Good News for March 11, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 14 minutes ago
- 10 min read
In this Issue:
When the Noise Falls Away
~Annonymous
Today's Gospel leaves me feeling like I’ve stumbled on the comments section of an unpopular online post: here is every thought that could be thought, every argument that could be made, every insult, skepticism, retort, comeback – it's all there, and it all seems like noise.
Evidently, even in Jesus’ time, everybody had an opinion and a personal take on events, too – on what should have happened, who was at fault and who was innocent. Was the blind man worthy enough of a miracle? What laws were applicable here, exactly? Who was honoring the law and who was not? Yada, yada…
But suddenly, in the middle of the noise, is the clear and simple truth – a miracle: “One thing I do know: I was blind and now I see.”
Since human nature now is not so different from in Jesus's time, perhaps each of us can relate to the story. For example, who in your world are the want-to-be-righteous Pharisees? Who are the parents too afraid to get involved? What does it mean to “see?” What exactly is it that is being seen? How is it that one person can see and another disbelieves? And what about the oddity of the circumstances – what do the spitting and the clay represent in your world?
Most important, when – in your world – despite all the noise of the comments section, have you experienced the simple truth: “One thing I do know: I was blind and now I see?”
Maybe you had a bad relationship, but now the two of you are better. Or, there was illness in the family, but now you are well. Or, you had no place to live, (or to work, or no one to marry) but now you’re ok. Or you were desperate but now you’re at peace. Today, as we celebrate the cure and subsequent faith of the blind man, we’re grateful that Jesus has helped us, too, to see and believe.
Support our Basketball Team
We’re asking our parish family to help support the St. Raymond Basketball team as they head to the state championship March 20.
You can donate at saintraymond.net/give by March 13 or on Venmo @StRaymond-PenafortPhilly. Please select the St. Raymond Basketball Team fund or include it in the note.
Fr. Zlock will also match every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $300.
Explore the Faith March 15
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.
Soup Social
Thanks to the Events Committee for hosting a great Soup Social a few Fridays ago. Our church family enjoyed a simple supper and some great company.
The Ekouevi Family
by Bonnie Dalzell
Every Sunday, during the 10 o’clock Mass, when the children come forward for Children’s Liturgy of the Word, nine-year-old Naimah Ekouevi strides purposefully down the center aisle. About halfway there, she turns her head to be sure her six-year-old sister Solange is following close behind. The girls wear identical dresses, and Solange (sometimes known as “Princess”) is wearing her trademark tiara.
“I spend a lot of time shopping for the girls” admits their mother, Koryse. “I wish I had time to sew for them.”
Born in Trinidad, Koryse grew up in Brooklyn. As a studious young girl, she enjoyed nothing better than reading the family’s encyclopedia. “That’s where I learned – very early on – what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to work with preemies and all sorts of seriously sick children.” She followed her dream, studying at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, then moved to Ohio to do her residency.
It was there that Koryse met Komlavi who, in 2001, had moved from Togo in West Africa to Ohio, where his brother lived. He began his schooling in computer science. Today, Komlavi works for Almac pharmaceutical (small molecule experts) as a software engineer.
The couple, both cradle Catholics, met in church. As their family grew, they skillfully blended their cultures, adopting the Togo custom of early baptism (at two weeks) for each of their children.
Naimah was 3 months old when they moved to Philadelphia. There, Koryse realized her vocational dream at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Preferring a church that wasn’t as large as the one closest to their home, they began to “shop” for a church more to their liking. When they came to St. Raymond, they fell in love with Fr. Chris and Deacon Bill and, of course, the music.
The Ekouveis built a house near Lansdale, but they never considered moving away from St. Raymond. Both agree that the people in the pews at St. Raymond are their spiritual family.
“All three of our children have birthdays in the first week of February (the youngest, Ezekiel is now three years old), so we have one big birthday party every year,” said Koryse. “The first names to be put on the invitation list are the girls’ church friends.”
At St. Raymond, Koryse works with the Beautification Ministry, along with Margaret Freels. “The girls help me and ‘Miss Margaret’ with the flower arranging, and they enjoy dressing the altar and generally maintaining the beauty of our church,” she said. Komlavi is a part of the Finance Committee. Both parents enjoy being with children so much that at present they’re talking about how they might become active in PREP.
