Sunday, October 11, 2026

Diocesan Notebook – February 13

Masses and Prayer Services

A Mass in American Sign Language without voice interpretation will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15, at 4 p.m. at St. Joseph Church, Mechanicsburg. No voice interpretation will occur. The celebrant and homilist will be Father Mike Depcik, OSFS, Chaplain for the Deaf Ministry for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Father Depcik will be available for the Sacrament of Confession in ASL-only. Following Mass, there will be a time of fellowship and dinner. Participants are encouraged to confirm their attendance by emailing Dawn Rose at love2kids3@gmail.com.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hanover will have a Lenten Parish Mission, February 18-20, featuring Father Dwight Schlaline, pastor, and guest musician Nicholas Higgins. The theme is “Restore True Charity from the Heart of Jesus.” The mission begins February 18, Ash Wednesday, with Mass at 7 p.m. and Stations of the Cross at 8:30 p.m. On February 19, Adoration with praise and worship takes place at 7 p.m. On February 20, Mass begins at 7 p.m., followed by extended Adoration with a procession at 7:45 p.m. Confessions will be heard each day from 6-7 p.m.

The Italian Mass for the Feast of St. Joseph will be celebrated on Sunday, March 22, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey. Father Joshua Brommer and Father Matthew Morelli will concelebrate. Through the generosity of the Collura and Manzella families, a traditional St. Joseph Altar will be created in the social hall where the Italian Apostolate Ministry Committee will provide a dinner and reception after Mass. For more information, contact Maria DiSanto at 717-554-5698 or disanto1@comast.net, or Mariella Amato at 717-278-9420.

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Hanover, will host a Lenten Parish Mission from Ash Wednesday, February 18, through Friday, February 20. The mission begins on Ash Wednesday with Mass at 7 p.m., followed by Stations of the Cross at 8:30 p.m. On Thursday, the parish will offer Adoration with praise and worship at 7 p.m., and on Friday, Mass at 7 p.m. will be followed by extended Adoration with a Eucharistic Procession at 7:45 p.m. Confessions will be available each day from 6 – 7 p.m. Nicholas Higgins, a Catholic musician, author, and missionary, will be the guest musician. All are invited to this opportunity for prayer, reflection and renewal at the beginning of the Lenten season. For more information, visit www.sacredheartbasilica.com.

Retreats & Pilgrimages

A Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for healing from an abortion will take place February 20-22 and April 17-19 in Washington, N.J. If you were pressured into an abortion, unable to prevent a family member from having one, or part of the abortion decision, this retreat will help you move beyond guilt, shame or anger. The weekend retreats are designed to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental group environment. To register, or for more information, contact Leah at leahsoulfilledbygrace@gmail.com or text or call 609-709-3479 or Ana at anasoulfilledbygrace@gmail.com or text or call 908-319-2950. More information about the ministry is available at www.rachelsvineyard.org.

The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Emmitsburg, Md., will have a Day of Retreat with Father Dwight Schlaline, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Conewago. The Lenten retreat, “Pondering with Mother Mary,” will take place Saturday, February 28. Cost is $35, or $50 including lunch. Father Schlaline asks, “Has someone ever said: You think too much. Why don’t you just let it go? Have you ever tried to stop ruminating about something but just couldn’t do it? It’s possible to be free from overthinking.” Visit www.nsgrotto.org/events for more information. For more information, contact Lisa Rush at 301-447-5521 or l.m.rush@msmary.edu.

Join Father Leo Goodman and St. Margaret Mary Parish, Harrisburg, on a pilgrimage to the sites and shrines of France, October 5-14, 2026. The pilgrimage includes Annecy, Ars, Paray-le-Monial and the Visitation Convent, Nevers, Chartres, Lisieux, Normandy’s beaches, Lourdes and Paris, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Shrine of the Miraculous Medal. See the full itinerary and cost at https://files.constantcontact.com/a08275f3801/9fe01363-bc7c-4c2c-add9-9776a7377cdc.pdf. For more information, contact Deacon Francis “Hank” Skorija at 717-775-4669 or dfskorija@hbgdiocese.org.

A Beginning Experience Weekend for those suffering the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation will take place May 1-3 at Camp Kirchenwald, Lebanon. The ecumenical Beginning Experience weekends are an approved program of the Catholic Church. Hundreds of persons have been helped to move towards successful, productive, happy lives by attending one of these weekends. The weekend is led by persons who have lost a spouse through death or divorce and are trained in facilitating a weekend. Each Beginning Experience Team is certified by the International Beginning Experience Organization. For information, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/clev/laity-and-family/navigating-difficulties/ or www.beginningexperience.org. Information can also be obtained by contacting Harrisburg Beginning Experience team member Julie at 717-379-0800.

