Masses and Prayer Services
His Eminence, Wilton Cardinal D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, will serve as principal celebrant of the Diocese of Harrisburg’s annual Black Catholic Apostolate Mass. The Mass will be celebrated February 13 at noon at St. Catherine Labouré Church, 4000 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA. All are invited to attend.
The Harrisburg Guild of the Catholic Medical Association invites all to a Holy Hour of Prayer for the Sick and those who care for them. The Holy Hour will be on Sunday, February 13 immediately following the 11 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Danville. The World Day of the Sick is observed each year on February 11, which is the memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. The day was instituted 30 years ago by St. Pope John Paul II, who said the day of awareness is intended for “prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ.” For more information about the Holy Hour, contact the Harrisburg Guild of the Catholic Medical Association at cathmedhbg@aol.com.
Education & Enrichment
A Catholic Engaged Encounter weekend is scheduled for February 26-27, 2022. The weekend is a group experience designed to give couples private time to plan their future together. The weekend gives couples who are planning to marry the opportunity to communicate with each other—individually, honestly, and intensively—about their prospective lives together: their strengths and weaknesses; desires, ambitions, and goals; their attitudes about money, sex, children, and family; and their roles in the Church and in society. Visit www.hbgdiocese.org/cee or call 717-657-4804, ext. 317, for details about the upcoming Engaged Encounter weekend.
St. Anne and Our Lady of La Vang Parish in Lancaster is hosting a Marian prayer service and speaker in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes’ Feast Day on Sunday, February 13 at 3 p.m. in the church. Come to a blessed afternoon of Marian prayers and listen to the story of Kevin Wells, who received a miracle of healing and conversion after going on pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. Wells, a former award-winning sports reporter and current best-selling author of “The Priests We Need To Save The Church,” will deliver a powerful talk about the intensity of the Virgin Mary. His message will describe our sacred, heavenly Mother and how her direction to her son, Jesus, will lead us to peace. The event will also include the praying of the Rosary and the blessing of hands in holy water.
St. John the Baptist in New Freedom is hosting a 12-week Surviving Divorce program which brings hope and healing to those who have experienced a broken marriage. It includes 12 video presentations featuring a psychologist, priests and personal testimonies from Catholic men and women. Topics covered include shock and grief, anger and forgiveness, money issues, dealing with children and a former spouse, and annulment and remarriage. The program is based on the teachings of the Church and is open to anyone who needs comfort, counsel, and clarity after separation or divorce. For information, visit http://www.catholicsdivorce.com. The 12-week program begins on February 2 at 6:45 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Parish’s St. Elizabeth Center. A $25 fee includes the Surviving Divorce Personal Guide and all program materials. Please register by contacting facilitators Cindy Gilbert at cynthiasgilbert1@gmail.com or Pat Smith at dontel972@aol.com.
St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle has established a new ministry that seeks the prayerful intercession of St. Monica for the return of our loved ones back to the Church and the faith. The group meets every Wednesday night in St. Patrick’s Marsh Drive Church. Livestreams of the meetings are for anyone who prefers to participate from home. The link can be found at www.saintpatrickchurch.org.
Women of Grace upcoming studies and events: “Journey to Joy,” five Saturday morning video series began Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Women of Grace foundational study (in-person) begins Tuesday evenings, April 19 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Harrisburg. Contact Linda K. Keister at lkanzkei@msn.com or 717-732-0772. Johnnette Benkovic Williams will return to Holy Name in Harrisburg for a one-day conference on Saturday, April 2, 2022. Additional Young Women of Grace retreat for girls 12-17 years of age! For information, contact Chris Arnold at carnold@womenofgrace.com or 717-379-6041.
Retreats & Pilgrimages
A Beginning Experience Weekend for those suffering the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation will take place at Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon County, May 13-15, 2022. The ecumenical Beginning Experience weekends are an approved program of the 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. Beginning Experience is the Church at work to provide help, healing and spiritual restoration. For information, visit www.hbgdiocese.org/marriage-and-family or www.beginningexperience.org. Information can also be obtained by contacting the Harrisburg Beginning Experience Team at 717-379-0800 or jpennat_58@comcast.net. All CDC recommendations will be followed during the retreat weekend. The number of attendees may be limited due to current COVID regulations. The program could be cancelled pending changing pandemic circumstances.
