During his recent Apostolic Pilgrimage, Pope Francis preached during Mass on Thursday, 5 September 2024. The liturgy was at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. This is in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Holy Father answers a fundamental question about our faith: “WHY SHOULD I READ THE BIBLE?” The Pope spoke about two fundamental attitudes that enable us to become disciples of Jesus. The first attitude is listening to the word, and the second is living the word. Pope Francis’ words follow.
In Luke 5, we read that many people flocked to Jesus and “the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God.” They were looking for him. Why? They were hungering and thirsting for the Word of the Lord.
The encounter with Jesus first calls us to listen. Everything comes from listening. It opens ourselves to him. It welcomes the precious gift of his friendship. (But) then it is important to live the word we have received, so as not to listen in vain and deceive ourselves (cf. James 1:22).
The Word, given and received, wishes to become alive in us. It wants to transform us. There are those who risk listening only with their ears. They do not allow the seed of the word to descend into their hearts to change their way of thinking, feeling, and acting.
We see this repeated many times in the Gospel. It tells us that the human heart is always searching for a truth that can feed and satisfy us. Amid the confusion and vanity of human words, there is a need for The Word. This Word of God is the true compass for our journey. It can lead us back to the true meaning of life amid so much woundedness and confusion. The heart looks at a desire for happiness. We cannot be satisfied by human words alone, the thinking of this world and earthly judgments. We need a light from on high to illuminate our steps. We need living water that can quench the thirst of the deserts of the soul. The Word provides consolation that does not disappoint. This is because it comes from heaven and not from the fleeting things of this world.
But what do we do when we receive that “word?” The Word demands a response. You can ignore it. You can deny it. You can accept it and follow it. The word of the Lord asks to be incarnated concretely in us, so we are called to live the word. It asks us to change our gaze.
We can see this in the Gospel scene after Jesus has finished preaching to the crowds from the boat. He turns to Peter and challenges him to take the risk of betting on that word, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch” (Luke 5:4).
Then look at Peter’s behavior. He had come to shore after a difficult night of not catching anything. He was angry, tired, and disappointed. However, instead of remaining paralyzed by that emptiness or impeded by his own failure, he says: “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet, on your word, I will let down the nets” (v. 5).Then, something unheard of happens, the miracle of a boat filling up with fish until it almost sinks (cf. v. 7).
Speaking for myself, I arrived at St. Raymond almost two years ago (What!? When did that happen?) I had one job. After two years, I now have five. The Church Is asking parishes and priests to do more with less. I see parishioners under similar pressure. Some are working two or more jobs. Job availability, wage levels, and the cost of goods we buy, were huge topics in this year’s election. We can become discouraged. We can be hard on ourselves and feel that we are not measuring up.
Pope Francis says, “Let us not remain prisoners of our failures. You are not your failures.” You were created by God. What you are doing is valuable in God’s eyes. You are a key part of God’s divine plan for the world.
The Devil calls you by your sins. Jesus calls you by YOUR NAME - the name you were given, you are now called, and God acknowledges, loves, respects, and died for. Instead of keeping our eyes fixed only on our empty nets, then, we are to look to Jesus and trust him. Saint Teresa of Calcutta used to say, “When we have nothing to give, let us give that nothing.”
Fr. Charles Zlock
Pastor
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Good Things are Happening at St. Raymond!
Seminary Appeal
Bernie Faia will be speaking at all the Masses this weekend, to ask for your support of the annual St. Charles Borromeo Seminary Appeal. Please welcome him back to St. Raymond, listen to the story of his spiritual journey, and be generous.
Black Catholic History Month
You Have a Choice this Advent...
You have a choice this Advent: Get caught up in the annual rush of shopping, decorating, and parties or slow down and take a few minutes each day to remember who this season is really about—Jesus. In “Adore”, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent. Short 8-10-minute videos will focus on a new theme each week—vigilance, preparation, nearness, and Emmanuel—that you can relate to your own life.
Advent Life Groups begin the week of November 17th for 5 weeks (through December 21st). Groups will meet throughout the week – some in person and some via ZOOM. You pick one. A more spiritual you is the best gift that can be given! You must reserve a spot to join. Or contact Minta Brown at 610-329-7256. Check out the flier for more info.
Thanksgiving Food Collection
Thanksgiving Food Bags are available in the rear of the church, as well as envelopes for monetary donations. Food donations can be left in the vestibule of the Church or dropped off at the Rectory. Monetary donations can be placed in the Sunday collection basket or dropped off at the Rectory. Please have your contributions in by November 23rd. If you or someone you know are in need of a Thanksgiving Food Basket, please contact the Rectory Office at 215-549-3760.
