Good News for May 20, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 3 minutes ago
- 11 min read
In this Issue:
Shalom Aleichem
~Conor Donnelly
Saint Maron's Parish + Philadelphia, Pa.
Today we celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit in a very public way. The Apostles, filled with boldness, proclaim Christ to people gathered in Jerusalem, all hearing in their own tongues. The Gospel feels almost like a flashback to seven weeks earlier. Ten of the Apostles, along with Mary and some of the women from the inner circle, are gathered in the upper room. Jesus appears to them and greets them with Shalom Aleichem, the familiar greeting of peace, echoing the prayer of Psalm 122, which invites all the faithful to go to the house of the Lord. And what a beautiful irony it is. Peace is spoken in a Psalm that celebrates all the tribes coming up to Jerusalem.
Jesus gives those gathered the breath of the Holy Spirit and again says Shalom Aleichem. This moment feels very private compared to what will follow. We are all called to our vocation in life, but we never make that journey alone. Our inner circle is there to support us. We may be afraid, and we may hesitate to believe, but we know that God loves us. That is what we see in the upper room. A loving God who never deserts us, His Son who speaks peace and breathes the Spirit, and a Spirit who brings us the grace of God.
We have used the forty days of Lent to prepare for the sacrifice of Good Friday and the joy of the Resurrection. In the Easter season, we have continued in that joy and listened to the
stories of the early Church in its infancy. And today, on Pentecost, we take that inner peace and grace from the Upper Room and go out into the world strengthened and rejoicing.
Pentecost Sunday, May 24
Don’t forget to join us Pentecost Sunday, May 24 as we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit! Please wear red as we come together in unity and celebration of this powerful day in the life of the Church.
As we celebrate Pentecost, we invite parishioners to share in the beauty of many languages by reciting the Prayer Intentions in their NATIVE LANGUAGE and in ENGLISH.
Let’s fill the sanctuary with the color of fire, faith, and renewal! If you are interested in participating, please contact the parish office at 215-549-3760.
There will be hospitality out front after the 10 AM Mass.
Graduates: Join Us for a Blessing This Weekend!
Cap and Gown Season is upon us, and it’s time to honor our students. Students, please come to the 10 am Mass and be congratulated and blessed by Fr. Charles!
There's still time to call Brandi in the rectory office 215-549-3760 to tell her the names of your graduates and their academic achievements (high school, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, other). She will add your name to the list.
Faith Formation & Sacrament Prep
Our upcoming Family Faith Formation program for children ages 6–10 preparing for First Penance and First Communion has begun. It's not too late to register. Please use link below.
All families are welcome—whether or not your child has already received the sacraments. Please note: this program is required for families planning for First Penance and First Communion in 2027.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, June 21st
Join us for an opportunity to have an in-depth conversation about Catholic belief. Ask questions you may have been pondering for many years; learn more about the message and mystery of what it means to follow Jesus.
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.
Survey: Do you use Formed and/or Hallow?
We’re currently considering a partnership with Hallow and would love your feedback before we move forward. Please take the short survey here.
First Monthly Youth Mass is June 6 at 10 AM
Thanks to feedback from our youth, we’re excited to announce that the first Sunday of every month will now be our Youth Mass at 10:00 AM! The Bethany Team will be led by our young people. They will be greeting you as you arrive for Mass, serving as ushers, and bringing up the gifts. The youth will proclaim as lectors, and they'll be singing together in the choir. They may even serve as young instructors for the Children's Liturgy of the Word.
They are excited! Please show them your support.
What’s New for Youth
Here’s what’s coming: Social Events:
Youth Day at Blue Bell Park June 26– hike with Father Zlock at 11:30 am, followed by games and lots of food from 12–2 pm (flag football, cornhole, races, board games and more).
Dorney Park Trip – July 17 - Details coming soon. Sign up now to share your interest.
Plus more on the way: Philly sporting event, laser tag, and a youth retreat!
Church + Leadership Opportunities:
We’re launching a new once-monthly, youth-focused 10 am Mass, featuring a youth choir, youth lectors, and the Bethany Youth Team, where you’ll help greet, usher, and bring up the gifts. There are also opportunities to serve as a Eucharistic Minister and to help with Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW)—working with younger kids during Mass throughout the month.
