• Christmas 2025 (Rocky Finan photo)
  • Labor Day 2025 Mass at Ireland Cemetery (Jude Rabago photo)
  • Labor Day 2025 Mass at Ireland Cemetery
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Confirmation 2025 (Linda Evans Burrowes photo)
  • Mother's Day 2025 9 AM Mass (Jude Rabago photo)
  • Mother's Day 2025 4 PM Mass (Fay Brink photo)
  • Mother's Day 2025 4 PM Mass (Fay Brink photo)
  • 2025 Baptism and Confirmation
  • Easter Vigil
  • Palm Sunday Procession
  • Palm Sunday 2025
  • Palm Sunday 2025
  • Stations of the Cross
  • Friendly Soccer
  • Youth Group -- Kids Game Night
  • Youth Group Game Night
  • Christmas Eve 2024
  • Parish Rosary Rally
  • Parish Rosary Rally
  • Parish Rosary Rally
  • Parish Rosary Rally
  • Father Jose With Friends And Family Celebrate Onam
  • Parish Rosary Rally
  • Labor Day Mass With Participants At The Ireland Cemetery
  • Father Jose Blesses Grave at Ireland Cemetery
  • Offertory at the Ireland Cemetary
  • Father's Day 2024 Vigil Mass
  • Father's Day 2024
  • Palm Sunday Procession 2024
  • Palm Sunday Procession 2024
  • Palm Sunday Procession 2024
  • Autumn Glory for Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
  • 2024 Baptism and Confirmation photo.
  • Palm Sunday Procession 2024
  • Fiesta Rosas 2021 Photo by Maylin
  • Fiesta 2021 in Grotto Hall Photo by Maylin
 

Welcome

Masses at SS Peter & Paul:  Saturday Vigil 4 PM  and  Sunday 9 AM;  Monday No Mass; Tuesday 6:00 PM; Wednesday / Thursday / Friday / First Saturday 8:30 AM.  Please check   Mass Schedule for latest changes.

Confession: Before Mass 3:00-3:45 Saturday; 7:45-8:15 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; and by Appointment  +1-570-357-1619.                    

Masses at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Wyalusing:  Saturday Vigil 6 PM and Sunday  11 AM; No Mass Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; Wednesday & Friday 12 Noon, or as posted in their   bulletin.

Confession: Before Mass 5:30-5:45 PM on Saturday, and 10:30-10:45 AM on Sunday.

Announcements

  • Saint Agnes School News

    Saint Agnes School is holding a Gertrude Hawk Candy Sale, brochures are in the back of the Church. Thank you for your continued support!

    Registration is now open for Pre-K and 6th grade.

  • Stations of the Cross

    Friday Stations of The Cross for Lent will start February 20th, at 7:00 PM.

    On Friday, March 6, Living Stations will be presented by students from Saint Patrick's church in Owego, NY.

    On Friday, March 27, Living Stations will be presented by Saint Agnes students. 

  • Prayer, Fasting, and Almsgiving

    Almsgiving without prayer and fasting is philanthropy.   

    Fasting without prayer and almsgiving is a diet.

    Prayer without fasting and almsgiving is wishful thinking.

  • Did you know...

    ... that churches observing Lent do not sing hymns that include the phrase “Alleluia”? It is a Hebrew word that means “Praise the Lord.” During Lent, the Church adopts the same spirit of exile experienced by Moses and the Israelites as they wandered in the desert for 40 years, saying “How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:4).  

    Adapted from https://friars.us/article/2024/02/11/what-is-ash-wednesday

  • Deanery Penance Services

    The Sayre Deanery will be offering four opportunities to participate in a Lenten Penance Service this year.

    Sunday, March 8th— 2:00 PM in Dushore and 4:30 in Sayre.

    Sunday, March 15th— 2:00 PM in Canton and 4:00 PM in Towanda.

    You can attend any one that is convenient for you.

  • Rectory, Set, COOK!

    For Rectory, Set, COOK! Season 5, Fr. Kuriappilly turned up the heat—literally. Team Towanda and Sayre stepped up to cook Kerala-Style Hot and Spicy Venison With Yucca for the 5th and 6th-grade students of St. Agnes School in Towanda. It was a dish rooted in the Southwestern Indian culture of our pastor-chefs. Fun fact - Fr. Kuriappilly used venison meat that he harvested himself this past hunting season! The real test came when the kids tried Fr. Kuriappilly’s venison—and they didn’t hold back. The verdict? Two enthusiastic thumbs up all around! Just in case things got a little too spicy or adventurous, Fr. Toomey was on standby with his trusty emergency essentials kit, ready for any fire, flare-up, or kitchen mishap. Thankfully, it wasn’t needed—but it definitely added a few laughs.

    To vote for Team Towanda & Sayre, you can go to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2026PASTORCHEF/team/towandasayre  and use your credit or debit card.

