January 14, 2026

What we see unfolding in our nation is a vicious pattern of hatred rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of the family. We can eradicate these ills only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order.

We are living through a perilous moment. Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law, and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families, and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters.

Bishop Michael Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington, VA


Dear Parishioners,

“I’ll know it when I see it.” How many of us have uttered this phrase at one time or another, indicating that while we might not be able to describe something in precise terms at this very moment, we know that we’ll be able to recognize what we’re looking for as soon as we see it?

Sometimes what we consider to be an innate sense of what we’re looking for is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. In the Gospel, we see that God had been preparing John the Baptist to recognize the coming of Christ. John says twice in our Gospel today that I did not know him, and yet as soon as Jesus started coming toward him, he immediately said, Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. John was able to recognize Jesus as the one sent by God because God had revealed to him that on whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one. Having listened to the voice of God, John was able to recognize Jesus immediately as the one sent by God. 

Like John, we have been given a supernatural ability to recognize the presence of God in our midst. In confirmation, we received the Holy Spirit’s gift of knowledge. This gift helps us to “know it when we see it” – to be able to recognize the presence and action of God in the midst of our daily lives. 

The Gospels don’t tell us whether John was aware that his cousin Jesus would be the one for whom God was calling him to prepare the way. But they show clearly that God told him what to watch for. God sometimes gives us a sense, an inkling, or some insight that helps us to recognize his presence or his work in our lives, especially when it shows up in unexpected places. 

As we come to the table of the Lord, may this Eucharist we share open our hearts to receive all the many ways that God makes himself known to us, so we can bear witness to him more effectively in our lives.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly


 
Join us for our annual Winter Book Discussion and Potluck Lunch on Sunday, January 25 from 12:30 to 2:30 PM in the Parish Center Fr. Kovacs Room. This year, Sr. Judith Parsons, I.H.M., Ph.D., will be facilitating our discussion on Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper.

Prior registration is required no later than January 20. Please visit our parish website for more information or to register.



Our parish is collaborating with St. Elizabeth’s and other Chester County parishes for a special event with Chris Stefanick, a well-known Catholic author and radio/TV/podcast host.

Chris engages audiences all over the country with his incredible gift of speaking and evangelization.

Why not consider buying a ticket for the lapsed Catholics among your family and friends? For a promotional video, click here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ASyFbI2p9dyxufZebYXr3itAfqd2ITil/view?usp=sharing

To buy tickets, click here:
https://buytickets.at/reallifecatholic/1785111

We expect this May 13 event (at St. Elizabeth’s in Chester Springs) to sell out so buy your tickets early and be sure to get the word out to others who may be interested!



Saints Peter and Paul School is looking for a Third Grade Long Term Sub to begin on March 27, 2026. 

We are asking for a reliable, faithful and enthusiastic teacher to join our school. 

Please email your resume, cover letter, clearances, and references to [email protected]. 






The men of our parish are invited to join Catholic men from throughout the Archdiocese for the 18th Annual Man Up Philly Men’s Conference on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Cardinal O’Hara High School.

Speakers include Father Douglas McKay, Archdiocesan priest and founder of Our House Ministries; Chris Gheysens, Chairman and CEO of Wawa; and Kevin Reilly, former NFL player and inspirational Catholic speaker. Back by popular demand, Mark Forrest, internationally recognized Irish tenor, will lead our time of prayer and reflection. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available, and the Conference will conclude with Mass celebrated by our Archbishop, the Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez.

For more information and to register go to the website: www.manupphilly.com

Please contact Ed Klenk with any questions - 215.436.0956 or [email protected]