In this Issue:
Luke 6: 39-45
Lenten Prayer for Strength in Temptation
Heavenly Father,
As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we remember how Jesus was led into the wilderness, fasting, praying, and overcoming temptation. In moments of weakness, strengthen us; in times of trial, remind us of Your presence.
Help us to trust in Your Word, as Jesus did, and to resist all that leads us away from You. Renew our hearts in faith, humility, and love, that we may walk in the footsteps of Christ, drawing ever closer to the joy of Easter.
Amen.
Ash Wednesday Schedule
Today is Ash Wednesday. If you haven't been able to attend either of our morning Masses, there is a prayer service at 7 pm this evening. Please join us and invite a friend – especially those who have not been to Mass in awhile.
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.
Please note that this program is offered in lieu of Lenten Life Groups. Life Groups are planned to return this summer.
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.
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.
Encounter God’s Mercy This Lent
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful gift that renews our relationship with God, offering us His mercy, healing, and peace.
To help you prepare your heart for Easter, we are offering two special opportunities for confession, with several priests available.
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!
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)
Good Friday (Service of the Lord’s Passion)
April 18 @ 3pm (No 8 am Morning Mass)
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
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!!
Take the DMI Survey Today!
Our parish, along with every parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, is participating in the amazing survey that helps parishes understand where people are in their walk with Jesus. From today through April 10, please take this short survey and share it with your family members who also attend St. Raymond!
Catechumens to Make First Public Commitment
The following three Catechumens will be making their first public commitment towards becoming Catholic on Sunday, March 9, in the Rite of Sending, during the 10 o’clock Mass:
Jamir Whitting
Lily Jones
Quintin Davis
That same afternoon, they are going to the Cathedral for the Rite of Election. Then they will no longer be Catechumens, but they will be the Elect.
Anointing Mass
On the weekend of March 22-23, the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be administered at the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday 8 am and 10 am Masses. Parishioners who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung or kidney, etc.), undergoing treatment for another disease/illness, or living at a very advanced age are encouraged to receive this Sacrament.
If you qualify and desire to be anointed, sign-up sheets are available on the desk in the rear of the church, or you must call the rectory no later than March 19. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions, please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
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.
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.
Alpha Youth Starts March 23rd!
What's on your mind? St. Raymond Church is inviting all 5th-8th graders to hang out and join a conversation on life, faith & purpose. Each session unpacks one main topic, and is designed to spark conversation. Anyone is welcome to attend whether you go to St. Raymond Church or not.
We meet every 4th Sunday from 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM (March 23 - December 28) in the Sister Rosemary Room.
Food’s on us! Just make sure to sign up—it's required. Space is limited, so don't wait! Can’t wait to see you there!
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.
Can You Help Walid Find a Job?
St. Raymond's Refugee Empowerment Support Team (REST) is helping a family of 5 and they need your help.
A peaceful protest against the Syrian government in 2011erupted into a violent situation that forced thousands of citizens to flee for their lives. Walid was one of them. In 2015 he escaped to a refugee camp in Turkey. While there, Walid did a great deal of work with his hands, building furniture and helping to make the camp as livable as it possibly could be.
Now Walid and his family hold refugee status in America. He and his wife are living in West Philadelphia with their three children: a nine-year-old boy and two girls, ages five and two.
Walid desperately wants to provide for his family. He has his driver’s license, and he knows how to get around on Septa. His hands are longing to wield carpentry tools or to do any sort of physical work that can provide him with an income that will make him able to care for his family. His primary language is Arabic, but he is quickly learning English. He just needs a chance to prove himself.
Think hard about job interview possibilities for Walid. When your ideas come to the surface, please call Dan McVay directly at 856-398-9292, or email rest@saintraymond.net.
Before you go to bed on Saturday night March 8th, reset your clocks -- or you'll be late for Mass on Sunday!
Eleven Seminarians to Attend Mass at St. Raymond
On Sunday, March 16, eleven seminarians will be attending the 10 am Mass. The purpose is to expose them to a multicultural style of worship. Please welcome them with our well-known St. Raymond hospitality.
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 2, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $9,781.61
Monthly Church Maintenance: $452.02
REST: $300.00
Christmas Offering: $100.00
School Appeal: $17.00
Easter Flowers: $50.00
Catholic: $5.00
Black & Native: $100.00
Rice Bowl: $10.00
Misc.: $150.00
Total: $10,965.63
Special Collections
March 16th-Maintenance
March 23rd-Rice Bowl
March 30th-Easter Flowers
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!
Mt. Airy Baseball: Last Call!
Registration is almost closed! Seniors and AAA is waitlist only, and other divisions are filling up fast. Don’t wait! Register now to make sure your child gets a spot on a team.
If you’re interested in registering for AAA or Seniors, email mtairybaseballscores@gmail.com and we'll add you to the waitlist.
Here are the divisions:
* Tee-Ball: 5-6 years old
* AA: 7-8 years old (nearing capacity)
* AAA: 9-10 years old (waitlist only - email: mtairybaseballscores@gmail.com)
* Majors: 11-12 years old (nearing capacity)
* Seniors: 13-15 years old (waitlist only - email: mtairybaseballscores@gmail.com)
* Ages as of May 1, 2025.
To register, click the link: MAB Spring 2025 Baseball Registration
As with all MAB activities, no child will be turned away because of financial issues. If you have questions about financial aid, email mtairybaseballscores@gmail.com.
Philadelphia Catholic Men's Conference
Catechetical Convocation
This event provides an annual opportunity for the most experienced and gifted volunteer catechists and catholic school teachers to share their practical insights and best practices in teaching the faith to children.
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