We’ve been looking at the book From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age. It examines the challenges the Church faces in sharing the faith today. The author also offers some strategies for how we can do a better job of it. We examined three key ideas that characterize the modern mindset. This makes it difficult to share our faith effectively. Let’s look at the last three. Next time, we’ll begin examining new strategies that the Church could employ to make our faith intriguing and attractive.
4. Intoxication With the Material World, Time and Space. Catholics live in two worlds: the seen and unseen. “We look not to the things that are seen,” says Saint Paul, “but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Cor 4:18). What is unseen is still real. God, angelic beings, human souls, the heavenly throne room are of primary importance in the Christian vision. They are of primary importance. We understand the mixture of the seen and unseen as sacraments and sacramentality.
This is the antithesis of the modern vision. Unseen, transcendent things (like values, truth and ethics) do not matter. To some, they do not exist at all. What does matter? Our physical appearance, clothing and makeup. Health and a well-crafted body. The planet and the environment. Money and economic prosperity. Entertainment and technology. What is important are things that you can measure, read about and brag about on a computer or phone screen. This includes popularity, political power, economic wealth, comfort, personal enrichment.
Here’s the problem. We are immortal beings created to dance with the living God. That is our eternal destiny. This haunts those who live in a material world that is only concerned with the here and now. They experience a creeping despair in their life.
This is where the unrest on our college campuses is coming from. Students say they "want to make a difference in the world." The youth crave meaning, purpose, happiness, fulfillment. They want to fight for a noble cause. When they can’t address the unrest, they become frustrated. This only leads to anger. So they act out by engaging in violent protests. Others engage in medicating themselves with the new “opiate of the masses.” Young people ingest huge doses of electronic engagement and entertainment. But it simply will not satisfy.
5. Freedom to Choose: The Foundation of Human Dignity and the Source of All Human Happiness. The modern narrative is the story of liberation from oppressive forces. The Christian mindset is about true freedom. It is about letting Christ set us free from destructive passions, ignorance, the tyranny of Satan, his dark forces, and ultimately from death.
Today, people worship choice, freedom, liberation, and independence. The modern mind says, “I am most free when nothing is impeding me from doing what I wish to do. I will be most happy when I am free to choose my own will. What is right and wrong is my own decision. Anything that opposes my autonomy must be ignored, attached or destroyed."
This makes God into the great enemy of humanity. A God that tells me what to do threatens my freedom. I ignore God or must put God at the margins. New revolutions in society have new targets. They are focused on tearing down moral norms, social conventions, religious traditions, oppressive governments, companies or groups. Yet, this attitude possesses a dark and destructive core. Look at the high degree of violence associated with protests across the country. People are seeking utopia, but they destroy everything to get it. Moral norms, social conventions and religious traditions are society's guardrails. Once you eliminate these restraints, what is left behind? It is not a lush peaceful garden but a wasteland.
6. Consumer Contentment. If a person does not believe in a soul, they will still search for something that satisfies their restless heart. So wrote St. Augustine. So what do people search for to satisfy themselves? The default vision that many live under is customer satisfaction. Once we have the freedom to buy what we want, we look for the “next big thing.” We consume endless hours of entertainment. We “shop 'til we drop.” We spend leisure time walking the hallways in shopping malls. We get excited about our latest purchase. Yet, a short time later, the excitement wears off. Then we’re searching for the next thing that will give us a thrill.
People are asking, “What is going on with our world?” These past few weeks have provided some insights and explanation. It shows what is going on in the background. The Church and Jesus Christ have a better idea. Jesus and the Gospel can fulfill the restless human heart and move towards a life that is fulfilling. But for that, we need a new kind of Apostolic Pastoral Strategy.
That comes next week.
Father Charles Zlock
Pastor
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Thanks for making the Meet & Greet BBQ a success!
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who volunteered, donated and attended our Meet & Greet St. Raymond School BBQ! It was a wonderful opportunity for us to gather and wish our students, teachers and staff a blessed school year!
Halloween Fun
St Raymond Church is having our 2nd Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 12th from 1- 3 pm in the Church Rectory Parking Lot!!
Registered “Trunks” will bring candy to hand out, PLUS be entered into our “BEST TRUNK” Contest! Please sign up here.
