Good News for August 6, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Aug 6, 2025
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Living Like Heaven is the Goal
~ Conor Donnelly
Saint Maron's Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.
Have you ever felt like life is just about working harder, earning more, keeping up with everything and everyone? It’s easy to get pulled into the hustle. But today’s Gospel asks: what are we really aiming for?
I’ll be honest, some days I get so caught up in daily responsibilities that I forget why I’m doing any of it. I tell myself I’m doing what needs to be done, but deep down I know I sometimes place too much trust in what I can earn or control.
When Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there also will your heart be,” it hits home. It makes me wonder: is my heart tied up in the things of this world, or in something greater?
The image of servants waiting for their master really spoke to me. It reminded me that I don’t want to drift through life on autopilot. I want to be present, alert to what God is asking of me. I want to be awake—ready, not perfect, but trying to live in a way that says, “I haven’t forgotten who I belong to.”
And that verse, "your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom” it surprised me. I don’t have to earn His love or prove I’m enough. He’s already offering me something lasting, something no success or possession can match.
I think today’s Gospel is a gentle but firm invitation: to loosen my grip on all the stuff I cling to, and to trust that what really matters can’t be taken away.
Maybe it’s time I started living like heaven is the goal — not just someday, but today.
Family Movie Night - August 16
Join us for Family Movie Night on August 16 at 7 PM. We'll watch The Princess and The Frog (great for all ages!). BYO food and drink. We'll have popcorn and water. See you there!
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. Let us know if you can bring a salad also!
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. Look out for more details in the coming weeks; we anticipate having a kickoff meeting for all interested families in September.
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.
Confirmation Meeting - August 24
Calling all Confirmation candidates, parents and sponsors!
Saint Raymond is excited to invite you to an information session on Sunday August 24 directly after 10 am Mass in the Sister Rosemary Room.
The 2025 Sacrament of Confirmation preparation classes will begin on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
FaceTime with Jesus
We had a beautiful night at Facetime with Jesus on Monday! After an hour of adoration and quiet prayer with soft music in the background, we gathered for fellowship around a bonfire. S’mores were cooked, stories were shared, and hearts were full.
Save the date for next month: September 8, from 7-9 pm. Feel free to invite a friend. Get more details and the full schedule 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!
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, July 27, 2025 Sunday, August 2, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00 Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $7,731.20 Collection & Envelopes: $9,080.75
Monthly Church Maintenance: 902.00 Monthly Church Maintenance: $289.70
Campaign Human Development: $200.00 REST: $50.00
Social Ministry: $160.00 Campaign Human Development: $25.00
Total: $8,993.20 Mission Appeal: $20.00
Total: $9,465.45
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
Black Catholic Formation Program
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Releases Pastoral Message to Immigrant Communities Throughout the Philadelpha Region
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Recent news reports detailing the arrest of immigrants throughout the country, including the Philadelphia region, have produced a great deal of fear and unleashed a broad range of other emotions. These events have impacted the migrant community in deeply troubling ways. I am witnessing your sorrow with great sadness and concern as are people of goodwill from all walks of life.
As the son of immigrants, I have found recent events particularly heartbreaking. Today, I write to express my prayerful solidarity, and that of our local Church, with you. You are not alone. The Church is a community of faith, and the divine person of Christ, who was forced to flee his homeland as a child, holds you in his compassionate arms.
As Catholics, we believe our eternal homeland is heaven, and that as citizens of earth, the dignity of every person means everyone should have a safe place to live, with the opportunity to work for a just wage. Many of you came to the United States seeking new opportunities far away from oppressive regimes and endured difficult and dangerous circumstances to start life anew here. Your presence and your contributions to society through hard work and upright living are a blessing to our country and to our Church. No one should be forced to live in fear of unjust persecution.
I encourage you to remain close with the members of your parish communities and the priests who provide you with pastoral care.
We recognize that our country is rightly safeguarded by law enforcement officials. They uphold the common good by protecting all of us from human trafficking, the exploitation of children, and any other criminal offense against human dignity. At the same time, we strongly advocate for immigration policies that guarantee the protection of life, liberty, and property of all those who call the United States of America home, natural born citizens and those working toward citizenship alike.
While there is no instant solution to the challenges pervading immigration policy, I urge everyone in parish communities to unite through prayer and social unity with the immigrant faithful under the leadership of parish pastors.
The Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph cared for the child Jesus in the mystery of the flight into Egypt and their intercession is with us today. I pray with you and for you that you experience the protection of God.
May our Lord bless our country with peace and inspire comprehensive immigration reform that respects the law and provides meaningful opportunities for all those who wish to call the United States of America their home.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
Get Fresh For Free - Produce Vouchers for Older Philadelphians
Older adults can enjoy locally grown fruits and vegetables — at no cost. PCA is now distributing free Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) produce vouchers.
Income-eligible Philadelphians, aged 60 and older, can receive $25 in produce vouchers to use at certified farmers markets in Pennsylvania. PCA distributes vouchers each summer to help older adults eat well and stay healthy. The program also supports local agriculture.
Voucher distribution for the 2025 season has begun and will continue while supplies last. Vouchers must be picked up in person at the following locations:
PCA, 642 N. Broad St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Participating senior centers in Philadelphia.
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
Bishop McDevitt 50th Reunion Celebration
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Time: 5:00-9:00 PM
Location: Sandy Run Country Club 200 E. Valley Green Road Oreland, PA 19075
Cost: $75.00 per person Includes: Buffet Dinner (cash bar)
Dress Code: Country Club Casual
RSVP by October 1 by mailing your check (payable to Mary Pat Wilkinson) to:
Mary Pat Wilkinson P.0. Box 5 Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Also accepting Zelle – Mpwilk0211@aol.com
Please include your contact information with your payment and maiden names for the ladies
Let’s reconnect and celebrate 50 years of memories, laughter and Lancer Pride
Any questions contact:
Mary Pat Wilkinson - mpwilk0211@aol.com
Audrey Brabson Durkin - abd328@gmail.com