Events & Fundraisers
The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women is accepting nominations for its Our Lady of Good Counsel Award and its new Golden Rose Award. The Our Lady of Good Counsel Award honors a woman in the Diocese who has made a significant contribution at any level of the council. Nomination packets are available at https://hdccw.webs.com/olgc-award. The Golden Rose Award will recognize young women in the Diocese who have made a significant contribution to their parish and community in service and leadership. Nomination packets for the Golden Rose Award are available at https://hdccw.webs.com/golden-rose-award. The deadline for nominations for both awards is March 4. Both awards will be presented at the HDCCW’s annual conference. Questions may be directed to Alycia Laureti, HDCCW President, at hdccwpres@gmail.com.
The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s Scholarship Committee invites high school senior girls to apply for a $1,000 scholarship to be used for post-secondary education. Applicants must be sponsored by a relative who is a member of a parish CCW, and both applicants and sponsors must reside in the Harrisburg Diocese. The deadline to submit a completed application is March 31, 2022. Contact Joyce Scott at 717-737-0927 or hdccwscholarship@gmail.com for more information or to secure an application packet.
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Cornwall will begin its Lenten Fish Feasts on February 16, running every Wednesday through April 6 from 4-6:30 p.m. Menu features baked and fried fish, fresh-cut fries or baked potato, coleslaw or applesauce and a Bernie’s Bakers dessert. Cost for adults is $12, and a kid’s meal of chicken tenders and fries is $5. Drive-thru or take-out only. The parish will once again host a Fish Feast raffle with cash prizes totaling $2,400 during the Lenten dinners. The drawing for winners will be April 6.
St. Cecilia Parish in Lebanon will have its annual fastnacht sale February 26 and 27 at 120 East Lehman Street in Lebanon. Pre-orders will not be taken. Sale begins at 2 a.m. Saturday and runs through Sunday until sold out. Cost is $12 per dozen, max allowed is eight dozen per person.
Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in Fairfield will have a spaghetti dinner in the parish hall on February 20 from 3-6 pm. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread stick, drinks and dessert. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 to 12, free for children under 6. Carry-outs available. For information, call 717-642-8815.
Mount Carmel Knights of Columbus Council 628, The Christopher Club, will hold their annual Ash Wednesday fish fry on Wednesday, March 2. Complete fish dinner and dessert is $10, take out only. Dinner runs from 4 p.m. until sold out.
Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish in Myerstown is having a “Souper Bowl” soup sale with pre-order pick-up February 11-13. The Council of Catholic Women is taking orders now for 3-quart containers of broccoli cheddar chowder for $7; chicken corn noodle for $7 and Padre’s Chili for $9. Orders must be pre-paid and are due by February 7. Orders should be dropped off in person at the parish with checks payable to Mary, Gate of Heaven CCW. Order forms are available at the parish; visit www.marygateofheaven.com or call 717-866-5640 to confirm church hours. Order pick-up will be in Madonna Hall on February 11 from 2-5 p.m., February 12 after 4 p.m. Mass, and February 13 after 9 a.m. Mass.
The Carlisle Area Family Life Center will have a “Bingo for Babies” fundraiser on March 4 at the St. Patrick Parish Activity Center on Marsh Drive, hosted by Knights of Columbus Council #4057. 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, located at 155 North Hanover Street. 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. The Carlisle Area Family Life Center is Carlisle’s only crisis pregnancy and family resource center. For more information, please call the center at 717-243-6544 or e-mail info@carlisleareafamilylifecenter.org.
St. Patrick School in Carlisle is hosting its second annual online auction. Bidding began on January 31. The auction has hundreds of items for all interests and budgets, from sports to self-care and travel to tasty treats. Check out the items and bid online at www.32auctions.com/SPS2022.
