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.
In the Gospel, we hear the parable about two sons who are called by their father to work in the vineyard. The first says I will not but changes his mind; the second says Yes, sir, but doesn’t go after all.
Part of the message is that it is not enough for us to say we are following Christ; our actions must match what we say we will do. Our “yes” must mean “yes.” That’s why the son who said he would go into the vineyard, but then did not, does not do the will of his father. It is not enough to say we are following Christ; our actions must match what we say we will do.
Of course, there is ultimately only one Son who does the will of the Father perfectly: Jesus Christ. Saint Paul calls us to have the same attitude as Jesus, who humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death. Jesus’ “yes” to his Father was complete and absolute, and he followed through even though that “yes” would lead to the cross. So often in our lives we want to obey, but when obedience becomes difficult, we falter from our initial commitment. In order to persevere in obedience, we need the humility to recognize that we cannot do it on our own; we need God’s grace to remain faithful.
At other times in our lives, we may more readily see ourselves in the son who initially says he will not go to work in the vineyard and then changes his mind. Perhaps we have gone through life opposing God’s will, only to find that it’s a path that leads nowhere. Sometimes we’re the son who goes our own way, only to realize that our Father’s way is better. When we repent and change our ways – returning to the path of the Father – we will find life. If he turns from the wickedness he has committed, and does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life, the prophet Ezekiel tells us.
Jesus’ response about sinners entering the kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders should give us hope. The son who changed course, overcoming his initial hesitation to do what the father asked him, was closer to the path than the son who ultimately only paid lip service to the father’s command. Jesus’ words remind us that even great sinners can enter the kingdom of heaven first, if they repent. It is never too late to return to God and to do God’s will. And perhaps paradoxically, it’s often those who repent who are the first to find their way to the kingdom. The tax collectors and prostitutes of Jesus’ day knew what their earlier “no” led to. Once they saw what saying “yes” to God offered, they became zealous in seeking it.
As we gather as disciples of the Lord at every mass, we ask for the grace of humility, that we may recognize our need for the Lord’s grace to say “yes” and to remain faithful in doing all the Lord asks of us. May the Eucharist also stir our hearts to repentance and hope, recognizing that despite our failures, at any moment, the kingdom lies open to all who turn their hearts back to God.
The St. John Neumann Guild Prayer for Catholic Education
Bishop Keith J. Chylinski invites all Catholics to join an “army of prayer” for our Catholic Schools and PREP. Guild members commit to praying The St. John Neumann Guild Daily Prayer each day for our children, young people, families, educators, and catechists.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of all grace and love, we entrust to You the children and young people of our Archdiocese. Through the intercession of St. John Neumann, pour out Your grace upon all Catholic Schools and religious education programs. Bless all pastors, educators, catechists, and families. Bring our young people to deeper conversion and form them as faithful and joyful missionary disciples. Make us all humble and faithful witnesses of Your love, and let Your Sacred Heart reign in our school, our homes, and our hearts. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. St. John Neumann, pray for us. St. Katharine Drexel, pray for us. St. Carlo Acutis, pray for us. Amen.
Foundations In Faith Thursday. October 1, 2026 6:30 PM
Foundations in Faith is an immersive exploration of the Church’s teachings. We journey through the Catechism in 20 sessions. Using the four pillars of the Catechism, you will discover the truth and beauty of the Catholic Faith. Facilitated by Seminarian Michael Fairorth. Beginning in on Thursday evenings, October 1 in the Parish Center.
Please consider joining the guitar group, Joyous Sound as either a musician or singer. Joyous Sound sings only once a month and and only require 1 practice. Please come and praise the Lord more fully by joining Joyous Sound now. Contact the office for more details.
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.
Calling all 5-8 graders! Saints Peter and Paul Children's Mass needs your help!
We love to bring our families together at this special 9:30 AM Mass each month on Donut Sunday when we combine our faith and fellowship during the school year.
New this year, sign up for Masses will be per grade. This will allow more children to participate. Please sign up to participate in the Mass for your grade and then join us afterwards in the parish hall for refreshments!
This upcoming school year Masses have been entered in Sign Up Genius, so please sign up when you know your availability. We are working on the plan for the younger grades which aren’t open yet. We may need older students to help with the readings and to usher. Currently, we need our grade 8 students to help for October 4 Mass and our grade 7 students to assist with November 1 Mass. Please email with any questions. [email protected]
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.