October 8, 2025

Dear Parishioners,

We are deep in Ordinary Time in the Church year. Ordinary Time is the liturgical season that focuses on the life and teachings of Christ: his travels, encounters, ministry, and miracles. It focuses on growing in faith and discipleship rather than celebrating specific feasts and solemnities. So, while “ordinary” in number (from the word ordinal), the stories are usually not ordinary (as in usual) in scope. Often they are about moments or events that are completely unexpected.

In the Gospel, ten lepers desperately seek healing from Jesus. They yell to him, calling him by name, asking for his pity. Jesus sees them and tells them to show themselves to the priests in order to be cleansed. After this miracle, only one returns to Jesus, glorifying God. The one who comes is a Samaritan – a foreigner who would probably be seen as the least likely to come back glorifying God. Jesus sends him forth, telling him that his faith saved him.

In this passage, the Samaritan’s faith was recognized in the way he glorified God. This is similar to what we see in the Old Testament when Naaman ritualistically plunges himself into the Jordan to be cleansed of leprosy. Upon his healing, he proclaims God as the one, true God. Naaman wholeheartedly declared a newfound faith.

These are powerful examples of what it means to recognize God with eyes of faith. As we look around today, let us consider where we recognize God in our lives and in those around us. As in Scripture passages, God may be at work in unexpected places. But he is also in the mundane and daily moments of life, even in those things we take for granted: Having a roof over our heads, having food to eat, having breath in our lungs, and our relationships with friends and loved ones. All of these are from God and reminders of his presence and care in our lives. Even if we endure suffering, trials, and burdens, we can see him in the grace he gives us to persevere and endure.

Each day we are given opportunities to embrace this challenge. As we prepare to celebrate this Eucharist, may we ask the Lord for the grace to recognize his presence in all things, most especially in his Body and Blood, as well as in the lives of our brothers and sisters, near and far, who are also living signs of his presence in our lives. 

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly




This week, Father Alar welcomed and invited us to “walk through the Mass.” We learned that the Mass is entirely SCRIPTURAL!

1. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

2. We gather together as a body and soul composite. We use gestures during mass as a community:

Standing = a sign of respect
Kneeling = humility; petitioning the Lord
Sitting = a receptive position (to receive the Word of the Lord)
Genuflecting = reverence (before the Blessed Sacrament)
Bowing = reverence (at the name of Jesus)
Singing = unites personal and communal prayer
Silence = we hear God speak to us in our heart

Next week: Participation; Mass as sacrifice and meal. Please arrive 8 minutes before Mass begins – you won’t want to miss it!

This video series has been condensed and excerpted from Father Chris Alar’s “The Mass Explained – Explaining the Faith” video, with permission.



It is with great news that I announce that our parish prayers have been heard and we will be adding a new addition to the clergy status here. I have been informed by the Archbishop that we will be receiving a Parochial Vicar.

We will warmly welcome Rev. Ganong Suh (Fr. Joseph) sometime in mid or late October. 

Fr. Joseph will be coming to us from Cameroon, Africa. Before he arrives here, he will be spending time with Fr. Wilfred, parochial administrator of St. Martin de Porres in North Philadelphia, and the only other Cameroon priest stationed in the Archdiocese. Fr. Wilfred will help Fr. Joseph navigate living in the US and acclimate him to the archdiocese and Catholic culture here. When the Office of Clergy decides he is ready, they will send him out to live in the beautiful countryside of West Chester.

I have spoken with Fr. Joseph via Zoom and he is very excited to be coming here to minister to our parish families. The official language of Cameroon is French and English, so his understanding and speaking of the English language is second nature to him. I personally enjoyed our conversation and understood everything that was said. 

Fr. Joseph's visa is only good for 3 years here in the US and we are not guaranteed to have him for all those years. Therefore, our Mass schedule will remain the same and we will continue to be stuck with the rain and Fr. Dennis!!

I pray and ask you to warmly welcome him, as you did me and be patient with Fr. Joseph as he continues to grow accustomed to the rolling hills of Chester County. I am confident that you will all inspire him as our new parochial Vicar; as you do to me everyday as your Pastor. 

Please continue to pray for Fr. Joseph, all priests and especially an increase to vocations to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.



The crew will begin working on the lighting restoration in the Church all week so there will be no Exposition today. We have 3 funerals next week since we were unable to have any this week. Secondly, the library is closed until October 14 as the workers equipment is being stored in the library. Thank you for your patience!




The Shepherds of Bethlehem imports all of their works of reverent art from the finest Christian craftsmen in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. In these challenging times, with ongoing war, it’s extremely difficult for the Christian community, which relies on tourism or pilgrimages. Many families struggle to provide food for their children.

Let us be your connection to the Holy Land.

We are honored to bless your home and the homes of your loved ones with unique, handmade gifts lovingly carves by our talented craftsmen. Each one of a kind piece will serve as a devout and stunning visual reminder of the presence of God, your relationship to the Lord, and your connection to the Holy Land. We will display after the scheduled Masses on October 18, 19.





 
Enjoy a few moments of peaceful presence with our Lord. Led by fellow parishioner, Christian meditation teacher and Catholic author, Jessica Hildebrand.

Step aside from your everyday exhaustions, take a seat, and welcome the guidance and space to connect with the Lord.

Each session includes a brief explanation of Christian mediation practice, 30 minute guided meditation, and time for reflection.

We hope to have you with us!!