HONORING FATHER WILLY RAYMOND, C.S.C., FOR HIS DEDICATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams.” Alfred Lord Tennyson
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Welcome On behalf of our Board of Directors, President’s Leadership Council, and the entire team at Holy Cross Family Ministries, welcome to the Golden Jubilee Celebration honoring Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Father Willy has touched the lives of so many through his gracious friendship, empathy, humor, and faith. We are blessed and inspired by this extraordinary man, priest, leader, and friend. Thank you for joining us for this special occasion which serves as an opportunity to celebrate his priesthood and bring awareness to the transformative work of Holy Cross Family Ministries, which he boldly leads as president. We are humbled by the generous support for Holy Cross Family Ministries in Father Willy’s honor, as demonstrated by the benefactors we recognize and thank in this booklet. This is a historic opportunity for our beloved President and our ministry. We are delighted that you have chosen to engage with our mission and celebrate Father Willy’s impact with us.
Holy Cross Family Ministries Board Members
Reverend William Lies, C.S.C. Reverend William Beauchamp, C.S.C. Reverend James Gallagher, C.S.C. Reverend Fred Jenga, C.S.C. Reverend Gaspar Selvaraj, C.S.C. Mr. Patrick Adams Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky Mr. Clarence Gilyard Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann Mr. Robert Huston Mr. Andrew Lichtenwalner Mrs. Kathie Lund Reverend Kenneth Molinaro, C.S.C. Mrs. Anne Nelson Mr. Gregory Popcak Sister Theresa Rickard, O.P. Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, D.D. Mr. David Socha Ms. Dana Squires Mr. Joseph White Ms. Carolyn Woo Mr. Christopher Chappell Mr. Mark Durishan
Ms. Jeanne Finlayson Mr. Jaime Infante Mr. Richard Morris Sister Ruth Marie Nickerson, C.S.C. Mr. Philip Phillips Mr. Joseph Spiak
President’s Leadership Council John and Pam Casey Ms. Rosie Castro Cathy and Steve Crear Mr. Dave Farrell Rev. John Ford, C.S.C. Andrea and Adam Jablonski Mrs. Mary Jo Kriz Patrick and Maureen O’Toole Timothy and Maria McCaslin Thomas and Jeanette McNamara Mr. Seamus Mulligan Mrs. Terry Seidler Mr. Harold Ziegler, Jr.
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Reflection from Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Dear friends, Welcome and thank you for celebrating with me. Looking back, I first came to know Holy Cross through a devout grandmother who taught CCD and was a neighborhood organizer for Le Petit Frère André Prayer Guild. When I felt that I was old enough and knew enough about the world and religious life, it became clear that this was the best thing I could do with my life: serve people and serve God. The Holy Cross community inspired me to seek admission to the Congregation in September 1964. Immersed in learning and embracing life in the Holy Cross tradition while preparing for the priesthood through studies and graduation from Stonehill College in 1967, one year at Holy Cross College in Washington, and three years at Notre Dame, I was ordained on April 3, 1971, at Holy Cross Church in Easton, MA. In Holy Cross, we speak about our mission to make God known, loved, and served. There is no better model of that than our beloved patroness, Our Lady of Sorrows. Father Peyton often referred to himself as Mary’s donkey, taking her wherever she wanted to go. In the same spirit, I submit to her direction and seek to bring her comfort and presence to all, especially through the Rosary. Today, Mary’s donkey leads me, our team, and all who support us to spread the power and promise of family prayer delivered through our 26 Ministry Centers in 17 countries. The great blessing of my life has been The Congregation of Holy Cross, its extraordinary charisms of hospitality, trust in Divine Providence, unity, hope, and zeal. Many of the holiest, most faithful, and life-giving people I know have been or are members of Holy Cross. We are far from perfect, but we are “men with hope to bring.” One bit of wisdom imprinted itself upon my mind and heart during initial formation. Our rector at Moreau Seminary, Father Louis Putz, C.S.C, shared his contagious joy and love for ministry frequently with us in word and deed. He said, “Remember, you may be the only version of the Gospel some people will ever hear, see, and experience.” Thank you, Father Putz, and thank you, Family of Holy Cross! Yours in Jesus through Mary,
Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. President Holy Cross Family Ministries
