Good News for September 9, 2026
In this Issue:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
MATTHEW 5:3-10
FaceTime With Jesus Gets Better Every Month
Our Labor Day FaceTime with Jesus was so special. We started with adoration and confession where we had quiet time to pray. Afterwards, we celebrated with pizza and s'mores around the fire. People of all ages join us, and it's always a blessing. Join us next month on October 5 from 7-9 PM.
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 or 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
Catechetical Sunday | September 20 | 10 AM Mass
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.
Thank You to Our Youth!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Youth Mass Last weekend. It's such a blessing to have our youth members serving our Lord. Want to join on the first Sunday of each month? Reach out to Brandi at brandi@saintraymond.net or call 215-549-3760.
Get Your Car Washed to Support Generation Grace
Join us for our FIRST Youth Car Wash on September 19th from 1:00pm-3:00pm in the St. Raymond parking lot! Click here to pay in advance. Cash or Venmo will be accepted at the event.
Sign up Now for Liturgical Dance Ministry Sept. 19
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!
Coming up!
Our next Youth Choir will be 9/26 @ 5pm - all are welcome. Just show up!
Trunk or Treat October 17, 1-3 PM
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 by 9/20
Blessing of Pets October 10
Blessing of Pets will occur Saturday, October 10 from 3pm-4pm 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 5:00 pm and Sunday, 8:00 am 10:00 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 6, 2026
Collection & Envelopes: $10,499.50
Church Maintenance: $798.50
Black & Indian Ministry: $242.00
Stewardship: $25.00
Total: $11,565.00
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.
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 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 Czestachowa - 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 1pm-5pm. Anyone can help from 13 years of age and above if a parent accompanies them. They will be serving pizza and soda at 5:00PM 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
