Good News for September 17, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Sep 17
- 6 min read
In this Issue:
The Right Use of Wealth
~ Jeanette Williams
Our Lady of Sacred Heart+ Hilltown Twp, PA
The parable of the Unjust Steward has perplexed people over the centuries. Here we have a rich man’s steward who is losing his job for embezzling his master’s money. Thinking ahead, the steward starts to plan for his future by embezzling even more from his master and lining the pockets of the man’s debtors so that they will welcome him into their homes later. The rich man then praises him for his cleverness! What??
In reality, the guy wasn’t all that clever, because he got caught. Twice. But the point was that he planned ahead so that he would have friends who would give him a home when he was kicked out.
At the end of this strange story, Jesus warns us, “You cannot serve both God and mammon.” If that’s the case, then why does Jesus urge us to make friends through dishonest wealth—what my Bible translation strikingly refers to as “the mammon of wickedness”?
I think Jesus draws several lessons from this shocking parable. First, like the embezzler, we need to think ahead and plan for our future, the one that really matters. We should make the right kind of friends with money, those who will help us “be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Second, money is a “small matter” that God entrusts us with to see if we deserve “great ones.” Third, we have to choose who will be our master in this world – will we trust in money, or will we trust in God?
When my husband and I were raising our six children on his cabinetmaker’s salary, money was very tight, as you can imagine. But we lived within our means, and that included tithing. We believed that God gave us the money, so it’s really His. If we trust in Him financially and give Him back a portion of what He gave us, He always provides.
Special Catechetical Blessing
Last Sunday at the 10 am Mass, all catechists and disciples of children were invited to come forward to receive a special blessing. As they begin their ministry of forming young hearts in faith, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Peggy Evans, Shabay Bryant, Nia Arrington, Natalie Richardson, Stacey Young and Aimee Della Porta.
Calling All Young Singers to Join Our Children’s Choir!
Do you love to sing?
We’re inviting 3rd graders and up to join our Children’s Choir led by Bill Monaghan! No experience needed — just bring your voice and your enthusiasm!
When: Saturday, 9/27 @ 4:15 pm, Choir will sing at the 5:00 pm Vigil Mass
Where: St. Raymond Church
In choir, we’ll:
Learn music in a fun and encouraging environment
Perform at Saturday Vigil Mass once a month
Build confidence, teamwork, and creativity
Have tons of fun!
Come sing with us — your voice matters!
To sign up or learn more, contact the Rectory at 215-549-3760 or sign up with this link.
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.
New Program for First Penance & Communion Starts This Fall
Beginning this fall, 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.
Anointing Mass - October 12
An anointing Mass will be held at the 5pm, 8am & 10 am Masses on Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12. 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.
Pew Envelope Holders
You may have noticed the new pew envelopes and wondered about their purpose. Either envelope should be used instead of loose cash (after adding your name, of course) in order to help us in our financial record-keeping. The colored one with the "Talent" marking gives an opportunity for parishioners to provide notice of any special skills/talents that they want to share with us. That optional info will be saved and the parishioner contacted if the need or opportunity arises for that skill set.
Save the Date for Trunk or Treat!
Our Second Annual Trunk or Treat is back! Get all the details and sign up here.
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.
New Accessible Bathroom!
Here's a timeline photo sequence of our new bathroom, located off the Williams Avenue ramp. It should be used -- along with the downstairs restrooms - in lieu of the sacristy restroom.
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.
Financial Facts
We thank those parishioners who, recognizing God’s gifts to them, make their response in our weekly collection. Your continued support is vital, necessary, and deeply appreciated.
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Collection & Envelopes: $15,118.00
Monthly Church Maintenance: $740.00
REST: $303.00
Black & Indian: $525.00
Total: $16,686.00
Special Collections
9/7 - Black and Native Missions
9/21 - Maintenance
Local Composer’s Rock Opera Celebrates 30 Years for Scholarship Tribute
On Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM, the stage at Archbishop Wood High School will come alive with the spirit, energy, and heart of a home grown musical that has touched thousands: The Word: A Gospel Opera. Celebrate the songs of The Word with cast members throughout the years. The Word is a highly energized musical experience based on the life of Jesus and His teachings, and so much more. Composer Bill Monaghan will also offer insight into the Scripture and music influences behind some of the songs. You may also hear a few cast memories shared. All proceeds will benefit the Michael S. Monaghan Scholarship. Michael played guitar in the very first production run of The Word, and gave the ultimate sacrifice in the US Navy in 1998. Learn more here.
Saturday College at Temple University
News from the Office of Black Catholics
Festival of the Word
Noah Bus Trip with Holy Cross Parish
Are You Being Called to the Diaconate?
Free Tickets for AbbeyFest
St. Raymond has free tickets for anyone who wants to attend AbbeyFest. Email Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net to claim yours.
Rachel's Vineyard Retreat
Catholic Women's Conference
This event sells out each year, so sign up soon!
The 10th annual Catholic Women's Conference will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
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.
Introductory Training in Missionary Discipleship
Ecumenical Service for the Jubilee Year Commemoration of the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea
Sisters of Saint Joseph Pilgrimage of Hope
