Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Diocesan Notebook – June 9

Masses and Prayer Services

The St. Thomas More Society of Central Pennsylvania will host a Mass to celebrate the feast of St. Thomas More on Wednesday, June 22 at 8:30 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church in Harrisburg. Father Paul M. Clark, the Bishop’s Liaison to the Society, will be the principal celebrant. The homilist will be Deacon Timothy Shultis, a civil lawyer and long-time member of the Society. Following the Mass, the Society will host coffee and a light breakfast in the outdoor pavilion on the parish grounds. All are welcome. Priest concelebrants and attending deacons are asked to bring alb, stole and Diocesan vestments. The St. Thomas More Society of Central Pennsylvania was founded for Catholic lawyers, judges and law students to promote the ideals and principles of St. Thomas More.

The Padre Pio Prayer Group of Lancaster invites you to a Eucharistic procession on June 11. The procession will begin at St. Joseph Church and then move to Historic St. Mary’s Church and San Juan Bautista Church. The route is approximately one mile. The procession will begin at approximately 9:15 a.m., following the 8:15 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph’s. For more information (route, parking, music and hymns to be used, etc.) e-mail padrepiolancaster@gmail.com.

Were you married in 1972? In honor of your 50th wedding anniversary, the Diocese of Harrisburg will have a special Mass and reception on Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m. at Good Shepherd Church in Camp Hill. Bishop Ronald Gainer will be the celebrant. To receive an invitation, please contact your parish office.

Education & Enrichment

The Mental Health Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg will begin Spiritual Support Groups to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals who are experiencing mental illness. Meetings will be held on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, beginning June 11 at 9 a.m. at the church. The meetings will open with prayer, followed by individual sharing by group members. The second half of the meeting will be spiritually based with reflections on scripture and spiritual reading. Spiritual Support Groups are not group therapy, but rather a ministry in which members seek to support each other during their time of need, and to grow spiritually in their relationship with God. One does not need to be Catholic to participate, but Catholic prayers and devotions will be used. Please visit www.steas.net/mentalhealthministry/ or contact Pastoral Assistant Donna Nebistinsky at donna@steas.net or 717-697-6929 for more information.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Abbottstown invites all youth in grades 8-12 to the “Dynamic YOU Summer Teen Program.” In a world confused over sexuality, gender identity, dating, love, marriage and family, this program presents the Catholic view. “Dynamic YOU” runs on Sunday nights from June 12 to August 14, from 6-8:30 p.m. During that time, there will be dinner, games, prizes, activities, Eucharistic Adoration (on certain nights), Confessions (on certain nights), and more. To register, call or e-mail Paul Oakes at 717-640-2592 or poakes@hbgdiocese.org.

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 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

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Cornwall will have its summer festival July 14-16, with live music, dinners, a white elephant stand, bake sale, basket raffle, big raffle and silent auction. The festival is 4-6:30 p.m. on Thursday and 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Thursday features a fish or shrimp dinner for $12 (take-out or drive-through). Friday features live music by Famous Rumors Band, and Saturday features live music by Josh Squared Band. Bring your own lawn chairs.

Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in York will have its cultural festival June 17 from 5-9 p.m. and June 18 from noon-9 p.m. in the parish parking lot. The event will feature various homemade ethnic foods, as well as games and raffles. The games and food kiosks will only accept payment in tickets, which can be purchased on-site. Parking is available on the street, or at St. Patrick Church on Beaver Street, except during the Saturday evening Mass at 4 p.m.

Jubilee Day Parish Outreach in Mechanicsburg, June 16: Jubilee Day is the largest, longest running one-day street fair on the east coast, attracting up to 70,000 attendees to downtown Mechanicsburg. Over the past few years, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish has sponsored a booth at the fair and this year will be joined by St. Joseph and St. Katharine Drexel parishes on Thursday, June 16 from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. for outreach during the event. The outreach will give away religious items to fair-goers, both children and adults, while sharing about the Church and the Lord, in a relaxed, “low-key” manner. Families and individuals are invited to help staff the booth for any length of time (service hours acceptable). There will be a training/planning meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 13 at St. Joseph Parish, Mechanicsburg. Contact Deacon Alex Bogdanoff (DeaconAlex@steas.net or 817-304-3603) or Suzanne Bruzga (evangelization@stjosephmech.org or 717-645-9626) for details.

