Good News for May 21, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- May 21
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
How I Find Courage In The Holy Spirit
~ Anonymous
My kids will tell you “Mom loves the Holy Spirit.” And I do. He helps with my desire to make good decisions, to be certain of them, and to act confidently in a life full of complexity. I am at heart indecisive, unsure of myself, way too open to a variety of possibilities, and subject to second-guessing and ruminating on things.
When I remember to appeal to the Holy Spirit, all that changes. Here is how the appeal goes – it’s a formula, really, that I share with those I love when they are confronted with confusion, anxiety, a fear-evoking situation etc., too:
Before (even sometimes in the middle of) a painful decision or scary meeting or dreaded conversation or whatever, I ask the Holy Spirit to be with me in the situation, and to guide me to decide or say or do whatever it is that the best part of me wants to do – essentially what I believe God wants me to do. Then I trust that that will happen, and that I will have the courage to do my part well.
Then I go forward confident that the guidance has been given and that my participation or actions reflect what God wants of me in that situation, regardless of outcome. I trust that He will use that for His purposes, whatever they are. It helps me avoid ruminating over things done or not done, said or not said. God knows I want to be a good person in this world. The Holy Spirit is His way of helping me do that, day in and day out.
The rub, of course, is that I can forget to do this and am left tangled up in doubt or worry or regret. So I appreciate this gospel, reminding me of this great gift.
Join us for something new!
More God – More Prayer – More Eucharist
Before we make big decisions about the future of St. Raymond, we need to be sure we’re turning first to God.
We’ve looked at the numbers. We’ve heard the feedback. But something’s still missing from our discernment: more time with the Lord.
Beginning in June, I’m inviting you to join me for First Mondays with the Lord—an hour of Eucharistic Adoration from 7:00–8:00 PM in church. Each month will focus on a different intention:
June 2 – Prayer for Moms and Children (bring a young person with you!)
July 7 – Prayer for Holy Rest
August 4 – Prayer for Healing (includes a healing prayer during Adoration)
September 8– Prayer for Men, Sons, and Dads
October 6 – Breaking Through Spiritual Bondage (includes a short teaching and sample deliverance prayer)
November 3 – Prayer of Thanksgiving for Graces Received
December 1 – Prayers for Miracles
Part of the hour will include music, part will be silent prayer. I will be available for Confession, and we’ll close with Benediction at 8 PM.
Then from 8:00–9:00 PM, we’ll gather for informal conversation and community. We can discuss that month’s intention as a conversation starter or discuss any topic on the minds of those who attend.
As St. Katharine Drexel once said, “It starts with the Eucharist. It is the source of strength; it is the inspiration of our service.”
We need more opportunities to come before the Lord—to bring our burdens, give thanks for graces received, and pray for St. Raymond as we discern our next steps together.
I hope you will join me and bring someone with you. I look forward to our time together with the Lord - and each other.
-Fr. Zlock
Graduation Honors!
Cap and Gown Season is upon us, and it’s time to honor our students. Please call Brandi in the rectory office 215-549-3760 and tell her the names of your graduates and their academic achievements (high school, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, other). She will keep a list and when graduation time arrives, Good News will offer accolades!
Baby Bottles for Guiding Star Ministries
Guiding Star Ministries is a maternity home in Germantown for pregnant women and their children. They also provide life skills for future success. Please take a bottle in the back of church and fill it with your donation. Bottles will be available this weekend, and the return date is May 31 - June 1.
Don't Miss Out! Sign Up for Summer Camp!
Looking for a fun and faith-filled summer experience for your little one? St. Raymond Summer Camp is the place to be! Click here for more info and to sign up!
Spring Fling Jazz Night May 31
To purchase tickets, you can also call the rectory at 215-549-3760.
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry: brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
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 meeting is June 8 and again June 22.
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!
All are welcome: Register here.
Hospitality Sunday
The first Hospitality Sunday of 2025 is happening after Mass on Sunday, May 25. Enjoy some refreshments and conversation with fellow parishioners on a lovely spring day.
First Holy Communion
Look for those young people attired in white at the 10 am Mass on Sunday. They will be making their first Holy Communion, and we wish them many blessed and happy years as members of St. Raymond of Penafort parish.
