March 18, 2026

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

Thank you to Paul Misselwitz and the Logan Funeral Home for the Padre Pio Peace Prayer Cards on the Narthex tables. Please help yourselves.



Dear Parishioners,

Martha and Mary, friends of Jesus, are troubled because their brother Lazarus is gravely ill. How many of us have been in the same situation of watching a loved one suffering immensely? It is deeply painful to watch someone you love struggle. The uncertainty and precariousness of the situation is overwhelming.

In this state, the sisters send word to Jesus. He, too, loves Lazarus and they want him to know that he is ill. Jesus tells them that the illness will not end in death but will be for the glory of God. By the time Jesus finally arrives at their home, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. All hope seems lost. And still, Martha shows extraordinary faith and tells Jesus that if he had been there, she knows her brother would not have died. Yet even now she knows that whatever Jesus asks God, God will give to him. 

Martha’s incredible faith is a model for us. When we receive unexpected news of a job loss, a loved one’s illness, or experience some other moment of vulnerability or loss, we are called to have faith. Like Martha, we may not have any idea how this situation of grief is going to end or how it could glorify God, but we can put our trust in Jesus. Because Martha has seen the love Jesus has for her and her family, she is able to trust in him fully.

As we enter more deeply into prayer during this season of Lent, let us reflect on what we would like to ask God. Just as Jesus loves Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, we know that he loves us. He wants to hear our fears, our desires, and our troubles. Even if a situation seems hopeless or impossible, it is not so for God. God is always there for us. We are his people, and his Spirit lives within each of us. We must believe that just as he loved Mary and Martha and their brother Lazarus, he loves us too, and he will hear the prayers we bring before him in faith.

As we turn to our Eucharistic prayer, let us remember that God’s love for us is wide and deep. He has offered himself up for us and invites us to journey with him in life. Trust in Jesus and know that his love for us is true.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly



After the gathering song the very first words of the presider are a greeting or welcome. The most common, of course, is “The Lord be with you” with its response” And with your spirit.” This ancient form of greeting comes from the words of the angel Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation. There are many other forms of the introductory greeting. Sometimes the greeting is abbreviated or changed based on what is about to take place during the liturgy. For example, the beginning of the liturgy is different when there is a baptism or another rite to be celebrated. Many times, the greeting is followed by a welcome of visitors who have joined us from other places. The whole purpose of all the elements of the introductory rite is to prepare us all to become united as a worshiping community and to ready us to listen to God’s word.


Please plan to join us for Lenten Confessions next Tuesday evening. There will be 10 additional priest joining us, so we look forward to seeing you there.


Why not take a spiritual health day and join us on Wednesday, April 29 for our annual parish retreat at the Malvern Retreat House from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM? Mary Bea Domico, founder and director of the St. Carlos Acutis Shrine and Eucharistic Encounter at Malvern will be our guest speaker.

* Discover how the Lord revealed His Plan for an expanded mission for Malvern Retreat House centered upon the life and work of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

*Learn about the documented and scientific findings of Eucharistic Miracles from around the world, spanning more than 1,200 years.

* Gain new insights into the extraordinary life of this ordinary boy, and the call to sainthood on each and every life.

*Expand your understanding of Eucharistic Miracles – and more importantly the Miracle of the Eucharist.

* Deepen your personal encounter with the Living Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Cost is $45 and includes a continental breakfast and a hot lunch. Prior registration is necessary no later than April 22. To register, click here





Fiorenza's Food For Friends (F4), is seeking volunteer drivers to collect food donations from multiple Wawa locations in Exton, Lionville, West Chester, Downingtown, and Chester Springs areas and deliver the donations to multiple non-profit organizations in Coatesville or West Chester.

This is a once a month volunteer opportunity that will take approximately 2 hours to collect and transport food donations on Saturdays or Sundays.

Volunteers will be part of a 4-5 person team that enable you to swap dates each month, if needed.

If you are interested, please contact F4 at: 610.955.7090.

Thank you!

Brenda Russell, CEO
Fiorenza's Food For Friends (F4)

• April 10-12 The Malvern Retreat House is hosting a weekend Divine Mercy Retreat with Bishop Efren Esmilla, Fr. DeLacy and Kathleen McCarthy. Please go to www.DivineMercyRetreat.com for details.
• Apil 15- Presentation by Fr. Chris Walsh: Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 7:00-8:00 PM in the Church.
• April 29- Our annual Saints Peter and Paul Parish Retreat at the Malvern Retreat House, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Mary Bea Damico will be presenting on The Life and Work of St. Carlos Acutis. Cost is $45 and includes breakfast and lunch. Please see our parish website to register.
• May 3- Donut Sunday
• May 4 - May Procession