Ezekiel 18:25-28; Philippians 2:1-11 or 2:1-5; Matthew 21: 28-32. In our first reading, the Lord speaks to Israel through the prophet Ezekiel and tells them that the wicked who turn from sin shall live. In today’s Epistle, Paul exhorts the Philippians to live in unity, taking Jesus as their example of humility. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons whose father aske them to work in the vineyard; the first son refuses but later obeys.

Domenico 26A Del Tempo Ordinario 

Impegnarsi nel contesto della vita sociale senza tenerconto del comportamento altrui è rispondere a unachimata che rinnova l’intimo del cuore. La ricerca del bene degli altri è la via migliore per conseguire il proprio. Gesù, per amore si è fatto uomo, umiliandosi fino alla morte.

常年期第二十六主日 

許多時，世界各地發生了天災人禍時，有人會問：「天主在那裏？為什麼祂准許這種悲刻發生？」這問題真值得仔細思量。其實天主和我們一樣，為這些天災人禍感到極度悲痛。但我們要知道，這些年來，人心大變，世人祇要物質、「自由」、要為所欲為，要舒適，不要結婚、不要家庭、不要孩子。想做男人或女人都應該由自己決定，以為現在是自由的世代，天主的誡命可有可無；是我們把天主從政府、學校、家庭、生活、道德中趕走。是我們不需要天主，天主並沒有捨棄我們，也沒有降災來懲罰我們，是我們妄作胡為，咎由自取，擾亂了人性，擾亂了社會和大自然的秩序，是我們自甘墮落，以致達到了今天的地步。天主仍是在舊約時代一樣，向我們提出警告和勸說：「若惡人遠離他所行的惡事而遵行法律和正義………他必不至滅亡。」（讀經一）。 

聖保祿宗徒苦口婆心地要我們效法基督的謙遜：「祂雖具有天主的形體……卻使自己空虛……取了人的形體，貶抑自己……死於十字架上。」（讀經二）目的也無非是勸我們謙虛地服從天的誡命。 

今天的福音中，耶穌也向我們提出一個問題：「誰是真正履行父親意願的兒子？」我們也不妨問問自己：我怎樣履行天主的意願？天主在我心中佔着怎樣的地位？」 

「上主求祢教我認識祢的法度，教訓我履行祢的道路……引我進入真理之途」（詠25：4-5）

From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Last Wednesday, September 16, our parish pilgrimage group attended the Papal Audience. We were able to see the Pope about 10 feet from where we were sitting. It was wonderful to listen to his reflection, which I quote here: 

Catechesis. The Documents of the Second Vatican Council. IV. Pastoral Constitution Gaudium et spes (GS, 23-32). 3. The human community  

Brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! 

By dedicating the second chapter to the “human community”, the Constitution Gaudium et Spes (GS) invites us to consider “the growing interdependence of men” as “one of the salient features of the modern world” (no. 23). This reality must, however, find fulfilment “on the deeper level … of this communion between persons”, for which “a mutual respect for the full spiritual dignity of the person” is essential (ibid.). 

These are statements which, in our times, have taken on even greater urgency. On the one hand, technological development, the spread of the mass media and social media, and the ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence are opening up new possibilities, breaking down barriers and bridging distances; on the other hand, relationships are tending to become less and less personal, more virtual, and there is a risk of becoming accustomed to delegating to algorithms decisions that are the sole preserve of the human conscience. Ensuring that social relationships have real substance and personal depth is, in this regard, the contribution that the Christian community seeks to offer. 

The Council invites us to draw criteria and strength from God’s creative plan, in which He willed that “all men should constitute one family and treat one another in a spirit of brotherhood”, which is why “love for God and neighbor is the first and greatest commandment” which found its full revelation and complete fulfilment in Christ (cf. GS, 24). 

The perfection of the human person and the development of society must be regarded as closely interdependent: to set them against one another or separate them would be to render them meaningless. History, even recent history, clearly confirms this truth; we must therefore never tire of reiterating, in the words of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, that “the subject and goal of all social institutions is and must be the human person which for its part and by its very nature stands completely in need of social life” (GS, 25). 

From this perspective, Gaudium et Spes affirms that the diversity of people and peoples in the world must not be considered as a danger or a threat, but rather as a resource for enrichment and growth. Conflict, which at times degenerates into violence, is the result of the power of sin and the way it conditions mindsets and actions at every level, causing destruction and death. We must be ever more open to the logic of reciprocity, sharing and care, as is also the case amongst the various members of the human body (cf. 1 Cor 12:21–25). 

On this point, the Pastoral Constitution also offers a concise definition of the “common good”, recalling that it consists of “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own fulfilment” (GS, 26). At the same time, acknowledging the interdependence among peoples, its states that “every social group must take account of the needs and legitimate aspirations of other groups, and even of the general welfare of the entire human family” (GS, 26). 

