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By: Anne DeSantis

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​The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith is pleased to announce an in-person retreat happening within the Philadelphia area on Friday, November 25, 2022. The retreat will be held at the Daylesford Abbey in Paoli, PA, and the time frame is 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Join our "Advent Reflections Retreat" geared for individuals and families who have experienced crisis. The retreat is being held the day after Thanksgiving otherwise known as "Black Friday". The day features talks, reflections, prayer time, Confession, Masses and optional Vespers prayer with the Norbertine friars.  The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation is blessed that the Norbertine friars at the Dayleyford Abbey are partnering with us to bring a wonderful day of healing to families. 

Have you or your family experienced a rough year? This is the retreat for you!

Please join us! To register for this special day go to the button below. The cost of the retreat is $35 and includes lunch. We hope to see you there. Please SHARE this blog so that others may find out about our retreat and be blessed. 

By: Anne DeSantis

Join our next in-person retreat in Philadelphia for families and individuals in crisis. The retreat is entitled is "Finding New Beginnings Through Saint Rita". The date of the retreat is Saturday,
October 29th from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. At 4:00 there is an optional annointing with the oil of Saint Rita of Cascia and Mass at 5:00 pm which is the anticipated Mass for Sunday. The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation is honored to offer this retreat so that greater healing will be offered to those who have suffered adversity due to health challenges.

Finding healing in dealing with a health crisis

Dealing with a health crisis is never easy as it affects every aspect of living and family life. The retreat is geared for those who have dealt with any type of health-related crisis and who are searching for needed healing. The retreat will feature prayer, talks, a tour of the shrine, group sharing and more. The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith is blessed to partner with the National Shrine of Saint Rita for this half-day retreat. Cost is just $25 and includes lunch. You will have an opportunity for fellowship with others in addition to quiet reflection time. Join us! Please SHARE this blog so that others may learn of our retreat.

To register, click the button below:

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​By:  Anne DeSantis, Executive Director SRNF

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family and Faith is pleased to announce our Eucharistic Summit on December 6, 7, 8 of 2022. The full title of the summit is: Eucharistic Summit: Sewing Hope into Broken Hearts as it is geared specifically for families in crisis which is the mission of the foundation. SRNF partners with Patchwork Heart Ministry our good friends as well as Fiat Ministry Network to present a high-quality on-line summit all about the beauty of the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 

More Info About the Summit

The time frame of the summit is 6 to 9 p.m. ET on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of December and will be held on Vimeo.com. More details will follow in the coming months. Families in crisis need the love and the support of the Church and greater devotion to the Eucharist. Over 30 Catholic authors, speakers, priests, religious, and those working to make the world a better place will be featured speakers. The foundation is extremely excited about this event. In addition, the summit is free of charge.

List of Speakers

Our list of speakers is growing for the Eucharistic Summit. Additional speakers will be added in the coming weeks. Here is a list below of some of the speakers who will give talks. Click the names below for websites associated with each of our speakers:

Bishop William Byrne of the Diocese of Springfield, MA
Fr. Daniel Bowen, O.deM
Fr. James Mayer, O.deM
Mother Clare Matthias, CFR
Gary Zimak
Dr. Mary Amore
William Hemsworth
Liz Montigny
Charbel Raish
Anne DeSantis
Bill Snyder
Kendra Von Esh
Ray Haywood
Allison Gingras
Paul Fahey
Caroine Godin
Donna A. Heckler
Brian Caley
Christina Semmens

Keep an Eye Out!

The Eucharistic Summit is a few months away, but the foundation will be posting updates on a regular basis. Be sure to sign up now so that you're on our mailing list for the event. Our speakers will be offering catechesis, stories, and sharings on their love of the Holy Eucharist and ways families who face adversities can draw closer to our Eucharistic Lord.

More information on each of our wonderful speakers will be updated often on our page designated for this event in the weeks and months to come. Simply go to our website to the Eucharistic Summit page.

Register Below:

Eucharistic Summit: Sewing Hope Into Broken Hearts

By: Anne DeSantis

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation is pleased to announce the completion of a nine-part audio pocast series. The series is called The Beatitudes, and the hosts are Mickey Kelly, Board President of SRNF joined by Anne DeSantis, Executive Director. 

During this series, Mickey and Anne discuss each of the eight beatitudes and add one extra podcast at the end for an expansion of the eighth beatitude. Families in crisis need prayer, support, and guidance in navigating challenging times. Mickey and Anne incorporate church teachings, the wisdom offered by the saints, and personal stories in discussing the beatitudes. The series is found on our Philly Nonnatus YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe by clicking HERE.

To listen to the series, click below:

The Beatitudes Podcast Series

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation CARES and is here for you and your family. Learn more about our ministry by clicking below. May God bless you.

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation

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​By: Anne DeSantis

Families in Crisis Retreat

On July 9, 2022, the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith partnered with the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia in Philadelphia for a one-day retreat. The foundation is grateful to the Fathers at the shrine for providing a beautiful day of reflection and prayer to those individuals and families facing adversities.

