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.
The Book of Genesis, reminds us of an important truth: We are our “brother’s keeper.” Behind this commandment to care about our brother or sister’s earthly and spiritual wellbeing is the God who desires his children to flourish in this life and to share his joy for all eternity.
Saint Paul’s words are simple and yet profound: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another. God is love, and he has commanded us to love our neighbor, to will their well-being, so to speak. This doesn’t sound that difficult – of course we wish our neighbor the best, why wouldn’t we? But what about when we see others living apart from God? How do we respond?
The Book of Ezekiel and the Gospel make it clear that we should not sit idly by. God tells Ezekiel that he will be responsible for the wicked one’s death if he does not try to dissuade him from his wicked way. And in the Gospel Jesus gives specific instruction about how to correct someone who has sinned against us in person. Notice his words: Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. In other words, don’t gossip or complain about the behavior to anyone else. Confront the person directly from a position of love.
Is this easy? No. Call it tough love, accountability, fraternal correction, or perhaps “speaking the truth in love,” as Saint Paul advises in Ephesians. Our Catholic tradition even lists this action among the spiritual works of mercy, calling it “admonishing the sinner.” Whatever we call our efforts to help inform our brother or sister that their actions are leading them away from God, they must be motivated by mercy – by love. All these efforts have one aim: to win our brother or sister over, to bring them back into communion with God and with the Church.
Jesus acknowledges that, at times, we will encounter situations where fraternal correction seems fruitless. People are not always ready to change. That’s where the Church can be a powerful intercessor. Jesus tells us that if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. In the end, only God can change hearts. But as the Church, we can join together in powerfully interceding for them, asking the Holy Spirit to move their hearts toward reconciliation.
When we receive the Eucharist, let us come with gratitude that our God longs for the salvation of every human person. Let us give thanks that he has called us to play a small part in helping our brothers and sisters on their journey to heaven and let us ask him for the grace to lovingly call one another to greater holiness.
Fall Bible Study Luke: The Story of Salvation Fulfilled NEXT Wednesday, September 9 or Thursday, September 10
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].
⚾Phillies Tailgate Party! ⚾ NEXT Saturday, September 12, 2026 6:30 PM
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 with the QR code below.
Reserve your spot by September 6.
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 PA March for Life is an action we can take to let our elected officials know that we do not want Pennsylvania to allow abortion. This bus trip to Harrisburg, is a painless sacrifice in the name of vulnerable babies.
Thanks to contributions from the Saint Pope John XXIII Knights of Columbus Council and Saints Philip & James Parish, the Respect Life Committees of Saints Philip & James and Saints Peter and Paul have chartered a bus to the PA March for Life.
The offering for a seat on the bus is $20 per person and will be collected as you board the bus. It will be applied to the K of C Charitable Programs.
The bus will be leaving from the parking lot adjacent to St Mary’s Chapel at 7:15 A.M. For information contact: Bob Lisowski (610) 574-5131 [email protected], Kathy Myers, (484) 318-1628, [email protected], or Joanne Dearlove (484) 678-5368 [email protected]
To reserve a seat, sign up using this link Harrisburg Bus Sign Up or QR Code above.
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.
Christian Meditation Workshops Monday, September 14, 2026 7:00 PM
Monday, September 14, 2026, 7-8 pm in the Parish Center
Step aside from your exhaustion and experience ease, calm, and space to connect with the Heart of Jesus at our monthly guided meditation workshops. Come cultivate a deeper connection with the Lord.
Save the Dates for future workshops: October 12, November 9 & December 14, 2026, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12 & May 10 2027.
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.
Saints Peter and Paul will be holding its first annual Christmas Cookie Walk on December 19. Attendees will be able to purchase a container at the door and fill it with home-baked holiday treats.
We are asking home bakers to contribute at least six dozen of their family-favorite home-baked Christmas cookies. Holiday cakes, breads, and candies are also very welcome.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Good Saint Anne. If you would like to donate baked goods, don't hesitate to contact Dawn Lovejoy at 610.358.9485 or Joanne Dearlove at 610.692.8089 by October 15.
If you are not a baker but would still like to help, we will need volunteers in several other areas. Please stay tuned for future announcements.