What We Have Seen and Heard. Reflections on the 40th Anniversary of the 1984 Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States
Part 3: The Gift of Reconciliation
In recent years, the Black community rejected “token” integration as a substitute for full self-determination. In this, the community was not choosing confrontation in place of cooperation. Rather, it insisted on collaboration with mutual respect for the dignity and unique gifts of all. It is a community that is deeply committed to reconciliation.
Reconciliation can never mean unilateral elevation at the cost of another's subordination. It cannot be unilateral giving and another's constant receiving; unilateral flexibility and another's resistance. Only when there is mutually-perceived equality will we come to what is truly meant by Justice.
Without Justice, any meaningful reconciliation is impossible. Justice safeguards rights. Justice delineates responsibilities. Therefore, diverse cultural identity and cultural values must be safeguarded and respected. Sincere reconciliation must build upon mutual recognition and mutual respect.
Reconciliation is the fruit of liberation. The contribution of the Black community is to be an agent of change. It is a call to build up the Church in America, and in the world. As the Bishops write, “Our efforts must never be limited to the Black community in this country alone. Our minds and hearts turn toward the Church of the poor in the third world. We seek reconciliation and liberation for those who hunger and thirst for justice - be it in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We also turn to the members of the “Church of Silence” and minority groups in the far East and in the West.”
Fr. Charles Zlock
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A Special Note from Fr. Zlock:
Thank you to everyone who either organized, participated in or attended the celebration of the 30th anniversary of my Ordination into Priesthood. It was a delightful affair and I was humbled by the outpouring of well wishes.
I was also profoundly touched by the many generous gifts I received. I have endeavored to express my gratitude to each of you who bestowed such kindness upon me. Occasionally, when acknowledgements go missing, it can lead to questions or concerns—whether the gift was received, or if a thank-you note was lost in transit. I want to avoid any potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings.
If you have not received a thank you note from me for your generous gift, please reach out. Rest assured, any oversight was not intentional. I am grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Thank you and God bless.
Fr. Zlock
Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace." 1Peter 4:10
We were each given gifts (charisms) by the Holy Spirit during baptism. Examples include knowledge, craftsmanship, intercessory prayer, teaching, service, music, administration, and many more! These gifts give you the power to be a channel of God's goodness to others. We can help you to identify, discern and practice using your gifts via The Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process.
HOW? There are three steps: Learning, gift interview, and discernment during five weekly 1-1/2 hour sessions. A Saturday morning and a Thursday evening option will be offered for your preference and selection.
QUESTIONS? Get more details by attending the Information session in the rectory basement/Sister Rosemary Room this coming Sunday, June 9, 11:45 am - after Mass (hosted by Minta).
Sign up here or contact Minta at mintabrown@saintraymond.net to reserve your spot.
Please Welcome our House Guest!
Mr. Bernie Faia arrived at St. Raymond on Tuesday, June 4, from St. Charles Seminary, and will be our guest throughout the summer. When you meet him this weekend, please be sure to give him the sort of welcome that always warms the hearts of newcomers to our parish. Take a look at this video to learn more.
Bibles, Boots and Backpacks
New Dates for Valley Forge and Wissahickon Parks!
Get all the details and directions here.
Men's Group
The next Men's Group meeting will be Tuesday, June 11th at 7pm in the Rectory Dining Room.
Join Us for Hospitality Sunday on June 16th
Join us after the 10 AM mass for some snacks and fellowship with our church family. All are welcome and feel free to bring a friend or someone who hasn't been to church in a while!
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.
Sunday, June 9 - Caring for Friends Food Preparation
Friday, July 5 - Gospel Skate Night at Rolling Thunder
Church Announcements
Guidelines for Church Temperature
As we navigate through the changing seasons, the topic of our church's temperature during mass often arises. Whether it’s too warm or too cool, Deacon Bill, the Bethany Team and I frequently receive feedback.
Firstly, we appreciate when everyone speaks kindly—it really makes a difference. As followers of Christ, how we talk to each other matters.
To simplify things, we've come up with a way to decide when to flip on the AC. For example, last Sunday it was 75 degrees with 55% humidity, and most people thought it felt just right. So, we're using a simple formula: adding the temperature and humidity together. Here's the plan:
Below 130: We'll probably leave the AC off, use fans, or open windows if it’s nice outside.
At 130: We'll think about turning on the AC.
Above 135: We'll definitely turn on the AC.
We know it’s tricky to get the temperature right for everyone, especially with the weather changing from one Mass to the next. 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
Recently, the Parish purchased two items that are important to church safety. A fully- equipped 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.
Trauma Kit Now in Sacristy
Did you know that trauma cases are one of the leading causes of fatalities for people over 40? To increase the possibility of addressing medical issues requiring trauma first aid, a "Stop the Bleed" trauma (or tourniquet) kit is now in the sacristy. It is located next to the Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED), to the left of the sink.
The trauma kit includes:
Tourniquet with windlass rod
Heavy gloves
Compression dressing
Packing gauze
Marker
Using the kit is not difficult but does require a bit of familiarity with the items in the kit. A five-minute instructional video can be found here. It's worth taking the time to watch, just in case.
Special Collection: May through June 8th
"Did you know one in five people in the Greater Philadelphia area count on the Catholic Charities Appeal for help and hope? We may not notice them, but they are there in every county, town, parish, and neighborhood. It’s time we focus on the women and children looking for shelter, focus on those experiencing poverty and looking for a meal, and focus on individuals with special needs looking for opportunity. Every year, the Catholic Charities Appeal impacts nearly one million lives. But this is not possible without your help. Your gift matters more than you know." Envelopes for Catholic Charities are available in the back of church.
Peter's Pence Collection
Peter's Pence is a special collection for Pope Francis. The funds are given to the Holy Father specifically for his discretion and use for needs closest to his heart. To learn more and donate, click here.
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, June 2, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $5,267.10
Electronic Giving: $4,447.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $430.02
Catholic Home Missions: $5.00
REST: $475.00
Human Development: $35.00
Total: $10,659.12
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.
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.
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
Bethany Team
We are grateful for the folks who have expressed interest in joining the Bethany Team. Training has begun, and soon you will see some new smiling faces waiting to greet you as you come to Mass each week. But we are still in dire need of people who regularly attend the 5 pm Saturday Mass 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 for the Saturday Masses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Community Events & Announcements
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, School of Theological Studies – Registration is open!
The Catechetical Institute provides catechetical courses that can be used towards the catechetical certification program of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Catechetical Formation (OCF). Upon successful completion of a course, the STS Office will send a participant’s name to OCF and they will issue a catechetical credit. Learn more and register here.
Go, Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
Saturdays, June 29, July 13 and July 27 – 9 AM-12 PM
Event: Go, Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
Join us for a powerful and practical training in the habits and skills of missionary discipleship. This course will help you deepen your personal friendship with Jesus and acquire relational skills to encounter and accompany others into Christ’s love.
Facilitators: Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Fr. Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Vicar, St. Helena, Philadelphia Location: St. Helena Parish, Lower Church Gathering Space, 6161 N. 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Cost is $25 for all 3 sessions including coffee, snacks and guidebook. Click here to register or visit phillyevang.org/events.
Catholic Women's Conference
News From the Office of Black Catholics
Check out the Newsletter for many additional exciting events.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
The June newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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