Good News for April 6, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Apr 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 2
In this Issue:
Question: Why did Jesus weep before he raised Lazarus from the dead?
Answer: It’s likely that Jesus wept out of love and sympathy for Lazarus and his family. It occurs within the context of Martha and those Jews who came with her weeping (John 11:33). John tells us that in response to their sorrow Jesus was “moved in spirit and troubled” (v. 34). The people present took his weeping to be a sign of friendship: “So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him’” (v. 36).
Another possible explanation is that Jesus wept because of human death that sin wrought within his creation. According to W. Leonard in A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, when Jesus says, “Take away the stone,” the Greek verb used suggests that Jesus felt angry. The implication is that Jesus was angry with death, an effect of the original sin of Adam and Eve.
Such a detail on the surface seems frivolous. But it reveals a profound theological mystery: “Jesus, who became man in every respect except sin, experienced a full range of human emotions” (Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, 184).
Day of Mercy
To help you prepare your heart for Easter, we are offering a special opportunity for confession, with several priests available on April 5 from 9-3 PM.
No matter how long it has been, God is always ready to meet you with love and compassion. We invite you to take part in this experience of renewal and grace!
Don't miss our Lenten Sermon Series
Join us for weekend Masses throughout Lent as Fr. Zlock and Deacon Bill share a special Sermon Series on the Seven Deadly Sins. Learn why these sins are considered "deadly" and how the Seven Virtues can help us overcome them.
Join our Bible Study!
Many Catholics want to read the Bible because they know it is God’s Word, but they give up because it seems so complicated. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible helps you get the “big picture” by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how to read the Bible so that you can actually understand it.
Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom! Simply click this link at 6:30 pm to join the call.
Click here to download this week's study guide.
Learn how to Pray in our Book Study
Have you ever felt like you're not sure how to pray? Are you curious about meditative prayer? Join our seminarians, Bernie Faia and Luke Lenhard, as they guide you in learning how to have a real conversation with God, using the book Conversation with Christ by Peter Thomas Rohrback as a guide. To RSVP, email lavernemjones@gmail.com.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday
April 12 @ 5 pm
April 13 @ 8 am
April 13 @ 10 am
Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper)
April 17 @ 7pm (No 8 am Morning Mass) - Office is closed.
Good Friday (Service of the Lord’s Passion)
April 18 @ 3pm (No 8 am Morning Mass) - Office is closed.
Good Friday (Stations of the Cross)
April 18 @ 7 pm (No 8 am Morning Mass)
Decorating the Church for Easter Saturday
April 19 at 9 am
(No 8 am Morning Mass)
Easter Vigil (Vigil Mass)
April 19 @ 7 pm
(No 5pm Vigil Mass)
Easter Sunday
April 20 @ 8 am
April 20 @ 10 am
Washing of Feet will be part of our Holy Thursday service. Volunteers are still needed. Please call the office (215-549-3760) if you are able to participate in this sacred ritual reminding us of the humility of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter, April 20th after the 10 am Mass for ages 12 and under. We are asking for candy donations (please no peanuts; individually wrapped candy only) and plastic eggs. Please drop off in the box in the back of the Church or the Church Rectory during the week between 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!!
Time is Running Out! Your Voice Matters – Help Shape the Future of St. Raymond!
We’re asking all St. Raymond parishioners to take a short anonymous survey about your relationship with Jesus. If you haven’t filled it out yet, please do so here.
Your voice truly matters. This is your parish, and your insights will help guide how we serve you and our community in the years to come.
The survey will be closing April 10—don’t miss the chance to share your opinion!
Thank you for being a part of our parish family!
If you are not able to access the DMI on your own (or lack access to technology), you are welcome to come to the Parish Office on Monday or Thursday between 10am and Noon and someone will help you. You matter and so does your opinion!
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 Alpha meeting is 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!
Spots are limited, so sign them up today!
Register here: https://www.saintraymond.net/alpha
Your child will love it—and you’ll love knowing they’re part of something meaningful.
REGISTER NOW: May 3 Info Session at St. Raymond
The St. Raymond school hall will hold an information session on the Archbishop's letter on May 3, from 9 to 11 am. Please sign up for a conversation about our Church. 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.
You can read his entire letter at https://trustandhope.org.
Support the McMillan Family with an Item from Their Amazon Wishlist
We are collecting essential items for the McMillan Family as they settle into their temporary rental while their home is rebuilt following a fire in January 2025. Any item you purchase from this list will be delivered to St. Raymond Church and then provided to the family. View their Amazon Wishlist here. Thank you for your generosity.
Prefer to donate instead?
Donate online - Please select "McMillan Family" for the fund.
Venmo - @StRaymond-PenafortPhilly - Please add McMillan Family in the note.
Mail or drop off a check or cash in an envelope labeled McMillan Family.
Fr. Zlock is sharing the latest updates on the academy construction.
Save the Date - May 24!
Mark your calendars! On May 24, following the 5 pm Mass, we will celebrate Deacon Bill's
incredible legacy and all he has meant to St. Raymond!
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, March 30, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $12,849.51
Monthly Church Maintenance: $677.00
Easter Offering: $135.00
Easter Flowers: $695.00
Holy Land: $10.00
Rice Bowl: $120.00
School Appeal: $10.00
Social Ministry: $40.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Christmas Offering: $150.00
Misc.: $40.00
Total: $14,736.51
Special Collections
April 18-Holy Land Sanctuary
April 20-Easter Offering
April 20-Maintenance
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.
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!
Go Make Disciples
Black Catholic Formation Program
The Office for Black Catholics has recently announced their Black Catholic Formation Program. The program aims to deliver catechesis in Catholic theology, trace Black
Catholic history, explore Black Catholic spirituality, and promote faith formation/evangelization. The courses are in conjunction with St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
The Spring semester begins the week of April 21st and ends the week of June 9th. You are encouraged to attend. Tuition is free. St. Raymond will assist where needed. For details contact Minta Brown at 215-549-3760, extension 3.
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