Over a breakfast of waffles and pancakes after Mass last Sunday, Naima and Solange joined the conversation while they waited for the waitress to bring their food. Solange put her crayons to work, drawing a picture of the gospel story they’d learned just that morning. She drew a picture of a well, full of deep blue water, and a woman. Near the well was a never-to-be-forgotten smiling Jesus. Then Naimah remembered Jesus’ words about living water, and the whole family began to speculate about what that means.
Solange spoke up with great certainty. “I know! Living water is (long pause before a triumphant answer) -- water that’s alive,” she declared.
Fresh from her after-Mass Girls Scout cookie business, Naimah offered some impressive sales figures -- “I sold over 100 boxes!” Her mother said the St. Raymond family almost cleaned them out. Koryse donated the remaining cookies – about 18 boxes – to St. Raymond School.
Every single member of the Ekouevi family loves everything Disney: movies, stories, and visits to the Magic Kingdom. In two weeks, thy will make their first cross-country flight to California, bound for Disneyland.
Currently, the family is in the throes of moving to a house on the Main Line, near a new CHOP satellite hospital. “Our house sold in four hours,” said Koryse, “and they paid our asking price.” Later, the purchaser confided to her, “You probably don’t remember me, but you saved our son’s life at CHOP.”
“That child was seriously sick,” Koryse said, her eyes soft in remembrance. “And now he will continue to thrive and grow up in our house. Full circle,” she added with a smile.
Moving won’t mean a change of schools for Naimah and Solange; they already attend Wynnewood Friends Central. And it won’t mean a change of church, either. Both parents firmly agree: they are loyal to St. Raymond.
And they are staying put.
Construction of the academy space and bathrooms is in week two. Here's a quick update from Fr. Zlock.
Confessions for Lent
Volunteer to Have Your Feet Washed on Holy Thursday
“The washing of the feet (John 13:1-17) is a profound Christian act symbolizing humility, servant leadership, and spiritual cleansing. Jesus washed his disciples' feet to model sacrificial love, teaching that true greatness lies in serving others, not being served. It highlights the need for daily spiritual cleansing and symbolizes unity.”
Would you like to volunteer on Holy Thursday, April 2nd at 7pm for washing of the feet? If so, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.
Holy Week
Good Friday Fish Fry
The beloved St. Raymond Fish Fry is back April 3 from 12-7 PM! Get all the details and pre-order at this link!
Fellowship after the Easter Vigil April 4
Wanted: Plastic Eggs and Candy for Easter
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter, April 5th, after 10 am Mass, for ages 12
and under. We are asking for plastic eggs and candy donations -- individual wrapped candy only, and no peanuts. Please drop off in the box in the back of the Church or the Church Rectory during the week between 9:30-4:30 pm. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!!
You're Invited to go Roller Skating March 22
The Confirmation class is having a skate day, and anyone who wants to join the rollers is welcome! It will be held on Sunday, March 22, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at Philly SkatPlex.
Entry fee and skate rentals are not covered by the parish. But we're providing pizza and drinks. Roll on!
A Night of Smooth Jazz & R&B hosted by The Men of St. Raymond
Kensington Ministry Thanks You
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Kensington Ministry. Our brothers and sisters were so grateful for the warm clothing and blankets. May God bless you for your generosity!
Help Us Veil the Statues for Lent
A liturgical tradition of the Catholic church is to cover "or Veil" the statues in the church for the Saturday of the Fourth Week of Lent until the end of the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday.
We have not done this at St Raymond, or at least for a long time. If you have a talent with textures and cloth and are interested in making covers for the statues, please contact Fr. Zlock at czlock@saintraymond.net or call him at 215-549-3760.
If you know someone who is a handy woodworker, let Father know. The presentation looks better if the cloth hangs from a wooden beam and is not just draped over the statues. We would need someone to craft those. Thank you for your consideration!
Help Keep Our Parish Beautiful
Do you enjoy caring for plants? Are you looking for a simple and meaningful way to serve our Church community?
We are urgently seeking volunteers to help water and maintain the plants in front of the Rectory, Church, and Chapel. This is a wonderful opportunity to help preserve the beauty of our parish grounds, and your help is truly needed and appreciated.
