In this Issue:
Luke 6: 39-45
Jesus Leads Through Mary
~ Linda Davis
Saint Mary's Catholic Church + Lancaster, Pa.
Some days, I feel like I’m stumbling through motherhood, blindly reaching for patience, wisdom, and energy that just aren’t there. I wake up tired, go to bed exhausted, and in between, I’m guiding little hearts and minds that depend on me. But Jesus’ words in Luke 6:39 stop me in my tracks: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?”
How often do I try to lead my family while spiritually running on empty? I expect my children to be kind and patient, yet I snap when I’m overwhelmed. I ask my husband to be understanding, yet I let my own exhaustion make me short-tempered. I try to teach my children about God, yet I struggle to spend time with Him myself. If I’m not turning to the Light, I’m just the blind leading the blind, and we all end up frustrated, disconnected, and weary.
But I am not alone in this. Mary, the perfect mother, never relied on her own strength — she let God lead her completely. When I feel lost, I can turn to her, asking her to take my hand and guide me to her Son. And where do I meet Him most fully? In the Eucharist. When I receive Him, He fills the cavernous spaces in my heart, clears my vision, and gives me what I need to lead my family with love. If I want to guide my little ones well, I must first let myself be led —by Him, through her.
Reflection provided by the Catholic Preaching Institute.
Ash Wednesday Schedule
Please join us and invite a friend – especially those who have not been to Mass in awhile.
Join our Bible Study!
Lent is coming! How will you prepare for it this year?
Many Catholics want to read the Bible because they know it is God’s Word, but they give up because it seems so complicated. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible helps you get the “big picture” by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how to read the Bible so that you can actually understand it.
Please note that this program is offered in lieu of Lenten Life Groups. Life Groups are planned to return this summer.
Learn how to Pray in our Book Study
Have you ever felt like you're not sure how to pray? Are you curious about meditative prayer? Join our seminarians, Bernie Faia and Luke Lenhard, as they guide you in learning how to have a real conversation with God using the book Conversation with Christ by Peter Thomas Rohrback as a guide. To RSVP, email lavernemjones@gmail.com.
Encounter God’s Mercy This Lent
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful gift that renews our relationship with God, offering us His mercy, healing, and peace.
To help you prepare your heart for Easter, we are offering two special opportunities for confession, with several priests available.
No matter how long it has been, God is always ready to meet you with love and compassion. We invite you to take part in this experience of renewal and grace!
Please Bring Your Old Palms to Church
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the burning palms blessed in the previous year’s Palm Sunday. Please bring your palm from last year to Church. We will be accepting ashes through Sunday, March 2.
Black History Month Quiz - Test Your Knowledge!
Coming March 5th!
Our parish, along with every parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is participating in the amazing survey that helps parishes understand where people are in their walk with Jesus. From March 5 to April 10, we’ll be asking you to take a short survey. Stay tuned - the link will be live soon!
Anointing Mass
On the weekend of March 22-23, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be administered at the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday 8 am and 10 am Masses. Parishioners who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung or kidney, etc.), undergoing treatment for another disease/illness, or living at a very advanced age are encouraged to receive this Sacrament.
If you qualify and desire to be anointed, sign-up sheets are available on the desk in the rear of the church, or you must call the rectory no later than March 19. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions, please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
REGISTER NOW: May 3 Info Session at St. Raymond
The St. Raymond school hall will hold an information session on the Archbishop's letter on May 3, from 9 to 11 am. Please sign up for a conversation about our Church. Your voice and presence are essential as we plan a new way forward together as the Catholic Church of Philadelphia. Learn more about the vision for us to come together to encounter each other with open hearts to build the strongest possible Church of Philadelphia. Sign up here.
You can read his entire letter at https://trustandhope.org.
Job Opportunity at St. Raymond
Pastoral Associate for Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation (Part Time)
Description:
Prepare young Catechumens and Candidates, as well as Catholic students of St. Raymond School, for Sacraments.
Coordinate scheduling and parent communications for Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
Main Catechist for school children using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
Coordination of Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass
Please contact Fr. Zlock at czlock@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760, Ext 1 to apply.