    If you choose to write a check, please make it out to SS. Peter and Paul Church, and note it's for “the Pastor Chefs” and include your email and phone number.

    Fr. Toomey + Fr. Kuriappilly + Fr. Binesh & Fr Shinu - Team Towanda & Sayre

    Click to Watch

  • Fast and Abstinence Regulations

    The following fast and abstinence regulations are observed:

    FASTING is to be observed on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and Good Friday, April 3, 2026, by all Catholics over 18 years of age to the beginning of their 60th year. On days of fasting, one full meal is allowed. Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs, but together should not equal another full meal, unless dispensed or excused.

    ABSTINENCE from meat is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age or older.  Ash Wednesday, all the Fridays of Lent, and Good Friday are days of abstinence.

  • Tuesday Suppers

    A light soup, salad, and sandwich supper will once again be available after the Tuesday evening Mass during Lent. The suppers will be held in Grotto Hall starting February 24. Volunteers are needed to set up, to provide a soup, salad, or sandwich for the group, and to clean up.

    There is a sign-up sheet for each week’s light supper at the back of the church. 

  • Lenten Community Luncheons

    Please join us for the 2026 Lenten Community Luncheons!  All are invited! 🥣🥖

     

    Wednesdays in Lent at 12pm (noon) at:

    Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Towanda

    908 South Main Street, Towanda PA 18848

     

    Food, Fellowship, and a Message from our pastors on "Following Jesus in a Wounded World" ✝️

    February 25

    Pastor Michael Bentz (Trinity Charge, UMC)

    Meal Provided by Trinity Charge

     

    March 4

    Pastor Randall Reddinger (First Presbyterian Church, ECO)

    Meal Provided by First Presbyterian Church

     

    March 11

    Father Jose Joseph Kuriappilly (Saints Peter and Paul Church, R.C.)

    Meal Provided by Saints Peter and Paul Church, R.C.

     

    March 18

    Pastor Jira Albers (Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELCA and Wysox Presbyterian Church, PCUSA)

    Meal Provided by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

     

    March 25 

    Father Dan Storrs (Holy Name of Mary Chapel, Society of Mercy)

    Meal Provided by Holy Name of Mary Catholic Chapel

  • Rice Bowls for Lent

    (Photo/Lauren Carroll/Catholic Relief Services)

    Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl program began on Ash Wednesday. CRS is the official relief and development agency of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops.

    This year marks the 51st year of the CRS Rice Bowl Program, which gives Catholics across the U.S the opportunity to assist the global human family through daily prayer, weekly fasting, and almsgiving. These are the 3 pillars of Lent.

    25% of every donation stays in our Diocesan community to fight hunger and poverty, while 75% supports vital Catholic Relief Services programs in 130 countries around the world. Thank you for your compassion and for making a profound difference globally and locally.

    The “Rice Bowl” is a simple cardboard box used to collect Lenten alms. They can be found in the back of the church. It is suggested that each day you can contribute monetarily, or say a prayer for those in need, or perform an act of kindness. All Rice Bowls should be returned to the Church by April 4th.

  • A Day of Grace

    The Altar and Rosary Society of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish invites women and men of the parish and surrounding communities to a special retreat in Honor of Our Lady on Saturday, March 14th, to be held at St. Francis Church and St. Francis Hall in Mildred. This day of prayer, reflection, and sacramental grace will be led by Father Pio Mandato and the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth, and will offer participants an opportunity for spiritual renewal during Lent.

  • Men's Lenten Retreat

    We previously announced to you our overnight Lenten retreat March 13-14, 2026 at Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center in Dalton. We are excited to announce our outstanding speakers as follows: 

    Father Brian Van Fossen, V. F. Pastor, Saint Faustina Kowalska, dean of the Kingston Deanery, chaplain for Be A Catholic Man, and the chaplain for the Nanticoke Fire Department. He is our retreat master.

    Father Pio Mandato F.M.H.J. A Franciscan priest living as a missionary hermit St, Joseph Hermitage. He has served as a hospital chaplain and worked with the homeless in NYC. He is well known for offering retreats and healing services. 

    Fr. Kevin Miller, Is a retired Army Lt. Colonel, serving 32 yrs. in PA Army National Guard with a tour in Afghanistan. He is one of our Diocesan Priests at Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish in Hazelton

    Mike Mason is an Instructor of Theology at Divine Word College and Seminary in Epworth, IA. He is also the founder of Viri Christi and the St. Joseph Society, two apostolates devoted to helping men attain the full stature of Christ by growing strong in mind, body, and spirit. He has an MA in Philosophy from Southern Evangelical Seminary, an MA in Theology from the Athenaeum of Ohio, and is currently writing a doctoral thesis on the doctrine of predestination in the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas at the University of South Africa. As a convert to the Catholic Church, Mike is passionate about helping men discover the beauty and richness of the Catholic tradition and helping men build habits for holiness. He and his wife, Jenni, have been married for 20 years and have five children. In his free time, he likes to read, lift weights, coach football, and spend time outdoors hiking, fishing, and hunting.

