September 27th – October 3rd
Latest News
It’s Not Just What We Say
It is easy to say the right thing.
Living it is often much harder.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of two sons. One says no to his father but later changes his mind and does what his father asks.
The other says yes, but never follows through.
It is a simple story, but it asks us an important question:
Does the way we live reflect the faith we profess?
We can say that we trust God, but still try to control everything ourselves. We can speak about forgiveness while holding onto resentment. We can say that we love our neighbor while overlooking someone who needs our compassion.
But there is also something hopeful in this Gospel.
The first son changed his mind.
God continues to give us opportunities to turn back, begin again, and allow our actions to become more like the words we profess. This week, let us ask ourselves:
Where is God asking me not simply to say “yes,” but to live it?
Second Collection
This weekend’s the second collection is in support of the St. Joseph’s Seminary Appeal.
Your generosity helps support the formation and education of our future priests. We also ask you to keep our seminarians in your prayers, as well as all those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal
Thank you to everyone who has already supported this year’s Cardinal’s Appeal.
We continue to move closer to our parish goal!
If you have not yet participated this year, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift, especially if you have supported the Appeal in previous years.
Your contribution helps support Catholic education and faith formation, charitable outreach, our priests and seminarians, and parishes throughout the Archdiocese.
Every gift makes a difference.
Religious Education & OCIA Registration
Registration for our Religious Education program and OCIA is now officially closed for this year.
We are no longer accepting new registrations.
We ask you to please keep all of our students, catechists, OCIA candidates, and their families in your prayers as they continue their journey of faith and formation.
In Loving Memory of Monsignor Gabriel LaPaz
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of the Reverend Monsignor Gabriel LaPaz on September 23, 2026.
Monsignor LaPaz served as a priest here at St. Peter’s many years ago and was an integral part of our parish family. We give thanks for his faithful priestly ministry and for the many lives he touched during his time with us. Please keep Monsignor LaPaz, his family, and all those who mourn his passing in your prayers. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be shared once they become available.
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, Oct 3rd @11am
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, we invite you to bring your pets for our Blessing of the Animals on Saturday on front of the parish steps.
The Blessing of the Animals is a beautiful tradition celebrated as we give thanks to God for the animals He has entrusted to our care. All pets are welcome!
Bring your family and your furry, feathered, or
SPSM YOUTH MINISTRY
Young people are not only the future of our Church—they are an important part of it today.
YM helps our teens deepen their faith, discover their gifts, grow as leaders, and serve others. When young people are welcomed, supported, and given opportunities to participate, they strengthen our parish and make a positive difference throughout our community.
Open to teens in 8th grade —high school.
Want to learn more?
Scan the QR code to meet our Youth Ministry
CYO BASKETBALL 2026–2027
COME JOIN THE TEAM
¡Ven a formar parte del equipo!
Grades 3–8 • Boys & Girls
Grades 3–8 • Niños y niñas
REGISTRATION / INSCRIPCIONES
In the school, next to the gym
En la escuela, al lado del gimnasio
Monday, September 28th
Lunes, 28 de septiembre
6–8 PM
Tuesday, September 29th
Martes, 29 de septiembre
6–8 PM
Wednesday, September 30th
Miércoles, 30 de septiembre
6–8 PM
Saturday, October 3rd
Sábado, 3 de octubre
11 AM–2 PM
FEES / CUOTAS
$175
1 player / 1 jugador
$250
2 players / 2 jugadores
$300
3+ players / 3+ jugadores
September 20th – September 26th
Latest News
From Our Parish Family to Yours
God’s Generosity Is Not Measured Like Ours
It is so easy to compare.
We compare what we have, how hard we work, what we receive, and even the blessings in our lives. Without realizing it, we can begin to wonder,
“Why them and not me?”
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the workers in the vineyard. Some worked all day, while others arrived much later, yet the landowner chose to be generous to them all.
It can feel unfair at first. But Jesus invites us to look at the story differently.
God’s generosity is not based on comparison. His grace is not something we earn, and His love for another person does not take anything away from His love for us. Sometimes we become so focused on what someone else has received that we forget what God has already placed in our own lives.
This week, let us spend a little less time comparing and a little more time being grateful, trusting that God knows what each of us needs.
