St. Peter Church Mission

Following the Apostolic calling of St. Peter, we as parishioners endeavor to be Christian witnesses of Jesus Christ. In celebration, we come together to share as the Body of Christ through worship and sacraments. In service, we are challenged to reach out to those in need. In education, we invite all members to enrich and deepen their journey of faith. Aware of our strengths and limitations, it is then what we are enabled to share our faith with others as a caring, healing, Christian community. This is our Mission. This is our prayer.

Our History
St. Peter Parish was officially created in July, 1960, when Archbishop Karl J. Alter appointed Rev. Leander Schweitzer as its first pastor. The Archbishop also chose our parish patron, whose name Peter is symbolized by the large "rock" in front of our beautiful church building.

The groundwork for the parish was laid a few years before 1960, when some Catholic residents of Wayne Township, realizing the need for a Catholic Church and school in the rapidly growing area, formed the Catholic Community Club. At their first meeting, they resolved to form a society for the purpose of establishing a Catholic parish in the township, which would later become the city of Huber Heights, and to support such a parish when it was established. Mr. Salvatore Spalla, the Club's representative, led their efforts to convince Archdiocesan and Township officials of the need for a Catholic Church and school in the area. After some unsuccessful attempts to acquire land for these buildings, Mr. Spalla finally persuaded Mary C. Sullivan to sell her 87-acre farm on the north side of Chambersburg Road to Charles H. Huber. Then persuaded Mr. Huber, in keeping with his company's policy of donating land for schools in the new community, to donate 20 acres of the land and designate it as the site for a Catholic Church and school. Thus, the hard work of the small group of Catholic residents and the generosity of Mr. Huber led to the founding of St. Peter Parish.

When Father Schweitzer assumed his duties as pastor, he purchased a home on Rosalie Drive, which served as the first parish rectory. Aided by several volunteers, he converted the garage into an office and a small chapel for weekday masses. Sunday masses were celebrated in both Mad River Elementary School and Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Dayton. To raise money for their own facility, the early parishioners began a fund drive and held several successful parish festivals, the first at the Polish Country Club on Needmore Road. In March, 1962, a groundbreaking ceremony was held. On August 21, Bishop Paul Leibold presided at the laying of the cornerstone for a new auditorium-church. Midnight Mass was sung there for the first time on Christmas Eve 1962.

On March 1, 1963, Archbishop Alter blessed the newly constructed St. Peter School-convent, and the school opened its doors for the first time in the fall of that year offering classes for second and third grades. The first students were welcomed by the original faculty composed of Ursuline Sisters Virginia, Gregory, Mary Luke, Mary David and Miss Joan Eilerman. In August 1964, Father Raymond Kammerer became our first associate pastor. An eight room addition to the school was completed and opened in September, 1965. When Father Schweitzer celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in 1966, grateful parishioners, to whom he had become pastor and friend, expressed their appreciation by offering numerous prayers for him and giving him a trip to Rome. Two years later, after eight years of service to the parish he had begun, he was assigned to St. Margaret Mary Church in Cincinnati, and Rev. Victor F. Ries, the founding principal of Carroll High School, became our second pastor.

By 1970, Father Ries had completed Father Schweitzer's plans for the construction of a rectory and administration office for the rapidly growing parish. From 1971 to 1976, the parish experienced a time of "entrenchment." Changes brought about by Vatican 11 were adopted, numerous improvements were made in the operation of St. Peter School, the parish CCD program was refined, and the financial base of the parish was strengthened. When Father Kammerer was assigned to another parish in 1971, he was followed by several associates, beginning with newly- ordained Father Ted Kosse and including Fathers Patrick Crone, Chris Hall, Carl Birarelli, and Frank Keferl. Each of these priests contributed to the development of the parish by giving generously of his unique spiritual gifts, and Father Franks legacy also included beautification of the church grounds achieved by his "down-and dirty" landscaping efforts.

During these years. enthusiasm had also been growing for the construction of a separate church building, and by 1976 it reached its peak with the coining of the phrase "Project Church," used by parishioners week after week over the next several years to signal their desire for a more fitting place of worship for the St. Peter community. After much research, discussion by the Finance and Development Committee, and the results of a parish survey! a fund-raising drive for the new church was begun. After a substantial percentage of the cost for the building had been pledged, the groundbreaking ceremony took place in August, 1978. The cornerstone was laid in July, 1979, and the new church was dedicated on December 16, 1979, at a mass concelebrated by Archbishop Joseph L. Bernardin, Father Schweitzer, and Father Francis Pilliod, dean of the Dayton Deanery. Joy, happiness, satisfaction, and gratitude to God were the emotions felt by the entire congregation at this mass.

As the l980's dawned St. Peter continued to grow in numbers and became an ever more vital part of the 1 Heights community.

