Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20. The Lord tells Shebna, the scribe, I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station and replace you with the honorable Eliakim. In the second reading, Paul writes to the Romans about the inscrutable judgements and unsearchable ways of God: For from him and through him and for him are all things. In the Gospel, Peter answers Jesus’ question, saying, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus blesses Peter and proclaims him as the rock upon whom he will build his Church.

Domenico 21A Del tempo Ordinario 

Ogni comunità umana, per la sua vita ordinate, richiede la presenza e l’azione di una legittima autorità, al servizio di tutti. Gli uomini sono figli del medesimo Padre che sta nei cieli, che ha creato esseri socievoli, che si realizzano in una serie continua di relazioni. A chi accetta di far parte della Chiesa, Gesù ha dato l’opportunità di sentirsi capito, compreso, amato e guidato.

常年期第二十一主日 

今天聖伯多祿對耶穌的答話：「祢是基督，永生天主之子。」這句話澄清了人對耶穌的各種身份所持的謬見，耶穌的答覆：「西滿，約納的兒子，你是有福的，因為啟示你的不是血肉之人，而是我在大之父。」耶穌是天主！千真萬確。此外還有一件重要的事，耶穌說：「我還要告訴你，你是伯多祿，在這磐石上，我要建立我的教會……我把天國的鑰匙交給你，你在地上捆綁的，在天上也要被捆綁……。」耶穌是真天主真人；教宗代表基督，伯多祿的繼承者統治教會，世世代代一脈相承。以上兩端重要的信德的道理。 

也許有人不願忍受任何權力，會為此而爭論，但一個真正的基督信徒，會承認，基督為了使世人能安穩地度教徒的生活，走救靈的道路，建立了至聖、至一、至公、從宗徒傳下來的教會，為世人安排了獲登天國的途徑。

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

If today Jesus were to appear among us and ask the question, "Who do people say that I am?" or "Who do you say that I am?" what would our answer be? When Jesus and his disciples were in Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples two questions: first, what people say about who he is, and second, who they think he is. 

When Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter quickly answered on behalf of the rest of the disciples: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Although Peter did not know God’s plan when Jesus explained that his mission was to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die, Peter responded, “Teacher, no way. You should not go to Jerusalem.”

Despite Peter's personality, Jesus revealed that God the Father bestowed a blessing upon Peter and chose him to be the leader of the church. Peter loved Jesus and was willing to sacrifice his life to follow him, but he did not know what was waiting for him in the task ahead. 

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to the mountain for the Transfiguration for them to see Jesus in his full identity. Peter was overwhelmed by what he experienced and wanted to remain up on the mountain. But Jesus wants Peter to go down to the mountain and face the reality.  

Today’s Gospel clearly emphasizes the significance of each of our identities. Peter represents us in responding confidently about who Jesus is. As believers, we are closely connected to the identity of Jesus. We recognize Jesus in the Holy Eucharist when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ during the consecration. Then, at Holy Communion, we receive Jesus. When the priest says, “The Body of Christ,” we respond, “Amen,” which means we believe this is the Body of Jesus Christ. This is how we identify who Jesus is.

As we attend the Eucharist and receive Jesus, we are called to go out and witness the Good News. We help others to know who Jesus is by the way we live, how we speak, and how we act in the way that Jesus commands us to do. 

Have a blessed week! 

Fr. Tho

Mass Intentions For The Week

 Sunday              August 23, 2026
8:45     Dolores Smolen +
10:15  Richard G. Ow + – John Enna +
12:00  For the People of Saints Peter and Paul – Gaetana Sanfilippo +
5:00     The Edward & Eileen Ziomek & Myrtle Lane Families + 

Monday             August 24, 2026
7:00     Nina Ngoc Nhi Duong +
9:00     Maria Russo & Luigi Cirelli + – Fr. Armand Oliveri, SDB + 

Tuesday            August 25, 2026
7:00     Frank Sanguinetti +
9:00     Glen Haney + – Thomas Deely + 

Wednesday    August 26, 2026
7:00     Lorraine DeNicolai +
9:00     Rosa Pierucci + ‑ Fr. John Gibson, SDB, & Family +                              

Thursday          August 27, 2026
7:00     Edward & Ernest Sabini +
9:00     Franco, Pia, & Lodovico Ortesi + – Eric Bigone + 

Friday                 August 28, 2026
7:00     Intention of Ayana Marie Coleman – Daniella Lenzini +
9:00     Pietro, Adele, & Elena Domenici + –  Angelo Piccinini +                     

Saturday          August 29, 2026
7:30     Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
9:00     Les & Teresa Favrat +
5:00     Intention of Elba McIntosh

Baptisms
Julia Lopez 

Marriages
Ian Codery & Nicole Firenze
Michael Brandi & Giuliana Alioto

Particular Items 

Second Collection: Today we will have a second collection for the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal. Please help us meet this shared obligation! 

School Begins: School begins this week and we welcome back our wonderful Pre– K and grades K through 8 students and teachers! 

Eucharistic Adoration & Confession/ Anointing of the Sick: We have Adoration & Confession every Friday, following the 7:00 AM Mass. And on the first Friday of the month we have the Anointing following the 7:00 AM Mass. 

