Genesis 18:20–32; Psalm 138 “Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” Colossians 2:12–14; Luke 11:1–13. Abraham fears he’s driving the LORD to exhaustion with his pleas on behalf of possible innocents in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, but in so doing he discovers just how inexhaustible God’s mercy truly is. We sing together in the responsorial psalm that when we call for help, our merciful God answers us. Indeed, Jesus tells his disciples, when they pray they should specifically ask the Father for help and mercy. Let today’s selections from scripture reassure us of God’s infinite mercy.

Domenica 17A Del Tempo Ordinario

Il rapporto dell’uomo con Dio diventa preghiera di lode e di supplica. Imparare a prefare significa aprire il cuore e le labbra alla confidenza e all’Amore di Dio. In Gesù noi acquistiamo la confidenza dell’amore filiale.

常年期第十七主日

今天的福音記述耶穌教給我們「天主經」，目的在教我們祈禱的方法和態度。耶穌告訴我們 ，祂的父親，也是我們的父親。這父親愛我們甚於世上的父親，我們要信賴祂，依靠祂 ，在日常生活中無論快樂或痛苦，都可以向祂訴說，就像小孩子對他最慈愛的父親一樣 ，不單是對父親有所要求才和祂說話，而是盡情傾吐心曲 。這是祈禱的態度。

耶穌也教我們祈禱要有恆心，有信心。要記得 ，天主不會拒絕我們的要求，因為耶穌說過：「凡祈求的，必得到；尋找的，必找到；敲門的，門必被打開」。雖然我們不一定得到自己所求的，但要相信，我們的祈禱是不會白費的，天主知道什麼對我們是最好的，也知道什麼是滿足我們的要求最適合的時候刻。祂是個慈父，總會給我們最好的一份。

愛心、信心和恆心是祈禱的關鍵。

From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is common to hear young people ask, “What is prayer?” Is it about spending hours in church, reciting memorized prayers? Is it simply asking God for what we want? Perhaps these are aspects of it, but prayer is also much more. This question continues to fascinate me, especially as I seek meaningful ways to respond to young hearts and minds.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2559) defines prayer as “the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God.” Throughout Church history, saints and spiritual writers have offered many beautiful insights. St. Augustine wrote, “True prayer is nothing but love.” St. John Vianney described prayer as “the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself.” These definitions remind us that prayer flows not only from the lips but from the heart. There is a profound difference between knowing about prayer and praying.

Let us now take a moment to reflect on our own prayer life in light of Jesus’ response when his disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

“Father, hallowed be your name.” We begin by calling God Father, a name that speaks of intimacy, love, and belonging. His name is holy, set apart, worthy of reverence. Recognizing God as our Father reminds us that we are all brothers and sisters. May the power of calling God Father inspire us to live this truth in our daily interactions, with love, care, and respect for one another as one family.

“Your kingdom come.” This is a hopeful and purposeful plea. It reflects our belief that God’s Kingdom is not just a future event, but already present among us. Through Jesus, with Jesus, and in Jesus, we are called to proclaim this Kingdom through our words, actions, and service. We are called to live in a way as a witness for God’s reign of justice, peace, and love.

“Give us each day our daily bread.” We express our dependence on God. With humble hearts, we ask not just for physical nourishment but for all that we need to live fully and faithfully. No more, no less, just enough for “our daily bread.” May we learn to distinguish between needs and wants, remain grateful for what we have, and generously share with those who lack even the basics.

“Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us.” We seek God’s mercy, while also committing to forgiving others. We ask forgiveness for the times we have chosen other things over God, and for when we have failed to treat others—or ourselves—as God desires. In doing so, we not only ask for forgiveness but also promise to extend it. Though forgiveness can be difficult, it is essential. As we reflect on our lives, may God help us let go of grudges and be courageous in offering forgiveness. May we approach His mercy with hearts ready to reconcile.

“Do not subject us to the final test.” We ask for protection from anything that would separate us from God. We pray for strength and faith in times of trial, and for the grace to endure whatever comes, trusting always in God’s presence. So, we hope for an everlasting life with God in heaven.

Lastly, may this prayer, so simple yet so profound, shape the rhythm of our daily lives. May it guide our hearts ever closer to the heart of the Father. And as we teach others to pray, especially the young, may they see in us not just words, but a living witness of what it means to love and trust God.

Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB Parochial Vicar

Mass Intentions For The Week

Sunday July 27, 2025 8:45 Luigi Marciano & Giuliana Marciano + 10:15 For the People of Saints Peter and Paul + 12:00 Steve & Lena Cuneo + – Siria Fiori + 5:00 Alfonso Salas +

Monday July 28, 2025 7:00 The DeNicolai Family + 9:00 Fr. Steve Whelan, SDB + – Jacqueline Liu +

Tuesday July 29, 2025 7:00 Joseph Leo Torre & Family + 9:00 Fr. Austin Conterno, SDB + – Tammy DePaoli +

Wednesday July 30, 2025 7:00 Edward Sabini + 9:00 Fr. David Purdy, SDB + – Mark Leonard Mainzer +

