Good News for July 15, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
In this Issue:
Live in the World But Not of the World
~Michael Clymer
Cathedral Basilica Saints Peter and Paul + Philadelphia, Pa.
The Kingdom of God is like a field where good seed is sowed but the enemy comes and sows weeds in the same field. The field is our world. Jesus sows the Gospel, and the Devil comes and spreads weeds among this good seed. We live in the midst of this battle where we have the voice of Jesus leading us to Truth, and the voice of the Devil leading us away from it. One phrase that catches my attention is that the enemy comes and sows weeds “while everyone is asleep.”
In today’s world, there are so many distractions. It is easy to lose focus on the Lord. It is in these moments that the Devil comes in and tempts us to stray away from God and his Commandments. Once we get distracted, it is often difficult to refocus. It is important for us to stay focused on Jesus and grow in our relationship with him. Forming habits of daily prayer, attending Mass on each Sunday, and regularly going to Confession are vital for doing this. Having a strong relationship with God will help us distinguish Jesus’ voice from that of the world. As Catholics, we cannot pull up the weeds.
In the Kingdom of God the weeds grow among the fruits. We need to be in the world, but that does not mean that we need to live according to the world. A strong relationship with Jesus and following His Commandments empowers us to bring God’s love in our families and workplaces. The witness of those who follow Jesus extends Jesus’ invitation to relationship with him to others. If we commit to this, then we will help others be counted among the fruit when the Lord returns to gather the harvest.
Celebrating Two Baptisms
Congratulations to Isabel and Serenity, who were each baptized last weekend! We rejoice with their families as they begin their journey of faith and welcome them into the St. Raymond family. Please keep them in your prayers as they continue to grow in God's love.
Mission Visit July 18 & 19
The Franciscan Missionaries of Hope is one of the (many) religious congregations that follow the spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. The congregation was founded in Kenya, East Africa, in 1993. The mission of the FMH is tied to their charism, which is giving hope through hospitality and pastoral counseling.
The Church in the developing world preaches the Gospel in word and in action. The priests and religious serving in the developing world are always expected to solve the problems and challenges of those whom they serve. And when material help is not available, these men and women of God must not turn the people of God away or close the doors of their convents and rectories.
Fr. Geoffrey Muga, a native of Kenya, East Africa, is a member of the FMH religious order. He has been a priest for 13 years. He is currently serving as Pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Roslyn, NY. He previously ministered in New Orleans, LA for 9 years. Father Muga will be visiting St. Raymond at all the Masses this coming weekend, July 18 and 19.
Please give him a warm welcome and support his plea. It is a worthy cause. Additional information and collection envelopes will be in the back of the church.
Save the Date: Meet and Greet BBQ August 21
Join us on Friday, August 21 from 4:30pm-6:30pm for our 5th Annual Meet and Greet BBQ for our St. Raymond Church and School families and alumni. 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 RSVP here or call the Church Office at 215-549-3760. We're also looking for volunteers to bring a salad, and help with set up, break down, serving and transporting food between the kitchen and yard. Sign up here to help.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, July 19th
These sessions are open for all people, Catholic or non-Catholic, who simply wish to learn more about Catholicism and enter into deeper conversations about the Church.
Youth Day at Blue Bell Park July 17
Enjoy hike with Father Zlock at 11:30am, followed by games and picnic from 12–2pm. Sign up here.
Youth Day at Dorney Park August 19
Spend the day with church friends at Dorney Park! More details coming soon. Sign up here.
Eagles Training Camp Trip Coming in August
Kids in our parish age 7 and up are invited to attend The Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp! The date for this event will be in August. The exact date will be announced soon.
Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to sign up here! Once all spots are filled, no additional admissions will be available.
Liturgical Dance Coming Soon!
Church Bus Driver Needed
We are seeking a reliable and responsible bus driver to transport parishioners to our 10 am Mass on the first Sunday of each month.
Requirements:
Valid driver’s license
Must pass a driver’s test (provided by the church)
Friendly, punctual, and dependable
If you’re interested in serving the community in this meaningful way, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or email brandi@saintraymond.net.
Health Care for Clergy
Do you have a healthcare background? Do you love your Catholic faith and have a desire to help priests set and meet healthy living goals? Our archdiocese is seeking applications for a unique, mission-driven position dedicated to providing essential healthcare navigation and support for our clergy members. This role does not require hands-on clinical care. Please submit your resume to REC@metacareusa.com. Learn more.
Interested in Sharing Your Story? Attend an Informational Session August 1
If you have experienced racism from the Church, society, or both, The Archbishop's Commission on Racial Healing invites you to attend an informational session at St. Raymond Parish Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 a.m. in the Sister Rosemary Room. Anyone interested in learning more or sharing their experience is welcome to attend. There is no long-term commitment at this time. This is a one-time meeting to hear from parishioners and explain the Commission's work. To RSVP or learn more, please contact Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
The Archbishop's Commission of Racial Healing was founded in 2021 by Archbishop Nelson Pérez as an advisory body of laity, consecrated religious, and clergy to address the sin of racism in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Catholic Social Teaching.
After three years of initiatives, programs and discussions, the Commission is working on ultimate goal of the Archbishop -- to have Philadelphia be a model archdiocese where racial healing is not only part of the norm but part of the culture. They hope to formulate a long-range strategic plan and integrate this into the Archbishop's "Trust and Hope" vision for the archdiocese.
This initial step is to hear the stories of the need for racial healing from parishioners.
We're looking for parishioners who have remained active and also those who have left the Church because of their experiences. We're hoping for a combination of twelve men and women: four high school or college students, four aged 30 - 50, and four aged 50 and above.
FaceTime with Jesus - August 3
Gluten-Free Hosts
Do you require a gluten-free host due to a gluten intolerance or allergy? If so, please let our pastor or a member of the parish staff know so we can ensure your needs are accommodated at Mass.
Financial Facts
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $11,997.88
Church Maintenance: $616.50
Campaign-Human Development: $88.00
Social Ministry: $50.00
REST: $13.00
Total: $12,765.38
Special Collections
7/5 - Human Development
7/26 - Maintenance and Repairs
Summertime Giving
Too often, our collections taken during the summer months decline when our parishioners go away on vacation. Make a plan to give electronically or put a little extra in the basket before you leave. Be mindful that air-conditioning the church is costly!
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. We ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
Free Registration for Catholic Women's Conference Available
This event sells out each year, so sign up soon!
The Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
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.
Come and Rest Awhile Silent Directed Retreat
July 26 – August 2, 2026
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center • Philadelphia
Step away from the noise and come home to stillness. This silent retreat offers private rooms, nourishing meals, daily Mass, peaceful grounds, and optional spiritual direction.
Unable to stay a full week? Shorter stays are possible, with cost adjusted to the length of participation. Scholarships may be available as well.
Learn more or register: msbt.org/mbsc 267‑350‑1830
