Rev. Deacon Peter Barger

Rev. Deacon Peter Barger
A product of Catholic education, Peter is a veteran of the United States Air Force.  A reservist for 12 years, he served the country in active duty after the events of 9/11.  In 2017, with the support of his family, he made the decision to answer God’s call to ministry.  Leaving his lucrative employment and trusting that God would direct him in the next step, he accepted a position at St. Theresa Catholic School as the director of technology. Then, in 2021, Peter accepted a position as Chief Operating Officer of St. Louis Catholic Church.

He first heard the call to the diaconate during an interview to become a member of the Knights of Columbus in 2010. After he discussed his parish involvement, one of the interviewers said, “If you aren’t careful, you’ll become a deacon!”
Soon after, he started to notice signs that God might be calling him. On a business trip to Seattle in 2012, he attended Mass. There, he heard a clear message to attend the upcoming information sessions back home. Along with Kim, he prayed and discerned to go forward. He is grateful for her example and support.
He said that service in the name of Christ is why he wants to be a deacon, “I have a deep inclination to personify the image of Christ the servant, represent the church in the community, and in being submissive to the will of God, I’m able to take the gifts He has given me to bring others closer to him.”
With his large, extended family, the greatest challenge of formation was not being able to spend as much time as he would have liked with his parents, siblings and their families.
“In contrast,” he said, “the most rewarding part of formation was growing as a family, in relationship with God, in reverence and obedience to the bishop, and with humility and joy.”
Peter welcomes the opportunity the grow in ministry among the people of God at St. Theresa Parish.