St. Raymond

From the Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

St. Raymond Church is a special place to be and a special Parish Family in which to belong.  I arrived as Pastor as the Archdiocese began the Jubilee Year Forward in Mission celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the founding of la Misión San Gabriel Arcángel.  Currently, the Church in the U.S. is in the midst of a Eucharistic Revival.  I have tried to emphasize these two important celebrations in the life of the Catholic Church by opening the Holy Faith Chapel for daily Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and adding Confessions six days per week.

The Called to Renew campaign that St. Raymond’s begins is at its core a spiritual renewal and revival—to be the faithful Missionary Disciples of Jesus Christ.  Through our Baptism and Confirmation, we are led by the Holy Spirit to works of mercy and justice.  Of course, a solid infrastructure and quality facilities are a great help to this spiritual task to which we are called. 

Founded on August 31, 1956, St. Raymond Church has been and continues to be a beacon and witness of Faith, Hope, and Love in the City of Downey.  After 66 years. The parish and school buildings and facilities show their age and well-worn use.  

Each parish of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has been given a goal for the campaign.  Our parish goal is $710,000 but we plan to raise $1,000,000 to address these acute needs for our buildings and facilities.  The good news is that 50% of the funds raised will remain at our parish while the other half of our parish goal will support projects for the Archdiocese.  And we will retain 100% of the funds that we collect over our goal.  I am confident that our Called to Renew campaign will be very successful; thus, we will receive up to $645,000 to address the parish needs listed below. 

I have been very edified by the faith and generosity of all the parishioners coming out of the COVID pandemic.  We have been fully open for over a year and we continue Forward in Mission to build up the Kingdom of God among us.

Please take some time to prayerfully discern how you can most generously support this campaign and read the following Case for Support detailing the exciting projects we envision for our parish.  I also encourage you to consider making a five-year pledge, which will allow us the best opportunity to reach our parish goal.  If each parishioner or parish family contributes to Called to Renew, just think how much more effective we will be in leading more souls to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

Let us remain rooted in our Catholic faith Forward in Mission, always led by the Holy Spirit through the Eucharistic Revival and beyond. 

I place you and your family under the guidance and protection of our Blessed Mother Mary and St. Joseph.  St. Raymond Nonnatus, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,

Rev. Samuel Ward