Weekly Giving
Sunday Collection
- Last Week: $10,671
- Last Year (same weekend): $10,757
Food Pantry — Fishes & Loaves Weekend
This weekend is our monthly Fishes & Loaves Weekend!
Our Food Pantry distribution took place on Saturday, and we are having our monthly collection at all Masses this weekend as well.
Your continued generosity helps us provide food and support to families throughout our parish and community.
St. Joseph’s Seminary Appeal
Next weekend, September 26–27, there will be a second collection in support of the St. Joseph’s Seminary Appeal.
Your generosity helps support the formation and education of our future priests.
We also ask you to keep all seminarians in your prayers, as well as all those who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
CARDINAL’S ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP APPEAL
Thank you to everyone who has already supported this year’s Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal.
Our parish has pledged $51,548.18 toward so far—76% of the way there! We have $15,851.82 remaining to reach our parish goal. We invite you to consider making a gift and helping our parish reach its goal.
Scouting News
Our Fall Parish Scouting Program has begun!
Stop by after Mass to meet our Scout leaders, ask questions, and learn how to sign up.
Cub Scouts (Grades K–5) meet Tuesdays at 6:30 PM in the Parish School.
Scouts (Grades 6–12) meet Wednesdays from 7:30–9:00 PM in the Parish Hall.
Our first special event will be an Open House at Camp Bullowa in Stony Point on Saturday, October 3, from 1:00–8:00 PM.
Come learn more and see what Scouting has planned for the year!
SPSM YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Ministry at St. Peter & St. Mary is a place for young people to grow in faith, build friendships, ask questions, serve others, and know that they have a place in the life of the Church.
Open to teens in 8th grade through high school.
Want to learn more?
Visit our link page here to stay up to date!
Faith Rooted Here • Growing Together • Hearts on Fire
Walk for Peace – Sunday, October 4
The North Rockland community is coming together for our Walk for Peace!
Join us on Sunday, October 4, beginning with a Bilingual Mass at 1:00 PM, followed by our walk through the Haverstraw community.
Come together with us as we pray and walk for peace in our community and throughout the world.
Wear white, bring your family and friends, and walk with us for peace!
WELCOME BACK, FATHER EDWARD!
After being away from us for the past month on mission and retreat, we are very happy to welcome Father Edward back home to St. Peter & St. Mary!
And we have even more reason to celebrate.
Father Edward celebrated his seminary anniversary on August 28, and this Wednesday, September 23, we celebrate his birthday!
Since we didn’t get a chance to celebrate his seminary anniversary while he was away, now we have twice the reason to celebrate him and give thanks for his vocation and all that he brings to our parish community.
Welcome home and Happy Birthday, Father Edward!
May God continue to bless you and your vocation.
September 13th – September 19th
From Our Parish Family to Yours
How Many Times Must I Forgive?
Forgiveness is easy to talk about, but often much harder to live.
Today Peter asks Jesus how many times he must forgive someone who has wronged him. Jesus’ answer reminds us that forgiveness is not something we can count or place a limit on. It is at the very heart of our Christian life.
We have all experienced hurt and disappointment, and moments when letting go feels almost impossible. Yet God continually offers us His mercy and asks us to extend that same mercy to one another.
Forgiveness does not mean that the hurt never happened. It means choosing not to allow that hurt to have the final word.
As we continue through this Month of the Bible, may we allow God’s Word to challenge us—not only in what we believe, but in how we live, forgive, and love.
Perhaps this week there is someone we need to forgive, a relationship that needs prayer, or a burden we simply need to place in God’s hands.
Jesus reminds us: again and again.
Weekly Giving
Sunday Collection
- Last Week: $8,762
- Last Year (same weekend): $10,863
Baptism – Saturday, September 19
Our next Baptism will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19 at 1:00 PM.
The required Pre-Baptismal Class will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 PM in the Church Basement.
Cardinal’s Appeal Update
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal!
Our parish has now pledged $51,293.18 toward our $67,400 goal, bringing us to just over 76% of our goal.
We are getting closer!
Note: This announcement appears twice in the bulletin with the same updated amount.
Catechist Commissioning Mass
Sunday, September 20
We will kick off our new Religious Education year with a special Commissioning Mass for our catechists on Sunday, September 20.
