Good News for March 26, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Mar 19
- 12 min read
Updated: Mar 27
In this Issue:
As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva, and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him, “Go wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
Now the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and gained his sight until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight. They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How does he now see?” His parents answered and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. We do not know how he sees now, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him, he is of age; he can speak for himself.”
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged him as the Messiah, he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; question him.”
So a second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give God the praise! We know that this man is a sinner.” He replied, “If he is a sinner, I do not know. One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see.” So they said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples, too?” They ridiculed him and said, “You are that man’s disciple; we are disciples of Moses! We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this one is from.”
The man answered and said to them, “This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.” They answered and said to him, “You were born totally in sin, and are you trying to teach us?” Then they threw him out.
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered and said, “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “I do believe, Lord,” and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see might see, and those who do see might become blind.”
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not also blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you are saying, ‘We see,’ so your sin remains.
Prayer for this Week
Lord Jesus, Light of the World, You saw the man born blind and, with compassion, restored his sight.Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see You more clearly. Heal our blindness—of heart, of mind, of spirit—so that we may walk in Your truth. Give us faith like the man who believed, even in the face of opposition. Let Your light shine in us, that we may bear witness to Your grace and power.
Amen.
Day of Mercy
To help you prepare your heart for Easter, we are offering a special opportunity for confession, with several priests available on April 5 from 9-3 PM.
No matter how long it has been, God is always ready to meet you with love and compassion. We invite you to take part in this experience of renewal and grace!
Don't miss our Lenten Sermon Series
Join us for weekend Masses throughout Lent as Fr. Zlock and Deacon Bill share a special Sermon Series on the Seven Deadly Sins. Learn why these sins are considered "deadly" and how the Seven Virtues can help us overcome them.
Join our Bible Study!
Many Catholics want to read the Bible because they know it is God’s Word, but they give up because it seems so complicated. Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible helps you get the “big picture” by showing how fourteen narrative books of the Bible tell the complete story from Adam and Eve to Christ and the Church. Presenter Jeff Cavins shows you how to read the Bible so that you can actually understand it.
Can't make it in person? Join us on Zoom! Simply click this link at 6:30 pm to join the call.
Click here to download the Week Three study guide.
Learn how to Pray in our Book Study
Have you ever felt like you're not sure how to pray? Are you curious about meditative prayer? Join our seminarians, Bernie Faia and Luke Lenhard, as they guide you in learning how to have a real conversation with God, using the book Conversation with Christ by Peter Thomas Rohrback as a guide. To RSVP, email lavernemjones@gmail.com.
Palm Sunday and Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday
April 12 @ 5 pm
April 13 @ 8 am
April 13 @ 10 am
Holy Thursday (Mass of the Lord’s Supper)
April 17 @ 7pm (No 8 am Morning Mass) - Office is closed.
Good Friday (Service of the Lord’s Passion)
April 18 @ 3pm (No 8 am Morning Mass) - Office is closed.
Good Friday (Stations of the Cross)
April 18 @ 7 pm (No 8 am Morning Mass)
Decorating the Church for Easter Saturday
April 19 at 9 am
(No 8 am Morning Mass)
Easter Vigil (Vigil Mass)
April 19 @ 7 pm
(No 5pm Vigil Mass)
Easter Sunday
April 20 @ 8 am
April 20 @ 10 am
Washing of Feet will be part of our Holy Thursday service. Volunteers are still needed. Please call the office (215-549-3760) if you are able to participate in this sacred ritual reminding us of the humility of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Easter, April 20th after the 10 am Mass for ages 12 and under. We are asking for candy donations (please no peanuts; individually wrapped candy only) and plastic eggs. Please drop off in the box in the back of the Church or the Church Rectory during the week between 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Your kindness is greatly appreciated!!
The Scrutinies: A Time of Purification and Grace
The next step for our Elect:
Quintin Davis
Lily Jones
Jamir Whitting
The next step in the journey toward full initiation into the Catholic Church is a period of purification and enlightenment, marked by the celebration of The Scrutinies. These special rites take place over three Sundays—March 23, March 30, and April 6—during the 10:00 AM Mass.