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
The Order of Christian Initiation in Adults (OCIA) is under way. This is for any adult and teen 16 or older, who has not received the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Communion and Confirmation. We meet on the first Sunday of every month, immediately following the 10 am Mass in the SRR. Jesus is calling you! “It’s never too late to decide to follow Jesus."
Also, anyone with a desire to have a “refresher” is welcome to join. Contact Deacon Bill or Cindy Bradley at 215-242-5725.
Alpha Youth Starts March 23rd!
What's on your mind? St. Raymond Church is inviting all 5th-8th graders to hang out and join a conversation on life, faith & purpose. Each session unpacks one main topic, and is designed to spark conversation. Anyone is welcome to attend whether you go to St. Raymond Church or not.
We meet every 4th Sunday from 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM (March 23 - December 28) in the Sister Rosemary Room.
Food’s on us! Just make sure to sign up—it's required. Space is limited, so don't wait! Can’t wait to see you there!
Support the McMillan Family with an Item from Their Amazon Wishlist
We are collecting essential items for the McMillan Family as they settle into their temporary rental while their home is rebuilt following a fire in January 2025. Any item you purchase from this list will be delivered to St. Raymond Church and then provided to the family. View their Amazon Wishlist here. Thank you for your generosity.
Prefer to donate instead?
Donate online - Please select "McMillan Family" for the fund.
Venmo - @StRaymond-PenafortPhilly - Please add McMillan Family in the note.
Mail or drop off a check or cash in an envelope labeled McMillan Family.
Can You Help Walid Find a Job?
St. Raymond's Refugee Empowerment Support Team (REST) is helping a family of 5 and they need your help.
A peaceful protest against the Syrian government in 2011erupted into a violent situation that forced thousands of citizens to flee for their lives. Walid was one of them. In 2015 he escaped to a refugee camp in Turkey. While there, Walid did a great deal of work with his hands, building furniture and helping to make the camp as livable as it possibly could be.
Now Walid and his family hold refugee status in America. He and his wife are living in West Philadelphia with their three children: a nine-year-old boy and two girls, ages five and two.
Walid desperately wants to provide for his family. He has his driver’s license, and he knows how to get around on Septa. His hands are longing to wield carpentry tools or to do any sort of physical work that can provide him with an income that will make him able to care for his family. His primary language is Arabic, but he is quickly learning English. He just needs a chance to prove himself.
Think hard about job interview possibilities for Walid. When your ideas come to the surface, please call Dan McVay directly at 856-398-9292, or email rest@saintraymond.net.
Hungry Priests - Message from Fr. Zlock
Recently, Father Kevin Okafor was appointed pastoral Administrator for Holy Cross Parish. Yet, for a few weeks, he will be living at the St. Raymond rectory while renovations to his quarters are being completed.
With an extra person in the house, I am looking for some assistance with meals to feed a few hungry priests. We’d be happy to pay for the service.
Nothing elaborate. Perhaps meals that we can heat up on demand. We’re looking for meals for 4 days week. Dinners only. Lunch and breakfast we can fend for ourselves.
Call me at 215-549-3760 if you have any questions. Thank you!
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, February 23, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $8,216.01
Monthly Church Maintenance: $1,137.00
REST: $350.00
Social Ministry: $1,000.00
School Appeal: $58.00
Catholic Relief: $35.00
Misc.: $300.00
Total: $11,096.01
Special Collections
March 16th-Maintanance
March 23rd-Rice Bowl
March 30th-Easter Flowers
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.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Support St. Raymond 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.
You can also scan the QR code to donate..
Please note: We no longer accept Cash App for tithes. 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!
Pro-Life Scholarships
Abortion Dialogue Academy, a pro-life non-profit group, is offering scholarships for college students at West Chester University, Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University Park, the University of Delaware, Thomas Edison State University, Rowan University, and several other schools throughout the nation. Students can earn $2k per year, up to $8k during their undergraduate enrollment.
If you are a student at one of these universities, or are planning to attend, you can learn more at www.abortiondialogueacademy.org. The deadline to apply is May 2, 2025.
New Ministry for Single Catholic Women
Philadelphia Catholic Men's Conference
Catechetical Convocation
This event provides an annual opportunity for the most experienced and gifted volunteer catechists and catholic school teachers to share their practical insights and best practices in teaching the faith to children.
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