    Our theme this year is “Teach Us To Pray”:

    How do you communicate with God? What do you talk to God about? What stops you from being honest with God? We will explore ways we pray as Catholics, growing in relationship with God. We are planning four 4 talks by noted local priests and a guest speaker. The experience will include talks, Adoration, Confession, and Holy Mass.

    The fee of $85 includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and lunch on Saturday. The cost for commuters is $60 and students is $50. The retreat begins with check in Friday evening, March 13th at 6:00 and will conclude on Saturday, March 14th at 1:00-2:00 PM. Registration on line at https://beacatholicman.com/register-for-retreat-1 You can pay by check if you prefer by mailing check and your name, email and phone to Be A Catholic Man, PO Box 669, Wyalusing, PA 18853. Just as last year, please bring your own towels.

    Come join us! This is a good chance to catch up with other men. We look forward to seeing you there. 

    God Bless,

    Joe Adcroft, Retreat coordinator (570-380-5070)

     

    Reprinted by permission from Be A Catholic Man, Inc (2026).

  • Men's Cursillo Weekend

    The next Men’s Cursillo Weekend for the Scranton Diocese is coming up February 26 – March 1, 2026 at Holy Transfiguration Retreat Center in Dalton, PA. This weekend is a wonderful opportunity for men to grow in their faith, deepen their relationship with Christ, and experience the power of a supportive Christian community.  Please see Alex Piechocki or Rob Grimes for more information. 

  • U.S Bishops Special Message on Immigration

    As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones. 

    Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.

    Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together.

    We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good. Without such processes, immigrants face the risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Safe and legal pathways serve as an antidote to such risks.

    The Church’s teaching rests on the foundational concern for the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As pastors, we look to Sacred Scripture and the example of the Lord Himself, where we find the wisdom of God’s compassion. The priority of the Lord, as the Prophets remind us, is for those who are most vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10). In the Lord Jesus, we see the One who became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), we see the Good Samaritan who lifts us from the dust (Luke 10:30–37), and we see the One who is found in the least of these (Matthew 25). The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34).

    To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since, when one member suffers, all suffer (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). You are not alone!

    We note with gratitude that so many of our clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful already accompany and assist immigrants in meeting their basic human needs. We urge all people of good will to continue and expand such efforts. 

    We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform. 

    As disciples of the Lord, we remain men and women of hope, 
    and hope does not disappoint! (cf. Romans 5:5)

    May the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe enfold us all in her maternal and loving care and draw us ever closer to the heart of Christ.

  • U.S Bishops Special Message on Immigration Español

    Como pastores, los obispos de los Estados Unidos, estamos unidos a nuestro pueblo en nuestro Señor Jesucristo, por lazos de comunión y compasión. Nos inquieta ver en nuestras comunidades un clima de temor y ansiedad ante las prácticas de perfilamiento y la aplicación de las leyes migratorias. Nos entristece profundamente el tono que ha adoptado el debate contemporáneo y la creciente denigración de los inmigrantes. Nos preocupan las condiciones en los centros de detención y la falta de acceso a una atención pastoral adecuada. Lamentamos que algunos inmigrantes que viven en los Estados Unidos han perdido su estatus migratorio de manera arbitraria. Nos preocupan las amenazas contra la santidad de los lugares de culto, y el carácter especial de los hospitales y las escuelas. Nos entristece profundamente cuando nos encontramos con padres que temen ser detenidos al llevar a sus hijos a la escuela o cuando intentamos consolar a familiares que ya han sido separados de sus seres queridos. 

    A pesar de los obstáculos y prejuicios, por generaciones, los inmigrantes han contribuido inmensamente al bienestar de nuestra nación. Como obispos católicos, profesamos nuestro amor por nuestro país y oramos por su paz y prosperidad.  Por este preciso motivo nos sentimos obligados en este entorno a elevar nuestras voces en defensa de la dignidad humana otorgada por Dios. 

    La enseñanza católica exhorta a las naciones a reconocer la dignidad fundamental de todas las personas, incluidos los inmigrantes.  Como obispos, abogamos por una reforma significativa de las leyes y los procedimientos migratorios de nuestra nación. La dignidad humana y la seguridad nacional no son valores en conflicto. Ambas pueden alcanzarse con buena voluntad y uniendo esfuerzos. 

    Reconocemos que las naciones tienen la responsabilidad de controlar sus fronteras y establecer un sistema de inmigración justo y ordenado por el bien común. Sin dichos procedimientos, los inmigrantes corren el riesgo de caer en la trata de personas y en otras formas de explotación. Las vías legales y seguras sirven como antídoto frente a esos riesgos.

