What We Have Seen and Heard. Reflections on the 40th Anniversary of the 1984 Pastoral Letter on Evangelization from the Black Bishops of the United States
Part 5: The Gift of The Black Family and Elders
Family lies at the heart of the Black community. In society today, traditional family values are openly questioned and rejected. For many reasons, the Black family has been especially assailed. Nevertheless, the Black family has much to offer the church and society.
In Black culture, family has often meant “the extended family.” This would include grandparents uncles, cousins, godparents and those related by strong friendship.
This extended family often goes beyond kinship and marital relationships. It can include people who have no family of their own and are accepted into family circles. Young Black men in the seminary or women in religious formation are frequently adopted by a sponsor or welcomed into a circle of a second family.
In the extended family there are those who minister, and those who are administered to. Elders are especially treasured and valuable in the Black culture. They are a living resource for the young and have much to tell and to teach.
There are two special components of the Black family. They are the role of Black men and the role of Black women. Let us examine that next week.
Fr. Charles Zlock
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ATTENTION: ST. RAYMOND NEEDS YOU!
Matthew 9:37-38: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Numerous needs have been communicated here and in the bulletin. Unfortunately, responses are nearly non-existent. A vibrant parish has members responding to the call for help. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please scroll below for several opportunities. You can sign up here or complete a signup sheet on the table in the back of church (on the Williams Ave side). We want to hear from you! THE HARVEST AWAITS!
Volunteer Opportunities
Social Services
The parish is in need of a volunteer driver to pick up Caring for Friends Meals on an
as-needed basis, (no more than once a month). The facility is located at 12271 Townsend Road Phila., Pa 19154. Pick up hours are between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Interested parties should contact the Rectory Office at 215-549-3760. Thank You!
Bethany Team
We are grateful for the folks who have expressed interest in joining the Bethany Team. Training has begun, and soon you will see some new smiling faces waiting to greet you as you come to Mass each week. But we are still in dire need of people who regularly attend Mass at 5 pm Saturday and 8 am Sunday, and might like to welcome others who come to Mass at that time. Please contact Minta at mintabrown@saintraymond.net or by phone at 610-329-7256 if you can help her fill the empty spaces on her Bethany schedule for the Saturday Masses.
Lectors
Likewise, our Lector Team has a major shortage of readers for the 5 pm Saturday and 8 am Sunday Masses. St. Raymond lectors know the joy that comes from proclaiming the Word of God to His people. If you want to share in this ministry, you’ll have the encouragement of the entire team as you do your training. Please contact Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or by phone at 215-549-3760 if you’d like to know more.
Technology
We are in urgent need of support from those with basic technology skills:
Slide Operators – manage slides shown on TV screens during 5pm, 8am or 10am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10am Mass
Requirements are a love for your parish, and a willingness to learn and serve. Teenagers and adults can contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.
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.
Part Time Employment Opportunities
St Raymond has two fantastic job opportunities for the right person. Both are part-time positions. Please review for yourself. Please also forward to others:
Director of Religious Education and Social Services
The incumbent will coordinate faith formation, religious education, social outreach, and other related activities necessary to maintain and increase vibrancy, religious development, and social services in accordance with the mission of the parish. The incumbent (part-time) will report directly to the Pastor.
Finance Manager
The Finance Manager works with the Pastor and Finance Council to oversee the financial and temporal affairs of the parish. He/she operates in concert with the policies, procedures, and guidelines set forth by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AOP). This position supports stewardship of the resources and goods of the parish. The incumbent (part-time) will report directly to the Pastor.
Resumes can be forwarded to:
Saunja Johnson - saunja.johnson@verizon.net; and/or Minta Brown -mintabrown@saintraymond.net
St. Raymond School Needs Your Help!
We are looking for a staff member to take control of St. Raymond's social media platforms. This staff member would be in charge of making/posting weekly updates and announcements for the school.
This position will be a paid stipend with the following duties but not limited to:
Posting pictures
Updates
Announcements
Mass
Major events
IG, Facebook, School website, etc.
We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible.
Please reach out to Mr. Harris and Ms. Jennings if you're interested. Phone: 215-548-1919.
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Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people are freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday. Juneteenth 2024 is today, Wednesday, June 19! Learn more here.
Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
"As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace." 1Peter 4:10
We were each given gifts (charisms) by the Holy Spirit during baptism. Examples include knowledge, craftsmanship, intercessory prayer, teaching, service, music, administration, and many more! These gifts give you the power to be a channel of God's goodness to others. We can help you to identify, discern and practice using your gifts via The Called & Gifted™ Discernment Process.
SMALL GROUP MEETING OPTION 1: Saturdays, 7/13 – 8/17 (6 weeks), 9 - 11 AM in the rectory office/Sister Rosemary Room. Moderator: Fr. Zlock
SMALL GROUP MEETING OPTION 2: Thursdays, 7/18 – 8/22 (6 weeks), 6 - 8 PM in the rectory office/Sister Rosemary Room. Moderator: Minta Brown
Pre-registration is requested. Sign up here. Please contact Brandi (215-549-3760) or Minta (610-329-7256). Minta can also provide additional details, if needed. Contact her at mintabrown@saintraymond.net
In Case You Didn't Notice...
We're Having a Heat Wave!
Here are some tips to stay safe this summer:
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.
When you’re outside:
Avoid working, exercising, or playing outside during the hottest part of the day (usually noon to 5 p.m.).
Slow down. Rest in the shade or a cool place when you can.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella for shade.
At home:
Use air conditioners and fans. If you use a fan, make sure your windows are open to release trapped hot air.
Use drapes, shades, or awnings in your home. Outdoor awnings can reduce the heat that enters the home by up to 80 percent.
Take a cool shower or bath.
Visit a friend with air conditioning or spend time in a cool place like a mall, library, senior center, or cooling center. Even a few hours in air conditioning during the hottest part of the day can help your body recover.
Remember:
Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.
Check on older adults who live alone.
You can always call the Heatline: 215-765-9040 for help in keeping cool.
And take a look at this site - "It's a Summer Thing" - for lots of ideas to keep your kids cool, safe and happy: #ItsASummerThing 2024! | Department of Human Services | City of Philadelphia
All are Welcome to Bibles, Boots and Backpacks
Our next hike will take place this Saturday, June 22nd! Meet at St. Raymond at 10:30 am in order to get to the Appalachian Trail by noon. Get all the details and directions here.
Explore Your Faith in a New Way with Formed
Did you know that you have access to an incredible resource called Formed? This wonderful faith formation tool will allow you and your family to experience our faith in a new way through e-books, audio recordings and a great variety of movies and video teachings, including a great variety of Bible Studies. Follow these instructions to sign in.
Visit www.formed.org
Enter St. Raymond Philadelphia
Follow instructions to set up your own account and be formed in Christ!
Celebrating Our Youth with Generation Grace
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry. Below is the schedule that was created for the children. We would love to have all our Middle School Kids involved. Brandi can be contacted at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
Friday, 6/28 - Movie Night
Friday, 7/5 - Gospel Skate Night at Rolling Thunder
Friday, 7/19 - Family Fun Night
Church Announcements
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Online giving is a wonderful way to make a one-time or a recurring gift to St. Raymond. We greatly appreciate your goodness and promise to be good stewards of your gift. DONATE HERE. You can also make a gift with your phone: send a text with the message straymond to 833-363-7471. You will receive a text that will give you simple instructions to make a gift!
Or, scan the QR code to donate.
Please note that we are no longer using Cash App as a form of payment for tithes.
We will accept Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving & Envelopes. If you would like to receive envelopes, please contact Brandi at brandi@straymond.net and she will add your name to the list of envelope recipients. If you prefer to use PushPay, Text straymond to 833-363-7471 to donate.
To our Online Parishioners
We at St. Raymond are extremely pleased that you continue to be part of our community via livestream. Although you may be unable to attend Mass in person, please remember that we need your financial support in order to remain a vibrant parish. You may give online anytime here: https://www.saintraymond.net/give
Feel free to contact the rectory for assistance at 215-549-3760.
A Reminder about Call to Prayer
St. Raymond offers a twice-daily opportunity, Call to Prayer on weekdays at 6 am and at noon. Taking a little time (five to seven minutes) to turn to the Lord will remove stress and restore peace in your life.
Call toll-free 1-877-309-2073, then enter code 319-414-445#. At 6 am, we reflect on God's Word. During the noon call, we pray the Angelus, reflect on the first reading of the day, and have intercessory prayer for those in need.
