Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles

The Church celebrates the feast of the apostles Peter and Paul. These two apostles are two of the most prominent figures in the early Christian Church. They played an essential role in spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ and establishing the foundation of Christianity. Though their lives and ministries differed in many ways, their commitment to the Gospel reflects their deep faith and devotion to Jesus’ mission.

Saint Peter

Peter, originally named Simon, was a fisherman by trade. He was called by Jesus to be one of His first disciples to become a “fisher of men.” Leaving everything, he became His disciple. Later he confessed Jesus to be the Messiah: “Jesus asked his disciples, who do people say that I am?... Simon Peter answered, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This profound expression of Peter’s faith empowered his zeal to share in Jesus’ mission. Saint Peter is known as the rock of the Church or the first pope. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus directs Peter to be the leader of the Church: “I say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church; and the gates of the netherworld will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). This statement became the foundation of Peter’s role as the first pope, a spiritual leader for all Christians. Peter's leadership was one of service, humility, and guidance for the early Christian community. He was entrusted with the responsibility to "feed my sheep" (John 21:17), which refers to his role in guiding the faithful and safeguarding the teachings of Christ.

Peter’s position as the leader of the Church is evident in the New Testament. He often acted as the representative for the Apostles. Peter’s letters, particularly his First and Second Epistles, offer profound insights into Christian living. One of the key themes in his writings is the importance of faith in the midst of suffering. Peter urged Christians to endure suffering with patience, just as Christ did. He acknowledged that suffering leads to refining one’s faith, and that Christians should rejoice in it because it leads to spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. Peter embraced suffering to the point of death. He was sentenced to be crucified, and he decided to be crucified upside down since he was unworthy to be equal to Christ. Peter’s humility and service to others flourished while proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His teachings were both practical and spiritual, aimed at helping early Christians maintain their faith even in the midst of suffering.

Saint Paul

Paul, originally named Saul, was a Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians. On the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the risen Christ: “As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him – Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Who are you, Lord, Saul asked. I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, He replied. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (Acts 9:3-5). After this encounter, Paul became one of the most ardent advocates for the Christian faith. His mission was primarily to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul’s travels, recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and his letters, took him across the Roman Empire, from Jerusalem to Rome, planting churches and nurturing communities of believers. He wrote numerous letters to Christian communities, offering theological teachings and practical advice. Paul is known as the Apostle to the Gentiles for his mission to the non-Jewish communities.

While Peter focused on bringing Jesus to the Jewish Christian community, Paul primarily reached out to the Gentiles. Both apostles are crucial to the spread of the faith to the world. Their leadership and teachings on the Gospel values remain foundational to Christian belief and practice. Their lives and writings continue to inspire Christians around the world, and their martyrdom in Rome serves as a powerful witness to their faithfulness to Christ.

4th of July

As we celebrate the 4th of July, we are reminded of the gift of freedom. We are so blessed to live in this nation, where freedom and justice are valued and sought after. This holiday, which marks the birth of our nation, invites us to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and faith of those who fought for the liberties we hold dear. As a community of faith, we recognize that true freedom is not only found in political independence but also in the freedom we have in Christ.

In the Gospels, Jesus often talks about freedom from Sin. This freedom is one that transcends all earthly boundaries. It is the freedom to live in His love, to serve one another, and to share the Good News with the world. The 4th of July is celebrated with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings. It is a day to celebrate our nation and to enjoy one another’s company. As we enjoy this time of celebration with family and friends, let us also remember the responsibility we have to love and care for others, and to work toward justice and peace for all.

May this 4th of July be a reminder of the blessings of both our national and spiritual freedoms. Let us celebrate with grateful hearts, seeking God’s guidance as we continue to live out our calling to be His light in the world. Happy 4th!

Peace
Fr. Lara

The Pope's Intention for the Month of June

That the world might grow in compassion

That each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from His Heart, learn to have compassion on the world

Recognize God in Your Oridinary Moments - By Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman

Mini Reflection:People have a lot of opinions about God. But when the world asks, “Who do you say that Jesus is?” We know the answer. Will we speak up?

Some Say
At first, the Apostles try to dodge the question.

When Jesus confronts them — and make no mistake, it is a confrontation — with the question “Who do you say that I am?” they act like a man whose wife has just asked him if she looks fat in these jeans.

The evasiveness of their answer puts politicians to shame: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

Some say.

