Good News for October 1, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Oct 1, 2025
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
Fr. Zlock's Homily (Part I)
This week’s homily will focus on the First Reading from the Book of Habakkuk 1:2-4:
“The LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily. For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late.”
This is related to another Scripture verse from Proverbs (29:18): Where there is no vision, the people perish.
What is your vision?
I would propose that there are several visions that one must have. First is an Incarnational Vision. Jesus Christ “emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, to be of human estate.” (Philippians 2:7) This vision shares in the human dimension of Jesus Christ. It includes your recreational, nutritional, medical, and physical plan and routine that you have for your life and your body.
The second is your “Relational Vision.” Relationships are a source of physical affection. Healthy relationships can be an excellent source of joy, love, and mutual understanding. People in healthy relationships often feel like their lives have a greater purpose. They are crucial for enhancing mental well-being. They help reduce stress. They also offer numerous psychological and physical benefits.
Third is your Salvational Vision. This includes the spiritual, devotional, liturgical, religious, meditative, and catechetical framework. You most likely already have one (or you wouldn’t be reading this right now). It can, and probably needs to be, improved and adjusted as you move through different seasons of your life.
Fourth is your Vocational Vision. This includes the educational, occupational, and motivational plans and action items in your life. Although it starts even before school, constant learning enhances one’s mental health, career, and wealth.
Finally, there is what I’ll call your Gestational Vision. What is your legacy? What are you passing on to the next generation? Who are you mentoring and sending forth into the future of the world? This has a human dimension in terms of being a Scout, Girls' Club leader, coach, teacher, or parent. It also means being a Disciple. Who is your spiritual guide(s)? Who are you spiritually developing to send out after you to build the Kingdom?
These ideas are based in some respects on the four “dimensions” found in St. Pope John Paul II’s encyclical I Will Give You Shepherds. Some points the Holy Father mentions: first, you need to be aware of these dimensions. It is self-stewardship. Paying attention to them enhances your life. Second, you are always adjusting these dimensions. You do this not only as the seasons of your life change. They form an excellent guide for your day-to-day schedule. Third, you never get it all right. Something will always be “off.” That is normal and ok. It also forms the bridge to the second part of my homily this weekend.
Our Children's Choir blessed us with their voices!
Thank you to all the children who joined our choir and ministered to us at our Saturday mass last week.
It's not too late to join! We’re inviting 3rd graders and up to join our Children’s Choir led by Bill Monaghan! No experience needed — just bring your voice and your enthusiasm!
To sign up, contact the Rectory at 215-549-3760 or fill out the form at this link.
Sign up for Trunk or Treat by October 16!
Our Second Annual Trunk or Treat is back! Get all the details and sign up here.
Starting in November: A Biblical Walk with Mary
Save the Date for our Christmas Concert!
Altar Server Training
Do you feel called to serve at the altar? We are looking for new altar servers! Training will be on Saturday, October 25 at 10 am in the Church. If you’ve already made your First Communion, you are welcome to join us! Current servers are encouraged to come for a refresher. Parents, this is a wonderful way for your children to grow in faith and service.
New Dates for Anointing Mass - November 8 and 9
An anointing Mass will be held at the 5pm, 8am & 10 am Masses on Saturday & Sunday, November 8 and 9. Please note the new dates. Parishioners who are facing surgery, or have chronic illnesses or other serious health issues are encouraged to register by contacting Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net, calling the Rectory or signing up in the back of Church.
New Program for First Penance & Communion
St. Raymond is launching a new sacrament preparation program! We recently selected a new curriculum from Ascension Press called Renew and Receive.
As we prepare, we need to know how many families wish to have their child(ren) receive First Penance/Communion this year. If you have a child whom you want to receive First Penance/Communion this year, please email sgandy@saintraymond.net as soon as possible.
We also need adults who are willing to help prepare our young people to receive the sacraments. We are not looking for catechists or professional teachers. We're looking for people of faith, who wish to share that and have a heart for young people] While there are challenges in not having a dedicated catechist or Director of Religious Education on staff, we believe there is also a real opportunity here. There is great richness and depth within our parish, and we must be the village that raises our children in the faith.
