Recently, the priests from the inner city Black Catholic parishes got together. Monsignor Fred Britto, Pastor at Saint Cyprian Parish, hosted the luncheon. Several seminarians from St. Charles Seminary were likewise in attendance at the table.
Monsignor Britto thought it was important to get together in order to continue the conversations coming out of the 2023 National Black Catholic Congress. To this end, he invited Stacy Williams, the new Director of the Office for Black Catholics.
Stacey met with Archbishop Perez recently. The Archbishop shared his appreciation of the unique gift that the Black community is. He also acknowledged the unique challenges that the Black community faces. He is hoping the interaction between the Black community and the Archdiocese can improve.
Likewise, he encouraged the Black Catholic Community to show up in greater numbers and participate at Catholic liturgies and events. In particular, events where the Archbishop is present will be especially important. He wants the Black community to be visible across the Archdiocese. He wants to talk to and listen to members of the Black community. Likewise, he wants members of the community to interact with others. That can only happen when the Black Catholic Community attends these events and liturgies and does so in significant numbers. For example, let us use attendance at the St Martin de Porres Mass to make an impact and make our presence known in a big way!
Stacy also talked about a new and unique theology and catechetical program. It will emphasize faith from a Black Catholic perspective. She hopes that this will resonate with the Black Community. Details will be forthcoming.
Important points were also raised in the discussion about young Black Catholics. One immediate idea would be to ask young people for help. Others were to use as many communication channels as possible; ask them to use social media platforms; and to promote events happening at your church. These were some suggestions about how to get young people involved.
Stacey closed by asking, "Do you know what the Monsignor Mitchell Scholarship Program is?" Catholic schools can be expensive. Sometimes, tuition prevents certain families from considering a Catholic high school. The Mitchell Scholarship Program targets this issue. It was created specifically for the Black Catholic student population. Its purpose is to give more Black Catholics the opportunity to attend a Catholic high school in Philadelphia.
You can look on the Office of Black Catholics website to find more information.
As you can see, it was an exciting conversation with much substance. Stacey Williams, the priests, and seminarians, expressed optimism in seeing the tremendous opportunities and possibilities available.
Fr. Charles Zlock
Pastor
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Halloween Fun
St Raymond Church is having our 2nd Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 12th from 1- 3 pm in the Church Rectory Parking Lot!!
Registered “Trunks” will bring candy to hand out, PLUS be entered into our “BEST TRUNK” Contest! Please sign up here.
Please show up at 12:15 pm to decorate your trunk
There is no entry fee for treaters with participating trunks
o Registration is REQUIRED. Please sign up here.
o $1 (per child) entry fee at the entrance of the parking lot
There will be face painting, snacks & more! RSVP BY OCTOBER 7TH. Please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@saintraymond.net if you have any questions.
Bibles, Boots & Backpacks are Back!
Back by popular demand, Fr. Zlock will be hosting two fall Bibles, Boots & Backpacks hikes. Click here to get all the details. Feel free to invite a friend or two!
Celebrating Our Youth with Generation Grace
Our youth members had a wonderful picnic last weekend! They played tons of games and the rain even stopped long enough to enjoy some s'mores outside!
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry. 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.
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.
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
On the weekend of October 19 and 20, 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 October 16. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions, please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
Can You Help?
Are You Ready to Cast Your Vote?
Pennsylvania’s election is Nov. 5, 2024! If you are eligible, now is the time to register to vote or check your registration status to make sure your information is current. You must register or update your information by Monday, Oct. 21 to be eligible to vote in this election. If you are already registered and want to vote by mail, be sure to apply for your mail ballot by Oct. 29. For the most up-to-date Pennsylvania voting information, visit vote.pa.gov or follow the Department of State on Facebook and X.
Understanding Annulments: How the Tribunal Can Help After Divorce
The Tribunal is available to help people who have experienced divorce and who may wish to remarry in the Catholic Church. When a divorce occurs, the Catholic Church always seeks to balance two realities. One is the durable bond of marriage. This is God's law. On the
other hand, the Church is concerned about the spiritual welfare of the people involved. Perhaps there was some deficiency in the consent of the parties involved regarding intentions, understanding, or ability. The Annulment procedure addresses these circumstances.
Whether you are divorced and want to marry in the Catholic Church or are remarried outside the Church, please visit our website.
