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


Dear Parishioners,

The Scripture readings on forgiveness may be challenging and unsettling. Not only are we exhorted to avoid anger and wrath, but we also hear from Jesus a warning about what may happen to us if we fail to forgive others. Reflecting on the parable of the unmerciful servant helps us understand how the greatness of God’s mercy challenges and enables us to forgive those who have sinned against us. As God has forgiven us, so must we also forgive one another; as God has loved us, so can we also love one another.

In our fallen world where sin strains and breaks our relationships with God and one another, we will all suffer hurt and harm from others’ choices – some more gravely than others. When people sin against us, we will feel real emotional pain. On the topic of forgiveness, the Catechism says: “It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense, but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession” (CCC 2843).

When we find ourselves fixating on memories of the hurt that has been inflicted upon us, we are invited to bring that to the Lord. He, in turn, can give us the grace to look upon the person who has harmed us with compassion. As welcome to recognize the brokenness likely present in their life that led to their harmful action, the Spirit moves us to pray for them. This already is a powerful movement toward forgiveness.

In this light, the exhortation from our Lord to forgive not seven times but seventy-seven times points us toward what is possible for us with God’s help. We are capable, through God’s grace, not only of forgiving once, or a handful of times, but an unfathomable number of times. If we reflect on the patience and compassion God has shown to us, we will be equipped to show the same mercy to others.

How is this kind of tireless forgiveness possible? Only through God’s love. Our merciful king does not sit back on his throne, far apart from us, and expect us to forgive others on our own strength. God, our merciful king, is close to those who have suffered harm and who have been sinned against. God knows human pain in the suffering of his Son, Jesus. Moved with compassion, the Lord has reconciled us with him in baptism and patiently forgives our sins in the sacrament of reconciliation. By partaking in the Eucharist and sharing in our Lord’s Body and Blood, we are reconciled with one another and strengthened as we strive to continue to forgive. Close especially to the brokenhearted, our merciful king reveals his love to us in our daily lives, especially when we bring our troubles to him in prayer.

As we come to Mass and receive the Eucharist, may we become the Communion we receive, abiding together in harmony through the Father’s mercy and our acts of forgiveness.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly



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 the fall on Thursday evenings in the Parish Center.

Please use the link for your participant’s guide:

https://ascensionpress.com/products/foundations-of-faith-a-journey-through-the-catechism-of-the-catholic-church-study-set?variant=46071344332992


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.



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.

All are welcome - no experience necessary. Optional: bring a journal. Contact Jessica Hildebrand with any questions at Jessica.m.hildebrand@gmail.com. Please hit the link to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090944A5AE28A3F58-65319449-sspp



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.