St. Raymond Limited Edition Merchandise Sale!
We're clearing out space to bring in fresh new items just in time for Christmas! Grab your favorite limited edition St. Raymond merchandise now at 20% off. Available after all Masses this weekend.
Cash or Venmo accepted. Can’t make it this weekend? Call the office to reserve your items before they’re gone!
Save the Date for the St. Raymond Christmas Concert - December 15th!
Our annual Christmas Concert will be December 15 at 3 pm at St. Raymond Church. Please plan to join us and invite your family and friends!
Want to Learn More about your Catholic Faith?
The Order of Christian Initiation in Adults (OCIA) has begun. This is for any adult and teen 16 or older, who has not received the sacraments of Baptism, Penance, First Communion and Confirmation. We meet on the first Sunday of every month, immediately following the 10 am Mass in the SRR. Jesus is calling you! “It’s never too late to decide to follow Jesus."
Also, anyone with a desire to have a “refresher” is welcome to join. Contact Deacon Bill or Cindy Bradley at 215-242-5725.
Can You Help?
Have Left Overs?
Why not package them for Caring for Friends? Containers are located in the back of the Church (in a basket on the desk on the Forrest Ave side). The one meal that you discard can be a meal for an ailing senior living alone. Frozen meals can be dropped off at the Rectory between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. Volunteers are also needed to deliver meals to seniors on a weekly basis. For more info, contact the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Celebrating Our Youth with Generation Grace
Do you have a child in grades 6th-8th? Please contact Brandi to get them involved in our Middle School Youth Ministry. We would love to have all our Middle School Kids involved. Brandi can be contacted at brandi@saintraymond.net or 215-549-3760.
Saturday, 11/30 - Prayer Vision Board
There is a new email address for communication relating to religious education: religious.ed@saintraymond.net.
ATTENTION: ST. RAYMOND NEEDS YOU!
Matthew 9:37-38: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Numerous needs have been communicated here and in the bulletin. Unfortunately, responses are nearly non-existent. A vibrant parish has members responding to the call for help. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please scroll below for several opportunities. You can sign up here or complete a signup sheet on the table in the back of church (on the Williams Ave side). We want to hear from you! THE HARVEST AWAITS!
Volunteer Opportunities
Technology
We are in urgent need of support from those with basic technology skills:
Slide Operators – manage slides shown on TV screens during 5 pm, 8 am or 10 am Mass
Camera Operator – manage live streaming of 10 am Mass via YouTube
YouTube Host – Engage with parishioners during 10 am Mass
Requirements are a love for your parish, and a willingness to learn and serve. Teenagers and adults can contact Brandi at 215-549-3760.
To volunteer for any of the above tasks, please complete this form and someone will be in touch soon! Or, call Brandi at 215-549-3760.
Job Opportunities at St. Raymond School
Currently, there are three open positions: two part-time Nutritional Development Service Workers (NDS) who are responsible for heating meals, passing out meals, and ordering and receiving inventory. The hours are negotiable; however, we are hoping to have help with both breakfast and lunch. Those hired would be finished by 1 pm each school day.
Additionally, there is one Maintenance position: the individual will be required to perform duties such as sweeping, emptying trash, arranging furniture, and school grounds upkeep. The hours are from 11am-4 pm.
The hourly pay is between $15-17 dollars, depending on experience.
To apply, please visit the Independence Mission Schools' hiring website or contact Principal Harris or Ms. PJ, the Assistant Principal, at 215-548-1919.
New Confession Times
Confessions are now by appointment, and people are welcome to call the rectory to schedule a time. Father will also be available from 4 to 4:45 pm before the Saturday Vigil Mass in the Church Confessional.
Church Announcements
Holiday Mass Schedule
Thursday, 11/28, Thanksgiving Mass @ 9 am
Tuesday 12/24, 8 am (Daily Mass)
Tuesday, 12/24, Christmas Eve Vigil @ 7 pm
Wednesday, 12/25, Christmas Morning @ 9 am
Tuesday 12/31, New Year's Eve, 8 am (Daily Mass)
Tuesday 12/ 31, Watch Hour @ 10 pm; Mass at 11 pm
A Reminder about Call to Prayer
St. Raymond offers a twice-daily opportunity, Call to Prayer on weekdays at 6:30 am and at noon. Taking a little time (five to seven minutes) to turn to the Lord will remove stress and restore peace in your life.
Call toll-free 1-877-309-2073, then enter code 319-414-445#. At 6:30 am, we reflect on God's Word. During the noon call, we pray the Angelus, reflect on the first reading of the day, and have intercessory prayer for those in need.
