Good News for April 16, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Apr 16
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
He is Risen!
He Saw and Believed
~ Conor Donnelly
Saint Maron's Maronite Catholic Parish
Philadelphia, Pa.
What struck me this time wasn’t the dramatic part of the story, but the quietness of it — the way everything happens before sunrise. It’s still dark when Mary goes to the tomb. I imagine the chill of morning air, the silence, the heaviness in her chest. That moment before light breaks — that’s where I often find myself when I think about death. Not just the abstract idea of it, but the real weight of having lost someone I love. I’ve stood at gravesides and felt the same bewilderment: Where are they now? Why does it feel so empty?
And yet, Easter begins in that same kind of darkness. Without fanfare, something completely world-changing happens: Christ isn’t there. He’s alive. And what the Church promises me — sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly — is that because of that morning, my loved ones are not gone forever. That what happened in that garden outside Jerusalem isn’t just something to be remembered — it’s something we’re waiting to live ourselves.
The Church dares to say that the dead will rise — not metaphorically, not just spiritually, but truly, bodily — because Jesus already did. That’s a promise that’s easy to forget, especially in the face of grief. But every Easter Sunday, the words echo again: this isn’t the end.
The first witnesses didn’t fully understand what was happening. I don’t always either. But there's something comforting in that: faith doesn't require certainty. It begins in showing up. In running, even if you're confused. In letting the emptiness become a space where hope can be born.
Holy Week Schedule
Please note: Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Vigil services will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter, April 20th after the 10 am Mass for ages 12 and under.
Our Staff Retreat
Our staff retreat at the IHM Spirituality and Conference Center, at St. Aloysius Academy, was a magnificent day away amongst beautiful surroundings, kind and generous hosts, good food, fellowship and delicious "spiritual food."
The theme of the day was The Wedding Feast at Cana, and we reflected on four key elements of the story:
The statement: Mary simply identifies the need: “They have no wine.” She doesn’t try to fix it, but turns to Jesus.
The water: It was old water mixed with new water. The staff is a mixture of different and various gifts and talents
The servants: Humble, behind-the-scenes workers who made the miracle possible by following Jesus’ direction.
The wine: Not just better water, but something brand new—reminding us that God brings transformation beyond what we expect.
We came away refreshed, renewed, and reminded that when we bring our needs to Jesus and follow His lead, He does something beautiful with the ordinary.
REGISTER NOW: May 3 Info Session at St. Raymond
The St. Raymond school hall will hold an information session on the Archbishop's letter on May 3, from 9 to 11 am. Please sign up for a conversation about our Church. Your voice and presence are essential as we plan a new way forward together as the Catholic Church of Philadelphia. Learn more about the vision for us to come together to encounter each other with open hearts to build the strongest possible Church of Philadelphia. Sign up here.
You can read his entire letter at https://trustandhope.org.
Celebrate Deacon Bill - May 24!
Join us for a special evening to celebrate Deacon Bill Bradley’s retirement on Saturday, May 24 from 6–9 PM in the School Hall. We’ll provide dinner, wine, and beer—feel free to BYOB as well! Please RSVP here by Sunday, May 18.
Summer is a-Coming!
Looking for a fun and faith-filled summer experience for your little one? St. Raymond Summer Camp is the place to be! Click here for more info and to sign up!
Spring Fling Jazz Night May 31
Join our Bible Study!
Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom! Simply click this link at 6:30 pm to join the call.
Bible study resumes on April 21. Click below to download that week's study guide.
Learn how to Pray in our Book Study
Join our seminarians, Bernie Faia and Luke Lenhard, as they guide you in learning how to have a real conversation with God, using the book Conversation with Christ by Peter Thomas Rohrback as a guide. To RSVP, email lavernemjones@gmail.com.
Parents of 5th-8th Graders: We’ve Got Something for Your Kids!
Looking for a safe, fun, and meaningful way for your child to connect with others and explore life, faith, and purpose? St. Raymond Church invites 5th-8th graders to join us every 4th Sunday for real conversations, great company, and free food!
When: Next Alpha meeting is April 27, then every 4th Sunday through December, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
Where: St. Raymond Church
Each session unpacks a big topic designed to spark discussion and help kids think deeply about who they are and what they believe—in a welcoming and fun environment!
Spots are limited, so sign them up today! Register here.
Support the St. Raymond School Students!
St. Raymond is the center for excellent Catholic education in Mount Airy, Philadelphia. This is because of our awesome students, staff who know that relationships with students are key to optimal learning, and most importantly, our families who work hard for this community.
We could not engage in the wonderful learning opportunities we do without your monetary support. Please know that no amount is too small. Your ongoing backing and support are truly appreciated. Thank you for keeping our building as a safe and loving place to call school!❤️
Your donations will help pay for:
Math Specialist for Lower School
School Dance Team Instructor
Materials and Supplies for special events
And much more!
Job Opportunity at St. Raymond
Pastoral Associate for Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation (Part Time)
Description:
Prepare young Catechumens and Candidates, as well as Catholic students of St. Raymond School, for Sacraments.
Coordinate scheduling and parent communications for Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
Main Catechist for school children using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
Coordination of Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass
Please contact Fr. Zlock at czlock@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760, Ext 1 to apply.
