Good News for August 19, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 4 hours ago
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Does Our Life Answer the Question?
~Conor Donnelly
Saint Maron's Parish + South Philadelphia
As most of us enter church and approach our pew we look to the tabernacle and genuflect (or bow) before sitting down. In a way, that answers the second question that Jesus asks in the Gospel today: but who do YOU say that I am? Because when we reverence the Divine presence in the Tabernacle our actions say loudly - Jesus is the incarnate Son of God - I bow or kneel before him present in the Sanctuary - He is our savior. In the celebration of the Eucharist we come to church as unworthy sinners seeking God’s mercy. We receive the Body of Christ with an Amen and again we give our response that Jesus is present in the Eucharist and is the Son of God.
We have done well so far - two for two in answering the question that Jesus asked us in the Gospel. Now poor Peter, he was asked three times if he knew Jesus and all three times the guy denied any knowledge of Him. So is it really the same Simon Peter we hear in today’s Gospel? Peter was an interesting word to call Simon. In that time in the Holy Land the name was Kepha - like bedrock - the kind of stone used to make foundations.
When we leave church today, having chewed on the Gospel and on the Body of Christ, we will be asked the question a third time. Does the life we live reflect our belief that Jesus is the Son of God? Do our words and actions give testimony to the Christian message? Does our genuflection and Amen at Church extend to our reverence towards every person we meet who was created in the image and likeness of God? We pray that we too may be a bedrock of the Christian life.
People in the Pews: Meet Our Church Bus Drivers
One of St. Raymond’s most kind-hearted young men has answered a call that means a lot to parishioners: Ej Cooper is now the newest member of our Church Van Drivers Team. In his daytime job, Ej drives trucks and fork lifts, so he says sitting behind the wheel of the church van is “just a different kind of cargo.” Ej offered to fill the need because it was “a way to give back in a different way, other than just singing in the choir.” He’s looking forward to the new gig – once a month, or as needed.
Steve Mathis is the team veteran, and he knows its history. He’s been driving people to church for about a quarter century. “Before me, there was a fellow named Earl, who drove every Sunday,” Steve said. “Then came Jerry, a member of the Men’s Group.”
It was about that time that Fr. Chris got a bigger and better van and decided to try for a group of four that would drive once a month. “Early on, the van was completely full; there was even a waiting list,” Steve said. “Then, when the Mass began to be live-streamed, the number of riders declined. Most of those who continued to ask for a ride had had strokes,” he said. “Still, they are really faithful. And knowing they are dedicated to coming to church and receiving the Eucharist enhances my faith.”
Kevin Williams joined the team about the time of Covid, six years ago. He drives on the third Sunday of the month. “When I heard there was a shortage of drivers, I knew I could do something about it,” he said. “I always try to step forward. Part of the reason is, my Mom was a shut-in. So I think to myself, ‘Well, if it was my Mom…”
Kevin explained the routine: “Brandi gets a list by Thursday, and she notifies us on Friday. We’re blessed to live in a family that teaches us courtesy, so going to the door of each rider and offering my arm is natural to me.”
Eavesdropping on conversation in the van makes Kevin smile when he’s at the wheel. “It’s the same with children of all ages – they are enjoying one another’s company. And the third week is generally Hospitality Sunday, so I love to hear them talk about getting their cupcakes and something to drink to wash it down.”
Samuel Pauling concurs. He’s been driving for approximately three years now. “I volunteered because Brandi asked me to do so. The best part is talking with the seniors and getting to know them, all the while I’m helping them to get to church.”
Phil Schwarz said when Deacon Bill got up after Mass one day a couple of years ago and said a driver was needed, he reached out right away. “I knew I had the time and the ability to help. I needed to work with Brandi to take a defensive driving course and get onto the church auto insurance, but other than that, no special training was needed.
“I enjoy talking to the people during the rides,” Phil said. “It’s fun to hear about everyone’s week and to be able to help them get to something as wonderful as a Mass at St. Raymond.”
Next time you spot the van in the driveway just before the 10 am Mass, check out the tagline under the church’s name. Father O’Brien came up with it: Where God is Glorified and His People Sanctified.
Then say a little prayer of thanks for these kind-hearted people in our pews who are quietly keeping our church family together in such a special way.
Family Faith Formation - Next Session is August 23
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
Hospitality Sunday, August 23rd
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!
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.
Blessing of Students Weekend of August 22-23
This weekend, all students returning to school will receive a blessing from Father at the 10 am Sunday Mass. There will be special gifts for those parishioners who are going to college.
Congratulations to Ms. Arleen
Congratulations to Ms. Arleen, who was recently honored with an award from Independence Mission Schools! We are so happy to see her recognized and celebrate this special honor with her. Ms. Arleen has given so much to the St. Raymond community over the years, and we remain grateful for the lasting impact she has made.
Men of St. Raymond Awarded Grant from Philadelphia Activities Fund
The Men of St. Raymond have been selected to receive funding from the Philadelphia Activities Fund for 2026! This support will help the Men of St. Raymond continue their commitment to our parish community, including providing scholarships each year to students at St. Raymond School. Congratulations to the Men of St. Raymond on this wonderful news!
FaceTime With Jesus - September 7
Explore the Faith - Sunday, September 20
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.
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 16, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $$10,858.00
Church Maintenance: $988.50
Mission Appeal: $227.00
Social Ministry: $95.00
Total: $12,168.50
Special Collections
8/16 - Mission Appeal (Archdiocese of Philadelphia)
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!
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.
Local Back-to-School Giveaway Events
Old York Road Giveaway:
Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at 6822 Old York Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19126. Free book bags and school supplies for all ages while supplies last. WHERE: 4200 Wissahickon Ave.
Marrae's 5th Annual Back-to-School Drive
WHO: AAGNG Inc. will host its annual Marrae’s Back-to-School Community Drive, in memory of beloved Philadelphia matriarch Marrae Dargan, to provide students with the critical resources they need to start the new school year.
DONATIONS: All back-to-school supply donations will be accepted via pre-scheduled drop-offs and on-site location only. No monetary donations will be accepted. Backpacks and school supplies will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Venue 5Twenty, 425 W Tabor Road
Free haircuts, light braiding, school supply giveaways, and more
Where: Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Ave.
Sunday, Aug. 23; noon to 3 p.m.
Northwest Catholics Cross-Parish Meeting at St. Raymond September 27
Free Men's Retreat Nov 20-22 at Malvern Retreat House
Join fellow men from St. Raymond for the Knights of the Immaculata Retreat, November 20–22 at Malvern Retreat House, featuring Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Known worldwide as the “Dynamic Deacon,” Deacon Harold is an EWTN host, award-winning author, and internationally recognized Catholic speaker known for his powerful, no-nonsense approach to the faith, particularly male spirituality. The weekend includes conferences, Confession, Adoration, prayer, and daily Mass.
Thanks to a grant from the Martin de Porres Foundation, St. Raymond men can attend for FREE. To express interest, contact brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
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
