Good News for July 22, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 24 minutes ago
- 6 min read
In this Issue:
What is Faith Worth?
~Thomas Volkert
Saint Vincent de Paul + Philadelphia, Pa.
Do you think that your faith is as valuable as winning the lottery?
That was the first thought that came to me from hearing Jesus’s parables from his time. We hear about treasure hunting in the field, catching fish, sizing up pearls, all which reveal the amazing workings of the Kingdom of God on earth. It makes me ask how we would express God’s action in our everyday terms.
At the same time, the parables we hear are about our part in discipleship. The treasure found in the field and the expensive pearl bring joy but require the willingness to give away everything they have in exchange for the one special gift -- in this case to be a disciple of the Kingdom. I remember having to leave my community behind and move across country seeking a new start and hoping that I was really hearing the call of God not just my impulse. Do you recall one of those moments in your life? A career change, a new relationship, a move, a loss?
Then there is the challenge to continue to abide in God’s loving kingdom. How would the treasure hunter respond to the poor? Or the wise merchant use the pearl to feed a family? Paul describes that attitude in the second reading, saying “all things work for the good for those who love God.”
Lastly, it seems to me, Jesus spoke as if all of life echoed the dynamic presence of God, in nature, human interactions, in history. In particular Jesus felt creation was constantly revealing God’s love to him and us. We live in a time in which nature is often seen as an issue or a problem, not a teacher. Maybe if we were closer to nature we would feel closer to God as Jesus did. And we would learn how to treat the Earth as a sacrament, not a commodity.
Family Faith Formation - Next Session is July 26
Monthly Prayer Team This Weekend - July 25 & 26
Our Prayer Team stands ready to pray with you after Mass next weekend. Take your needs to the Lord, and give Him thanks for His great mercies.
Hospitality Sunday - July 26
RSVP Now - 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).
Please RSVP by August 16 so we have plenty of food for everyone. 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.
FaceTime with Jesus - August 3
Parking Update
The front parking lot has been repainted and will reopen on Thursday, July 23. Thanks for your patience as we continue our church improvements.
Blue Bell Picnic Fun
Our Youth Picnic at Blue Bell Park was a blast! The afternoon kicked off with a short hike led by Fr. Zlock, followed by a picnic lunch and plenty of laughs.
The real excitement came during an intense game of UNO. The kids kept Fr. Zlock on his toes with a steady stream of Draw 2s, Draw 4s, Reverses, and Skips. Every time it looked like he might make a comeback, another special card came his way. In the end, the kids claimed victory—and yes... Fr. Zlock lost! 😄
Thanks to everyone who joined us - we can't wait for the next adventure!
Sign up for 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.
Sign up for the Liturgical Dance Ministry
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.
Rest in Peace, Paul Gowans
Paul Gowans, Sr., beloved husband of Ida Gowans, died on July 5, 2026. His funeral service will be held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 5539 Vine St., Phila., PA on Wednesday, July 29 at 10 am. A viewing will be held from 9 to 10 am. Interment will be at Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, PA at 2 pm.
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.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, August 16th
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.
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 19, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,056.01
Church Maintenance: $550.00
Campaign-Human Development: $80.00
Catholic Home Missions: $50.00
Social Ministry: $50.00
Mission Appeal: $35.00
Total: $9,821.01
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.
Summer Nights at Malvern Retreat House
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