In this Issue:
Luke 6:17, 20-26
Prophets for the Gospel of Hope
by Conor Donnelly
Saint Maron's Maronite Catholic Parish + Norristown, Pa.
A friend in Montreal posted a meme on social media with a quote that challenges us to live out the Kingdom of Heaven today rather than focusing on how to get to the Kingdom of Heaven when we die.
I wonder what it must have been like to sit in the crowd of today’s gospel and hear Jesus speak about the Kingdom of Heaven. His is a strong message of hope with four unequivocal statements: even if you are poor, hungry, mourning, or ridiculed, your reward will be great in Heaven. Some might misinterpret Jesus’ words as a statement that we must live a life of suffering to earn a heavenly reward. That is not Jesus’ message to us.
When we speak truth, when we give witness to Christian life, when we give a voice to those who are poor, hungry, and suffering, we are doing the work of God’s holy prophets. Such witness may not be well received by others. The prophets of the Old Testament didn’t get a great reception when they called out the behavior of sinful kings or when they rebuked an entire nation for its lack of charity towards the weakest in society. But we understand that the work of a prophet, then and now, does not reflect popular values and beliefs.
Jesus follows his message of hope with sharp rebukes for those who follow what today we might call a “gospel of prosperity” … endlessly seeking wealth and excessive consumerism, fake laughs and an insincerity of endless social media “likes” in constant distraction. Living like that doesn’t bring the Kingdom of Heaven to the world today, or help achieve it when we die.
Today’s gospel challenges us to go and bear witness to the true Christian life. Let us be a channel and a model for this gospel of hope.
Reflection provided by the Catholic Preaching Institute.
Black History Month Quiz - Test Your Knowledge!
Congratulations Sister Bethany!
This past Sunday Sister Bethany J. Welch, PhD, SSJ, professed her second vows as a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph! We are so blessed to have her as a member of our church family. Please pray for her!
Join our Bible Study!
Lent is coming! How will you prepare for it this year?
Many Catholics want to read the Bible because they know it is God’s Word, but they give up because it seems so complicated. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible helps you get the “big picture” by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how to read the Bible so that you can actually understand it. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible will help you discover the story of salvation history and understand how you fit into God’s plan. This eight-session study program includes video presentations that will aid in making the complex simple.
WHEN: Mondays - March 10th through May 5th (excluding Monday 4/15 during Holy Week)
TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
WHERE: St Raymond rectory basement/Sister Rosemary Room
WHAT: Just show up and be ready to enjoy the journey!
Please note that this program is offered in lieu of Lenten Life Groups. Life Groups are planned to return this summer.
Please Bring Your Old Palms to Church
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the burning palms blessed in the previous year’s Palm Sunday. Please bring your palm from last year to Church over the next few weekends so it can be burned to make the ashes you will receive on March 5. We will be accepting ashes through Sunday, March 2.
Ash Wednesday Schedule
Please join us and invite a friend – especially those who have not been to Mass in awhile.
St. Raymond Choir to Sing in "Music from the Heart"
Kenny Arrington will direct the St. Raymond Choir in the special benefit concert for Music Education. Buy tickets here. Use discount code ORG1.
Men's Retreat at Malvern
The Men of St. Raymond will be attending the Blessed Trinity Group Retreat February 21-23. Contact Melvin Thornton (267-441-5403) for additional information. Register here.
REGISTER NOW: May 3 Info Session at St. Raymond
The St. Raymond school hall will hold an information session on the Archbishop's letter on May 3, from 9 to 11 am. Please sign up for a conversation about our Church. Your voice and presence are essential as we plan a new way forward together as the Catholic Church of Philadelphia. Learn more about the vision for us to come together to encounter each other with open hearts to build the strongest possible Church of Philadelphia. Sign up here.
You can read his entire letter at https://trustandhope.org.
Job Opportunity at St. Raymond
Pastoral Associate for Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation (Part Time)
Description:
Prepare young Catechumens and Candidates, as well as Catholic students of St. Raymond School, for Sacraments.
Coordinate scheduling and parent communications for Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
Main Catechist for school children using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
Coordination of Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass
Please contact Fr. Zlock at czlock@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760, Ext 1 to apply.
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
The Order of Christian Initiation in Adults (OCIA) is under way. This is for any adult and teen 16 or older, who has not received the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Communion and Confirmation. We meet on the first Sunday of every month, immediately following the 10 am Mass in the SRR. Jesus is calling you! “It’s never too late to decide to follow Jesus."
