Posted October 28, 2016

The parish community of St. Raymond in Philadelphia’s Mount Airy section gathered to worship God joyfully in the Mass on Sunday morning, Oct. 23. The parish’s pastor, Father Christopher Walsh, was the celebrant and homilist. St. Raymond’s is located at Williams Avenue and Vernon Street, Philadelphia. See video of the Mass here. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • At the beginning of Mass the people are encouraged to turn to the person next to them and introduce themselves.

  • Altar server CJ Benise leads the entrance procession at St. Raymond Church in the Mount Airy section of Philadelphia.

  • The parish choir leads the congregation in a hymn of praise and worship.

  • The children gather for a blessing before they head off to learn about the Scripture readings of the day.

  • Wanda Graham proclaims the Word of the Lord.

  • The McVay family prays together.

  • Father Chris Walsh encourages the people to discuss who is God during the homily.

  • The choir at St. Raymond brings parishioners to their feet.

  • Emma Pajil attends Mass with her daughter Cheryl Pajil-Smyrl. Emma has dementia and if told Mass is on Sunday she starts getting ready Saturday morning because it’s the highlight of her week, her daughter said. Emma has been a parishioner of St. Raymond Parish for more than 20 years.

  • Catherine Gumby prays.

  • Usher Charles Manns helps take up the weekly collection.

  • Connie Mikell, right, prays after receiving holy Communion.

  • Elaine Weeks prays after receiving Communion.

  • Lucy Castillo (left) and Therese Roches

  • The choir brings Keigan Marion and his mom Lauren Myers to their feet.

  • Araminta Brown