Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Father Chris and Parish Staff pray for you each day and are hopeful that your Lent is grace filled! Did you see the Bulletin from last Sunday? Did you have the opportunity to listen to the HOMILY or Worship with us last Sunday? Listen to Christian Heavy Metal song Fr Chris mentioned by Brian "Head" Welch(Fr Chris referred to him as Michael in error over the weekend). There is an opportunity for a Retreat for Women on March 20th through the Office of Black Catholics
Virtual Stations of the Cross on March 26th! Presented by a multigenerational team of Black Catholics (based in Chicago, IL), this virtual prayer service takes us on a journey by way of the Cross of Jesus and inspired by Black Lives Matter. Using music, dance, poetry, each station presenter uses their own artful creativity, inspiration, and interpretation for bridging Black Lives Matter and the Stations of the Cross. Our service will start on Friday, March 26th at 8:00 PM (EST). REGISTER HERE
We continue to seek to serve our young disciples through our virtual Children's Liturgy of the Word. Please share this Video Teaching from Ms. Angela with any child 8 and under so they might be nourished by the Word of God this weekend. CLOW-Mar14
Our Weekly Video for the Year of St. Joseph continues as we welcome Phil Schwarz, who joined St. Raymond a few years ago and normally worships at the 8am Mass with his wife Joan and son Phil. May Phil's Reflection be a blessing for you and those you share it with this week.
Mrs. Patricia Wright, who has served as Principal of St. Raymond Schools for 14 years and taught 8 years before that, will be retiring at the end of this school year. The Parish is grateful to Pat for her generosity and leadership throughout these 22 years. May God bless her in abundance as she enjoys her retirement. Independence Mission Schools, who operates our school, is actively searching for a Principal.
As we approach the weekend, are you planning to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation? If yes, great! If not, why not? There will be a Holy Hour with opportunity for Confession on Saturday, March 13th from 4pm to 5pm and again on Sunday, March 14th from 9am to 10am (the confessional is in the sacristy just behind the baptismal font in the Church). God is rich in mercy and desires to free you from the burdens that you carry. In addition, St. Luke Church offers the opportunity for Confession each Wednesday Night from 7:30pm to 8:30pm and you are welcome to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the Miraculous Medal Shrine Mondays between 8:30am and 11:00am. Need some help getting ready? GO HERE. Our Parish App also has a wonderful resource to guide you when going to confession (and you can easily bring it with you into the confessional).
Be on time for Church this Sunday!This Sunday morning Masses will be on Daylight Saving Time. Saturday, 5pm Mass is not impacted, but you must SPRING AHEAD one hour (move your clocks ahead 1 hour) when you go to bed Saturday night so you are time for the 8am or 10am Mass.
The gift of every child is such a blessing. Obviously, not every child does not come at the ideal time or under the ideal conditions. As Christians, we must remain vigilant in offering hope to couples who are facing an unplanned pregnancy during and after their pregnancy. We are blessed to have so many resources available for couples and we must be a bridge to link those in need with the resources. Our parish office is always ready to help! On Friday, March 12th our Parish will keep vigil at the Planned Parenthood at 1144 Locust Street from 8am to 5pm to pray and offer help to those whose hearts are open to receiving what we can offer. If you would like to join our efforts, please contact Richara (no experience needed; we will have someone stand with you and you will receive an abundance of graces).
If you are not yet back to Mass...please make a plan to join us for Palm Sunday or Easter!