Holy Day of Obligation
Thursday, May 29, 2025 is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord.
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.
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, May 18, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $8,398.50
Monthly Church Maintenance: $379.00
REST: $50.00
Easter Offering: $75.00
Catholic Home Missions: $185.00
Catholic Relief Services: $15.00
Total: $9,102.50
Special Collections
May 11-Catholic Home Missions
May 25-Maintenance
Update on DMI Survey from CLI
THANK YOU for participating in the DMI. To date, over 30,000 surveys have been completed for the Archdiocese in total. Catholic Leadership Institute is beginning to process the paper surveys sent forward so that your Pastor will be able to access the full results, understand the DMI reports and communicate those to the parish. The timing for post-DMI sessions for Pastors/Points-of-Contact/Key Leaders will be communicated by the end of 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!
St. Cyprian is Celebrating - And You are Invited!
PraiseFest will be held, Saturday, May 31, 2025, 3:00 pm at St. Cyprian Church. The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament are celebrating the 25th Canonization Jubilee of their foundress- St. Katharine Drexel as well as St. Josephine Bakhita. Both were canonized October 1, 2000. The event features musical selections by African American and African choirs and liturgical dancers. A goodwill offering will benefit St. Cyprian Food Pantry/Bank. All are welcomed to this cross-cultural celebration of saintly witnesses from America and Sudan. Doors open at 2:30 PM.
Registration is Open!
Registration is now open for the 10th annual Catholic Women's Conference on Saturday, October 18, 2025. We invite you to join us as we explore the beauty of our feminine genius, and we encourage you to bring a friend. An early sellout is expected.
Through the generosity of the Martin de Porres Foundation, the registration fee will be covered. Anyone interested should contact mintabrown@saintraymond.net.
Summer Camps at Archbishop Wood
We’re excited to offer a wide range of Archbishop Wood Summer Camps for elementary and middle school students! Whether your child is an athlete, an artist, a future scientist, or a curious learner, there’s something for everyone!
Athletic Camps
Visit https://tinyurl.com/ydh4hrsr to register!
Led by our talented coaching staff, these camps help students sharpen their skills and build confidence in a positive, team-focused environment.
Cheer Camp for ages 4-14: June 16–20 (9 AM–2:30 PM)
Football Camp for incoming 6th - 8th graders: June 10, 12, 19 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Baseball Camp for incoming 9th graders: June 23–26 and/or July 14–17 (9 AM–2 PM)
Girls Basketball for incoming 3rd through 9th graders: July 28–31 (9 AM–3 PM)
Boys Basketball for incoming 3rd through 9th graders: June 16–20 (9 AM–3 PM)
Girls Volleyball for incoming 5th through 9th graders: August 4–7 (Gr 5&6 4 PM–5:30 PM, Gr 7,8,9 5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Field Hockey for incoming 2nd through 9th graders: June 23–26 (9 AM–3 PM)
Girls Flag Football for incoming 4th through 8th graders: July 21–24 (5:30 PM–7:30 PM)
Enrichment & Arts Camps
Visit https://tinyurl.com/55r8xw2t to register!
Creative and academic camps that make learning fun while helping students explore new interests!
Mixed Media Art Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: June 23–27 (9 AM–12 PM)
Theater 101 for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 28–August 1 (6 PM–9 PM)
Executive Functioning Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 14–18 (9 AM–12 PM)
Faith Builders Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 28–August 1 (9 AM–12 PM)
Science Explorers Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders (Zoology, Chemistry, Earth/Space, Forensics): June 30–July 3 (9 AM–12 PM)
Mindfulness Camp for incoming 6th-8th graders: July 21–25 or August 11–15 (9 AM–12 PM)
Robotics Camp for incoming 4th through 8th graders: June 23–27 (9 AM–3 PM)
Why Choose Archbishop Wood Camps?
Welcoming environment rooted in our Catholic values
Small group sizes with individualized attention
Run by experienced teachers, coaches, and moderators
A great way to meet future classmates and explore our campus
Questions? Email Dr. Nobles at knobles@archwood.org
We can’t wait to welcome your child to campus this summer. Let the adventure begin!
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