Good News for September 23, 2026
In this Issue:
Church Announcements
Discerning Decisions:
Our Confident Response to God
~Margaret Sykes
Nativity of Our Lord + Warminster, PA
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the two sons in order to challenge us with discerning our approaches to fulfilling God’s will: either we enthusiastically say “yes” but then never follow through on our good intentions, or we reluctantly say “no” but after careful reflection we reverse course and embrace the righteousness of God’s message. This passage speaks to the difference which exists between change of mind versus change of heart and the impact it has on our willingness to truly follow Jesus.
When we decide with our minds if we want to accept His teachings, we may adopt an impulsive perspective by asking ourselves: “Why would Jesus seek ‘imperfect’ me to follow Him?” or “Do I have what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus?” or “Am I willing to dedicate my time, energy, and resources to serve others like Jesus?” By doing so, we respond affirmatively in haste without much thought, but later lack the willingness to follow through on our commitment.
However, when we decide with our hearts, our perspective may be driven by a metanoia, that is, a deeply reflective and responsive transformation through which we are converted and prompted to go “beyond ourselves.” It is this genuine, fundamental change that Jesus desires of us when we hear His Word and choose to believe in Him. As a result, our response can reflect a bold shift from reluctance and passiveness to enthusiasm and courage: “Jesus loves me unconditionally and seeks my relationship with Him” and “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13).”
It is only through Jesus’ grace that we can truly stand firm in our decisions by enabling our simple “yes” to mean “yes” and “no” to mean “no” in order to fulfill His will. (Matt 5:37).
Our First Youth Car Wash Was a Huge Success!
A huge thank you to all of our youth, parents, volunteers, and parishioners who helped make our first Youth Car Wash a success! Together, we raised an amazing $335! We are so grateful to everyone who volunteered their time, brought their cars, made a donation, or simply came out to support our youth. Your generosity and encouragement mean so much! We had such a great time that we’re planning to do it again in the spring!
Take this Short Survey to Help Fr. Zlock
Congratulations to Father Charles Zlock – who has been selected a 2026-2027 “Preaching Fellow” in the Catholic Preaching Institute!
And now he needs your help!
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.
The survey will close 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.
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!
Youth Choir is Saturday September 26
The Youth Choir will sing on this Saturday at the 5 pm Mass. All are welcome. Just show up!
Confirmation classes begin September 27
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:
September 27
October 11
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!
Liturgical Dance Ministry October 17
The next meeting of the Liturgical Dance Ministry has been rescheduled to October 17, from 10 am to noon in the school hall.
Ages 12-18
No Experience Necessary
10 am Mass performance dates are TBD
Practice Every Other Saturday
Join us for Trunk or Treat!
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!
BINGO September 26 - Get Your Tickets Now!
Advanced Online Sales Close September 24
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. Advanced ticket sales close September 24.
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.
Next Family Faith Formation is October 4
Prayer Team Meets Sunday
Lay your needs before the Lord. Our Prayer Team stands ready to pray with anyone seeking heavenly help. Simply come forward following the 10 am Mass this coming Sunday.
Congratulations Steve Lawrence
Congratulations to Steven Lawrence, Grand Inspection General, for being honored with a Leadership Award by the Pennsylvania Commanders of the Rite 33o. May God continue to bless you and crown your endeavors with success!
Explore the Faith - Sunday, October 18
Next Face Time with Jesus is October 5
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.
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 20, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $8,227.50
Church Maintenance: $1,549.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Black & Indian Ministry: $195.00
Social Ministry: $10.00
Stewardship: $50.00
REST: $10.00
Total: $10,051.50
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 Postponed to October 11
You're Invited - St. Martin dePorres Mass
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.
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