Thursday July 31, 2025 7:00 The Sanguinetti Family + 9:00 Birthday of Susan B. Gamboa & Anniversary of the Death of Robert Fuller + – Carmel Richard +

Friday August 1 , 2025 7:00 Intention of Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone + 9:00 Albert Salera + – Alfredo Marquez +

Saturday August 2, 2025 7:30 Andrea Marenzi + 9:00 Lena & Vic d’Acquisto + – Birthday of Sean M. Bugayong + 5:00 Joseph & Carmella Greco +

Marriages

Dominic Joseph Quaranta & Itzel Rodriguez Guzman

Rest in Peace

Sr. Josephine Ochoa, FMA - Fr. Jack Gibson, SDB

Avila Marie O’Cochlain - Elizabeth Passanisi

Particular Items

Second Collection Maintenance Fund: This weekend we have a second collection for the maintenance of our beautiful but elderly Church. Please be generous!

Want to go deeper in Salesian Spirituality? On Monday, July 28, at 7:00 PM, there will be a formation meeting for those wishing to become Salesian Cooperators, led by Anthony and Anna Lee. Founded by Don Bosco himself, the Salesian Cooperators are an association of Christians living in the world according to the Chrism of Don Bosco. For information, contact Frank Lavin (franklavin@comcast.net, 415-310-8551). All are welcome to attend formation classes.

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 (this Friday) we have the Anointing following the 7:00 AM Mass.

Monthly Vocations Holy Hour at St. Mary’s Cathedral: Join us on August 1 from 4:00-5:00 PM.as we pray a monthly Eucharistic Holy Hour at the Cathedral, “our mother church,” for an increase and strengthening of vocations to the priesthood in the Archdiocese. All are welcome to attend these Eucharistic Holy Hours in response to Jesus’ invitation to “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38).

玫瑰經 Chinese Apostolate First Sunday Rosary: The Apostolate meets every first Sunday of the month (next Sunday) following the 10:15 AM Mass, to pray the Rosary in the Don Bosco Room.

National Night Out August 5! Meet the SFPD, fight crime, and have fun! Once again, are proud to host National Night Out on August 5 from 5:00-7:30 PM, on Filbert St., in front of the Church. Join the good officers from SFPD's Central Station and other first responders neighbors, and community organizations. Meet your police officers and enjoy music, cookouts, contests, youth events, and more. Last year (above) was packed—the police cooked over 500 hamburgers!

Interested in Becoming Catholic or in completing your Sacraments? The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) is for those who are unbaptized and who wish to join the faith, or those baptized who would like to complete their other Sacraments. Contact Deacon Edward Te at ete@sspeterpaulsf.org

Archbishops Annual Appeal 2025! This year’s assessment is $65,600. So far, 54 parishioners/families have given $44,659, leaving us with a balance of $20,941. If you can, join the 1% club—give 656! But all amounts are greatly needed and appreciated.

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 lharris@sspeterpaulsf.org, or Jessyca Ng at the Pre-K at jng@sspeterpaulsf.org to learn more.

Sponsor a Student! 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.

Together for Life Marriage Conference: Marriage is the greatest of all adventures! All married and engaged couples are invited to learn ways to strengthen your relationship with your spouse and discover God’s plan for your family at the Ninth Annual Together for Life Marriage Conference. This year’s conference will be on September 27 from 10:45AM-6:00 PM, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Belmont. To register or learn more, visit togetherinholiness.org/sanfrancisco Jessie@forlifeandfamily.org

Mark your Calendars! Bay Area Rosary Rally: Join Catholics from all over San Francisco and beyond on October 4 (the Solemnity of St. Francis of Assisi) at the Bay Area Rosary Rally. For early birds the day starts at 7:15AM with a Jubilee Pilgrimage from St. Anthony of Padua on Ceasar Chavez St. to St Mary’s Cathedral. At the Cathedral Franciscan priests will give talks at 9:15 (confession available) and then Archbishop Cordileone will celebrate Mass at 10AM. At 11:30 there will be a Eucharistic Procession while reciting the Rosary and Benediction at noon.

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. Visit www.bellaprimarycare.org for more information. We look forward to caring for you in a Christ-cenetered way!

OUR JUBILEE YEAR! Our Centennial Celebration and Jubilee Year continues! On November 9-10, 2024 we began the 100 Year Anniversary of Saints Peter and Paul Church. Remember, though, the Jubilee Celebration is for the whole year— including the indulgence granted to us by the Vatican! 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: 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. Pick up a flyer from the tables for more information.

Liturgical Calendar Sunday 27 The 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Monday 28 Weekday in Ordinary Time Tuesday 29 Martha, Mary, & Lazarus; Disciples Wednesday 30 Peter Chrysologus; Bishop, Doctor Thursday 31 Ignatius of Loyola; Priest Friday 01 Alphonsus Ligouri; Bishop, Doctor Saturday 02 Eusebius of Vercelli; Bishop, Peter Julian Eymard; Priest Sunday 03 The 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Your gifts of July 19 & 20 will be published in the August 10 bulletin. Weekly Goal: $8,670.

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!