Harrisburg Catholic Elementary will host an online auction in February. Many items will be up for bid, including sports memorabilia and events, tickets for musical venues, gift certificates for local restaurants and brewpubs, Penn State fan gear, an iPad Mini and more. The school has begun posting some of the items on its auction site, www.32auctions.com/hces. Bidding isn’t live yet, but you can browse and start deciding on your bidding wish list. The actual auction will run from Monday, February 7 at 8 a.m. until Monday, February 21 at 10 p.m. Use the donate button if you don’t see anything you like or just aren’t into auctions.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help School in Ephrata is enrolling for the 2022-23 school year, with a special offer for families interested in transferring their children to OMPH. Parents enrolling their students into grades 1 through 7 between February 2-22, 2022 will receive $22 per student in lunch account credit, plus OMPH will waive the $100 registration fee. Families interested in enrollment or taking a tour of the school are asked to contact Jen Francis at jfrancis@omph.org or 717-738-2414 for more information.
The annual Deb Loss Scholarship Yard Sale at St. Joseph Parish in Hanover will take place in the parish social hall on March 5 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. There will be approximately 40 vendors present. Breakfast and lunch will be available. All proceeds will benefit St. Joseph Parish.
Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown will recognize its Hall of Honor Class of 2022 on February 11. The Hall of Honor recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the school through consistent contribution of time, effort and/or financial resources or who have improved the school and its reputation through significant professional or community achievements. Members of the Class of 2022 are Andrew M. Angel ’73; Connie K. Schlak, a former member of the Delone Catholic faculty; Sister Jacquelyn Staub, SSJ; Mary G. “Trudy” Willet (1927-2011), a former member of the faculty; and Mary Ann (Rang) Williams ’64 (1946-2017). The Hall of Honor Class of 2022 will be inducted on February 11, beginning with a school-wide Mass at 1:30 p.m. in the Old Gym. The Mass is free of charge and open to all.
St. Richard Parish in Manheim will host “A Little Taste of Italy” spaghetti and meatball dinner, February 25 from 4:30-8 p.m. in the parish hall. No reservations needed. Take-outs available. Cost is $10 for adults 19 and older, free for those 18 and under. Dinner includes salad, spaghetti and meatballs (seconds on spaghetti only), Italian bread, coffee, tea, soda, punch and dessert. For information, call 717-665-2465.
Ballroom dancing, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus of St. Aloysius Parish in Littlestown, will take place February 26, March 12, April 20 and May 14 from 7-10 p.m. in the parish hall. Evenings begin with a one-hour lesson at 7 p.m., followed by open dancing from 8-10 p.m. Please wear modest dress clothing. Cost is $8 per person, $40 maximum per family. Contact Jen Danieley at jennifereakle@hotmail.com for more information.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) will host a St. Patrick’s Day Party and fundraiser for Trinity High School’s Scholarship Fund. The event will be March 19 at the West Shore Elks Club in Mechanicsburg and will feature an Irish dinner including corned beef, bangers (Irish Sausage) and cabbage. Dinner 6 p.m. will be preceded by a social hour at 5 p.m. The event will feature live entertainment throughout the evening by The Lena McGinley Irish Dancers and music by Celtic Wood & Wires. A cash bar is available throughout the evening. Proceeds go to the division’s Trinity H.S. Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $40 per person and must be committed to purchase by March 9. For tickets or information, contact Tom Zugay at 717-761-2950 or Tzugay1958@gmail.com.
The Oxford Hall shop is featuring items for First Holy Communion. The shop, located at 233 Bridge Street in New Cumberland, will have in-stock and special-order dresses, veils, suits, gifts and accessories. Families can visit www.oxfordhall.com for select items beginning in January. Oxford Hall can also work with parishes’ dress and suit requirements to use as a guide with customers. The shop is open seven days a week, and available for appointments on select evenings for individuals or small groups. For information, or to receive a promotional flyer, call 717-774-8789 or e-mail oxfordhall@aol.com.
Job Openings
The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking a confident individual with superior organizational and administrative skills to work as part of an administrative team in the Department of Education. Successful candidates will share a passion for Catholic Education, possess high levels of verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills with the ability to use some independent initiative and judgment. An ability to maintain good public relations is essential. A high level of proficiency in all MS Office applications is essential with a thorough working knowledge of database management and Excel spreadsheets. Knowledge of Diocesan and parish/school structure helpful; experience of working in Catholic schools desirable. Must be a Catholic in good standing. Competitive salary and benefits. Please send résumé and cover letter to employment@hbgdiocese.org. Closing date is February 11, 2022.
