Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Diocesan Notebook – July 7

Masses and Prayer Services

The next Caelorum at St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey will be Wednesday, August 6 at 7 p.m. There will not be a Caelorum in July. Join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we come together to adore, praise and worship our Lord and Savior. Feel the power of His presence and never-failing love as He attends to your needs and strengthens and blesses you with His abundant mercy. For more information, call 717-215-4175.

A Charismatic Mass with prayers for healing will be celebrated on August 2 at 7 p.m. at St. Theresa Church in New Cumberland by Father Samuel DuBois. For information on this monthly Mass, please call Mary Ann at 717-512-3628 or Vicki at 717-364-6260.

Education & Enrichment

The Mental Health Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg is offering two types of spiritual support groups: a group for individuals who are experiencing mental illness, and a group for family members and friends of those experiencing mental illness. Meetings are now being held on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month beginning July 13. We will gather in the Bayley Conference Room for open discussion, and then move to separate locations for the Spiritual Support Group meetings. Participants are welcome to either join us for open discussion at 7 p.m., or arrive at 7:30 p.m. for the small group meetings, which will meet separately until 9 p.m. Contact Pastoral Assistant Donna Nebistinsky for more information at donna@steas.net or 717-697-6929.

The Mental Health Ministry at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg is sponsoring a program titled Substance Abuse Disorder 101, with presenter Donna Creager, an Education Specialist from Drug Free Workplace PA. Among other topics, Donna will address addiction as a brain disease, risk factors, signs and symptoms and how to get help. Join us on Wednesday, July 27 at 7 p.m. in Menniti Hall. This event is open to all. More information is available at www.steas.net/mentalhealthministry/ or by contacting Pastoral Assistant Donna Nebistinsky at donna@steas.net or 717-697-6929.

Are you looking for like-minded folks for prayer, discussion, and fun? Join the Companions of Pauline for quarterly meetings in the convent at Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill. The group meets from 2-4 p.m. for prayer, discussion, and fun, in-person or via Zoom as we follow the charism and spirituality of Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, foundress of the Sisters of Christian Charity. Vespers follow in the hospital chapel. Text or call Sister Donna Marie, S.C.C. at 570-335-3586 or e-mail sdmkemb@gmail.com.

Upcoming Women of Grace events and studies: Summer Malvern retreat is July 22-24, preceded by the Benedicta Leadership Institute. Register for the retreat at www.womenofgrace.com. Women of Grace Foundational Studies will be offered this fall at the following parishes: St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Mechanicsburg, Tuesday evenings beginning September 13, contact Linda Keister at lkanzkei@msn.com or 717-732-0772; St. Margaret Mary Parish in Harrisburg, Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. beginning September 10, contact Chris Arnold at carnold@womenofgrace.com or 717-379-6041; and Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill, Thursday evenings beginning September 15, contact Linda K. Keister at lkanzkei@msn.com or 717-732-0772.

The Knights of Columbus invite the faithful to join the Father McGivney Guild. Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, is one miracle away from sainthood. All are welcome to join the Father McGivney Guild, and receive a periodic newsletter with information about the life, works and spirituality of Father McGivney. The Guild also offers a weekly Mass for the intentions of its members. To join, go to https://www.fathermcgivney.org/en/ssl-join-the-guild.html.

Retreats & Pilgrimages

The annual Pilgrimage to the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmitsburg, Md., is scheduled for Thursday, August 4. Diocesan priests will be available to hear Confessions from 9:15-10:45 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Chapel.

Bishop Ronald Gainer will be the celebrant and homilist for the Mass in St. Mary’s Chapel at noon. A free-will offering will be received to cover the facility use and services. Lunch will begin at 1 p.m.; those staying for the afternoon should bring their own lunch. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will begin at 2:30 p.m., and Bishop Gainer will give a talk in St. Mary’s Chapel at 2:45 p.m. The Divine Mercy Chaplet will be said at 3:30 p.m. The day will conclude with Benediction at 3:50 p.m. Gates to the Grotto will close at 4:30 p.m. The Gift of a Plenary Indulgence is granted to members of a pilgrimage group who, out of devotion to the Blessed Mother and Our Lord, Jesus Christ, visit the National Shrine Grotto on any day of the year. For further inquiries, please contact Father John Hoke (St. Joseph Parish, Milton; 570-742-4356) or Father Michael Reid (St. Vincent Parish, Hanover; 717-637-4625).

The 44th Annual Corpus Christi Men’s Retreat will be August 5-7 at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. Father Larry Richards will lead the retreat. Attendees will hear Father Richards develop his selected themes during the retreat, and participate in other spiritual activities. Father Richards’ main theme of “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” will be illustrated through the five presentations he will offer. Father Richards serves as pastor of St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community in Erie. He is also the Founder of the DME (Divine Mercy Encounter) Retreat Program for the Diocese of Erie. A gifted and captivating speaker, preacher, retreat master, and author, Father Richards has directed hundreds of retreats, parish missions, and conferences. The retreat is open to men ages 14 and up; sons and grandsons are welcomed at the retreat! A $60 deposit is required towards the total cost of $200. Included in the retreat is Holy Mass on Saturday and Sunday, 24-hour Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Scriptural Rosary, Evening and Morning prayers and six meals. Reservations can be made through the local parish retreat coordinators, or online at https://cburgcatholic.org/mensretreat.  For additional information contact Keith R. Smith by phone 717-263-3442 or e-mail, corpuschristimensretreat@yahoo.com.

Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats, a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion, will be July 15-17, September 23-25 and November 4-6. If you or someone you know needs healing after an abortion, please call 717-788-4959 or contact Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats at www.undefeatedcourage.org.

Events & Fundraisers

St. Joseph Parish in Berwick is having an “Italian Food Palooza” under the Pavilion on Sunday, July 31, featuring a pasta and meatball dinners; and meatball, fireball, porkette and sausage and pepper sandwiches. The Council of Catholic Women will have a Sweet Treats table of desserts for sale, and there will be a money raffle and basket raffle. The event will take place from noon-3 p.m., take-out only, rain or shine.

The Diocesan Engaged Encounter group loves marriage, and wants to build community with others who love marriage. Whether you are engaged or married, you are invited to the inaugural Marriage Appreciation Picnic at Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra on Sunday, August 14 following the 11 a.m. Mass (around 12 p.m.).  Burgers, hot dogs, lemonade and water will be provided; please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please RSVP by August 8 to Julie at harrisburg@engagedencounter.com or 712-540-1597 (the 712 is not a typo).

Mother Cabrini Parish in Shamokin will have a picnic food sale, July 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the parish hall. Take-out only. Sale includes pierogi, pigeons, haluski, hamburgers with “coney” sauce on the side, and potato cakes. During the sale, prizes and gifts for the “Prizes Galore” fundraiser will be on display for pre-viewing. The “Prizes Galore” event is July 30 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parish hall, to take chances on various prizes and basket selections.

York Catholic Middle & High School’s Summer Open House is July 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. by appointment. Learn what life at YC is like and see everything YC has to offer students (grades 7-12) and their families. Take a tour of the newly renovated campus, talk with York Catholic teachers and administrators, meet current students and hear their experiences, and learn about the 45+ sports and 60+ activities available. Reserve your spot today! Space is limited and pre-registration is required to attend. For more information, contact York Catholic Middle & High School at 717-846-8871, ext. 354.

The Council of Catholic Women of St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey is hosting a flea market/rummage sale, August 11 from 3-6 p.m., August 12 from 8 am.-3 p.m. and August 13 from 8 a.m.-noon. Great items at reasonable prices, and something for everyone. For information, contact Ruth Zemba at sjaccwpres@gmail.com or 717-533-3501.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Elysburg will host its annual lobster fest on August 27. All dinners must be pre-ordered by August 16, and include 1 ¼  to 1 ½ pounds of freshly steamed Maine lobster or the parish’s own pulled pork, cole slaw, fingerling potatoes and corn on the cob. Live lobsters, steamed lobsters, quarts of pulled pork and pints of cole slaw may also be ordered. Dinner pick-up is August 27. Go to www.QMHR.net for an order form or call Holy Rosary Parish 570-672-2302 for more information.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Elysburg is seeking crafters and vendors for its annual Christmas bazaar. Please email sheila@qmhr.net or pat@qmhr.net for registration forms and info.

The annual San Marziale Procession will take place in Kulpmont, July 10 at 1 p.m. The procession will begin at Holy Angels Church and is organized by the Holy Angels Parish, the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society of Holy Angels Parish, and local organizations and businesses. The community event features the Kulpmont Our Boys Band, which performs a variety of Italian marches and Patriotic songs. The procession is named St. Marziale, the patron saint of Isca sullo Ionio, a small town in southern Italy and his feast day is July 10. During the procession, onlookers can pin money to a statue of the saint; the money will then be donated to Holy Angels Parish to support activities and those in need. Mass will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. before the event gets underway. Those who wish to walk in the procession should meet at Holy Angels Church. Food and refreshments will be available at the parish picnic grounds. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring the event can call Chris Bressi at 570-373-9433 or Tom Letcavage at 570-274-1508. Learn more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanMarzialeParadeKulpmontPa?fref=ts or on YouTube at http://youtu.be/gtS58Nm2bDkhttp://youtu.be/gtS58Nm2bDk.

St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle will present a “Discover Cruising the Danube to The Black Sea” on Tuesday, August 9 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Activity Center on Marsh Drive. The presentation will give information on the parish’s river cruise planned for September 2023. To RSVP to the presentation, please e-mail Danube2023@gmail.com. Father Don Bender, pastor of our church, will be our leader on this pilgrimage. For complete details, visit https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1103045.

The annual St. Mary’s Susan and Charlie Middleton Golf Tournament (an event of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Lebanon) will be held Friday, September 9 at Fairview Golf Course. Tee time is 8 a.m. Donuts and coffee at 7:15 a.m., scramble format. Cost for green fees, cart and dinner is $80. Contact Mike and Gina Groff at 717-383-7814.

