PRAYER WORKS
It was several decades ago, in the late 1990s. I was enjoying dinner and a glass of mineral water with some priest friends. We were at a fine little Irish pub called Brittingham‘s.
Our waiter had a very distinctive brogue. When we asked where he was from, he said Dublin. We mentioned that we were Catholic priests. This opened up a conversation with him about “The Troubles” that plagued Ireland at that time. We knew religion and sectarian violence were factors in the conflict. Yet, we pleaded ignorance about what the deeper issues and causes were. The conversation with him was fascinating. It was also quite dark as we discussed what other insidious items were in play.
At one point I asked him, “What do you think is needed to move this to a better place?” He answered, “Prayer.”
We didn’t see that one coming.
Everybody knows and understands the term “9/11.” Fewer recognize the term “11/9.” November 9th was the day that the Berlin Wall came down. No one saw that coming either. In the years of his pontificate, Pope John Paul II appealed to the world to pray for the fall of Communism. In the end, it collapsed upon itself. Not a single shot was fired. Prayer works. Sometimes in big ways.
I recently saw a 60 Minutes interview with Pope Francis. Norah O’Donnell was the hostess. Norah noted how the Holy Father has spoken out against war and violence in the world. The Pope has said that the world is currently in the midst of World War III. It’s just in smaller pieces.
Even so, he simultaneously exudes a strong sense of hope. She asked, “What would you say about how to change that?”
In The Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus, Pope Francis writes that
[58] We must never forget that the image of the heart speaks to us of the flesh and of earthly realities. In this way, it points us to the God who wished to become one of us, a part of our history, and a companion on our earthly journey. A more abstract or stylized form of devotion would not necessarily be more faithful to the Gospel, for in this eloquent and tangible sign we see how God willed to reveal himself and to draw close to us.
[60] Thus we must contemplate a physical reality, his human flesh, which enables him to possess genuine human emotions and feelings, like ourselves, albeit fully transformed by his divine love.
That last line is key. The Holy Father has encouraged world leaders to dialogue for peace. He says that “A negotiated peace is better than an endless war.” In some cases, the Pope has excoriated world leaders for the deadly combination of ideology and the globalization of indifference.
In these conflicts, we are dealing with “earthly realities” that Pope Francis mentions. We need to use the best that human nature has to offer to arrive at solutions to these conflicts. These include leadership tools, techniques, policies, negotiates, virtue, compromise. Yet, Francis also echoes John Paul II’s advice about the other “nature” of Jesus Christ: his divine nature.
God does not like his children fighting and killing each other. Grace builds on nature. We need to work for peace, take hope — and pray. Between 1982 and 1986 I worked in West Berlin. The Berlin Wall ran through the middle of my parish of St. Ignatius. The Wall was 20 yards from the church's front door.
I visited that site last summer. The Wall is gone. There are apartment complexes and stores in its place now. Keep praying. It works.
Fr. Charles Zlock
Pastor
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Thank you to everyone who made Home for Christmas 2024 an unforgettable celebration! From setting up and decorating to cooking, serving, donating, sorting, cleaning up, and everything in between, your efforts created a beautiful family affair. Thanks to your dedication, 200 guests from local homeless shelters enjoyed a truly special Christmas Day filled with joy. They were treated to a delicious meal, gifts from the blessing shop, toys from the toy shop, visits with Santa, games, musical chairs, and dancing! Your kindness and hard work made this event a shining success—thank you!
Archbishop Pérez's Pastoral Letter
Archbishop Pérez published a Pastoral Letter on Sunday, January 5th. This letter outlines his hopes for the Church of Philadelphia over the coming years. He is asking for your help in being a part of the process. You can read his entire letter at https://trustandhope.org. For your convenience, a condensed version appears below. We will be having a local information session here at St. Raymond on March 15 from 10-12 PM. Details will follow.
Condensed version of Archbishop Perez’s Letter
Today, 83% of our fellow baptized Catholics don’t come to church. That fact needs to make us uncomfortable. We need to have urgency around this.
I want to embark on a new form of pastoral planning by asking a new question, “Where does the Church need to be and how?” We need to inspire a pastoral change of heart that focuses on those who are absent and that aligns our collective efforts across parishes, schools, and charitable ministries to listen, rebuild trust, and invite people home.
This change of heart starts with me, and it requires your help. As I have been out and about during these past five years, I’ve heard stories of interactions with the Archdiocese that have caused a strained and deteriorating relationship. These stories are from your friends, coworkers, neighbors, parents, or your children, and grandchildren.
