Good News for April 24, 2024

Last week I introduced the idea of an “AMA” or ask me anything. And parishioners do, quite often. Their questions are intriguing and have depth. They are the embodiment of St. Anselm’s statement: Fides quaerens intellectum or "faith seeking understanding.”

A parishioner recently asked whether Satan knew Jesus was true God. If Satan did, why would he try and tempt Jesus? Satan should have known he was going to lose, right?

I found information in two articles. One article was from "Got Questions?" The other was on Quora.

First some background. Lucifer (or Satan) is a fallen angel. His name means “shining one” or “light-bringer.” Two Old Testament passages (Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:11-19) tell of this exalted angelic being who fell from grace. This angel became proud of his beauty, intelligence, and exalted status. He was determined to take the throne of God for himself.

At some point, Satan realized that a human being would attain the highest glory of heaven. Satan refused to bend the knee and worship a mere mortal. Thus, part of Satan’s continuing ambition is to replace God. He has a passionate yearning to have others worship him (Matthew 4:8-9; Revelation 13:4, 12). He also despises human beings.

Satan is permitted to afflict God’s people (Luke 13:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Hebrews 2:14). Satan is also extremely intelligent. His cleverness enables him to carry out his deceptive work against people - almost at will. Yet, Satan’s power is subject to God’s restrictions (Job 1:12; Luke 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8). He is never permitted to win an ultimate victory over God’s chosen ones. (John 14:30-31;16:33).

Satan does achieve certain triumphs. Satan prides himself in his diabolical victories. Perhaps these victories feed his pride. It allows him to continue his self-delusion that he can have victory over God. This might be part of the explanation that Satan is blinded to reality. He thought that he could tempt Jesus and win.

Satan is always opposed to man’s best interests (1 Chronicles 21:1; Zechariah 3:1-2). Jesus has the best interests of humanity at heart. The soul of Jesus is the word of God. Yet, because Jesus was in the flesh, He could be tempted. The devil also had the authority to tempt him.

Satan probably rejoiced in the death of Christ, believing it to be a victory for him. But, like all of Satan’s victories, that one, too, was short-lived. When Jesus rose from the grave, Satan was once again defeated. The final victory will come when Jesus returns and Satan is cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:1-15).

Fr. Charles Zlock

Follow me on social media!

Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!

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. Below is the schedule that was created for the children. We would love to have all our Middle School Kids involved. Brandi can be contacted at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.

Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 - Youth Ministry Bake Sale after all Masses this week. Please support this mouth-watering event!

Sunday, May 26 - Caring for Friends Food Preparation

Join us Sunday, 5/25 for Bibles, Boots & Backpacks!

This past Sunday, we embarked on our first Bibles, Boots, and Backpacks hike -- and it was a huge success! We hit the trails and found time for prayer and guidance from Pope Francis on caring for the earth.

Want to join us? Our next hike is set for May 25th. Click here for all the details. Everyone is welcome, so grab a friend and come along for inspiration, community, and a breath of fresh air. Let's walk, reflect, and grow together! Call Fr Zlock if you have further questions at 215-549-3760, ext 1.

Spring Jazz Concert Benefitting St. Raymond School

Many thanks to the St. Raymond Men’s Group for hosting a fabulous Jazz Concert! Shirley Lites & Company had us dancing the night away, and all proceeds from the event will benefit St. Raymond School.

Church Announcements

Here Come the Judges!

The Clifford Scott Green Chapter of the National Bar Association Judicial Council will join us in worship at Sunday’s 10am Mass. The purpose of the Council is to enhance the image of the judiciary and to improve the quality of life in the community. The Council provides greater communication between the judiciary and the community through educational enlightenment as to the manner in which the legal process serves the community. It also encourages judicial participation in the minority bar association, both nationally and locally.

Please extend a warm St Raymond welcome to the approximately 20 Judges representing the tri-state area.

Prayer Teams

This weekend, members of the St. Raymond Prayer Team will be available after each Mass to pray for and with others. See picture and contact information below if you are interested in joining our team of parishioners who love talking with God.

Newly Confirmed

Please join us in welcoming Daniel Jaffe to St. Raymond Church. He was confirmed at the 10am Mass last week, and we are overjoyed that he has joined our church family.

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.

Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers are back, and they meet here at St. Raymond every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Brandi in the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net.

Church Safety Equipment

Recently, the Parish purchased two items that are important to church safety. A fully- equipped 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.

Trauma Kit Now in Sacristy

Did you know that trauma cases are one of the leading causes of fatalities for people over 40? To increase the possibility of addressing medical issues requiring trauma first aid, a "Stop the Bleed" trauma (or tourniquet) kit is now in the sacristy. It is located next to the Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED), to the left of the sink.

The trauma kit includes:

Tourniquet with windlass rod
Heavy gloves
Compression dressing
Packing gauze
Marker

Using the kit is not difficult but does require a bit of familiarity with the items in the kit. A five-minute instructional video can be found here. It's worth taking the time to watch, just in case.

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 21, 2024

Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00

Collection & Envelopes: $6,530.98

Electronic Giving: $4,216.00

Monthly Church Maintenance: $200.00

REST: $50.00

Easter Offering: $10.00

Christmas Offering: $5.00

Rice Bowl: $27.45

In Memory of: $100.00

Total: $11,139.43

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. Signup sheets are also on the table in the back of church (on the Williams Ave side). We want to hear from you! THE HARVEST AWAITS!

Altar Servers

Attention, parents and young people of St. Raymond’s! We are in need of new altar servers. Training will be provided. Father Zlock and Deacon Bill will also mentor all applicants. They will pray daily for them, observe how they do at Mass, encourage them and offer advice when needed. Please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.

Bethany Team

The Bethany Team's primary function is to serve as greeters to welcome all who attend weekend Mass (5PM, 8AM and 10AM). The team also guides people in the procession to receive the Eucharist. Requirements are a warm smile and hospitality. A monthly schedule will be provided. Please contact Minta at mintabrown@saintraymond.net or by phone at 610-329-7256 if you would like to join the team.

Technology

We are in dire need of support from those with basic technology skills:

Slide Operators – manage slides shown on TV screens during 5pm, 8am or 10am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10am 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.

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 last 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 volunteer, please email Deacon Bill or call him at 215-549-3760.

Job Search Assistance Needed

St. Raymond needs to fill 2 - 3 positions over the coming months. The positions are in (1) Social Service Outreach, (2) Sacramental Preparation/Religious Education of our youth, and (3) Director of Parish Finance and Accounting.

Fr. Zlock is looking for someone to lead this task. This would include working with Parish Staff to make adjustments to existing job descriptions, posting the jobs on various media and job channels, initial evaluations of any resumes received, initial interviews and helping manage the process for final interviews and hiring.

The work is important to fill positions that are critical to running the parish. If interested, please contact Fr. Zlock at 215-549-3761 (Ext 1) or czlock@saintraymond.net.

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.