Thank you for your most generous donations to our recent school supply drive for the Ridley Park Food Pantry. Multiple bags filled with stationery supplies assure that many students will be able to commence the new school year well equipped to handle any task and assignment. Thank you again!
The 2026/2027 academic year for students at our parish school of Notre Dame de Lourdes begins this Tuesday 1 September with half-day sessions. Open House for Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, and Kindergarten will also be held this week. Full day school sessions will be conducted after the Labor Day Holiday.
“If you wish, you can be taught; if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd. If you are willing to listen, you will learn; if you give heed, you will be wise. Frequent the company of elders; whoever is wise, stay close to him. Be eager to hear every godly discourse; let no wise saying escape you. If you see a man of prudence, seek him out; let your feet wear away his doorstep! Reflect on the precepts of the Lord, let his commandments be your constant meditation; Then he will enlighten your mind, and the wisdom you desire he will grant.” – Sirach 6:32-37
Let us pray: “Lord God, your Spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us your ways, Look upon these students. Let them enjoy their learning and take delight in new discoveries. Help them to persevere in their studies and give them the desire to learn all things well. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that students and teachers alike may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, for ever and ever. Amen.” – The Book of Blessings
The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the pathway to baptism and full communion into the Roman Catholic Church. The OCIA is designed for:
- Those who are unbaptized – the catechumens – who are seeking the three Sacraments of Initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion
- Those who were baptized in a Christian faith who are seeking full communion with the Catholic Faith through the Sacraments of Confirmation, and Holy Communion
- Those who were baptized Catholics and received Holy Communion, but who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation
The OCIA assists people who are in one of these three groups who desire to receive the Sacraments of Initiation and to be welcomed into the Roman Catholic Church. Our parish OCIA commences its weekly meetings in September. You are most welcome to invite anyone – a Catholic who has not been confirmed, a non-Catholic who wishes to explore the teachings of the Catholic Faith, or an unbaptized adult, to explore our OCIA. More information about the OCIA can be obtained by contacting Deacon Bill Koniers at dnkoniers@olpparish.org, or by phone: 203-395-6242. Thank you! – “Go out and invite to the feast whomever you find.” Matthew 22:9
Likewise, many parish social activities return during the month of September. These include:
Karaoke Night – The Drama Program will celebrate the new season with a Karaoke Night on Saturday 12 September at the Our Lady of Peace Gymnasium Yard beginning at 5:30pm. Come celebrate the Vigil Mass with us at 4:30pm and then spend some time “Under the Sea” with our talented drama students. All are most welcome.
Flea Market – Vendors will be available at the Our Lady of Peace parking lot from 8:00am until 2:00pm on Saturday 19 September for a Flea Market and Yard Sale.
School Carnival – The Notre Dame de Lourdes School Carnival will be conducted from Thursday 24 September through Saturday 26 September. We had one spectacular night of fantastic weather sandwiched between some inclemency last year. Hopefully Our Blessed Lady will grace us with beautiful weather for each of the three nights this year.
Golf Outing: The Father Karl Zeuner Golf Classic, benefitting Notre Dame de Lourdes School, will be on Friday 18 September beginning at 9:00am at the Town & Country Golf Links in Woodstown, NJ.
Mass Readings and reflection questions for the 22nd Ordinary Sunday (Cycle A) – 30 August 2026
Jeremiah 20:7-9 – Have you faced scorn, or were mocked because of your faith? / Have you ever felt uncomfortable with what God was asking of you? / Describe the feeling of your heart burning within you when you experience the grandeur of your relationship with God.
Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 – R: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God. – The 63rd Psalm is prayed on Sunday mornings during the Liturgy of the Hours. Why is this psalm a fitting way to start a week? / What is your soul? Why does your soul thirst for God? Do you?
Romans 12:1-2 – What are the things you have conformed yourself to? How can you change course? How is being transformed different from being conformed? / How often do you discern what is the will of God? What areas of your life are good, pleasing, and perfect?
Matthew 16:21-27 – Compare and contrast St. Peter’s conversation with Jesus to Jeremiah’s conversation with God. / Compare and contrast this Gospel with the reading from Romans. / What are the obstacles you face in your faith life? What are your crosses? / What repayment are you expecting from the Son of Man and his Angels?