Instruct the Ignorant. Ignorance does not mean someone is unintelligent or dumb or lacks intellectual capacity. It means “I don’t know” (or “I am unaware of what I do not know. Thus, I need to get more information”).
By nature, humans are intellectually curious. We have a yearning for what is true. This does not only involve teachers. Any person, teacher, parent, or coach exercises this act of mercy by offering spiritual and intellectual wisdom to people who are hungry for it. You are filling an eager mind with truth. This truth can be in science, mathematics, history - or spirituality or religion.
Feeding the mind of the intellectual or morally poor works in concert with feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty. There are people in the world who are poor in the material things of the world. It is important that we address these bodily needs. This goes to the Corporal Works of Mercy. But human beings are made up of body and spirit/soul. There are people whose minds and souls are impoverished too. It is just as important to address spiritual poverty. Instructing the Ignorant addresses this important human need.
Next week we look at the third Spiritual Act of Mercy which is to “Counsel the Doubtful.”
Fr. Charles Zlock
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Lent at St. Raymond
Confessions
One of the best ways to celebrate Lent is receiving the Lord’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As an appointed “Minister of Mercy” by Pope Francis, Fr. Zlock offers several opportunities for Confession to accommodate busy, working schedules:
Monday evening from 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Tuesday morning from 6:30 - 7:30 AM
Saturdays from 4:00 - 4:45 PM (Please NO Confessions after 4:45. Fr. Zlock is will be preparing for the liturgy)
By appointment. Call 215-549-3760 to schedule a convenient time.
Take advantage of this opportunity to experience grace and forgiveness at no charge!
Washing of Feet
On (Holy) Thursday, March 28th at 7:00 pm we celebrate The Mass of the Lord's Supper. This commemorates the Last Supper, during which Christ instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Holy Orders. It also commemorates Jesus's commandment and example to love one another. Christ washed the feet of the Apostles at the Last Supper. After the homily, the priest follows Jesus's example by washing the feet of 12 parishioners. Would you like to serve as an Apostle by being 1 of the 12 to have your feet ceremonially washed by Fr Charles Zlock? Please contact Brandi in the church office at 215-549-3760.
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Thursday, 3/28: Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7 pm
Good Friday, 3/29: Service of the Lord’s Passion at 3 pm
Good Friday, 3/29: Stations of the Cross at 7 pm
Saturday, 3/30 at 10 am = Decorating the Church for Easter (No 8 am Morning Mass)
Easter Vigil, 3/30: 7 pm (No 5 pm Service)
Easter Sunday, 3/31: 8 am and 10 am with Easter Egg Hunt for kids 12 & under after 10 am Mass
Request for Candies
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter, March 31st after 10 am Mass. We are asking for candy donations (no peanuts) and plastic eggs. Please drop off in the box in the back of the church or the church rectory during the week from 9:30 am-4:30 pm. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!!
Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Fr. Zlock recently visited with the Pashai Family, the most recent refugee family who our Refugee Empowerment Support Team has been helping to resettle in Philadelphia. Fr. Zlock had a chance to learn where the family was from in Afghanistan, hear about how the kids are doing in school and how they are adjusting to life in the US. Father ended the visit with a prayer and blessing sharing the story of the 3 kings. If you're interested in joining REST, learn more here.
Kensington Outreach
Thanks to everyone who donated hats, scarves and socks for our Kensington Outreach on February 25th. The kids did a great job making sandwiches to share with our brothers and sisters. They were truly thankful for the support.
Life Groups
CONNECT + GROW + SERVE
Lenten Life Groups are open to parishioners, family, and friends (pretty much anyone). If you have never joined a Saint Raymond Life/Small Group, now is the time! 90 minutes + once a week + 4 weeks = a new relationship with Jesus and others.
The first week sessions started on Sunday, yet, it is not too late! Take a look at the flier for several groups that meet this evening, Thursday and Friday. Then contact the Life Group Leader to save your spot at the table (or on the couch). YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE YOUR PLACE.
Our Week One Member Guide is attached as a resource for all. Enjoy!
Church Announcements
Fr. Zlock's 30th Anniversary
Join us in celebrating Father Zlock's 30th Anniversary on May 4th from 6 PM to 9 PM in the St. Raymond School Hall. Come and enjoy an evening filled with food, drinks, music, and wonderful fellowship as we honor Father Zlock's three decades of dedication to the priesthood.
RSVP by April 7th at this link.
Don't miss out on this joyous celebration!
Join our Events Committee
We are seeking volunteers to help plan events at St. Raymond. There will be a committee meeting Sunday, March 10th, after the 10am Mass in the Sister Rosemary Room. If you are interested in volunteering, please join us!
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers are back, and they meet here at St. Raymond every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Brandi in the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net.
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 ensures that St. Raymond has sufficient means to address significant medical emergencies during liturgical events.
Snow and Inclement Weather
In the event of severe snow, 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, thus giving time to get the lot cleared for the next Mass. Please check your local news channel for school closings.
Tax Time
As you prepare your taxes, Brandi in our Parish Office is happy to provide a statement for your 2023 Giving. Please call her at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net.
