Good News for August 12, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
In this Issue:
A Mother's Plea Through the Ages
~Jeannette Williams
Oue Lady of Sacred Heart + Hilltown Twp, Pa.
“I am the Canaanite woman.” I said this to a priest after weekday Mass once, after this Gospel had been read. I went into the sacristy, started with this statement, then asked him to pray for my children, one daughter in particular.
I’m sure I am not the only mother who feels this way. So many parents today have children who have either left the Church, gotten involved in drugs, or suffer from mental health issues. The dangers for young people today are so great, and the internet is a major factor in spreading and fomenting anti-Catholic beliefs and unhealthy behavior. Most of the time, once our children are in their teen or adult years, there’s nothing left for a parent to do but to cry out to God for help.
More than once, while pleading in tears for the Lord to help my daughter, I have picked up the Bible and “randomly” (nothing is random with God) opened to this Gospel. So I know Jesus hears me. But why does He seem to be ignoring me, like He seemed to ignore this desperate mother?
I’ve read a variety of explanations about Jesus’ response to this woman, and one of these explanations seems helpful to me. Jesus’ particular focus during His life was to reach out to the Jews and the scattered Israelites. It wasn’t until after the Resurrection that Jesus sent the Apostles out into the whole world to preach and heal. So when He said to her, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” He was saying it wasn’t time yet to go to the Gentiles. But she didn’t stop.
When Jesus spoke those seemingly harsh words to her about throwing food to the dogs, He was using an analogy, not calling her a dog. But she entered into that analogy and turned it to her advantage. She did not give up, she was not deterred, and she showed humility by identifying herself with the little pets that the Master takes care of.
This is the winning combination with Jesus: persistence, faith, and humility. What did Jesus say to Jairus when Jairus was told to stop bothering Jesus because his daughter was already dead? “Do not be afraid. Only have faith and she will be saved.”
The Canaanite woman showed that faith, that persistence, that humility. So did Jairus. So must we, mothers and fathers, as we continue to implore Jesus for the healing and salvation of our children. He is listening. He will act when it’s time. Do not be afraid. Only have faith. She WILL be saved.
Happy Anniversary, Marsha and Chris Bradley
Congratulations to Marsha and Chris Bradley, who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at the 5 PM Mass on August 8! We give thanks to God for the gift of their marriage and 25 years of faithful love and commitment. May He continue to bless their marriage and grant them many more joyful years together!
Welcome St. Raymond's Newest Member
We joyfully welcome Honor Jeru Kelley to our church family! Honor received the Sacrament of Baptism last weekend. Please keep him and his family in your prayers as he grows in faith and in the love of Christ.
Last Call! RSVP by August 16 for Meet & Greet BBQ
Join us on Friday, August 21 from 4:30pm-6:30pm for our 5th Annual Meet and Greet BBQ for our St. Raymond Church and School families and alumni. Food, Games and Music will be provided (the event will be moved to the School Hall if weather conditions do not permit).
Please RSVP by August 16 so we have plenty of food for everyone. RSVP here or call the Church Office at 215-549-3760. We're also looking for volunteers to bring a salad, and help with set up, break down, serving and transporting food between the kitchen and yard. Sign up here to help.
Start Today! St. Michael's Lent for the Men at St. Raymond
Do you long for more in your life as a husband, father, and friend? St. Michael’s Lent could be the beginning of a life more fulfilling than you could ever imagine.
During his life, St. Francis of Assisi observed this summer-time 40-day Lenten-like period of prayer, asceticism, and fraternity starting August 12 in preparation for the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel on September 29th.
Following St. Francis of Assisi, several men of St. Raymond will withdraw to a mountaintop for prayer and fasting. We will pull back from distractions and focus on the things that matter most.
Whether you are local or long distance, download the Exodus90 app or contact Fr. Zlock at czlock@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760 for more information.
Save the Date for Fall BINGO!
St. Raymond Fellowship Committee will host Fall BINGO on September 26, from 2-6 pm in the School Hall. Please save the date and spread the word. More details and a link for tickets coming soon!
Liturgical Dance Ministry Starts September 19
Our Liturgical Dance Ministry practices begin Saturday, September 19 at 10 AM in the School Hall and will continue every other Saturday. Sign up here.
Coming up!
Youth Car Wash September 19, 12-3 PM in the St. Raymond Parking Lot. Sign up here.
Trunk or Treat October 17, 1-3 PM
Donate Shoes for the Children of Ghana
Can you Help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word?
We are looking for volunteers to help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) during the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass. If you are interested in helping, please contact Minta at mintabrown@saintraymond.net. Thank you for supporting our children and helping them grow in their faith!
Help Stock St. Benedict's Food Pantry this August
Our neighbors are counting on us. St. Raymond is collecting donations for St. Benedict's Food Pantry, and we invite you to help by donating the following items:
Canned tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Pasta
Please place donations in the collection bin at the back of St. Raymond Church by Sunday, August 31.
We also need one volunteer (and one backup volunteer) to deliver the donations to St. Benedict Church on Thursday, September 3, between 8:30–11:00 am. To volunteer, email shabay@saintraymond.net.
Thank you for your generosity and continued support of this important ministry.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, August 16th
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.
Family Faith Formation - Next Session is August 23
Gluten-Free Hosts
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.
Financial Facts
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $10,715.75
Church Maintenance: $988.00
Total: $11,703.75
Special Collections
8/16 - Mission Appeal (Archdiocese of Phila.)
Summertime Giving
Too often, our collections taken during the summer months decline when our parishioners go away on vacation. Make a plan to give electronically or put a little extra in the basket before you leave. Be mindful that air-conditioning the church is costly!
Special Help for Venezuela Earthquake Victims
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.
Celebrate the Feast of Assumption of Mary at The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
AbbeyFest at Czestachowa - Free to St. Raymond!
General admission tickets are are $63, but the event is free for St. Raymond members and their guests! To register, please email brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
Free Registration for Catholic Women's Conference
This event sells out each year, so sign up soon!
The Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Through the generosity of the Martin de Porres Foundation, the registration fee will be covered. Bus transportation to/from St Raymond will also be available. Anyone interested should contact mintabrown@saintraymond.net.
Events Across the Archdiocese
