The Fourth (Laetare) Sunday of Lent

Joshua 5:9a, 10–12; Psalm 34;  2 Corinthians 5:17–21; Luke 15:1–3, 11–32. “(He) was dead and has come to life again,” says the father in today’s Gospel in Jesus’ story of love and forgiveness, using words that anticipate similar ones that we will hear from the voices of angels and on the lips of his disciples in just a few weeks. Listening to this parable today, as well as the words from Joshua and Paul, let us reflect on how God transforms us all, from the believers reaching the Promised Land, to sinners who turned away from those who loved them, to all of us today.





 
四旬期第四主日 

逾越節紀念以色列人逃出埃及，進入天主預許的福地，表示人應該與天主言歸於好。讀經一叙述天主的選民在曠野中經過四十年的磨鍊淨化，終於得到天主寛恕，進入了天主許下的福地。又因為耶穌把自己作為贖罪的祭品，使人類得以與天主和好。就如聖保祿宗徒所說的「舊的己成過去，都成了新的。」這是天主仁慈的標記。
 
福音中記載了浪子回頭的比喻，使我們看到罪惡的不愉快後果。小兒子固然對不起老父，大兒子也不見得能體諒親心，他認為父親偏心，心生妒忌。事實上，有理由去猜想，也很難保證這兩兄弟不會重蹈覆轍，這正是我們人類的困境，我們一次又一次犯錯，但我們天上慈父無限仁愛，祇要我們能真心痛悔，決心改過，藉着告解聖事，就可以回歸天父，重獲義子的名份。另一方面，如果一個人循例地、沒有崇敬的心，每主日參與彌撒守誡命，就以為理所當然地得到天堂的福份，也就像比喻中的長子了。 

四旬期是靈魂新生的最好機會，我們一生不斷地需要悔改更新。所謂悔改，不單指犯大罪，就連小罪、缺失和惡習，都得盡力消除，好能去惡遷善，日進於德。讓我們用心默想，細心察看有那些地方需要改善，讓我們祈求耶穌和聖母幫助，使我們認清自己的過犯，努力成為堪當天主的義子，不辜負耶穌救贖之恩。

 
  
On March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Salesians of Don Bosco elected Father Fabio Attard as the11th Rector Major, and successor to Don Bosco. The 220 provincials and delegates, gathered at the historic Mother House of Valdocco in Turin, chose Fr. Attard after an intense journey of synodal discernment. 

Born in Gozo, Malta, Father Attard has a degree in Theology and a Licentiate in Moral Theology.  Fr Attard joined the Salesians in 1980, and was ordained a priest in 1987. With extensive theological, pastoral, and academic experience, Father Attard embodies Don Bosco’s charism and is poised to lead the Salesian mission globally. As the Rector Major, he will guide the congregation’s 13,750 consecrated Salesians in 92 provinces across 136 nations. 

Father Attard has held various leadership roles, including General Councillor for Youth Ministry for two terms, and has promoted global initiatives addressing issues like marginalization, poverty, and migration. His contribution to the universal Church was recognized by Pope Francis, who appointed him as a Consultant to the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.  

Father Attard’s vision emphasizes youth ministry, lay collaboration, and missionary work. His election represents a new dawn for the Congregation, inspiring hope and light for new generations. 

The Salesians and staff of Saints Peter and Paul Church, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and the staff and students of Saints Peter and Paul School and the Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club all join in welcoming Fr. Attard! 

May Our Lord, Mary Help of Christians, and Don Bosco strengthen you as you take on your new responsibilities! You are in our prayers!
 