We can do better. I can do better. Many times, you may be the only person in a loved one’s life who can reach them when they are feeling lost or disconnected. Your encounters can mark the beginning of their return. This is our shared mission: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ’s love, mercy, and resurrection to a world that desperately needs it. We must be a community of Missionary Disciples focused on renewal, rebuilding trust, and inviting people to a relationship with Jesus Christ!
Where does the Church need to be? Historically, Philadelphia has taken an on/off approach to parish life—with parishes either open or closed. When I became Archbishop, the second question at my introductory press conference was, “Will you close parishes?” My answer then, and now, is the same: I didn’t come here to close parishes; I came here to build up the Church of Philadelphia. Pope Francis encourages us to think of parishes as flexible entities that can adapt to the surrounding world: (Joy of the Gospel 28) I want to begin to close this distance between many of our loved ones and the Church. I want people to know that the Lord is still calling them, that they are of great worth, have a divine purpose, and an eternal home.
However, I am not naïve about the number of parishes we have and how we are spreading our priests thin. While I want to avoid widespread parish closures, we will inevitably face some changes and closures over time. My hope is that, through flexibility and an open heart, we can work creatively to meet the needs of our parishes and create more time for the Holy Spirit to inspire them.
Over the next decade, I want to establish “Missionary Hubs” across the entire Archdiocese, aiming for at least ten per county, planted at parishes and other locations. The goal is to reach out to Catholics who don’t participate and non-Catholics, using our resources and talents to ignite a spirit of Missionary Discipleship.
We need to plan for these Missionary Hubs in a spirit of synodal discernment and collaboration. I want communities and leaders to express interest in having a Missionary Hub planted at their parish. The seeds planted today will be the evangelical fruit of tomorrow.
Missionary Hubs will have full-time staff working under a pastor committed to outward engagement. The staff may include service coordinators, communications experts, event specialists and missionaries all focused on facilitating an encounter with Christ and his Church. We would plant Missionary Hubs throughout the Archdiocese and allocate resources where they are needed most, especially the poorest areas of our community.
I invite you to join me this coming spring for discussions about the future of the Church of Philadelphia. I see our local Church as a hub of evangelization, vibrant with hope and grace. But to move forward, I need to listen to your hopes, dreams, concerns, and desires for renewal. Please join me.
You are resilient. You are loved. Your steadfastness despite social and spiritual challenges doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for walking this journey with me and for embodying the heart and soul of our Church.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Celebrating Our Youth with Generation Grace
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760 to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry.
There is a new email address for communication relating to religious education: religious.ed@saintraymond.net.
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 Pre-K & K 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.
Can You Help?
Have Left Overs?
Why not package them for Caring for Friends? Containers are located in the back of the Church (in a basket on the desk on the Forrest Ave side). The one meal that you discard can be a meal for an ailing senior living alone. Frozen meals can be dropped off at the Rectory between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals to seniors on a weekly basis. For more info, contact the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Volunteer Opportunities
Church Announcements
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!
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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. Please check your local news channel for school closings.
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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).
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Confession Times
Confessions are by appointment, and people are welcome to call the rectory to schedule a time. Father will also be available from 4 to 4:45 pm before the Saturday Vigil Mass in the Church Confessional.
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.
Collection Envelopes for September through December, 2024 have been mailed out. There are three special collection envelopes: 11/28 = Thanksgiving;12/8 = Christmas Flower Offering; 12/25 = Christmas Offering. If you did not receive your envelopes, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@straymond.org
To our Online Parishioners
We 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. Feel free to contact the rectory for assistance at 215-549-3760.
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.
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, December 29, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $5,536.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $447.00
REST: $50.00
Thanksgiving Offering: $25.00
Social Ministry Christmas: $1,675.00
Christmas Offering: $1,605.00
Christmas Flowers: $5.00
Stewardship: $25.00
Total: $9,368.00
Special Collections
Jan 19th = Catholic Relief Services
Feb 9th = St Raymond School Annual Appeal
Get Involved!
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
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Community Events
Martin Luther King Day
Renew and Breathe: Retreats for Mothers of all Ages
Register here.
News From the National Black Catholic Congress
An all-new issue of the National Black Catholic Congress is out now. Sign up to get your copy here.
News From the Office for Black Catholics
Check out their website for important news!
News from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The December newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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