Good News for October 21, 2026
Updated: 5 hours ago
In this Issue:
Church Announcements
The Second Is Like
~Christine Eberle
Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church + Philadelphia, PA
For the last year, I’ve been writing a daily devotional for Loyola Press. 2028: A Book of Grace-Filled Days has a firm word limit: 150 words for each day of the liturgical year. (For perspective, that’s half the length of these “From the Pew” submissions.) Having to “write tight” has made me keenly aware of Strunk & White’s imperative: OMIT NEEDLESS WORDS. I’ve gotten very good—some might say ruthless—about trimming superfluous adjectives, adverbs, and even whole sentences to make my point before running out of space.
I think that’s what called my attention to Jesus’ transitional phrase in today’s Gospel.
After identifying the greatest commandment, he adds, “The second is like it.” Couldn’t he just have said “The second is . . .” and gone on to name the next commandment? Though a kneejerk editor might scratch out “like it” in the service of brevity, those two words are doing the heavy lifting in this passage. With that simple phrase, Jesus irrevocably binds the two great commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. Loving our neighbor is like loving God, he insists. We show our love for God by how we love our neighbor. Full stop. Taken seriously, Jesus’ words are shocking—and challenging.
Most of us in the pews would say we love God. Yet Jesus refuses to let that love remain private. He ties it directly to the way we treat the people around us. Our faith is lived not only in prayer or at Mass, but in our daily encounters with others.
Call to mind one “neighbor” you dislike. It could be literally a person on your block who parks badly, lets their dog run loose, or blasts music after bedtime. But maybe it’s a relative or co-worker who gets on your last nerve, or a public figure who routinely enrages you. Ask Jesus to show you what it means to love them “as yourself.”
Perhaps that is the challenge of this Gospel: Jesus does not allow us to separate love of God from love of neighbor. The two commandments are “like” one another because they lead us toward the same goal—a heart that more closely resembles his.
St. Raymond School Alumni - Join our Alumni Mass November 1!
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.
Sign up to Have Your FREE Photo Taken by Oct. 28
It's been seven years since St. Raymond updated its Church Directory, and it's time for some new smiling faces! We're putting together a brand-new directory, and we want YOU and your family to be part of it!
Family portraits will be taken November 3–7, but don't wait to reserve your spot! BONUS: Everyone photographed will get a free 8x10 print with the option of purchasing additional sizes.
Here's how to sign up:
Visit www.ucdir.com.
Click Photography Session Sign Up on the right side of the page.
Enter the Church Code: pa1302
Enter the Password: Gospel
Follow the prompts to choose your appointment time.
Families of six or more should reserve two consecutive time slots.
The deadline to sign up is October 28! Help us fill our new directory with the wonderful faces that make St. Raymond church family.
Win Big at the Meat Raffle!
The Men of St. Raymond are hosting a Meat Raffle Fundraiser! For just $5 per ticket, you'll have a chance to win one of three meat packages featuring a variety of meats from Carl's Farm Poultry & Meats. The winning tickets will be drawn on Sunday, November 22. Proceeds benefit our parish school.
Tickets can be purchased after Masses or online at this link. For more information, contact Steve Lawrence at 856-430-1726 or the Rectory at 215-549-3760.
Congrats to our Trunk or Treat Winners!
First Place
Second Place
We had so much fun! Thanks to everyone who decorated their "trunks" and went with the flow when we had to transition the event inside because of the cold weather. Thanks also to Brandi for her amazing work setting it up!
Hoops and Hollering November 7
Kids vs. Adults is taking over the court on November 7! Join us for a fun afternoon of basketball challenges, including free throws, 3-pointers, and kids vs. adults competitions. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to play or cheer from the sidelines. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Click here to sign up.
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!
We're Hiring a Part-Time Facilities Manager
We're hiring a Part-Time Facilities Manager at St. Raymond. Please contact the rectory for more details. 215-549-3760
Home for Christmas Team Leads Needed!
Home for Christmas is looking for two volunteers to lead our kitchen team on December 26!
We will be hiring a caterer, and the kitchen team leaders will help ensure everything runs smoothly by:
Assisting with kitchen setup and cleanup.
Keeping food hot and ready to serve throughout the event.
Preparing beverages.
This is a wonderful opportunity to share the joy and spirit of Christmas with our neighbors in need! Your time and willingness to serve will help make this special day a blessing to others.
Interested in volunteering? Please contact the Church Rectory at 215-549-3760.
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.
Monthly Prayer Team October 24-25
Lay your needs before the Lord. Our Prayer Team is there this weekend to join you in prayer.
Free Giveaway - One Left!
Donation Offer! All items have been claimed except for the piano, which is 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.
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.
Explore the Faith - Sunday, November 15
Next Family Faith Formation - November 15
Next Face Time with Jesus November 2
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!
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
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,524.50
Church Maintenance: $973.00
Black & Indian Ministry: $30.00
Stewardship: $500.00
REST: $65.00
Total: $11,092.50
Special Collections
10/11-Parish Stewardship
10/18-Maintenance & Repairs
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.
Stand Up for Life Dinner November 22
Join the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia for the Stand Up for Life Dinner on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia. Keynote speaker Dr. William “Bill” Lile, known as “The Pro-Life Doc,” is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist whose inspiring presentation reveals how modern medicine can treat—and save—the youngest patients in the womb. Gather with fellow supporters for an evening celebrating the dignity of human life and honoring outstanding pro-life advocates.
The reception begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m. Invite family and friends, and/or organize a table! Learn more here: www.prolifeunion.org/2026sufl.
Pray the Rosary with the Office of Black Catholics
You're Invited - St. Martin dePorres Mass
Events Across the Archdiocese