Guidelines for Church Temperature
As we navigate through the changing seasons, the topic of our church's temperature during mass often arises. Whether it’s too warm or too cool, Deacon Bill, the Bethany Team and I frequently receive feedback.
Firstly, we appreciate when everyone speaks kindly—it really makes a difference. As followers of Christ, how we talk to each other matters.
To simplify things, we've come up with a way to decide when to flip on the AC. For example, last Sunday it was 75 degrees with 55% humidity, and most people thought it felt just right. So, we're using a simple formula: adding the temperature and humidity together. Here's the plan:
Below 130: We'll probably leave the AC off, use fans, or open windows if it’s nice outside.
At 130: We'll think about turning on the AC.
Above 135: We'll definitely turn on the AC.
We know it’s tricky to get the temperature right for everyone, especially with the weather changing from one Mass to the next. While we can't make everyone perfectly comfortable, we're doing our best to keep things pleasant. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work together to create a welcoming atmosphere for all our masses.
Silence Cell Phones
Please remember how distracting cell-phone noises can be during Mass. We prayerfully ask you to silence your phone when you enter church, so that no one is disturbed during this holy hour.
Lost and Found
Have you lost any personal items during Church service and never retrieved them? Please check the bin in the back of Church labeled “Lost & Found." People turn in items often to the Rectory. All items turned in are put into the bin.
Weight Watchers
Weight Watchers are back, and they meet here at St. Raymond every Thursday from 4 pm to 6 pm. If you are interested or know someone who is, please contact Brandi in the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net.
Church Safety Equipment
Recently, the Parish purchased two items that are important to church safety. A fully- equipped first aid kit, as well as an automated external defibrillator (also known as an AED device), are located in the sacristy. Both are on a table to the left of the sacristy sink. This ensures that St. Raymond has sufficient means to address significant medical emergencies during liturgical events.
Trauma Kit Now in Sacristy
Did you know that trauma cases are one of the leading causes of fatalities for people over 40? To increase the possibility of addressing medical issues requiring trauma first aid, a "Stop the Bleed" trauma (or tourniquet) kit is now in the sacristy. It is located next to the Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED), to the left of the sink.
The trauma kit includes:
Tourniquet with windlass rod
Heavy gloves
Compression dressing
Packing gauze
Marker
Using the kit is not difficult but does require a bit of familiarity with the items in the kit. A five-minute instructional video can be found here. It's worth taking the time to watch, just in case.
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 9, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $4,658.00
Electronic Giving: $3,043.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $37.00
Human Development: $25.00
REST: $275.00
Total: $8,038.00
Calling all Young Adults!
Sign up for Fr. Zlock’s Young Adult WhatsApp community for prayers, videos, reflections and events for the young adult community. Click here to join the group.
Connect with Us Online
Be part of our awesome virtual community! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest scoop, see fun pictures, and hear about our exciting events.
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Community Events & Announcements
It's a Jubilee - and You are Invited!
Independence Mission Schools is Hiring!
Are you looking for a rewarding, mission-driven career or do you know someone who is? Further your career and make a difference in a young person’s life. Independence Mission Schools is a network of 14 independent, non-profit Catholic schools providing a transformative education of all faiths in low-income neighborhoods across the city of Philadelphia.
Visit our careers portal to view open positions, complete an online application, and upload your credentials.
Please send a copy of your resume to our Talent Recruitment Manager, Natalie, nroche@imsphila.org
Go, Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
Saturdays, June 29, July 13 and July 27 – 9 AM-12 PM
Event: Go, Make Disciples: An Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
Join us for a powerful and practical training in the habits and skills of missionary discipleship. This course will help you deepen your personal friendship with Jesus and acquire relational skills to encounter and accompany others into Christ’s love.
Facilitators: Meghan Cokeley, Office for the New Evangelization, Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Fr. Matthew Biedrzycki, Parochial Vicar, St. Helena, Philadelphia
Location: St. Helena Parish, Lower Church Gathering Space, 6161 N. 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120
Cost is $25 for all 3 sessions including coffee, snacks and guidebook. Click here to register or visit phillyevang.org/events.
Catholic Women's Conference
News From the Office of Black Catholics
Check out the Newsletter for many additional exciting events.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Updates
The June newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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