Please show up at noon to decorate your trunk
There is no entry fee for treaters with participating trunks
o Registration is REQUIRED. Please sign up here.
o $1 (per child) entry fee at the entrance of the parking lot
There will be face painting, snacks & more!
RSVP BY OCTOBER 7TH.
Please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@saintraymond.net if you have any questions.
Donate Shoes for the Children of Ghana
The last day to donate new or gently used children's shoes is August 31st. Please place them in the box at the back of the chuch or drop off in the rectory. Thank you for your generosity!
Welcome!
Please Welcome our new Business & Finance Manager, John Pallies to the St Raymond Staff!
Benedictine Missionary Support
We are grateful to Fr. Migodela for his remarkable work in the Catholic mission field. Envelopes to support the Benedictines' efforts in Africa are in the back of church. Please be generous. Additionally, you are welcome to give via Venmo @StRaymond-PenafortPhilly. Please put Tanzania Fund in the note.
Who Won the Meat Raffle?
Announcing the Raffle Ticket Winners!
1st Prize, ticket #271 - Napoleon Stephenson
2nd Prize, ticket #291 - Gail Blair
3rd Prize, ticket #653 - T. Daniels
Blessings to Fils Ingabire as he travels to Rome
Fils Ingabire first moved from the Republic of Congo to America with his family in 2018. Since that time, he learned English, graduated from high school, and was accepted into Jefferson University. Read more about his journey here. This week he will travel to Rome for a semester to study Architecture!
Last Sunday, Deacon Bill shared a blessing for him. Please keep him in your prayers!
Thank you on behalf of Operation Rice Bowl and DePaul
Both organizations reached out to thank the members of our parish for your generosity in giving to each of their missions. Your support makes their work possible.
Catholic Women's Conference
Register NOW!
Registration fee and transportation will be subsidized for St. Raymond parishioners. Contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.
ATTENTION: ST. RAYMOND NEEDS YOU!
Matthew 9:37-38: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Numerous needs have been communicated here and in the bulletin. Unfortunately, responses are nearly non-existent. A vibrant parish has members responding to the call for help. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please scroll below for several opportunities. You can sign up here or complete a signup sheet on the table in the back of church (on the Williams Ave side). We want to hear from you! THE HARVEST AWAITS!
Volunteer Opportunities
Technology
We are in urgent need of support from those with basic technology skills:
Slide Operators – manage slides shown on TV screens during 5 pm, 8 am or 10 am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10 am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10 am Mass
Requirements are a love for your parish, and a willingness to learn and serve. Teenagers and adults can contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.
To volunteer for any of the above tasks, please complete this form and someone will be in touch soon! Or, call Brandi at 215-549-3760.
Part-Time Employment Opportunity
We are excited to announce a fantastic part-time job opportunity at St. Raymond:
Director of Religious Education and Social Services
This role involves coordinating faith formation, religious education, social outreach, and related activities to enhance the vibrancy, religious development, and social services of the parish. View the job description: https://indeedhi.re/3RMQS2G
Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested!
Explore Your Faith in a New Way with Formed
Did you know that you have access to an incredible resource called Formed? This wonderful faith formation tool will allow you and your family to experience our faith in a new way through e-books, audio recordings and a great variety of movies and video teachings, including a great variety of Bible Studies. Follow these instructions to sign in.
Visit www.formed.org
Enter St. Raymond Philadelphia
Follow instructions to set up your own account and be formed in Christ!
Celebrating Our Youth with Generation Grace
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry. We would love to have all our Middle School Kids involved. Brandi can be contacted at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
There is a new email address for communication relating to religious education: religious.ed@saintraymond.net.
Church Announcements
Attention St. Raymond Parents & Guardians!
Fr Zlock is excited to invite you for a one-on-one chat where you can discuss anything on your mind. Join him at one of the upcoming sessions:
Monday, Sept 23: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 5: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Thursday, Oct 10: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 12: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
He's looking forward to connecting with each of you!
Please keep Kelli Renn in your prayers
Beloved parishioner, Colleen (Kelli) Renn passed away on August 27th. Please prayer for her and family. We will share funeral arrangments once they are available.
