Good News for October 28, 2026
In this Issue:
Church Announcements
Called to Be Saints
~Julia Lehman
Our Lady of Guadalupe + Doylestown, PA
Growing up, the Solemnity of All Saints was always one of my favorite feast days. The day after Halloween and just a few days before my birthday, it marked a special season in my family. While everyone was still excited about costumes and candy, my sisters and I were learning about the saints and the example of faith they left for us.
I attended Catholic school, and each year All Saints Day gave us an opportunity to remember the holy men and women who lived ordinary lives but followed God in extraordinary ways. My parents dressed my three sisters and me as saints for All Hallows’ Eve, helping us put together costumes and learn about the lives they represented. Looking back, I realize they were teaching us something much deeper than church history. They were showing us that sainthood is not just for a select few. It is a calling for all of us.
What means the most to me now is that the saints were real people. They were students, parents, and friends who faced challenges just as we do. My childhood memories of dressing up as saints with my sisters, attending school Mass, and collecting holy cards helped me see them as real people, not just names in a religious textbook. They were ordinary men and women who loved God, faced difficulties, and did their best to live out their faith.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate their lives in a different way. They remind me that holiness doesn’t mean being perfect, but rather trusting in God through life’s challenges and always trying to live out our faith.
This is what makes the Solemnity of All Saints so meaningful for each of us. As we gather for Mass to honor those who have gone before us, we are reminded of our own call to holiness. We are called to love our families, serve our neighbors, forgive those who have hurt us, and remain faithful to God even when life becomes difficult. The saints show us that these everyday acts of faith and love can lead us closer to Him.
All Saints Day reminds me that we are all called to become saints. As we celebrate those who have gone before us, we are reminded that holiness is something we can strive for in our own lives, with the help of God’s grace.
Calling All Singers!
We’re inviting more singers to join our annual Christmas Concert on December 20 at 3 PM. People of all denominations are welcome. If you'd like to sing with us or know someone who would, reach out and spread the word!
LAST CHANCE!
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.
A New Process at St. Raymond
Download the New Communications Guidelines here:
Early Christmas Shopping Opportunity this Weekend
After all Masses this Saturday and Sunday, 10/31 and 11/1, a representative from the Bethlehem olive wood arts factory from the holy land will be present after all the Masses to display and sell hand – crafted olive wood art pieces. Olive wood items are made of authentic olive trees from Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Take advantage of this opportunity to find a unique and beautiful gift for yourself or someone you love this Christmas. Everything is hand carved and all proceeds will benefit Christian families in the holy land.
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.
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.
Youth Mass This Sunday!
On the first Sunday of each month, we are blessed by our St. Raymond youth, who greet us as we enter church, read the Word, take up the collection and serve as ushers for communion. As you leave Mass, please remember to thank them for their service.
Next Confirmation class - November 8
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:
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!
Free Eagles Watch Party November 8
You're invited to attend our FREE Eagles Watch Party on November 8 in the St. Raymond School Hall. Doors open at 12pm, and kickoff will be at 1pm. Bring your own food and drink to share. We'll provide soda and water. Feel free to invite a friend or two! Go Birds!
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
Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive
Help our brothers and sisters in need enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal! We're collecting food and monetary donations to provide Thanksgiving baskets for families in our community.
Thanksgiving Food Bags, complete with a grocery list of needed items, will be available at all Masses this weekend. Envelopes for monetary donations will also be available in the back of the church.
Food donations may be left in the church vestibule or dropped off at the Rectory. Monetary donations may be placed in the Sunday collection basket, dropped off at the Rectory, or made online by selecting Social Ministry/Food Cupboard. https://pushpay.com/g/saintraymond
Please make all contributions by Wednesday, November 18.
If you or someone you know needs a Thanksgiving Food Basket, please contact the Rectory Office at 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.
Clocks Fall Back
This Saturday night, before you go to bed, remember to turn your clocks back one hour. If you forget, you're going to be very early for Sunday Mass!
All Saints' Day - November 1
All Saints' Day is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass at St. Raymond's is at 8 am, or you can check the Holy Day schedules of nearby parishes.
All Souls Day - November 2
Masses of Remembrance
During the month of November, the Church advises us to remember and pray for those who have gone before us and whom we believe are enjoying the presence of the Lord. St. Raymond’s will be celebrating our Annual Masses of Remembrance to remember all of our deceased parishioners & family members who have died in the past year. The names of the deceased will be read aloud during the Masses said this coming weekend, October 31st and November 1st.
Alumni Mass is Postponed
IMS advised that the alumni Mass and reception originally scheduled for Sunday, November 1st will be held in the spring, 2027. Details to follow.
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.
Next Face Time with Jesus November 2
Explore the Faith - Sunday, November 15
Next Family Faith Formation - November 15
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.
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 25, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $7,314.50
Church Maintenance: $277.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Easter Flowers: $10.00
Stewardship: $118.00
Total: $7,769.50
Special Collections:
11/15-Maintenance & Repairs
11/26-Thanksgiving Offering
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.
You're Invited - St. Martin dePorres Mass
Every vote counts! Make sure you take the time to cast your vote and make your voice heard. Encourage your family and friends to do the same!
Sister-To-Sister Saturday Retreat December 5
Black Catholic Men's Conference December 5
Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic Studies November 9
On Monday, November 9 at 4 pm in the Ortiz Hall Auditorium at Villanova’s Cabrini Campus, Villanova University’s Office for Mission and Ministry will host its signature event for Black Catholic History Month, the sixth annual Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic Studies. This year's lecture will honor the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the order principally founded by the Venerable Mother Mary Lange. Former Superior Sister Rita Michelle Proctor, OSP will join the current Superior General Sister Marcia Hall, OSP for a panel discussion honoring the contributions of the Order and the life and legacy of Mother Mary Lange. Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD, Special Assistant to the Vice President and Director of Mission Engagement and Strategic Initiatives in the Office for Mission and Ministry will be the moderator. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
On November 8, the evening before the lecture, at 5 p.m. in St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the Villanova University campus, the fifth annual Gospel Mass will feature The Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir who will join the Villanova Pastoral Musicians to celebrate Sunday liturgy with song and praise. The Rev. Carl Gales, SVD, Pastor of Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church in Chicago, IL will preside and preach.
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.
Events Across the Archdiocese
