Good News for July 29, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 22 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
In this Issue:
Priests: They Are People Too!
~Jeffrey Faneck
Saint Matthias Catholic Church + Bala Cynwyd, Pa.
It’s human nature to slack or go into “auto-pilot mode” with familiar things. If it’s a relationship, we may start to take it for granted. If it’s our route to work, we may notice ourselves leaving later and later or becoming distracted by podcasts or audiobooks. How about if it’s a bible passage, such as this weekend’s gospel?
I hope we’re not at the point where we think “ho hum, another miracle, what else is new?” Pack that away for a moment…
Although bad news is inherently stressful, there are different degrees of bad news. Recently my car suffered a piece of cracked glass from an object I didn’t even see. It shook me briefly, but I was able to forget about it rather quickly. That hits differently than, say, the death of a close relative, where employers generally offer bereavement time.
Before the miracle, Matthew includes a bit of a back story about Jesus being off to the side, grieving the death of his cousin John the Baptist. When the crowd finally located Jesus, it was right back to work, curing disease and illness.
Jesus being both fully God and fully man is something even the best minds struggle to wrap their brains around. A key lesson with this can be taken from the apostles. They suggested dismissing the crowd due to low food inventory and the length of time they’d already been out in the heat. As humans, these first priests didn’t have (and could not have had) the same insight of Jesus.
Keep in mind that priests, even today, aren’t perfect, and certainly not robots. They have countless daily responsibilities and dedicate their entire lives to God. Since they come from families, they experience illness and loss just like we do.
Thank your priest for his homily and his ministry this weekend, and maybe while you’re at it check in on him as a person too. An unexpected “how are you feeling” may seem small (like the few loaves and fish) but go a long way.
Welcome to the church, Layanhi!
Please join us in welcoming Layanhi to the St. Raymond family! Layanhi was baptized last week, and we rejoice with her family as she begins her journey of faith. May God continue to bless her with His love and grace throughout her life. Please keep Layanhi and her family in your prayers.
Spend Time with Jesus August 3
Join Us for Our Youth Mass August 2
RSVP by August 16 - 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.
Save the Date for Fall BINGO!
St. Raymond Fellowship Committee will host Fall BINGO on September 26, from 2-6 pm in the School Hall. Please save the date and spread the word. More details and a link for tickets coming soon!
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
Help Stock St. Benedict's Food Pantry this August
Our neighbors are counting on us. St. Raymond is collecting donations for St. Benedict's Food Pantry, and we invite you to help by donating the following items:
Canned tomatoes
Tomato sauce
Pasta
Please place donations in the collection bin at the back of St. Raymond Church by Sunday, August 31.
We also need one volunteer (and one backup volunteer) to deliver the donations to St. Benedict Church on Thursday, September 3, between 8:30–11:00 am. To volunteer, email shabay@saintraymond.net.
Thank you for your generosity and continued support of this important 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.
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.
Family Faith Formation - Next Session is August 9
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.
Thank you from Alex Pauling
Alex Pauling is leaving Saturday on his missionary trip to Kenya. He left a card with a special message of thanks for his Saint Raymond family near the prayer board in the back of church. Be sure to take a look next time you're at Mass! And please keep Alex, his team and those who they'll be helping in your prayers!
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 26, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,014.50
Church Maintenance: $1,112.00
Catholic Home Missions: $25.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total: $10,161.50
Special Collections
7/5 - Human Development
7/26 - Maintenance and Repairs
We will continue to collect donations for the Pontifical Missions this weekend. Collection envelopes will be in the back of the church.
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.
Back to School Event - August 1
Senator Art Haywood and Rep. Andre D. Carroll are hosting a back-to-school celebration on August 1 at the Lonnie Young Recreation Center from 1 pm - 4 pm. This event provides free bookbags, school supplies, and books to students (while supplies last). There are also performances, music, and food!
AbbeyFest at Czestachowa - Free to St. Raymond!
General admission tickets are are $63, but the event is free for St. Raymond members and their guests! To register, please email brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
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.
Events Across the Archdiocese