We invite you to keep our Elect in your prayers during this sacred time as they draw closer to receiving the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 19 at 7:00 PM.
We also joyfully share that Sahir Whitting will be receiving his First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil. Please join us in praying for him as he prepares to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Parents of 5th-8th Graders: We’ve Got Something for Your Kids!
Looking for a safe, fun, and meaningful way for your child to connect with others and explore life, faith, and purpose? St. Raymond Church invites 5th-8th graders to join us every 4th Sunday for real conversations, great company, and free food!
When: Next Alpha meeting is April 27, then every 4th Sunday through December, 2025
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM
Where: St. Raymond Church
Each session unpacks a big topic designed to spark discussion and help kids think deeply about who they are and what they believe—in a welcoming and fun environment!
Spots are limited, so sign them up today!
Register here: https://www.saintraymond.net/alpha
Your child will love it—and you’ll love knowing they’re part of something meaningful.
Take the DMI Survey Today!
For the next few weeks, we are asking members of the Church Family to complete the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) to give us feedback on your life with Jesus. The information (which is anonymous) will help us know how best to plan for the next few years. From today through April 10, please take this short survey.
If you are not able to access the DMI on your own (or lack access to technology), you are welcome to come to the Parish Office on Monday or Thursday between 10am and Noon and someone will help you. You matter and so does your opinion!
Monthly Prayer Team
This weekend, on March 29 and 30, the Prayer Team stands with you after Mass, to present your needs to the Lord.
REGISTER NOW: May 3 Info Session at St. Raymond
The St. Raymond school hall will hold an information session on the Archbishop's letter on May 3, from 9 to 11 am. Please sign up for a conversation about our Church. Your voice and presence are essential as we plan a new way forward together as the Catholic Church of Philadelphia. Learn more about the vision for us to come together to encounter each other with open hearts to build the strongest possible Church of Philadelphia. Sign up here.
You can read his entire letter at https://trustandhope.org.
Men’s Club – Steve Lawrence, President
by Bonnie Dalzell
When Steve Lawrence first came to St. Raymond’s 13 years ago, he sat in a back pew. Then somebody asked him to help with the collection. Eventually, that led to his joining the Men of St. Raymond.
“The club has had its ups and downs,” he said. Years ago, when the Women’s Group disbanded, there was talk about the Men’s Group doing the same thing. I felt called to keep them together.” About three or four years ago, when the club’s president Ed Odum passed, Steve moved up to the presidency, and he’s been there ever since.
Over the years, most of the club’s activities have been centered on the students at St. Raymond Mission School –taking the kids to basketball and baseballgames, andholding a spring jazz concert fundraiser every year.
“But this year we’re trying to do more for the parishioners,” Steve pointed out, “because all the kids at St. Raymond school are not Catholic, and we have to remember everybody.” At Christmastime this year, the Men’s Club gave out religious books to parishioners.
Now, as spring is finally on the way, the active members of the Men’s Club are upping their game. They meet in the rectory 7:00PM on the second Tuesday of the month, sitting comfortably around the dining room table, and talking about the many ways they can be of service to the parish.
At their most recent meeting, the main topics were the second annual career day, to be held on March 28, and the two $1,250 high-school scholarships they award each year. More than a dozen eighth-graders (all with at least a B average) responded. The winners will be announced at graduation, and the money will be sent in their name, directly to the schools of their choice.
At 69, SteveLawrence is quick to say he’s “old fashioned.” But as he warmed to the story of his life, it became clear that what “old fashioned” means to him is being a go-getter – and drumming strong values into the heads of his own kids, as well as those who belong to St. Raymond School.
“My mother died when I was six. My father raised me and my brother on his own. He was a general contractor, and I wanted to be just like him,” he said.When Steve graduated from high school (with a 4.0 GPA, plus numerous awards and college scholarship offers), he chose to seek acceptance in Local 98. He became a certified journeyman electrician and was one of the first Black foremen in the union, holding that position for over 30 years.
You can guess how little grass grows under his feet when you learn that Steve also became a Licensed Real Estate Agent in 1987. Then he got his Brokers License.Currently, he owns one of the few minority-owned real estate companies in the South Jersey area. He’s still doing property management.
