Priesthood Sunday is a time for us to say thank you to our priests for all they do each day. They share God’s love with us through the sacraments, their prayers, and their example of faith. We are grateful for their guidance, kindness, and support in helping our school and parish family grow closer to Christ. Please keep our priests in your prayers as we celebrate them in a special way! Priesthood Sunday is this Sunday, September 28th.

Monday, October 6th through Friday, October 10th grades 3-8 will take the Iowa Assessment. There are a number of ways you can support your child before and after testing. It is important to remember the following points to ensure that your child is functioning at full capacity:

• Make sure your child gets plenty of sleep.
• Wake up at a good time so as not to be rushed. 
• Eat a healthy breakfast.
• Arrive on time to school.
• Stay home if you feel sick (make-ups will take place the following week).
• Encourage your student(s) to do their best, but don't stress.
• Pray with your child(ren) in confidence, and remind him/her that testing is just one part of their total education
• Please contact Mrs. Garner at 636-8922 ext 327 if you have questions.

Monday, October 6th- Thursday, October 9th, students are allowed to wear Spirit Wear with uniform bottoms. Friday, October 10th, will be a dress down day for all in celebration of completing testing week! Please avoid scheduling appointments during testing week.

After Care News

There is a new face at the ASC desk! Paige Schaffer, a former student of St. Peter’s, will be helping us out three days per week. She has a lot of names and faces to learn, but I believe she’ll catch on fast. Please help us welcome her to After School Care!

You may reach me, Betsy Bartow, at bbartow@stpeterjc.org or (573) 636-8922 ext.129.

Scrip News

We have extra scrip in stock that needs to be used. If you use Dix Road Cleaners, I have a few of those left. I also have Kwik Kar car wash certificates that are accepted at The Wash Shop through the end of the year.  If you need to get your car washed or detailed, please consider buying them so they don’t go to waste.  If you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse I have a few of those gift cards and TGI Fridays.  I also have a few of the gas and grocery MasterCards available at 2 1/2%.

Let me know if you can use any of these cards, and I will get them to you right away.  

Kid Friendly Phone reviews

I will be doing a mini-series of Tiny Tech Tips talking about kid-friendly smart phones. Each post will talk about one specific smart phone that you can choose for your child, a quick link to the provider's website, and some general information about the device and parental controls. Keep an eye out here for those tech tips and make an educated decision when purchasing a smart phone for your child.

The Bark phone:

The Bark phone is a Samsung A14 or A15 that has all the bells and whistles that Samsung offers. They are then filtered through Bark's deeply embedded programming to keep it tamper proof and kid safe. If your child wants to change a setting, add a contact, or switch out the SIM card, you get notified. Every time the phone turns on and off, you get notified. It includes Bark monitoring and comes with a carrier already embedded into the device. 

Pros:

You control the device from your own parental dashboard. You decide when they have internet, when they have downtime, and which apps to allow. You can ask for a check in any time and they have to respond before doing anything else on their device.

Cons:

If you have a low signal, you may need to restart the device to get it to find a signal again. Inside basements or families out in the country may struggle here. Check your coverage first!

My personal experience: This phone was our first choice for our family, but coverage made it an issue. We had to work with Bark to unlock the device, which is why I'm still sold on this particular phone. It took us three weeks and a lot of back and forth photos and emails to finally get the device unlocked for regular carrier use. I will still recommend this phone to anyone who asks!

Check it out on your own: Bark Phone for Kids . They have dedicated plans for you to pick from, depending on the age of your child and where you want to begin.

For more tech tips, check out my blog or parent website:

http://ssekelsky.blogspot.com

http://bit.ly/buildbetterfamily

We are sad to announce that Mrs. Carrie Hayes is leaving at the end of this year 2025. We thank Carrie for all her years of Service to St. Peter School and wish her the very best in her endeavors. 

Join Our Team: Front Desk Administrative Assistant

St. Peter School is seeking a dedicated, detail-oriented Front Desk Administrative Assistant to serve as the first point of contact for our school community. This role is vital in keeping our office running smoothly and supporting staff, students, and families with professionalism and care.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Attendance Management – Accurately track daily attendance, tardies, and absences, ensuring timely and precise records.
• Communication & Newsletter – Coordinate, edit, and distribute the weekly school newsletter and manage school-wide announcements.
• Uniforms & Spirit Wear – Oversee uniform orders and spirit wear sales, including inventory, billing, and vendor coordination.
• School Calendar – Assist in creating and maintaining the master school calendar, working with staff and leadership to schedule key events.
• Student Records & Reports – Process record requests, update files, and generate reports to support staff and administration.
• Event & Program Support – Assist in coordinating Praise Assemblies, sacramental celebrations, and other school-wide events.
• General Office Duties – Welcome and assist visitors, handle phone and email communications, and support teachers, staff, and families as needed.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Google Suite, FACTS, and office systems (training provided).
• A friendly, approachable demeanor with a commitment to teamwork.

This position is more than just an office job—it’s an opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant school community, supporting the growth and success of our students, staff, and families. Hours will be Monday-Friday, 7:00-3:30. If you are interested, please fill out an application on the Diocesan website under St. Peter.  

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

Classroom Aide Opening

St. Peter Catholic School is seeking a fun-loving and energetic individual who enjoys working with children to join our team as a classroom aide. To apply, please fill out an application on the diocesan website HERE and send your resume to Dr. Gayle Trachsel at Gtrachsel@stpeterjc.org. 

For more information, click HERE.

Little Saints Sunday School

Sunday School is Back for Ages 2–5!

We are excited to announce that Sunday School for children ages 2 through 5 will begin on Sunday, October 5th, during the 10:00 a.m. Mass. Parents and grandparents may bring little ones to the preschool building starting at 9:50 a.m. and pick them up immediately following Mass.

Our youngest parishioners will learn about God’s love, pray together, play, and grow in faith—all in a safe, joyful, and creative environment.

 A registration form is required before children can be enrolled so we can provide adequate staffing and supplies.

We are also seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make this ministry possible. All volunteers complete a screening interview and background check, sign the parish Code of Conduct, and are certified in the diocesan safe environment program, Protecting God’s Children.

For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Gayle Trachsel at gtrachsel@stpeterjc.org.  

Registration forms can be returned to St. Peter Catholic School, the parish office, or emailed to Gtrachsel@stpeterjc.org or  kbezler@stpeterjc.org

Sunday School Registration Form

Two full-time preschool spots have become available. Families interested in joining our preschool program are encouraged to contact the office soon, as space is limited. St Peter Preschool accepts students aged three to five; students must be potty-trained.

Helias Catholic Volleyball is continuing its tradition of hosting a Benefit Match in support of a local cause. This year they have chosen Project Penuel. Project Penuel is a non-profit created by Kelsey Schulte, our Athletic Trainer and her late husband, Jacob.

Project Penuel was founded in 2025 to grow a community of support and strength for individuals battling illness.

Thank you for your support of The Penuel Project and Helias Catholic Volleyball

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