If you are interested in helping prepare our young people to receive their sacraments - or if you know of someone else who might be interested - please email sgandy@saintraymond.net.
Please note: the safety and protection of young people is an integral part of this ministry. If you are feeling a call to join in this exciting and fruitful ministry, it is critical that you are aware of - and in compliance with - policies, procedures and laws concerning child protection. Please contact Brandi Whitehead (brandi@saintraymond.net), Shelley Gandy (sgandy@saintraymond.net) or call them at 215-549-3760 if you have questions.
Caring for Friends: "Our Supply is Low!"
Rita Ungaro-Schiavone started Aid for Friends in her home in 1974. Rita began a food program at the Archdiocese, delivering home-cooked meals to homebound people.
Fifty years and one name change later, Caring for Friends has expanded to a network of 10,000 volunteers & 200 food pantries providing food and friendship in five counties.
The parishioners at St. Raymond are generous participants in this program.
At present, supplies in our freezer are very low. If you are able, please pick up some trays this week (in the back of church or at the rectory) and prepare some home-cooked meals to fill our freezer so that needy neighbors will not go hungry.
Join our Daily Call to Prayer
Catholic Call to Prayer. Please Call TOLL FREE 1-877-309-2073, Enter Code 319-414-445#. 6:30 am (Monday to Friday): 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. 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, September 28, 2025
Collection & Envelopes: $7,115.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $757.00
REST: 55.00
Stewardship: $70.00
Mission Appeal: $5.00
Black & Native Missions: $120.00
Total: $8,122.00
Special Collections
10/18 - Maintenance
Pew Envelopes
In order to help us in our financial record-keeping, please use envelopes in the pews instead of loose cash. (Add your name, of course.)
Immigrant Law Enforcement Guidelines
Here are the Archdiocesan recommendations on handling the arrival of law enforcement-including Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE)- on parish grounds in the context of an immigration matter.
STEP 1 - Underlying premise: always greet law enforcement in a calm, respectful manner.
STEP 2 - The Pastor (with Principal, if involving a parish school) shall be the person who interacts with law enforcement agent. Should the Pastor be unavailable and unreachable (if celebrating Mass, for example) he should train others in advance with the procedures.
STEP 3 - A good initial response to the agent is as follows: “We are happy to cooperate; however, I need to contact counsel at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to be able to respond properly to your request.” Ask for whatever paperwork the law enforcement agent may have, the purpose of the visit and how you can help them. If they are there to address a law enforcement matter, kindly ask for their credentials. Write down details of the encounter such as names, badge numbers, documents and their activity. Quickly get in contact with the Office of General Counsel.
STEP 4 - If law enforcement arrives in such a way that would disrupt Mass, remind them they are interrupting a sacred celebration and that they are on sacred property.
STEP 5 - If a law enforcement officer takes action, DO NOT interfere with the law enforcement officer.
Immaculee Ilibagiza Program
Local Composer’s Rock Opera Celebrates 30 Years for Scholarship Tribute
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the stage at Archbishop Wood High School will come alive with the spirit, energy, and heart of a home grown musical that has touched thousands: The Word: A Gospel Opera. Celebrate the songs of The Word with cast members throughout the years. The Word is a highly energized musical experience based on the life of Jesus and His teachings, and so much more. Composer Bill Monaghan will also offer insight into the Scripture and music influences behind some of the songs. You may also hear a few cast memories shared. All proceeds will benefit the Michael S. Monaghan Scholarship. Michael played guitar in the very first production run of The Word, and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the US Navy in 1998. Learn more here.
Prayer for Life
Join Us in Prayer for Life!
On Thursday 10/16/2025, from 8 AM to 3 PM, come pray outside downtown Philly abortion centers 777 Appletree for 1-2 hour shifts. Be a bold witness for life, standing in peaceful prayer to support the unborn. For training and to be paired with a prayer partner, contact Pat Stanton at (267) 718-4851 or Monique Ruberu at (469) 231-9084. Your presence can make a difference! Learn more here.
Festival of the Word
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat
