In this Issue:
Luke 6: 27-38
Prayer: A Starting Place
~ Anonymous
Well if this isn’t the most challenging of Jesus’ gospels I don’t know what is.
The first task for me is to understand who the “enemy” really is, and of course it’s not necessarily military opponents, as the name enemy might suggest. Sometimes it’s people or situations dashing my expectation of how the world should be, thus taking away my feeling of control. This can annoy, disappoint, or even infuriate.
The “enemy” here might be fleeting, like the bank that gives me a chatbot instead of a person. Or the people I need to work with who reject my opinion. Sometimes (thankfully this is rare) the adversary is someone I really love who does something they know will hurt me deeply but they do it anyway. Then, I want to lash out, or at least dig in for a long-term grudge.
But Jesus almost pummels us in this reading with directions about what to do instead. He asks for what at least for me seems a super-human response. I find it hard in the thick of things to substitute feelings of love, kindness, forgiveness and generosity for churning emotions. But the reading does give me something concrete I can do: I can “pray for my enemies.” So that's what I try to do, when I remember to do it, of course. It may be a grudging prayer, even an insincere one at first, but I can do it.
Sometimes this allows me a period of cooling off, a chance to rest my brain. Sometimes it allows me to look at a person differently and more humanly – more lovingly. Sometimes it lets me learn more about myself and my possible culpability in a situation.
Thus, for me, prayer for those who have caused me hurt is the best – and sometimes the only – starting place.
Reflection provided by the Catholic Preaching Institute.
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.
Please note that this program is offered in lieu of Lenten Life Groups. Life Groups are planned to return this summer.
Monthly Prayer Team
This weekend, February 22 and 23, the Monthly Prayer Team stands ready to ask God to lift your burdens and heal your sorrows. He reminds us that His yoke is easy, and He is always listening.
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.
Black History Month Quiz - Test Your Knowledge!
Coming March 5th!
Our parish, along with every parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is participating in the amazing survey that helps parishes understand where people are in their walk with Jesus. From March 5 to April 10, we’ll be asking you to take a short survey. Stay tuned - the link will be live soon!
Anointing Mass
On the weekend of March 22-23, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be administered at the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday 8 am and 10 am Masses. Parishioners who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung or kidney, etc.), undergoing treatment for another disease/illness, or living at a very advanced age are encouraged to receive this Sacrament.
If you qualify and desire to be anointed, sign-up sheets are available on the desk in the rear of the church, or you must call the rectory no later than March 19. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions, please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
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.
Alpha Youth Starts March 23rd!
What's on your mind? St. Raymond Church is inviting all 5th-8th graders to hang out and join a conversation on life, faith & purpose. Each session unpacks one main topic, and is designed to spark conversation. Anyone is welcome to attend whether you go to St. Raymond Church or not.
We meet every 4th Sunday from 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM (March 23 - December 28) in the Sister Rosemary Room.
Food’s on us! Just make sure to sign up—it's required. Space is limited, so don't wait! Can’t wait to see you there!
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.
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 16, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $8,706.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $537.00
REST: $100.00
Social Ministry: $50.00
School Appeal: $125.00
Christmas Offering: $5.00
Total: $9,523.00
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!
Pro-Life Scholarships
Abortion Dialogue Academy, a pro-life non-profit group, is offering scholarships for college students at West Chester University, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University Park, the University of Delaware, Thomas Edison State University, Rowan University, and several other schools throughout the nation. Students can earn $2k per year, up to $8k during their undergraduate enrollment.
If you are a student at one of these universities, or are planning to attend, you can learn more at www.abortiondialogueacademy.org. The deadline to apply is May 2, 2025.
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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