Good News for April 29, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 2 minutes ago
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
Finding the Way is Easy
~Cheryl Rodgers
Saint Patrick Catholic Church + Norristown, Pa.
When I was a sports writer for The Times Herald newspaper, whenever I was assigned to cover a game at a high school I wasn’t familiar with, I’d tack on 30 minutes for “get-lost time” to my travel time because, yes, I always got lost. This was before the wonderful invention of GPS.
Getting lost to an assignment was about as stressful as my job got – even beating out the stress of making deadlines. Getting lost, and not knowing how to get to where I needed to be was a recurring fear of mine for many reasons. I didn’t want to be late for the game I was covering, I wasn’t sure if I was in a dicey neighborhood, or what I would do if my car broke down. Too many variables that left me wondering and fearful.
In this week’s Gospel, the apostles faced similar issues – not knowing the way. And Jesus, in a perfect response to their questions and concerns, said “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
A short but impactful statement. Because knowing where to go in life and how to get there comes down to one simple thing – trust in Jesus and God’s plans for us.
The Gospel continues with Philip questioning Jesus about the Father, and he asks Jesus, basically, to show proof of the Father. "Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
And Jesus says, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”
Again, we come back to trust.
Placing our trust in Jesus, having confidence in the directions He gives us and knowing that He will show us the way, take away the fear, the anxiety and the stress that daily life can sometimes produce. A simple “Jesus, I trust in You” can do a world of good in lessening anxiety and stress.
I no longer add “get-lost-time” now when I’m driving to unfamiliar places – that’s thanks to my Google maps app and GPS.
And I no longer stress about where I’m going or how I’m getting there; that’s because I truly believe Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.”
Family Faith Formation & Sacrament Prep Orientation May 3
Join us for an Orientation Session on Sunday, May 3 from 12–12:45 PM in the Chapel to learn more about our upcoming Family Faith Formation program for children ages 6–10 preparing for First Penance and First Communion.
All families are welcome—whether or not your child has already received the sacraments. Please note: 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
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.
Children's Choir May 2, 9 and 16
The Children's Choir will be singing at the 5 pm Mass on May 2, 9 and 16. New members are welcome. Just show up and get excited to sing!
FaceTime with Jesus May 4
Come spend an hour with Jesus and then enjoy s'mores and fellowship by the fire.
Jazz Night Fun
We had a packed house for the Jazz Night hosted by the Men's Group. Thanks to all who put on a wonderful show!
Fr. Zlock shares the latest construction update
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
May
Volunteers are needed 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).
Provide a Meal in Kensington
June
Saint Raymond will sponsor a pizza dinner complete with water, fruit and dessert for about 200 of our brothers and sisters in Kensington. To contribute towards purchasing a meal, please donate here. Select "Charitable Giving "as the fund.
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!
Donate Your Used Clothing
Baby Bottles for Guiding Star Ministries
Guiding Star Maternity Home is a maternity home in Germantown that supports pregnant women and their children by providing safe housing and life skills for future success. This Mother’s Day (May 10th), please take a donation bottle from the back of the church. Fill it with your contribution and return it on the weekend of May 30–31. Your generosity helps provide care, stability, and opportunity for families in need. Thank you for your support!
Gluten Free Hosts Available
Do you require a gluten-free host due to a gluten intolerance or allergy? If so, please let our pastor or a member of the parish staff know so we can ensure your needs are accommodated at Mass.
Anointing of the Sick
On the weekend of May 30th and May 31st the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be administered at the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday, 8 am 10 am Masses. Parishioners who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung & kidney etc.) undergoing treatment for another disease/illness, or living at a very advanced age are encouraged to receive this Sacrament. If you qualify and desire to be anointed, sign-up sheets are available on the desk in the rear of the church, or you must call the rectory no later than May 28th. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
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.
Explore the Faith Sunday, May 17
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.
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 May through June 2026. Additional sessions and new themes are added regularly!
Financial Facts
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $7,356.50
Church Maintenance: $126.00
Holy Land: $5.00
Easter Offering: $10.00
Easter Flowers: $6.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total: $7,513.50
Special Collections
5/10 = Catholic Home Missions
5/24 = Maintenance
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.
Veterans You're Invited to a Day of Recognition
Attention WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans: Honor Flight Philadelphia will travel to Washington, D.C., on September 19, 2026, to honor you with a day of recognition. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Heroes Welcome Home are provided at no cost. For participation or questions, contact Pete Miller at 610-517-9171 orpgmiller412@gmail.com.
Communications Day Symposium
News from the Office of Black Catholics
West Catholic Alumni Invites You To
37th Annual Burrs at the Beach
Keenan’s Pub North Wildwood
Sunday June 28th, 2026, 1 pm to 6 pm
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
For Information and /or tickets Please contact:
Joe Garttmeir 484-437-3739 mag1201@verizon.net
Tom McGinn 610-461-6141 mcginn81@comcast.net
Marie O’Conner 484-350-1001 pmadoconnor@verizon.net
Missionary Discipleship Training
Charismatic Renewal Conference
Latin Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the May Newsletter here.