Heavenly Father, we come to you with humble hearts, asking for your mercy upon all mankind. Let your peace flow through nations, across borders, and into every home. Calm the storms of hatred, silence the drums of war, and replace pride with compassion.

Heal our broken world. Let us not grow tired of praying, hoping and believing. May we, in our little ways, be instruments of your peace and love.

Amen.
~ St. Padre Pio


Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel reading contains lines that can be difficult to understand. We must read these words in light of all that is revealed in Scripture and Tradition, in God’s clear love for the people of all nations, in the Church’s call to minister to the world, and in the Holy Spirit’s work to draw his people into the unity in diversity of authentic communion.

As we keep all of this in mind, we may be puzzled by Jesus’ response to the Canaanite woman: It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs. Remembering that Jesus is “rabbi,” that he is the wise and good teacher, we can recognize something essential in this passage. God’s ways are not our ways. And in this puzzling scene, Christ is inviting everyone – this woman, his disciples, and us as we read his living Word – into deeper relationship, deeper faith.

For Christ is acting to bring about the best good possible. He is listening perfectly to his heavenly Father, who understands this woman’s heart and longs to draw her to perfect love. He knows his disciples’ assumptions and prejudices toward non-Israelites, and longs to heal them. He knows our minds and hearts, too. In our own time, even Christians can fall into the temptation of thinking that some people are less deserving of dignity and care, and so God uses this story to invite us further in.

If Jesus’ answer to the Canaanite woman had been a simple yes – an immediate response to heal her daughter – something in his perfect plan would have been missed. Instead, his response could spark wonder, questions, movement, changes of heart. And his unexpected answers should spark the same in us. God wants to move us beyond our own prejudices. He wants to expand our vision of who is worthy of his – and our – care and concern.

And we see this movement in our other two readings today. Both tell the Good News that God’s plan is bigger than his own people could imagine. Our first reading from Isaiah reminds us that foreigners – indeed anyone who loves the name of the Lord and joins themselves to him – are acceptable to him. God desires that his temple be a house of prayer for all peoples, not just native-born Israelites.

In the second reading, Paul speaks of how Israel will always be God’s chosen people: The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. Yet he speaks of how, in a mysterious and providential way, God allows the Israelites to reject Christ as a way of opening the Church’s ministry to the Gentiles. In the end, both the Israelites and Gentiles will be shown mercy and drawn together into one family of God. Against the backdrop of these two readings, our Gospel reveals God’s love for this Canaanite woman and for all people.

When we receive the Eucharist, let us ask the Lord for greater faith, that like the Canaanite woman in today’s Gospel, we may have unshakable trust in God. May our faith in his goodness open our hearts to allow his Word to challenge the biases and prejudices we may still carry. May our hearts always be open to being surprised again by the startlingly Good News of God’s love for all people.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly





The Archbishop has requested we take up a special second collection to provide assistance to the many people devastated by the powerful earthquakes in Venezuela last month.

This special collection will take place August 15, 16. If you would like to learn more about the critical work of Catholic Relief Services, please visit: www.CRS.org.

May Our Lady of Coromoto, Patroness of Venezuela, be especially close to her children at this time.

Thank you for your consideration and generosity.



A Women’s Prayer Group is being formed at our parish to pray for Father Reilly and his priestly ministry.The group will consist of seven women, each committing to spend one Holy Hour each week in prayer for Father Reilly.

Through this beautiful apostolate, we will support him through our prayers and offer our time before the Blessed Sacrament for his intentions and ministry.

If you feel called to join this new apostolate and make this weekly commitment, or require more information, please get in touch with Carol Bove at [email protected].





All families should plan on bringing their children’s backpacks to Mass on the weekend of August 29, 30.

The backpacks will be placed on the Altar and the priests will bless them for the children as they prepare for the start of the new school year!



Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled is an eight-session study that walks through key moments in salvation history. The 90-minute sessions will start on Wednesday, September 9, at 6:45 PM -or- Thursday, September 10, at 9:45 AM. Both meeting times will cover the same information for the next 8 weeks, completing the study before Halloween!

Participants can move between groups as their schedules permit!

The Gospel of Luke takes readers on a journey from the foretelling of John the Baptist’s birth to Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. Along the way, Luke reveals Christ’s mercy through powerful teachings and parables found only in this Gospel. Luke’s Gospel uncovers how Jesus fulfills the promises of the Old Testament, most clearly in the story of the road to Emmaus.

Guided by Jeff Cavins and Dr. Jeffrey Morrow, this study will show you the beautiful biblical roots for Mary, the Rosary, and the Mass that are found in Luke, strengthening your prayer life like never before.

Study guides will be purchased as a group to obtain a parish discount. To benefit from that discount, your order must be received by Jane on/before Monday, August 23.

When you purchase a study guide, you will be given a code to access the video for 2 years at AscensionPress.com. Also, a preview of the topic and additional purchase options are also available at AscensionPress.com.

For additional information -or- to order your study guide, contact Jane Joyce at 610.429.3973 (landline with voicemail) or [email protected].



The Bucket Brigade usually meets after the 8:30 AM Mass on Monday mornings.

We are a crew of cleaners who chose to honor Our Lord by cleaning His Home. From the front doors to the Altar and everything in between that needs cleaning or straightening, we keep our sacred space shining!

With our dedicated and fun team, we do our best to keep our Church looking its best!

If you would be interested in joining us, or would like some more information, please feel free to contact: Pat Connelly at 610.696.8195 or [email protected].




Join your Saints Peter & Paul Parish family on Saturday, September 12 at 6:30 for an exciting evening of food, fellowship, and Phillies baseball as we cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies when they take on the Atlanta Braves!

Bring your favorite tailgate foods, drinks, chairs, and even your grill to create your own game-day setup and enjoy the fun with fellow parishioners.

Tailgate Space: $10.00 per vehicle

Your registration includes two parking spaces, giving you plenty of room to set up your tailgate.

Payment: Click to pay SS. Peter & Paul Venmo account: https://www.parishgiving.org/ParishGiving.htmle=E48EA61B13E99F3F44B9B91E8A89ACACEAA08F45EAE6BCCD1DB07A23D39354896AA49B747F044161

Reserve your spot by September 5.

No tailgate spaces will be sold the night of the event, so be sure to sign up early!

Don't miss this great opportunity to enjoy baseball, food, and fellowship with our parish community. We hope to see you there—Go Phillies!


The fifth annual Father Bill Atkinson Pilgrimage will take place on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The Pilgrimage is a journey of faith and friendship seeking the intercession of S.O.G. Father Bill Atkinson.

We will begin at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on Villanova's Campus at 3:30 PM with a prayer service led by Father Rob Hagan, O.S.A. We will then begin a 4-mile accessible walk to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Wayne.

Please register today and find more information on our website: www.friendsoffatherbill.org.



Our Hope Ministry cares for parishioners who are homebound, elderly, or ill. Our volunteers are happy to offer rides to medical appointments or the grocery store, grocery shop for you, or simply spend time with a friendly home visit.

Inspired by Jesus' call to care for one another, we reach out with compassion, kindness, and a loving presence.

If you or someone you know could use support, or if you would like to learn more about our service, please contact Loretta Bevilacqua at 610.529.1991.



Men, mark your calendars for That Man Is You! which is coming to SS Peter & Paul parish starting Wednesday Sep. 16. That Man is You! gives men an opportunity to have honest discussions about the challenges and issues men face in our modern culture, especially those relating to our roles as husbands and fathers. The weekly program blends current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man as he was meant to be.

This early morning program is open to all men. Breakfast provided! Register at this link. For program details, see our parish website.