Recap of the Day

The day began with a greeting and lunch where retreatants had the opportunity to mingle with others over delicious food, and beverages. Next, the Fathers offered the group questions to ponder for the day on the ways the Lord is always speaking to us both in the good times and through challenges. 

A tour of the shrine by Father Jeremy Hiers, OSA, followed the introduction phase where he discussed the life of Saint Rita of Casia including her spirituality and her most beloved saints whom she interceded to.  There was time for Confesssions, prayer, and the day ended with both small and large group discussions at the retreat center which is right next door to the shrine.  There was an optional 5:00 p.m. Mass held at the shrine for retreatants who wished to stay for Mass.

Take Aways

Feedback from the day was very positive, and there are possible plans in the making to offer these retreats for families and individuals in crisis more often through SRNF and the shrine. New friendships were made, and there was a feeling of healing through warm dialogue and conversations that were had.

Do You Have a Crisis in Your Life?

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation is here for YOU and your family. We offer prayer, priestly consultations, programs and events, and podcasts and videos geared for families in crisis. We are a Catholic 501c3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Philadelphia. Be sure to reach out to us to schedule your free pastoral consultation with a Mercedarian friar. Learn more about us by going to Nonnatus.org. Stay in touch with us, and keep an eye out for our next program or event.

​By: Anne DeSantis
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​Losing a loved one can be one of the greatest challenges individuals and families experience in life. Whether it be a spouse, a parent, a friend, or child, the pain that comes with loss can be devastating. The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation offers pastoral accompaniment for families in crisis by offering the spiritual works of mercy. We have helped hundreds of people to find the needed healing related to the adversities life. One of those crises is finding the hope and care after losing a person very close. Below are three ways to find that healing which is needed after losing someone dear.

Reflecting on the Good Times of the Past

Recalling the good times in a relationship after a person has passed away is one way to find healing. Memories are gifts from God, and recalling those good times of the past and celebrating them in some way may bring peace. Whether it is a spouse or someone else close to you life, those memories are real, and they are God's way of reminding you that love will never die. Hold onto those positive memories.

Cling to Your Faith

As Catholics, are greatest gift is our faith and the celebration of the sacramental life. Turning to your faith for solace and consolation is the best way to find healing. It is also a prime way to know and love God which is the most important aspect of life. Spiritual reading, reflection, and staying close to the sacraments is a beautiful way to find hope and to experience the Lord's presence. Stay close to God during your darkest times, and trust in His Will for you life.

Prayer

Prayer is communication with God. It involves both listening and speaking. Spend time with Jesus in prayer. Don't be afraid to ask for prayer from trusted friends and close family members. Reach out to your pastor, and stay connected to your parish community. Make oureach to those who understand grieving. Perhaps seach for a support group for those who have lost a loved one or are experiencing loss. Through prayer and in God's time, you will be able to move on in faith after losing someone so dear to your heart.

Reach Out to SRNF

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith was formed by the Mercedarian Religious Order to bring God's love to those families who have experienced crisis. We are here for YOU and your family! Reach out to us to schedule a free pastoral consulation with a Mercedarian friar. During your session, you will find the listening ear and the guidance of the Catholic Church you are searching for.  Click below to make your appointment. We CARE and are here for your in your time of grief and crisis. 

Free Pastoral Consultation with a Mercedarian Friar

By: Anne DeSantis

Deacon Jack Hasson was a guest on our podcast through the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. He is a team member at the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. The CFGP is the fundraising arm of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia which helps a great many nonprofits to  be more visible to those residing in the Greater Philly area and for their missions to be more pronounced. SRNF is one of those nonprofits, and we are blessed to be working together with the Catholic Foundation through a new fund which helps us to reach more families in crisis.

Our Podcast

Recently, Deacon Jack joined the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for a short podcast to discuss the work of The CFGP, Deacon Jack's ministry as a permanent deacon, and also his work as a board member with SRNF. Our foundation is truly excited about this collaborative effort, as we believe it will help us to bring hope and healing to families who experience crisis and who need to know the Church DOES indeed care. To listen to the podcast with Deacon Jack, click below:

St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation Podcast with Deacon Jack Hasson of The CFGP

Our Fund with CFGP

Fundraising and grants are a very important aspect of staying afloat as a nonprofit organization. For a foundation to continue on its mission, help is needed to educate, to spread the word, and to partner with to make greater outreach. The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation has a mission to bring pastoral care and support to those families who have faced all kinds of adversities by providing the spiritual works of mercy. The listening ear, the care, and the guidance of the Catholic Church are what we provide. To learn more about our fund with The CFGP, click below. Most of all, keep our good work in your prayers.

