Sunday, October 11, 2026

Diocesan Notebook – January 2

Masses and Prayer Services

The Epiphany Italian Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, January 4, at 12:15 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. Father Joshua Brommer, pastor and rector, will be the celebrant. After the Mass, join the Italian Apostolate for a reception in the parish hall. For information, please contact Maria DiSanto at 717-554-5698 or disanto1@comcast.net or Mariella Amato at 717-278-9420.

The Black Catholic Apostolate’s Annual Cultural Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, February 1, at 12:15 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Timothy C. Senior, and the homilist will be Father Chiedozie Ononuju, parochial vicar of St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle. The Philadelphia Gospel Choir will be present for this occasion, leading us in singing and celebrating the universality of the Catholic Church. Following Mass, there will be a brief social gathering. Any questions, please call Deacon Armando Torres, Director for Culture & Outreach, at (717)-657-4804, ext. 221.

St. Joseph Parish in York is hosting a celebration for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Tuesday, February 3, at 6:30 p.m. Father Kyle Sahd, pastor, invites all York-area churches, including the York Deanery parishes, to join in the celebration. For information, contact the parish at 717-755-7503.

A Caelorum service of praise, worship and Adoration will be held Wednesday, January 7 at 7 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey. Join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we praise, worship, and adore our Lord Jesus Christ in His most holy presence in the Eucharist. A pizza social will be hosted after the Caelorum in the social hall. For questions, call Lou at 717-215-4175.

An afternoon of Eucharistic Adoration will be offered at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg on January 22 to mark the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Mass begins at noon, followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic Adoration from 12:30-5:30 p.m., and Benediction at 5:30 p.m. Sign up for an hour or more of Adoration at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BADAC29A2FECF8-60227394-eucharistic#/.

A Charismatic Mass with prayers for healing will be celebrated at St. Theresa Church in New Cumberland on Tuesday, January 6, at 7 p.m. Father Dwight D. Schlaline, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Conewago, will be the celebrant. For information on this monthly Mass, please call Mary Ann at 717-512-3628 or Vicki at 717-364-6260.

Retreats & Pilgrimages

Join Father Augustine Joseph, pastor of St. Peter Parish in 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 in Hanover is hosting a pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in 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 Rodrigo Arrazola, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cornwall, on a pilgrimage to Italy, May 10-21, 2026. Itinerary includes Rome, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Bari, Lanciano, Assisi, Siena and Florence. We will celebrate Daily Mass, have an audience with the pope and receive his holy blessing at Peter’s Square, with a guided tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Mary Major Basilica, the Holy Stairs, St. Sebastian Catacombs, the Pompeii ruins in Naples, St. Andrew’s relics in Amalfi, relics of St. Nicola in Bari, San Giovanni Rotundo where St. Padre Pio is buried, the Grotto of St. Michael the Archangel, the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, the church in the woods where St. Francis Assisi began his ministry, the Basilica of St. Francis, the Basilica of St. Clare, the tomb of St. Carlo Acutis, and attractions plus shopping in Florence. Contact Karen Hurley at k.m.hurley1@gmail.com for more information.

Join Father Benny Jose, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in 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

Registration is open for the Diocese’s inaugural Catholic Social Teaching Symposium, a day dedicated to exploring the Church’s response to some of the most urgent issues of our time. Through panels, breakout sessions and practical discussions, participants will deepen their understanding of human dignity, solidarity, and our call to serve the common good. Together, we will reflect, learn, and discern how we can bring Christ’s love into our communities through action, advocacy, and encounter. All are welcome to register and attend. The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch. For the complete schedule, details, and to register, please visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/catholic-social-teaching-symposium.

A book study, “Fight Like a Catholic,” Spiritual Warfare in the Catholic Tradition, by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS, Director of Communications and New Age Research for the Women of Grace Apostolate, begins Saturday, January 17, from 10 a.m.-noon at Seven Sorrows Church in Middletown. Study continues January 24 and 31 and February 14 and 21. Includes weekly video; cost of book is $15.95. 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 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 in 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

Calling all soup makers – help Catholic Charities make this year’s Souper Sale a success. Catholic Charities is looking for generous cooks to donate a pot of their best homemade soup for the annual Souper Bowl Soup Sale at various parishes February 7 and 8, 2026. Your delicious contribution will help support Catholic Charities’ programs that serve our neighbors in need. Empty quart containers will be provided. To sign up, or for more information, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C49ACAA29A5FE3-59630466-2026 or contact Tara Benkovic at tbenkovic@cchbg.org or 717-657-4804, ext. 284.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Harrisburg are partnering with Pennsylvanians for Human Life to sponsor a bus to the National March for Life on January 23. The bus will depart the church parking lot at 7:30 a.m. and return at approximately 7:30 p.m. Cost is $35 for adults, $15 for students. Reserve your seat by contacting Laura Pyne at tom.laura.pyne@gmail.com or 717-350-4295 for mail-in registration.

