Good News for April 15, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 3 minutes ago
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
The Road to Emmaus
~Angela Lawlor
Nativity of Our Lord + Warminster, Pa.
In my world as a mom, wife, and campus minister, schedules are non-negotiable. Activities, meetings, family gatherings, dinner plans, and appointments are in constant motion on a color-coded and endless calendar. Life, in many ways, has shifted to an “onto the next” mentality, preventing us from true presence and making it increasingly difficult to recognize God’s presence to us each day.
The Road to Emmaus reminds us that Jesus is ever-present on our journey, even when our attention is elsewhere. The disciples walk seven miles from Jerusalem – the site of the Passion and Resurrection – to Emmaus. Jesus joins them until they reach their destination, despite their inability to recognize Him along the way. He does not go his separate way at a pit stop or leave out of frustration after a mile. He remains, and, at their invitation to stay, “breaks open” the gift before their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Hindsight was twenty-twenty for the disciples and is for me too, more often than I like to admit. Focusing on “the next thing” can often leave us inattentive to the gifts of present and recognizing them after the moment has passed.
While this could lead to discouragement, I find hope in knowing that Jesus waits for us unceasingly, ready for our eyes to be open to His presence in our lives. I also find hope in the disciples’ response. Instead of dwelling on their shortcoming, they embrace and share the gift they received by returning to Jerusalem – to the Resurrection – to share the Good News. Jesus’ work does not end at Resurrection – it is where it begins. The Road to Emmaus challenges us to step out of the cloud of busyness so that we can be attentive to the Risen Christ in our midst. It is in these moments, like the disciples, when our hearts burn within us, and our journey changes. It is this gift of Easter joy that turns us back and compels us to run towards the Resurrection, desiring to carry that joy forth in word and deed so that others may receive it too.
Family Faith Formation & Sacrament Prep
We invite children ages 6–10 and their parents to join us for a series of family sessions focused on growing in faith and preparing for First Penance and First Communion. All families are welcome—whether or not your child has already received the sacraments. This program is required for families planning for First Penance and First Communion in 2027.
What to expect:
Short, family-friendly sessions (just 45 minutes)
Held every other Sunday at 12 PM
Orientation Session
Sunday, May 3 12–12:45 PM in the Chapel
(All interested families are encouraged to attend)
Session Schedule (12:00–12:45 PM)
May 17 & 31
June 14 & 28
July 12 & 26
August 9 & 23
(Off Sept 6 – Labor Day)
Sept 20
Oct 4 & 18
(Off Nov 1)
Nov 15 & 29
Registration opens after the May 3 Orientation Session.
Confirmation Candidates are Building Community in the Most Unexpected Places
Amazing Ideas from our Youth Members!
Recently, 19 of our young people (ages 10–17) gathered to share their thoughts on the weekend Mass and overall St Raymond experience. Their ideas reflected a sincere desire to feel more engaged, welcomed, and connected in our parish. They spoke about meaningful homilies, fun events, and volunteerism. We are grateful for their honesty and faith. Their voices are an important part of our parish, and their insights will help guide us as we continue to grow together in worship. Stay tuned!
Young Adults, We Want to Hear from You, Too!!
All young adults ages 18 to 25 are invited to come hang out, have lunch, and share your thoughts on St. Raymond’s weekly Mass and activities on April 26 after the 10 AM Mass. The meeting will be in the Sister Rosemary Room (rectory basement). Lunch will be provided!
This is your chance to talk about issues, such as:
What you feel is going well and/or missing from Mass
How we can make it more meaningful and exciting
How we can keep you engaged during Mass
What would create enthusiasm for you
How you would use a youth space in the church basement
Your voice matters, and we want to build something together that truly connects with you!
St. Raymond membership is not a requirement for participation. Please register by calling the office at 215-549-3760, or sign up here.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, April 19
These sessions are open for all people, Catholic or non-Catholic, who simply wish to learn more about Catholicism and enter into deeper conversations about the Church.
A Night of Smooth Jazz & R&B hosted by The Men of St. Raymond
Charitable Initiatives for April, May and June
In the next three months, there will be many opportunities for community outreach through a new plan of volunteering. Here's what's on tap:
We're Partnering with St. Benedict Parish
April
St. Benedict's food pantry is in critical need of canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and pasta. Can you make a small contribution of these foods to help our neighbors? Bring them to church and put them in the designated space in the back by April 25.
On Sunday, April 26, we would appreciate a volunteer or two to transport our donations to St. Benedict following the 10 am Mass. Please let our director of parish outreach, Shabay Bryant, know if you can help. Email her at shabay@saintraymond.net.
May
We have promised to send some volunteers to help give out food at Saint Benedict’s on May 18, 22 and 29. We'll need two people for a standing post, two more for a sitting post, and two additional people who can assist at the blood pressure station (one standing and one sitting).
A sign-up sheet will be available by the first week in May. Deadline to sign up is May 11.
Provide a Meal in Kensington
June
Saint Raymond will sponsor a pizza dinner for our brothers and sisters in Kensington. Details are pending.
Help Keep Our Parish Beautiful
Do you enjoy caring for plants? Are you looking for a simple and meaningful way to serve our Church community?
We are urgently seeking volunteers to help water and maintain the plants in front of the Rectory, Church, and Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity to help preserve the beauty of our parish grounds, and your help is truly needed and appreciated.
If you’re interested, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or email brandi@saintraymond.net. You may also let Jenny, Olive, or Alicia know if you see them at Mass.
Thank you for helping keep our church beautiful!