Or, if you have questions, concerns, and would like an initial conversation with Fr. Zlock, call the rectory and schedule a time to meet with him. 215-549-3760
Catholic Women's Conference
Register NOW!
Registration fee and transportation will be subsidized for St. Raymond parishioners. Contact Brandi 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
Technology
We are in urgent need of support from those with basic technology skills:
Slide Operators – manage slides shown on TV screens during 5 pm, 8 am or 10 am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10 am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10 am 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.
Part-Time Employment Opportunity
We are searching for a 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
Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested!
Job Opportunities at St. Raymond School
Currently, there are three open positions: two part-time Nutritional Development Service Workers (NDS) who are responsible for heating meals, passing out meals, and ordering and receiving inventory. The hours are negotiable; however, we are hoping to have help with both breakfast and lunch. Those hired would be finished by 1 pm each school day.
Additionally, there is one Maintenance position: the individual will be required to perform duties such as sweeping, emptying trash, arranging furniture, and school grounds upkeep. The hours are from 11am-4 pm.
The hourly pay is between $15-17 dollars, depending on experience.
To apply, please visit the Independence Mission Schools' hiring website or contact Principal Harris or Ms. PJ, the Assistant Principal, at 215-548-1919.
Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Perez Regarding Destruction Caused by Hurricane Helene
My heart is deeply pained to see Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction in the southern United States, stretching from Florida through Appalachia. Many precious lives have been cut short. Many homes, businesses, and communities have been obliterated. I encourage everyone to be a beacon of hope for those left standing in the wake of this devastation through frequent prayer and generous support of the relief efforts taking place.
Catholic Relief Services is coordinating the temporal response on behalf of the bishops of the United States. You can learn more and contribute here. The work of recovery will be monumental in scale and ongoing for quite some time. Let us be the hands of Christ for our suffering brothers and sisters now and in the coming months. In the name of the people of our local Church, I pray that God will bring comfort to those in mourning, protect the first responders and repair crews working on the ground, and pour His mercy upon all those impacted by this natural disaster.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Church Announcements
Fr Zlock is excited to invite you for a one-on-one chat where you can discuss anything on your mind. The next chat is this Saturday, October 5, from 9 to 10 am. Or join him at one of the following sessions:
Thursday, Oct 10: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 12: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Sign up here.He's looking forward to connecting with each of you!
Memorial of St. Francis is Friday, October 4. Bless your pet by showing extra-special love on that day.
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. If you did not receive yours, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@straymond.org
Upcoming Special Collections
Stewardship Sunday
As we approach Stewardship Sunday, coming up the weekend of October 13, 2024, Fr. Zlock has two requests for you to consider. First, please sign up for electronic giving to help reduce costs and provide a steady, reliable income for the church, especially during times when you may be away. You can do so easily at https://www.saintraymond.net/give. Second, he asks that you prayerfully consider offering $150 during Stewardship Sunday. If this amount isn't feasible due to financial circumstances, please give what you can, knowing that every gift, no matter the size, is appreciated and makes a meaningful impact. As scripture reminds us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Thank you for your continued support.
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.
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, September 29, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $3,681.00
Electronic Giving: $2,695.01
Monthly Church Maintenance: $513.00
REST: $225.00
Black & Native: $58.00
Stewardship: $30.00
Tanzania Fund: $50.00
Total: $7,252.01
World Mission Sunday is This Weekend - Please Be Generous!
AMEN FOUNDATION 2025: CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF SERVICE TO CHURCH & SOCIETY.
The Amen Foundation is a Catholic, tax-exempt, non-profit organization founded in 1990. It is based in Washington DC and run by dedicated volunteers and missionaries. Its mission is to promote, support, and strengthen Catholic religious vocations and ministries throughout the world. The Foundation works through partnerships and targeted assistance with dioceses, to seminaries, convents, religious formation centers and institutes, as well as catechetical and human development centers. Many of the beneficiaries over the years are non-English speaking African missionaries and others, who would otherwise not have had meaningful contacts with the American Church.
Hundreds of missionaries who have benefited from the Foundation’s mission now serve our Church and society on five continents, especially in Africa. They reach out through pastoral ministries, basic education, basic healthcare, food security, human rights issues, and other social justice ministries.
