Good News for July 8, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Jul 8
- 6 min read
In this Issue:
Called to Sow, Not to Judge
~Jennifer Dusza
Saint Mary Catholic Church + Schwenksville, Pa.
When I read the Parable of the Sower, I typically envision God sowing the seeds of grace on all His people, and I think about what type of “soil” I am - whether I fully accept it, partially accept it, or reject it altogether. That kind of self-examination is both necessary and fruitful. This time, however, I approached the passage from a different perspective. I put myself in the position of the Sower.
In the parable, the sower simply sprinkled the seed everywhere- generously over all types of soil and terrain without bias or judgment. He doesn’t stop to assess which soil seems fertile and which is unlikely to bear fruit. We should strive to be more like this- doing good always. It is not our job to judge whether another is “worthy.” It is simply our job to be Christlike to all we cross paths with. Our responsibility is to reflect the Will of God in our thoughts, words, and actions. Ultimately, how another responds to us is between him and God.
In my own life, sowing seeds takes simple but intentional forms: praying before and after meals, even at restaurants; inviting others to attend Mass with me, even if they aren’t currently practicing their faith; and remaining faithful to the truth of the Church’s moral teaching, even when they are unpopular in today’s culture. As I grow in my spiritual life and my understanding of Church teachings, I also grow in the comfort of not needing acceptance from the world around me. If my actions are done with love, compassion, and truth then I can be at peace knowing that my role is simply to plant the seeds. God is the One who prepares the soil, nurtures the growth, and brings forth the fruit. My intention is never to offend or pressure others into accepting my beliefs. Rather, I am called to faithfully sow the seeds of the Gospel and lovingly respect each person's freedom to receive or reject the goodness that God offers to all His children.
Another great FaceTime with Jesus!
It's such a blessing to gather on the first Moday of each month for FaceTime with Jesus. We start with adoration from 7-8 and then enjoy food and fellowship by the fire. Join us next month on August 3!
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. 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.
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.
Youth Summer Events - Rescheduled!
All St. Raymond youth are welcome to attend!
Youth Day at Blue Bell Park
July 17 – hike with Father Zlock at 11:30am, followed by games and picnic from 12–2pm
Dorney Park
August 19
Sign up here for one or both of these events. (Please re-register even if you are already signed up the first time.
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.
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 during the weekend of 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.
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 5, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,595.06
Church Maintenance: $288.00
Campaign-Human Development: $279.00
Total: $10,162.06
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