    La enseñanza de la Iglesia se basa en la preocupación fundamental por la persona humana, creada a imagen y semejanza de Dios. (Génesis 1:27). Como pastores, recurrimos a las Sagradas Escrituras y al ejemplo de Dios mismo, donde encontramos la sabiduría de la compasión de Dios. La prioridad del Señor, como nos recuerdan los profetas, es para los más vulnerables: las viudas, los huérfanos, los pobres y los migrantes (Zacarías 7:10). En el Señor Jesús, vemos a Aquel que se hizo pobre por nosotros (2 Corintios 8:9), vemos al buen samaritano que nos levanta del polvo (Lucas 10:30-37) y vemos a Aquel que se encuentra en los más pequeños (Mateo 25). La preocupación de la Iglesia por el prójimo y nuestra preocupación aquí por los inmigrantes son una respuesta al mandato del Señor de amar como Él nos ha amado (Juan 13:34).

    A nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes, estamos con ustedes en su sufrimiento, pues si un miembro sufre, todos sufren (1 Corintios 12:26). ¡No están solos!

    Observamos con gratitud que tantos de nuestros sacerdotes, religiosos consagrados, y fieles laicos ya están acompañando y asistiendo a inmigrantes en sus necesidades humanas básicas. Exhortamos a todas las personas de buena voluntad a continuar y ampliar esos esfuerzos. 

    Nos oponemos a las deportaciones masivas e indiscriminadas. Oramos por el fin de la retórica inhumana y de la violencia, ya sea dirigida contra inmigrantes o contra los organismos de seguridad. Oramos para que el Señor guíe a los líderes de nuestra nación y estamos agradecidos por las oportunidades pasadas y presentes de dialogar con funcionarios públicos y electos. En este diálogo, continuaremos abogando por una reforma migratoria significativa.

    Como discípulos del Señor, seguimos siendo hombres y mujeres de esperanza, ¡y la esperanza no defrauda! (Romanos 5,5).

    Que el manto de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe nos envuelva a todos en su maternal y amoroso cuidado y nos acerque cada vez más al corazón de Cristo.

  • ADULT FAITH FORMATION GROUP

    Parishioners who want to learn more about our Catholic faith are invited to join the Adult Faith formation group. The group will meet on Thursdays at 6:30 PM in Grotto Hall beginning September 11th. We will watch the Catholicism DVD series by Bishop Robert Barron, which explores the Incarnation, the Beatitudes, the Sacraments, and more. Contact Brandon Dickerson or Jude Rabago for more information. Their information is in the Bulletin.

  • RCIA CLASS

    Anyone who is interested in becoming Catholic or learning more about the Catholic faith is invited to join the RCIA class. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM in Grotto Hall. The first meeting will be September 10th. The class will learn about Catholic teaching, Sacraments, and moral living with the CREDO series. Contact Susanna Seibert to learn more. her information is in the bulletin.

  • CCD CLASSES

    CCD classes start on Sunday, September 7th and will run from 10:15 to 11:30 AM. There are registration forms at the back of the Church. Put them in the collection basket or email them to Marie Seibert. Her information is in the bulletin. If you want to share your faith at CCD, teachers, subs, and aides are needed. If interested, contact Marie.

  • Telephone Scam

    We have received reports of people receiving telephone calls from the rectory in an attempt to collect unpaid invoices. The scammers are spoofing Caller ID to display our phone number, and using publicly available names of parish staff to trick you into divulging personal financial information.

    If you receive one of these telephone calls, just hang up. SS Peter & Paul Church does not make calls to collect unpaid bills. Please call your financial institution if you believe that your account security has been compromised.

  • Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

    Heavenly Father,

    You have raised Your servant, Pope Leo XIV, to the Chair of Saint Peter.  
    Pour out Your abundant blessings upon him.
    Through him, guide Your pilgrim Church along the path to Heaven.
    Grant him wisdom to discern Your will,Courage to fulfill it,
    And charity to shepherd Your people with the Heart of Christ.

    In this time of transition,
    Bring peace to troubled hearts,
    Joy to those who suffer,
    And hope to the despairing.

    May he be a faithful successor to Peter,
    A humble servant of Your Word,
    And a fearless herald of Your Divine Mercy and Truth.
    Strengthen him with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
    That he may lead the Church in unity, holiness, and fidelity.

    We entrust him to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
    And to the prayers of all the saints.
    Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission. www.mycatholic.life

  • WHERE IS MY BULLETIN ?

    Bulletins are Back!  in the church each weekend, and are also available on the parish website; just click on "Bulletin" at the top of the home page.

    If you are unable to come to church and want to receive a "snail-mailed" paper bulletin, please notify the office office@sspeterandpaulchurch.net or call 570-265-2113.

    Thank you!