Resurrecting the new Church of St. Peter

St. Peter - "It’s been a long journey since the tornado," said Father Harry Behan, pastor of the Church of St. Peter, St. Peter. In the aftermath of one of the most devastating tornados in the State of Minnesota, the parish community of St. Peter has rebuilt and renewed their community of faith. On Sunday, November 26, the parish plans the opening of a new multi-million dollar church building and chapel. The new church will seat approximately 1,000 and the chapel 200. The entire complex is 70,000 square feet and was completed at a cost of 10.5 million dollars. The remaining parish debt on the new construction is 1.5 million.

Father Harry commented that through the assistance of a wonderful staff, parish community, the generosity of other St. Peter churches and throughout the diocese and entire nation, St. Peter has been successful in restoring its church. "We are looking forward in this season of renewal to not only rebuild our church but also to become a new faith community."

The parish council however decided on keeping the original name, Church of St. Peter and named the chapel, the Chapel of the Resurrection.

The ceremonies for the opening and dedication of the Church of St. Peter include a Mass of Farewell, Saturday, 4:00 p.m. November 25, at the First Lutheran Catholic Church of St. Peter. The Mass will end with a procession to the new church led by a new parish processional cross. The cross was designed by Nicholas Burke, a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College.

Sunday, November 26 at 9:00 a.m. the celebration of the Rite of Dedication will be officiated by Bishop Raymond A. Lucker, bishop of the New Ulm diocese. An open house from 1:00-4:00 p.m. will be followed by a parish Mass at 4:00 p.m.