Search
September 3, 2025
-
For all who are suffering from the ravages of fires, war or violence, may the Lord grant them safety and peace, Lord, send your peace.
Dear Parishioners,
Jesus offers a series of challenging statements in the Gospel. These are words which grab our attention and grate against our sensibilities. First, Jesus asks us to hate our own families. Then he asks us to hate our own lives. Finally, he asks us to renounce all our possessions. These, he explains, are the conditions of discipleship. These are the costs we must take into account as we prepare to follow him.
These things Jesus asks us to renounce are good, so we should not understand his admonitions as tyrannical calls for the rejection of loved ones or the condemnation of private property. Family is meant to be a school of holiness, a place in which we can exercise Christ-like love. Certainly, our lives are good, too –God himself created them! Finally, our possessions are necessary to us; they make it possible for us to live, contribute to society, serve each other, and worship God.
It is possible, however, to be so consumed by any of these things that we stop looking at Jesus and orienting our lives toward him. And a life of discipleship is a life that is oriented toward God and striving to be faithful to him. The key, therefore, is not that we are literally asked to give up our family or our possessions, but that we are willing to give these things up for love of God. It is our willingness that makes all the difference.
Ultimately, what Jesus is getting at is what it means to be a disciple. Discipleship requires sacrifice, he is saying. It requires the willingness to give up everything for love of God. And although we are not all asked to give up our possessions or our families, we are all called to make smaller sacrifices each day in order to train ourselves to say “yes” to God. Whether it’s getting up a little early to pray or being patient with our children, we learn, by our smaller sacrifices, what Jesus means when he asks us to hate even our own lives in order to love him.
At Mass, we become present to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He offers himself to his Father in an act of love that cost him everything. May Jesus grant us a share in his generosity and courage so we might be willing to do whatever it takes to orient our lives to him.
God Love Ya!
Fr. ReillyA Few Odds and EndsSaturday Morning Mass/ConfessionsSaturday morning Mass will be permanently changed from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM.Confessions will be heard from 8:00 AM to 8:20 AM.______________________________________________________________First Friday Holy HourThis will resume on Friday, September 5 at 7:00 PM.______________________________________________________________All Hands On Deck!Our Donut Sundays have become a fun and popular monthly event at our parish and we would like to continue to offer it. However, the previous organizer and volunteers are no longer able to do it and we need your help!If you are looking for a way to get involved on a monthly basis (no Summer months), please call the parish office at 610.692.2216.Many hands make light work and we are hoping to get a passionate group of volunteers to help keep this going!!Thank you!______________________________________________________________2026 Mass Intention BookThe 2026 Mass Intention Book will open on Wednesday, September 17 at 9:00 AM in the Parish Center. Paperwork to be completed will be in the Narthex in early September for your convenience.______________________________________________________________Save The DatesSeptember 13 Phillies Tailgate Party in our church parking lot 6:00 PM*October 6 Women’s Evening Café 6:30 PM*October 12 Parish Picnic 12:15- 3:15 PMOctober 26 New Parishioners Gathering 10:30 to Noon*October 28 Parish Bus trip / Archdiocesan JubileePilgrimage in Washington, D.C.**prior registration necessary______________________________________________________________Christian Meditation WorkshopMonday, September 15, 2025 7:00 PMEnjoy a few moments of peaceful presence with our Lord.Led by fellow parishioner, Christian meditation teacher, Catholic author~Jessica Hildebrand. Step aside from your everyday exhaustions, take a seat, and welcome the guidance & space to connect with the Lord.During the workshop, you will receive the support to calm your busy mind and a peaceful opportunity to deepen your connection with our Creator.Each session includes a brief explanation of Christian meditation practice, 30 minute guided mediation, and time for reflection & fellowship in community.Open and accessible to all: no experience needed. We hope to have you with us as we allow our minds to reset in the loving presence of God.______________________________________________________________New Parish Men’s Group FormingSeptember 18, 2025Saints Peter & Paul Parish is excited to launch a new evening men’s group beginning Thursday, September 18. We’ll meet every other Thursday from 8:00 to 9:00 PM in the Parish Center (doors open at 7:45 PM) for prayer, reflection, and open discussion on faith and life as Catholic men.Each gathering will draw inspiration from Scripture, Catholic thought leaders, and other Christian sources, offering a meaningful way to grow spiritually and connect with one another. Come with a friend—or make new ones—as we walk this journey of faith together. All men are welcome!______________________________________________________________Help Needed at Saints Peter and Paul SchoolSaints Peter and Paul School's CARES program is looking to fill open positions in the PreK3 and PreK4 program. Starting in September, hours would be Monday to Thursday (possible Fridays, if interested) from 2:30 to 4:30.ALSO NEEDED:We are also looking for a part- time instructional aide for PreK . The schedule would be Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 - 12:30. The part-time instructional aide would stay with the students during specials and assists during lunch. If you are interested please contact Jennifer Peacock, Vice Principal at [email protected].Saints Peter and Paul School is a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School and an Archdiocesan School of Distinguished Instruction. Thank you to everyone who supports our school through prayer and the Annual Fund. If you wish to donate, please visit: