Sunday, October 11, 2026

Diocesan Notebook – June 19

Masses and Prayer Services

Join the Diocese in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at the annual Celtic Fling & Highland Games at Mount Hope, located on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 29, at Barn & Barrel, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim. No ticket necessary for Mass. All are welcome. Tickets are needed for the following: The celebration of Irish Celtic Culture at 11 a.m., which offers a first-hand tour of the compelling culture as it salutes both traditional and contemporary Celtic heritage. For more information regarding the Mass and other events, visit http://www.parenfaire.com/celtic.html.

A “Tear Drops Liturgy” for those whose loved ones have fallen away from the Church will take place at St. Katharine Drexel Church in Mechanicsburg, August 24 at 2 p.m. We all have loved ones who no longer practice the faith and have left the Church. During the Tear Drops Liturgy, participants will gather and pray together in petition that those we love come back to Jesus and His Holy Catholic Church.

Caelorum will be held at St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey, Wednesday, July 2, at 7 p.m. 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. An ice cream social will be hosted after the Caelorum in the cafeteria. For questions, call Lou at 717-215-4175.

Retreats & Pilgrimages

Join Father Augusty Valomchalil and Deacon Dan Signore for an Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage Tour in Mexico, October 20-25. Join the parish families of St. Mark in Greencastle and St. Luke the Evangelist in Mercersburg on this pilgrimage. Itinerary includes the Basilica Shrine to Our Lady, Mexico City, Tlaxcala, Puebla, Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, St. Juan Diego, Blessed Miguel Pro, SJ, and Blessed Sebastian of Aparicio, OFM. For full details, visit https://www.catholicjourneys.com/tour/guadalupe-pilgrimage/ or contact Marcelle at Catholic Journeys at 1-800-715-6670.

Join Father John Bateman, KCHS, on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land from February 2-12, 2026. The pilgrimage includes daily Mass at holy sites, licensed Christian guide, accommodation in First Class hotels (five nights in Jerusalem, three nights in Tiberias, one night in Netanya), breakfast and dinner daily, land transportation by deluxe motorcoach, roundtrip motorcoach from Harrisburg to Washington Dulles Airport, roundtrip airfare from Dulles to Tel Aviv on Lufthansa, and more, for $4,590 per person/double occupancy. For complete details, please contact Karen Hurley at k.m.hurley1@gmail.com or George’s International Tours at (800) 566-7499 or sales@georgesintl.com.

Join Father Ken Smith on a pilgrimage to Poland and the Czech Republic, September 16-26, 2025. The trip includes daily Mass, professional local guides, nine nights accommodation in first-class, four-star hotels (two nights in Warsaw, four nights in Krakow, three nights in Prague), breakfast and dinner daily, land transportation by private deluxe motorcoach. Cost is $4,689 per person/double occupancy. For a brochure with complete details, please contact Karen Hurley at k.m.hurley1@gmail.com or sales@georgesintl.com.

Education & Enrichment

Three Best Nights of Summer – “The Power of the Keys.” Join Father Joshua R. Brommer, rector and pastor of the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg, on July 15, 16, and 17 at 6:30 p.m. for three nights of exploring the Papacy, the Vatican, and the Popes throughout the ages. All are welcome as we explore this quintessentially Catholic topic that intrigues Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We will discuss the conclave (and mention the movie, too) and the establishment of the Vatican City State, as well as look at the lives of some of the most interesting popes of the last two millennia. The Three Best Nights of Summer will take place in St. Joseph Hall at the Cathedral Education Center, located directly behind St. Patrick Cathedral. This is an in-person event, free of charge; livestream and Zoom will not be available. For more information, please contact Lisa Reisteter at lreisteter@hbgdiocese.org.

A series of regional human trafficking awareness events will take place throughout the Diocese this summer in response to Bishop Senior’s Pastoral Letter, Setting Captives Free. Learn what human trafficking is, what it looks like, and how to respond to observing a possible trafficking situation. Remaining sessions will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the following locations: July 21 at St. Joseph in York; July 22 at St. Joseph in Danville; August 18 at St. Paul the Apostle in Annville; and August 19 St. Catherine Labouré in Harrisburg.

Learn to sing the timeless melodies of the Catholic Church this summer at St. Patrick Church in Carlisle with Dr. David O’Donnell as he offers an interactive class on Gregorian Chant. Class participants will learn about the history of the chant, how to read the notation, and will practice singing selected chants. Class dates are July 1, 8, and 15 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the St Patrick Parish Activity Center, 87 Marsh Drive, Carlisle. Materials will be provided; please register by calling the parish office at 717-243-4411.

The Women of Grace Foundational Study Program will be at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harrisburg beginning in September. Through “Women and the Abundant Life,” authored by Johnnette B. Williams, discover the gift of authentic femininity, holiness of life, and God’s awesome purpose and mission for you in the world today. Study begins Thursday, September 4, from 10 a.m.-noon for nine weeks, ending on Thursday, October 30. Join us and find out how you can fulfill your call as a woman of grace in the world today. For more information, please contact Chris Arnold at 717-379-6041 (leave a message) or carnold@womenofgrace.com. An information table for all women to have the opportunity to ask questions, purchase study materials, etc., will be at the Saturday Vigil Mass on August 16 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 17, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass.

“Moments of Mary” study series, “Mary Through the Eyes of the Mystics,” begins Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m.-noon in Room 310 of the former St. Joan of Arc school building, Hershey. Explore the Blessed Virgin Mary’s role in salvation history and her maternal guidance in leading us toward a deepening relationship with her Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. The five-week study includes teaching videos by Johnnette Benkovic and Colin Donovan; daily meditations for reflection with accompanying daily reflection videos by Johnnette; supplemental articles that further explore the study Theme and Grace; study guide to record your study journey and access to all study-specific videos. Through expert teaching and commentary, the quotes of the saints, documents of the Church, and Scripture passages, the Moments with Mary Study Series encourages women to seek the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives and to act upon the promptings they receive. Additional study dates are September 20, September 27, October 11, and October 25. Study guide cost is $30. For more information, please contact Chris Arnold, Regional Coordinator, at carnold@womenofgrace.com or 717-379-6041 (leave a message).

EWTN’S free Family Celebration Event is coming to Capital One Hall in Tysons, Va., August 30 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Hear hope-filled messages from EWTN hosts and clergy, attend Holy Mass with Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Confession and Adoration, and meet your favorite EWTN personalities up close and personal. Doors open at 8 a.m. Seating is limited; register online at www.ewtn.com/familycelebration.

Events & Fundraisers

The Diocesan Camp at Kirchenwald is seeking volunteers to assist at its residential camp for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from August 10-15, 2025. The camp is dependent on volunteers, with a particular need for volunteers who can spend the night. There are no special qualifications or minimum time required for volunteering. All volunteers are required to complete the Diocese of Harrisburg Youth Protection Clearances. There is no cost to volunteers; all meals, events, campground activities, etc. are included. If you are not able to volunteer but wish to support this special ministry, donations may be sent to Catholic Life and Evangelization, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Checks should be made payable to the Diocese of Harrisburg with Camp Kirchenwald in the memo line. For more information or any questions, please contact Kate Neri at 717-657-4804, ext. 317, or email KNeri@hbgdiocese.org.

Join the Diocese of Harrisburg at the ballpark on Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m. as the Harrisburg Senators take on the Erie SeaWolves at FNB Field on City Island. This isn’t just a fun night out—it’s a chance to support the future of our Church. For every ticket purchased at https://www.gofevo.com/event/Romancatholic4, $4 goes directly to support vocations in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Plus, stick around after the game for a spectacular fireworks show.

The public is invited to attend York Catholic Middle & High School’s Summer Open House on Tuesday, July 15, 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. Attendees will take a tour of the newly renovated campus, talk with York Catholic teachers and administrators, meet current students and hear their experiences, learn about the 45+ sports and 60+ activities available, hear about our Family Customized Tuition program and experience how York Catholic sets students up for success and creates a place where every student is known and cared for. 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. 1354.

St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey will have its annual rummage sale, Thursday, July 31, from 3-6 p.m.; Friday, August 1 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; and Saturday, August 2 from 8 a.m.-noon in the parish social hall on W. Areba Avenue in Hershey.

St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish in new Cumberland will be hosting its rummage sale on July 18 and 19 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the Little Flower Social Hall. All proceeds from this year’s sale will again benefit the Lourdeshouse Maternity Home of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Join us to find some great deals on household items, home and holiday decor, crafts, puzzles, games and more, while helping to support this important community initiative. For more information on Lourdeshouse and its services, visit https://www.cchbg.org/services/lourdeshouse-maternity-home. Please contact Rebecca Ionadi (407-505-8295) with any questions about the event and visit https://www.facebook.com/sainttheresaparish for event updates.

Job Openings

The Office of Catholic Life and Evangelization is looking for an energetic team player to join the Laity & Family Team. You will help organize and implement their programmatic efforts, manage all logistics for Marriage Preparation Conferences, while also assisting pastors and lay leaders in their pastoral efforts to serve and support the faithful in their communities. The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree relevant to Catholic pastoral ministry and have at least two years of experience in a similar role at the parish or diocesan level. Verbal and written proficiency in Spanish is preferred. This position is responsible for processing financial data for the team, so familiarity with accounting for office expenses would be helpful. Candidates must be willing to travel throughout the Diocese. Evening and weekend work is required. The starting salary is $50,000 per year. The full job description can be viewed on the Diocesan career page at www.hbgdiocese.org or interested candidates can contact mmaleski@hbgdiocese.org. Resumé together with a cover letter should be submitted to Mrs. Melissa Maleski by July 18, 2025.

Resurrection Cemetery in Harrisburg has a full-time vacancy for a cemetery maintenance and service employee. Applicants must have skills in grounds maintenance. The ability to operate a backhoe is desirable but training will be given. Other equipment that will be used: tractor, pickup, mowers and a variety of small equipment related to cemetery maintenance and operation. Must be a good team player who is able to take direction and demonstrate tact, courtesy and diplomacy. Applicant must have valid, clean PA driver’s license. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. This is a manual position requiring physical fitness with the ability to lift (up to 50 lbs. regularly), bend, stoop, climb and be mobile (on your feet) for most of the day. Applicants must be able to work in all weather conditions to tight deadlines. Must pass Diocesan background checks. Submit resumé and cover letter to Tshanabrook@hbgdiocese.org.

St. Benedict the Abbot Parish in Lebanon is seeking a part-time bilingual (English/Spanish) secretary to work in the rectory office approximately thirty hours a week. The individual should be a practicing Catholic who has an understanding and embrace of the Catholic faith; have excellent professional communication skills; work independently and complete tasks in a timely manner; maintain confidentiality; interact well in a small team with other staff and volunteers; and be prompt and dependable. The candidate should have proven computer skills in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with Microsoft Publisher, Google suite, mail tools and parish data systems; excellent organizational, time management, administrative and typing skills. The position requires occasional light lifting. Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and qualifications. Please send a resumé and cover letter to: Reverend Jose Elias Mera Vallejos at stbenedictlebanon@hbgdiocese.org.

A Woman’s Concern, a pro-life pregnancy resource center in Lancaster, is seeking applicants for its additional five staff members and volunteer receptionist position. A Woman’s Concern knows it takes many hands to build a culture for life. More women and families are turning to the center for guidance, support, and hope and, and A Woman’s Concern is answering the call. Do you or someone you know want to be a part of a team that protects life? Do you or they have a passion for life, a servant heart and the unique skills needed for one or more of these positions? Please visit https://www.friendsofawc.com/join-our-team/careers/ for complete information.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is seeking a Deaf Apostolate and Operations Coordinator. The purpose of the full-time position is coordination and administration of the faith formation and pastoral ministry for the Deaf community, as well as providing comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Office for Persons with Disabilities and the Deaf Apostolate. This role ensures the successful execution of various ministries, events, and outreach efforts, while enabling the director to focus on higher level strategic planning and execution of their mission and in spreading the love of Christ through the planning and implementation of various ministries and events. Visit this link for the full job description and to apply.

St. Joseph Parish in Dallastown is seeking a part-time maintenance custodian that will be responsible for cleaning, maintaining, inspecting and reporting the condition of the church and all buildings. Performing basic janitorial functions such as vacuuming, mopping, sweeping floors, maintaining bathroom facilities, emptying trash, etc. This is a part-time, 20-hour per week position with a flexible schedule. Please contact Father Weiss at 717-246-3007 or frmweiss@hbgdiocese.org for more information, including salary.

St. Catherine Laboure School in Harrisburg (PreK-8) is looking for a new principal to start in the 2025-2026 school year. As principal of a Catholic school, you will have the support of the school staff, the parishes that are connected to the school, the school board, the Diocesan Offices, and the faithful community. You will collaborate with and get to know fellow school principals who share your calling from the other 32 schools in our Diocese. You will be instrumental in the formation and growth of over 300 young lives (based on current enrollment). The Elementary School Principal in the Diocese of Harrisburg has the primary responsibility for both the spiritual and educational leadership and the administration of the school, which seeks to offer high-quality academic programs that are integrated with religious truths and values. The Elementary School Principal is directly accountable to the pastor. For more information, please contact Angela Deimler at 717-564-1321, ext. 404 or adeimler@sclhbg.org.

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in McSherrystown is looking for a Part Time Parish/Church Housekeeper. Applicants would be responsible for cleaning and maintaining the parish rectory as well as the church. The position requires varying degrees of physical exertion, to include lifting (at least 50 lbs.), stretching, bending, climbing stairs and operating cleaning equipment. They would need organizational skills, a working knowledge of home safety procedures, and the ability to take instructions, as well as the ability to work without supervision. Absolute trustworthiness and the willingness to maintain confidentiality are essential. If interested, please email your resumé to parishoffice@abvmchurch.org.

The Women’s Care Center in York, a pregnancy and parenting resource center, is looking for a dynamic person to conduct our fundraising, apply for grants and collaborate with other agencies. Candidates must have good people, communication and computer skills. B.A. preferred. If you are a person with a heart for young women and babies that come to us for help, please send your resumé to LynnWCCyork@gmail.com. Competitive salary and paid vacation. The Care Center served 1,100 women last year. We provide pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, maternity and baby clothing, diapers, formula, a very popular parenting program, and a fatherhood program. We support moms and babies from cradle to kindergarten and build stronger families. Every year on the first Friday in May, the Care Center holds a Community Closet Day providing free, gently used baby clothes, strollers, furniture, and other items to over 100 local families. The Care Center is an independent 501(c)(3) which was founded in 1990, by Msgr. Thomas Brenner, and parishioners of St. Patrick Church in York, Lori Mitrick and Lynn Newcomer.

St. Rose of Lima Parish in York seeks a full-time music director who will help our parish to continue growing through sung worship and liturgical music. Must be a Catholic in good standing and have a working knowledge of liturgical norms and practices of the Church. Position requires competent playing of the organ and/or piano at weekend and Holy Day Masses, regular school Masses, and other sacramental and devotional services (such as weddings and funerals). Position also coordinates cantors, as well as children and adult choirs. Interested parties should submit a basic resumé and letter of interest to Father Celestine Nwakwuo, pastor, via email at FrCNwakwuo@hbgdiocese.org. Questions can also be directed to Father Celestine via email or by calling the Parish Office at 717-846-4935.

St. Joseph Parish in Danville seeks a full-time music director who will help our dynamic parish to continue growing through sung worship and liturgical music. Must be a Catholic in good standing and have a working knowledge of liturgical norms and practices of the Church. Position requires competent playing of the organ and/or piano at weekend and Holy Day Masses, regular school Masses, and other sacramental and devotional services (such as weddings and funerals). Position also coordinates cantors, as well as youth and adult choirs. A complete ministry description is available upon request. 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 at 570-275-2512, ext. 2.

St. Joan of Arc School in Hershey is opening a Day Care in the fall. The school is looking for a Director, Assistant Director, and Aides. If you are interested, please contact Sister Eileen at sreileen@stjoanhershey.org or call 717-533-2854, ext. 118. Visit this link for the job descriptions.

St. Joseph Parish in York is hiring a full-time Coordinator/Director of Religious Education. Interested applicants are responsible for overseeing the K-8th grade Religious Education Program, to include sacramental preparation and catechist advancement. The ideal candidate would be a mature, professional, responsible, committed individual with excellent communication (oral and written), organizational, administrative, managerial and interpersonal skills. Cordial and effective communication with priests, parishioners, catechists, and Diocesan office personnel is an ongoing necessity. Must be a Catholic in good standing and have a working knowledge of Church teaching, Catholic sacramental theology and practices of the Church and Diocese. Should be versed in the stages of human and faith development. This is a full-time salaried position; weekend hours are required. Applicants should send resumé and cover letter to St. Joseph Parish, Attn: Erin Maiolino, 2935 Kingston Road, York, PA 17402 or Maiolino@sjy.org.

- Advertisement -spot_img

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.

Other News