The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 6:1–2a, 3–8; Psalm 13; 1 Corinthians 15:1–11; Luke 5:1–11.  Isaiah reveals his calling in the first reading, describing a magnificent scene with the Lord surrounded by angels. Because he feels unworthy, one of the angels touches his lips with an ember, purging his sin. When Saul and Simon are called by the Lord they too immediately become aware of their sinfulness. Here in the presence of the Lord, we realize our own sinfulness and limitations. Let us also realize that the Lord still calls us to be disciples.

 
 
常年期第五主日
 
今天的福音記載耶穌在革勒湖邊講道，看到湖邊停着的兩隻漁船，祂上了其中之一、那是屬於伯多祿的，祂請伯多祿把船划開離岸邊，開始講道。後來又敎他們划到湖中深水處，捕到許多魚。這奇跡使伯多祿和同伴們，聽了耶穌的召喚，立刻放棄一切，跟隨了祂。我們可以想像，因着他們的船，耶穌可以沿着湖邊到附近的地方講道。日後耶穌了升天，他們更不畏危難，繼承耶穌的遺訓，到各地去傳揚天國的喜訊。
 
我們是不是也能像門徒們一樣，聽耶穌的話語，加入「漁人的漁夫」行列？要知道，我們每一個人在世上都有一個使命，那就是愛天主愛人，傳揚天國的福音。我們不能像門徒們一樣，到各處傳教，也不能像神父修士修女一樣，為愛天主而放棄家庭生活。我們不能登上講道台；也不能像許多偉人一樣，離鄉別井，到各地去傳教，­­­但我們可以像聖女小德蘭一樣，無論做任何事都懷着愛天主的心去做，帶着為傳揚聖教的意向，那怕是向一個陌生人微笑，表示友誼；忍耐一個無禮的對待；或是安慰一個失意傷心的人，都是有價值的。
 
星期三是聖灰禮儀日，封齋期開始。在這封齋期裏，讓我們敞開己自的心，好使更能取法天主的仁慈。星期四是露德聖母節。聖母是最肖似天主的受造物，讓我們求她教我們   、 幫助我們走近天主吧！




Acknowledging who we are before God is not just an act of humility but the beginning of a new journey that calls us to become something greater in Him.
We live in a society that places great importance on quantity. In other words, professionalism is highly valued. The concept of competence is frequently discussed today, and it’s clear that in order to excel in any field, we need individuals with the competence to perform the work. But how do we achieve this level of competence? What are the necessary requirements? A doctor, for example, undergoes years of study and practice; a construction worker spends countless hours in training; an artist creates an extensive body of work.

As we continue to strive for professionalism in order to better serve society, we believers can learn valuable lessons from the examples of Isaiah and Peter in today’s readings. We practice our Christian professionalism by entering the presence of God with a humble heart. When standing before God, we are reminded of our unworthiness, for we are merely His creatures, both flesh and spirit. We humbly acknowledge that we are not worthy to stand in His holiness. Though this idea of God may seem distant or even intimidating, this recognition brings us closer to Him. As we see in both the first reading and the Gospel passage, Isaiah and Peter find themselves ever belonging to God.

In today’s readings, we witness two very different encounters with God, but both result in similar outcomes. In the first reading, Isaiah has a vision of standing before God. Immediately, he recognizes his unworthiness, acknowledging himself as a sinful man living among a people of unclean lips, not deserving of such an experience. In an unexpected moment, an angel of the Lord touches his lips with a burning coal, purifying him. At that moment, Isaiah hears the voice of the Lord, and with courage, he responds, “Here I am, send me.”

This experience in the first reading parallels the encounter between Peter and Jesus in the Gospel. Initially, Peter is doubtful when Jesus asks him to cast his nets again. But the miraculous catch of fish leads him to realize that he is standing before the Lord, the Son of God. In a similar response to Isaiah, Peter falls to his knees and says, "Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." Jesus did not condemn Peter for his reality but instead comforted him, offering the opportunity: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” Jesus called Peter and his companions to become something greater than they could imagine, and they left everything behind to follow Jesus.

Through Luke’s account of Peter’s encounter with Jesus, we are reminded that a moment with the Lord our God can lead to a profound transformation in our lives. Let us take off our shoes to enter God’s holiness with a humble heart. May we take a moment to listen to what God proposes to us, a mission that leads to salvation. And let us pray for the courage to say "yes," to let go of anything that holds us back to say, “Here I am,” I said, “Send me!”

Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB
Parochial Vicar
 
Mass Intentions For The Week 

Sunday              February 9, 2025
 8:45     Luigi Marciano & Giuliana Marciano +
 10:15  Virginia Sanguinetti +
 12:00  For the People of Saints Peter and Paul – Lorenzo Simi +
 5:00     The Pierini & Spes Families + 

Monday             February 10, 2025
 7:00     Fred Sanguinetti +
 9:00     Silvio & Elvira Toso + – Lisa Cobler +

Tuesday            February 11, 2025
 7:00     Edward Sabini +
 9:00     Fr. Mario Rosso, SDB + &  Fr. Paul Maniscalco, SDB + – Intention Catarina Lai 

Wednesday    February 12, 2025
 7:00     Edward DeNicolai +
 9:00     Frank Germano + – Rich Scarpa + 

Thursday          February 13, 2025
 7:00     The Ettorina Cardella Family +
 9:00     Felice, Carmella, Biagio, & Pina Fazio + 

Friday                                 February 14, 2025
7:00     In Memory of Louis & Ilva Baccetti, Costantino & Giuseppina Laurent, and Norma & Beppe Frizza +
 9:00     Giuseppe & Angela Balestreri & Family &  Teresa Radjenovich + – Birthday of Cindy Ford + 

Saturday                          February 15, 2025
 7:30     Ettorina Cardella & Family +
 9:00     Frank & Helen Cassidy + – Maria Russo & Luigi Cirelli +
 5:00     Louis, Eugenia, & Raymond Raggio +
 
 
Particular Items 

Archbishops Annual Appeal 2025! Our AAA for 2025 has begun. This year’s assessment is $65,600, a little lower than last year’s., which we did not quite make. Let’s make it this year. So far, one person has given $656—1%. Join the 1% club! But all amounts greatly appreciated.  