Special Collections
March 3 - Rice Bowl
March 10 - Easter Flower Offering
March 29 - Holy Land Sanctuaries
March 31 - Easter Offering
March 31 - Maintenance and Repairs
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.
Collection for Sunday, February 25, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $3,374.00
Electronic Giving: $3,289.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $530.00
REST: $225.00
School Appeal: $5.00
Rice Bowl: $16.00
Easter Flowers: $25.00
Total: $7,464.00
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK ...
... about the homilies you hear. Really! Honestly! The new Catholic Preaching Institute (CPI) at Saint Charles Seminary invites you to participate in what could be the largest-ever study of its kind in the nation. It only takes 10 minutes to do!
Then invite each of your family members to do the same, and share this with all your Catholic friends! With everyone’s input, CPI will design programs to make preaching in the archdiocese more compelling ... so that your experience of the Word of God becomes even more inspiring.
Don't wait! The survey closes March 22. Simply click here to complete the online survey or scan the QR code below.
Prayer Team Help Needed
Are you comfortable having a conversation with God? St Raymond’s Prayer Team is seeking volunteers to pray for and with others. The monthly Prayer Team Partners gather on the first weekend of the month after each Mass to hear and respond to prayer needs. The primary requirements are a love of Christ and love of your neighbor. We will help you with the rest. To learn more or volunteer, please email Deacon Bill or call him at 215-549-3760.
Black History Month Week 5
For answers, scroll down!
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.
Sunday, March 10 - Tying Kickball to Bible Lessons
Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21 - Youth Ministry Bake Sale After all Masses
Sunday, May 26 - Caring for Friends Food Preparation
Wanted: Servers and Sacristans!
Attention, young people of St. Raymond’s! We are in need of new altar servers – and we also wonder whether any students or young parishioners would be interested in being hired as sacristans.
Fr. Zlock and Deacon Bill will work with a few adults at St. Raymond to mentor all applicants. They will pray daily for them, observe how they do at Mass, encourage them and offer advice when needed.
Jesus said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” If you aspire to be one of God’s workers, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or brandi@saintraymond.net
Calling all Young Adults!
Sign up for Fr. Zlock’s Young Adult WhatsApp community for prayers, videos, reflections and events for the young adult community. Click here to join the group.
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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Community Events & Announcements
ManUp Philly - Save the Date
Attention, Men of St. Raymond! You are invited to join Catholic Men from throughout the Archdiocese for the 16th Annual Man Up Philly Men’s Conference at Cardinal O’Hara High School on March 2. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available, and the Conference will conclude with Mass celebrated by our archbishop Most Reverend Archbishop Nelson Perez.
Scholarships Available!
The Martin de Porres Foundation is providing 100 scholarships to pay the registration for African American Men to attend the conference. The deadline to sign up is February 16th.
Contact Arleen Daniels at 215-549-3760 if you would like to be registered for this event.
Episcopal Ordination
Click the this link to participate in the livestream.
Breaking News! Awesome Job Opportunity for High School Graduates!
The Philadelphia Tribune featured a news article this week about job opportunities with Aon, a global consulting firm that offers professional services in the insurance, health care and retirement industries. Aon is recruiting young people with a high-school diploma (or students on track to graduate in June). The salary for a 40-hour-per- week apprenticeship is $44,000 a year, plus benefits -- including up to $7,000 toward the cost of concurrently earning a degree at the Community College of Philadelphia or Montgomery County Community College. Anyone who already holds a bachelor’s degree or who requires a visa is not eligible for these positions.
The jobs require students to work in person inside corporate offices while attending college and maintaining passing grades. (The company will pay students while they are in class.) The application deadline is March 1 for the program, which begins on August 1, 2024.
Kimmel Center Offers Free Summer Arts Program for High Schoolers
Rising 9th through 12th grade students with intermediate to advanced-level performing arts experience are invited to audition for a free 3-week camp program at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, focused on Singing, Acting and Dancing.
The program runs weekdays from July 8 to July 26, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Students are expected to attend all days of the program and will participate in skill-building classes, masterclasses, audition preparation, rehearsal and a culminating performance in a Musical Theater production.
Registration deadline is April 1, and acceptance to the program will be audition-based. Register here.
College Scholarship Opportunities
High school seniors and juniors – check out this website.
Right now, we know that college costs are really high, and FAFSA is having problems. Bu we also know that attending college is life-changing. So see if Quest Bridge can take you where God wants you to go! If you have good grades and are involved in extra-curricular activities at school or in your community, this is a resource you don’t want to miss.
Lunch and Learn
Catechetical Convocation
The Catechetical Convocation is an annual faith formation event that invests in the professional and spiritual growth of the parish through a sharing of theological insights, instructional methodologies, and practical applications. The celebration of Mass, keynote presentations, varied workshops and more will be offered from 8 am - 3 pm. Fr Stephen Thorne and Deacon James Mahoney are two of the workshop presenters.
There is a group rate of $35 ($40 for individual/single). However, grants are also available through the generosity of the St. Martin DePorres Foundation. The registration deadline is 12pm, March 11th. Please contact Minta (610-329-7256) if interested.
News From the Office of Black Catholics
Check out the March 2024 Newsletter for many exciting events.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
The March newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Black History Month Week 5 Answers