Job Openings

The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking a Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries in the Secretariat for Catholic Life & Evangelization. Applicants should have a desire to help others live the Catholic faith to the fullest, seek for our youth and young adults to develop strong relationships with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and a desire to secure a safe environment for all our children as they grow in their love of God. The Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries reports to the Secretary of CLEV and will have direct responsibility for Youth, Young Adult, and Catholic Campus Ministries and programs. This person serves as the main point of contact and support to parish and ministry offices for strategic planning, implementation, and ongoing development in these areas. A full job description is available at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and résumé to employment@hbgdiocese.org by August 5, 2022.

Diocese of Harrisburg Catholic School Principals Opportunity for the 2022-2023 school year: Harrisburg Catholic Elementary, Harrisburg (www.hbgcathelem.com); Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, Coal Township (www.lourdesregional.com); and Our Lady of the Angels School, Columbia (www.ourladyoftheangels.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 teaching experience. For more information, see the Employment listings on the Diocese of Harrisburg website: www.hbgdiocese.org. Send résumé and letter of interest to: Ann Everest, Dept. of Education; Diocese of Harrisburg; 4800 Union Deposit Road;  Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710 or by email: aeverest@hbgdiocese.org.

St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Lancaster is seeking applicants for the position of Director of Religious Education. The DRE is responsible for coordinating faith formation activities for K-8, including classes on Sundays, recruiting catechists, proposing curriculum, preparing students for sacraments of initiation, providing retreat opportunities to students, attending Masses with students and keeping accurate filing on student progress. To apply, please call Father Matthew Morelli at 717-394-0669.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg is seeking a part-time Administrative Assistant. Responsibilities include phones and office duties, database entries, maintaining parish calendars, and possibly doing bulletin creations. Excel and Word experience required. Security clearances are required. Please email your résumé to Tracy Kovaleski at tkovaleski@steas.net.

Assumption BVM Parish in Lebanon is seeking candidates for the parish secretary position. The individual will be welcoming, providing administrative and office support, publishing the weekly bulletin and updating content on the parish calendars. The successful candidate will perform various clerical duties as needed to support the pastor and the director of religious education. Qualified candidates should possess a high school diploma or a GED, have previous office experience, and be proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel and Publisher. Applicants should possess strong organizational skills, and have respect for and an ability to uphold Catholic Church teaching. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and résumé to stm@abvmlebpa.org or mail to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 2 North 8th Street, Lebanon, PA 17046.

San Juan Bautista Preschool in Lancaster is seeking a part-time assistant teacher/floater to work with students from 1-5 years old. Candidates must hand in a completed application and résumé to the preschool office. Qualifications: high school diploma or GED, at least one year of experience, at least 21 or older. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.

Lancaster Catholic High School is hiring for the following positions: full-time Staff Accountant, full-time Annual Fund Manager; cafeteria staff for the 2022-23 school year (3 openings); and a part-time Latino Enrollment Assistant. Visit www.lchsyes.org/careers/ for more information about the positions. Résumés can be sent to jobs@lchsyes.org.

The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Danville are seeking a part-time receptionist. For information, please contact the congregation’s HR Department at 570-275-3581, ext. 152.

St. John the Baptist School in New Freedom has several job opportunities available for the 2022-2023 school year: a first-grade teacher, fifth-grade teacher, part-time Preschool Teacher, part-time Technology teacher, and part-time Physical Education Teacher. The ideal candidates will possess a knowledge of instructional strategies, demonstrate strong classroom management, and model their Catholic faith. Interested candidates should send their résumé and cover letter to Sue Mareck or Michelle Williams at Principal@sjbnf.org.

Morning Star Clinics is seeking a part-time instructor to teach nationally recognized curriculum in greater Dauphin County middle and high schools. The program empowers youth to make healthy decisions regarding relationships and risk behaviors and promotes sexual risk avoidance to achieve best outcomes. Candidates will have at least one year of experience working with this age group in an organized teaching capacity. The ability to engage teens is essential. An individual who can be a role model and mentor to male students is preferred. One to two year commitment following completion of formal training. For questions or to submit a cover letter and résumé, contact Leslie Moyer, Program Director, at lmoyer@unfiltered-truth.com. Visit our website to learn more about the program: www.Unfiltered-Truth.com.

St. Monica Parish in Berwyn, Pa., is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Evangelization to lead and build upon a nationally ranked faith formation program in our Roman Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. St. Monica utilizes a “small groups” discussion-based approach for young people from pre-k through 6th grade levels. Within their small groups, they will experience the person of Jesus Christ through the sacraments, Scripture, prayer and reflection, and their peers. This approach will lead to an engagement with 7th and 8th graders outside of the faith formation setting as young disciples within the wider parish community. A full job description is available at www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. Submit résumé and salary requirements to jcarter@saintmonicachurch.org. Interested candidates are also welcome to record and submit a two to three minute video to introduce themselves and why they are interested in this position.

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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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