Good News for October 15, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Oct 15
- 8 min read
Updated: Nov 3
In this Issue:
The Real Work of Prayer is the Waiting
~Dennis Mueller
Saint Albert the Great Church + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Jesus tells us to pray always without becoming weary. But what does that look like when you're exhausted or at the end of your rope? When the diagnosis doesn’t change, the relationship remains strained, the ministry feels fruitless, or the silence from heaven leaves you weary and disheartened?
There have been many seasons in my life when prayer felt like knocking on a door that would never open. In those times I knock, I seek, I ask, sometimes I even beg, and nothing seems to change. Prayer in those moments appear fruitless, but appearances, as we know, can be deceiving. Sometimes the real work of prayer is the waiting.
I’ve found myself in the widow’s shoes more than once – crying out for clarity, for healing, for resolution. And I’ve wrestled with the question Jesus poses at the end: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Will He find it in me? I hope so!
The widow persisted in her efforts because she believed her small voice should matter. That’s the kind of faith Jesus is seeking from me – not just belief in His power to do something, but trust in His goodness and love for me because I know that I matter to Him. It’s faith that allows me to remain steadfast in prayer even when the timeline is unclear and the waiting becomes unbearable.
The real work of prayer is the waiting. The extended wait allows me to ponder what’s really going on in my heart. Am I seeking something or Someone? Am I seeking control, or surrender? The longer I stand and stare at the unopened door, the more I realize my steadfastness in prayer isn’t about trying to change God’s mind. It’s about remaining in His love and allowing Him to shape my heart so that I can love Him more fully regardless of the answer I may or may not receive.
Welcome to the church, Kairo!
This past Sunday, Kairo was baptized and welcomed into our church family. Please keep Kairo, his parents, and loved ones in your prayers as he continues to grow in faith.
Last Call! 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.
40 Hours Devotion at St. Luke October 19, 20, 21
Fr. Zlock will lead a 40 Hours Devotion at St. Luke the Evangelist Church, 2316 Fairhill Ave, Glenside, PA 19038, over three evenings centered on the theme of forgiveness and healing. The devotion will include prayer services on October 19 and 20 at 7:00 p.m., with Jessie Marushak joining Fr. Zlock on October 20 to share a reflection on forgiveness. The celebration will conclude with a Closing Mass on October 21 at 7:00 p.m. All St. Raymond parishioners, family and friends are welcome.
Children's Choir Returns October 25
Our Children’s Choir will return to sing at the 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, October 25. If your child is interested please bring them to Mass at 4:15 pm. Call the Church Rectory if you have any questions. Thank you for supporting our young parish musicians!
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.
Starting in November: A Biblical Walk with Mary
Healing for the Holidays Workshop November 15
St. Raymond parishioner, Jessie Marushak, is leading a special workshop, Healing for the Holidays, on Saturday, November 15 from 10 AM–12 PM in the Sr. Rosemary Room. Refreshments and materials will be provided. Space is limited, so be sure to save your spot by November 12. Click here to register.
Save the Date for our Christmas Concert!
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.
Do you enjoy plants? Are you looking for a way to serve at church? Volunteers are
urgently needed to help water the plants in front of the rectory, church and chapel. This is a wonderful way to maintain the beauty of the Church, and your help is greatly needed.
Please contact Brandi at 215-549-3760 or at brandi@saintraymond.net or tell Jenny, Olive, or Alicia if you see them at Mass.
Share Christ’s Hospitality!
Join the Bethany Ministry at St. Raymond Parish
Be the Welcoming Face of Our Church Community
Are you looking for a meaningful way to serve at St. Raymond Parish? Our Bethany Team plays a vital role every weekend—they are the first smiling faces guests and members see as they enter our church!
Team members welcome and greet everyone with warmth and kindness, provide directions where needed, guide communion lines, and embody a spirit of hospitality reminiscent of Mary and Martha’s gracious welcome to Jesus in Bethany.
Qualifications
A love for Christ and His Church
A special devotion to St. Raymond Parish
A heart for service and a welcoming attitude
Children and youth are welcome
Your Next Step
If you feel called to share Christ’s love through hospitality, please contact Minta (215-549-3760, ext.3) to get started and become a part of this important mission!
Let’s make St. Raymond Parish a place where everyone feels at home—from the moment they walk through our doors.
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.
Be Part of What God Is Doing at St. Raymond
Last weekend was Commitment Weekend — the high point of St. Raymond's Increased Offertory Appeal. We are grateful for the generous responses we received from parishioners in attendance at the Masses.
Follow-up letters from Father will be mailed to parishioners from whom we have not yet received a response to our Appeal. If you have not yet done so, we kindly ask you to return your commitment form by placing it in the collection basket as soon as possible. Or click here to make your commitment online. Your participation is deeply appreciated.
Financial Facts
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Collection & Envelopes: $10,551.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $255.00
REST: $55.00
Stewardship: $325.00
Missions Appeal: $10.00
Total: $11,196.00
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.)
Understanding the Immigration Crisis
Whether you are an immigrant or you know some people who are, this dynamic, ecumenical presentation will provide practical, solid information about how we can work together to face the current crisis facing immigrants and refugees in our neighborhoods.
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.
Fall Celebration and Bonfire
What's happening?
Fall Festival and Bonfire. We will have food from our new chef, drinks, music, raffles, and more. Celebrate Fall and the harvest season with your Caring for Friends family. This free event is in appreciation and recognition of our volunteers, donors, and community partners. Without your compassion, none of the work we do would be possible. Bring a friend or family member and join us for a nice night of food and friendship.
When?
Friday, November 7 between 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where?
Caring for Friends12271 Townsend Rd. Philadelphia, Pa 19154
Tickets:
This is a free event; however, please register and reserve your ticket at this link.
Please let us know by October 25 if you can make it.
Can’t come but still want to help out?
Consider a donation of $50.00 via our website. Every bit helps! Donate
Hope to see you soon!
Caring for Friends
St. Martin de Porres Mini-conference is Free!
To register, go to Office for Black Catholics – Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Immaculee Ilibagiza Program
Catholic Charismatic Renewal
Prayer for Life
Join Us in Prayer for Life!
Tomorrow, 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. 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.
Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