In July, 1981, Father Raymond Meyer became our new associate. The soft-spoken young priest with an outgoing personality enjoyed special relationships with the children and young people in the parish. In addition to his community involvement, he coached basketball and moderated the Saint Peter Youth Group. In 1982, the parish received another blessing when the newly-ordained Rev. Mr. Allen K. Miller was appointed its first permanent deacon. In the same year, Father Ries made the last payment to the Archdiocese for the new church. His 14-year tenure as pastor ended shortly thereafter when he was reassigned to Holy Name Church in Trenton, Ohio, and drove away in his new car, a gift from the grateful parishioners whom he had served so well as pastor, teacher, and builder during the time of the parish's rapid growth and expansion.

St. Peter then welcomed Rev. Lawrence Krusling, who served as our third pastor from 1982 to 1992. During this time, parish membership grew to over 1800 families. School enrollments also increased dramatically, and the convent and school basement, which had once been used as the parish church, was renovated to provide additional classrooms, a kindergarten, a computer lab, and offices for CCD and other parish activities. Under the guidance of Principal Rita Brinkman, the administration and staff. St. Peter School earned the coveted "National School of Excellence" award.

During this decade, several changes were also made in the administrative, educational, spiritual and liturgical life of the parish. The Parish Council was reestablished. Lecture series gave parishioners increased opportunities for religious and adult education. A "Christ Renews His Parish" program was begun, and a Reach-Out Program, designed to return inactive members to the church and attract new members for RCIA, was initiated. Lay members were encouraged to play more active roles in liturgy, education, and worship. Women, as well as men, trained to serve as Eucharistic Ministers, lectors and ushers. Lay people became involved in bringing communion to the sick in homes and hospitals.

During the same period, there were several significant changes in the pastoral staff. At Father Krusling's invitation, Rev. Francis Pilliod came to live at the parish, and, though retired, was appointed associate pastor in 1984. His devotion to Mary and the Sacred Heart, his tireless visits to the sick and the homebound, and his involvement with all parishioners contradicted his 'retired" status. In May, 1989, the parish joined with him in a gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of his ordination.

In 1985, after Father Meyer was transferred, Rev. Russell Maue became our new associate pastor. Father Russ captivated parishioners with his genuine friendliness and sense of humor. His homilies were both practical and inspiring. With his strong voice, he encouraged all of us to join him in song during liturgical celebrations. His death in May 1989, after many months of ill health, was a great loss to the entire St. Peter community. A year later, the parish was also saddened by news of the death of Father Chris Hall, who had served the parish for two years in the 1970's and afterwards worked with the poor and mentally ill in Cincinnati.

In 1986, Rev. Mr. Robert Borgerding was appointed as the second permanent deacon of the parish. In July, 1989, following Father Maue's death, Rev. Walter "Sandy" Macpherson was appointed associate pastor. he shared his gifts of listening, caring, and teaching with all parishioners, especially with the RCIA and CCD staff and students. In the summer of 1992, as Father Krusling's pastorate came to an end, the parish helped him celebrate his 40th anniversary as a priest, just prior to his being transferred to Cincinnati.

The parish then welcomed as its fourth and present pastor, Rev. Earl F. Simone, under whose leadership it has experienced further growth in physical plant, membership, ministry, liturgy, and service. A dynamic man with great vision and high energy, Father Simone saw the need for a Family Life Center to accommodate the expanding activities of the parish and its many present and future ministries. With the cooperation of the Parish Council and the parish at large, he developed plans for the Center and obtained permission from Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk to build it. The Center, which houses a cafeteria, gymnasium, Senior Center, Early Childhood Center, Youth Ministry rooms, several other meeting rooms, and the parish administrative offices, was dedicated by the Archbishop in September, 1994.

Since its opening, the Center has hosted numerous social and educational activities, including some sponsored by the Dayton Deanery and the Archdiocese. Its state-of-the-art gym, together with our improved athletic fields, makes St. Peter the preferred site of many area youth and adult sports teams and is always heavily booked.

Also in 1994, a small group of people funded the conversion of the "usher’s room" into the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Later the athletic fields were improved. In 1999, a parish library was opened in the church basement. The school's heating system was replaced, and air-conditioning added, completing a plan begun in l993, when volunteers installed thermal windows, to make the school building energy efficient.

One of Father Simone's special charismas is his ability to identify, challenge and empower parishioners to minister. As parish membership has grown to include over 2,400 families, he has promoted the growth of various ministries to keep pace with the physical and spiritual needs of parishioners. He has supported the development of numerous lay ministries, especially the Outreach and Stephen Ministries, Social Committee, Parents and Children Together Program, Arimatheans, and several parish groups, including Separated, Divorced and Widowed. Greeters, Seniors, Pro-Life and Youth groups. Parishioners are also involved in such organizations and activities as the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Ministry 2000, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, and St. Mary's Development Corporation. The adult education program has been expanded. The St. Peter Food Pantry, Christmas Giving Tree Program, and Choices in Community Living Program attest to our commitment to serve the needs of all Huber Heights citizens, while the dedication in 1999 of the Memorial to Unborn Children is a reminder to the community of one of our chief priorities as a Catholic parish.

