In the Gospel last week, we heard the story of the two disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Pope Francis spoke about this encounter during his mid-day prayer reflection.
In their discomfort, discouragement, and disorientation, Jesus rereads the Scriptures to them. He helped them reinterpret what was happening in a different way.
Like those disciples, we too can find ourselves lost in the face of events. We feel alone, and uncertain, with many questions and worries, disappointments, and many things. That is what Jesus does for us: helping us to reread the events in our lives.
Jesus invites us to tell Him everything, sincerely, without being afraid of disturbing him. He listens; without fear of saying the wrong thing, without shame at our struggle to understand. The Lord is happy whenever we open ourselves to him; only in this way can he take us by the hand, accompany us and make our hearts burn again (cf. v. 32).
Then, like the disciples of Emmaus, are called to spend time with him so that, when evening comes, he will remain with us (cf. v. 29). The Holy Father recommends a classic Ignatian exercise called the "daily examen." Think of one thing today that really went well. Thank God for it. Think of one thing today that really went badly. Ask God for help in that. Think of one person you know who is really hurting, sick, sad, or discouraged. Ask God to help that person. Then, ask God for a miracle - something ridiculously unattainable yet wonderful.
Pope Francis closes: " It is a matter of rereading the day with Jesus, rereading my day: opening the heart to him, bringing to him people, choices, fears, falls and hopes, all the things that happened; to learn gradually to look at things with different eyes, with his eyes and not just our own. We can thus relive the experience of those two disciples.
Fr. Charles
On the weekend of May 20th and 21st, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be administered on Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday, at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Parishioners are invited to be anointed who meet the following criteria: dealing with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung & kidney, etc.) undergoing treatment for a disease/illness, or living at a very advanced age. If you qualify on the desk in the rear of the church or you must call the rectory no later than May 15th. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions please call Arleen Daniels at 215-549-3760 or email her at arleen@saintraymond.net
Attention Eucharistic Ministers.
Please return any Pyx’s that you have.
We seem to be missing them.
On April 29th and April 30th, we will have our Monthly Prayer Team after Mass
Special Collection Envelopes
5/7 First Holy Communion
5/14 Catholic Home Missions
What's Happening in May
5/7 First Holy Communion
5/14 Mother's Day
5/18 Ascension Thursday
5/20 and 5/21 Anointing of the Sick.
5/21 Hospitality Sunday after the 10 am Mass
5/28 Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost party after 10 am mass.
https://saintraymond.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/23/responses/new
Opportunities to Reflect, Renew & Restore
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Rd, Phila. Pa 19116
Gaelic for “sanctuary of trees,” Cranaleith offers serene and rejuvenating space to those who wish to reflect on what matters deeply in their lives, renew their spirit for life and work, or restore themselves from life’s traumas. Individuals and groups are invited to participate in retreats and other programs offered in a spirit-rekindling environment of well-being, respect, and harmony. Cranaleith is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. For program, information log on to, www.cranaleith.org
CALLING ALL SINGERS!
As more people have returned to in-person mass, we’ve had lots of questions about joining the choir at St Raymond. If you’d like to become a part of this amazing ministry, please reach out to our Director of Music, Kenny Arrington, at Tua20523@temple.edu so that he can set up a time to meet and conduct a voice assessment to determine where your voice may fit. We’re looking for people who are moved to Praise God through song, are humble, patient, and able to commit to attending weekly practices and singing for our 10:00 mass.
We invite you to join us on Saturday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m. as we host the inaugural mass and celebration solemnizing the designation of the Miraculous Medal Shrine as a Minor Basilica. His Excellency, Archbishop Nelson Perez will be our principal celebrant. Free parking will be available across the street at the shrine. Doors open at 9:30.
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Congress XIII (2023)
Announcing the Congress Theme
“Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive”
July 20-23, 2023
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Friends of Bishop McDevitt will again be offering a limited number of $1000 grants to grade school students who are related to a graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School. These grants may be used at any Catholic high school, private or diocesan. #LancersForLife
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