Thursday is Saint Patrick's Day! Did you know he spent time as a slave? Did you know he was not even from Ireland? Did you know he is one of the Patron Saints of Nigeria? It is true! Honor the holy man's life by reading the Gospels (which he loved), spending time in prayer (which he loved), and thinking about the sins you need to confess (which he did often).
Does your schedule allow you to join us for Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday or Thursday from 8:30 to 9:30 am? Please try...if not with us, adore Him somewhere!
This weekend we begin a sermon series on the victory with can have in Jesus as we seek to overcome all the struggles that are mentioned above. Last weekend we discussed VICTORY OVER GUILT! Listen to Father Chris' message. This week's topic: VICTORY IN JESUS OVER ANXIETY! Invite a loved one or friend who suffers from anxiety (many people do). Remember, you are welcome to come to one of our Prayer Teams after Mass for ministry as well!
DID YOU READ THIS WEEK'S CHURCH BULLETIN?
NEED INFORMATION ON COVID TESTING AND COVID VACCINES? Please note that vaccines are no longer offered every Friday. Please call the Parish Office for details.
We will be praying the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Mother before Masses throughout Lent. We are in need of people to assist in leading the Rosary. Can you sign up to help? For more information, contact Richara at richara@sainytraymond.net.
The time is now! Our parish, along with every parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, will participate in this amazing survey that helps parishes understand where people are in their walk with Jesus. PLEASE TAKE THE DMI TODAY - we need to hear from you (and it only takes 15 minutes). Our goal is to receive at least 300 responses (so far we have 111 responses) so we need you and others in your household to participate (we have until April 3). Thank you!
As a community of faith, we hold each other in prayer each day...
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SICK: Msgr. O'Brien (who fell and hurt his knees), Baby McCabe (in utero with some developmental issues), Deacon Bill, Hazel Scott, Ernestine McCullough, Atiba's mother, for victims of recent shootings in our neighborhood; and all who are sick with COVID or struggling with mental illness
FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING: the family of Dave and Eileen Samtmann as they grieve the death of Dave's brother Martin; those grieving a loved one who died in recent days, and those who lost someone to the violence in our City. Lord, heaven mercy on those who have died!
FOR SPECIAL NEEDS: in THANKSGIVING that we were able to find housing for Fernie (the mom from Haiti) - glory to God; for Shonda to find an apartment, for peace in Ukraine, for young families who are without a Church Home; for those who long for VICTORY over GUILT!
Our parish has donated $10,000 to DePaul Slovakia (DePaul USA operates St. Raymond House) to get food to people they serve in Ukraine. If you would like to donate funds that will be able to help the people of Ukraine, see these options.
Pope Francis will Consecrate Russia to Mary's Immaculate Heart on March 25th fulfilling (again) a request made by Mary during the apparitions in Fatima 100 years ago. More on that HERE
Maryland has declared 2022 the Year of Harriet Tubman
Still looking for a way to "jump-start" Lent? Try the Halo App
Pope Francis wants Catholics to care about creation! There are ministries popping up across the Archdiocese and we have a small group starting at St. Raymond. Want to join them? Call Fr. Chris
A new priest (who studied at St Charles Seminary in Philadelphia) is NOW IN HIS NATIVE UKRAINE - listen to his story
Our parish has had a Food Pantry for decades. We make food available to those who are in need of a blessing. For varied reasons, those coming to the Pantry has been very low. Can you help us spread the word that we are open Thursday from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm each week? We have available a wide variety of canned goods and boxed foods. We want to help. We know there are needs. Please spread the word and help us help others.
The Philadelphia Catholic Charities Appeal has started. Learn more and pledge your support.
Check out CatholicPhilly. You can sign up to receive a weekly email from them as well. Stay informed!
Give your spouse the gift of time together focusing on your marriage! Join Father Chris and other wonderful speakers (the others are all married) for a Day of Reflection at Cardinal O'Hara High School on April 2nd. REGISTER for the event and then give Father Chris the receipt so he can pay for you to focus on your marriage (he will pay for the babysitter too if you need help with that - seriously)! Need to know more, call Fr Chris
Deb Gawthrop will host an IN-PERSON Grief Support Group at St. Luke Chapel House (2330 Fairhill Road, Glenside. The series has been a blessing for many people from St. Raymond. Call 215-624-8190 to save your place. Topics are: Tasks of Grief (March 29); Dealing with Special Days (April 12); Physical Symptoms of Grief (April 26); Grief & Family (May 10); Myths about Grief (May 24) & Does Grief End? (June 7). Invite a friend!
So...what do you think? Please MAKE TIME TO SHARE YOUR OPINION ON THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH. If you want to participate at the diocesan level... St. Malachy Church (near Temple) will host a listening session on Saturday, April 2nd (9 am to 11 am). Please REGISTER. Stay tuned for future dates to gather and talk through things - including gatherings throughout the summer at St. Raymond.