The SRNF Fund with The CFGP

 


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By: Anne DeSantis

Fast and Pray on May 13th

The faithful are invited to pray and fast on Friday, May 13th amidst the leaked draft from the Supreme Court related to Roe v Wade. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are asking for Catholics to commit to praying a Rosary in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.
Join all of us at SRNF by fasting and praying for a respect for life from conception until natural death on Friday. Click below for the article with details from the USCCB:

Faithful Invited to Fast and Pray on May 13th

Mercedarians Meet With Pope Francis at the Vatican

The Mercedarian Order had their General Chapter meetings at the Vatican over the past couple week, and they had an opportunity to meet with our Holy Father.  The pope's message to the Mercedarians was to "listen to your mission" in regard to the charism of the Order to make outreach to those who are the captives of the current time or in some kind of slavery. We at SRNF are honored to be a Mercedarian ministry partaking in this mission as we make pastoral outreach to families in crisis. The YouTube link below is the Holy Father's message to the Order:

Pope Francis Message to the Mercedarian Order

St. Raymond Nonnatus Kits Available

The Mercedarian Order Development Office has St. Raymond Nonnatus Kits available. The kits are a perfect gift for an expectant mother you know. Details on how to obtain a kit  and have one sent to you or a loved one is on the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation website. We thank the Mercedarian Development Office for these beautiful kits, and we are blessed to make them available on the Nonnatus website.  All details regarding what is contained in each kit are at the link below:

St. Raymond Nonnatus Kit Page

We Are Here for YOU

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith is here for YOU and your family. We offer prayer, priestly consultations, podcasts, and programs. Be sure to check-out our website to learn more about our ministry. We offer pastoral accompaniment for families in crisis. We are a Mercedarian ministry guided by the charisms of the Mercedarian Order. We appreciate your prayers and support so that we can continue to reach a vast amount of families who appreciate our offerings of the spiritual works of mercy. To donate to our mission, click below. The link is a donation to us through the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia which is part of a new partnership which helps us reach more families in crisis. Thank you, and God bless you from SRNF.

Donate to SRNF through the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia

By: Anne DeSantis

​The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith is a Catholic non-profit 501c3 founded in 2015 by the Mercedarian friars. Our mission is pastoral accompaniment for families in crisis. We need your help to enable us to get the word out about our free services. Below are ways you can assist us in doing so.

Word of Mouth
It is a known fact in the world of marketing and in business that word of mouth is the best way to spread the word. Although we are not a business, non-profits can use the same concepts in order to make greater outreach. Please let your friends, family, and your contacts know about us. We serve families facing adversities by offering them the Spiritual Works of Mercy. We do this through prayer, priestly consultations, podcasts and videos, and through programs and events.

Social Media
Are you on Facebook, Instagam, Twitter, or LinkedIn? We are too! Be sure to follow us by clicking the links in this paragraph for each social media page. Friend, follow and "like" our pages and our posts. This is a big help for us to get the word about about who we are and what we do.

Email
If you have a business or personal email list that you can send and share our emails, please do so. Before doing that, please sign-up on our website by clicking HERE to receive our email mailings. Once you are on the mailing list, you can forward our emails to your friends and family. Thank you!

Google Reviews
We are on Google, and if you simply key in the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation, you can give us a review. It is very simple to do once you put our name into the search engine. Positive reviews on Google are helpful to us for people to see your favorable response to our ministry and our mission. Click HERE to give us a review.

Pray for Us!
Nothing is more powerful than prayer! Please pray for us to be able to reach more families in crisis. We could not do the work we are doing without your prayers and support. Please also consider supporting our mission by partnering with us financially with a one-time or recurring donation. All of your donation will go toward expanding our mission and helping families to receive the pastoral support they deserve. Click HERE to donate to our new partnership with the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia. The CFGP is enabling us to spread the word far and wide through their efforts in union with us.

To learn more about our mission and our work, go to our website. The Church CARES, and so does the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith. God bless.

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By: Anne DeSantis

​Families who are undergoing trauma and adversity face difficulties and uncertainty sometimes on a daily basis. As the Church celebrates Holy Week, here are some reflections for families who are experiencing crises and ways they can unite their sufferings with the Lord.


Prayerful Moments

When crisis brings uncertainty to family life, it may be difficult to find extra time to pray. However, prayer is the most important thing one can do in order to find peace and strength during hard times. Eucharistic Adoration, Daily Mass, and praying the Liturgy of the Hours are beautiful ways to pray and to unite suffering with Our Lord especially during Holy Week and beyond. If you find it hard to find time in your schedule to do these things, take quiet moments even if just for a few minutes or a portion of an hour to pray and just to be with Jesus. Those prayerful moments are beautiful expressions of love for God. In addition, during this most sacred time, try and pray a Rosary, get to church, or attend Mass during the week when you are able.

The Triduum

The Triduum is one of the most sacred and special times of the entire Liturical year. It includes Holy Thursday, Good, Friday, and Holy Saturday. Taking the time to attend one or any of these services during the Triduum at your parish will be a blessing for you and your family. Unite your own sufferings and that of your family especially as you experience those hardships. Trust God for your future, and trust in His love for your whole family at this time and always.

Easter and Beyond

Attend Easter Mass and live the celebration with joy. Christ has defeated death, and Christ is with you now and always. Lean on Him and His guidance in your life each day as you move forward through the challenging times you are experiencing right now. God loves you, and God will see you through.

The St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation

Learn about the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, and Faith by going to our website at Nonnatus.org. We are a Catholic, non-profit 501c3 which helps and offers pastoral accompaniment to families in crisis. The Church CARES and so does the St. Raymond Nonnatus Foundation. We are here for you and your family.

​God bless you, and have a Blessed Easter season.