Good News for February 25, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 3 days ago
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Figuring out the Transfiguration
~Thomas Volkert
Saint Vincent de Paul, Philadelphia + Pa.
Recently there was a documentary on TV about the American Revolution. It revealed the struggle, the suffering, the treachery, and the chaos that we often don’t hear about in the popular highlights of the founding of the country. But when I listened hard, I was able to understand how we are still part of the hard, ongoing work of freedom.
Growing up, I remember the Transfiguration story of Jesus was magnificent to imagine. But now I see it differently. This story comes right after Jesus tells his disciples that he will be persecuted, killed, and rise. He also explains that people are misunderstanding the signs of the times. So Jesus is doing everything a good friend would do, revealing himself more deeply and preparing them for what is coming even though they won’t understand until later. The presence of Moses and Elijah represents the amazing work of God in the past, and Jesus’s glory shows he is continuing that work — in fact fulfilling that work through his giving his very life for us. It is a tremendous moment but a hard reality to live with. Because, if we want to follow him, we may experience the same fate.
Unfortunately, Peter, afraid, still doesn’t get it. Can you blame him? His panic reaction is to hold on to this glorified moment by building tents so they will stay with them. He is missing the hard reality.
But the Voice - thank God! - interrupts Peter and repeats what God said at the start of Jesus’s ministry: “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.” No more needs to be said.
Like the story of the American Revolution, we all would prefer the painless version, but the hard work of love, justice and healing often bears the fruit. Lent is the time to listen deeply and discover our path.
Celebrating Black History Month: Gospel Music through the Years
We wrap up our celebration of Black History Month with a walk through the history of Gospel Music presented by our Choir Director, Kenny Arrington, along with our choir and musicians.
Come Learn, Ask Questions, and Grow in Faith — OCIA Begins March 15
Fr. Zlock is announcing an "Office of Christian Initiation for Adults" (or OCIA) program, starting Sunday, March 15 at 12 noon. The program will meet on the third Sunday of each month, and a meal is included.
OCIA is the process by which a person is received into the Roman Catholic Church. Yet the course is open for all people, Catholic or non-Catholic, who simply wish to learn more about Catholicism and enter into deeper conversations about the Church.
Facetime with Jesus March 2
Beginning February 27, the basement restrooms will be closed for renovation. During this time, restrooms located behind the church and in the sacristy will remain available for use.
Confessions for Lent
Volunteer to Have Your Feet Washed on Holy Thursday
“The washing of the feet (John 13:1-17) is a profound Christian act symbolizing humility, servant leadership, and spiritual cleansing. Jesus washed his disciples' feet to model sacrificial love, teaching that true greatness lies in serving others, not being served. It highlights the need for daily spiritual cleansing and symbolizes unity.”
Would you like to volunteer on Holy Thursday, April 2nd at 7pm for washing of the feet? If so, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.
Holy Week
Rice Bowls
This Lent, our parish will participate in Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl. As we pray, fast, and give alms, we are invited to place spare change in our Rice Bowl to support families experiencing hunger around the world and in our local community.
Rice Bowls are available in the back of the Church. Please return them by Holy Week. Thank you for your generosity and prayerful support.
Fish Fry: April 3
We'll host a Fish Fry Dinner on Good Friday.
Cocoa & Community: April 4
We'll serve hot cocoa after the Easter Vigil Mass.
A Night of Smooth Jazz & R&B hosted by The Men of St. Raymond
Help Keep Our Parish Beautiful
Do you enjoy caring for plants? Are you looking for a simple and meaningful way to serve our Church community?
We are urgently seeking volunteers to help water and maintain the plants in front of the Rectory, Church, and Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity to help preserve the beauty of our parish grounds, and your help is truly needed and appreciated.
If you’re interested, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or email brandi@saintraymond.net. You may also let Jenny, Olive, or Alicia know if you see them at Mass.
Thank you for helping keep our church beautiful!
Tutoring Help Needed
REST, our Refugee Empowerment Support Team, is looking for tutoring help for Wazma, a young woman from Afghanistan who is taking classes at Community College. Wazma arrived in the US in 2022 with her younger sister, two older brothers, older sister and mother and father. She enrolled at Northeast High School, graduated last June and is now taking English 101 and Math 150. She is working hard but needs some help with her school work. Wazma lives in Northeast Philly, near the Roosevelt Mall. She is super sweet, incredibly focused and you will quickly fall in love with her whole family when you meet them.
If you're able to help, please contact Dan at danmcvay18@yahoo.com or 856-398-9292.
Rest in Peace, Darlene Handy
Children's Choir
Our Children's Choir will be singing at the 5 pm Mass on February 28. We are so proud of the way these young ones lift their voices in praise!
Pray for Vocations
Career Day at St. Raymond School
St. Raymond School’s Career Day will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Speakers include Football player Philly Brown for the Carolina Panthers, Kevin Satterthwaite from Urban Affairs Coalition, Dana Lawrence, CRNA Nursing, Local Union 98 IBEW Electrical Workers, Inspector Goodson from Phila Police Department, Steven OI Wells Director of operations for SEPTA.