Because many missionary associates work under very harsh conditions in Africa and around the world, they often need assistance for their work and for outreach ministries among the world’s poor. Some of the most recent visiting missionaries and Mission appeal preachers have come from Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Amen Foundation has a special ministry of support and hospitality to respond to their needs:
1. Women religious community formation and educational programs in Sierra Leone
2. Theological education of seminarians in Nigeria and Sierra Leone
3. Evangelization and peace ministry outreach in South Africa and Ghana
4. Diocesan justice and peace ministry support in Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone
5. Partnership program of computer literacy and education for youth in Nigeria
6. Missionary hospitality ministry in Washington DC
7. Food security mission farm project and mental health centers in Sierra Leone
Rev. Fr. Paul M. Sandi, JCL, is the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Bo in Sierra Leone, West Africa. He was a lecturer in Canon Law at the St. Paul’s Major Seminary, Freetown. He is currently the Mission Director at the Amen Foundation. His principal duties are to coordinate partnerships with Dioceses or organizations and the Missionary Cooperative Plan. For more information, contact the website at mail@amenfoundation.org www.amenfoundation.org Washington DC.
Weight Watchers are back, and they meet here at St. Raymond every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm in the Rectory Basement. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Betty at 215-868-0740.
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.
Save the Date for St. Raymond Confirmands!
Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic Studies
We invite you to join us for the fourth annual Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic Studies on Thursday, November 7, at 7 p.m. in 132 Driscoll Hall at the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing on the Villanova University campus. This year's keynote speaker is Kim Harris, PhD, Associate Professor of African American Religious Thought and Practice in the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University. In addition to teaching courses on Black liberation and Womanist theologies, Harris leads music in a variety of liturgical and academic settings—as a liturgist, composer and recording artist, presenting lectures on the music of the Black Catholic experience, the spirituals of the Underground Railroad and the freedom song of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
The Mother Mary Lange Lecture, Villanova's signature event for Black Catholic History Month, is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Please register here or visit the Mother Mary Lange Lecture homepage for more information on program details, registration and parking.
FREE Transportation for St. Raymond church members!
Through the generosity of Villanova University, complimentary round trip motorcoach bus transportation is offered to St Raymond church members. However, reservations must be provided no later than Tuesday, October 15th. Please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 if you plan to ride the bus departing from St Raymond.
Our Lady of Confidence Retreat
St. Raymond parish has funding to help defray costs. Please contact Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
Martin Saints Classical High School
Admissions events for Martin Saints Classical High School (East Norriton, PA),during the coming school year are as follows:
Open Houses October 9th, 2024 @ 7:00pm; November 6th, 2024 @ 7:00pm; February 2nd, 2025 @ (afternoon, TBD)
Visitation Days 8th Grade Visitation Day: November 12th, 2024 from 8:30 am - 2:15 pm; 7th Grade Visitation Day: March 11th, 2025 from 8:30 am - 2:15 pm
Shadow Days Prospective families are welcome to schedule an individual shadow day for their son/daughter. Our shadow day season will begin on October 15th and end on May 22nd.
Contact Ms. Lindmeier (llindmeier@martinsaintsclassical.org) to schedule your visit.
Entrance Exam At present, we do not require an entrance exam for admission to Martin Saints. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available come September 2024.
Bishop McDevitt High School Reunion
Attention, Bishop McDevitt High School alums from the classes of '61 & '62! Save the date -- November 2, 2024, noon to 4 pm. Knights of Columbus Hall, 235 Limekiln Pike, Glenside PA. Cost $50. Class of '61 please contact cork324@aol.com; class of '62 contact mbtecce@gmail.com. Update contact information at 62bmcd@gmail.com
Bingo for the Wissahickon Boys & Girls Club
Clothing Drive at St. Athanasius
St. Athanasius Parish will be hosting a clothing drive to benefit The Society of St. Vincent de Paul on Saturday October 19 from 9-2 pm.
Look for The Thrifty Irishman truck in the school parking lot, where an assistant will be available to assist you with your donations. Please place your donations of gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing/shoes in plastic bags or boxes. Household items such as: kitchenware, CDs & videos, linens/bedding, games/toys, small appliances, electronics, sporting goods, books, furniture under 50 pounds will be accepted. Unfortunately, large appliances cannot be accepted.
For more info: www.thethriftyirishman.com
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!
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!
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
The October newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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