Good News for September 16, 2026
In this Issue:
No Ledgers Only Mercy and Love
~Gia Myers
Immaculate Concpetion Blessed Virgn Mary + Douglassville, PA
This Gospel – the parable of the laborers in the vineyard – can cause us to bristle in the pews as we hear of the workers who labor in the scorching heat of the day and then watch as others who showed up in the last hour collect the same day’s wages.
This story takes me back to childhood memories when treats were distributed, and my younger self was concerned with who received the bigger cookie or slice of pizza.
There’s a part of me that wants to cry out, “But it’s not fair!”
Often, our human tendency is to approach these types of situations like a bookkeeper, measuring and notating according to our ideas of reward or justice. Yet this parable illustrates for us that salvation cannot be measured by human standards. In God’s Kingdom, we are all equal recipients of His mercy, whether someone is a lifelong saint or a deathbed convert.
The wages in this parable aren’t actual daily wages for laborers, but forgiveness for sins and salvation for believers. Heaven is not a paycheck to be earned, but a generous gift.
We are also warned in the parable against the sins of jealousy and pride when the vineyard owner asks: “Are you envious because I am generous?” God wants us to be content with the gifts He’s given us and rejoice at the salvation of others, for we are all on the same team: God’s team!
This Gospel’s call is not to calculate, but to celebrate God’s generosity of grace. There are no ledger books in His Kingdom, only mercy and love.
Take this Short Survey to Help Fr. Zlock
(Survey goes live September 19)
Congratulations to Father Charles Zlock – who has been selected a 2026-2027 “Preaching Fellow” in the Catholic Preaching Institute!
Father Zlock is one of just eight priests in the archdiocese selected to participate in the second edition of CPI’s “Disciples of the Word” program.
Throughout the year, Father will meet regularly with a cohort of clergy mentors and lay advisors to learn the art and skills of compelling preaching – which will no doubt benefit all who worship at St. Raymond of Penafort.
You can help!
Besides supporting Father with your prayers and encouragement, you can assist CPI with demonstrating Father’s growth and development in the program.
We invite you to complete an online survey that assesses your experience of Father’s preaching as he begins the program. It should only take about 5 minutes to complete.
Just follow this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JTPL2SB or to connect to the survey designed specifically for Father Zlock.
The survey will open on September 19 and will remain open until September 30.
Please take this opportunity to help Father Zlock, who so desires to be more helpful to you as a preacher of God’s Word.
Thank you for your generosity!
Our brothers and sisters in Kensington were treated to a delicious pizza dinner thanks to the St. Raymond Family. Your contributions provided a pizza dinner for more than 100 people complete with water, soda, bananas, and snacks.
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.
Choir Info Session September 27
Come Sing With Us!
Have you ever thought about joining the choir? Maybe you love to sing, want to become more involved in ministry, or are simply looking for a great community within our church family.
Our choir is more than music - it’s ministry, fellowship, service, and a whole lot of fun!
Join us after the 10 am Mass on Sunday, September 27 for a brief Choir Information Session. Come meet our Choir Director, learn what it means to be part of the choir, hear about rehearsals and expectations, and get your questions answered.
No commitment - just come and learn more! Whether you’re an experienced singer or someone who simply loves music and wants to serve, we’d love to see you.
Use your voice. Find your community. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Catechetical Sunday September 20
Parents and guardians, catechists, teachers, youth ministry and RCIA leaders, and all who help form others in the Catholic faith are welcome.
During Mass, you’ll be invited to participate in a blessing and prayer for God to strengthen and guide you as you pass on the Catholic faith to others. No need to RSVP.
THIS COMING SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Get Your Car Washed to Support Generation Grace
Join us for our FIRST Youth Car Wash on September 19th from 1pm-3 pm in the St. Raymond parking lot! Click here to pay in advance. Cash or Venmo will be accepted at the event.
Liturgical Dance Ministry FIRST Practice: SEPTEMBER 19 Sign up Now!