Donate to Support St. Raymond Church
Online giving is a wonderful way to make a one-time or a recurring gift to St. Raymond. We greatly appreciate your goodness and promise to be good stewards of your gift. DONATE HERE. You can also make a gift with your phone: send a text with the message straymond to 833-363-7471. You will receive a text that will give you simple instructions to make a gift!
Or, scan the QR code to donate.
Please note that we are no longer using Cash App as a form of payment for tithes.
We will accept Venmo (@StRaymond-PenafortPhilly), PushPay, Parish Giving & Envelopes. If you would like to receive envelopes, please contact Brandi at brandi@straymond.net and she will add your name to the list of envelope recipients. If you prefer to use PushPay, text straymond to 833-363-7471 to donate.
Collection Envelopes for September through December, 2024 have been mailed out. There are three special collection envelopes: 11/28 = Thanksgiving;12/8 = Christmas Flower Offering; 12/25 = Christmas Offering. If you did not receive your envelopes, please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@straymond.org
To our Online Parishioners
We at St. Raymond are extremely pleased that you continue to be part of our community via livestream. Although you may be unable to attend Mass in person, please remember that we need your financial support in order to remain a vibrant parish. You may give online anytime here. Feel free to contact the rectory for assistance at 215-549-3760.
Silence Cell Phones
Please remember how distracting cell-phone noises can be during Mass. We prayerfully ask you to silence your phone when you enter church, so that no one is disturbed during this holy hour.
Lost and Found
Have you lost any personal items during Church service and never retrieved them? Please check the bin in the back of Church labeled “Lost & Found." People turn in items often to the Rectory. All items turned in are put into the bin.
Church Safety Equipment
A first aid kit as well as an automated external defibrillator (also known as an AED device), are located in the sacristy. Both are on a table to the left of the sacristy sink. This ensures that St. Raymond has sufficient means to address significant medical emergencies during liturgical events.
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, November 10, 2024
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $8,131.10
Monthly Church Maintenance: $537.02
REST: $300.00
Stewardship: $175.00
Thanksgiving Offering: $30.00
Thanksgiving Basket: $75.00
Christmas Offering: $500.00
School: $1,000.00
Total: $10,748.12
Get Involved!
Sign up for Fr. Zlock’s Young Adult WhatsApp community for prayers, videos, reflections and events for the young adult community. Click here to join the group.
Connect with Us Online
Be part of our awesome virtual community! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the latest scoop, see fun pictures, and hear about our exciting events.
Understanding Annulments: How the Tribunal Can Help After Divorce
The Tribunal is available to help people who have experienced divorce and wish to remarry in the Catholic Church. When a divorce occurs, the Church always seeks to balance two realities: the durable bond of marriage, and the spiritual welfare of the people involved. The Annulment procedure addresses deficiencies such as intentions, understanding, or ability. Whether you are divorced and want to marry in the Catholic Church or are remarried outside the Church, please visit our website.
If you have questions and would like an initial conversation with Fr. Zlock, call the rectory and schedule a time to meet with him. 215-549-3760
Community Events
Jubilee 2025
Local celebration of the Universal Church’s year-long observance of the Jubilee Year, Pilgrims of Hope, begins December 29, 2024. In response to Pope Francis’ call to the Catholic Church around the world, parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will begin the local observance of the Jubilee Year 2025, with the theme Pilgrims of Hope.
All are invited to participate in events of the Holy Year in their homes, in their local parishes, and at shrines throughout the region, and at the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia— the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate the opening of the Jubilee Year with Mass at the Cathedral. That celebration of the holy Eucharist will mark the culmination of a pilgrimage of families traveling from throughout the Philadelphia region to the Cathedral.
Sunday, December 29, 2024
(Holy Family Sunday)
11 am
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
The Mass will be broadcast via live streaming video. Resources and information on upcoming events for the Jubilee Year 2025 in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia may be found here.
Renew and Breathe: Retreats for Mothers of all Ages
Register here.
Black Catholic History Month
USCCB Subcommittee of African American Affairs
Visit the website for more important information from the USCCB Subcommittee of African American Affairs.
Meet Abby Johnson in-person after a special screening of Unplanned
The Well Young Adult Conference
Register here.
Called to be a Missionary Disciple
Register here.
News From the National Black Catholic Congress
An all-new issue of the National Black Catholic Congress is out now. Sign up to get your copy here.
News From the Office for Black Catholics
Check out their website for important news!
News from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
The November newsletter is available here.
Please sign up to find out what is happening around the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
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