Join Father Augustine Joseph, pastor of St. Peter Parish, Columbia, on a pilgrimage to France, September 28-October 8, 2026. Sites include Ars, Chartres, Lisieux, Nevers, Paris, Lourdes and Mont Saint-Michel. Cost is $4,899 (plus estimated $649 in airline taxes and surcharges) from Philadelphia. Early registration price per person if deposit is paid by June 20. Travel arrangements by Pentecost Tours, Inc. Visit www.pentecosttours.com or email travel@penetecosttours.com, referencing tour number 60928 for the full itinerary and more information.

St. Joseph Parish, Hanover, is hosting a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington D.C., for the Dominican Rosary Pilgrimage on September 26, 2026. The pilgrimage focus will be the Rosary, Adoration and Mass. The Pilgrimage Prayer will be available in January 2026, beginning a novena on the last Saturday of each month. During the pilgrimage, activities include the Sacrament of Reconciliation by Dominican priests, book signings, lunch will be available for purchase in the church cafeteria, and the gift shop will be open. The bus departs from St. Joseph Parish in Hanover at 7 a.m. Cost is $25 per seat; please call St. Joseph Parish at 717-637-5236 to sign up, reserving your transportation to the pilgrimage.

Join Father Benny Jose, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Bonneauville, on a pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with “Discovery Barcelona,” September 20-29, 2026. There will be 10 days, 14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 dinners. Highlights of the trip include Fatima, Aljustrel, Valinhos, Cathedral of Burgos, Lourdes, Grotto of Massabielle, Barcelona and Barcelona Cathedral. For more information, contact Susan Miller at 717-334-2510 or stjosephget@comcast.net or visit https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1370328.

Education & Enrichment

Morning Star Pregnancy Services is holding an informational meeting for women interested in participating in the Surrendering the Secret Bible Study. The meeting will take place March 7. Surrendering the Secret offers hope and support after abortion through meaningful group experiences, journaling exercises, and a confidential, caring community. Call 717-403-6330 or email STS@morningstarclinics.com to register and to request information and private meeting details, including time and location. Registration deadline is March 2. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

Save the date to join the Harrisburg Diocese Council of Catholic Women at their annual convention as they “Celebrate 100 Years: Faithful Past, Hopeful Future.” The HDCCW 100th Convention is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg. The keynote speaker is Kelly Wahlquist, a Catholic speaker, author and founder of WINE: Women In the New Evangelization. Celebrate a century of faithful service and step with us into a hopeful future guided by Christ, including The Gospel of Magic with special guest Father Leo Goodman. We hope you will all be able to join us for a day of centennial celebration liturgy, dynamic workshops rooted in faith, fellowship, prayer and special anniversary moments. Visit: HDCCW CONVENTION for information and a registration form.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Mount Carmel, has joined the global Catholic Grandparents Association. The group’s first meeting is Friday, February 20, at 2 p.m. in the school building. The goal of this worldwide association is to help connect grandparents both nationally and internationally in helping, supporting and valuing each other in this great task of passing on the faith to their grandchildren. The heart of the CGA is the firm belief that it is part of the grandparents’ duties to pass on the faith to their grandchildren and keep prayer at the heart of their family. All are welcome to attend.

Regina Caeli Academy of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Regina Caeli Academy (RCA) is a homeschool hybrid program rooted in the Classical Tradition. Our motto is simple – we partner with parents in “training the mind to form the soul.” The Catholic faith is the foundation of our program. Our staff and students live the Catholic faith daily, modeling virtue, prayer and service in all we do. Students attend the Harrisburg Regina Caeli Academy Center on Mondays and Thursdays. Parents are given detailed lesson plans to follow on homeschool days. If you would like more information about our center or want to schedule a tour, please contact us at 717-614-8970 or msanders.hpa@rcahybrid.org. You can also visit the Regina Caeli Website at https://www.rcahybrid.org/.

Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue is scheduled for March 25 and May 27. This group meets from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Diocesan Center, Harrisburg. If you or someone from your parish would like to be part of this dialogue, invite others to already-existing dialogues, initiate and facilitate dialogue with other Christian groups or seek support or guidance from the Office for Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs, contact Father James Lease at frjlease@hbgdiocese.org.

Life-Giving Wounds online support group registration is now available. If you or someone you know is an adult child of divorce or separation, this seven-week online support group offers powerful opportunities for healing. Participants will explore the impact of family wounds through a Catholic lens and find Christ-centered support in community with others who understand. Sessions are Thursdays, February 26–April 16 from 8:15-10 p.m. Early-bird registration ends February 12. Learn more and register at: lifegivingwounds.org/online-support-group.

“Made for More: Visions of the Promised Land” with Christopher West and Mike Mangione will take place at St. Leo the Great Church, Rohrerstown, on April 23 from 7-9:30 p.m. The event blends music, art and presentations that tap into the deepest desires of the human heart and offer a vision of the Gospel through the lens of St. John Paul II’s teaching on the Theology of the Body. For tickets, visit www.aftontickets.com/m4mlancaster. For more information, contact Tina Johnson at St. Leo’s at 717-394-1742 or tjohnson@stleos.org.

The Conewago District Council of Catholic Women will have a Lenten Day of Reflection, Saturday, March 7, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Hanover. Franciscan Sisters Eileen Quinn and Mary Therese While will be the presenters on the theme, “Living the Peace Prayer of St. Francis: A Lenten Response to God’s Deep Love for Us.” The Day of Reflection will take place in Gotwalt Hall. A free-will offering will be collected. For information, contact Sandy Clark at smclark@pa.net.

A study on “Moments with Mary” module 1, “Who is Mary?” authored by Johnnette Benkovic Williams, founder of the Women of Grace apostolate, will take place at St. Joan of Arc Parish, Hershey. Study begins April 18 from 10 a.m.-noon and continues April 25 and May 9, 16 and 23. Includes weekly videos in class and individual daily videos with Johnnette. Cost of book is $25. All Catholic women are invited to attend. For information and to sign up, contact Chris Arnold, Regional Coordinator, at 717-379-6041 or carnold@womenofgrace.com.

A Spanish-language Morning of Grace for all Hispanic women of the Diocese will take place on Saturday, March 14, from 8 a.m.-noon. The theme is “The Women at the Foot of the Cross.” This is a free event that includes Mass, presentations, the Rosary, Adoration, refreshments and fellowship. Contact Chris Arnold, Regional Coordinator, at 717-379-6041 or carnold@womenofgrace.com.

Events & Fundraisers

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg will host the annual “Soup, Salad and Sermon” Lenten lunch, Wednesday, March 18, at noon in the Diocesan Center Dining Room. Join the Board and staff from Catholic Charities as we learn about a ministry provided through our agency. A simple lunch of soup and salad is complimentary, although a freewill offering will be taken to benefit the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families. Please RSVP by March 11 at https://bit.ly/45yq5h5 or email tbenkovic@cchbg.org.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians of Cumberland County will have its annual St. Patrick’s celebration on Saturday, March 14, at the West Shore Elks Club in Mechanicsburg. Proceeds benefit the Trinity High School Scholarship Fund. The party features a full Irish dinner buffet and dessert. Social hour with live music begins at 5 p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m. The event will feature live entertainment throughout the evening by The McGinley Irish Dancers and music by Celtic Wood & Wires. There is also a silent auction with a variety of interesting items and a cash bar throughout the event. Tickets are $40 per person and must be committed to purchase by March 6. For tickets or information, contact PJ Lyons at 717-761-4140 or pjlyons754@yahoo.com.

York Catholic students will present their spring musical performances of the classic, My Fair Lady, on Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. On the surface, My Fair Lady is a story of an impoverished young woman rising above her surroundings to become an elegant lady. All this due to the tutelage and guidance of a stoic academic, who sees her not as a beautiful woman, but more of a project, an experiment, in fact, a bet with a fellow academic. And within those limited confines it is a simple story of triumph over life’s circumstances. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for students ages 5-18. All seats are General Admission. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Ephrata has rescheduled its Open House, postponed from January, to Sunday, March 22, from 10 a.m.-noon. The Open House gives families interested in OMPH School an opportunity to visit the classrooms, meet the teachers and learn about financial aid and enrollment. OMPH School offers full-day preschool (ages 3 and 4), full-day kindergarten and grades first through eighth. Children of all faiths are welcome, and interested families are encouraged to call the school at 717-738-2414 to schedule a tour if they are unable to visit on March 22. Financial aid is available to qualifying families, along with tuition transfer grants and legacy scholarships.