Starting from this premise, the Council Fathers then set out some “practical and particularly urgent consequences” (GS, 27). First and foremost, respect for the human person. Gaudium et Spes states: “Whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia or willful self-destruction, whatever violates the integrity of the human person, such as mutilation, torments inflicted on body or mind, attempts to coerce the will itself; whatever insults human dignity, such as subhuman living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children; as well as disgraceful working conditions, where men are treated as mere tools for profit, rather than free and responsible persons; all these things and others of their like are infamies indeed” (ibid.). 

Second consequence: respect and love for adversaries or for those who think and act in ways different from our own (cf. GS, 28). 

Thirdly: the fundamental equality of all human beings, which demands social justice. The Document states: “Every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent” (GS, 29). 

Finally, the Council Fathers exhort us to overcome the individualistic mindset and to adopt an attitude of responsibility and participation (cf. GS, 30-31). 

Dear brothers and sisters, this vision of humanity as a “community of people” is a valuable legacy that the Second Vatican Council has left us. It helps us all to engage in personal and communal discernment, so that we may responsibly evaluate today’s social and political projects, based on the criteria of the dignity of the human person, social justice and free participation in constructing the common good. For the future of humanity depends on each person’s commitment to collaborate with God and with their brothers and sisters in building a more humane world (cf. GS, 30).” 

Have a blessed week! 

Fr. Tho

Mass Intentions For The Week 

Sunday              September 27, 2026
8:45     Lena Damato +
10:15  Soul of Teresa Tsih +
12:00  For the People of Saints Peter and Paul
5:00     Fr. John Malloy, S.D.B. + 

Monday             September 28, 2026
7:00     Frank Sanguinetti +
9:00     Jack & Joyce Fiori  + 

Tuesday            September 29, 2026
7:00     Anniversary of the Death of Edward DeNicolai +
9:00     Biagio & Pina Fazio + – Scott Rosner + 

Wednesday    September 30, 2026
7:00     Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
9:00     The Sanguinetti Family +                       

Thursday          October 1, 2026
7:00     Birthday of Luis G. San Gabriel, Jr.
9:00     Birthday of GB DeMartini + – Louis Greco + 

Friday                 October 2, 2026
7:00     The Intention of Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone
9:00     In Memory of Ilva Baccetti +                

Saturday          October 3, 2026
7:30     Anniversary of the Death of Mr. Lu Kim +
9:00     Birthday of Fernanda Matteucci +
5:00     Birthday of Steven Thomaczek

Marriages
Joseph Cotant & Katelyn Huerta
Roy Ortega & Liana Capurro 

Rest in Peace
Dominic Anthony Ferrari -Br. Patrick Barbariol, S.D.B.

Particular Items 

Second Collection: Today’s second collection is for the Priest’s Retirement Fund.

ATTENTION YOUNG MARRIED COUPLES! You are invited to the fifth St. Peter & Paul's Young Married Couples Community Group in the Rectory on Monday, September 28, from 6:30–8:00 PM, with parking available in the church garage. This group is designed for couples married for less than 10 years who are looking to build friendships, grow in faith, and connect with others in a welcoming community. Drinks and light bites will be provided

Bible Study: Every Thursday at 7:00 PM, Deacon Khoa leads us in Bible Study. Come join us in exploring the Word of God! 

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

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. 

Madonna del Lume: On October 3-4 we celebrate the feast of Madonna del Lume, beloved of the people of Sicily and those of Sicilian ancestry the world over. There will be Mass at the Fisherman’s Chapel at 9:30 AM on October 3, followed by the Memorial Service under the Golden Gate Bridge. On Sunday, October 4,  Mass will be celebrated here at 11:45 AM,  followed by the procession to Fisherman’s Wharf and dinner at the San Francisco Athletic Club. Flyers with more details are on the tables, or you can email: MDLnewsSF@yahoo.com 

COLUMBUS DAY Volunteers Needed! The 107th Annual Columbus Day Bazaar will be on October 10 & 11. We need parishioners to help set up and tear down and to help with shifts in the various booths. It’s a great way to meet others in the parish and all funds raised go to support the Church and School. Call or email Gibbons in the parish office to help. 

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. Flyers are on the tables. 

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 their sacraments. Flyers are on the tables.

Salesian Young Adults: The Saints Peter and Paul Young Adult Group Wants YOU! Grow your faith, make friends, do good! 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

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 52 families/parishioners have given or pledged $56,711 leaving us with a balance of $18,192. If you are able, consider joining the 1% club—give $749. That’s just $2.50 a day—less than a cup of coffee!

Liturgical Calendar
Sunday               27          The 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday              28          Wenceslaus; Martyr. Lawrence Ruiz & Companions; Martyrs
Tuesday             29          Michael, Gabriel, Raphael; Archangels
Wednesday     30          Jerome; Priest, Doctor
Thursday           01          Thérèse of the Child Jesus; Virgin, Doctor
Friday                02          The Holy Guardian Angels
Saturday            03          Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday               04          The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Your gifts of September 19 & 20:       $4,403.
Other Weekly General Donations:   $1,818.
Weekly Goal:  $8,670.
Shortfall:           $2,449. 

We are almost 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!