Honoree Spotlight Father Wilfred, “Willy”, Raymond, C.S.C., is the President of Holy Cross Family Ministries. Holy Cross Family Ministries continues the legacy of Venerable Patrick Peyton, the “Rosary Priest” and Catholic media pioneer. Father Peyton spent all 51 years of his priesthood (1941-1992) serving the spiritual needs of families, particularly encouraging them to pray together daily, especially the Rosary. Today, Father Willy leads and oversees all ministries of this international organization, focused on promoting prayer life and family prayer. With 26 Ministry Centers in 17 countries, the organization helps families pray in the manner reflected in the founder’s famous credo, “The family that prays together stays together.” Father Willy was born in Old Town, Maine to Joseph and Lydia Raymond and is one of 12 children. In 1964, at the age of twenty, he entered the Congregation of Holy Cross. After receiving a Bachelor of the Arts in Philosophy from Stonehill College and earning a Master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame, he made his solemn vows in 1970 and was ordained a priest in 1971. In 2014, Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., answered a call to move from Family Theater Productions on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood to lead the late Father Peyton’s international family of ministries central offices in North Easton, Massachusetts. Building on Father Peyton’s rich legacy, Holy Cross Family Ministries uses mass media, social media, and live events to accomplish its mission across five continents. Father Willy is committed to helping build ‘God’s Masterpiece: The Family,’ one home at a time. He believes that Pope Francis’ boldness in calling the family “God’s Masterpiece” he can hear strong echoes of Venerable Patrick Peyton’s own belief about the family: “The family is our most prized possession.” Prior to his current role as President, Father Willy was the National Director of Family Theater Productions for fourteen years. Since 2000, Father Willy led a dynamic staff that produced dramas and documentaries for broadcast on television, film and the internet; produced Spanish-language radio dramas, documentaries and public-service announcements; released 500-plus digitally re-mastered classic radio dramas from the golden age of Hollywood; managed a nationwide public-service outdoor advertising campaign with
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spiritual messages; and created and managed “Hollywood Prays,” a series of outreach efforts to young Catholics and others in Hollywood that included a monthly ‘Prayer and Pasta,’ RCIA, Going Deeper and Theology of the Body. Prior to joining Family Theater Productions, Father Willy served in the leadership of the Eastern Province of Holy Cross as Vice Provincial and later Provincial of the Eastern Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross. He supervised the lives and ministries of 120 priests and brothers, visiting each one and their ministries every year. Father Willy was also Assistant Dean of Students and later Director of Campus Ministry at Stonehill College in Easton, MA., a Holy Cross College. In addition, he served on the Board of Trustees at King’s College and Stonehill College, and on the Board of Directors of Holy Cross Family Ministries. Father Willy received the Genesis Award for outstanding service on the Board of Trustees of Stonehill College in 2000. He also was presented with the Magis Award from the Loyola Marymount University/Religious Education Congress in Anaheim for outstanding service to the film community in Hollywood and Los Angeles. In addition to his service and leadership at Holy Cross Family Ministries, Father Willy has over 30 years of volunteerism, as well as civil rights and social action experience. He has worked with various community leaders and organizations including the Brockton Interfaith Community in Massachusetts, and Catholic Detention Ministry in California, where he and other community leaders provided religious services for teens in detention centers in Malibu and downtown LA.
Mission Statement
Holy Cross Family Ministries is: A family of Catholic ministries that inspires, promotes, and fosters the prayer life and spiritual well-being of families throughout the world.
Vision
Holy Cross Family Ministries strives to be a respected and reliable catalyst for inspiration, support, and dynamic content on family life through a focus on spirituality and prayer, especially the Rosary.
History and Founder
Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., began Holy Cross Family Ministries in Albany, New York, in 1942, with the goal of building family unity through daily Rosary prayer. Venerable Patrick Peyton led millions in prayer at 40 Family Rosary Rallies that drew 28 million people, including 2 million each, at events in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Manila, Philippines. Father Peyton spent the 51 years of his priesthood serving the spiritual needs of families. In 1947, he founded Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, California. Family Theater Productions initially produced 900 radio and TV programs that featured hundreds of star actors and celebrities with more than 10,000 broadcasts.
