Good News for June 18, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Jun 18
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
Holy Leftovers & Humble Offerings
~ Linda Davis
Saint Mary' s Catholic Church + Lancaster, Pa.
Today, Jesus feeds the five thousand with just five loaves and two fish. He fills their bellies and sends them home with leftovers. I need this reminder that my God is a God of both provision and compassion. I often feel like I’m running on empty, trying to meet my family’s needs with limited time, funds, energy, & patience. This gospel reminds me that if I bring even a morsel of these things to His feet, He will transform them into something abundant and life giving.
As I read about the disciples here, I can so easily see myself. I look at the smallness of what we have and assume it’s not enough. I question Jesus and His direction. But Jesus doesn’t scold them (or me). He takes what we have to offer and blesses it. That gives me hope. My offering might be a simple family dinner that kept us in budget, a whispered prayer in the chaos of toddler tantrums, or a moment of patience when I’d rather snap. It doesn’t feel like much in the moment, but in His hands, it’s multiplied and made beautiful.
Surrendering our insufficiencies to the Lord is hard. It’s pride-shattering and painful at times, but we rest, knowing that the Lord doesn’t ask us to bring Him perfection. All He asks is for our pieces for Him to transform in ways we never thought possible.
Juneteenth
Tomorrow we celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday known as National Freedom Day. To mark the occasion, here is a breathtaking poem by our own Airea Matthews, former Poet Laureate of the City of Philadelphia:
Juneteenth
Brave seed alone in Texan soil,
dormant until the heat has grown
a hush held tight beneath the clay,
an exile dreamt by the palm alone.
Wiry spindles stretch through dirt,
in search of water, human grace --
the earth is apt to bear this thirst,
and life leans in, its tender face.
Beneath the heel, a rhizomatic wonder
of tendrils where every road is crossed.
Each shoot still reaches toward the light,
in spite of dark and what's been lost.
Like kin, we carry the dusts of time,
stray wisps born from the weight of grace.
Far from the site where cries began,
we rise -- our spirits hold their place.
And in such times, we see God's love,
the wind that guides as unseen palm.
We make some sense of trial and flame,
and plant our faith in promised calm.
And yes, He is the spinning force,
the cloudless sky, the quiet feather.
Though time may flux and rearrange,
our gaze stays fixed, come any weather.
For when the turning stills, we'll know
the aching shape of freedom's name--
and like our will, our bodies flee
toward joy, by birthright, ours to claim.
We are the seeds who split the ground
beneath the lash, in bitter drought.
We turned to light when none was found
and carried time, unscorched by doubt.
We gathered under freestone peach,
the selfsame tree our kin had known.
With tambourines and harmonies,
in churchyards that we made our own.
And Father Tolton held the lamp,
a priestly light from fields once tilled.
He bore the cross and stood astride
first fruit of freedom, Spirit-willed.
The story will never be the fetter,
but footsteps pressed in sacred silt
that hum through womb and in wound,
a vow our blood and hands have built.
No matter what the textbooks claim,
we know a God through time has seen
our chains unloosed, the people free,
the dream our forebears dared to dream.
From our Beloved Deacon
June 2025
Dear Friends and Church Family,
I was truly overwhelmed by the number of people who attended my 5/24/25 Retirement Celebration. Your beautiful, generous, and thoughtful gifts and cards have stunned me! I intend to thank each of you, in some direct way, soon, but, as last Friday's Gospel from St. John said: “I have much more to tell you…”
Saint Raymond Church has been a vital part of my/our lives for almost 52 years. I have a million statements in my heart about “What Saint Raymond is.”
What is Saint Raymond? Boy, I’m glad you asked!
Saint Raymond Parish is where Cindy and I were welcomed as a 21- and 19-year-young married couple.
Saint Raymond Parish is where our two children were born, received their sacraments, grew up and were married. Praise God that they and their children still see Saint Raymond Church as “Home.” This is because of the love and support that this great Parish has always given to our family.
Saint Raymond Parish is that Church in Mt. Airy that is known for its welcoming attitude, its transcendent spirituality; its powerful, enthusiastic prayers, both intercessory and community.
Saint Raymond Parish is that Church where many come to be fed and are nurtured with God’s Scripture and Sacraments.
Saint Raymond Parish is the parish where all people are treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve as children of God.
Saint Raymond Church is where we can and will cast our net far and wide to bring in brothers and sisters of faith who desire to serve God and all of God’s people.
Saint Raymond Church is all that and much, much more.
We, (I) have so much to be grateful for. I thank the Pastoral Leadership Team and those that coordinated the fantastic party. I thank all who have worked side by side with me as we accomplished so many great things. I thank all in every Ministry that supported what our Pastors and teams implemented. And I thank each of you who journeyed with us and, through our friendship, became part of our Family. We are indeed the Church Family of Saint Raymond.
As we move on to a new chapter of life, in a different place, I pray that there is much more growth ahead for this Church. I pray that God blesses each of us, you, and I, with sustained health and happiness. I pray that the Mighty God we serve will create more occasions to be together as a family that has faith; has fun and has a future that pleases Him.
Wishing you God’s peace, now and always!
Deacon Bill
Cheer on the Phils with us June 21
We're hosting a Phillies Watch Party on June 21st at 7:15pm! Bring the family, friends, your favorite food, drink and some chairs, and join us as we cheer on the Phillies together! Spread the word!
Next FaceTime with Jesus: July 7 -9 pm
Get more details and the full schedule here.
Sign Up for Summer Camp by July 11!
Looking for a fun and faith-filled summer experience for your little one? St. Raymond Summer Camp is the place to be! Space is limited. Click here for more info and to sign up!
Can you help?
We are in urgent need of support from those with basic technology skills:
Slide Operators – manage slides shown on TV screens during 5 pm, 8 am or 10 am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10 am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10 am Mass
Requirements are a love for your parish, and a willingness to learn and serve.
To volunteer for any of the above tasks, please complete this form and someone will be in touch soon! Or, call Brandi at 215-549-3760.
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry: brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
Parents of 5th-8th Graders: We’ve Got Something for Your Kids.
Looking for a safe, fun, and meaningful way for your child to connect with others and explore life, faith, and purpose? St. Raymond Church invites 5th-8th graders to join us every 4th Sunday for real conversations, great company, and free food!
When: Next meeting is on Sunday, June 22.
Time: 11:45 am - 1:45 pm
Where: St. Raymond Church
Each session unpacks a big topic designed to spark discussion and help kids think deeply about who they are and what they believe—in a welcoming and fun environment!
All are welcome: Register here.
Church Restrooms Re-Opened!
The restrooms in our Academy have been re-opened. While they are fully functional and available for use, please pardon their appearance as we continue planning for future renovations.
Please Welcome our New Secretary!
Shelley Gandy began working part-time in the office at St Raymond. Her schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9am-1pm.
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. So we ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
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.
Sunday, June 16, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $8,646.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $700.00
REST: $50.00
Catholic Home Missions: $15.00
Total: $9,411.00
Special Collections
June 8-Maintenance
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Support St. Raymond with online giving! You can make a one-time or recurring gift by clicking DONATE HERE. Prefer to give on your phone? Text straymond to 833-363-7471 and follow the simple instructions.
You can also scan the QR code to donate..
Please note: We no longer accept Cash App for tithes. You can give via Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving, or Envelopes. To request envelopes, email Brandi at brandi@straymond.net. Thank you for your generosity!
Registration is Open!
Registration is now open for the 10th annual Catholic Women's Conference on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Through the generosity of the Martin de Porres Foundation, the registration fee will be covered. Anyone interested should contact mintabrown@saintraymond.net.
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