Good News for October 14, 2026
Updated: 7 hours ago
In this Issue:
Church Announcements
Receiving and Responding to God's Invitation
~Stan Sienkiewicz
Saint Albert the Great Church + Huntingdon Valley, PA
The Pharisees thought they had Jesus trapped. The issue was the census tax, paid in a Roman denarius. Its image of Tiberius and an inscription calling him the son of the divine Augustus offended devout Jews. If He said to pay, the people would see Him as a collaborator. If He said not to pay, Rome could charge Him with sedition. Instead, He asked whose image was on the coin. Cæsar’s image meant the coin could go back to Cæsar. The question left hanging is: What bears God’s image? Genesis gives the answer on its first page: we do.
In the first reading, Isaiah tells how the Lord speaks to Cyrus, a pagan king, calling him “his anointed,” the one “whose right hand I grasp.” The Lord tells him, “I have called you by name, giving you a title, though you do not know me.” If God claims even a king who never knew Him, how much more does He claim us, made in His image?
I sometimes feel a deeper tug-of-war, as though my work, bills, and chores compete with God for my time. St. Francis de Sales gently disagrees. In the Introduction to the Devout Life, he writes that “true devotion does us no harm whatsoever, but instead perfects all things.” Devotion, he says, “must be exercised in different ways by the gentleman, the worker, the servant, the prince, the widow, the young girl, and the married woman.” We pay our taxes, keep our commitments, and care for those in our charge. When done in love, even ordinary acts become a return to God.
So, I ask myself: How am I reflecting God in my daily life? I am retired. My days are filled with ordinary tasks and caring for my wife. Do I meet those hours with patience, or just get through them? On clear nights I look up at a sky that bears its Maker’s mark. Do the people closest to me see that mark in me?
The early Christian writer Tertullian put it plainly: render “to Cæsar indeed money, to God your-self.” Let us give God what bears His image. Vive Jésus!
Last Call for Trunk or Treat October 17!
All are welcome to our annual Trunk or Treat on October 17 from 1-3 PM! We'll have a DJ this year and lots of fun for kids and adults, too! Sign up to be a trunk or a treater!
Calling All St. Raymond School Alumni!
You're invited to reconnect, reflect and celebrate with fellow classmates at the alumni Mass and reception on Sunday, November 1 at 10 am. A reception will follow immediately after Mass. Feel free to share with anyone you know who is a St. Raymond grad! RSVP by October 23 to Meghan Vassallo at mvassallo@imsphila.org.
Be Part of Our New Church Directory!
St. Raymond parish has not updated its Church Directory since 2019, but a new directory is on its way. Family portraits will be taken November 3 to 7. Here's what to do:
To schedule your photography appointment online, simply go to www.ucdir.com, click on Photography Session Sign Up Scheduling login on the right side. Enter the Church Code: pa1302 Enter the password: Gospel
Follow the prompts to schedule your family’s appointment time. If you have 6 or more in your family, please use two consecutive time slots. The online scheduling option is available Monday through Friday. Appointments fill up quickly, so schedule as soon as possible to secure your preferred date and time.
Blessing of Pets
Last weekend, Father Zlock gave a special blessing to the pets of St. Raymond in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi! St. Francis reminds us that all creatures, whether they bark, meow, chirp, or occasionally misbehave, are part of God's creation and worthy of His care.
Our Christmas Concert will be December 20
Our beloved Christmas Concert will return Sunday, December 20 at 3 pm. Save the date and spread the word!
Next Confirmation class - October 25
following the 10 AM Mass
Welcome to our current Confirmation candidates as they begin this special journey of faith. Here is the Confirmation Class schedule:
October 25
November 8
November 22
December 6 - PARENT CAFE - NO CLASS
December 20
The Parent Café on December 6 will happen immediately following the 10 am Mass. This planning and fellowship meeting is open to past and current candidates and their parents. We will discuss upcoming trips, fellowship opportunities, and ways to continue building a strong and connected Confirmation community. We welcome everyone’s ideas, input, and participation!
Sisters of St. Joseph Announce a New Date:
Can You Help?
The Sisters of Saint Joseph Newcomers Alliance is looking for 4 to 6 volunteers from our parish family to help prepare their property at 6127 North 5th Street by setting up second-floor bedrooms. Originally scheduled for Friday, October 16, the date has been moved to Thursday, October 29.
New Date: Thursday, October 29th
Time: 10 am to 1 pm
Location: 6127 North 5th Street
The date was changed due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts with our contractors.
If you can help, please contact Mary Bell at 215-219-5667.
2026 Seminary Appeal Speaker Weekend
Seminarian Benjamin Pace will speak at all the Masses at St. Raymond on the weekend of November 7 and 8. Please be generous in supporting the formation of our future priests. Your gift prepares them with wisdom, compassion and the heart of Christ.
Men's Meat Raffle is Back!
All proceeds from the raffle will benefit our parish school. Contact Steve Lawrence 856-430-1726, the parish office 215-549-3760, or purchase tickets from a Men’s Group member after each Mass. Drawing will be Sunday, November 22.
Free Giveaway
Donation Offer! We are no longer in need of two organs and an electronic keyboard. They are all in working condition and free to a good home. You must arrange pickup from the Sister Rosemary Room. If interested, please call the Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, October 18
Next Family Faith Formation - October 18
Next Face Time with Jesus November 2
Grow in Faith with FORMED
Have a little extra time during the day? Spend a few minutes growing in your faith with FORMED!
FORMED offers videos, talks, movies, daily reflections and other great resources to help you learn more about your Catholic faith and grow as a disciple of Jesus.
Getting started is easy:
Visit formed.org
Create your free account using our parish code: 8TjNV2
Start exploring!
You can also sign up for daily emails with short video reflections to bring a little faith into your day.
How to Receive Holy Communion
Recently, Fr. Zlock shared an important message about receiving Holy Communion. We ask all parishioners to watch this video clip, reflect on how you receive the Eucharist, and let a staff member know if you see anything out of the ordinary. We are blessed to receive the most precious Body of Christ, and we all have a role in making sure our Lord and Savior is received with reverence and respect.
Gluten-Free Hosts
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.
Financial Facts
Rain, Rain, Go Away!
For many weeks now, the inclement weather has affected attendance at Mass. Nevertheless, operating expenses at St. Raymond remain the same. Please continue to send us your tithes and donations while we are weathering the storms.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $7,605.50
Church Maintenance: $367.11
Black & Indian Ministry: $5.00
Social Ministry: $10.00
Stewardship: $414.00
REST: $65.00
Total: $8,466.61
Special Collections
10/4-Stewardship
10/18-Maintenance & Repairs
Mission Collection: Archdiocese of Philadelphia World Missions
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is deeply involved in the world missions of the Church, with a rich history of missionary work. They provide food, education, and medical care to vulnerable communities. The global efforts of mission churches are celebrated on World Mission Sunday. Christmas is upon us; THIS weekend, October 17 and 18, please remember the poor and be generous in your giving.
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.
Pray the Rosary with the Office of Black Catholics
You're Invited - St. Martin dePorres Mass
Events Across the Archdiocese