May Father Grogan rest in peace
Please remember in your prayers the soul of Reverend William E. Grogan, Pastor, Holy Cross Parish, Philadelphia, died on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
The Reception of the body will be held at Holy Cross Church, Philadelphia, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 8:30 AM followed by a viewing.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate the Funeral Mass for Father Grogan at Holy Cross Church, Philadelphia, on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11:00 AM. All priests are invited to concelebrate.
In the tradition of the Purgatorial Society, priests are requested to offer two Masses for the repose of the soul of a brother priest.
Men's Group Meeting
The Men's Group will meet on Tuesday, September 10 at 6 pm in the rectory dining room.
A Reminder about Call to Prayer
St. Raymond offers a twice-daily opportunity, Call to Prayer on weekdays at 6:30 am and at noon. Taking a little time (five to seven minutes) to turn to the Lord will remove stress and restore peace in your life.
Call toll-free 1-877-309-2073, then enter code 319-414-445#. At 6:30 am, we reflect on God's Word. During the noon call, we pray the Angelus, reflect on the first reading of the day, and have intercessory prayer for those in need.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Online giving is a wonderful way to make a one-time or a recurring gift to St. Raymond. We greatly appreciate your goodness and promise to be good stewards of your gift. DONATE HERE. You can also make a gift with your phone: send a text with the message straymond to 833-363-7471. You will receive a text that will give you simple instructions to make a gift!
Or, scan the QR code to donate.
Please note that we are no longer using Cash App as a form of payment for tithes.
We will accept Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving & Envelopes. If you would like to receive envelopes, please contact Brandi at brandi@straymond.net and she will add your name to the list of envelope recipients. If you prefer to use PushPay, text straymond to 833-363-7471 to donate.
St. Raymond's expenses continue all year 'round. Your vacation giving is so important to us!
Collection Envelopes for September through December, 2024 have been mailed out. If you did not receive yours, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@straymond.org
Upcoming Special Collections
9/1 - Black & Native American Missions
10/13 Parish Stewardship
To our Online Parishioners
We at St. Raymond are extremely pleased that you continue to be part of our community via livestream. Although you may be unable to attend Mass in person, please remember that we need your financial support in order to remain a vibrant parish. You may give online anytime here: https://www.saintraymond.net/give Feel free to contact the rectory for assistance at 215-549-3760.
Guidelines for Church Temperature
As we navigate through the changing seasons, the topic of our church's temperature during mass often arises. We appreciate when everyone speaks kindly—it really makes a difference.
We know it’s tricky to get the temperature right for everyone. While we can't make everyone perfectly comfortable, we're doing our best to keep things pleasant. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for all our Masses.
Silence Cell Phones
Please remember how distracting cell-phone noises can be during Mass. We prayerfully ask you to silence your phone when you enter church, so that no one is disturbed during this holy hour.
Lost and Found
Have you lost any personal items during Church service and never retrieved them? Please check the bin in the back of Church labeled “Lost & Found." People turn in items often to the Rectory. All items turned in are put into the bin.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers are back, and they meet here at St. Raymond every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Brandi in the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net.
Church Safety Equipment
A first aid kit as well as an automated external defibrillator (also known as an AED device), are located in the sacristy. Both are on a table to the left of the sacristy sink. This ensures that St. Raymond has sufficient means to address significant medical emergencies during liturgical events.
Financial Facts
We thank those parishioners who, recognizing God’s gifts to them, make their response in our weekly collection. Your continued support is vital, necessary, and deeply appreciated.
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $5,620.00
Electronic Giving: $3,164.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $550.00
Black and Native American Missions: $12.00
Mission Appeal: $183.00
Mission Society: $781.00
REST: $225.00
Total: $9,990.00
Calling all Young Adults!
Sign up for Fr. Zlock’s Young Adult WhatsApp community for prayers, videos, reflections and events for the young adult community. Click here to join the group.
Connect with Us Online
Be part of our awesome virtual community! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest scoop, see fun pictures, and hear about our exciting events.
