Today the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, the parents of the Blessed Mother and the grandparents of Jesus. The Catholic Church, in recognition of this feast day celebrates the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly each year on 26 July. Pope Leo, as a reminder of God’s unwavering love, has chosen “I will never forget you” (Isaiah 49:15) as the theme for this year’s commemoration. The following is the prayer for this occasion from the Vatican Dicastery of Laity, Family and Life.
Holy Father, who watches over every person, watch over me too. You have revealed your name to me in Christ, and you are not discouraged by my frailties. You hold me tenderly in your hands, and you will never forget me! Grant that I may not fear my weaknesses; help me to learn from them, to listen to them, and to embrace them, in imitation of you who chose to clothe yourself in humility. Give us the strength to live humbly, and the fortitude to face the challenges that come with advanced years. May we stay united to you who will never forget us. Amen.
Our Lord never forgets us and likewise, we never forget God through our care and concern for each other. We can keep in our daily prayer those individuals who are listed in our parish bulletin, either on the care of the infirm, the Mass intentions for the week, or for those who have candles illuminated for them. Listening to the stories of others, regardless of age, is a fascinating way to deepen our appreciation for the diversity of perspectives and it exposes us to the immense canyon of grace that every person has received and is eager to bestow.
All Masses, weekends and weekdays, celebrated at Our Lady of Peace Church are livestreamed. Should you need a pastoral visit, require the Sacrament of Anointing, or would like an Extraordinary Minister of the Blessed Sacrament to distribute Holy Eucharist to you please feel free to contact the Rectory (610-532-8081). Also, a daily reflection by a member of our clergy is presented on our various social media platforms. These little spiritual nuggets offer prayer, reflection, a saint of the day, and scripture citations for that day. Peace, blessings, joy, and quietude!
Thank you for your generous support of our Christmas in July Giving Trees. These trees are decorated with ornaments representing the various gifts that will be used at our annual Christmas Bazaar. You have already responded so caringly by donating gift cards and purchasing various products that will be featured at the Bazaar. The trees will soon be returned to the North Pole where the Elves of Peace will prepare them for their next appearance in the autumn. Thank you again for your flurry of support in making our Christmas in July celebration so festive. I am indeed a happy snowman!
Our First Youth Ministry Mass will be celebrated next Sunday, 2 August at 6pm at Our Lady of Peace Church. This Mass will be followed by refreshments and an initial organizational meeting in the Rees Room (OLP Gym first floor meeting room). All are most welcome to attend and celebrate with us.
Our Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) educates our parish children about their faith life; their prayer and spirituality and prepares them for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Level 2) First Holy Communion (Level 2) and Confirmation (Level 7). Prior years of PREP education is a prerequisite for enrollment in Sacramental preparation. PREP is conducted on Tuesday afternoons (4:30 – 5:45) September through April at our Notre Dame de Lourdes Campus. PREP classes begin on Tuesday 22 September.
Our online PREP Registration for the 2026/2027 School Year continues. PREP fees are $150.00 (one student), $200.00 (two students), and $250.00 (for three or more students). Payments may be made through Venmo, cash or check at Our Lady of Peace Rectory. PREP registration closes on 15 November. Thank you.
Mass Readings and reflection questions for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle “A” – 26 July 2026
1st Kings 3:5, 7-12 – Have you ever felt or been told that you were too young to do something? Too old? Do you tell yourself that? / What do you ask of God? Has he given this to you? Why or why not? / What is the largest group that you have supervised, governed, or managed? How did you serve their needs? / Compare and contrast Solomon’s request for an understanding heart with the description of God from last Sunday’s first reading – Wisdom 12:13, 16-19.
Responsorial Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 – R. Lord, I love your commands. – Who, or what are precious in your life? Do you consider your relationship with God as precious? / Who, or what gives you comfort? Do you consider God as a source of comfort? Why, or why not? / How effectively are you keeping the Lord’s commands? With which commands do you struggle to observe? / Where do you need God to shed light in your life?
Romans 8:28-30 – Do you trust that all things will work out for the good? / For what purpose has God called you? / How well have you been conformed to the image of the Son? What keeps you from doing so?
Matthew 13:44-52 – Have you ever found a treasure that you had forgotten? What aspects, or observances of your faith may you have forgotten? In this reading, why did the person who found the treasure bury it again? / What are the things that your faith is asking you to buy? To sell? / How frequently do you haul your net ashore and examine your conscience? / What are the items in your storeroom? Which is the eldest item? Which items do you treasure most? Why?