Message from Fr. Zlock About the Flood
Dear St. Raymond Community,
The parish received the report on expenses related to the recent flood in the church basement (aka "The Academy"). An explanation of some of the costs are below. A detailed chart containing all of the costs, insurance payments and parish responsibilities is also provided.
A breakdown and explanation of some of the costs is as follows:
All Risk for 'mitigation" (water removal and clean up): $14,482.68. This will be paid in full.
Acer for "mitigation" (water removal and clean up): $13,358.00. This will be paid in full.
Total mitigation costs: $27,840.68
------------
Assured Environmental for asbestos removal and abatement: $47,360.00
Assured Environmental for additional costs for removal of the asbestos containing floor tile: $24,736.53. The parish is responsible for payment of 29.37% ($7,265.12) of this amount.
St. Raymond will issue payment for the balance Assured Environmental invoice ($40,094.88). Further restoration cost has been appraised at $49,918.56. The parish will be forwarding any additional invoices for restoration to the insurance company for review and consideration.
The "bottom line" is that the total parish responsibility is $27,750.53. This information was shared with the Finance Council and Facilities Committee for review and comment.
As I mentioned in my recent videos concerning the next steps, we are going to prioritize the restoration of the two bathrooms in the church basement/Academy area. Engineers, architects, and plumbers have already been contacted and were onsite last week to do preliminary analyses and provide recommendations. My intention is to continue to provide weekly updates to keep the parish apprised on progress.
Keep the prayers coming, however.
Fr. Zlock
Thank you for Taking our DMI Survey!
247 people shared their thoughts which will be a tremendous help in shaping the future of St. Raymond.
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, April 13, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $10,415.59
Monthly Church Maintenance: $689.02
REST: $55.00
Rice Bowl: $85.00
Easter: $255.00
Easter Flowers: $175.00
Holy Land: $42.00
Social Ministry: $5.00
Total: $11,721.61
Special Collections
April 18-Holy Land Sanctuary
April 20-Easter Offering
April 20-Maintenance
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
The Order of Christian Initiation in Adults (OCIA) is under way. This is for any adult and teen 16 or older, who has not received the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Communion and Confirmation. We meet on the first Sunday of every month, immediately following the 10 am Mass in the SRR. Jesus is calling you! “It’s never too late to decide to follow Jesus."
Also, anyone with a desire to have a “refresher” is welcome to join. Contact Deacon Bill or Cindy Bradley at 215-242-5725.
Two Reminders:
1) If you know someone not receiving our Wednesday email blasts, please let us know.
2) Let us know if you have not received collection envelopes for March - May.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Support St. Raymond with online giving! You can make a one-time or recurring gift by clicking DONATE HERE. Prefer to give on your phone? Text straymond to 833-363-7471 and follow the simple instructions.
You can also scan the QR code to donate..
Please note: We no longer accept Cash App for tithes. You can give via Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving, or Envelopes. To request envelopes, email Brandi at brandi@straymond.net. Thank you for your generosity!
MY LIFE: THE STRUGGLES, SUCCESSES, & SONGS OF BILLY JOEL
MICHAEL S. MONAGHAN SCHOLARSHIP CONCERT AT ARCHBISHOP WOOD
Contact: Bill Monaghan at 215.357.3370 or email Willie.Monaghan@gmail.com
Monaghan Music presents My Life: The Struggles, Successes, & Songs of Billy Joel, performed by local musician, Bill Monaghan and his band, Some Assembly Required, at Archbishop Wood High School in the Sophia A Friedman Auditorium, 655 York Road, Warminster PA 18974 on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2 pm. Suggested Donation $15 at the door, general seating, and all ages are welcome. All proceeds to benefit the Michael S Monaghan Scholarship Fund at Archbishop Wood High School.
Did Billy Joel really flip a piano? Play in a heavy metal band?
And lose most of his money? Twice? Find out this and more!
Billy M presents an hour of the life of singer/songwriter extraordinaire Billy Joel: story teller, Rock n Roller, Piano Man.
Billy Joel’s career has been far from a simple, sweet melody, and Billy M will bring you through his life and music. Audience members relive their own lives as they learn about Billy Joel’s struggles and challenges, successes and triumphs, and of course, the songs and albums and their place in pop culture and modern history.
Billy M performs hit songs, fan favorites, and obscure masterpieces as he connects the dots along the timeline of Billy Joel and his music.
Bill Monaghan is a Bucks County singer, songwriter, musician, and producer who is active in the community and has original music sales worldwide. Bill and the band have been performing music for more than three decades.
For more information, email Willie.Monaghan@gmail.com or visit www.MonaghanMusic.com.
For more information about the Michael S Monaghan Scholarship, visit http://www.monaghanmusic.com/Scholarship.html.
Go Make Disciples
Black Catholic Formation Program
The Office for Black Catholics has recently announced their Black Catholic Formation Program. The program aims to deliver catechesis in Catholic theology, trace Black
Catholic history, explore Black Catholic spirituality, and promote faith formation/evangelization. The courses are in conjunction with St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
The Spring semester begins the week of April 21st and ends the week of June 9th. You are encouraged to attend. Tuition is free. St. Raymond will assist where needed. For details contact Minta Brown at 215-549-3760, extension 3.
