Pentecost is behind us. So are Easter, Lent, and Christmas. What has St. Raymond Church done during that time?
* Strategy: Discerned and communicated a Parish Vision (3 parish priorities and 7 SMART goals)
* Parish Finances: Reconstituted the Finance Council. Hired a Director of Finance/Accounting.
* Parish Grounds and Facilities: Hired Cleaning Service (church, rectory, public bathrooms). Hired Groundskeeping/Grounds Cleaning Service.
* Liturgy and Worship: Revised and rewrote guidebooks for Lectors. Recruited new Lectors. Held a Lector Workshop to retrain all Lectors.
* Called for More: Held parish listening sessions. Discerned 3 parish priorities and 7 SMART Goals.
* Parish Priority: Ministries Mentoring and Accompaniment: Beginning to develop newly trained Disciples through participation in the “Called and Gifted “Charisms” program. (2 new tracks offered: 9 am Saturdays and 7 pm Mondays).
* Parish Priority: Worship Music and Liturgy: Evaluation and acquisition of initial components of SMART goal: “Improved comprehensive worship technology platform.“ (New keyboard, wireless microphones, handheld microphones, larger display screens)
One can look at that list and see many positive aspects. There is much to be proud and optimistic about. It shows an effective combination of direction, cooperative teamwork between pastoral staff, pastor, and willing parishioners along with an investment of resources.
Still, there is reason for caution. Many parishes would look at that list. They would start discussing an increased activity level. That presents a danger. It has to do with the difference between a disciple and a consumer. Disciples have an attitude of “What can I do and what can we do for Jesus Christ to spread the gospel?” Religious consumers point out more things that need to be done. They propose additional programs that could be started. They point out unmet needs (or wants) to be addressed. They talk about problems to be solved. Disciples are outward-focused. They ask “Who needs help? What am I called to do?” Consumers ask “What do I want? Who can give me something to make me happy?”
We are in an important moment. It is a time to pause, pray, listen, and discern what we should do. Correspondingly, we need to discern what not to do. Last weekend I preached on the four calls of Jesus Christ to Saint Peter as seen in John 21:15-16. They were 1. The Call of Recognition, 2. The Call of Repentance, 3. The Call of Forgiveness, and 4. The Call of Mission. Over the next few weeks, I would like to look at those four calls. Let’s examine them within the context of where we have been at St. Raymond. Where are we now? Where are we being “called?” It is especially important to discern as we approach the National Black Catholic Congress. It is being held from July 20-23 in Baltimore.
The period between now and then offers a rich opportunity. We can enter into a prayerful discernment process. Pray about this. Discuss this topic with your friends and family. Let’s see where the spirit of Pentecost leads us.
Fr. Charles Zlock
Congratulations Nadirah Samiyah Dickerson on receiving your First Holy Communion and Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday at the Cathedral.
St. Raymond of Penafort
“Called for More”
Parish Priorities and SMART Goals
Update from Fr Charles Zlock
June 3 -4: PRIORITY: WORSHIP, LITURGY & MUSIC
UPDATE on SMART GOAL #1 - TECHNOLOGY: A comprehensive worship technology platform is drafted. Prices being examined for microphones, microphone chords, mic stands, a new keyboard, new larger TV screens, screens. Finance Council has approved funding.
Three New Transitional Deacons
Bishop Joseph Perry of Chicago to head USCCB anti-racism committee
PUBLIC DISPLAY OF EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES The exhibit will be on display June 2 - 4 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. There are over 150 documented Eucharistic miracles in the display. If you are interested in attending, please let us know by placing your name on the sign-up sheet at the rear of the church.
Eucharistic Miracle Display - Sunday, June 4th. Van will leave St. Raymonds at 2:00 pm
Sam has volunteered to drive the van.
Be One With Nature!
Depart from the St. Raymond parking lot at 8:40 am
Saturday, June 3rd Lead by Sean Bradley
Join us for a quiet, informative walk in the woods. Please call the rectory if you are interested.
Congratulate Fr. Zlock
as he celebrates
the 29th anniversary
of his ordination.
Congratulate Deacon Bill
as he celebrates
the 10th anniversary
of his ordination.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 8 – Sunday, July 16
Event: Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Annual Parish Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel begins on Saturday, July 8th, at the 5 PM Vigil Mass. For nine consecutive evenings, we will honor Our Lady with devotion and prayer. Throughout the Novena, which will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Doylestown, speakers will lead us in prayer, psalms, meditations, devotions, and preaching.
Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Doylestown.
Our Parish Website:www.ourladymtcarmel.org
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)
Called & Gifted - Charism Discernment
WHAT IS IT? - Come to an Information session on Saturday, 5/27, 9am - 10am, in the rectory office/Sister Rosemary Room
SMALL GROUP MEETING OPTION 1 BEGINS: Saturday, 6/3, Session #1, 10:00 AM in the rectory office/Sister Rosemary Room. Moderator: Fr. Zlock
SMALL GROUP MEETING OPTION 2:BEGINS Monday, 6/5, Session #1, 7:00 PM in the rectory office/Sister Rosemary Room. Moderator: Minta Brown
"Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire," - St Catherine of Siena
Archdiocese of Philadelphia Eucharistic Revival
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Sunday, June 11, 2023, 11 AM Mass followed by Eucharistic Procession The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
Please log in to find out what is going on around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
https://www.phillyevang.org/