Get started:
Eucharistic Minister Training – coming soon (stay tuned)
Children’s Liturgy of the Word - schedule coming soon
Youth liturgical dance - coming soon
Fr. Zlock shares the latest construction update
Church Bus Driver Needed
We are seeking a reliable and responsible bus driver to transport parishioners to our 10 am Mass on the first Sunday of each month.
Requirements:
Valid driver’s license
Must pass a driver’s test (provided by the church)
Friendly, punctual, and dependable
If you’re interested in serving the community in this meaningful way, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or email brandi@saintraymond.net.
Mission Trip to Kenya - Can You Help Alex?
St. Raymond parishioner Alex Pauling, an Occupational Therapy major graduating from Gwynedd Mercy University this May, is heading to Kenya in August for a service trip through a partnership with Chariots for Hope. While he’s there, he’ll be working alongside local educators and therapists, using what he’s learned to help our brothers and sisters in need. He’s asking his church family for support. Donations will help cover travel, lodging, and the supplies needed for the trip. Any amount makes a difference as he prepares to serve. Learn more and donate here.
Prayer Team Help Needed
Are you comfortable having a conversation with God? St Raymond’s Prayer Team is seeking volunteers to pray for and with others. The monthly Prayer Team Partners gather on the first weekend of the month after each Mass to hear and respond to prayer needs. The primary requirements are a love of Christ and love of your neighbor. We will help you with the rest. To learn more or to volunteer, please email Deacon Michael or call him at 215-549-3760.
Charitable Initiatives for May and June
We're Partnering with St. Benedict Parish
May
Volunteers are needed to help give out food at St. Benedict’s on May 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).
If you missed the deadline at St. Raymond's for food drop-off, you can still take it to St. Benedict's on Monday or Friday mornings, 9 am to noon.
Provide a Meal in Kensington
June
Saint Raymond will sponsor a pizza dinner complete with water, fruit and dessert for about 200 of our brothers and sisters in Kensington. To contribute towards purchasing a meal, please donate here. Select "Charitable Giving "as the fund.
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!
Donate Your Used Clothing
Baby Bottles for Guiding Star Ministries
Guiding Star Maternity Home is a maternity home in Germantown that supports pregnant women and their children by providing safe housing and life skills for future success. Please fill a donation bottle with your contribution and return it on the weekend of May 30–31. Your generosity helps provide care, stability, and opportunity for families in need. Thank you for your support!
Searching for: 12 St. Raymond Parishioners to Participate in a Conversation on Racial Healing
The Archbishop's Commission of Racial Healing was founded in 2021 by Archbishop Nelson Pérez as an advisory body of laity, consecrated religious, and clergy to address the sin of racism in the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Catholic Social Teaching. The ultimate goal of the Archbishop is to have Philadelphia be a model archdiocese where racial healing is not only part of the norm but part of the culture.
Â
After three years of initiatives, programs, and discussions, the Commission is working with professionals to formulate a long-range strategic plan and integrate this into the Archbishop's "Trust and Hope" vision for the archdiocese. They are now in the process of laying out the steps to get to that plan.
An initial step is to hear the stories of the need for racial healing from parishioners. The Commission wants to hear from people who have experienced racism from the Church, society, or both. The Commission would like to schedule a moderated session over 10 weeks (beginning date to be determined).
We're looking for twelve parishioners who have remained active and also those who have left the Church because of their experiences. We're looking for a combination of twelve men and women: four high school or college students, four aged 30 - 50, and four aged 50 and above.
If interested, prayerfully consider contacting Brandi (bwhitehead@saintraymond.net) or call her at 215-549-3760 to express your interest in participating.
Gluten Free Hosts Available
Do you require a gluten-free host due to a gluten intolerance or allergy? If so, please let our pastor or a member of the parish staff know so we can ensure your needs are accommodated at Mass.
Anointing of the Sick
On the weekend of May 30th and May 31st the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be administered at the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday, 8 am 10 am Masses. Parishioners who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung & 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 May 28th. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions please call the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Hospitality Sunday - May 24
A special Pentecost hospitality celebration is on tap following the 10 am Mass on Sunday. Please join us!
