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 4A 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

"Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Christmas is almost here. As the final touches are being given to the Nativity scene and the Christmas tree - in St Peter's Square as well - it is necessary to prepare the soul to live intensely this great mystery of faith.

During the final days of Advent, the Liturgy puts particular emphasis on the figure of Mary. The beginning of the Incarnation of the Redeemer took place in her heart, from her ‘Here I am’ full of faith, in reply to the divine call. If we wish to understand the genuine meaning of Christmas, we must look at her, call upon her.

Mary, Mother par excellence, helps us to understand the key words of the mystery of the birth of her divine Son: humility, silence, wonder, joy.

She exhorts us, first of all, to humility, so that God can find space in our heart, not darkened by pride and arrogance. She points out to us the value of silence, which knows how to listen to the song of the Angels and the crying of the Child, not stifling them by noise and confusion. Together with her, we stop before the Nativity scene with intimate wonder, savoring the simple and pure joy that this Child gives to humanity.

In the Holy Night the rising Star, ‘splendour of eternal light, sun of justice’ (cf. Antiphon of the Magnificat, 21 December), comes to enlighten whoever dwells in darkness and in the shadow of death. Guided by today’s Liturgy, we make the sentiments of the Virgin our own, remaining in anxious expectation for the Birth of Christ.” -The Angelus message of Pope St. John Paul II, Fourth Sunday of Advent, 21 December 2003

Mass Intentions For The Week

Sunday December 21 , 2025 8:45 The Louis Greco Family + – Mara Amato + 10:15 Memorial for Fr. Mario Rosso, SDB + 12:00 Lorenzo Simi + – Irene Della Bosca + – Rastelli Severino + 5:00 For the People of Saints Peter and Paul

Monday December 22, 2025 7:00 Anniversary of the Death of Andrea Marenzi + 9:00 Aurora Piazza + – Healing Marie Muscat

Tuesday December 23, 2025 7:00 Vivian Rohner + 9:00 Mary & Joseph Lavin + – Birthday of Sheila Iyer +

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:00 Anniversary of the Death of Louis DeNicolai + 9:00 Gibbons & Anne Cooney + 5:00 In Memory of Louis & Ilva Baccetti, Costantino & Giuseppe Laurent, & Norma & Beppo Frizza +

Thursday December 25, 2025 12:00 Thanksgiving Mercedes & Jarnal Kalaykan & Family 7:30 The DeNicolai Family + 8:45 Anniversary of the Death of Teresa Bonjean + 10:15 Thanksgiving from the Kong Family 12:00 GB De Martini +

Friday December 26, 2025 7:00 Edward Sabini + 9:00 Frank Sanguinetti + – Dr. & Mrs. John Mallia +

Saturday December 27, 2025 7:30 The Giurlani Family + 9:00 Evalina Riccio + – Michael Roman + 5:00 Thanksgiving from the Lucchesi Family +

Baptisms Malcolm Valentino Griffin, Jr.

Particular Items

Christmas Schedule

Christmas Novena Service Mon-Tues December 22-23 at 5:00PM

Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24 Carols around North Beach 9:30 AM

Vigil Mass at 5:00 PM

Carols at 11:30 PM followed by the Midnight Mass.

Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25 Masses in English at 12:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:45 AM

In Cantonese/English at 10:15 AM

In Italian at 11:45 AM NO 5:00 PM Mass

Pious Christmas Legends: The tabby cat. “It was late at night in Bethlehem. All the visitors to the stable had gone home leaving only the Holy Family. All who remained were the holy animals and, outside, a tabby cat. Standoffish, she had watched the events with awe, but had not come into the stable. Now the only sound to be heard was the crying of Our Lord Jesus. He could not sleep. Our Blessed Mother comforted him, but to no avail. Even the ox and ass tried to help. Something compelled the tabby to help. She walked into the stable, and jumped into the manger. She lay down next to Our little Lord, and soon a loud purring filled the stable. Tabby’s purring calmed baby Jesus, and soon He was fast asleep. Our grateful Lady said “O proud cat, although you will never be tamed, from now on there will always be a warm place for you with the family by the fire.” Then Our Lady rubbed the cat’s forehead, and, with her finger, drew a mark. That’s why even today the Tabby cat has an “M” on her forehead—in memory of her good deed in Bethlehem.”

A Christmas Request for Volunteers: Christmas is the season when so many of us wonder about our neediest neighbors. Like the Holy Family finding warmth and safety in a humble stable, many of those you see on the street find moments of joy in small things. Why not be part of one of these moments on Christmas Day, for whatever time you can commit? St. Vincent de Paul Society at St Peter and Paul Church is sponsoring a dinner for those in need in the school cafeteria. Volunteers arrive at 1:00, and diners at 3:00. p.m. If you're interested in helping or want to know more, please contact Marc Bruno at 415-800-9139 or marcabruno2025@gmail.com. Blessings!

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.

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.

Pre-K Open House! Our Laura Vicuña Pre-Kindergarten invites you to their annual Open House on Sunday, January 11, from 10 AM to 12 noon.. You can step inside their two classroom spaces and say hello to the wonderful teachers. The Pre-K locations are 620 Filbert (for 3 year-olds, and 660 Filbert for 4 year-olds. For more information, visit prek.sspeterpaulsf.org

Choose Life! Walk for Life West Coast 2026: Join fellow Catholics and Pro‐Lifers from all over California and beyond as we stand up for the littlest among us at the 22md Annual Walk for Life West Coast in San Francisco on January 24, 2026. The day begins with the Walk for Life Mass at 9:30AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore. Saints Peter and Paul will host all-night Eucharistic Adoration for Life the night before the Walk. For more, visit walkforlifewc.com

SAVE THE DATE! School Centennial March 14, 2026: Saints Peter & Paul School is thrilled to be celebrating our Centennial year with a Gala event at Bimbo's 365 Club! Join us as we look back on the SSPP School legacy -- and forward to a bright future!. Saturday, March 14, 2026. Tickets on Sale November 2025. Visit ssppevents.org/gala-100 or email centennial@sspeterpaulsf.org for more information.

Looking back: That’s Sr. Antoinette, about 20 years ago, taking care of her flock! Recognize anyone?

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.

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. Tammy Mahaney. 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 info@bellaprimarycare.org We look forward to caring for your families in a Christ-centered way!

Liturgical Calendar Sunday 21 The Fourth Sunday of Advent Monday 22 Late Advent Weekday Tuesday 23 Late Advent Weekday, John of Kanty; Priest Wednesday 24 Late Advent Weekday Thursday 25 The Nativity of the Lord, Christmas Day Friday 26 Stephen; the First Martyr Saturday 27 John; Apostle, Evangelist Sunday 28 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, & Joseph

Your gifts of December 13 & 14: $2,703. Weekly Goal: $8,670. Shortfall: $5,967. Second (Retired Religious): $1,068 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!