November 26, 2025

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,

Happy New Year! No, I am not losing my mind. The First Sunday of Advent in the Church’s calendar is the beginning of the new liturgical year. 

So stay awake! The time is now. You do not know the hour, so be prepared, now. The urgency throughout our readings today is unmistakable. Indeed, Jesus uses the example of the master of the house knowing when a robber was coming to the house. If he had known, he would have been fully prepared. Jesus tells us to prepare with similar urgency and expectation, for we do not know when the Son of Man will come.

Of course, we don’t have to wonder about the date or hour of Jesus’ coming at Christmas! But at the beginning of Advent, the Church doesn’t direct us immediately to the manger in Bethlehem. Rather, we are encouraged to contemplate two other “comings” of Christ: namely, his coming at the end of time and his coming to us here and now. 

Our preparations for these two “comings” go hand-in-hand. Everything we do to receive Christ with love here and now will form us to receive him at the end of time.

And the good news is that we do not have to take the burden of preparations on by ourselves, which is a good thing because the world around us is seemingly already celebrating Christmas. How can we prepare? We have reminders in our liturgy – for example, violet vestments which, as during Lent, remind us to practice penance in order to fix our hearts on Christ. We can also prepare by acts of service, which carry a special urgency during Advent when so many people around us struggle. We should not neglect the sacrament of reconciliation, either. By our prayers, good works, sacrifices, and efforts to grow in virtue, we heed Saint Paul’s words in the second reading: Throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light … put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Finally, it is helpful to recognize that the Mass is an “advent” and a Christmas in itself. In the Eucharist, Jesus comes to us and we encounter him in a way no less real than Mary and Joseph did in Bethlehem or than we will at the end of time. The more we immerse ourselves in this holy mystery, the more we become attuned to God and, as Saint Paul reminds us, throw off the works of darkness. At each Mass and on every day of this Advent season, may we have the courage to be vigilant and do what is necessary to prepare our hearts for our Savior.

Just in case you are looking for a prayer to use at the Thanksgiving table here is one for you:



Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!
God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly



The Mass continues to be entirely SCRIPTURAL! The Lord’s Prayer -The priest leads us in the “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9-13). His hands are open and facing out (“orans” position); the people fold their hands in prayer position. The universal Church and all the saints pray this prayer with us!

The Sign of Peace – The priest says, “Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles, peace I leave you, my peace I give you…” (John 14:27). Then he says to us, “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” (John 20:19); we reply, “And with your spirit.” IMPORTANT! The first word that Jesus says to the Apostles after he rose from the dead was “PEACE” to take away their fear. So we should leave our fears and anxiety behind as we prepare to receive Him in the Eucharist.

The Fraction Rite – Fraction means “to break.” The priest breaks the Host, puts a tiny piece into the chalice and prays “May the mingling of the Body and Blood of our

Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.” NOTE: A body without blood is dead; when Christ’s Body and Blood are united, He is risen and alive for us.

The Lamb of God / Reception of Communion – We recite what John the Baptist exclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world…” (John

1:29). The priest says a quiet prayer, genuflects, stands and raises up the Body and Blood of Christ, saying “Behold the Lamb of God, Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world, blessed are those called to the Supper of the Lamb.” (Revelation 19:9). We pray, “Lord, I am not worthy…” (Matthew 8:8, the Centurion’s prayer). We reverently line up to receive Christ’s true presence, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in the Holy Eucharist.

The Purpose of the Mass is for you to be transformed in Christ and to be sent out as an apostle. The word “goodbye” means “God be with you.” Amen! Alleluia!

This video series has been excerpted from Father Chris Alar’s “The Mass Explained – Explaining the Faith” video, with permission. To watch the entire Youtube video, use this

link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oegaylVJdlE



Please drop off non-perishable, healthy food items in the church library no later than Thanksgiving Day.

Some suggested items include:

Canned goods: fruit, vegetables, tomatoes-diced or sauce, spaghetti sauce, beans, tuna. Boxed/Packaged items: White rice, dried beans (black or pinto), corn oil, cooking oil, pasta, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni and cheese, crackers, juice boxes, healthy snacks.

Please refrain from an overabundance of canned goods or make sure they are packaged in heavy duty bags….we had many bags break open last year as we loaded the truck.

We would appreciate some help loading on Saturday, November 29 at 9:00 AM.

Thank you in advance for your generosity in providing food for the poor!



The Christmas Giving Tree is in the Church Narthex.

Once you take a tag please be sure to return the wrapped item with the tag matched (this is very important by Sunday, December 14. 

Please remember that each of the children’s gift request tags are matched to a recipient at Mission Santa Maria/ St. Rocco parish. For that reason, we ask that if you take a particular tag, please be sure to bring a gift! We recommend taking a photo of the tag as soon as you take it in case you lose it.

There will also be gift card tags available for Target, Walmart, Giant and ShopRite. Most of our gift cards will be sent to St. Agnes Day room, serving the needs of the poor in West Chester. Some will also be given to needy households in our own parish.

Gifts and gift cards may be placed in the Monsignor Foley Library (first door to the right as you enter the church narthex) during these times from November 29 to December 14:

-Before and after the weekend Masses

-Before and after the 8:30 AM daily Mass

Please note that the library will remain locked for security purposes outside of the listed times.

We ask that you do NOT leave gifts in the church narthex!

Please do not drop Christmas gifts off prior to November 29 to avoid confusion with our Thanksgiving Food Drive pick up that morning!

Please contact [email protected] for additional questions or concerns.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!



Saints Peter and Paul parish invites you to participate in a special presentation of "Lessons and Carols" on Sunday, December 14th, at 4:00 PM in the Church. 

Take a break from the holiday rush to be refreshed by word, song and fellowship.



The Women's Evening Cafe will host Spiritual Mentor and Speaker, Maria O'Malley, at our Annual Advent by Candlelight event, Thursday - December 4 at 5:30 PM in the Church basement.  Maria will guide us as we contemplate the Holy Birth and fully hear what Our Lord is saying to each of us during this prayerful time.

Contact [email protected] with questions. Suggested donation is $10.00. Registration is required as space is limited. See you there!


The men's evening group will meet on Thursday, December 4 in the parish center to discuss a video describing several scientifically proven Eucharistic Miracles.

Door open at 7:45, programs begins at 8:00 PM.





Please join us for a festive Breakfast with Santa, featuring donuts, coffee bar from Cafe Gourmino, cookie decorating kits, and cheerful photo ops with Santa himself!! This is a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season.

There will be 2 sessions; 8:30 to 9:30 and 10:00 to 11:00 in the Church Hall. Limited spots are available so please use the QR code below, to register and join us.