Also, anyone with a desire to have a “refresher” is welcome to join. Contact Deacon Bill or Cindy Bradley at 215-242-5725.
Please Pray for the McMillan Family
This week, the home of our beloved parishioners, the McMillan Family, caught fire, and they lost everything. Praise God everyone was able to escape unharmed, but they will need our support as they navigate the months ahead. If you're able to help, please consider donating to help them secure lodging, and purchase food, clothing and all the other essentials they need right now.
Ways to Donate:
Donate online - Please select "McMillan Family" for the fund.
Venmo - @StRaymond-PenafortPhilly - Please add McMillan Family in the note.
Mail or drop off a check or cash in an envelope labeled McMillan Family.
Once William and Darlene have had a chance to assess their needs, we will be sharing an Amazon Wish List of items that you can purchase for them. Stay tuned for details.
In the meantime, we give thanks to God for His protection over this family, for carrying them through these difficult times, and we earnestly pray for the full restoration of their home, their lives, and their peace.
Hungry Priests - Message from Fr. Zlock
Recently, Father Kevin Okafor was appointed pastoral Administrator for Holy Cross Parish. Yet, for a few weeks, he will be living at the St. Raymond rectory while renovations to his quarters are being completed.
With an extra person in the house, I am looking for some assistance with meals to feed a few hungry priests. We’d be happy to pay for the service.
Nothing elaborate. Perhaps meals that we can heat up on demand. We’re looking for meals for 4 days week. Dinners only. Lunch and breakfast we can fend for ourselves.
Call me at 215-549-3760 if you have any questions. Thank you!
Gremlins in the Email
We’ve noticed some of our emails have been landing in Spam folders recently. We’re actively working to resolve this issue, but in the meantime, we kindly ask you to check your Spam folder to ensure you haven’t missed any important messages from us. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we sort this out!
Tech-Savvy Volunteer Needed!
What we’re looking for:
Someone who can help us figure out why emails are going to spam and troubleshoot other occasional tech issues, such as:
Authenticating our Gmail account (SPF, DKIM, and DMARC setup)
Google Workspace email troubleshooting
General tech support for our team
Your expertise will be a gift to our parish!
If this sounds like you (or someone you know), we’d love to hear from you! Contact us at 215-549-3760 or brandi@saintraymond.net.
Snow and Inclement Weather
In the event of severe snow, the 8 am Weekly Daily Mass Schedule will be based on the Catholic School Schedule. If the school is closed or delayed, there will be no 8 am Daily Mass that day, thus giving time to get the lot cleared for the next Mass.
Tax Information
As you prepare your taxes, Brandi in our Parish Office is happy to provide a statement for your 2024 Giving. Please call her at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net. Statements can be picked up, emailed or mailed (mindful of delays in Postal Service at times).
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, February 9, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $8,435.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $445.00
REST: $50.00
Social Ministry: $40.00
School Appeal: $250.00
Total: $9,220.00
Special Collections
Feb 9th - St Raymond School Annual Appeal
Catholic Charities Appeal
Did you know that 1 in 5 people across the Greater Philadelphia area rely on the Catholic Charities Appeal for help and hope each year?
They are our neighbors, and they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are seeking comfort, support, and dignity in the face of challenges many of us cannot imagine. Your generosity touches their lives in profound ways because you embody Christ’s compassionate love and mercy by coming to their aid.
Your contributions go toward
Social Services
Evangelization
Special Education
Mission Parishes
Sick and Retired Priests
Catholic Charities envelopes are in the back of church. Please make your check payable to Catholic Charities and mail the envelope directly to the Archdiocese.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Support St. Raymond with online giving! You can make a one-time or recurring gift by clicking DONATE HERE. Prefer to give on your phone? Text straymond to 833-363-7471 and follow the simple instructions.
You can also scan the QR code to donate..
Please note: We no longer accept Cash App for tithes. You can give via Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving, or Envelopes. To request envelopes, email Brandi at brandi@straymond.net. Thank you for your generosity!
New Ministry for Single Catholic Women
Philadelphia Catholic Men's Conference
Catechetical Convocation
This event provides an annual opportunity for the most experienced and gifted volunteer catechists and catholic school teachers to share their practical insights and best practices in teaching the faith to children.
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