We have been examining ways that a parish can intensify its outreach to people. One way is to appeal to people who are not involved or attending church. This is evangelization-based outreach. Another way is to address people’s needs in the neighborhood or beyond. This is service-based outreach.
Last week we looked at sustained outreach. This is what a parish does over the entire year. The next outward focus is seasonal. If you’re reading this, you’re right in the midst of it.
This typically involves a major liturgical holiday like Christmas and Easter. It can also involve a change in the school schedule such as Spring Break. At these times you see a spike in attendance. You also see an influx of younger people, especially college students. Other seasonal events include Mother’s Day and, to a lesser extent, Father’s Day (go figure).
A church should make an extraordinary effort at these times. Biblically these are John 4:45 moments: “Listen to what I am telling you. Open your eyes and look at the fields because they are ready for the harvest.” Efforts should include (and are not limited to):
A special emphasis on inviting people. In-person invitations are critical. It can also involve several, targeted social media blitzes. Each would be focused on a different demographic.
Announcing how special people will be recognized (Mother’s Day is a prime example).
Placing ads on Facebook or other local media.
Printing yard signs and having parishioners put them on the front lawns of their houses.
Focusing the home page of the parish website on that special day, season, ceremony, or liturgy.
Next time we will examine the final type of parish outreach: special outreach.
Fr. Charles Zlock
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Advent Homily Series
Join us for the last Sunday of our Advent Series: Who is Your Secret Santa? Unwrap the final gifts God has for you this season!
Life Groups
Our Advent Life Group sessions have concluded; however the fellowship and growth in spirituality continues amongst members. During 4 weeks, nine groups of 70 people met to review and apply the Gospel teachings to life experiences. Feedback has been extraordinary! Stay tuned for upcoming Lent Life Groups. Hear what Fr. Zlock's Saturday morning group had to say!
Celebrating Our Youth with Generation Grace
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry. Below is the schedule that was created for the children. We would love to have all our Middle School Kids involved. Brandi can be contacted at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
Family Faith Formation Sessions
"Let the children come to me”
Attention Parents/Guardians: Family Faith Formation Sessions will run September 17, 2023 – June 2, 2024.
Parents with children entering grades K through 7th grade are encouraged to attend. Sessions are held immediately following the 10:00 Mass every other Sunday in the lower church. Enrollment forms are located on the desk in the rear of the church. Contact Arleen Daniels at 215-549-3760 or arleen@saintraymond.net to receive a form via email. The greatest gift you can give your child is the gift of faith formation. If children do not experience how to live for God, the world will certainly show them how not to!
Connect with Us Online
Be part of our awesome virtual community! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest scoop, see fun pictures, and hear about our exciting events.
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Church Announcements
Upcoming Special Collections:
12/23/23 Christmas Offering
Christmas Eve Masses
8am & 10am
Christmas Eve Vigil
7pm
Christmas Day Mass
9am
Monthly Prayer Team
12/30 and 12/31, after Mass
New Year's Eve Mass
8am & 10am
Watch hour 10pm and 11pm Mass
New Year’s Day Mass
8am
Rectory Office Holiday Hours
Our Church Office will be closed from December 26th through January 1 to give the Staff time to enjoy these holy days.
Church Safety Equipment
Recently, the Parish purchased two items that are important to church safety. A fully equipped first aid kit, as well as an automated external defibrillator (also known as an AED device are located in the sacristy. Both are on a table to the left of the Sacristy sink.
This insures that St. Raymond has sufficient means to address significant medical emergencies during liturgical events.
St. Raymond Bling (Merchandise)
St. Raymond merchandise is still available for purchase in the church office during week day. We have some of your old favorites, such as hoodies and aprons. Plus, there is new merchandise including warm St. Raymond hats. Let's share the good news of St. Raymond in your attire. Buy something for yourself. They also make great gifts!
CARES Job Opportunity
We are in need of help from the hours of 3-6 pm for our after school CARES program.
We have two position to fill, and they are paid positions.
Hours of operation: M,W,T,F - 3 to 6 pm, Tuesdays - 1:30 to 6 pm.
Please reach out to Principal Harris if you are interested. His number is 215-548-1919.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Home For Christmas
Did you notice it is getting colder? Brrrrr. We are in need of gently used or new men's women's and children's coats and jackets to share with our Home for Christmas guests this Saturday. If you have a donation, please bring it to the rectory prior to 5pm on Thursday 12/21 or Friday 12/22. Thank you for your generosity!
Call for Help
Join us on Saturday Morning 12/23 at 9:00 AM as we decorate the Church for Christmas. An hour of your time is greatly appreciated. Please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 to confirm your participation.
A Resounding Christmas Concert!
Sunday afternoon's Christmas Concert brought the audience to its feet, and joy spilled over in the church as our own Kenny Arrington led the expanded St. Raymond Choir and two lead singers -- Chris Graham and Lydia Hilliard -- in a magical mixture of carols. "Silent Night" was perhaps the favorite, rendered by an elite group of male singers who harmonized with none other than one mischievous elf who had assisted Deacon Bill at the 10 am Mass that morning. (Hint: he wore a Santa hat, but he was still a pastoral elf.)
Click here to watch the full concert.
USCCB 2023 Daily Advent Calendar
Community Events & Announcements
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King
Mt Airy Baseball
Attention, players aged 7-12! Here's the best way to be sure you are ready when "Batter Up" time comes this spring. Mt. Airy Baseball Winter Clinics are sure to keep you in shape. Register soon, using the QR code above.
Career Opportunities
Are you interested in pursuing a career in masonry or carpentry? The City’s Rebuild initiative in partnership with the Preservation Trades Center (PTC) is recruiting participants for our Winter 2024 Carpentry and Masonry Academies. These full-time, paid training programs ($15/hr) are 40 hours per week for six weeks. At the end of the 6-week program, participants will have the chance to interview for a full-time apprenticeship. No experience is required!
Visit the website for more information.
Missionary Discipleship in 2024
Learn more about this great opportunity and register here.
News From the Office of Black Catholics
Check out the December Newsletter for many exciting events.
Sunday's "Go Forth" Suggestion from Archbishop
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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