October 22, 2025

What we see unfolding in our nation is a vicious pattern of hatred rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of the family. We can eradicate these ills only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order.

We are living through a perilous moment. Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law, and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families, and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters.

Bishop Michael Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington, VA



Dear Parishioners,

As we know, Jesus used parables to teach his disciples or the crowd a lesson. Sometimes, they sound a bit vague or the meaning isn't obvious to our modern ears.

Even at the start, St. Luke says this parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector was aimed at those convinced of their own righteousness. Jesus is about to tell them a story that would knock them down a few pegs to live a more authentic spiritual life. The figure of the Pharisee is almost akin to a caricature--he is praying in an extremely haughty way that might make all of us uneasy. Indeed, his prayer is not even to God. He does not lift his eyes to heaven when he prays; he asks for God's mercy because he is a sinner. Jesus concludes the story with his primary point. Those who sit on high will be humbled, and those who are humble will be lifted up before God.

In the Book of Sirach, God's concern for the humble is also emphasized. The prayer of those who are most vulnerable--the lowly--is described as being prioritized. It does not stop until it reaches the Most High. They might be overlooked and downtrodden now, but God is listening to them. In the same way, the tax collector might have been overlooked by the world and afraid to even ask God for mercy, but God was waiting for him.

As we reflect on these readings, we might wonder who we are and more like, the Pharisee or the Tax Collector. A Pharisee of today might be someone who has become rigid in their faith to the point where they have lost the meaning of it. They might be going through the motions, presuming there is nothing left to uncover or change their heart. The Tax Collector of today might be someone who feels abandoned or unworthy to petition God. It might be someone who presumes they have already been judged and there is no room for mercy. Perhaps sometimes we feel more like one than the other. Jesus wants us to know that he is listening and has a deep concern for us.

As we continue our prayer, let us root ourselves in the Eucharist. This sacrament is a perfect model for us of self-emptying love and humility. Let us keep striving and working to follow this model, confident in God's unending mercy and love.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly




The SPECIAL All Souls Day envelopes, where you are free to write your deceased loved ones names on, will be placed next to the Tabernacle for the whole month of November, and your loved ones will be remembered at all of the Masses for the month.

These envelopes should be placed in the collection basket before November 2nd!

This year, All Souls falls on a Sunday, so please be mindful to use the correct envelope that day for your normal Sunday contribution. It is the basic envelope with the date, not the SPECIAL envelope where you may write names on. This will help the Sunday counters in their counting of the collections.




On Sunday, November 2 at 4:30 PM, we will celebrate a special Mass in remembrance of all those parishioners who were called home to the Lord this past year. At this Mass, these recently deceased parishioners will be remembered in a special way. All are welcome to attend.




The Knights are collecting cold weather clothing again this year. Any size in men's, women's, or children's.

Coats, long johns, sweaters, cold weather accessories, shoes and boots.

Please leave your donations in the container in the Narthex. Final pick up day is November 30.

Thank you for blessing those in need with your kind donations.




We invite you to join the Saints Peter and Paul community in honoring the Sacred Heart in Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament on Friday, November 7 at 7:00 PM. 

Concluding at 8:00 PM, this First Friday Holy Hour will consist of Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, Evening Prayer, the Litany of the Eucharist.

In the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta:

“When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how
much Jesus loved you then, when you look at the
Sacred Host, you understand how Jesus loves you”




The Mass begins BEFORE you walk into church, starting at home as you prepare your mind and heart.

At church the Introductory Rite begins:

1. Entrance Antiphon (scriptural) or Hymn. The priest venerates (kisses) the altar–the table for the Meal with the Cross on the altar for the Sacrifice.

2. Greeting. We make the Sign of the Cross (marking ourselves as belonging to God). The priest’s greeting “The Lord be with you” establishes that God is present. We reply, “And with your Spirit” (2 Timothy 4:22).

3. Penitential Act. We call to mind our sins and ask for God’s mercy. The “Confiteor” cleanses us of our venial sins. The priest prays “May Almighty God have mercy on us…” and then leads the “Lord Have Mercy” (Tobit 8:4).

4. Gloria. The beginning was first sung by the angels for Christ’s birth.

Next week: The Liturgy of the Word. Please arrive 8 minutes early to be here for the video presentation – don’t miss it!

(This video series has been condensed and excerpted from Father Chris Alar’s “The Mass Explained –

Explaining the Faith” video, with permission.)



Librarian recommendations from the Monsignor Foley Library located in the Narthex



This novel is based on the true World War II story of an improbable hero, an Italian teenager living in Milan during the Nazi occupation. Pino Lella helped Jewish people escape through the Alps, and later became the driver for General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most powerful commanders. Pino’s remarkable courage and intelligence resulted in spying for the Allies while he endured and witnessed the horrors of war.


The story of Jesus’s life recreated in photographs presents His baptism, childhood, death, and
resurrection in a realistic way for children, as if the photographer was actually there.


This comprehensive work by a respected historian and practicing Catholic details the fascinating and complicated history of the Catholic Church. He brings to life the characters, both noble and notorious, who have influenced Church history, while appropriately including the testimony of the saints throughout the ages.

The library is self-service. Please feel free to browse the shelves and sign out/sign in your borrowed items using the binder. Returned items may be placed in the Return Basket.

*Please note that the library has limited space and is not accepting donated items.