Good News for May 6, 2026
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- May 6
- 10 min read
In this Issue:
The Quiet Presence That Never Leaves
~Gia Myers
Immaculate Conception BVM Church + Douglasville, Pa.
Jesus is speaking tenderly to His disciples at a moment filled with uncertainty. He knows His physical presence among them is coming to an end, yet He reassures them that they will not be abandoned. “I will not leave you desolate,” He promises. This assurance reaches across time to us today, especially in moments when we feel alone in a difficult world and God seems distant.
This Gospel reminds me of my mother, who passed away in the summer of 2020. She died in a nursing home locked down during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wasn’t able be at her side when she died. I only received a phone call telling me the news of her passing. I felt abandoned in that awful moment. I could not conceive of my life without my mother’s physical presence. Who would be my confidant and my cheerleader? Who would give me recipes and cooking advice? During troubled times, she always reminded me of who I was when I tended to forget. Her guidance kept me on track, and her love was unconditional.
Despite these feelings of loss, I eventually came to feel my mother’s presence surrounding me. I could hear her voice when I was in the kitchen, telling me to add more flour because my bread dough was too sticky. I’d watch old movies and television shows we used to watch together and remember the lines that made her laugh the hardest. In those moments, her warm presence hugged me and I didn’t feel alone.
Central to this Gospel is Jesus giving His Apostles the promise of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, described as one who dwells within us. While the world may not recognize the Spirit, those who choose to live in relationship with Christ come to know this quiet, sustaining guidance. The Holy Spirit teaches, comforts, and reminds us of who we are when we forget. This Gospel calls us to trust in the unseen presence of God, to love through action, and to live with the confidence that we are never alone.
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, grandmas, stepmoms, foster moms, adoptive moms, godmothers, and the women who nurture, guide, and love others like a mother.
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 10am Mass.
Bernie Faia Receives Acolyte
Exciting news for seminarian Bernie Faia, aka “Uncle Bernie,” who spent time at St. Raymond! On Saturday, May 2, he was instituted as an acolyte, taking an important step in his journey to the priesthood. The Mass was held at Corpus Christi Church and celebrated by Bishop David O’Connell of the Diocese of Trenton. Please keep Bernie in your prayers as he continues his formation!
Sign Up Now Open! Family Faith Formation & Sacrament Prep
Our upcoming Family Faith Formation program for children ages 6–10 preparing for First Penance and First Communion begins in two weeks.
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.
Children's Choir May 9 and 16
The Children's Choir will be singing at the 5 pm Mass on May 9 and 16. New members are welcome. Just show up and get excited to sing!
What’s New for Youth
The youth spoke. We listened, and now we’re turning your ideas into reality!
Here’s what’s coming: Social Events (bring a friend + have fun):
Youth Day at Blue Bell Park June 27 – 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 (step up + get involved):
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:
Bethany Youth Team Training – May 16, 10–11:30 am
Lector/Proclaimer Training – May 16 at 12 pm
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 18, 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. This Mother’s Day (May 10th), please take a donation bottle from the back of the church. Fill it 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!
In Memoriam - Dave Sango
Our church family will deeply miss Dave Sango and always remember his dedicated service to our community. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord.
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.
Men's Group Meeting
The Men's Group will meet in the rectory dining room on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 pm.
Graduates: Join Us for a Blessing May 23 & 24
Cap and gown season is here, and we’re excited to celebrate our graduates. All high school and college graduates are invited to attend Mass on May 23 and 24, where Fr. Charles will offer a special blessing in their honor.
Explore the Faith Sunday, May 17
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.
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.
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:
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.
Where and when will it take place: Sessions will be hosted regionally on weeknights and Saturday mornings.
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 3, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $11,575.50
Church Maintenance: $279.50
Easter Offering: $125.00
Home Missions: $10.00
Social Ministry: $5.00
REST: $105.00
Total: $12,100.00
Special Collections
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.
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: Students currently enrolled in colleges or universities.
The invitational is open to students who live in the United States and its territories
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.
The Scally Brothers In Concert May 14
Communications Day Symposium
News from the Office of Black Catholics
West Catholic Alumni Invites You To --
37th Annual Burrs at the Beach
Keenan’s Pub North Wildwood
Sunday June 28th, 2026, 1 pm to 6 pm
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.
For Information and /or tickets Please contact:
Joe Garttmeir 484-437-3739 mag1201@verizon.net
Tom McGinn 610-461-6141 mcginn81@comcast.net
Marie O’Conner 484-350-1001 pmadoconnor@verizon.net
Missionary Discipleship Training
Charismatic Renewal Conference
Latin Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the May Newsletter here.
