August 20, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

Isaiah had prophesied of when the Lord would reveal himself to all nations and the whole world would see his glory and be invited to share in his eternal life. The moment of Epiphany, the time when the Magi visited and encountered the infant Jesus, is the symbol of God’s revelation of his salvation to the entire world, not just the Jewish people. Thus, with the revelation, came the invitation and the calling of all to God, as members of the Body of Christ. Luke’s Gospel was critical in spreading this Good News.

The Gospel story in Luke about salvation and the narrow gate is neither new nor shocking to us today. It helps to know, however, that Luke’s narration of Jesus’ words were to a primarily Gentile audience. These were men, women, and children who had not known covenantal life with God under the Mosaic law, and so were not subject to its conventions, but were being offered the same opportunity for relationship with the Father and eternal life as given by the Son. So, naturally, they had questions!

Lord, will only a few people be saved? Jesus’ response is essentially, “all are invited, but not everyone will show up.” Then he takes the time to help the people understand so they may indeed be well-prepared to make the journey. First, salvation requires effort on our part. We are offered and shown the way, but we are to strive to enter. Second, it is not those who claim to know God who will be saved but only those who do his will and avoid evil.

How do we strive to enter? Certainly not by pushing people out of the way and trying to be first. Instead, all of the New Testament gives us the “how” of striving: love God and one another; carry each other’s burdens and carry your cross; sacrifice, pray, and give alms; be merciful and forgiving. 

We walk the path of discipleship together, and we can help each other reach the narrow gate, but each one must pass through it alone. We step through it with the help of the Holy Spirit who knows us because it’s not the first time he, or the Father or the Son, is meeting us.

In a very sobering way, Jesus makes it clear that exclusion from the kingdom is a possibility and a place of tremendous sorrow and regret – a place where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. The warning emphasizes the Good News being offered: there is salvation! It is freely offered, it is available to be freely chosen, God does not force us, and it is attainable. We need only to listen and follow.

God’s salvific will and the offering of salvation to all is how we arrived here. With his grace we have been given the gifts of faith, the Church, and her sacraments to grow in that faith and to conform ourselves more fully to Christ. The closer we are to imitating him, the easier our striving will be, and the “roomier” that space will be within the narrow gate.

God Love Ya,
Fr. Reilly














As part of the recent Assess and Learn process, our parish Next Generation Parish (NGP) team evaluated our parish’s mission and vision statements. Our mission statement was modified slightly to become:

“Saints Peter and Paul Parish is a community of Catholics growing spiritually while serving and leading people to Christ.”

The vision statement was also slightly amended to read: “Saints Peter and Paul Parish is a welcoming and vibrant Catholic family active in uplifting liturgy, faith-based activities, and outreach. We boldly and courageously witness our faith as authentic disciples of Jesus Christ.”

The NGP team decided it would be best to focus on two priority areas going forward.

The first priority is Developing Personal and Communal Holiness. The team working on this priority is exploring better communication of upcoming parish activities on a weekly basis and offering more activities attractive to parishioners in their 20s and 30s and to men.

The second priority moving forward is Fostering Relationships to Develop Community. To foster an increase in our parish’s sense of community, this team is already planning a Phillies tailgate/watching party, and is looking for ways to increase our use of social media and our narthex monitor for communication.

Two other priority areas from the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan – Uplifting Liturgies and Personal Outreach – while not a focus of the next plan, will continue their ongoing work with the existing committees, building on the significant successes already achieved.






Here is your opportunity to develop a better understanding of Jesus’ Divine Mercy through the eyes of St. Faustina. A new group is forming that will begin a guided journey through The Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska which not only explains the origins of this devotion, but also contains many beautiful conversations between Jesus and his “secretary of Divine Mercy.” Our small group will study the diary with the help of the Cenacle Formation Manual, Holy Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Before discussing a section of the diary, the group prays for parish intentions and recites the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

Our first meeting is on Tuesday, September 9 at 7:00 PM. The group will meet every other Tuesday (along with other pre-existing Cenacle groups) at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Center.

If you would like to attend or get more information, please email brmagee@outlook.com.



Join Dr. Tim Gray in this engaging 14 part series as we explore the Gospel of Mark like never before. We'll dive into this action-packed narrative, which reflects St. Peter's firsthand account of Christ's life and teachings.

The study will take place in two sessions-seven weekly lessons this Fall and seven in the Spring. Each lesson includes a video presentation and discussion using the study guide.

Study materials will be ordered as a group. The cost is approximately $25 per person, or $35 if you would like a leader guide that includes answers to the study questions.

All sessions will be held in the Parish Center beginning:

Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 18 at 10:00 AM


To reserve your study guide or request more information, please contact:

Jane Joyce at 610.429.3973 or jane.joyce@verizon.net

Marietta Moody at 61.692.6869 or yettamoody07@verizon.net



Saints 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!


Saints 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 jpeacock@sspeterandpaulrc.org.

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: 

https://school.sspeterandpaulrc.org/give-now