Good News for September 24, 2025
- St. Raymond of Penafort
- Sep 24
- 7 min read
In this Issue:
Who Lies at My Gate?
~ Dennis Mueller
Saint Albert the Great Church + Huntingdon Valley, Pa.
Too often, we approach this parable as a simple moral tale—a warning to the wealthy to care for the poor, but that reading barely scratches the surface. If I’m honest, this parable convicts me—not because of social status, but because it reveals how often I fail to truly see the person God places before me.
Who lies at my gate today? Who has the Lord entrusted to my path—not to be stepped over, but to be lifted up? This isn’t just a parable about charity; it’s a summons to communion. A call to recognize Christ in the overlooked, the inconvenient, the easily ignored, and even in those we hold dear to our hearts. And yet, I confess: the opportunities to love are abundant, but I don’t always take them. Sometimes I choose my convenience over compassion, maintaining my distance over discipleship. I walk past the sacred interruption, hoping not to be drawn in.
And for what? No excuse suffices. No rationale, no matter how cleverly constructed, can justify the moment I chose not to love.
But the beauty of God’s grace is that it does not condemn—it awakens. It moves me to see the person before me through God’s eyes; to use the name tag of the gas station attendant to speak her name and bless her day; to be fully present to my children, even in their quiet scrolling; to pray with someone now, as opposed to offering a prayer later. These are not small gestures—they are sacraments of encounter. They are opportunities for me to be the instrument of Christ’s love in that moment. Each one is an invitation to bear Christ’s love, to live generously, and to step not over—but into—the holy ground of another’s need.
Altar Server Training
Do you feel called to serve at the altar? We are looking for new altar servers! Training will be on Saturday, October 25 at 10 am in the Church. If you’ve already made your First Communion, you are welcome to join us! Current servers are encouraged to come for a refresher. Parents, this is a wonderful way for your children to grow in faith and service.
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.
New Dates for 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. Please note the new dates. 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.
New Program for First Penance & Communion
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.
Pew Envelope Holders
You may have noticed the new pew envelopes and wondered about their purpose. 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.
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.
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.
Funeral for Don Thomas
The funeral arrangements for Don Thomas are set for Thursday, September 25, 2025. There will be a viewing at 9 am, followed by Mass at 10 am. May his soul rest in peace.
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 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 21, 2025
Budgetary Goal: $13,500.00
Collection & Envelopes: $7,270.27
Monthly Church Maintenance: $821.00
REST: 50.00
Catholic Relief: $10.00
Total: $8,151.27
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.
Prayer for Life
Join Us in Prayer for Life!
On Thursday 10/16/2025, from 8 AM to 3 PM, come pray outside downtown Philly abortion centers 777 Appletree for 1-2 hour shifts. Be a bold witness for life, standing in peaceful prayer to support the unborn. For training and to be paired with a prayer partner, contact Pat Stanton at (267) 718-4851 or Monique Ruberu at (469) 231-9084. Your presence can make a difference! 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?
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
Learn more here.