Community Events & Announcements
Abbeyfest at St. Norbert's
Abbeyfest is an outdoor Christian music festival held at the grounds of the Daylesford Abbey in Paoli. One of the most unique aspects of AbbeyFest is its engaging atmosphere for children, teens, youth groups and families to experience the fullness of faith and truth of Jesus Christ. This year is Abbeyfest's 10th year Anniversary, and we are in full gear for the event, which will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2024. We are especially grateful to be able to bring Abbeyfest to the community--considering all the tragedy around the world--our faith-filled day brings faith, joy and hope to all who attend. Get more details here.
Our Lady of Confidence Retreat for the Disabled
St. Raymond parish has funding to help defray costs. Please contact Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
New Encounters: Catholics Confronting Racism
St. Norbert's in Paoli is the site of the next gathering of the Philadelphia-based, interracial team of Catholics working for racial healing within our faith community. The date is Saturday, September 21, from 11 am to 2 pm. All St. Raymond parishioners are invited to come and be enlightened by keynote speaker Maureen O'Connell, author of Undoing the Knots: Five Generations of American Catholic Anti-Blackness. Save the date - more details to come!
Mount St. Joseph Academy Open House
Join us for our annual fall Open House on Sunday, September 29, from 10am to 1pm! Learn how a mission-driven education and the bonds of sisterhood fuel meaningful learning at the Mount. Tour our campus with a student tour guide, attend an information presentation, learn about personalized and dynamic academics and student life, and meet our experienced faculty, staff, and coaches.
Prospective families in grades 5-8 may register today at msjacad.org/visit.
Apply today for the Class of 2029 at msjacad.org/apply! Applications are due by October 10. Scholarships/Entrance Exams will be offered on October 5 and October 12. Contact the Admissions Team at admiss@msjacad.org or (215) 233-9133 with any questions.
Back to School season is here! Yet there are some young people who are struggling to pull all the supplies and resources together to start the semester well. According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are nearly 68,000 college students experiencing homelessness this year. In Philadelphia, there is a program designed specifically to address this gap in housing and, it is located in a former convent of the Sisters of Saint Joseph!
Sr. Bethany Welch, SSJ, a parishioner, is the program director for St. Joseph's House, a transitional housing program for 18–24-year-olds enrolled in a local post-secondary program. She currently has 21 residents in the house (with a capacity for 24) and all of them could use help to get ready for classes. Students specifically asked for breakfast bars and other small items to slip into their backpack on their way out the door. Check out their Amazon Wish List HERE, purchase, and ship directly to Sr. Bethany's attention at the house.
To learn more about the DAX program, which is part of Depaul USA's homeless services programs, click HERE, and check out a KYW news story about St. Joseph's House HERE.
Scott & Kimberley Hahn are Coming to Corpus Christi Church - Lansdale on September 14, 2024!
To celebrate their 60th anniversary as a parish, Corpus Christ Church in Lansdale is hosting
husband-and-wife speakers Scott and Kim Hahn who are known internationally for their talks on topics related to scripture and the Catholic faith. The title of the Hahns' talk at Corpus Christi on Saturday, September 14 is "Emmaus road as it pertains to The Communion of Saints, Family Life & The Eucharist".
REGISTRATION is now open. Click here for tickets.
Bingo for the Wissahickon Boys & Girls Club
An all-new issue of the National Black Catholic Congress is out now. Sign up to get your copy here.
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School: Open House
Interested in learning more about Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School? Families are invited to register for our Fall Open House on September 29, 2024 at 11am - 2 pm!
Learn more and register here.
St. Athanasius Parish Women’s Club Prayer Lunch
St. Athanasius School Hall 7105 Limekiln Pike Philadelphia, PA 19138
Saturday September 28, 2024 12:00 –to- 2:00 P.M.
Mary, Our Role Model in Hard Times
Guest Speaker “Judge Lucretia Clemons”
For Tickets Call: Alva Edwards – 267-259-7484; Miyoshi Spence-Snipes – 267-260-5503;
St. Athanasius Rectory – 215-548-2700
Admission $30.00 No tickets will be sold at the door.
Mass to Honor St. Peter Claver, Minister to Enslaved
A New Issue of AMEN! from The Office of Black Catholics, by Stacy Williams
News From the Office of Black Catholics
Check out the Newsletter for many additional exciting events.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
The August newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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