St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Annville will hold its summer bazaar June 18 and 19 on the parish grounds beginning at 3 p.m. both days. Games, raffles, live music and food, including the parish’s famous sausage sandwiches. Entertainment at 6 p.m. both days, featuring The Mudflaps and the Josh Squared Band. Free admission and parking. For additional information, contact the parish at 717-867-1525.

The Annual Buchanan Valley Picnic will take place at the picnic grove at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish in Orrtanna, Saturday, August 27, from noon until dusk, rain or shine. Home-cooked family-style ham and chicken dinners will be served all day. Cost is $15 for adults; $7 for children ages 6-12; and ages 5 and under are free. The picnic has been a tradition for more than 175 years and is an old-fashioned picnic with games for children, drawings, bingo, music and good food. For more information, contact St. Ignatius Loyola Parish at 717-677-8012 or stignatiusofloyola@hbgdiocese.org, or visit www.stignatiusofloyola.org.

The Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius will have their Summer Festival in Danville on Saturday, July 9. The festival will have food trucks, baked goods, a flea market, bingo, Sister’s art, and a furniture sale. The event is scheduled from 10:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m., with Mass in the Basilica at 5 p.m.

Seven Sorrows BVM Parish in Middletown will hold its summer festival June 23-25, rain or shine, on the parish grounds. The festival runs from 5-9 p.m. each night and includes a flea market, cash raffle, basket raffle, jewelry extravaganza, and games for all ages. Entertainment and food vary by night. Thursday, June 23 features food trucks (Sittin’ Pickin’ Chickin’, The Lucky Penny Burger Co., Taste of Italy, Scoop O Dough, 717 Tacos, ShreddRRz, Farm Show Milkshakes) and Occasions DJs. Friday, June 24 features live music by Crossing Abbey Road (a Beatles cover band), homemade meals (lasagna rolls with meatballs, Polish stuffed cabbage, haluski, pierogies), authentic tacos, Schmidt’s sausage, baked goods, funnel cakes, and Father Sahd’s ice cream waffles. Saturday, June 25 features live music by The Bad Toupees (a classic rock dance band) and homemade meals (lasagna rolls with meatballs, Polish stuffed cabbage, haluski, pierogies), authentic tacos, Schmidt’s sausage, baked goods, funnel cakes, and Father Sahd’s ice cream waffles. For more information, visit www.ssbvm.org.

St. Cecilia Parish in Lebanon will have its festival, June 9, 10 and 11 at 750 State Drive. Meals served from 4-7 p.m. each evening include lasagna on Thursday, fried fish with mac and cheese on Friday, and chicken BBQ on Saturday. Homemade baked goods available. Entertainment from 7-10 p.m. each night features Firestorm on Thursday, LUV GODS on Friday, and Galbraith, Briody & Friends with The Black Blue Horns on Saturday. Attic treasures, sugar cookies and strudel stands open at 4 p.m. Food court opens at 5 p.m., midway at 6 p.m. featuring games, bingo (Saturday at 7 p.m.), kiddie land, a chance booth, and inflatables.

Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in Mount Joy will have its 2nd Annual Christmas in July Bazaar, July 16 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on the parish grounds. Event features breakfast, lunch and chicken BBQ dinners, crafters and vendors, basket bonanza, raffle, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a children’s area. The bazaar will also include two community based events. There will be a “stuff the bus” collection of K-12 school supplies, sweatpants, sweatshirts and children’s socks for Donegal, Elizabethtown, Hempfield and Columbia Borough school districts. There will also be a collection of food items and local grocery store gift cards for the Mount Joy and East Donegal Conoy Christian food banks. Those who donate three items to either cause will receive three tickets for the basket raffle.

The Knights of Columbus of East York will sponsor the 6th annual charity golf tournament benefitting Misericordia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The event is Friday, June 24 at 12:30 p.m. at Heritage Hills Golf Resort in York. Cost is $95 per person and includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, dinner and beverages. Please e-mail Patrick Nelson at patn61@yahoo.com for additional information or to be a sponsor for the tournament. To register/sign-up online for the golfing event via credit card, visit www.knightsevent.info.