The Lebanon Deanery’s sixth annual Twelfth Night Concert will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cornwall on Epiphany Sunday, January 4, at 3 p.m. The free concert features Advent and Christmas selections by music ministries from across the Lebanon Deanery and beyond – several parish choirs, bands and ensembles will share their talents.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Catawissa will hold its sixth annual Frostbite Festival on Saturday, February 7, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. This will be a take-out only event, featuring our famous potato cakes, homemade chicken noodle soup and homemade hearty beef vegetable soup along with pierogies, beef BBQ, hot dogs, a bake sale and sweet and hot sausage sandwiches. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and raffle prizes.

Join in the “Stand for Life Gathering” on Friday, January 23, from noon-1 p.m. on the corner of 8th and Cumberland streets in Lebanon. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church will be open for prayer. The peaceful and prayerful public display by citizens of all faiths is dedicated to protecting the lives of preborn children and the spiritual health of their mothers. Participants are welcome to bring and display signs; signs will also be provided. Participants must remain on the sidewalks and allow passage for pedestrian traffic. Attendees may not block ingresses or egresses to businesses and are prohibited from using amplified sound devices. The Mary Gate of Heaven Parish Respect for Life Group and Knights of Columbus Council 10194 are sponsoring this event. For more information, contact Joanne Noll at jsnoll15@gmail.com or 717-304-0492.

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

The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (HDCCW) invites Catholic girls to enter an art contest to design the cover for the 100th Annual HDCCW Convention. Girls in grades 9-12 in the Diocese of Harrisburg are eligible to enter. The artwork should be an original drawing or painting for a 9×12 cover and based on the convention theme, “Celebrating 100 Years: Faithful Past, Hopeful Future.” Monetary prizes will be awarded for grand, second and third place winners. The convention is April 25; deadline to enter is January 14. For complete details and contest guidelines, contact Angie Tully at 717-395-1528 or email hdccwartcontest@gmail.com with questions.

Job Openings

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.

The Diocese of Harrisburg has a full-time opening for the combined position of weekend cook for the Priests’ Retirement Residence and evening facilities maintenance staff member at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg. This is a full-time position that can be offered as two part-time roles. The Retirement Residence cook is responsible for stocking kitchen products, preparing food and cooking and serving meals, in addition to cleaning the kitchen, dining room and equipment. Weekend hours for this position are 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. The Facilities Maintenance position is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Diocesan Conference Center, Administrative Offices, Bishop’s Residence and Priests’ Retirement Residence. Duties include maintenance work orders, janitorial needs, setting up and cleaning up events, grounds keeping and reception desk coverage. Evening hours for this position are noon-8 p.m., with flexibility to 10 p.m. for evening events. The full job description with all responsibilities and requirements is available at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. For information and to apply, contact Curtis Wilson, Campus Facilities Manager, at CWilson@hbgdiocese.org.

St. Benedict the Abbot Parish in 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.

The Charismatic prayer group at St. Theresa Church in New Cumberland is seeking an organist or guitarist to play at the monthly Mass on February 3 and/or March 3. For information, contact Mary Ann at 717-512-3628 or maccamp16@gmail.com.

Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 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.

Do you want to be part of a team that helps youth and parents achieve positive life trajectories and build strong and resilient families? Morning Star Pregnancy Services is seeking a part-time instructor for its school and clinic education programs. Instructor is responsible for teaching middle and high school students essential life skills related to relationships and risk behaviors. The curriculum empowers students to avoid sexual risk. Instructor also helps teach the Harrisburg clinic’s parent education program. May work up to 60 hours/month, 40-45 weeks per year. Visit https://supportmorningstar.com/get-involved/job-openings/ for more information.

The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 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.

St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey is seeking a parish secretary to provide administrative and clerical support to the parish staff and congregation. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-noon. Position reports to the pastor/parish administrator. Responsibilities include greeting and assisting visitors; maintaining parish calendar; scheduling appointments, events and facility use; updating and managing church records, databases and mailing lists; processing mail; assisting with office supplies and equipment; assisting with sacramental record keeping; and supporting the pastor and working with staff on various tasks. Requires high school diploma or equivalent (some college preferred), prior office/administrative experience, proficiency in Microsoft Office, ability to communicate through Facebook and Instagram platforms, ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality, and respect for the mission and values of the Church. Find the full job description at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. Please send inquiries/resumés to communications@stjoanhershey.org.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in 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.

Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill is seeking a part-time parish secretary, Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Duties include general clerical and administrative tasks, data entry, preparing communications, and maintaining files and records. Must have strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Should be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to alawrence@thegoodshep.org.

Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill is seeking a part-time faith formation assistant, Monday from 5-9 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Duties include general clerical tasks, data entry, maintaining files, and organizing special projects. Must have strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Should be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to alawrence@thegoodshep.org.

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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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