English Mass: 8:30 AM
Spanish Mass: 10:00 AM
We invite all of our Religious Education families to join us as we begin a new year of faith formation and ask God’s blessing upon our catechists, students, and families.
Catechist Retreat – Saturday, September 19
As we prepare for a new year of faith formation, we invite our catechists to a special day of prayer, formation, and spiritual renewal at the Marian Shrine on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Spend time with God, strengthen your own faith, and prepare your heart to help our children grow closer to Christ.
We are still in need of catechists. If God may be calling you to serve, this retreat is a beautiful place to begin.
The parish will cover the cost.
Please contact the Religious Education Office.
Youth Ministry Is Coming Back!
We’re excited to announce that our Youth Ministry is back!
Save the date for our annual kickoff on Friday, September 18 at 7:00 PM.
We can’t wait to welcome our youth back for another year of faith, friendship, and community!
September 6th – September 12th
From Our Parish Family to Yours
A New Month, A New Opportunity to Grow in Faith
September is here. School is officially back in session, our routines are returning, and a new month is beginning in the life of our parish.
September is also traditionally celebrated as the Month of the Bible, making it a beautiful time to reconnect with God’s Word—not simply by reading Scripture, but by allowing it to guide the way we live and the way we treat one another.
This Sunday’s Gospel reminds us of exactly that. Jesus teaches us about relationships, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the responsibility we have to care for one another. He also gives us a beautiful promise:
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
As our children return to their classrooms and all of us settle back into our routines, perhaps September can be a new beginning for our faith as well.
Open the Bible. Spend a few minutes with God’s Word. Pray together as a family. And most importantly, carry His Word into the way you live each day.
New month. New routines.
Another opportunity to grow closer to God.
Labor Day – Parish Office Closed
In observance of Labor Day, the Parish Office will be closed on Monday, September 7.
There will be one Bilingual Mass celebrated at 9:00 AM.
Regular parish office hours and the regular Mass schedule will resume Tuesday, September 8.
Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal
Thank you for your continued support of the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal!
Our parish has now pledged $51,043.18 toward our $67,400 goal, bringing us to nearly 76% of our goal, with 231 gifts received.
If you have not yet participated or still have a pledge to fulfill, there is still time. Every gift, no matter the amount, helps us move closer to reaching our parish goal.
Thank you for your continued generosity!!
Thank You, Father Erick!
As summer comes to an end, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Father Erick for spending these past weeks with our parish family.
Thank you, Father Erick, for celebrating with us, praying with us, and sharing your priestly ministry with our community. Your presence has truly been a blessing to St. Peter & St. Mary Parish.
As you continue your journey, please know that you leave with our prayers and gratitude.
May God continue to bless you, strengthen your ministry, and guide you wherever He may lead you.
Thank you for being part of our parish family this summer. You will always be welcome here!
Catechist Retreat – Saturday, September 19
As we prepare to begin a new year we invite all of our catechists to take part in a special day of formation, prayer, and spiritual renewal at the Marian Shrine on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
This retreat is an opportunity for our catechists to spend meaningful time with God, grow in their own faith, and prepare their hearts for the year ahead.
We are also still in need of more catechists. If you have been considering this ministry or wondering if God may be calling you to serve, this retreat is a beautiful place to begin.
The parish will cover the cost of the retreat for our catechists. Please contact the Religious Education Office to register or learn more.
OCIA Begins September 13
Are you an adult looking to complete your Sacraments, return to the Catholic faith, or learn more about becoming Catholic?
Our OCIA program will begin on Sunday, September 13 at 11:00 AM in the School Gym for registration and an informational meeting.
This is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the journey, and take that next step in your faith. All are welcome!
In Loving Memory of Margaret Hamilton
Our parish family mourns the passing of Margaret Hamilton, whose dedication to St. Peter & St. Mary Parish, St. Peter’s School, touched so many lives. Through her faith, service, and love for Catholic education, Margaret made a lasting impact on generations of children, families, and parishioners.
We are deeply grateful for the many years she gave so generously to the community she loved.
We hold Deacon Eugene Hamilton and the entire Hamilton family close in prayer. May we always remember Margaret with gratitude and affection, and may the beautiful legacy she leaves behind continue to live on in all those she touched.