Good News for October 29, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- 28 minutes ago
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
~Linda Davis
Sacred Heart Church + Oxford, Pa.
As a mother, I understand the deep ache of longing for the ones we love to be safe and cared for. Jesus reveals that the Father's love is even greater than ours - as incomprehensible as that may be. It is a love that refuses to let a single soul slip away unnoticed. Every tear, every prayer, every act of reparation we offer for the departed becomes part of that heavenly hope. "And I will raise them on the last day."
This passage also invites us to trust. In moments of grief or uncertainty about someone's death, Jesus reminds us that our resurrection is not a distant hope but a promised reality. He came to ensure that none entrusted to Him would be lost, but that all would be raised on the final day.
Today, as we pray for the souls in purgatory, we rest in the hope that love is stronger than death and that Christ’s mercy draws every soul home.
rusted to Him will be lost. He promises that every s
Events Team: Activated!
Our new events team met Sunday and we’ve got some great things in store for you! Planning has commenced and we can’t wait to fill you in on what’s to come! Want to join our team? Text Daniele at 857-919-7710.
You're Invited - Church Renovations Meeting
The Facilities Committee would like to meet with interested Parish members to discuss the results of our survey (complete the survey here if you haven't already) and further develop planning objectives for the spaces that are important to the Parish. The first meeting will be held after the 10 am Mass on Sunday, November 9, in the Sister Rosemary room, and our architect, Erin Monaghan from Ford 3 Architects, will be with us. We will have a second meeting on Thursday, November 13, at 7 pm in the church.Â
We look forward to your input and hope to see you there!
Scenes from the Catholic Women's Conference
As always, the Women's Conference was a wonderful success. Women left recharged, and they were blessed to have Bishop Harold Perry, from New Orleans, as one of the keynote speakers. Our St. Raymond ladies were honored to do the gifts procession. We were also blessed by the presence of seminarian Joshua Brooks.
FaceTime with Jesus November 3
Join us Monday, November 3 from 7-9 pm for FaceTime with Jesus. We'll specifically share prayers of thanksgiving for graces received. Afterwards, join us for fellowship, popcorn and lots of laughs.
Biblical Walk with Mary: Nov 13-Dec 18
Healing for the Holidays Workshop November 15
St. Raymond parishioner, Jessie Marushak, is leading a special workshop, Healing for the Holidays, on Friday, 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.
NEW DATE! Christmas Concert DECEMBER 21
Help Needed for Church Clean-Up Day Nov 22
We’re organizing a church clean-up day and would love your help! It’s a great opportunity to work together, care for God’s house, and enjoy some fellowship. Saturday, November 22nd from 9am-12pm. We’ll have snacks, good company, and lots of teamwork!
Thanksgiving Food Collection
We are, once again, collecting donations to bless families in need this Thanksgiving. Food Bags are available in the rear of the church, as well as envelopes for monetary donations. Food donations can be left in the vestibule of the Church or dropped off at the Rectory. Monetary donations can be placed in the Sunday collection basket or dropped off at the Rectory. Consider purchasing a gift card from a grocery store. Please bring your contributions on or before November 18.
If you or someone you know are in need of a Thanksgiving Food Basket, please contact the Rectory Office at 215-549-3760.
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!Â
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.
All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows)
Saturday, November 1 is a Holy Day (no obligation this year) when the Church honors her saints, whether recognized or unknown.
Clocks Fall Back!
If you don't turn back your clocks one hour on Saturday night, you're going to be very early for Mass on Sunday. Daylight Saving Time ends; Standard Time begins.
Men's Group Meat Raffle
The Men of St Raymond (Men’s Group) are having a Meat Raffle Fundraiser!
Tickets are $5 each. Tickets can be purchased in the rectory office or after Mass in the rear of the church. Drawing will be Sunday, November 23. Cash and Cash App accepted. $Cconquest
Proceeds to Benefit St. Raymond School      Â
Rest in Peace, Stanley Jones
A Memorial Mass for Stanley Jones will take place Saturday, November 8 from 11-12:30 pm. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
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.  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.
Financial Facts
Sunday, October 20, 2025
Collection & Envelopes: $9,845.00
Church Maintenance: $2,644.00
REST: $58.00
Stewardship: $158.00
Missions Appeal: $100.00
Black & Indian: $5.00
Social Ministry: $45.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total:Â $12,865.00
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Collection & Envelopes: $8,622.00
Church Maintenance: $576.00
REST: $50.00
Stewardship: $150.00
Thanksgiving Basket: $10.00
Black & Indian: $2.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total:Â $9,420.00
Special Collections
11/15-Maintenance
11/26-Thanksgivng Offering
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.
Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic Studies
Monday, November 10, 2025, at 4 p.m.
The fifth annual Mother Mary Lange Lecture in Black Catholic Studies will be held on Monday, November 10, at 4 p.m. in the Connelly Center’s Villanova Room on the Villanova University campus. This year's keynote speaker is Tia Noelle Pratt, PhD, who is the Special Assistant to the Vice President and Director of Mission Engagement and Strategic Initiatives for the Office for Mission and Ministry, as well as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Villanova University. She also serves as the Editor of the Journal of Catholic Social Thought at Villanova University. A sociologist of religion by training, Dr. Pratt earned her PhD in Sociology from Fordham University in 2010.
For more than twenty-five years, Dr. Pratt has researched and written about systemic racism in the U.S. Catholic Church and its impact on African-American Catholic identity. Dr. Pratt is also the curator of the #BlackCatholicsSyllabus. Her work has been featured in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion, multiple edited volumes, as well as Faithfully, Commonweal, The Revealer, National Catholic Reporter, U.S. Catholic, and America. Her recent book, Black and Catholic: Racism, Identity and Religion, was published by the University of Notre Dame Press in 2025.
The Mother Mary Lange Lecture, Villanova's signature event for Black Catholic History Month, is free and open to the public both in person and via livestream, but registration is required. Seating is limited. Please register here or visit the Mother Mary Lange Lecture homepage for more information on program details, registration and parking.Â
A complimentary reception will follow the meeting.
Subscribe to stay up to date with events from the Office for Mission and Ministry at Villanova University and follow us on Facebook or Instagram @novamissionandministryUnderstanding the Immigration Crisis.
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)Â 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.
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
Cana Night is Coming!
Catholic Charismatic Renewal
See the latest news from the Archdiocese
See the November Newsletter here.