Easter Flower Offering
The parish is grateful to all who donated to our
Easter Flower Collection in memory of loved ones:
Yolanda & William Jeter, Benjamin Goins, Ellen Jeter, Andre & Shirley Brooks from Alethia Goins; Helen & Eddie Eng and Earline Marshall from Mrs. Janet Marshall; Rossetta S. Wylie, Carolyn Wylie and Wendell Wylie from Lenora Wylie; Estelle Clark, Earnest J. Cooper Sr, Marion LaBell and Logan Gibbs from Mrs. Ella Cooper; Malcom Christopher Macklin from Claudette Macklin; Peggy Lamore from Mr. & Mrs. Emile Lamore; Dora E. Wilson and Naomi Nicholson from Otis Wilson; Johnnie Mae Cumming, Lillian Cooper and Tanisha Hamilton from Mr. & Mrs. James Farmbry; Christopher Withers, Addie Marshall, Jonas Marshall and Jim Marshall from Shirell Withers; Helen Keys from Patricia Keys; Juanita Pressley from Vernita Larue; Sandra Brown from Priscilla Murray; Lillian Mae Mathis and Clarence J. Hunter Jr from Doreen Hunter; Butler, Haliburton, John and Harvey from Trinia Harvey; Teresa Spady from Minne Spady; Mrs. Dorothy Williams, Mr. Leroy Willimas Sr, Mr. William Henighan Sr, Mr. Louis Webb Sr. and Mrs. Arlene Jackson from Alfreda Henighan and Family; Joseph Black and Frances Stewart from Mrs. Ethel Black; Mildred Washington from Thomasine Ricks; Kimberly Hopwood from Brooke Sites; Peter & Elizabeth Linkewich from Elaine Linkewich; Jennifer Wright & Sandy Ramsue from Araminta Brown; Mrs. Lillian Simmons from Sharon Simmons
Congrats Graduates
Cap and Gown Season is upon us, and it’s time to honor our students. Please call Brandi in the rectory office 215-549-3760 and tell her the names of your graduates and their academic achievements (high school, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, other). She will keep a list and when graduation time arrives, Good News will offer accolades!
Prayer Team Help Needed
Are you comfortable having a conversation with God? St Raymond’s Prayer Team is seeking volunteers to pray for and with others. The monthly Prayer Team Partners gather on the first weekend of the month after each Mass to hear and respond to prayer needs. The primary requirements are a love of Christ and love of your neighbor. We will help you with the rest. To learn more or to volunteer, please email Deacon Michael or call him at 215-549-3760.
Join a Hub Life Session April-June
As the Trust & Hope Initiative continues to raise awareness of all the good work being done to renew the church, opportunities for you to be involved through Hub Life Sessions, post-Easter, are available for you to RSVP.
To continue and deepen our conversation about the pastoral vision and this next chapter in the Church of Philadelphia, you are invited to the next round of conversations, which are designed to discuss areas of interest that emerged from your questions and desires:
Hub Life Sessions
What is the purpose: To dive deeper into areas of interest from participants’ feedback and how that topic intersects with building a culture of missionary discipleship. Hear briefly about the developments in that area of ministry, participate in a focused conversation related to that topic in small groups, and learn of some next steps/ways to get involved following the session.
Who is invited: You, a family member, friends and neighbors, those who have particular interest in a Hub Life topic.
Where and when will it take place: Sessions will be hosted regionally on weeknights and Saturday mornings.
Click here to go to an updated list of Hub Life Sessions that are upcoming in April through June 2026. Additional sessions and new themes are added regularly!
Financial Facts
The past winter's unusually bad weather has impacted Mass attendance and our weekly collection. Your safety and comfort have been included in our prayers. Please be sure to make up any missed contributions.
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $15,695.30
Church Maintenance: $579.70
Black and Native: $160.00
Holy Land: $25.00
Rice Bowl: $65.00
Easter Offering: $795.00
REST: $265.00
Social Ministry: $90.00
Total: $17,675.00
Special Collections
4/3 = Holy Land Sanctuaries
4/5 = Easter
New Phone # for Catholic Call to Prayer
Due to technical difficulties with Catholic Call to Prayer, we have had to update the phone number and access code. Please use the new information provided. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.
You can dial in using your phone.
Phone Number: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 190-748-589
This call lasts 5-7 minutes and can have an amazing impact at the start your day, reflecting on God’s WORD!!
Noon Call to Prayer. Same number, Monday to Friday at NOON. We will pray the Angelus, reflect on the 1st reading from Daily Mass, say intercessory prayer for those in need and beg God to draw us all nearer to Him.
Cell Phone Reminder
Once again, we need to remind everyone to silence their cell phones during Mass. Unexpected electronic sounds lead others to lose their focus during a time that all hold sacred. We ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
Care for Creation - You're Invited!
You are welcome to attend a morning with Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, on Saturday May 2nd from 9am - 12:30pm at Mount Saint Joseph Convent Auditorium at 9701 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19118. Brother Mickey will share his art to celebrate our shared Care for Creation in “Sisters of the Earth: A Celebration of the Feminine Divine in our Midst.” Please RSVP by April 20th, if possible, as space is limited. Email justice@ssjphila.org to RSVP.
Missionary Discipleship Training
An Invitation to All Married Couples
Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 8:30am-1:00pm
St. Helena’s Church (Empress Room)
1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell
Come with your spouse or fiancé and listen to an engaging Catholic speaker who will inspire you to live out your marriage with greater fervor, love and joy. Meet other like-minded couples. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.
For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/MarriagesofGrace2026.
Charismatic Renewal Conference
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the March Newsletter here.