Earlier this year Pope Francis visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore (September 2-13, 2024). It was the longest Apostolic Visit of his pontificate.
One aspect that was fascinating was the religious diversity of the countries he visited. Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world. In contrast, nearby East Timor is considered the most densely Catholic country in the world. Over 90% of the population consider themselves Catholic.
On the journey, Pope Francis met with Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Persons, Seminarians, and …. Catechists.
In recent months, St. Raymond has been appealing to people to consider becoming catechists. The Holy Father talked about the importance of this vocation. The Holy Father took to the floor after listening to some testimonies. He asked one catechist, who had just concluded one witness story, to stay by his side for a moment. He said, ”With you standing here in front of everyone, I would like to say something. Here there are cardinals, bishops, priests, nuns, lay people, and children, but we are all brothers and sisters. The titles of the pope, the cardinal, and the bishop are not as important; we are all brothers and sisters. Everyone has his own task to grow God’s people.
"Here is where the role of a catechist is so significant. The catechists carry the Church forward. They are the ones who move forward first, followed by the nuns, then the priests and the bishop. But the catechists are at the front; they are the driving force of the Church.
On one of my trips to Africa, the President of a country told me that he had been baptized by his father, who was a catechist. Faith is transmitted at home and in dialect. The catechists, together with the mothers and grandmothers, pass on the faith. I am very grateful to all the catechists: they are good, very good! Thank you!”
Being a catechist is not about teaching religion class. Its importance is not being able to pass on ideas about theology to young people. Pope Benedict said that people in the modern world listen more willingly to witnesses than to teachers. If someone does listen to a teacher, it is because they are witnesses. A catechist is one who has a faith story and shares that faith and that story - the graces and the challenges, the successes and the failures - with others.
Consider this vocation. Ask the Lord whether He is stirring your heart to be that witness to others.
The motto chosen for Pope Francis’ recent Apostolic Visit to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore was Faith, Fraternity, Compassion. The Holy Father said these expressed both the journey as a Church and the character of the people he visited.
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore are ethnically and culturally diverse. So is the United States. At the same time, the countries he visited are characterized by an innate striving for unity and peaceful coexistence, as witnessed by the traditional principles of the Pancasila.*
St. Raymond is also a church which is ethnically and culturally diverse. Thus, the theme could apply to us as well. Let’s look at Pope Francis’ reflections on these words.
“The first is faith. Like the US, Indonesia is a large country, with many natural riches, in terms of plants and wildlife, energy sources, raw materials and so on. If viewed superficially, such great wealth could be a reason for pride or arrogance. Yet, when considered with an open mind and heart, this wealth can instead be a reminder of God, of his presence in the cosmos and in our lives, as Sacred Scripture teaches us (cf. Gen 1; Sirach 42:15; 43:33).
"After faith, the second word in the motto is fraternity. A twentieth-century poet used a beautiful expression to describe this attitude. She wrote that being brothers and sisters means loving each other by recognizing each other “as different as two drops of water” (W. Szymborska, “Nulla due volte accade”, in La gioia di scrivere. Tutte le poesie (1945-2009), Milano 2009, 45).
"That expression captures it perfectly. No two drops of water are alike, nor are two brothers or sisters, not even twins are completely identical. Living out fraternity, then, means welcoming each other, recognizing each other as equal in diversity.”
A Church, and a parish, is made manifest through openness to the various internal and external realities encountered on a cultural, ethnic, social and religious level. The Pope mentioned that, “In particular, the local Church values the contribution of all and generously offers assistance in every setting. This is important. Proclaiming the Gospel does not mean imposing our faith, placing it in opposition to that of others, or proselytizing, it means giving and sharing the joy of encounter.”
I was especially struck by the Holy Father’s thoughts on the third word: compassion. His words have a particular poignancy for America.
