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,

God’s word in the Bible can be difficult – both for those who heard it when he spoke to them and for we who hear his Word today. In the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet Jeremiah addresses God strongly. He complains that his calling as a preacher is too overwhelming and gets him into trouble – and yet he cannot help but speak God’s word to others. As he says, when he does not speak God’s message, it becomes like fire burning in his heart, so he must share it with others.

We know that Jesus speaks challenging words throughout the New Testament. In the Gospel, Jesus explains to his disciples how he will suffer death, be buried, and then rise again on the third day. Peter is baffled by these predicted events. He cannot help but protest, God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you. Peter’s reaction reveals his affection for our Lord and his attachment to human understanding. As Jesus explains in reply, You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.

So, it is for the faithful today. It is easy to be attached to finite understanding – but God has a bigger vision for the lives of those who love him. In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to think as God does and live beyond human understanding.

When speaking to his disciples, Jesus explains that those who wish to come after him must live in ways that are difficult: Whomever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. In today’s second reading in Romans, the Apostle Paul renews this call, urging the faithful to give of themselves fully – body, mind, and spirit – in worship of God.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans and the Gospel focus on this idea of sacrifice, or self-gift. All Christians are called to give of themselves to God in love, and in a way that resembles God’s love. In many ways, God’s love for humankind – perfectly embodied in Christ – surpasses human understanding. This love, referred to in the Greek as agape, is that sacrificial and self-giving stance that Jesus and Paul speak of. Agapic love may be challenging – but as Christ’s life shows, it is a true gift to the world.

In our lives, we may find that the path God calls us to,  surpasses our understanding. When we come to Mass and receive the Eucharist, let us ask our Lord for the grace to hear and answer his call to offer ourselves in love – even if that call challenges us in ways we are not expecting.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly



A new apostolate has been launched by the Archdiocese entitled, The Seven Sisters Apostolate, whose mission is to pray for the Pastor’s intentions and Priestly ministry in each of the parishes within the Archdiocese.

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 this weekend.

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.