The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the newly created Safe Environment Director position. The Director will be responsible for the management, operation and maintenance of the Safe Environment Program, specifically the program’s compliance monitoring and reporting. This will involve working collaboratively with clergy and laity to ensure compliance with all aspects of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, the management and delivery of all training aspects of the program and a working knowledge of the Commonwealth’s requirements as it pertains to Child Protective Services Law and the requirements for background screening. The successful candidate will have proven relationship-building skills with a focus on service to others, a high level of energy, creativity and professionalism with effective oral and written communication skills. Applicants must be comfortable with public speaking and the giving of presentations. Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in working with confidential, time-sensitive and critical matters. Bachelor’s degree in communications, teaching and/or employee training or human services is preferred, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in management and employee training. Travel throughout the 15 Counties of the Diocese will be required. Bilingual in Spanish would be helpful. The full job description can be found at https://www.hbgdiocese.org/careers/. Applications by way of cover letter and résumé should be sent to employment@hbgdiocese.org. Closing date for applications Thursday March 3, 2022.
The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking principals for the following Catholic schools for the 2022-2023 school year: St. Teresa of Calcutta School, McSherrystown (www.stck8school.org); St. Theresa School, New Cumberland (www.sainttheresaschool.org); St. John the Baptist School, New Freedom (www.sjbnf.org); St. Rose of Lima School in Thomasville (www.stroseschoolpa.org); and St. Leo the Great School in Rohrerstown (www.stleoschool.org). Minimum qualifications: practicing, knowledgeable Catholic; thorough understanding of Catholic School Philosophy; commitment to modeling the values of Catholic Educational Leadership; PA Administrators Certificate (or in process); Catechetical Certification (or in process) and 5 years of teaching experience. For more information see the employment listings at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. Send résumé and letter of interest by March 4, 2022, to Ann Everest, Department of Education, Diocese of Harrisburg, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710 or by e-mail to aeverest@hbgdiocese.org.
Seven Sorrows BVM School in Middletown is immediately seeking a full-time, middle school science and mathematics teacher (grades 6-8) for the current school year. The individual should be passionate about teaching math and science and have a willingness to work as a team with our other middle school teacher. Candidates must minimally hold an active Pennsylvania teacher certificate in Middle Level Science or Middle Level Math. Interested candidates should contact Mrs. Angela Warner, Principal, at 717-944-5371 or awarner@ssbvm.org. To apply, see the Professional Employment Application: https://www.hbgdiocese.org/catholic-schools/employment-applications/, Pastor’s Letter of Recommendation: https://www.hbgdiocese.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Pastor-Recommendation.pdf, and clearance information and forms: https://www.hbgdiocese.org/safeyouth/background-certificates-and-youth-protection-requirements/adult-employees/#adult-school-employees.
Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in York is looking for a full-time Parish Administrative Manager. This mature, responsible individual should possess an in-depth understanding of business and human resources. The position requires excellent communication, organizational, human relations, managerial and problem solving skills. Must have a working knowledge of Church teaching and an understanding of the mission/vision/philosophy of a Roman Catholic parish. A professional demeanor is essential in interacting with persons at many levels. The position requires computer experience. A bachelor’s degree is required as well as a minimum of three years of experience in business administration and personnel supervision. Experience with parish operations is preferred. Interested applicants may submit their cover letter and résumé to Father John Kuchinski at frkuchinski@stmarysyork.org.
Holy Trinity Catholic School in York is seeking a full-time fourth-grade teacher for the rest of the 2021-2022 school year. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, organized, practicing Catholic who possesses a Pennsylvania teaching certificate and all necessary credentials. Please send a cover letter, transcripts, résumé and state teaching certificate to Mrs. Kathleen Smith at ksmith@htcsyork.org.
Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown is currently accepting applications for a Head Varsity Boys Lacrosse Coach. Preferred Qualification(s): 3-5 years of high school coaching experience. Please submit a letter of interest and a coaching résumé to the Athletic Director at tbonitz@delonecatholic.org or 140 S. Oxford Ave., McSherrystown, Pa. 17344.
