuesday, Dec. 16: Winter Hat Day- wear a winter/Christmas hat or headband

Wednesday, Dec. 17: Candy Cane Day- wear red or white shirts with uniform bottoms

Thursday, Dec. 18: Tacky Shirt Day- wear a festive Christmas shirt/sweater with uniform bottoms

Music Teacher – 2026–2027 School Year

St. Peter Interparish School is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Music Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. The ideal candidate will foster a love of music through engaging lessons, performances, and liturgical participation. Responsibilities include teaching general music to elementary and middle school students, directing programs, and collaborating with staff to support our faith-based learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education 
• Missouri teaching certification (or eligibility)
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Start Date: August 2026

1st Grade Teacher – 2026–2027 School Year

St. Peter Interparish School is accepting applications for a 1st Grade Teacher for the 2026–2027 school year. We are seeking a caring, faith-filled educator dedicated to academic excellence and spiritual growth. The successful candidate will create a nurturing classroom environment that promotes curiosity, cooperation, and a love of learning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education
• Missouri teaching certification (or eligibility)
• Commitment to Catholic education 

Start Date: August 2026

St. Peter Cafeteria

The Cafeteria lunch program is looking to hire an assistant cook, Mondays and Tuesdays, immediately with the possibility of more to full-time the next year. This job requires being able to do a variety of tasks, some physical labor, and a willingness to learn all aspects of kitchen duties. Hours are 7:15am-1:15pm.

Contact Debbie Schrimpf for more information at dschrimpf@stpeterjc.org or

573-680-2669.

Substitute Teacher for 3-Year-Old Classroom (Maternity Leave Coverage)

St. Peter Interparish School is seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated substitute teacher to join our early childhood team during maternity leave. This temporary position will be in our 3-year-old classroom, where you will help nurture curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in our youngest students.

Position Details:

• Role: Substitute Teacher – 3-Year-Old Classroom
• Dates: January 5 – February 27, 2026
• Location: St. Peter Interparish School, Jefferson City, MO

Responsibilities:

• Provide a safe, loving, and engaging classroom environment.
• Follow daily routines and lesson plans to ensure consistency.
• Support social, emotional, and academic growth for young learners.
• Communicate effectively with staff and families as needed

Qualifications:

• Experience working with preschool-age children preferred
• Patience, flexibility, and a passion for early childhood education
• Ability to collaborate with the preschool team

If you love working with little ones and would like to join a supportive, faith-filled school community, we would love to hear from you! Please send resume applications or inquiries to Dr. Gayle Trachsel, gtrachsel@stpeterjc.org

Mass Schedule

Saturday - 4:30 PM (Saturday Vigil)

Sunday - 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM (en Espanol)

Monday - 12:03 PM ONLY

Tuesday - 8 AM and 12:03 PM

Wednesday- 8 AM and 12:03 PM

Thursday- 12:03 PM ONLY

Friday- 8 AM and 12:03 PM

Quick Reference Guide to the Diocese of Jefferson City Stewardship Model

Catholic Stewardship Renewal/Time and Talent Form

TO BE AN “ACTIVE” CATHOLIC STEWARD MEANS:

• To Pray: that is, attend Mass faithfully in the parish on weekends and Holy Days.
• To Participate: that is, to use one’s time and talents to strengthen the parish community and advance the Gospel.
• To Sacrificially Give: that is, pledge and remain current on a tithe of financial first fruits to support the life and ministries of the parish. The goal is 8% to the parish and 2% to other worthy charities.

St. Peter Catholic School

314 West High Street

Jefferson City, MO 65101