Steve’s life story has a lot to do with what a positive person he is today. “I’m here to make a difference,” he says; “to hold things together when they begin to fall apart. To encourage people to reach a little higher to achieve their goals.”
This is a man who simply doesn’t know how to sit still. Except, perhaps, when he’s in the pews at Mass. If you look carefully some Sunday morning, you might catch a moment of reflection on Steve’s face, as he considers his surroundings.
“St. Raymond’s parish is very open,” he says thoughtfully. “Close-knit, too. So, when we got word that the parking lot needed the parking stripes painted, the Men’s Club got it painted. Whatever the pastor wants, we do our best to make it happen.”
“Our young people are our future”, he said. We praise God that they are the inspiration for the Men’s Group. Amen!
Support the McMillan Family with an Item from Their Amazon Wishlist
We are collecting essential items for the McMillan Family as they settle into their temporary rental while their home is rebuilt following a fire in January 2025. Any item you purchase from this list will be delivered to St. Raymond Church and then provided to the family. View their Amazon Wishlist here. Thank you for your generosity.
Prefer to donate instead?
Donate online - Please select "McMillan Family" for the fund.
Venmo - @StRaymond-PenafortPhilly - Please add McMillan Family in the note.
Mail or drop off a check or cash in an envelope labeled McMillan Family.
A Message from Deacon Bill
This past weekend, Deacon Bill Bradley shared the news that he will be retiring from active ministry at St. Raymond on June 30, 2025. Deacon Bill and his beloved wife Cindy have been the heart and soul of our parish community for more than 50 years, touching countless lives with their faithful service, compassion, and unwavering love.
As we prepare for this next chapter, we ask for your prayers for Deacon Bill, Cindy, and our entire church family during this time of transition. Stay tuned—plans are underway to celebrate his incredible legacy and all he has meant to St. Raymond!
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, March 23, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $6,520.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $954.00
Easter Flowers: $75.00
Rice Bowl: $692.00
School Appeal: $2.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total: $8,253.00
Special Collections
March 16th-Maintenance
March 23rd-Rice Bowl
March 30th-Easter Flowers
Job Opportunity at St. Raymond
Pastoral Associate for Religious Education and Sacramental Preparation (Part Time)
Description:
Prepare young Catechumens and Candidates, as well as Catholic students of St. Raymond School, for Sacraments.
Coordinate scheduling and parent communications for Sacraments and Sacramental Preparation
Main Catechist for school children using Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program
Coordination of Children’s Liturgy of the Word during Sunday Mass
Please contact Fr. Zlock at czlock@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760, Ext 1 to apply.
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
The Order of Christian Initiation in Adults (OCIA) is under way. This is for any adult and teen 16 or older, who has not received the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Communion and Confirmation. We meet on the first Sunday of every month, immediately following the 10 am Mass in the SRR. Jesus is calling you! “It’s never too late to decide to follow Jesus."
Also, anyone with a desire to have a “refresher” is welcome to join. Contact Deacon Bill or Cindy Bradley at 215-242-5725.
Two Reminders:
1) If you know someone not receiving our Wednesday email blasts, please let us know.
2) Let us know if you have not received collection envelopes for March - May.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Support St. Raymond with online giving! You can make a one-time or recurring gift by clicking DONATE HERE. Prefer to give on your phone? Text straymond to 833-363-7471 and follow the simple instructions.
You can also scan the QR code to donate..
Please note: We no longer accept Cash App for tithes. You can give via Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving, or Envelopes. To request envelopes, email Brandi at brandi@straymond.net. Thank you for your generosity!
Black Catholic Formation Program
The Office for Black Catholics has recently announced their Black Catholic Formation Program. The program aims to deliver catechesis in Catholic theology, trace Black
Catholic history, explore Black Catholic spirituality, and promote faith formation/evangelization. The courses are in conjunction with St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
The Spring semester begins the week of April 21st and ends the week of June 9th. You are encouraged to attend. Tuition is free. St. Raymond will assist where needed. For details contact Minta Brown at 215-549-3760, extension 3.
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