Jul 1711 min read

Good News for July 17, 2024

Every person has a worldview. It is the way that they perceive, interpret, and make sense of their surroundings. It forms their belief system. A person acts according to that belief system because they perceive that such a way of living gives them the best chance of thriving, being successful, and thus being happy.

Societies work the same way. Groups of people come together to establish a society. Societies have worldviews. Groups of people act according to that collective worldview. Pollsters will ask, “Are things going in a good direction or a bad one?” The answer, as well as elections, hinge on people’s worldviews.

Assorted topics are being hotly debated today. They include religion, economic and political values, morality, legal codes, public policy, manners, entertainment, gender, and race. Governments are legislating what key institutions may and may not do. What do we teach in our schools? What government funding will support our charities? Which medical procedures can, or must, be performed in hospitals? What are the topics that our parishes can and cannot preach? The arguments cause people to claim that the United States is a divided country. This is about different groups within our country having divergent worldviews. If you are Catholic, you might seem confused about what is going on in parts of our country today. it is because of a change and clash of worldviews.

How did this happen? During its first three centuries, the Christian Church conflicted with its surroundings. During this time of the Roman Empire, the Church functioned in an apostolic mode. She was making her way against the current of wider society. She maintained and articulated a distinct and contrasting vision. It involved more than embracing a set of moral principles or doctrinal statements. Christians viewed everything differently.

In the fourth century, everything shifted. Constantine became a Christian. Christianity first challenged, then replaced, the earlier vision. Overnight, Christians came out of the catacombs. Christianity became the official religion of the Empire. We entered a Christendom Age. Since then, Western civilization has been, to one degree or another, a set of Christendom societies.

For the past several hundred years, there has been a bitter contest between world visions. It involves the conflict between a Christian worldview and a humanistic, materialistic, secular vision.

The Protestant Reformation planted the seeds. Secular, humanistic ideas began to take shape during the “Enlightenment” of the 1600s. Enlightenment ideas fed an anti-Christian worldview. This has accelerated, especially over the past two hundred years. Former “Catholic” countries such as Ireland, Spain, Belgium, and the province of Quebec in Canada became secular. The former Cardinal Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Lustiger, spoke at St. Charles Seminary while I was there. He said Mass attendance by Catholics in formerly Catholic Paris had dropped to less than 2%. That was back in the late 1990s! At the beginning of the new millennium, Pope John Paul II wrote a letter to the world. It was entitled “Novo Millennio Ineunte” or “Guidance on the New Millennium.” In it, he said that “Christian society, measured on Gospel values, is now gone.” That was in 2001. We are now in a new Apostolic Age.

This requires that we devise a pastoral strategy for this transitional time. I will cover that topic in a few weeks. Meanwhile, I recently was honored to be the Dean of the parishes located in the Northwest Philadelphia area. Since the appointment, people have asked me several questions. What is a Dean? What is a Deanery? What is the purpose of a Deanery? What will you be doing? All good questions. Let me begin to cover those questions over the next two weeks.

Fr. Charles Zlock

Follow me on social media!

Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!

Father Zlock and Bernie are Heading to the National Eucharistic Congress!

The National Eucharistic Congress, taking place July 17-21 in Indianapolis, marks the first such gathering in the U.S. in 83 years. It aims to renew the Church’s mission, focusing on the Eucharist to heal divisions and restore hope. The Congress, involving Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and educational sessions, will gather bishops, clergy, and laypeople nationwide. It represents a significant spiritual event aimed at rekindling Eucharistic faith and setting the stage for a new chapter in the Church's mission in America.

Please keep them in your prayers for a blessed and inspiring experience and safe travels. Feel free to follow their journey on Father Zlock's Instagram: @fatherzlock.

You can also livestream the Congress here.

Getting to Know You...

Here's a message from Mr. Bernie Faia --

As a seminarian assigned to St Raymond Church, I would like to meet and get to know as many parishioners as possible, and for the parishioners to get to know who I am. Please take a moment to sign up for a time to get to know me better.

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 5pm, 8am or 10am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10am 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.

Bethany Team

We are grateful for the folks who have expressed interest in joining the Bethany Team. But we are still in dire need of people who regularly attend Mass at 5 pm Saturday and 8 am Sunday, and might like to welcome others who come to Mass at that time. Please contact Minta at mintabrown@saintraymond.net or by phone at 610-329-7256 if you can help her fill the empty spaces on her Bethany schedule.