“Bingo for Babies” fundraiser for the Carlisle Area Family Life Center, Carlisle’s only crisis pregnancy and family resource center, will be hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 4057 on Friday, March 6, in the Parish Activity Center at St. Patrick Parish, Carlisle. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., a light dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include dinner. They can be purchased at the center, which is located at 200 North Hanover Street, by calling 717-243-1918 or online at www.carlisleareafamilylifecenter.org. Prizes include a fabulous array of gift cards, tickets and certificates from local and area businesses and attractions. There will also be two black-out games with cash prizes up to $500.

Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Middletown, is selling chocolate candy eggs through Easter (or as long as supplies last). Eggs are available in peanut butter, coconut or butter cream coated in either milk chocolate or dark chocolate. Each 2.4-ounce hand-dipped egg sells for $2. The EGG Store opens Monday, February 19. Hours of operation are Monday from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Eggs will not be sold at the parish or school office. The store is located at 280 N. Race Street; park in the church lot and look for the store sign. Visit https://www.ssbvm.org/eggs-2024 for details and contact information.

The Men’s Club and Knights of Columbus of Immaculate Conception BVM Parish, Fairfield, will host an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner in the parish hall on Sunday, February 15, from 3-6 p.m. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread stick, drinks and dessert. Carry-outs are available. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and under 6 are free. All are welcome; no reservations are needed. For additional information, call 717-642-8815.

Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg, will have its annual Blue and Gold Gala, “Mystery of the Masquerade: A Celebration of Education,” on March 14 at the school. Cost is $150 per person. Visit https://www.bishopmcdevitt.org/mcd/Development/Events%20and%20Fundraisers/Bishop%20McDevitt%20Blue%20and%20Gold%20Gala/ for information and to purchase tickets.

The Knights of Columbus and the Christopher Club, Mount Carmel, will have their annual Ash Wednesday fried fish dinner, February 18, from 4 p.m. until sold out. Cost is $12. Eat-in or take-out.

St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, Harrisburg, will host a homemade halupki dinner on Sunday, February 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hosted by the St. Ann Knights of Columbus, the $15 dinner includes halupki (cabbage rolls), baked potato, green beans and a beverage. Eat-in or take-out is available. Frozen halupki, pirohi and kielbasi will also be for sale to benefit youth programs. Cash, personal checks and credit/debit cards accepted. Snow date is March 1. Visit www.stannbyz.org for information.

The Columbiettes of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, will be hosting Valentine Bingo on Sunday, February 15, in Waldron Hall from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon, and food will be available for purchase. Tickets are $25 each. For more information about pre-sales, please call Jean at 717-433-1588.

The St. James Men’s Club, Lititz, will have a special Bingo, Sunday, February 1 at St. James Parish. Doors open at noon and games begin at 1:30. $1,000 guaranteed jackpot. Admission is $20. For more information or to reserve a table, call 717-333-5620 or email gergs8484@ptd.net.

Knights in Action will host a cash bingo to benefit the Diocesan Camp at Kirchenwald for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event will take place on February 22 at the Columbus Association on the New Danville Pike in Lancaster. Doors open at 12:30 and bingo begins at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 online, $30 at the door. There will be 20 games with six cards per game; additional cards available for purchase. There will also be raffles, special games and a $1,000 guaranteed jackpot. For information, contact Brian Smith at btspgkfdd@gmail.com or 717-669-3913. Purchase tickets at www.knightsinaction.org. gkfdd@gmail.com 717-669-3913

Job Openings

The Executive Office for the Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant. Individual should be a confident self-starter with superior administrative and secretarial skills and able to take direction and follow through on duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision. Preferred candidates will be able to demonstrate experience and/or knowledge of human resource topics such as I-9s, visas, payroll and benefits, as you will be the primary point of contact for Diocesan clergy and religious-order clergy moving in and out of the Diocese. Proficiency in using all MS Office programs is essential. Must exhibit the utmost professionalism in manner and appearance at all times and be able to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters. Candidates must possess high levels of verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills. Must have an eye for detail and an ability to work with financial figures. Must be able to use some independent initiative and judgment. This position provides administrative support to the Vicar General and Secretary for Clergy & Consecrated Life. Knowledge of Diocesan and parish structure is helpful. Must be a Catholic in good standing. Position offers a competitive salary and benefits. Full job description available at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. Please send resumé and cover letter to employment@hbgdiocese.org before February 6.

