In this Issue:
Luke 13:6-9
And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’
He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”
Heavenly Father, You are patient and merciful, giving us time to grow and bear fruit. Like the fig tree, may we not remain barren, but flourish in faith, love, and good works. Help us to live each day bearing fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Day of Mercy
To help you prepare your heart for Easter, we are offering a special opportunity for confession, with several priests available on April 5 from 9-3 PM.
No matter how long it has been, God is always ready to meet you with love and compassion. We invite you to take part in this experience of renewal and grace!
Don't miss our Lenten Sermon Series
Join us for weekend Masses throughout Lent as Fr. Zlock and Deacon Bill share a special Sermon Series on the Seven Deadly Sins. Learn why these sins are considered "deadly" and how the Seven Virtues can help us overcome them.
Join our Bible Study!
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.
Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom! Simply click this link at 6:30 pm to join the call.
Click here to download the Week Two study guide.
Learn how to Pray in our Book Study
Have you ever felt like you're not sure how to pray? Are you curious about meditative prayer? Join our seminarians, Bernie Faia and Luke Lenhard, as they guide you in learning how to have a real conversation with God, using the book Conversation with Christ by Peter Thomas Rohrback as a guide. To RSVP, email lavernemjones@gmail.com.
Please note: there will be no Book Study on Thursday, March 20.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday
April 12 @ 5 pm
April 13 @ 8 am
April 13 @ 10 am
Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper)
April 17 @ 7pm (No 8 am Morning Mass) - Office is closed.
Good Friday (Service of the Lord’s Passion)
April 18 @ 3pm (No 8 am Morning Mass) - Office is closed.
Good Friday (Stations of the Cross)
April 18 @ 7 pm (No 8 am Morning Mass)
Decorating the Church for Easter Saturday
April 19 at 9 am
(No 8 am Morning Mass)
Easter Vigil (Vigil Mass)
April 19 @ 7 pm
(No 5pm Vigil Mass)
Easter Sunday
April 20 @ 8 am
April 20 @ 10 am
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter, April 20th after the 10 am Mass for ages 12 and under. We are asking for candy donations (please no peanuts; individually wrapped candy only) and plastic eggs. Please drop off in the box in the back of the Church or the Church Rectory during the week between 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!!
Parents of 5th-8th Graders: We’ve Got Something for Your Kids!
Looking for a safe, fun, and meaningful way for your child to connect with others and explore life, faith, and purpose? St. Raymond Church invites 5th-8th graders to join us every 4th Sunday for real conversations, great company, and free food!
When: Every 4th Sunday (March 23 - Dec 28)
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
Where: St. Raymond Church
Each session unpacks a big topic designed to spark discussion and help kids think deeply about who they are and what they believe—in a welcoming and fun environment!
Spots are limited, so sign them up today!
Register here: https://www.saintraymond.net/alpha
Your child will love it—and you’ll love knowing they’re part of something meaningful.
Take the DMI Survey Today!
For the next few weeks, we are asking members of the Church Family to complete the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) to give us feedback on your life with Jesus. The information (which is anonymous) will help us know how best to plan for the next few years. From today through April 10, please take this short survey.
If you are not able to access the DMI on your own (or lack access to technology), you are welcome to come to the Parish Office on Monday or Thursday between 10am and Noon and someone will help you. You matter and so does your opinion!
Seminarians Visiting St. Raymond
Seminarians from St. Charles visited St. Raymond last week as part of a day dedicated to experiencing diverse cultures across the Archdiocese—offering them insights into communities they may not encounter in their own hometowns.
Sign up for Anointing Mass by Today, March 19
This coming weekend, 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 today, March 19. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions, please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Recruiting for Career Day
Do you, or someone you know, have a job you love? Would you like to tell our students at St. Raymond School about it?
The Men's Group is sponsoring a Career Day on Friday, March 28 from 1 to 3:30 pm, and they are looking for willing speakers. Please sign up by contacting the rectory (215-549-3760).
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.
Support the McMillan Family with an Item from Their Amazon Wishlist
We are collecting essential items for the McMillan Family as they settle into their temporary rental while their home is rebuilt following a fire in January 2025. Any item you purchase from this list will be delivered to St. Raymond Church and then provided to the family. View their Amazon Wishlist here. Thank you for your generosity.
Prefer to donate instead?
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.
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, March 16, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $7,695.51
Monthly Church Maintenance: $622.00
Easter Flowers: $105.00
Rice Bowl: $27.00
Total: $8,449.51
Special Collections
March 16th-Maintenance
March 23rd-Rice Bowl
March 30th-Easter Flowers
Two Reminders:
1) If you know someone not receiving our Wednesday email blasts, please let us know.
2) Let us know if you have not received collection envelopes for March - May.
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!
Formation Program is Now Open
Registration is now open for The Sister Bea Jeffries, SBS, Black Catholic Formation Program, 2nd Semester
Classes begin Thursday, April 24 & Friday April 25. Check St. Charles Seminary site for places & times.
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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