Good News for March 25, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Mar 25
- 8 min read
In this Issue:
Love that Meets Us in Our Frailty
~Dennis Mueller
Saint Albert the Great + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
This Gospel challenges me every year because I recognize myself in so many of its figures. I’m the sleeping disciple, too complacent to spend time with the One who loves me. In Judas, I see the parts of me that trade Jesus for lesser things. Like Peter, I’ve denied Him when discipleship or the Gospel felt inconvenient. I’m the fleeing disciples whenever I try to evade the crosses in my life. In Caiaphas, I see the moments I blame God for the woes in my life and demand answers. In Simon of Cyrene, I recognize the times I serve begrudgingly rather than out of love.
Even though His passion leaves me convicted, it does not leave me condemned. Rather it fills me with a sense of hope, identity, and mission. The Cross reveals my true worth to Father and exposes His unwavering love, and because of that love, my story is not defined by failure but by the God who raises the dead and promises resurrection.
This is why the Passion begins with the Eucharist. The Eucharist draws this incredible act of sacrificial love into the present moment. Each time I receive Him, I’m not only remembering Calvary—I’m being reshaped by it. His Body strengthens what is weak in me. His Blood washes what is wounded in me. His presence reorients my desires, my fears, and my identity. What I cannot heal in myself, He heals in me. What I cannot carry, He carries with me.
So, I stand before the Cross, not in shame, but in gratitude. I walk away not as one who failed, but as one who has been redeemed. The sealed tomb is not the end of the Gospel, nor is it the end of my story. The things in me that led me to abandon, deny, and misunderstand the Lord are the very things where God is already preparing resurrection, and because of that, I stand ready to take up my cross and follow Him, once again—imperfectly, yes, but with confidence that His grace is stronger than my weakness, His mercy deeper than my sin, and His love more faithful than my wandering.
Happy Birthday!
Today is Father Charles's Birthday! Be sure to wish him health, happiness and blessings!
Congrats to St. Raymond Basketball Team!
The St. Raymond Basketball team won their final game, 55-51, to bring home the 2026 State Championship title! Thanks to everyone who supported their trip to states, and kudos to the team and coaches on a job well done!!
Seminarians Visit St. Raymond
This past weekend, we were blessed to welcome seminarians from across several dioceses—Philadelphia, Bridgeport, Harrisburg, Trenton, and the Ukrainian Archeparchy. It was a joy to meet them and find out they've got some talented drummers in the group!
Our Roller Skating Trip was Wonderful!
Thanks to everyone who came out to our roller skating party! We had the best time!
A Rejuvenating Retreat for the St. Raymond Staff
On the Feast of St. Joseph, our staff visited the IHM Conference/Retreat Center in Bryn Mawr for a Lenten Retreat Day. Sr. Rose Adams and the staff members shared several ideas about Zacchaeus, conversion and transformation. Fr. Zlock, assisted by Deacon Michael, celebrated their liturgy for the Solemnity of St. Joseph. Please keep the staff in your prayers as they work tirelessly to serve our church family.
We want to hear from you!!
All young people are invited to come hang out, have lunch, and share your thoughts on St. Raymond’s weekly Mass and activities.
Sunday, April 12th -Ages 10–17
Sunday, April 26th-Ages 18–25
Both meetings are in the Sister Rosemary Room (rectory basement). Lunch will be provided!
This is your chance to talk about issues, such as:
What you feel is going well and/or missing from Mass
How we can make it more meaningful and exciting
How we can keep you engaged during Mass
What would create enthusiasm for you
How you would use a youth space in the church basement
Your voice matters, and we want to build something together that truly connects with you!
St. Raymond membership is not a requirement for participation. However, the two age brackets must be followed. Please register by calling the office at 215-549-3760, or click the links below.
Youth Meeting Sign Up (ages 10 to 17) - Sign up here.
Young Adults Meeting Sign Up (ages 18 to 25) - Sign up here.
Each meeting will end promptly at 1 pm. So that youth feel comfortable voicing their opinions, sessions will not include parents. They can either wait in the church or rectory dining room, or return at 1 pm for pick up. The youth are our future!
Explore the Faith April 19
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.
5 More Volunteers Needed to Have Their 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! Platters start at $20 each. Get all the details and pre-order at this link!
Fellowship after the Easter Vigil April 4
All ages are welcome to join us for cocoa at our latest event run by the Events Committee.
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!!
A Night of Smooth Jazz & R&B hosted by The Men of St. Raymond
Volunteer for the Fish Fry
We’re seeking volunteers to help serve food and clean up in the school hall. We’ll have three shifts:
11:30-2:30 pm
2:30-5:30 pm
5:30-7:30 pm
Please sign up for a shift at this link, and we’ll be in touch with more details.
Charitable Initiatives for April, May and June
In the next three months, there will be many opportunities for community outreach through a new plan of volunteering. Here's what's on tap:
We're Partnering with St. Benedict Parish
April
St. Benedict's food pantry is in critical need of canned tomatoes, tomato sauce and pasta. Can you make a small contribution of these foods to help our neighbors? Bring them to church and put them in the designated space in the back by April 25.
On Sunday, April 26, we would appreciate a volunteer or two to transport our donations to St. Benedict following the 10 am Mass. Please let our director of parish outreach, Shabay Bryant, know if you can help. Email her at shabay@saintraymond.net
May
We have promised to send some volunteers to help give out food at Saint Benedict’s on May 18, 22 and 29. We'll need two people for a standing post, two more for a sitting post, and two additional people who can assist at the blood pressure station (one standing and one sitting).
A sign-up sheet will be available by the first week in May. Deadline to sign up is May 11.
Provide a Meal in Kensington
June
Saint Raymond will sponsor a pizza dinner for our brothers and sisters in Kensington. Details coming soon.
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 in Peace - Gerry Keys
Gerry Keys has passed, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a staunch and steady member of Bethany Team, from the first day of Covid until her death. The funeral details are as follows: Tuesday, March 31 -- Viewing at 10 am; Mass at 11.
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, March 22, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $8,229.50
Church Maintenance: $568.00
Easter Flowers: $140.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Rice Bowl: $43.00
School Appeal: $25.00
Total: $9,015.50
Special Collections
3/8 = Rice Bowl
3/15 = Easter Flowers
3/15 = Maintenance
4/3 = Holy Land Sanctuaries
4/5 = Easter
Prayer Team
This weekend, after Mass on Saturday and Sunday, allow the St. Raymond Prayer Team to lift your special needs to God, who lightens every burden.
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
Time is growing short for paying your taxes. If you still need a statement for your 2025 giving, please call Brandi 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).
New Phone # for Catholic Call to Prayer
Due to technical difficulties with Catholic Call to Prayer, we have had to update the phone number and access code. Please use the new information provided. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience.
You can dial in using your phone.
Phone Number: +1 (872) 240-3412
Access Code: 190-748-589
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.
Spring Training is Happening Soon - Sign Up!
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.
Charismatic Renewal Conference
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the March Newsletter here.