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Gettysburg, is seeking a Parish Manager to assist the Pastor in the overall administrative operations of the parish. This position supports the effective management of parish personnel, finances, buildings and grounds, parish organizations and committees, and scheduling. The Parish Manager works closely with the Pastor to ensure that the parish’s resources are managed ethically and efficiently in support of its mission and ministries. Qualified candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of experience in business administration and personnel supervision. Experience with parish operations is preferred, and strong organizational and communication skills are essential. Knowledge of Church teaching and an understanding of the mission and life of a Roman Catholic parish are required. Experience with capital campaigns and building projects is desirable, as is familiarity with school administration. While St. Francis Xavier is a bilingual parish, conversational Spanish is not required. To apply, please submit your résumé or direct questions to Father Timothy Marcoe, pastor, at frtmarcoe@hbgdiocese.org.

St. Francis Xavier Parish, Gettysburg, seeks a part-time music coordinator for the parish’s music ministry. The Director of Music Ministry position requires planning, coordinating and executing the music program as it relates to the celebration of parish liturgies. Additionally, the position coordinates cantors and directs the adult choir, as well as serves as liaison for the children’s choir director and for the coordinator of music for Spanish liturgies. Interested parties should submit a basic resumé and letter of interest to Father Timothy Marcoe, pastor, at frtmarcoe@hbgdiocese.org. Questions can also be directed to Father Marcoe via email or 717-334-3919, ext. 8. A full ministry description is available upon request.

Catholic Charities is hiring a Program Manager for Lourdeshouse Maternity Residential Program. The manager will be responsible for coordinating and implementing all aspects of residential care and services required to meet the needs of residents. The Program Manager ensures staff members comply with agency standards; schedules and coordinates staff and volunteers to ensure ongoing supervision and quality care of residents; develops and operates within a yearly budget; supervises the day-to-day cleanliness, safety guidelines and general conditions of the grounds and agency vehicles; and reviews and signs off on all Individual Service Plans and Aftercare Plans. Bachelor’s degree in related Human Service field from an accredited college or university or five years’ of experience working in a residential setting with combined supervisory and case management experience required. If interested, please email your resumé to Sean Miriello at smiriello@cchbg.org.

St. Benedict the Abbot Parish, Lebanon, is seeking a part-time maintenance coordinator, weekdays and on-call, 25 hours biweekly. Previous experience in maintenance or related field helpful. Must be dependable and have a reliable work ethic, and have knowledge of building systems, strong attention to detail and the ability to take initiative, and be motivated to make a difference. Apply via email to stbenedicttheabbot@hbgdiocese.org or in-person at the parish at 1300 Lehman St., Lebanon, PA 17016.

Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Danville, are looking to fill the following positions: two dietary aides, part-time, 8-hour shifts/6 a.m.- 2 p.m. and 11 a.m.-7 p.m., weekends and holidays; two dietary aides, part-time, 3-7 p.m., weekends and holidays; one full-time cook with floating shifts on weekends and holidays; and two full-time dietary aides/servers. For additional information or to apply for one of these positions, please contact Alyssa Nickelson anickelson@mariajosephccc.org or Rhiannon Bronson rhiannon.bronson@oneforefront.com.

Morning Star Pregnancy Services is seeking a full-time Director of Education, a part-time Educational Programs Instructor and a part-time Medical Sonographer. The Director of Education position is a leadership role for a committed, energetic professional who believes deeply in pro-life values, sexual integrity, traditional marriage, and lifelong family formation—and who is excited to both teach in the classroom and lead a growing clinic education program. The Educational Programs Instructor supports the Director of Education in teaching middle and high school students essential life skills related to relationships and risk behaviors. The curriculum empowers students to avoid sexual risk. The Medical Sonographer position is two Mondays a month at the Harrisburg clinic. For more information on these open positions, please visit https://supportmorningstar.com/get-involved/job-openings/.

The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Danville, are hiring two full-time LPNs or Med-Techs, PRN Med-Techs, and one part-time housekeeper (Life Skills candidates are encouraged to apply for the part-time housekeeping position). Please contact our HR Department for more information at 570-275-3581, ext. 156, or e-mail scole@sscm.org.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Cornwall, is seeking a parish organist and music director. This is a part-time position that involves singing and playing the organ and/or piano and leading the congregation in song. Other qualifications would be the ability to lead a choir, plan the music for three Masses on the weekends, holy days, special events, weddings and funerals. The music director will work closely with the pastor to ensure that the music aligns with the overall mission of the Church. If you feel that this position is right for you, please email your resumé to shjcornwall@hbgdiocese.org, or call 717-273-1574 for an interview.

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Submission Deadline

The deadline for submissions to the biweekly Notebook/Parish Obituaries listing is every other Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. Please refer to the Publication Schedule for edition dates and deadlines.

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