The rites and rituals of the Catholic liturgy are rich in tradition and striking in their symbolism and beauty. Yet sometimes they can seem routine as we repeat the actions week after week.
I recently read an article from St. Justin Martyr. He provided a description of the Mass. As you read it, you will notice that it is pretty familiar to what we experience today. What struck me was that he was writing between the years 100 - 165 AD. My thought was, "Wow. We've been doing this - in this way - for almost 2,000 years. What else has been that consistent, dependable, and for that long?" It gave me pause. I was thinking that what we do is important. It's special. It's sacred. Every now and then it is good to get a reminder about it though. St. Justin writes:
No one may share the eucharist with us unless he believes that what we teach is true unless he is washed in the regenerating waters of baptism for the remission of his sins, and unless he lives in accordance with the principles given to us by Christ.
We do not consume the eucharistic bread and wine as if it were ordinary food and drink. We have been taught that Jesus Christ became a man of flesh and blood by the power of the Word of God. So also the food that our flesh and blood assimilates for its nourishment becomes the flesh and blood of the incarnate Jesus by the power of his own words contained in the prayer of thanksgiving.
The apostles, in their recollections, called “gospels,” handed down to us what Jesus commanded them to do. They tell us that he took bread, gave thanks, and said: Do this in memory of me. This is my body. In the same way, he took the cup, he gave thanks, and said: This is my blood. The Lord gave this command to them alone. Ever since then, we have constantly reminded one another of these things.
On Sunday we have a common assembly of our members, whether they live in the city or the outlying districts. The recollections of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read. When the reader has finished, the president of the assembly speaks to us. He urges everyone to imitate the examples of virtue we have heard in the readings. Then we all stand up together and pray.
On the conclusion of our prayer, bread, and wine, and water are brought forward. The president offers prayers and gives thanks to the best of his ability, and the people give assent by saying, “Amen.” The eucharist is distributed, and everyone present communicates. The deacons take it to those who are absent. The wealthy, if they wish, may make a contribution, and they themselves decide the amount. The collection is placed in the custody of the president, who uses it to help the orphans and widows and all who for any reason are in distress, whether because they are sick, in prison, or away from home.
We hold our common assembly on Sunday because it is the first day of the week, the day on which God put darkness and chaos to flight and created the world, and because on that same day, our savior Jesus Christ rose from the dead. For he was crucified on Friday and on Sunday he appeared to his apostles and disciples and taught them the things that we have passed on for your consideration.
The celebration of the Eucharist. From the first apology in defense of the Christians by Saint Justin, martyr.
Fr. Charles,
Congratulations to our First Holy Communion Class of 2023
On Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the 10:00 am Mass, Alkeam Mitchell, King David Abraham-Koroma, and Lorillard Abagail Lauriston,
received their First Holy Communion!
St. Raymond of Penafort
“Called for More”
Parish Priorities and SMART Goals
Update from Fr Charles Zlock
PRIORITY COMMUNICATED THE WEEKEND OF MAY 6-7: MINISTRIES, MENTORING, ACCOMPANIMENT Isaiah 6:8 - And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” SMART GOAL #1: By the end of 2025, St. Raymond will develop 175 newly trained Disciples who will determine, and actively move into, their God-given leadership purpose through participation in the “Called and Gifted” process. Approximately 30 former participants were individually contacted. Parishioner Action Needed: Information Sessions Monday May 15 (7:00 pm) and Saturday May 27 (10:00 am) PRIORITY COMMUNICATED THE WEEKEND OF MAY 13-14: WORSHIP, LITURGY, MUSIC: SMART GOAL #1 - TECHNOLOGY: “Evaluate, implement and financially support an improved, comprehensive worship technology platform to include: Sound (microphones, speakers) Instruments Internal Visual (cameras, monitors, screens). External Visual (Livestream, website, social media) Operations/IT Management/Leadership. Parishioner Action Needed: people to work with Kenny and John Regula to help with development of “wish list” perform evaluation and make recommendations to Fr. Zlock and Finance Council.
On the weekend of May 20th and 21st, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be administered on Saturday at 5:00 pm and Sunday, at 8:00 am and 10:00 am. Parishioners are invited to be anointed who meet the following criteria: dealing with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung & kidney, etc.) undergoing treatment for a disease/illness, or living at a very advanced age. If you qualify on the desk in the rear of the church or you must call the rectory no later than May 15th. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions please call Arleen Daniels at 215-549-3760 or email her at arleen@saintraymond.net
Attention Eucharistic Ministers.
Please return any Pyx’s that you have.
We seem to be missing them.
Be One With Nature!
Depart from St. Raymond parking lot at 8:40 am
Special Collection Envelopes
5/7 First Holy Communion
5/14 Catholic Home Missions
What's Happening
5/14 Mother's Day
5/18 Ascension Thursday
5/20 and 5/21 Anointing of the Sick.
5/21 Hospitality Sunday after the 10 am Mass
5/27 and 5/28 = Monthly Prayer Team after Mass (always last Sunday)
5/28 Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost party after 10 am mass.
Any graduates in your family? Special awards received? Email Brandi at Brandi@saintraymond.net We want to acknowledge all of our achievers!
Opportunities to Reflect, Renew & Restore
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Rd, Phila. Pa 19116
Gaelic for “sanctuary of trees,” Cranaleith offers serene and rejuvenating space to those who wish to reflect on what matters deeply in their lives, renew their spirit for life and work, or restore themselves from life’s traumas. Individuals and groups are invited to participate in retreats and other programs offered in a spirit-rekindling environment of well-being, respect, and harmony. Cranaleith is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy. For program, information log on to, www.cranaleith.org
CALLING ALL SINGERS!
As more people have returned to in-person mass, we’ve had lots of questions about joining the choir at St Raymond. If you’d like to become a part of this amazing ministry, please reach out to our Director of Music, Kenny Arrington, at Tua20523@temple.edu so that he can set up a time to meet and conduct a voice assessment to determine where your voice may fit. We’re looking for people who are moved to Praise God through song, are humble, patient, and able to commit to attending weekly practices and singing for our 10:00 mass.
Please support the “Giving Hope to All” - Catholic Charities Appeal’s special campaign. Funds generated directly support over 180 ministries, organizations, and programs serving nearly a million people each year who come from all walks of life. Mail-in information envelopes are in the back of church
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!
Congress XIII (2023)
Announcing the Congress Theme
“Write the Vision: A Prophetic Call to Thrive”
July 20-23, 2023
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
Sunday, June 4, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Event: My Guy and I Afternoon Retreat (in person)
Leading the retreat will be Rob Longo joined by his daughter Grace. Make this a special day with your daughter(s), granddaughters, or nieces! Spend time together, pray, have lunch, and walk our beautiful grounds. Recommended age is 10+.
Location: Upper McShain/Dining Hall, Malvern Retreat House, Malvern PA
More info: For more information; Registration is required for this event.
Monday Evenings, 8 PM
Event: Virtual World Mission Rosary
Join hundreds of people throughout the Archdiocese who have regularly been praying the ROSARY LIVE! United in this most powerful prayer, we ask for the miraculous intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to hear our intentions and renew our Catholic faith as we pray in unity for our brothers and sisters in mission lands worldwide. On Mission Mondays, we pray the World Mission Rosary, created by Venerable Fulton Sheen, in which we offer each decade for one of five Mission areas, including the US.
Location: Use this Zoom link to join each Monday: https://zoom.us/s/494480541
More Info: Sponsored by the Pontifical Missions Societies (phillymissions.org)
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https://www.phillyevang.org/