Good News for April 23, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Apr 23
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Rest in Peace, Pope Francis
Father in heaven, we praise your name for all who have finished this life loving and trusting you, for the example of their lives, the life and grace you gave them and the peace in which they rest.
We praise you today for your servant Francis and for all that you did through him. Meet us in our sadness and fill our hearts with praise and thanksgiving, for the sake of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.
Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Francis. Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Enfold him in the arms of your mercy, in the blessed rest of everlasting peace and in the glorious company of the saints in light.
Amen.
Happy Easter!
We were blessed with a very special Holy Week and Easter here at St. Raymond! Please join us in welcoming to the church Lily Jones, Jamir Whitting, and Quintin Davis! Each received the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion during the Easter Vigil. What a joy to witness their “yes” to God!
Join us in celebrating them, praying for them, and walking with them as they discover the beautiful role they play in God’s story.
Parents of 5th-8th Graders: We’ve Got Something for Your Kids. And it's Happening This Sunday 4/27!
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 this coming Sunday, 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!
All are welcome: Register here.
The Future of St. Raymond
REGISTER NOW: May 3 Info Session at St. Raymond
Please sign up for a conversation about our Church on May 3, from 9-11 am in the school hall. 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.
Learn more about the approach here:
Please, Can You Help?
Dear St. Raymond,
I'm looking for some help.
We currently have 50 people signed up for our church conversation on May 3.
I need the rectangular tables and chairs in the school cafeteria to be rearranged for the presentation participants and for hospitality. Since the event is 9 am Saturday morning, we would have to do it on Friday afternoon or evening.
Is there any muscle out there that can help us? If so, please send me an email (czlock@saintraymond.net) or call me at 215-549-3760 - extension 1
Thank you
Fr. Zlock
Coming Up
Fr. Zlock will be preaching at all Masses the weekend of May 3–4, reflecting on Christ’s question: “Do you love me more than these?” He’ll also share an honest look at the current state of our parish—our strengths, struggles, and what lies ahead. You won’t want to miss it.
Monthly Prayer Team
This weekend, on April 26 and 27, the Prayer Team stands with you after Mass, to present your needs to the Lord.
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.
Click below to download that week's study guide.
Interested in Keeping Our Church Beautiful?
Deacon Bill and Cindy will be moving very soon. They will not be here to take care of the upkeep of the Sanctuary. There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 30, at 6 pm in the Church for those interested in helping out. No experience necessary; just a love of our parish and Church!
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.
Job Opportunity at Holy Cross
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
HOLY CROSS PARISH, PHILADELPHIA
Holy Cross Parish, located in the vibrant Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, is seeking a dedicated and organized Administrative Assistant to support the day-to-day operations of the parish office.
Position: Part-Time Administrative Assistant
Location: Holy Cross Parish, 154 E. Mount Airy Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Start Date: 06/01/2025
To Apply: Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to: pastor@holycrossphl.org or deliver in-person to the parish office during business hours.
Join us in serving the faith-filled community of Holy Cross Parish!
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 20, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $9,151.67
Monthly Church Maintenance: $940.00
REST: $50.00
Rice Bowl: $10.00
Easter: $2,050.00
Easter Flowers: $10.00
Holy Land: $521.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total: $12,742.67
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!
Save the Date!
Summer Camps at Archbishop Wood
We’re excited to offer a wide range of Archbishop Wood Summer Camps for elementary and middle school students! Whether your child is an athlete, an artist, a future scientist, or a curious learner, there’s something for everyone!
Athletic Camps
Visit https://tinyurl.com/ydh4hrsr to register!
Led by our talented coaching staff, these camps help students sharpen their skills and build confidence in a positive, team-focused environment.
Cheer Camp for ages 4-14: June 16–20 (9 AM–2:30 PM)
Football Camp for incoming 6th - 8th graders: June 10, 12, 19 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Baseball Camp for incoming 9th graders: June 23–26 and/or July 14–17 (9 AM–2 PM)
Girls Basketball for incoming 3rd through 9th graders: July 28–31 (9 AM–3 PM)
Boys Basketball for incoming 3rd through 9th graders: June 16–20 (9 AM–3 PM)
Girls Volleyball for incoming 5th through 9th graders: August 4–7 (Gr 5&6 4 PM–5:30 PM, Gr 7,8,9 5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Field Hockey for incoming 2nd through 9th graders: June 23–26 (9 AM–3 PM)
Girls Flag Football for incoming 4th through 8th graders: July 21–24 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Enrichment & Arts Camps
Visit https://tinyurl.com/55r8xw2t to register!
Creative and academic camps that make learning fun while helping students explore new interests!
Mixed Media Art Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: June 23–27 (9 AM–12 PM)
Theater 101 for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 28–August 1 (6 PM–9 PM)
Executive Functioning Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 14–18 (9 AM–12 PM)
Faith Builders Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 28–August 1 (9 AM–12 PM)
Science Explorers Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders (Zoology, Chemistry, Earth/Space, Forensics): June 30–July 3 (9 AM–12 PM)
Mindfulness Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 21–25 or August 11–15 (9 AM–12 PM)
Robotics Camp for incoming 4th through 8th graders: June 23–27 (9 AM–3 PM)
Why Choose Archbishop Wood Camps?
Welcoming environment rooted in our Catholic values
Small group sizes with individualized attention
Run by experienced teachers, coaches, and moderators
A great way to meet future classmates and explore our campus
Questions? Email Dr. Nobles at knobles@archwood.org
We can’t wait to welcome your child to campus this summer. Let the adventure begin!
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.
Pro-Life Scholarship
The Abortion Dialogue Academy is offering multiple pro-life scholarships for college students at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University Park, the University of Delaware, Thomas Edison State University, Rowan University, and several other schools throughout the nation. Students can see the full list of campuses here: www.abortiondialogueacademy.org/scholarship
Students can earn $2k per year, up to $8k during their undergrad. The deadline to apply is May 2, 2025.
Go Make Disciples
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