St. Pope John Paul II was a prolific writer. He provided insights and guidance on a variety of topics and issues. This week, let’s look at some of the wisdom of this holy man:
(Don’t let others put you down when you make a mistake.) “We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus.”
(We all have problems. Jesus wishes to spend time with us and help.) “The Church and the world have great need of Eucharistic adoration. Jesus waits for us in this sacrament of love.”
(School just started. Why do we have Catholic schools?) “The ultimate goal of all Catholic education is salvation in Jesus Christ.”
(There is a constant call for social justice, a reduction in violence and true peace. What is at the core of this issue?) "If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend all human life.”
(What was one of Pope John Paul II’s favorite devotions?) "Don't be ashamed to recite the rosary alone, while going to school, to university or to work, along the street and on public transportation.”
(Parents, children, siblings,... who should you pray to?) “The Holy Family is the beginning of countless other holy families.”
(What did the Pope think about women? From John Paul II's encyclical on women entitled Mulieris Dignitatem) “The dignity of every woman is the duty of every man.”
The disciples asked Jesus how to pray. Who fulfills this task today?) "Christian parents have the specific responsibility of educating their children in prayer, introducing them to gradual discovery of the mystery of God and to personal dialogue with Him.”
(When life gets crazy, maybe we have lost sight of the target. Where is the bullseye when our focus is off?) “Jesus Christ is the hope of yours. He's my hope. He's the hope of the world.’
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.
Bernie's Back with an All New Bible Study
This fall session will be limited to 20 lucky people on a first come-first serve basis. A
larger class size will be offered in January with expanded notice.
RSVP to LaVerne M. Jones at 215-620-6706 or lavernemjones@gmail.com.
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 excited to announce a fantastic part-time job opportunity at St. Raymond:
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.
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. 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.
Church Announcements
Attention St. Raymond Parents & Guardians!
Fr Zlock is excited to invite you for a one-on-one chat where you can discuss anything on your mind. Join him at one of the upcoming sessions:
Saturday, Oct 5: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Thursday, Oct 10: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
Saturday, Oct 12: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
He's looking forward to connecting with each of you!
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
Black & Native American Missions
Here is a message from Archbishop Nelson Perez:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Thank you for your generous support of the Black and Indian Mission Collection each year. This fundraising initiative was established as the first national collection for the Catholic Church in the United States in 1874. Since that time, it has proven itself to be a successful vehicle for sharing the resources of the Church’s members to provide for the unique cultural, pastoral, and temporal needs of our African American, Native American, and Alaskan Native sisters and brothers. Pope Francis reminds us that all are called to evangelize with the zealous heart of a Missionary Disciple. As we embark on another year of evangelization in the communities benefitting from this endeavor, I invite you to make a difference by offering prayers and a financial contribution to support these missions.
The collection is taken up the weekend of September 7 and September 8, 2024, and the rest of the month.
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
Peggy Evans, the Children's Liturgy Director, has a personal journal in her possession which was lost at church. If your child has lost his/her journal, please contact Peggy at 267-262-6594 or peggy@saintraymond.net.
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 22, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $4,377.50
Electronic Giving: $2,982.51
Monthly Church Maintenance: $250.00
Total: $7,610.01
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!
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.
Scholarship Available
The Frances Montgomery Scholarship for 8th and 12th grade students is available now. The deadline to apply is 9/30. Apply below.
Mount St. Joseph Academy Open House
Join us for our annual fall Open House on Sunday, September 29, from 10am to 1pm! Learn how a mission-driven education and the bonds of sisterhood fuel meaningful learning at the Mount. Tour our campus with a student tour guide, attend an information presentation, learn about personalized and dynamic academics and student life, and meet our experienced faculty, staff, and coaches.
Prospective families in grades 5-8 may register today at msjacad.org/visit.
Apply today for the Class of 2029 at msjacad.org/apply! Applications are due by October 10. Scholarships/Entrance Exams will be offered on October 5 and October 12. Contact the Admissions Team at admiss@msjacad.org or (215) 233-9133 with any questions.
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.
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Open House
Interested in learning more about Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School? Families are invited to register for our Fall Open House on September 29, 2024 at 11AM - 2PM!
Learn more and register at gmahs.org/openhouse.
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
An all-new issue of the National Black Catholic Congress is out now. Sign up to get your copy here.
St. Athanasius Parish Women’s Club Prayer Lunch
St. Athanasius School Hall 7105 Limekiln Pike Philadelphia, PA 19138
Saturday September 28, 2024, 12 noon to 2 pm.
Mary, Our Role Model in Hard Times
Guest Speaker “Judge Lucretia Clemons”
For Tickets Call: Alva Edwards – 267-259-7484; Miyoshi Spence-Snipes – 267-260-5503;
St. Athanasius Rectory – 215-548-2700
Admission $30.00 No tickets will be sold at the door.
News From the Office for Black Catholics
Check out their Newsletter for important news!
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
The September newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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