MAKE

MAKE is a call to action — rooted in Catechesis, Evangelization, and Faith into action — to follow Jesus' Great Commission: Go and make disciples. It's time to live our faith boldly. Together, let's make disciples — starting now!

Fr. Jack Welch, O.Carm ~ January 12, 1939—September 24, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Fr. John “Jack” Welch, O.Carm., who left this world on Wednesday, September 24 at the age of 86. A beloved priest, mentor, and friend, Fr. Jack dedicated his life to serving others and was a guiding light in the St. Raymond community. Fr. Jack was known for his unwavering faith, compassionate spirit & infectious joy. He touched the hearts of many through his sermons, counseling, & community outreach, always encouraging others to embrace love & kindness. His legacy will live on in the lives he transformed & the love he shared. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, wisdom, & laughter will echo in the hearts of those he served. Just as Fr. Jack always reminded us to lift up our special intentions to our Blessed Mother so we join in entrusting his soul to Jesus through Mary...Hail Mary...

Annual Blessing of the Animals ~ October 4 @ 9:45am

ANNUAL BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS  In Honor of St. Francis of Assisi (Feast Day October 4) Saturday, October 4 @ 9:45am in the Cathedral Plaza  (Raynor Ave).  For the safety of others,  please have your pets on a leash or in a carrier.



Sundays After Mass ~ Keep Praying ~ October 5 ~ St. Joseph Transcept

Prayer is communication with God. An active prayer life is essential, not only as an act of obedience but as a means of transformation, comfort, guidance, and praise. Join us as we explore a few approaches to prayer, commons stumbling blocks, and creative ideas for deepening one's communion with the Divine.   

The Power of Gratitude- Sal di Leo

On October 9th at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, Sal DiLeo is speaking about his years as an orphan at Joliet’s now-closed Guardian Angel Orphanage—57 years after he left! He will share his story...

Seniors Luncheon ~ Clarion Hotel Joliet ~ October 16 ~ 12:00 noon

Join us at the Clarion Hotel Joliet Posh Banquet & Events, located at 411 S Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL 60436. Enjoy a delicious menu featuring a House Salad, Chicken Vesuvius, served alongside mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and traditional rolls with butter. Coffee and lemonade will be available and dessert. Cost is $18.00 per person, and reservations are required by Sunday, October 12. Please make sure to adhere to this deadline as it is hosted at a restaurant.  Please place your reservations in the Sunday collection basket, mail them to the Parish office, or register online through the link below.

Save the Date! St. Raymond Grade School Oktoberfest ~ October 25

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25, 2025! Enjoy delicious food, craft beer & specialty drink tastings, live music, and exciting auction items. Oktoberfest is more than a fundraiser-it celebrates our school and community spirit!

Thank You To Our Picnic Sponsors!

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the parish picnic. The turnout was fantastic, and the sense of community was truly remarkable. A special thanks to our picnic sponsors for their generous support. We encourage you to acknowledge their contributions by mentioning their businesses when you can. Your appreciation helps to strengthen the bonds within our parish and community!

Make A Joyful Sound! Join the Cathedral Adult Choir!

Join the Cathedral Choir and enjoy a flexible schedule with rehearsals held on select Wednesdays. We offer practice tracks. Use both traditional and contemporary hymns. Use a multiple of choral genres. Sing at Sunday 10:30am Mass as well as special performances on Holy Days and offer practice recordings to help you prepare. To sign up, please use the link below or contact Stacy Sienko at stacy@straymond.net or call 815-722-6653 ext. 253.

Alpha ~ Tuesdays, 6-8pm classes started September 16

You can still join us! We come to St. Raymond to seek and understand Jesus Christ. Whether we've been Catholic our whole lives or are just at the beginning of a journey of faith, this Alpha program will be an opportunity to connect with others, get some basic content about faith in Jesus Christ, and have meaningful conversations. Be interested - this well be good. Contact Kevin@straymond.net or 815-722-6653 ext 217.

OCIA ~ Order of Christian Initiation for Adults

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming Catholic? Do you still need to be confirmed in the Cathedral Faith? Are you curious about the Cathedral Faith? Contact Deacon Darrell Kelsey deacondarrell2011@gmail.com.

Online Church Directory

Instant Church Directory offers parishioners access to our online password-protected directory. You can now put a name with a face; access the directory anytime, anywhere; upload or change your information within minutes. An abbreviated version of our the directory is now available through the link below for all to view. To access the full version you will need to create a login. For security purposes, only registered parishioners with a login and current email on file will have access to the full version. Many of you are listed in our church directory, but we are still missing your picture! Please don’t be shy! There are many ways to have your photo added to the Directory: Drop off your photo for us to scan, drop your photo in the Sunday collection with your name and contact number on the envelope, Email your photo to info@straymond.net or we are happy to take a current photo of you or your family, stop by and see us! 

Religious Education Program 2025-2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025-2026 Religious Education Program! We have a NEW day and time: Sundays from 9:00 - 10:15 am! AND we’re also thrilled to welcome back the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our little ones aged 4 and 5.  Early registration helps us with planning, so sign up today!



Cathedral Windows ~ The Sacred Story

For as many times as you have proclaimed the Apostles Creed, have you ever wondered which Scripture stories connect to each article? When you last looked closely at our Cathedral windows, what details stood out for you? What Bible stories did you recognize in the medallions?  There is life in our Cathedral windows; life that is calling to us. How do we begin to discover the treasures? We patiently practice Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) and Visio Divina (Divine Seeing). These prayer forms can help us recognize God's indwelling presence; God's desire for us to know him intimately;

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St. Raymond School offers a rigorous learning experience that develops the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually – through high expectations for academics and character, a supportive and loving community, and a focus on faith that prepares our students to make the world a better place.

At St. Raymond School, we are very proud of our teachers and staff, not only for how they work every day to ensure our students are learning and growing into their best selves, but also for how they model this learning by pushing themselves to grow as well. 

When you choose St. Raymond for your family, you are choosing to be part of a community – a community that includes engaged and dedicated parents who partner with the school in the education of their children. St. Raymond parents believe in our mission and want the best for their children, so volunteering at school comes naturally. St. Raymond does not keep parents at a distance; rather, parents are invited and encouraged to share their time, their talent and their treasure to make St. Ray’s the amazing place that it is. And we really couldn’t do it without them!