I love what I do. I love my Church. I love it when people can come together, fellowship and have a good time. Whether it be Worship or watching a football game with the Knights on the Big Screen in Fr. Jay Matthews Hall. I love when my passion for Music and whichever songs I choose for Church each weekend can touch someone’s heart and make them feel better or give them the energy boost that they needed to get through the week, because lately, Life has been Life-ing. I love to see people smile. I love to see happy tears. I love to see people succeed. I want our church to flourish and not be on the chopping block. I don't do it for the fame or the recognition, I do it because I love to do it. Plain and simple.
I have now been a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church for over 20 years, and over those years, I’ve seen quite a few things happen, good and not so good. I’ve always been a dedicated member of the Catholic Church since my upbringing in Crowley, Louisiana. I have my mother to thank for that (Antoinette Chaffers Pete), but most importantly, my Grandmother to thank for that (Odelia Clement Chaffers). For those who knew my Grandmother, she was a woman of Faith and a true follower of God and she would let that be known on a daily basis. I am, because she was.
It’s also the reason why I’m so involved with the Knights of Peter Claver. She was a faithful member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary and Ladies of Grace and each day that passes by as I get older and wiser, I thank God for her stamp on my life as a Faithful Catholic and a big-time follower of Christ and a dedicated Member and Leader of the Knights of Peter Claver in the Western States District.
I’m stepping up to be your next Pastoral Council Chair because I care about St. Benedict’s future. However, in order to make my decision to take this role much easier, I will need your help Church Family. This is not only my church. This is your church too. And what you say and what you do is important to the health and strength of this church to reach the year 2030 when we celebrate our Centennial Year of 100yrs.
So before I do anything or make any decisions,
I need to hear from you Church Family.
I want you to click the link below:
https://forms.gle/Ms3nf1yqB8Qf2N2q6
And I want you to tell us your thoughts on how you’re feeling today.
Where do you see St. Benedicts going in the next 5 years?
Where would you like to see the Church go?
What do you enjoy about St. Benedicts today?
What keeps you coming back?
What’s keeping you away?
What do you see happening that you’re not too happy about?
What suggestions or ideas do you have to move our Parish forward?
Where could you lend a helping hand in moving us forward?
If you could let me know your thoughts by the End of the Day on Sunday, February 1, 2026,
You will make my journey so much easier as well as the journey of our
2026 Pastoral Council as we discern and make the necessary decisions to continue to move our Parish Forward.
Don’t hold back. KEEP IT REAL! Tell us what you’re really thinking. Your fears. Your concerns. Your joys. Everything. We can’t move forward if we don’t know.
I truly look forward to hearing and seeing your thoughts.
“United we Stand and Together, We CAN” move our Parish Forward into that Centennial Year but WE NEED YOU Church Family.
Come through for us!
Let’s step out on Faith and let’s get to work!
Thank you so very much for your time and your prayers.
God loves you, and so do I.
Mr. Leonard D. Pete
2026 Pastoral Council Chair
St. Benedict Catholic Church - Oakland, CA