This special event is proudly sponsored by the St. Raymond Men’s Group and will provide students with an opportunity to learn about various careers and hear from professionals in our community. We look forward to an engaging and inspiring afternoon for all participants.
If interested to participate, please call the Church Rectory.
Snow and Inclement Weather
In the event of severe snow or ice, the 8 am Weekly Daily Mass Schedule will be based on the Catholic School Schedule. If the school is closed or delayed, there will be no 8 am Daily Mass that day. At all times, please use sound judgment before leaving home, and proceed with care when traveling to and from your car and the church.
Financial Facts
The recent inclement weather has impacted Mass attendance and our weekly collection. Your safety and comfort have been included in our prayers. Please be sure to make up any missed contributions.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $10,075.50
Church Maintenance: $968.00
Catholic Relief: $63.00
School Appeal: $98.00
Thanksgiving Offering: $165.00
Total: $11,369.50
Special Collections
2/8 = St Raymond School Annual Appeal
2/15 = Maintenance
3/8 = Rice Bowl
3/15 = Easter Flowers
3/15 = Maintenance
Tax Statements are Available
As you prepare your taxes, Brandi in our Parish Office is happy to provide a statement for your 2025 Giving. Please call her at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net. Statements can be picked up, emailed or mailed (mindful of delays in Postal Service at times).
Join our Daily Call to Prayer
Catholic Call to Prayer. Please Call TOLL FREE 1-877-309-2073, Enter Code 319-414-445#. 6:30 am (Monday to Friday): This call lasts 5-7 minutes and can have an amazing impact at the start your day, reflecting on God’s WORD!!
Noon Call to Prayer. Same number, Monday to Friday at NOON. We will pray the Angelus, reflect on the 1st reading from Daily Mass, say intercessory prayer for those in need and beg God to draw us all nearer to Him.
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.
Catholic Charities Appeal
Did you know that 1 in 5 people across the Greater Philadelphia area rely on the Catholic
Charities Appeal for help and hope each year?
They are our neighbors, and they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are seeking comfort, support, and dignity in the face of challenges many of us cannot imagine. Your generosity touches their lives in profound ways because you embody Christ’s compassionate love and mercy by coming to their aid.
Your contributions go toward:
· Social Services
· Evangelization
· Special Education
· Mission Parishes
· Sick and Retired Priests
Catholic Charities envelopes are in the back of church. Please make your check payable to Catholic Charities and mail the envelope directly to the Archdiocese.
Help shape the future of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia. Your voice matters.
This is your last chance to take the planning study survey and help us shape the future of The Catholic Church of Philadelphia. Complete the survey at https://forms.office.com/r/9fcs95U5B4 by February 27.
Peace in the Vineyard - Thursdays in Lent - 7pm
Join us for a Lenten conversation series on cultivating peace and racial healing, guided by Bishop Edward Braxton’s 2015 pastoral letter, The Racial Divide in the United States.
Facilitated by Marcelle McGuirk (chair, Archbishop’s Commission on Racial Healing), the conversation gatherings will discuss Bishop Braxton’s text alongside other supplemental materials. Conversations will explore the historical wounds of the sin of racism, the response of Catholic Social Teaching, and our co-responsibility to cultivate peace and racial healing as a synodal, missionary Church.
Sessions will last about 90 minutes, and will take place on Zoom at 7pm on Thursdays in Lent.
Dates: Feb 19, Feb 26, Mar 5, Mar 12, Mar 19, Mar 26.
Register by Wednesday, February 18th.
Participation is FREE and open to all.
Questions? Email openwideourhearts@archphila.org
This program is made possible by the support of the Martin de Porres Foundation.
Walking With Jesus February 28
St. Vincent de Paul and the Office for Black Catholics of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is hosting a one-day Lenten retreat. This retreat features dynamic speakers, praise and worship, Adoration, Holy Mass, a children's track, and more! We invite your parish to participate, please share in your bulletin or e-bulletin.
To register for the retreat use the Registration Link here or scan the QR code on the flyer.
Man Up Philly February 28
35th Annual Catechetical Convention March 7
This year’s theme, “Echoing Christ: Forming Future Saints,” calls us to reflect deeply on our mission to be Christ Jesus to those we catechize. As catechists and evangelizers, we strive to lead them to encounter the love of Christ in very real and personal ways—ways that inspire them to become the saints God has destined them to be. Hosted by the Office for Catechetical Formation, this event is designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding, and enhance your skills as a catechist. A day full of inspiration, formation, and community! Additional information can be found here.
Keynote speakers: Dr. Bob Rice (English Track) and Rev. Remigio Morales (Spanish Track)
Location: Archbishop John Carroll High School, Radnor, PA
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School Open House
Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School invites middle school girls to explore all that our school has to offer during our upcoming admissions season. Opportunities include practice entrance exams, 7th grade half-day visits, and morning tours designed to give students an authentic experience of life at Gwynedd. Families are also welcome to attend our Open House on March 22. Learn more and register at gmahs.org/visit.
Family Retreat March 15
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the March Newsletter here.