To help fund these various activities, ministries, and parish plant, parishioners hold an annual festival, support a Certificate Program, and are challenged to increase their regular Sunday offertory during the annual Stewardship Renewal Campaign. In the fall of 1999. a special Resource Group was formed by parishioners to plan fund raisers and find creative ways to raise money for present and future unbudgeted parish improvements.

Father Simone has also worked tirelessly to improve the spiritual life of the parish and provide meaningful liturgical worship services. Parish missions have been held annually since 1996. In addition to the annual First Communions and Confirmations, frequent Reconciliation services are offered to all parishioners. A Good Friday ecumenical service with members of other Christian denominations adds an extra dimension to the annual observance of the Easter Triduum. The parish also boasts a fine music program, coordinated by a music minister that includes a children's choir, youth group, folk group, an adult choir, and several talented cantors and organists. Town Hall meetings invited questions and concerns from parishioners.

During the past eight years, several changes have also occurred in the pastoral staff With the pastor's encouragement and support, Timothy Harris, John Gould, and Robert Correale pursued studies toward the permanent diaconate, and were ordained in September, 1998, joining Deacons Al Miller and Bob Borgerding in service to the parish.

When Father "Sandy" was assigned as pastor of Holy Trinity, Dayton, in 1994, Rev. Charles Bergedick, SM. joined our parish staff. Father Charles will be remembered for many gifts he shared during his two years with us, especially his great devotion to Mary, and his invitation to us to sing--"really sing"--at mass and other liturgical celebrations.

In the summer of 1995, our second pastor, Father Victor Ries retired and returned to St. Peter's just in time to let us join him in celebrating his Golden Jubilee as a priest. He was warmly welcomed "home" by his many former parishioners, and continued his ministry among us until his death in January 2003. He did this with great energy, especially in visiting the sick, teaching classes in Scripture, and conducting a large RCIA program that brings many new members into our parish each year.

In September, 1996, we were privileged to have Rev. Michael T. Mahoney join us. His successful return from medical leave offered us all a model in faith, hope and humility. His genuine interest in people, his listening skills, his gentle persuasion and his Irish wit helped many be reconciled during his two and a half years with us, before ill health forced him into medical retirement. In 1997, Father Pilliod went to live at St. Leonard's Retirement Community, but returned to St. Peter to celebrate his 60th anniversary as a priest in June, 1999. Father Simone celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination in June, 1997, and later that year was honored with the Community Pillar Award for his support of the Montgomery County Developmental Center.

Our newest associate pastor is Rev. Anthony Cutcher, who joined the parish in July, 1999, shortly after his ordination. Father Tony has already become deeply involved in the liturgical life of the parish as a member of the Worship Commission. His "Liturgy 101" instructions and weekly homilies reflect his interest in Scripture and have helped educate us about traditional Catholic practices. On February 29, 2000 a Memorial Mass was celebrated in our parish for Father Krusling who had died earlier that month.

This brief history of the parish has mentioned only some of the many gifts and graces we have received from the dedicated pastors and clergy who have served us so faithfully during the past 40 years. We arc also deeply indebted to the Ursuline Sisters, who so ably and generously staffed St. Peter School during its early years and laid the foundation for the excellent school it has become today. All of these priests and sisters, together with our early lay benefactors, remain an integral part of our parish today, and we offer daily prayers of gratitude for them.

But no history of our parish would be complete without some mention of the countless parish volunteers who have worked so hard and so selflessly over the years to make this parish a community of people striving to be faithful witnesses to the Lord Jesus Christ. We remember them all with gratitude---the sacristans who prepare our altars for liturgical services and the women who take care of the altar linens; the men and women who maintain our parish grounds; the volunteers who help in our offices; the parishioners who collect money and food for the poor and visit them in times of need; lay ministers who drive the elderly to an appointment or take time to share their faith with a person in crisis; those who help plan and attend funerals and prepare food for the bereaved; volunteer teachers in the School of Religion and in the Adult Ed Program, boys and girls rising early on cold mornings to serve weekday masses; workers at parish festival booths on hot summer evenings; youths making home improvements for the poor in Appalachia; children who greet us as we enter church and gladden the hearts of the grandparents at a Valentine's Day breakfast; coaches and members of the Athletic Commission; bingo workers, boy scouts and girl scouts, Knights of Columbus, Ladies of the Altar Rosary Society---and many others who have given of their time and talents for our parish welfare.

During the past 40 years, we have worshipped together; we have reached out to those in need. We have deepened our faith; we continue to share our faith with others, as a caring Christian Community.

This is our mission...This is our prayer...This is our parish.