The Second Sunday of Advent

Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3: 1-6. The poem of consolation of Baruch urges Jerusalem to look ahead in hope to days of God’s justice and glory. Saint Paul prays for an increase in virtue among the Philippians in preparation for Christ. In the Gospel, Luke places John the Baptist’s ministry in historical context before describing his call for a baptism of repentance.

 
 
將臨期第二主日 

今天的答唱詠充滿喜樂：「上主為我們行了奇蹟，我們都滿心歡喜」。天主的奇蹟是救世主降臨人間 ｡聖保祿宗徒也滿心歡喜地為我們祈禱，祈求我們「的愛日益增多，在真知灼見上日漸增長，好能分辨是非，清白無瑕又無可指摘……」。聖若翰洗者回應先知的話：「準備上主的道，修直祂的路……一切深谷要填滿……崎嶇的要舖平，全人類都會看見天主的救恩！」 

聖誕節是個忙碌的時期，但許多時所忙的祇是世俗的慶祝，比如禮物、宴會等等，在在佔據我們的心思和時間，使人分心不能體會聖誕的真正意義。聖誕節對一些生命中遭到不幸大變故的人，如親人的逝世、疾病、別離、孤獨寂寞等等，可能是悲哀、情緒低落的時期，可是天主聖子在貧寒冷落，遭人白眼的境況中誕生，卻給我們帶來和平與喜樂，願我們能緊記聖誕的真正意義是基督的救恩和愛。默想先知和若翰洗者的話：「彎曲的要修直，崎嶇的要舖平。」好好調整我們的心神，把不正確的意念 ､行為糾正、把缺陷和疏忽去除；讓我們明白，一切痛苦失意都是暫時的，因為救主要來，祂帶來希望和歡樂，祂帶來天堂的永福。我們也要緊記：「全人類都會看見天的救恩」是我們的責任，我們要以救主耶穌的價值作為生活為人的準則，把歡樂和愛帶給不幸的人。 

十二月八日是聖母始胎無染原罪節，讓我們祈求她的助佑，好能效法她，以潔淨的心神去迎接救主的降臨。

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

Today’s Scripture readings beautifully capture the spirit of Advent—a time of waiting and preparing for Christ’s coming. It is a season that invites us to anticipate the day when we will see the salvation of the world and the earth will be filled with the fruits of righteousness. 
“Up, Jerusalem! Stand upon the heights.” In the first reading, the prophet Baruch calls Jerusalem to rise and take in the view from above, to see beyond what is visible at eye level. Climbing to such heights can be challenging and exhausting, but the perspective gained is worth the effort. From above, we gain a clearer and broader view of our surroundings. We see the many paths that lead us forward and the roads that bring us back home. 

Similarly, Advent calls us to lift our spirits, to rise above the worldly, and to seek a deeper connection with God. This spiritual ascent requires effort, urging us to leave behind feelings of complacency and embrace intentional practices of faith. In doing so, we may come to recognize that it is God who leads us in joy by the light of His glory, with His mercy and justice as our companions. While challenging, the rewards are eternal. 

The Gospel today delivers a powerful and unmistakable message, urging us to awaken spiritually. While it first introduces us to rulers, governors, and religious leaders—Herod, Pontius Pilate, Philip, and Caiaphas—it is John the Baptist, a humble man in the desert with steadfast faith, whom God chooses as His messenger. It says that the Word of God came to John, and he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah: 

“A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’” (Lk 3:4-6) 

As we reflect on today’s scriptures, let us pray for the courage to rise to greater spiritual heights so that we may see clearly and live more faithfully for the Lord. And it is time to ask ourselves: What mountain and hill do I need to make low? What valley shall I fill? And, what winding roads should I make straight? We also strive to follow John the Baptist’s example, becoming voices of hope and encouragement for others. Even if we touch only one heart, let our voices inspire readiness to receive Christ, not despair. 

May God bless us all in this sacred time of waiting and preparation. 

Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB
 Parochial Vicar

Mass Intentions For The Week 

Sunday              December 8, 2024
8:45     Luigi Marciano & Giuliana Marciano +
 10:15  Joseph Leo Torre & Family+ - Kong Yeung – Wo +
 12:00  Sergio Tuccori + –  Lorenzo Simi + – Maria Bruno +
 5:00     For the People of Saints Peter and Paul –  Emma Marquez +    
                      
Monday             December 9, 2024
 7:00     Andrea Genoveffa +
 9:00     Victor, Emily, & Theresa Candia + – Healing Dawson Hoag
 6:00     Dr. Enzo Saporito + 

Tuesday            December 10, 2024
 7:00     Birthday of Maria Fuller + –   Mario Crotti +
 9:00     Peter Domenici & Peter Domenici, III + – Pietro Fazio +

Wednesday    December 11, 2024
 7:00     Birthday & Death Anniversary of Eleanor Marenzi +
 9:00     Domenico, Francesca, Tom, Giuseppe, Frances, & Lena Cresci + – Christopher Eugene Morgado + 

Thursday          December 12, 2024
 7:00     Serge, Tom, & Stephanie Cincotta +
 9:00     Giuseppe & Angele Balistreri & Family + –  Birthday of Fr. Jerry Horan, OSM 

Friday                 December 13, 2024
 7:00     In Memory of the Ettorina Cardella Family +
 9:00     Frank Cannizzaro + –  Thanksgiving Lucy Solorzano 

Saturday          December 14, 2024
 7:30     Virginia Sanguinetti +
 9:00     Daniel Scopel + –  Birthday of Sr, Guadalupe, SSND
 5:00     For the People of Saints Peter and Paul – Michael Czuprynski +

 
 
Particular Items 

Second Collection: Today we have a second collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Please be generous! 

Christmas Memorial Poinsettias: This weekend and next, parishioners will be in front of the church taking orders for our traditional Christmas Memorial Poinsettias. This is your chance to remember a loved one and decorate the church for the Christmas season at the same time! 

The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: This year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception has been moved from December 8 to December 9. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. We will have masses at 7:00 & 9:00 AM, and 6:00 PM. 

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. 

21st Century Eucharistic Miracles: On Saturday, December 14 & Sunday December 15, our friends over at Star of the Sea on 8th Avenue & Geary will host Dr. Scott French as he discusses what science has discovered about  Eucharistic miracles in this century. Each day has three presentations: email [email protected] for more info 

Cooperators Advent Luncheon: The Salesian Cooperators are having their annual Advent lunch at the rectory Saturday, December 14 at 11:30. Salesian Provincial Fr. Mel Trinidad will be attending, along with our own priests, sisters, and brother. If you are interested in learning more about Cooperators, who they are and what they do, please join them! RSVP to Anna Lee ([email protected], 415-606-9140).  

Chinese Apostolate Christmas Show: Next Sunday the Chinese Apostolate hosts their annual Christmas Show, following the 10:15 AM Mass. Everyone is welcome! 




A Very Marian Advent Prayer Service: On December 14, from 4:00-5:30PM, our friends over at Star of the Sea on 8th Avenue and Geary will host Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone and a choir conducted by Maestro Timothy McDonnel. The performance will include the world premier of two new Advent/Christmas carols. A reception will follow. 



Choose Life! Walk for Life West Coast 2025: 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 21st Annual Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco on January 25, 2025. 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 tens of thousands of people. For complete information about the Walk, visit walkforlifewc.com or call 415‐658‐1793.

 

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! 
  
 Guess Who?  

Who are they??

 
Can you recognize this week’s lovely mystery married couple? Last week’s couple were Phillip Lai & Jamie Yee, married here back in 2013.  

Want to see ALL our married couples? Go here, and you can find our full slideshow.  
 
 

 
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!  

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               08          The Second Sunday of Advent
 Monday             09          The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed virgin Mary
 Tuesday            10          Our Lady of Loreto
 Wednesday       11          Damasus I; Pope
 Thursday           12          Our Lady of Guadalupe
 Friday                13          Lucy; Virgin, Martyr
 Saturday            14          John of the Cross; Priest, Doctor
 Sunday              15          Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete ‘Rejoice!’ Sunday) 

Your gifts of Nov. 30/Dec 1:               $4,055.
Your gifts of Nov. 23/24:                     $2,686.
Two weeks goal:                                 $17,340.
Shortfall:                                              $10,599.
November 23/24 Second Collection: $782.
Thanksgiving Day:                                 $419. 

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!