 
Mass Intentions For The Week 

Sunday              March 30, 2025
8:45     Blanca Holmsten +
10:15  Intention of the Salesian Community +
12:00  Loriano & Anita Belluomini + – Pellegrino Scarpinati +
5:00     Anniversary of the Death of Lily Libi + 

Monday             March 31, 2025
7:00     Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
9:00     John Courtney + – Salvatore John & Angelina Anne Caruso + 

Tuesday            April 1, 2025
7:00     Edward De Nicolai + – Birthday of Eva Muntean
9:00     Joseph Maggiora & the Maggiora Family + – Marian Curreri + 

Wednesday      April 2, 2025
7:00     Special Blessings Martino Maranghi
9:00     Yolando & Aladdin Vanni + – Giacchino Cardinale + 

Thursday          April 3, 2025
7:00     Patrick Louis Ross +
9:00     Andrea Genoveffa + – Gaspare & Calogera Curreri + 

Friday                 April 4, 2025
7:00     Intention of Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone
9:00     Les & Teresa Favrat + – Francesco & Andreana Mari + 

Saturday          April 5, 2025
7:30     Joseph Leo Torre & Family +
9:00     Vicor, Emily, & Theresa Candia + - Cristina Busalacchi +
5:00     Pietro, Giuseppa & Vito Curreri & Gig Ghiglieri + – The Mazzucco & Curreri Families + 

Particular Items
 
Second Collection: This week we will have a second collection for Catholic Relief Services. Please be generous! 

拜苦路 Chinese Stations of the Cross: Every Sunday of Lent, the Chinese Apostolate hosts Stations in the Don Bosco following the 10:15 AM Mass.

Laetare (Rejoice!) Sunday: Today is Laetare Sunday. A parishioner made the lovely observation that since last Tuesday was the Annunciation we are rejoicing because Mary is pregnant! 


Happy Birthday, Fr. Armand! Speaking of rejoicing, today is the 105th Birthday of our dear Fr. Armand Oliveri! This worthy Salesian has been a priest for 74 years! He should be at the noon Mass today, so stop by and say hello. He’s hard of hearing but still has his sense of humor and saintly smile! 

Here's a picture from Friday. After he concelebrated the 9:00 AM Mass he came out on the Church stairs and the student body sang "Happy Birthday" to him and received a blessing. And while they were waiting they prayed three Hail Marys for him.


Easter Memorial Lillies: In a beloved Saints Peter and Paul tradition you can remember a loved one and decorate the Church for the Easter Season at the same time. On April 6 & 13 people will be taking orders in front of the Church or you can email the parish office. 

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. 

Stations of the Cross: We will have Stations of the Cross each Friday during Lent at 6:30pm followed by a soup supper. The Chinese Apostolate will be hosting this Friday, March 28, at 6pm. All are welcome! 

40 Days for Life Lenten Campaign! Join in peacefully praying for the end to abortion in San Francisco! The 40 Days for Life campaign runs from March 5 to April 13 at the Planned Parenthood business at 1522 Bush Street. You may sign up for vigil hours here www.40daysforlife.com/sanfrancisco.

Want to go deeper in Salesian Spirituality? Founded by Don Bosco himself, the Salesian Cooperators are an association of Christians living in the world according to the Chrism of Don Bosco. A type of “third order,” the Cooperators also work on keeping the church beautiful, visits to the sick & elderly, and helping with any and all sorts of parish functions. The Cooperators always help when needed. Contact Frank Lavin at 415.310.8551 or [email protected].  

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, 27 parishioners/families given $19,144, leaving us with a balance of $46,456. All amounts greatly appreciated!  

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.
 
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 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.

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! 

PLANNED GIVING: One Charitable Gift, A Legacy of Faith!
Consider listing Saints Peter and Paul as beneficiary in your Will (it’s advisable to have one). It preserves the mission and values of the church in its ministry. Call for information: Fr. Tho Bui, 415-421-0809 or [email protected] 

Liturgical Calendar
Sunday              30          The Fourth (Laetare) Sunday of Lent
Monday             31          Lenten Weekday
Tuesday            01          Lenten Weekday
Wednesday       02          Lenten Weekday, Francis of Paola, Hermit
Thursday           03          Lenten Weekday
Friday                04          Lenten Weekday, Isidore; Bishop, Doctor
Saturday            05          Lenten Weekday, Vincent Ferrer; Priest
Sunday              06          The Fifth Sunday of Lent
 
 
Your gifts of March 22 & 23:               $3,352.
Goal:                                                   $8,670.
Shortfall:                                             $5,318.

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!