Good News for August 20, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Aug 20
- 6 min read
In this Issue:
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!
How Narrow is the Gate?
~ Anonymous
If I were a Bible scholar, I’d surely know some context for the “narrow gate.” What behaviors, exactly, allow entry? What does “strong enough” to enter mean? On the other hand, what would make me ostracized as “an evildoer destined for wailing and grinding of teeth?”
Granted, there are other seemingly harsh gospels. Like them, this one depicts Jesus as a huge departure from the Jesus I have come to know – the God who heals, who encourages, who shares burdens and joys. I find the whole of it alarming, like, am I getting it all wrong and don’t know it?
What laymen’s wisdom did jump out at me with respect to the narrow gate is that, in the big picture it may be elusive and vague. In the moment, it might be more evident and doable and maybe even what we’re aiming for already, however imperfectly.
So that, whatever choices I need to make today – even right now – I try to choose the ones that align with my relationship with God. Honestly, it might come down to something as basic as, “Do I need more rest, or should I just get up and get moving?” or, “This conflict I’m in is getting destructive. How can I make it less so?”
When in doubt or unclear on something complex, I think it’s worth giving the whole thing to the Holy Spirit and asking for the best.
I hope this isn’t just me trying to find a way to let myself off the hook when faced with a big warning such as that given in this gospel. But in the end, despite its harshness, the gospel does open with Jesus saying not to perfect things but to strive.
4th Annual Meet and Greet BBQ - August 22
Join us Friday, August 22nd from 4:30pm-6:30pm for our 4th Annual Meet and Greet BBQ for our St. Raymond Church and School families. Food, Games and Music will be provided. The event will be moved to the School Hall if weather conditions do not permit the day of.
Please click here to RSVP, sign up on the sheet in the back of the Church or call the Church Office.
Men's Fellowship August 23 at 7 PM
Want to grow as a man and reach your full potential?
Looking for deeper spiritual growth?
Longing for real community and ways to give back?
Hoping to strengthen your marriage and relationships?
Interested in encouraging vocations for future priests or deacons?
Fr. Zlock invites men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s to join a conversation about launching a Men’s Ministry at St. Raymond. You’ll hear what some men in the parish have been doing this past year to pursue these goals—and explore how you can be part of it.
Pizza and wings provided — BYOB & BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair)
Saturday, August 23 at 7:00 PM School parking lot (next to the garage)
Student Blessing this Weekend
Fr. Zlock will offer a blessing for all students returning to school at every mass this weekend! Watch until the end for some help from the Patron Saint of Students Who Take Tests!
Hospitality Sunday - August 24th
First Penance, Communion & Confirmation Meeting - August 24 after 10 AM Mass
If your child will be receiving First Penance, First Communion, or Confirmation, please join us for an Information Session on Sunday, August 24 immediately after the 10 AM Mass in the Sister Rosemary Room.
New Program for First Penance & Communion Starts This Fall
We're excited to announce that beginning this fall, St Raymond is launching a new sacrament preparation program! We recently selected a new curriculum from Ascension Press called Renew and Receive. We are busy working to flesh out the details of the program.
As we prepare, we need to know how many families wish to have their child(ren) receive First Penance/Communion this year. If you have a child whom you want to receive First Penance/Communion this year, please email sgandy@saintraymond.net as soon as possible.
We also need adults who are willing to help prepare our young people to receive the sacraments. We are not looking for catechists or professional teachers. We're looking for people of faith, who wish to share that and have a heart for young people] While there are challenges in not having a dedicated catechist or Director of Religious Education on staff, we believe there is also a real opportunity here. There is great richness and depth within our parish, and we must be the village that raises our children in the faith.
If you are interested in helping prepare our young people to receive their sacraments - or if you know of someone else who might be interested - please email sgandy@saintraymond.net.
Please note: the safety and protection of young people is an integral part of this ministry. If you are feeling a call to join in this exciting and fruitful ministry, it is critical that you are aware of - and in compliance with - policies, procedures and laws concerning child protection. Please contact Brandi Whitehead (brandi@saintraymond.net), Shelley Gandy (sgandy@saintraymond.net) or call them at 215-549-3760 if you have questions.
FaceTime with Jesus
Our next FaceTime with Jesus will be September 8, from 7-9 pm. After an hour of adoration and quiet prayer with soft music in the background, we'll gather for fellowship around a bonfire with full hearts, to share our stories, hopes and prayers. Get more details and the full schedule here.
Save the Date for Trunk or Treat!
Our Second Annual Trunk or Treat is back! Get all the details and sign up here.
Vacation Giving
We can't begin to say how important your summer giving is to the financial stability of St. Raymond parish. The ideal way to support St. Raymond is 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.
Please note: 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!
Donate Shoes for the Children of Ghana
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. So we ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
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, August 17, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $6,828.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $800.00
REST: $100.00
Mission Appeal: $140.00
Total: $7,868.00
Special Collections
8/17 = Mission Appeal
8/24- Maintenance
Don't Wait to Register!
This event sells out each year, so sign up soon!
The 10th annual Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
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.
Cardinals' Forum on Unity
Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
Black Catholic Formation Program
Ecumenical Service for the Jubilee Year Commemoration of the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
The battle was raging. The Arian heresy had gripped large swaths of the Church, leading many to deny the divinity of Christ. But at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, the Holy Spirit, working through the Council Fathers, definitively affirmed the Church’s inerrant faith in Jesus Christ, Second Person of the Trinity, consubstantial with the Father.
Seventeen hundred years later, Christians from across the region are invited to gather as we offer our gratitude to God for His self-revelation in Jesus Christ and for the Council of Nicaea that affirmed and protected the essential truth that Jesus is God. The celebration includes:
Proclamation of the Word of God
Reflections offered by ecumenical leaders
Litany of Thanksgiving with citations from the Council of Nicaea
Sung Nicene Creed in English, Latin and Greek
Sisters of Saint Joseph Pilgrimage of Hope