Our Mission at Work Today
Almost 80 years later, the essence of Venerable Patrick Peyton’s ministry is relevant and vibrant to families today. As Father Peyton did for so many years, Holy Cross Family Ministries continues his vision of “The Family That Prays Together Stays Together.” Today, Holy Cross Family Ministries is actively engaging and serving families through 26 Ministry Centers in 17 countries through our robust family of ministries:
Family Rosary Inspiring and promoting family prayer through retreats, days of reflection, and digital resources. Family Theater Productions Creating family, faith-based programs to entertain, inspire and educate the family. Catholic Mom Providing impactful articles, books, podcasts, activities, and reflections daily for Catholic parents. Museum of Family Prayer A contemporary, interactive experience that engages people in the history and power of prayer.
Father Peyton Prayer Guild A worldwide community of prayer that promotes Venerable Patrick Peyton’s Cause for Sainthood by praying for his beatification/canonization and sharing his life story. The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life A think tank to develop effective models of family prayer and spirituality for church leaders and families. Father Peyton Family Institutes Providing transformative social services and support for families in India and Peru.
Thank you Your generosity provides families inspiring prayer experiences, guidance, and resources to grow closer to God. Together we unleash the power and promise of family prayer through 26 Ministry Centers in 17 countries, tours and programs at the Museum of Family Prayer, global Rosary distribution, daily Rosary and Mass broadcasted to the world, faith-based media from Family Theater Productions in Hollywood, and much more! You are a treasured friend and supporter of Holy Cross Family Ministries, who has helped us change lives in small and big ways through sharing the power of prayer and engaging families in the faith. On behalf of our entire team and the families we serve, thank you.
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We recognize and thank the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations on the following pages who have made tribute gifts in honor of Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., to support the vital work of Holy Cross Family Ministries.
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Seldom, there comes someone very special like you who not only serves the Church and its people faithfully but also makes his own life a living testimony of Christ’s love. Your dedicated service over the past 50 years has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and strength for the people of God and especially for our family. May God’s blessings, goodness, and kindness be with you on this special day and all the days of your life.
Adams Family Foundation
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Father Willy, Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee. We wish you continued success in leading Holy Cross Family Ministries and advancing Father Peyton’s Cause for Sainthood.
Patrick and Maureen O’Toole and Family
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
David & Ann Hawk
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stonehill college congratulates
Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. ’67
on the occasion of his golden jubilee As it was during his time at Stonehill, his dedication to the dignity of all has helped create a more just society and been an inspiration to everyone who has known him over the past 50 years.
Congratulations
Father Wilfred “Willy” Raymond, C.S.C.
th
on your
50 Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood
May the Lord bless you as you celebrate a lifetime of commitment, love and dedication to Christ and his Church. Archbishop José H. Gomez, the Auxiliary Bishops, the clergy, religious and laity of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles
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Thank you Father Willy for the Rosary donations! Your prayerful support has been invaluable.
Your spiritual presence and friendship has been a blessing to our family. May God continue to bless you and your ministry.
The Jablonski Family
David & Ann Hawk
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. CFS is proud to support Holy Cross Family Ministries and its mission to promote spirituality and family prayer throughout the world. Best wishes on your 50th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood!
312 E. Main St | Norton, MA 02766 800.466.9880 | cfsinc.com
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Charles and Susan Reynolds
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
The Pizzuti Family
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Mary and Jay Flaherty
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. It is a pleasure and blessing to honor Father Willy on the 50th anniversary of his priesthood and his selfless support for Holy Cross Family Ministries.
Santos and Edelisa Uy Santos A. Uy, Jr., M.D., Inc. F.A.C.P., F.A.C.C., F.A.H.A Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine Subspeciality of Cardiovascular Disease Clinical Cardiology – Internal Medicine Specialist in Hypertension Clinical Assistant Professor Mid Western University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Glendale, AZ By Appointment Tel: (213) 484-1005 | Fax: (323) 522-3618
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Tom and Donna May
Bishop Robert Reed and The CatholicTV offering prayers of thanksgiving as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. We are honored to partner with Holy Cross Family Ministries bringing families to prayer in the missionary spirit F Patrick Peyton. of Fr.
