The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7: 10-14; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1: 18-24. Isaiah prophesies a sign for Israel: The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son who will embody God’s redemptive presence with his people. Paul, recalling his own apostolic calling, writes that the Gentiles are also called to belong to Jesus Christ. In the Gospel, the Lord’s angel comes to Joseph in a dream and reveals the circumstances of Mary’s pregnancy, and what this  means.  Joseph obeys the angel’s commands.

Domenica 4^A Di Avvento

 Maria del Vangelo ci mostra cosa è per Lei il Natale: il dono di Gesù. Ecco il Natale per il cristiano: un atto di fede e un impegno per la pace: la disponibilità a compiere la volontà di Dio è vivere la solidarietà verso le persone bisognose di aiuto.

 
將臨期第四主日

 在將臨期的彌撒中，我們多次在讀經一中，讀到《依撒爾亞先知書》，所選的章節往往是預言救主的來臨，勸人攺過遷善，充滿喜樂與和平的訊息：惡獅猛獸和平相處，豺狼與羔羊共存，那是天國的預像。沒有人作惡， 也沒有戰爭，因為那時萬物充滿了對天主的認識。這是天堂，是天主對世人的許諾。也是祂對我們的期望。   祂要我們締造世上的天堂。    
  
 我們會說：「我們現在生活在世上，不是在天堂，這事怎能實現？」那是可以的，我們可以創出一個小小的天堂，最少，可以在我們自己的心中及身邊的人中，創造這樣的一個天堂，祇要我們誠心地按天主的誡命對自己、對我們的近人做出來。

在今天的福音中，我們可以看到一個絕好的榜樣。我們沒有看到有多少有關聖若瑟的記載，祇說他是個義人，他也沒有說過一句話，可是從他所作作為，一目了然他是怎樣的一個人，他的操守、聖德、他的為人、他的信德，他的忠誠，默默地盡心做好天主願意他做的事：保護養育耶穌，做聖母忠誠的淨配，幫助保護她。沒有聖若瑟，聖經可能要改寫呢！
 

From the Pastor’s Desk
Guest Column


Christmas Stamps

 
A Madonna and Child stamp has been part of the United States Post Office’s seasonal tradition since 1978.

In more recent years, USPS has also added stamps commemorating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Muslim festivals, in addition  to holiday motifs like snowmen, deer, and evergreens.

The first religious stamp was issued on November 1, 1966, following the successful lobbying efforts of a Catholic parishioner from Westbury, Connecticut. It featured the “Madonna and Child with Angels.” by 15th-century painter Hans Memling. The religious stamp proved to be immensely popular, and more than 1.1 billion were printed.

At first, the post office concentrated on Renaissance paintings for its stamp series (although it did feature a praying George Washington in 1977). In 1994, a postal service advisory committee suggested replacing the Madonna and Child stamp with a Victorian-era angel. But public opinions (as well as President Bill Clinton) convinced them to forego that idea.

Canada is said to have issued the first Christmas stamp in 1898.

Fr. Al Mengon, SDB, Parochial Vicar
Taken from the Little Blue Book of Advent Prayers.

 
Mass Intentions For The Week 

Sunday                 December 18, 2022
8:45        Frank & Linda Machi +
10:15     Ng, Kam +
12:00     Carla Ferrando + – Maria & Ambrogio Calcagno +
5:00        Birthday of Lorraine De Nicolai +
 
Monday               December 19, 2022
7:00        Anniversary of the Death of Giuseppe D’Ascoli +
9:00        Emilia Lucchesi + – Emanuela & Antonio Amantea + 

                                December 20, 2022
7:00        Virginia Sanguinetti +
9:00        Mercedes, Mylyn, & Jarnal Kalaykan Family + – Maria Serchia + 

Wednesday       December 21, 2022
7:00        Edward Sabini +
9:00        Luigi & Rosa Mangini + – Lorenzo Simi + 

Thursday             December 22, 2022
7:00        Anniversary of the Death of Andrea Marenzi +
9:00        Vincenzo & Marianinna Torrano & Family + –  Mary E. Haley + 

Friday                   December 23, 2022
7:00        Birthday of Sheila Iyer
9:00        Mary & Joseph Lavin + – Intention Leslie Maria Callan 

Saturday              December 24, 2022
7:30        Anniversary of the Death of Louis De Nicolai +
9:00        The Giurlani Family +
5:00        GB De Martini +

Baptisms
Joseph Rudisall
 
Rest in Peace
Pauline Loretta Alioto – Diano Vincent Antenucci
Ying Yiu Tam

Particular Items

Christmas Memorial Poinsettias: In a Saints Peter and Paul tradition, there will be people taking orders for memorial poinsettias this weekend (or you may call or email the office). You can remember a loved one and decorate the Church for Christmas at the same time. Price is $20.

Christmas Novena: The Chanted Christmas Novena Service will be held in the Church at 5:00PM from December 19-23. This is your chance to join the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in their evening prayer! 

Advent Penance Service: This year’s Advent Penance Service, with individual confession, will be on Tuesday, December 20, at 7:00PM. This is the very best way to “make straight the paths of the Lord” and prepare ourselves for the coming of Our Lord!  ALL parishioners are invited and urged to attend!

Eucharistic Adoration/ Anointing of the Sick: We have Eucharistic Adoration 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.

Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club Christmas Carols: In another Saints Peter and Paul Christmas tradition, on Christmas Eve, the young people from the Club will be bringing great joy to the people of North Beach with Christmas Carols, starting in the playground at 9AM. All welcome!
 
Saints Peter and Paul Salesian School Accepting Applications: Our K-8 Salesian school is accepting applications for this year and next. Please email Dr. Lisa Harris at [email protected], and visit sspeterpaulsf.org/ to learn more.

Pre-K Also Accepting Applications: Our Laura Vicuna Pre-Kindergarten is accepting applications for 3 and 4 year-olds. Contact Barbara Simons for info: [email protected]

Laura Vicuña Pre-K Open House: Our Laura Vicuña Pre-Kindergarten, the oldest Catholic Pre-K in San Francisco is hosting an Open House on Sunday January 8, from 10:00AM to noon. The Pre-K offers rolling admission for Children from ages 2.9 to 6 years old. Come tour our classrooms and meet our staff. A brief program will be given at 10:15 AM. For more info email Barbara Simons, the Director, at [email protected] Become part of the Saints Peter and Paul family!

Salesian Young Adults: Want fun, friends, service and faith? Our Salesian Young Adults invite you to share all of the above as we serve our Church and get to know one another! Visit https://salesiansspp.org/salesian-young-adults

Choose Life! Walk for Life West Coast 2023: Join fellow Catholics and Pro‐Lifers of every and no faith from all over California and beyond as we stand up for the littlest among us at the 19th Annual Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco on January 21, 2023. There will be Mass at 9:30AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral . The rally begins at 12:30PM in San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza, and the Walk, down Market Street, begins at 1:30PM. Last year’s Walk drew 50,000+ people. For complete information about the Walk, visit walkforlifewc.com or call 415‐658‐1793.

Liturgical Calendar
Sunday                 18           Fourth Sunday of Advent
Mon-Tues           19-20      Late Advent Weekdays
Wednesday        21            Peter Canisius; Priest, Doctor
Thursday             22           Late Advent Weekday
Friday                   23           John of Kanty; Priest
Saturday              24           Late Advent Weekday
Sunday                 25           The Nativity of the Lord

Your gifts of December 3/4:                                           $2,777.
Weekly Goal::                                                                     $8,670.
Shortfall taken from Savings:                                         $5,893.
Thank You! Your parish appreciated your support!