Good News for June 24, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 2 minutes ago
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
God First, Love Deepend
~Stan Sienkiewicz
Saint Albert the Great Church + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
"Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Those words can strike the heart with surprising force. They sound harsh. Is Jesus really asking me to lessen the love I owe my wife and family? St. Francis de Sales, however, shows us a different way to hear this Gospel. Christ is not rejecting human love. He is calling every love back to its proper order.
St. Francis invites us to pray: "O great and good Creator, how much do I owe to Thee, since out of my nothingness Thou hast made me what I am?” Jesus is not simply one loved person among others. He is God, the source of my being, and the final end for which I was made. As such, He must and should be loved first.
I am reminded of the ancient prayer of Israel: "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our
God, the LORD alone!" When asked later in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus said the greatest
commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your
soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” So when He says that anyone
who loves father or mother more than Him is "not worthy" of Him, He is not introducing something new and severe. He is pressing the greatest commandment under the
law to its full meaning.
Still, I admit this Gospel can strike me hard. I know that we were taught that God
made us "to know Him, to love Him, and to serve Him in this world, and to be happy
with Him forever in the next.” But, do I really live as if God is first?
It helps to remember that loving God first does not mean decreasing my love for
my family. The more fully I love God, the more capable I become of loving others. St.
Francis de Sales says the soul may love many things together with God, but only "in
God and for God." I am not asked to love my wife and family less deeply - only not to
love them as rivals to God. When God is first, family is not displaced.
This is why the Gospel, though demanding, is not cruel. To love God first is to love
the One from whom every other love receives its meaning and strength. "Not worthy
of me" is not a threat against family affection. It is Christ's invitation to let every affection return to its source — not so others are loved less, but so they may be loved more
deeply, more freely, and more fully in Him.
This week I will try to love God first in one simple way: by loving those closest to
me more patiently, more freely, and more gratefully in Him.
New Bathrooms, a Look at the academy and hospitality!
We were thrilled to unveil the new bathrooms and plans for our academy renovation last weekend! In case you missed it (or want a second look) here are some photos from the big reveal and some fellowship!
Youth Summer Events - POSTPONED!
All St. Raymond youth are welcome to attend!
Youth Day at Blue Bell Park
Hike with Father Zlock, then enjoy lots of food and games (flag football, cornhole, races, board games and more). New date coming soon.
Dorney Park
Details and new date coming soon.
Searching for: 12 St. Raymond Parishioners to Participate in a Conversation on Racial Healing
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. The ultimate goal of the Archbishop is to have Philadelphia be a model archdiocese where racial healing is not only part of the norm but part of the culture.
After three years of initiatives, programs, and discussions, the Commission is working with professionals to formulate a long-range strategic plan and integrate this into the Archbishop's "Trust and Hope" vision for the archdiocese. They are now in the process of laying out the steps to get to that plan.
An initial step is to hear the stories of the need for racial healing from parishioners. The Commission wants to hear from people who have experienced racism from the Church, society, or both. A moderated session will be scheduled.
We're looking for twelve parishioners who have remained active and also those who have left the Church because of their experiences. We're looking for a combination of twelve men and women: four high school or college students, four aged 30 - 50, and four aged 50 and above.
Please note: the initial meeting is one time only; no long-term commitment is expected at this time. Please prayerfully consider contacting Brandi (bwhitehead@saintraymond.net) or call her at 215-549-3760 to express your interest in learning more about this unique opportunity to address the sin of racism.
Next Youth Mass - July 5
Young faces will greet you as you arrive at the 10 am Mass. And you'll continue to see them as they proclaim the Word, take up the collection and serve as ushers at communion time during the Mass. Show them your appreciation with a smile!
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.
Charitable Initiatives for June
Provide a Meal in Kensington
Saint Raymond will sponsor a pizza dinner complete with water, fruit and dessert for about 200 of our brothers and sisters in Kensington. To contribute towards purchasing a meal, please donate here. Select "Charitable Giving" as the fund.
Prayer Team Meets on Sunday After Mass
Lay your needs before the Lord. Our Prayer Team stands ready to pray with anyone seeking heavenly help. Simply come forward following the 10 am Mass this coming Sunday.
Survey: Do you use Formed and/or Hallow?
We’re currently considering a partnership with Hallow and would love your feedback before we move forward. Please take the short survey here.
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.
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.
Financial Facts
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,307.00
Church Maintenance: $644.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Social Ministry: $50.00
Total: $10,011.00
Special Collections
6/14 = Maintenance
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 Gospel Concert to Welcome America 250! (St. Raymond members will sing in the choir!)
St. Raymond parishioners, Dawn Chism Simms and Toni Sharp, will join 200+ choir singers, dancers, local artists and musicians, in this celebration of American gospel music at this free concert.
Day Camp at Shrine of Saint Katharine Drexel
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
July 2-5, 2026 - Volunteers Needed!
Event: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage culminates in Philadelphia
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA, the United States Bishops are sponsoring a Eucharistic Pilgrimage that will bring our Eucharistic Lord along the east coast, ending in the City of Philadelphia the weekend of July 4th. Join us at the Cathedral for the culminating events, including:
Continuous Eucharistic Adoration at the Cathedral from July 2nd to 4th (Adorers needed: Click here to sign up for a time slot)
Mass and Confessions
Service projects
Screenings of the film Cabrini (Click here for tickets)
Solemn Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral to the Shrine of St. John Neumann (Volunteers needed: Serve as a Procession Marshall - Click here for details)
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: For more details, view the flyer or visit archphila.org/underGod.
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
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the June Newsletter here.