This Sunday we will hear the Gospel story in which a woman touches the garment of Jesus and she is healed (Matthew 5, 21-43). The scene happens while Jesus is on his way to heal a sick child. Jesus is a healer. Sometimes the healing happens of a physical illness. Most times it is an emotional or spiritual wound that Jesus heals. One of the amazing ways Jesus does this in the life of many people is through The Unbound Prayer Ministry. Have you heard about it? If not, click HERE and learn more. Father Chris is happy to pray with you so you too may be healed - from the wounds caused by abuse, neglect, abandonment, divorce, addiction, and more! God wants you healed. Let it happen today!
Did you read last week's BULLETIN? Have you "subscribed" to our YouTube Channel (it does not cost anything but helps us build our reach; please do so today). Worshipping in person is safe for you, please be with us! You are welcome to worship from the front lawn at the 10 am Mass. Father Chris has a VIDEO MESSAGE for the Parish Family as we move into a new "phase" with the rest of our City and State. In addition, please read our new plan as COVID-related restrictions during this new season. The church is safe...join us and bring the family!
Are you praying for our young disciples? They need the prayers of our entire Church Family…not just their parents and grandparents. Let’s cover them in prayer as they persevere in a difficult school year (and their parents as well). Please continue to share these CHILDREN’S LITURGY reflections with our young disciples so that they are formed in the ways of Christ! Please share this VIDEO TEACHING FROM MS. PAULA and please download the worksheet as well. THE CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD WILL RETURN TO IN-PERSON GATHERINGS (IN THE CHURCH BASEMENT) IN THE MONTH OF JULY AT THE 10 AM MASS.
VAN DRIVER: We would like to restore our van service for Church Members who need a ride to the 10 am Mass. No experience needed, just a decent driving record and desire to serve for a few hours one Sunday month. Please call Brandi in the Church Office or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net. WE NEED ONE MORE PERSON TO COMMIT - COUL;D IT BE YOU?
BETHANY MINISTRY TEAM: Assist us in welcoming people to Church at all Masses and keeping things smooth during Mass. You will serve once a month (this replaces Restore, Ushers & Greeters). Call Minta in the Parish Office or email her at minta@saintraymond.net to sign up or get more info.
NURSING HOME MINISTRY: Assist in bringing the love of Jesus (and Holy Communion) to local nursing homes. The opportunities vary regarding the day of the week and time of the day so please be in touch with Deacon Bill at deacon@saintraymond.net and he will assist you in coming to understand what God desires for you!
There is a Mass this Saturday at 10 am at our Cathedral honoring the life of Fr Tolton? The Altar Servers are from St. Raymond. Deacon Bill will be there (the rumor is he is possibly even singing a song). Lisa Eldridge will be in the Choir. Will you be there? INFO HERE.
St. Raymond School is in need of a PreK Teacher and a 3rd Grade Teacher. We also need a person to coordinate the After School Program (Monday to Friday, 3 pm to 6 pm). Interested? Want more information? Contact our Principal, Mr. Harris at dharris@straymondphila.org
The Archdiocese provides news on the local, national and international Church through its website CatholicPhilly. You can sign up to receive a weekly email from them as well. Stay informed!
There are many opportunities to develop your Catholic Faith throughout the Philadelphia area. CHECK THIS OUT!
The US Bishops had a conversation at their meeting on the Eucharist and Catholic politicians who oppose Church teaching (especially on the topic of abortion). Remember, we must all be worthy of receiving this precious gift of Jesus. St. Paul told us that any of us who receive unworthily will bring CONDEMNATION on ourselves. Fr. Chris also shares this recent statement from Archbishop Gomez of Los Angeles who is the President of the US Bishop's Conference:
This summer, Father Chris invites you to join him for a conversation with a small group of parishioners. It is called: Recovering Acts 4, 32: Becoming one in mind and heart. Christians agree that we need to share what we have with those in need. We agree that we need to love each other, even when it is very tough. But being of one mind - believing the same things - is where many get stuck. Join me for five conversations on our Church’s Belief Statements as we strive to recover the unity and zeal of the early Church. Our Belief Statements can be found at www.saintraymond.net > About > Our Beliefs. Our topics will be as follows: Session 1: Do we need a Church? Does the Church you attend matter? Session 2: Why do we “need” a Pope, Bishops, and a male-only priesthood? Session 3: Are the sacraments still relevant in 2021? Session 4: Appreciating beliefs on Chastity, Marriage, and Getting High. Session 5: How Mary & the Saints guide us in living a fully human life. We will offer three different sessions (all starting the week of July 5th): Tuesday Night from 7 to 8:30 pm which will be LIVE; Wednesday Morning from 8:30 to 10:00 am which will be LIVE; and Thursday Night from 7 to 8:30 pm which will be via ZOOM. Each group will be limited to 7-9 people and I will be assisted by a member of the staff. Please think about it, check your calendar, and please SIGN UP TO SAVE YOUR SPOT at the table!
THIS GUY NEEDS PRAYERS! The vocation to holiness is always a challenge. These days, it is especially difficult for many priests. Did you know that we only ordained two men as priests this year? Did you know that many priests leave the priesthood after only a few years of service? Some become overwhelmed by the burdens of priestly ministry. Some fall into unhealthy habits or addictive behaviors. Some burnout. Others rust out! Praise God Father Chris remain happy as a priest and very happy as our Pastor. But he needs prayer. The Archdiocese is launching a new program that will allow people to pray a Eucharistic Holy Hour once a week for a priest. There will be seven people praying for each priest so the graces are flowing each day. Could you pray a Holy Hour (ideally in Church in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament) one day a week for Fr. Chris? Learn more about the program. If interested, let Richara know at richara@saintraymond.net
How bad are things at the Vatican that Pope Francis needed Spiderman to help out? Or perhaps Spiderman realizes that all of his powers mean nothing in light of the Good News of Jesus Christ? Either way that guy in the purple shirt sure seems excited to see one (or both) of these two super guys!