St. Joan of Arc School in Hershey is looking for after-school assistants to supervise students from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with flexible scheduling if needed. Duties include supervising students in free play, organized games, snacks, outdoor playground, and homework. Clearances are required. This is a great job for high school students ages 16 and older, college students or adults to make a little extra money. Contact Sister Eileen at sreileen@stjoanhershey.org or 717-533-2854, ext. 118.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hanover is currently accepting applications for a full-time Office Administrator. Applicant must have working knowledge of Church teaching and an understanding of the mission, vision and philosophy of a Roman Catholic parish. Applicant must have working knowledge and be proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and Word. This position requires the applicant to have excellent communication, organizational, managerial and problem-solving skills. Applicant must also have the ability to work independently with others in a spirit-filled and Christ-like manner. Experience with parish operations is preferred. A professional demeanor in interacting with persons at all levels is essential. The position is scheduled to begin in mid-February, 2022. Interested applicants may submit their cover letter and résumé to Father Dwight D. Schlaline, 30 Basilica Drive, Hanover, PA 17331.
Holy Name of Jesus School in Harrisburg has an immediate opening for a Spanish teacher. Candidates must possess academic excellence, be fluent in the Spanish language, and have a dedication to educating the whole child. Applicants for this position must be adept at developing lessons that incorporate rigor and technological components across the curriculum. Teachers in our school work cooperatively to meet the needs of our students through differentiated instruction. Interested candidates are to send their résumé to Sister Rita at sisterrita@holynameofjesus.com or call Sister Rita at 717-657-1704.
York Catholic Middle and High School is seeking an English Teacher (10-month position) to teach grades 7 through 12. Candidates with experience teaching advanced level high school English courses will be given preference. Requirements: certification and related bachelors degree in appropriate major; state and federal clearances. Preferred qualifications: experience teaching honors and upper level high school English. Please send résumé and Diocesan application (found on the York Catholic website, About Us, Employment page at https://yorkcatholic.org/about/employment-opportunities/), a copy of state and federal clearances, and letter of interest to Katie Seufert, Principal, York Catholic Middle & High School, 601 East Springettsbury Avenue, York, PA 17403. For questions, contact 717-846-8871, ext. 312, kseufert@yorkcatholic.org.
York Catholic has three coaching positions available in the athletic department: high school softball head coach, middle school volleyball head coach and middle school cross country head coach. Candidates for all positions will be responsible for administrative duties including team registration, equipment and uniform inventory, scouting assignments, injury reports, and score reporting. The candidates will also establish team guidelines and practice schedules, coordinate team and parent meetings, and regularly communicate with players and their parents. Head coaches must attend all meetings in compliance with the PIAA and YAIAA. Please send Diocesan application for non-teaching employment (found at https://yorkcatholic.org/about/employment-opportunities/), résumé, a copy of state and federal clearances, and letter of interest to Kevin Bankos, Athletic Director York Catholic Middle & High School, 601 East Springettsbury Avenue York, PA 17403. For questions, contact 717-846-8871, ext. 314.
The track and field team at Trinity High School in Camp Hill is seeking a throws coach. For details, visit thsrocks.us/employment.
Morning Star Pregnancy Services is seeking a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer for its Pregnancy Services Program. When it comes to changing hearts and minds, ultrasound is the core of our pregnancy medical center. Morning Star Pregnancy Services is expanding our Ultrasound Services at our new location in Harrisburg. In this exciting role, you will be working with moms and dads to view their unborn child, see its beating heart, and begin the bonding process. The RDMS provides patient care and medical services working under the supervision of the RDMS Medical Services Manager. All duties and responsibilities are performed in support of Morning Star’s Mission and Vision. Position open to RDMS or RN with sonography experience. Salary commensurate with experience, benefits included. Please send your résumé and a cover letter to Linda Plummer, Executive Director, lplummer@morningstarclinics.com. For more information, call Linda Plummer at 717-901-3377.
Morning Star Clinics is seeking medical volunteers to assist in its pregnancy and sexual health services. If you are a licensed physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or nurse midwife with 4 to 5 hours per month to give, please consider gifting your time and talents to our organization. Morning Star’s mission is to offer pregnancy and sexual health services, parenting education, and practical support to the more than 2,000 women and men we see in our clinics yearly. The addition of a physician or mid-level provider to our volunteer staff would allow our organization to expand the services we provide to include more comprehensive STI testing and treatment. For more information contact, Linda Plummer, Executive Director, at 717-901-3377 or complete an online application at www.SupportMorningStar.com/get-involved.