Good News for April 30, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Apr 30
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Holy Toast and Tiny Sheep
~ Linda Davis
Saint Mary's Catholic Church + Lancaster, Pa.
In today’s Gospel, the disciples return to what they know and cast their nets once more. After the whirlwind of Jesus’ death and resurrection, undoubtedly confused and reeling, they go back to something familiar.
As a mom, I understand that. When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, I find myself clinging to ordinary rhythms— wiping counters, making snacks, matching endless pairs of toddler socks — because it’s where I feel grounded. The disciples fish all night and catch nothing. That hits close to home. Some days feel like that — hours of effort with little to show for it. But then Jesus appears at dawn. He tells them to cast their nets again, and suddenly they overflow. He turns their weariness into abundance.
And then He makes breakfast.
That moment always stops me. The risen Christ — the one who conquered death — is standing by a charcoal fire, cooking for His friends. No sermon, no commands ... just bread and fish, warmth and welcome. It’s a parent kind of love, really. Meeting needs before they’re asked, knowing that sometimes what we most need isn’t a solution, but a meal. I think of how many breakfasts I’ve made half-awake, how often love looks like peanut butter toast and cut-up fruit. And I’m reminded: Jesus is in those moments, too. He feeds us so we can feed others.
He restores Peter not with shame, but with purpose: “Feed my sheep.”
I hear that clearly. These little ones are my sheep. My small daily offerings matter, because even in the simplest acts of love, I’m following the example of a Savior who cooks breakfast at dawn.
Share Your Opinion About the Church 5/3 at 9am!
It's not too late to 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.
The Future of St. Raymond
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 this weekend, 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.
Holy Hours for the Papal Conclave
Let us join with the universal Church in asking Jesus to give us a Supreme Shepherd after his own Heart. The hour will include Eucharistic Adoration, Rosary, Litany of the Good Shepherd and Benediction. All are welcome to attend as many holy hours as desired. No registration required. For the schedule and more details, visit archphila.org/conclave.
Graduation Honors!
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!
Baby Bottles for Guiding Star Ministries
Guiding Star is a maternity home in Germantown for pregnant women and their children. They also provide life skills for future success. Please take a bottle in the back of church, fill it with your donation, then bring it back to church on Mother's Day weekend (May 10-11).
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
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 meeting is May 25, 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.
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 tonight -- 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!
Book Fair Volunteers Wanted - Please Help!
St. Raymond School will be hosting a book fair from May 12th to May 16th, between 9 am and 1 pm each day. Ms. Gayle Perry-Johnson, the assistant school principal, is looking for parishioners who may be willing to volunteer and assist with the Point of Sale process during the event.
Here is a list of the required clearance documents for volunteers. Some individuals may already have these on file, or may be willing to obtain them.
1. PA Criminal Background Check
2. PA Child Abuse History Clearance
3. Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement Form
4. FBI Fingerprinting and Background Check is only required if you have not been a PA resident for the last 10 continuous years. If you have been a PA resident for the last 10 continuous years, you must turn in the PA Disclosure Statement Application for Volunteers, and you are not required to get fingerprinted.
5. Application for Volunteers Form
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!
Men's Group Meeting
The Men's Group will meet on Wednesday, May 13 at 7 pm in the Rectory dining room. Anyone who is interested in joining the group is welcome to attend.
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 27, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $7,044.62
Monthly Church Maintenance: $535.00
Social Ministry: $40.00
Easter: $50
Easter Flowers: $455.00
Holy Land: $10.00
Total: $8,134.62
Special Collections
May 11-Catholic Home Missions
May 25-Maintenance
Update on DMI Survey from CLI
THANK YOU for participating in the DMI. To date, over 30,000 surveys have been completed for the Archdiocese in total. Catholic Leadership Institute is beginning to process the paper surveys sent forward so that your Pastor will be able to access the full results, understand the DMI reports and communicate those to the parish. The timing for post-DMI sessions for Pastors/Points-of-Contact/Key Leaders will be communicated by the end of May.
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!
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.
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