Last week I dovetailed off of Deacon Bill Bradley's homily on stewardship. I mentioned that stewardship means asking questions. This includes how to give, what to give, and when to give and how much to give. It also involves deeper questions such as "Who or what do I give to? It also includes asking a big question - why? Why give at all? Why give to that charity or church? Why give to that person or that project?
When it comes to material goods, there are several principles that point to a healthy church. First, money follows the mission. So what’s the mission? Said another way, why does the Catholic Church exist? Why does this parish exist?
What are your values, or how do others see you behave? What do you do and what does “mission success” look like?” Who is the anchor person - either in the parish, or the staff or the ministry? In other words, who is in charge of … this ministry, this department, this project, this program?
What is most important to your organization? To answer that, look at what your church spends money on. The weekend collection needs to be enough to support the mission. If not, people do not believe in the mission. Also, look at the condition and care of the resources. If you do not take care of the infrastructure, it will collapse and threaten the mission. It can even dismantle it entirely.
Last week I introduced GAC Associates from Ardmore, PA. They are a property inspection company. We asked them to perform a property inspection and environmental assessment of St. Raymond. They delivered a 101-page report to the Finance Council and me in April of this year.
Let me provide some context. At my last assignment, we had six buildings. They were relatively new: about 25 years old. Yet 25 years can take its toll. An assessment revealed $1.7 million of repair and maintenance issues. Several were big. It included a new roof and stucco for the church. It required total replacement of the heating and air conditioning systems in the church and heating for the school. The buildings at St. Raymond are much older. Thus, we expected a higher figure.
We were (somewhat) pleasantly surprised. The engineers identified $1.5 million of items to be addressed. But a cursory examination of the report showed the figure to be more favorable. Some items involve routine maintenance (See the overview included with the parish bulletin or in the back of the church). We can budget and address these as normal operating expenses. The conditions of some items are satisfactory. We will address these needs as they arise.
Some are “big ticket” items. These need to be discussed further. Here is where talent and time come into play. The process is neither complex nor hard. At some point, we will hire professionals to do the heavy lifting. This includes long-range planning, arranging for the proposal and bidding process and project management. But now I need a committed team, and a team leader, to help get the process started. I’d like to see a nice mix of shop floor types, engineers, architects, builders, craftsmen/women, project managers, finance people. I’m looking for about 7 people. If you have these - or similar skills - let me know. I especially need one person to be the “anchor” to lead the team.
As Deacon Bill said (quoting Mrs. Cooper), “Tell the people what you need.” Now you know. Let's get the process started.
Fr. Charles Zlock
Pastor
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Bibles, Boots & Backpacks are Back This Weekend!
This weekend, 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!
*Note - there's a location change for October 26th! Click the link to get the updated details.
You're Invited! Refugee Empowerment Support Team - REST - Meeting October 30th at 7pm
Our team of REST volunteers works with refugee families, doing everything from meeting them at the airport and providing them a place to live, to bringing them to doctors' appointments, providing language training, and helping them find jobs. The goal is to provide a safe, new community for refugee and immigrant families where they will be able to thrive as self-sufficient, contributing members of society.
If you'd like to learn more and possibly join the REST team at St. Raymond, please join our next meeting on Zoom on Wednesday, October 30th at 7pm. For the Zoom link, email rest@saintraymond.net.
Pray for Our Church Family
Last weekend, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick was 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 received this Holy Sacrament. Please keep them in your prayers.
Loving God, we pray for your healing touch upon all who are sick. Grant them comfort in their suffering, courage when they feel afraid, and peace to face whatever comes next. We ask you to restore their health in body, mind, and spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
These Folks Know Their Charisms - Do You?
This past summer and into the fall, Fr. Zlock and Minta Brown each hosted groups to identify, discern and practice using their spiritual gifts (charisms) via The Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process. Over a series of 7 meetings, thirteen people explored and experimented with gifts that each personally received during baptism by the Holy Spirit. Examples of their gifts include encouragement, craftsmanship, leadership, writing, mercy, hospitality, service, and many more! Our participants learned how gifts provide the power to be a channel of God's goodness to others. We congratulate them, and ask for God's blessings. If you're interested in discovering your charisms, stay tuned for details about our next Called & Gifted sessions.
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. 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.
You have a choice this Advent: Get caught up in the annual rush of shopping, decorating, and parties or slow down and take a few minutes each day to remember who this season is really about—Jesus. In “Adore”, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent. Short 8-10-minute videos will focus on a new theme each week—vigilance, preparation, nearness, and Emmanuel—that you can relate to your own life.
Advent Life Groups begin the week of November 17th for 5 weeks (through December 21st). Groups will meet throughout the week – some in person and some via ZOOM. You pick one. A more spiritual you is the best gift that can be given! Fliers will be available for more information. You must reserve a spot to join. Or contact Minta Brown at 610-329-7256.
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. 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
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.
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.
New Confession Times
Beginning this week, 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.
Offer Up Your Prayers this Sunday
St. Raymond's Prayer Team stands ready to offer prayer after all the Masses this Saturday and Sunday (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.
Church Announcements
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
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, October 20, 2024
Due to an unforeseen circumstance, the weekly collection count for the weekend of 10/19 - 10/20 will be provided in next week's communication.
Stewardship Sunday
Please contrivute toward Stewardship Sunday. Fr. Zlock has two requests for you to consider. First, please sign up for electronic giving to help reduce costs and provide a steady, relStewiable 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 the month. 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.
There's Still Time to Contribute to World Mission Sunday
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.
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.
Charismatic Renewal
Evangelical Challenges - Call and Response
All You Need is Beatles
Monaghan Music presents "All You Need is Beatles: Songs and Stories", performed by local musician Bill Monaghan and his Mop Top Band, at Archbishop Wood High School in the Sophia A Friedman Auditorium, 655 York Road, Warminster PA 18974 on Saturday, November 2 at 3 pm. Suggested donation $15; general seating, and all ages are welcome. All proceeds to benefit the Michael S Monaghan Scholarship Fund at Archbishop Wood High School.
It was 60 years ago this year when the Beatles arrived in the USA. What more reason do we need to celebrate the legendary music of the Fab Four? Bill Monaghan is a Bucks County singer, songwriter, musician, and producer who is active in the community and has original music sales worldwide. Join Bill and his band for an afternoon of the magical music of the Beatles.
For more information about the Michael S Monaghan Scholarship, visit http://www.monaghanmusic.com/Scholarship.html
Contact: Bill Monaghan at 215.357.3370 or email Willie.Monaghan@gmail.com
Save the Date for St. Raymond Confirmands!
Bus transportation to the Cathedral is available. It is $10 per person, and you can call St Athanasius at 215-548-2700 if you would like a seat on the bus.
Black Catholic History Month
Mental Health Matters
Meet Abby Johnson in-person after a special screening of Unplanned
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.
Rachel's Vineyard - Upcoming Retreat
If you or someone you know might benefit from such a retreat, you can get help with registration by contacting Susan – 610-716-4795, Susiemck@comcast.net or
Georgeann – 484-955-4278, geemcgarry@gmail.com.
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 November 6th, 2024 @ 7pm; 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
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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