“Compassion is very closely related to fraternity. Compassion means to suffer with the other, to share feelings. Compassion does not consist in giving alms to needy brothers and sisters, looking down on them from our security and success. On the contrary, compassion consists in drawing close to one another, removing everything that can prevent us from stooping down to touch those on the ground and thus giving them hope (cf. Fratelli Tutti, 70).
"This is essential: to touch poverty. When I hear confessions, I always ask adults, “Do you give alms?” and they generally say, “Yes,” because they are good people. But the second question is, “Do you, when you give alms, touch the hand of the beggar? Do you look into his eyes? Or do you throw the coin at him from a distance so as not to touch him?” This is something we all have to learn: compassion means to suffer, to walk with those who are suffering in their feelings and to embrace them, to accompany them. Moreover, it means embracing their dreams and desires for freedom and justice, taking care of them, supporting them while also involving others, widening the “net” and the boundaries to create a great expansive dynamism of charity (cf. ibid., 203). This does not mean being a communist, rather it means charity, it means love."
* Pancasila (pronounced pantjasila) is Indonesia’s official state philosophy. It is a Sanskrit expression meaning “five pillars.” These five foundational principles are: 1. Belief in the one and only God. 2. A just and civilized humanity. 3. The unity of Indonesia. 4. Democracy, led by the wisdom of the representatives of the people. 5. Social justice for all Indonesian people.
Fr. Charles Zlock
Pastor
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
We were blessed with the most gorgeous fall weather for our Bibles Boots & Backpacks Hikes at Wissahickon Park and Valley Forge National Park this weekend! Thanks to all who joined us to pray and enjoy the beauty of God's creation!
Black Catholic History Month
November is Black Catholic History Month, a time to honor the rich legacy, contributions, and spiritual resilience of Black Catholics in the Church! Throughout this month, we’ll be sharing stories, historical highlights, and insights that shine a light on the profound impact of Black Catholic faith and culture. Stay tuned!
Celebrate St. Raymond Confirmands at the Martin de Porres Mass
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.
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! You must reserve a spot to join. Or contact Minta Brown at 610-329-7256. Check out the flier for more info.
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
Can You Help?
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.
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.
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.
Are You Ready to Cast Your Vote?
The General Election is Nov. 5, 2024! Don't forget to vote!
New Confession Times
Confessions are now 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.
Church Announcements
November 1 is All Saints Day
It's a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses at St. Raymond are 8 am and 10:30 am (Children’s Mass).
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November 2 is All Souls Day
Our Book of the Dead (names of deceased) will be on a table at the back of church.
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Thanksgiving Drive
Paper bags for food donations are on the rear tables in the back of the church. Your generosity will be a blessing to others.
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Save the Date!
Our annual Christmas Concert will be December 15 at 3pm at St. Raymond Church. Stay tuned for details!
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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
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $4,757.00
Electronic Giving: $3,489.01
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $945.00
Stewardship: $995.00
Amen Foundation Missions: $50.00
Black & Native Missions: $45.00
Thanksgiving Basket: $50.00
Total: $10,341.01
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $3,162.59
Electronic Giving: $2,713.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $447.00
Stewardship: $55.00
Amen Foundation Missions: $200.00
Social Ministry: $40.00
Total: $6,617.59
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.
Advocacy: Justice for Juan Lopez
This week, a U.S. delegation representing Share-El Salvadore and Faith Leaders - including one of our own Sisters of Saint Joseph - is accompanying the family of Juan López, Church members, and companions as they honor his memory and martyrdom. Juan López was a person in El Salvador who was advocating for clean water in the villages. Politics got involved and made it difficult. He pushed for support from the bishop (who gave it) and from the local mayor. Eventually, Juan ran into trouble with powers that be, and he was killed.
The advocacy group demonstrates a bold effort to show solidarity in support of the defense of basic human rights to land and water. They wish to read and present statements from as many individuals and faith groups as possible. Their goal is 1,000 signatures from people of faith. If you are willing to be in solidarity with courageous people defending precious earth and resisting the pressure to migrate from their homeland, please sign this PETITION.
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
Black Catholic History Month
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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