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary of your ordination to the holy priesthood. We have so many wonderful memories of your 14 years at Saint Monica Parish with us. We look forward to your leadership of HCFM for many years to come.
Denise and Dan Schwala
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. God bless you for continuing Venerable Patrick Peyton’s ministry for families, especially the inspiring work of Family Theater Productions.
Felicia Bradley
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Dear Father Willy, Congratulations on your 50th Anniversary of Priesthood. God bless you and Holy Cross Family Ministries. Through Mary! To Jesus. To serve and not be served.
Margaret Usumanu, Rosaline Menga and the Catholic Women’s Association of Cameroon
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Thank you for your work for Mary, our Mother. We will always be supporting you and Father Peyton’s Cause.
Marylyn and Delbert Spomer
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Wayne & Helen Piggford
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Thank you for sharing 50 years of priestly ministry around the world through your warm and welcoming spirit, smile, laughter, and faith-filled commitment to the “power and promise of family prayer.”
Tom and Nancy Brodnicki
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. You have blessed our family with friends And laughter and fun, With rain that’s as soft As the light from the sun, You’ve blessed us with stars To brighten each night, You’ve given us help To know wrong from right, You’ve given us so much Please Lord give me too, A heart that is always Grateful to you. An Irish Prayer
With warmest congratulations and gratitude, The Quigley Family
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. With Gratitude and Love to Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C., for his Faithful Service to God in His Holy Catholic Church.
From the Family of Father Richard J Novak C.S.C. †, Michael Novak † And the living descendents: Benjamin Novak, Mary Ann Novak, Richard Novak, Tanya Holton & Jana Novak
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee! Looking forward to the next 50 years!
I love his welcome smile and great homilies.
Tom and Jeanette McNamara
Mr. Dana Boardman & Family
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Love Always, Valerie and Dean Boudreau
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Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Father Willy, your smile, your joy, your love of the Lord and devotion to the Blessed Mother are contagious. Thank you for all you do.
Ronald and Mary Jo Kriz
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Thank you for spreading the message of Father Patrick Peyton, “The family that prays together stays together.” The Rosary has given me such peace and strength in my life. It has given me all the graces and virtues I have been so desperately in need of. My mother has always wanted our family to be united. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. I have hope that one day, by saying the Rosary daily, her dream of seeing us together again in her lifetime will come true. Holy Cross Family Ministries has helped me to carry out my mission of handing out Rosaries along with the Divine Mercy and showing others how to pray it. Something I did not how I was going to be able to do. Thankfully your Rosaries came with instructions! Thank you and may God Bless You!
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Best Wishes on your Golden Jubilee.
Stephen Fiacco
Julio Rodriguez
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. In deep appreciation for your selfless ministry. Blessings and prayers to you dear Father Willy.
Carol Andrejasich
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
From the family of Edward James Hayes
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.
We celebrate your birth, your ordination, and how you have humbly touched so many of our lives of exhorting us to follow you in your worship of Christ on the cross.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood, we pray that Jesus the High Priest will continue to renew, increase, and strengthen in you the graces received at ordination as you carry out His sacred ministry in the Holy Catholic Church.
Thomas & Patty Loarie
Cathy and Steve Crear
Congratulations Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. Rosary Group of Santa Monica praying for the beatification of Father Peyton.
Rosary Group of Santa Monica
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Father Willy, Congratulations on your Golden Jubilee! Blessings for continued success in leading Holy Cross Family Ministries and the advancement of the sainthood of Father Peyton. Cheers to 50 more years!
Congratulations on reaching this wonderful milestone! Wishing you all of God’s choicest blessings for much success and good health as you continue your mission of help and love for which we have been recipients. With gratitude, love, and prayer.
Brian and Theresa Ricciardi
Vic and Laurice Caliri
518 Washington Street North Easton, Massachusetts 02356
HCFM.org