Lectors

Likewise, our Lector Team has a major shortage of readers for the 5 pm Saturday and 8 am Sunday Masses. St. Raymond lectors know the joy that comes from proclaiming the Word of God to His people. If you want to share in this ministry, you’ll have the encouragement of the entire team as you do your training. Please contact Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or by phone at 215-549-3760 if you’d like to know more.

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 Opportunities

We are excited to announce two fantastic part-time job opportunities 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

Finance Manager

The Finance Manager collaborates with the Pastor and Finance Council to manage the financial and temporal affairs of the parish. This role ensures compliance with the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AOP) and supports the stewardship of the parish’s resources. View the job description: https://indeedhi.re/3RMnlWP

To apply, please send your resume to Saunja Johnson at saunja.johnson@verizon.net and/or Minta Brown at mintabrown@saintraymond.net.

Please share these opportunities with anyone who might be interested!

In Case You Didn't Notice...

We're Having a Heat Wave!

Here are some tips to stay safe this summer:

Stay hydrated:

Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

When you’re outside:

Avoid working, exercising, or playing outside during the hottest part of the day (usually noon to 5 p.m.).
Slow down. Rest in the shade or a cool place when you can.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella for shade.

At home:

Use air conditioners and fans. If you use a fan, make sure your windows are open to release trapped hot air.
Use drapes, shades, or awnings in your home. Outdoor awnings can reduce the heat that enters the home by up to 80 percent.
Take a cool shower or bath.
Visit a friend with air conditioning or spend time in a cool place like a mall, library, senior center, or cooling center. Even a few hours in air conditioning during the hottest part of the day can help your body recover.

Remember:

Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.
Check on older adults who live alone.

You can always call the Heatline: 215-765-9040 for help in keeping cool.

And take a look at this site - "It's a Summer Thing" - for lots of ideas to keep your kids cool, safe and happy: #ItsASummerThing 2024! | Department of Human Services | City of Philadelphia

What a Great Hike Last Sunday!

Thanks to everyone who joined us!

Our Next Bibles, Boots and Backpacks is August 10!

Join us for our next hike at Wissahickon Park. Get all the details at this link. Come alone, bring a friend, all are most welcome!

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. Below is the schedule that was created for the children. 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.

Gospel Skate Night was a Blast!

Don't Miss Family Fun Night! RSVP Today!

Please RSVP by today, July 17th.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word – Assistants Needed

All things should be done decently and in order. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace in all the churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:40 & 33)

We are looking for 6 people to support the Children’s Liturgy of The Word (CLOW) as Classroom Assistants. Commitment is 30 minutes during Mass, one Sunday every six weeks. The CLOW Assistant helps to keep order in the room, attends to the care of the children, sets up before and cleans up afterwards. In this way the Assistant supports the Disciple/Catechist who can then fully focus on imparting the Word of God and the story of Jesus Christ to the children. The only qualification is that you enjoy spending time with the children of our Parish. If interested or would like to review the list of duties as an assistant for CLOW, please contact Peggy Evans at peggy@saintraymond.net or 267-262-6594.

2024 Graduates

Do you have a graduate in your family? Please email Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or call her at 215-549-3760. We would like to acknowledge our graduates!

Church Announcements

Hospitality Sunday

Instead of this coming week, hospitality Sunday has been moved to the fourth week of July --- July 28. We hope to see you there, and we hope the weather will be cooler!

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.

Monthly Prayer Team

St. Raymond's Prayer Team stands ready to offer prayer after all the Masses on Saturday and Sunday, July 27-28 (always the last weekend of the month). Join us to lift up your needs and intentions to our loving God, who hears and answers every prayer.

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 July 7 through September 1 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

August 19 - Mission Appeal

September 1 - Black and Native American

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, July 14, 2024

Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00

Collection & Envelopes: $4,077.80

Electronic Giving: $4,346.00

Monthly Church Maintenance: $193.00

REST: $525.00

Human Development Campaign: $185.00

Guiding Star Ministries: $200.00

Mission Appeal: $25.00

Holy Land Sanctuary: $25.00

Catholic Home Missions: $25.00

Black & Native American Missions: $25.00

Easter Offering: $25.00

Easter Flower: $25.00

Christmas Offering: $25.00

Rice Bowl: $25.00

Total: $9,726.00

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.