玫瑰經 Chinese Apostolate First Sunday Rosary: The Apostolate meets every first Sunday of the month, following the 10:15 AM Mass, to pray the Rosary in the Don Bosco Room. 

Children & Youth Faith Formation: Growing in Faith, Living with Joy!  Children and youth in home, public, & private schools from Kindergarten through Grade 12 are prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation, and to deepen their relationship with Jesus  and to become active members of the Catholic Church. Sessions begin in September and run through May. Students are required to attend Mass every Sunday at 8:45 AM, and classes follow from 9:45 –11:00 AM. Our approach is rooted in the Salesian charism, a joyful, welcoming, and family-like environment, directed by Sr. Maria Luong, FMA. Flyers are on the tables, or go here for more information or to register.

Bible Study Resumes: Bible Study with Deacon Khoa will resume on September 3 and each following Thursday at 7:00 PM.

Is God Calling You? Discover OCIA! Are you interested in learning more about the Catholic faith? The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is a welcoming journey for anyone:

· Seeking Baptism,
· Coming from another Christian tradition,
· Or looking to complete the sacraments,
· Join us for open discussion, prayer, and community.

When: Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
· Program begins September 23, 2026 – Pentecost 2027
· Where: Don Bosco Room
Contact: Deacon Edward to register or ask questions, at:
Sspp-ocia@salesiansspp.org 

Come, open your heart to the wonderful future God wants to give you!  Let us walk beside you as you seek guidance and answers to your faith and spiritual path. 

School Golf Tournament! On September 28 at the Sonoma Golf Club, Saints Peter and Paul School will host their third annual golf tournament. The 18-hole tournament is the perfect chance to reconnect with classmates and make new connections with the Salesian Family. And all proceeds from the event benefit the school’s scholarship fund! 

For full details and tickets, visit ssppevents.org

Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School & Pre-K Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at the school at lharris@sspeterpaulsf.org, or Jessyca Ng at the Pre-K at jng@sspeterpaulsf.org to learn more.

Sponsor a Student! The Salesians started by educating the children of the poor and we are not about to stop now—but like Don Bosco before us we need your help! We invite financially able parishioners to help with this ministry. Please call Fr. Tho at 415-421-0809 or Dr. Lisa Harris at 415-421-5219.

Archdiocesan Annual Appeal: This year, our Archdiocesan Annual Assessment is $74,903. So far 50 families/parishioners have given or pledged $47.153 leaving us with a balance of $27,750. If you are able, consider joining the 1% club—give $749. That’s just $2.50 a day—less than a cup of coffee!

Inspired by the Dream of Don Bosco! Eucharistic Rosary Congress, October 7-15 2026: Star of the Sea Parish warmly invites you to the 2026 Eucharistic Rosary Congress, dedicated to honoring Our Lord in the Most Blessed Sacrament through continuous Eucharistic Adoration, the Holy Rosary, and communal prayer. The congress will include guest speakers, special Masses, processions, and more. For more information, visit starparish.com/eucharistic-rosary-congress/

Salesian Young Adults: THE YAG has Bible study, board games, monthly Mass, volunteering, excursions and so much more. Events will be posted weekly on the Grapevine, the website for young Bay Area Catholics, and you can learn more here. yag.salesians.sspp@gmail.com

Salesian Religious Vocations: 

St. John Bosco began his ministry to youth in 1841. Today the Salesians continue that ministry for young people in schools, parishes, and youth centers (Salesian Oratories) throughout the world.  Are you thinking of a religious vocation? To talk to a Vocation Director or for more information, please contact us: 

Salesian Sisters: Sr. Sydney Moss, FMA - Vocations Coordinator, (210) 317-1341.vocations@salesiansisterswest.org 

Salesian Brothers and Priests: Vocations Office, (562) 925-2250, vocations@salesiansf.org.

"Lord send us, to be signs and bearers of YOUR LOVE for the young!"

Catholic Primary Medical Care right in our Parish! Looking for a new primary care provider? Bella Primary Care offers healthcare in accordance with Catholic principles. They are located at 2000 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 304, in San Francisco. Now scheduling appointments for:
Adolescents: School and sports physicals for ages 12 to 18 years
Women and Men: Comprehensive annual exams & preventative care, diagnosis and treatment
Women's Health: Gynecology, 24-Week Prenatal Program including pregnancy verification, initial ultrasound and blood work.
Fertility: Fertility Optimization Program using natural fertility assessment methods.  

For appointments, call 415-775-1500 or email our office at info@bellaprimarycare.org.

We look forward to caring for your families in a Christ-centered way!

Liturgical Calendar
Sunday              23          The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday             24          Bartholomew; Apostle
Tuesday             25          Louis; King, Joseph Calasanz; Priest
Wednesday     26          Weekday in Ordinary Time
Thursday           27          Monica
Friday                28          Augustine; Bishop, Doctor
Saturday            29          The Passion of St. John the Baptist
Sunday               30          The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Your gifts of August 15 & 16: $2,750.
Weekly Goal:  $8,670.
Shortfall:           $5,920.
The Assumption: $175. 

We are always in shortfall. Fr. Tho asks for your help Please consider donating an amount equal to a breakfast or lunch or movie ticket. Your parish needs & appreciates your support!