St. Raymond is excited to welcome a new Liturgical Dance Ministry! Join us as we use movement, music, and worship to praise God and enhance our 10 am Mass. The first practice will be Saturday, 10am on 9/19 in the School Hall. Sign up here.
Ages 12 & Up
No Experience Necessary
10 am Mass performance dates are TBD
Practice Every Other Saturday
Come learn, worship, and grow with us!
Youth Choir September 26
Our next Youth Choir will be 9/26 @ 5pm - all are welcome. Just show up!
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!
Get your BINGO Tickets!
The St. Raymond Fellowship Committee will host BINGO September 26 from 2-6 pm in the school hall. Join us for an afternoon of great prizes, food, fellowship and fun! Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door (Cash Only). Click here to buy your advance tickets online or purchase them after the 8 am and 10 am Sunday Masses.
Donate Shoes for the Children of Ghana
Don't Miss The Sunday 9/20 Deadline
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.
Blessing of Pets October 10
Blessing of Pets will occur Saturday, October 10 from 3 pm-4 pm in the front of the Church. The Blessing of the Animals is a beautiful annual ceremony celebrating the human-animal bond, originating from a Roman Catholic tradition as part of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment.
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick 10/4 & 10/5
On the weekend of October 4th and October 5th the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will be administered at the Saturday 5 pm and Sunday, 8 am and 10 am Masses. Parishioners who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness (cancer, diabetes, arthritis, lupus, diseases of the heart, lung & kidney etc.) undergoing treatment for another disease/illness or living at a very advanced age are encouraged to receive this Sacrament. If you qualify and desire to be anointed, sign-up sheets are available on the desk in the rear of the church, or you must call the rectory at 215-549-3760 no later than September 30th. No names will be accepted after this date. Should you have any questions please call the Church Rectory.
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, September 13, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $9,071.50
Church Maintenance: $529.00
Black & Indian Ministry: $15.00
Mission Appeal: $5.00
Total: $9,620.50
Special Collections
9/6-Black & Indian Mission
9/20-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.
Commission on Racism Upcoming Events
Diaconate Discernment Day October 3
Spend a day in prayer, conversation, and discernment with permanent deacons, their wives,
members of the Clergy Office, and the Diaconal Formation Team. The day will begin with Mass in the Immaculate Conception Chapel, discernment, and formation sessions, breakout session for men and wives, breakfast, lunch, fellowship, and a final Q&A for those exploring a possible call to the Permanent Diaconate. Want to learn more? Visit https://archphila.org/deacon
Northwest Catholics Cross-Parish Meeting at St. Raymond September 27
Office for Black Catholics Youth Conference at
St. Raymond November 7
Free Men's Retreat Nov 20-22 at Malvern Retreat House
Join fellow men from St. Raymond for the Knights of the Immaculata Retreat, November 20–22 at Malvern Retreat House, featuring Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers. Known worldwide as the “Dynamic Deacon,” Deacon Harold is an EWTN host, award-winning author, and internationally recognized Catholic speaker known for his powerful, no-nonsense approach to the faith, particularly male spirituality. The weekend includes conferences, Confession, Adoration, prayer, and daily Mass.
Thanks to a grant from the Martin de Porres Foundation, St. Raymond men can attend for FREE. To express interest, contact brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
AbbeyFest at Czestochowa - Free to St. Raymond!
General admission tickets are $63, but the event is free for St. Raymond members and their guests! To register, please email brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
Help is Needed at AbbeyFest!
This year AbbeyFest is facing a large challenge. They are short almost fifty volunteers for set-up on Friday, September 18th, from 1 pm-5 pm. Anyone can help from 13 years of age and above if a parent accompanies them. They will be serving pizza and soda at 5 pm for anyone helping with set-up. To volunteer, sign up here.
Free Registration for Catholic Women's Conference
This event sells out each year, so sign up soon!
The Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Through the generosity of the Martin de Porres Foundation, the registration fee will be covered. Bus transportation to/from St Raymond will also be available. Anyone interested should contact mintabrown@saintraymond.net.
Events Across the Archdiocese