Bible Study with Fr. Vien! Every Thursday Fr. Vien will host weekly Bible Study at 7:00 PM. Come join with others and  deepen your understanding of the Word of God!
 
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. 

Salesian Community Bingo is Back: Bingo resumes on Thursday, February 20. In the auditorium. Check-In/Registration begins at 6:00 pm. Limited parking in the Club yard starting at 6 pm. Opening Game at 6:30 pm. Call 415-397-3068 or visit salesianclub.org/events for tickets. 

2025 Marriage Anniversary Celebration: All husbands and wives are invited to invited to  St. Mary’s Cathedral to celebrate their sacramental wedding anniversaries on Saturday, February 23 at 10:00 AM. Archbishop Cordileone will celebrate the Mass and a reception will follow. Couples celebrating “5 year anniversaries" (5, 10, 15, 20…) will be recognized during the Mass. Registration by Feb. 14 is required at sfarch.org/event/2025-wedding-anniversary-celebration/ or by calling (415) 614-5574. $20 suggested donation per family. 

Mark your Calendars! & SAVE THE DATE! This year’s school Spring Fundraiser “The Greatest Show” will be on March 29 at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. More details & tickets will be available soon! Come and have a wonderful evening and support our school! 

Our Lady of Lourdes: On Tuesday, Holy Mother Church celebrates Our Lady of Lourdes. Come join us after the 7:00 AM Mass for the Rosary in the Lourdes Chapel. 

Bella Gala!
Support the ONLY Catholic Healthcare in San Francisco at the Bella Primary Care Founders Gala: Celebrate Bella’s third year of Life-Affirming Catholic Healthcare on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at St. Mary's Cathedral Event Center. 6:00 pm Cocktails | 7:00 PM Dinner. Proceeds from our gala will provide funding for our underinsured patients. For tickets and more info: bellafoundersgala.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 [email protected], or Barbara Simons at the Pre-K at [email protected] to learn more! 

Sponsor a Student! We are receiving more request for financial aid than ever before. The cost of living in San Francisco, plus the fall in religious vocations has made a Catholic education unreachable for many families. 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!

  
Our Centennial Celebration and Jubilee Year has begun! On November 9-10, 2024 we began the 100 Year Anniversary of Saints Peter and Paul Church.   What a great weekend! The Masses and the Renewal of Wedding Vows were holy and beautiful; both the Saturday and Sunday receptions were packed; the food was great, and the grace of God touched all! Go here for links to photos and videos. 
    
Remember, though, the Jubilee Celebration is for the whole year—see the indulgence granted to us by the Vatican at left! Let us take this year to gratefully reflect on the gifts given to us by God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; to honor those who have come before us, and to preserve our faith and our Church for our posterity!   
    
JUBILEE PLENARY INDULGENCE
On the Occasion of the Jubilee Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Church.

The Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome, charged with the granting of indulgences, has designated Saints Peter and Paul Church in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, California as a Vatican recognized site for Plenary Indulgence and has granted a Plenary Indulgence to the faithful who truly repent and are driven by charity under these certain conditions from November 1, 2024 until November 1, 2025. A Plenary Indulgence may also apply, through the faithful’s own sufferings, to the Souls in Purgatory. 
       
WHAT IS A PLENARY INDULGENCE?
  
An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment for sin the guilt of which is already forgiven, which a properly disposed member of the Christian faithful obtains under certain conditions with the help of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies authoritatively the treasure of the satisfaction of Christ and the saints. Code of canon Law (can. 992). A plenary indulgence can be gained only once a day. In order to obtain it, the faithful must, in addition to being in a state of grace, have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin.  You can download a flyer here on how to obtain this wonderful spiritual gift!    

Guess Who?

Guess who?  
Can you recognize this week’s lovely mystery married couple? 
 
Last week’s couple were Eric Von Esmarch & Gina Anderlini, married here back in 1997..  

Want to see more SSPP married couples? Go here, and you can find our full slideshow.  
  
  
Catholic Medical Care right in our Parish! Bella Primary Care offers primary & pediatric healthcare in accordance with Catholic principles. They are located at 2000 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 304, in San Francisco. Now scheduling appointments for: 
PEDIATRICS: Wellness visits for ages 6 months to 18 years with our pro-life pediatrician Dr. Virginia Schneider.
WOMEN and MEN: Comprehensive annual exam.
EXPECTANT MOMS: Pregnancy verification, initial ultrasound and blood work.
FERTILITY: Initial and follow-up appointments using natural fertility assessment methods. 
For appointments, call 415-775-1500 or email our office at [email protected].  We look forward to caring for your families in a Christ-centered way! 
 
Liturgical Calendar 
Sunday               09          The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Monday              10          Scholastica; Virgin
Tuesday             11          Our Lady of Lourdes
Wednesday       12          Weekday in Ordinary Time
Thursday           13          Weekday in Ordinary Time
Friday                14          Cyril Monk, & Methodius; Bishop
Saturday            15          Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Sunday              16          The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
 
 
Your gifts of February 1/2 :   $3,263.
Goal:                                          $8,670.
Shortfall:                                    $5,407.
 
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.  Thank you! Your parish appreciates your continued support!