If you’re interested, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or email brandi@saintraymond.net. You may also let Jenny, Olive, or Alicia know if you see them at Mass.
Thank you for helping keep our church beautiful!
REST Meeting March 12
On Thursday, March 12, our refugee resettlement group known as REST will be holding a meeting in the Sister Rosemary Room, from 6:30 to 8 pm, and all are invited.
REST has been directly supporting several families from Afghanistan, Syria and other war-torn parts of the world, providing ESL to parents and their children, as well as job support and transportation to medical appointments. Recently, REST has partnered with St. Vincent de Paul parish in Germantown and the New Sanctuary ministry.
At the meeting, you will learn how to support the rights of our refugees and undocumented families, as well as prayer vigils and Catholic presence at ICE headquarters in center-city Philadelphia.
Career Day at St. Raymond School
St. Raymond School’s Career Day will take place on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Speakers include Football player Philly Brown for the Carolina Panthers, Kevin Satterthwaite from Urban Affairs Coalition, Dana Lawrence, CRNA Nursing, Local Union 98 IBEW Electrical Workers, Inspector Goodson from Phila Police Department, Steven OI Wells Director of operations for SEPTA.
This special event is proudly sponsored by the St. Raymond Men’s Group and will provide students with an opportunity to learn about various careers and hear from professionals in our community. We look forward to an engaging and inspiring afternoon for all participants.
If interested to participate, please call the Church Rectory.
Financial Facts
The recent inclement weather has impacted Mass attendance and our weekly collection. Your safety and comfort have been included in our prayers. Please be sure to make up any missed contributions.
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $13,916.50
Church Maintenance: $837.70
Easter Flowers: $50.00
School Appeal: $20.00
Rice Bowl: $144.00
Social Ministry: $4.00
Catholic Relief: $120.00
REST: $68.00
Total: $15,160.20
Special Collections
3/8 = Rice Bowl
3/15 = Easter Flowers
3/15 = Maintenance
Rice Bowls
This Lent, our parish is participating in Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl. As we pray, fast, and give alms, we are invited to place spare change in our Rice Bowls to support families experiencing hunger around the world and in our local community.
Rice Bowls are available in the back of the Church. Please return them by Holy Week. Thank you for your generosity and prayerful support.
Tax Statements are Available
As you prepare your taxes, Brandi in our Parish Office is happy to provide a statement for your 2025 Giving. Please call her at 215-549-3760 or email her at brandi@saintraymond.net. Statements can be picked up, emailed or mailed (mindful of delays in Postal Service at times).
Join our Daily Call to Prayer
Catholic Call to Prayer. Please Call TOLL FREE 1-877-309-2073, Enter Code 319-414-445#. 6:30 am (Monday to Friday): This call lasts 5-7 minutes and can have an amazing impact at the start your day, reflecting on God’s WORD!!
Noon Call to Prayer. Same number, Monday to Friday at NOON. We will pray the Angelus, reflect on the 1st reading from Daily Mass, say intercessory prayer for those in need and beg God to draw us all nearer to Him.
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.
Catholic Charities Appeal
Did you know that 1 in 5 people across the Greater Philadelphia area rely on the Catholic
Charities Appeal for help and hope each year?
They are our neighbors, and they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are seeking comfort, support, and dignity in the face of challenges many of us cannot imagine. Your generosity touches their lives in profound ways because you embody Christ’s compassionate love and mercy by coming to their aid.
Your contributions go toward:
· Social Services
· Evangelization
· Special Education
· Mission Parishes
· Sick and Retired Priests
Catholic Charities envelopes are in the back of church. Please make your check payable to Catholic Charities and mail the envelope directly to the Archdiocese.
An Invitation to All Married Couples
Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 8:30am-1:00pm
St. Helena’s Church (Empress Room)
1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell
Come with your spouse or fiancé and listen to an engaging Catholic speaker who will inspire you to live out your marriage with greater fervor, love and joy. Meet other like-minded couples. Continental breakfast and lunch are included.
For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/MarriagesofGrace2026.
Sippin' for the Sisters & Irish Concert
Family Retreat March 15
Charismatic Renewal Conference
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the March Newsletter here.