FaceTime with Jesus June 1st
Come spend an hour with Jesus and then enjoy fellowship by the fire.
Join a Hub Life Session May-June
As the Trust & Hope Initiative continues to raise awareness of all the good work being done to renew the church, opportunities for you to be involved through Hub Life Sessions, post-Easter, are available for you to RSVP.
Â
To continue and deepen our conversation about the pastoral vision and this next chapter in the Church of Philadelphia, you are invited to the next round of conversations, which are designed to discuss areas of interest that emerged from your questions and desires:Â
Hub Life Sessions
What is the purpose: To dive deeper into areas of interest from participants’ feedback and how that topic intersects with building a culture of missionary discipleship. Hear briefly about the developments in that area of ministry, participate in a focused conversation related to that topic in small groups, and learn of some next steps/ways to get involved following the session.
Who is invited: You, a family member, friends and neighbors, those who have particular interest in a Hub Life topic.Â
Where and when will it take place: Sessions will be hosted regionally on weeknights and Saturday mornings. Â
Â
Click here to go to an updated list of Hub Life Sessions that are upcoming in May through June 2026. Additional sessions and new themes are added regularly!
Financial Facts
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,864.50
Church Maintenance: $406.00
Home Missions: $38.00
REST: $265.00
Total:Â $10,573.50
Special CollectionsÂ
5/10 = Catholic Home Missions
5/24 = Maintenance
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. We ask you, please, to honor this request and double-check your phone when you enter church.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage
July 2-5, 2026 - Volunteers Needed!
Event: The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage culminates in Philadelphia
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the USA, the United States Bishops are sponsoring a Eucharistic Pilgrimage that will bring our Eucharistic Lord along the east coast, ending in the City of Philadelphia the weekend of July 4th. Join us at the Cathedral for the culminating events, including:Â
Continuous Eucharistic Adoration at the Cathedral from July 2nd to 4th (Adorers needed: Click here to sign up for a time slot)
Mass and ConfessionsÂ
Service projectsÂ
Screenings of the film Cabrini (Click here for tickets)
Solemn Eucharistic Procession from the Cathedral to the Shrine of St. John Neumann (Volunteers needed: Serve as a Procession Marshall - Click here for details)
Location: Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia
More info: For more details, view the flyer or visit archphila.org/underGod.
Charismatic Retreat
Mother Cabrini Film Coming to a Theatre Near You!
The Cabrini film will be shown in June in all five counties of the archdiocese. The screenings are free and are meant to help the faithful prepare for the Eucharistic Pilgrimage in America's 250th celebration. The movie will be shown at either Regal or AMC theatres in Manayunk, Northeast Phila, Downingtown, Warrington, King of Prussia, center city Phila and Springfield (Delco).
Students: Share Your Dream for Peace and Justice
Pax Christi USA is excited to announce a national essay invitational especially for Catholic students — high school juniors through graduate students — to express their hopes and dreams for peace and justice.
Who is eligible to participate?
High school students: Juniors and seniors entering the 2026–2027 school year, or recent high school graduates.
College/university students:Â Students currently enrolled in colleges or universities.
The invitational is open to students who live in the United States and its territories
Memorial Day, 2026
We wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend. Take a moment to pray for our servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect our country.
The Rectory Office will be closed Monday, 5/25, in observance of the Holiday.
Veterans, You're Invited to a Day of Recognition
Attention WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans: Honor Flight Philadelphia will travel to Washington, D.C., on September 19, 2026, to honor you with a day of recognition. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Heroes Welcome Home are provided at no cost. For participation or questions, contact Pete Miller at 610-517-9171 orpgmiller412@gmail.com.
Communications Day Symposium
News from the Office of Black Catholics
Missionary Discipleship Training
Latin Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes
Come and Rest Awhile Silent Directed Retreat
July 26 – August 2, 2026
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center • Philadelphia
Step away from the noise and come home to stillness. This silent retreat offers private rooms, nourishing meals, daily Mass, peaceful grounds, and optional spiritual direction.
Unable to stay a full week? Shorter stays are possible, with cost adjusted to the length of participation. Scholarships may be available as well.
Learn more or register: msbt.org/mbsc 267‑350‑1830
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the May Newsletter here.