But Jesus doesn’t let them off easy. He repeats himself. He wants an answer. “Who do you say that I am?”

They all know the answer. They all believe the answer. And they all know the answer could get them thrown in prison or killed. Only Peter is brave enough to say it: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

People have a lot of opinions about God. They always have. They have a lot of opinions about Jesus and the Bible, about the Catholic Church and the Pope. Some of these opinions are well-founded, well-researched. Some of them are based in ignorance. Many are born of painful misunderstandings. But they are all just that: opinions.

Some say.

We know who Jesus is. We know who the Eucharist is. We know what the truth is. Amid the chaos and the violence and the excruciating loudness of this fallen world and all the words it shouts into the void about God and Jesus and right and wrong, we know.

But will we answer?
©LPi

Honor Our Military

Please take time to give thanks for those who have served and are serving in our military and to pray for the safety of those who may currently be in harm’s way. In a special way, we thank and pray for these parishioners and relatives of parishioners.
Dear God,
We pray in gratitude for all of those who have defended peace, virtue, and justice with honor. We pray especially for those who have suffered in mind and body from the ravages of war. May Your peace reign in our hearts and in our world. Amen.

He Who Sacrificed His Life
†JOHN A. STONIS, Grandson of John & Dorthy Stonis
†CHRISTOPHER ZIMNY

Those Still Serving
CRAIG BEHRENDT, Grand-nephew of Sister Mary Helen
DANIEL BELZER, Nephew of Dave & Bev Belzer
RYAN BLOCHBERGER, Nephew of Mae Grady
JESSICA CAMERON, Niece of the Cameron Family
BRYAN DUFF, Son of Julie Duff
TIMOTHY DWORKIN, Grandson of Barbara Bouska
MICHAEL FOLEY
JOHN FOLEY
RYAN FONTILLAS
DANIEL FRAYNA
ALEXIS GONZALES, Great-niece of Eden & Lyle Gonzales-Nemzin
JOSEPH GULLO
MICHAEL T. HAHN, Grandson of John & Dorthy Stonis
SANG HOON LEE
MICHAEL KELLY, Nephew of Kevin and Kathy Kelly
JACK MAHON, JR., Son of Jack, Sr. & Eileen Mahon
JAY MARTIN, Nephew of Becky and Tom Brennan
MORRIS COREY MCMAHON, Son of Chris & Julie McMahon
PETER MULLER
MATTHEW NEUBAUER, Nephew of Dan & Judy Neubauer
ANTHONY PALMERO
JOHN PODCZASKI, Grandson of Genevieve Podczaski
NAILL SWIDER, Grand-nephew of Alice Swider
STEVEN TUMBARELLO, Son of Sylvia & Vince Tumbarello
EUGENE WALL, Nephew of Suzanne Lessner

To add or remove someone, please send the person’s name and relationship (optional) to bulletin@stcatherinelaboure.com

Please Pray for Ukraine

For our sisters and brothers involved in or affected by the war and devastation in Ukraine-- the deceased, the injured, the frightened, the displaced, the fighters, the protesters, the leaders. May God give them solace, healing, comfort, and hearts and minds directed toward peace.
Donations can be made here:

Knights of Columbus: https://www.kofc.org/secure/en/donate/ukraine.html

Caritas: https://www.caritas.org/

Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philidelphia: https://ukrarcheparchy.us

"May the Queen of Peace preserve the world from the madness of war" - Pope Francis

Neighbors of other Faiths
The Golden Rule

Excerpted from charterforcompassion.org/the-golden-rule-in-seven-major-religions
We may speak of great differences in religious beliefs and forms of worship around the world. Called by an endless number of names, all, however, recognize and worship a Supreme Being. And all religions, somewhere in their sacred literature, expound the fundamental philosophy of the Golden Rule.

Buddhism: Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.
~ Buddha, Undanavarga 5:18

Christianity: Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that all men should do to you, do ye even so to them.
~ Matthew 7:12

Confucianism: What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
~ Confucius, Analects 15:23

Hinduism: Good people proceed while considering what is best for others is best for themselves.
~ Hitopadesa

Islamism: No one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
~ Mohammed, Traditions

Judaism: And thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
~ Leviticus 19:18

Zoroastrianism: Whatever is disagreeable to yourself do not do unto others.
~ Shayast-na-Shayast 13:29