The Diocesan Summer Camp for Adults with Developmental Disabilities is seeking volunteers to assist at its residential camp, August 14-19, 2022, at Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon County. There is a critical need this year for a camp nurse or doctor to provide health oversight. Interested persons ages 16 and older are welcome to volunteer for full-time or part-time duties. There are no special qualifications or minimum time required for volunteering, but there is a particular need for volunteers who are able to spend the night. All volunteers are required to complete the Diocesan Clearance process and to provide proof of vaccination from the COVID-19 virus (vaccination waivers may be granted). Attendance at a brief training session prior to helping at camp is also required. There is no cost to volunteers; all meals, events, campground activities, etc. are included. Deadline for expressing volunteer interest is July 1st. If you are not able to volunteer but wish to support this special ministry, donations may be sent to the Office of Ministry with People with Disabilities, 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 Larry Kiley at 717-657-4804, ext. 322, or email lkiley@hbgdiocese.org.

St. Joseph Parish in York will have its summer carnival June 14-18 from 5-10 p.m. Event features rides, games, a beer garden, food trucks and a $10,000 cash raffle. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the parish office or at the carnival.

Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish in Myerstown will host its Summer Fest June 23-25 from 5-10 p.m. Event features a food court, games, book sale, raffles, bounce houses and live music. Book sale begins at 4 p.m. Live music by “Sidetracked” on Thursday, “Vertigo Vibe” on Friday, and “The New Individuals” on Saturday. Find more information on Facebook by searching “MGH Summerfest.”

The annual Divine Redeemer Parish Summer Festival in Mount Carmel will take place on the parish picnic grounds and in Divine Mercy Hall on Friday, June 17 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, June 18 from 4-10 p.m. Delicious homemade ethnic and traditional foods, homemade baked goods, live bands and theme baskets. Entertainment on Friday: “Swing Masters Polka Band” and on Saturday evening: “Keep Out Brass Band.”

St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey will have its 48th Annual Parish Festival, June 9-11 from 5-10 p.m. each night. Great homemade food, children’s games and activities, kids inflatable, face painting, silent auction (including a trip to Sicily), games of skill and bingo. Raffle items include cash, beautiful gift baskets, Hershey restaurants, authentic sports memorabilia, and a Christian Pulisic jersey. Shop jewelry, plants, garden bounties, bake sale, crafts and more. Musical entertainment on Thursday is DJ Dave Willey; Friday is Crossing Abbey Road; and Saturday is the Happy Slovenes. For more information, call 717-533-7168 or visit www.sjafestival.com.

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.

The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking an administrative assistant in the Secretariat for Education. Must be a confident individual with superior organizational and administrative skills to work as part of an administrative team. 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, along with a thorough working knowledge of database management and Excel spreadsheets. Experience in working in Catholic schools or a parish CCD program is helpful, but not essential. Knowledge of Diocesan parish /school structures would be beneficial. Competitive salary and benefits.

Please send résumé and cover letter to employment@hbgdiocese.org. Closing date is June 24, 2022.

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 full-time director. The Preschool Director will build and maintain a program that develops the whole child, sparks imagination, builds self-esteem, fosters learning through play, develops an attitude of service and helps children discover new things each day. She or he will ensure that there is a caring and safe learning environment for the children. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, including 30 credit hours in early childhood education, child development or elementary education, or the human services field; at least four years of experience working in a preschool or child care setting with management experience; fully bi-lingual in English and Spanish; and strong computer, verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to work in a collaborative environment. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Submit résumé and application to Father Luis R. Rodriguez, Pastor, San Juan Bautista, 425 S. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602 or email to:  p127sanjuan@hbgdiocese.org.

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.

Lancaster Catholic High School has an immediate opening for a full-time Annual Fund Director to join our Advancement Team. The Annual Fund Director is an integral part of the Lancaster Catholic Advancement Department, reporting to the Director of Development and President. This Director is a salaried, 12-month staff member responsible for the strategic leadership and implementation of all aspects of the annual giving program, including engaging volunteer stakeholders in support of Advancement activities and programs. Responsibilities include: cultivating and in-person solicitation of gifts from donor prospects, planning and leading the School’s Annual Fund Campaign, stewardship of donors, foundation and corporate grant writing, attracting support from the business community, and maintaining a portfolio of leadership gift prospects. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years of related experience. Please submit your résumé to jobs@lchsyes.org.

Lancaster Catholic High School has an immediate opening for a part-time experienced Staff Accountant, 20-28 hours per week. A member of the four-person Business Office team, the Staff Accountant is charged with providing accounting, reconciliation, reporting and analytic support for the school. Responsibilities include reconciliations, journal entries, reports to leadership, and liaison with Diocesan HR and Accounting staff. This position reports to the Lancaster Catholic President. The ideal candidate should have a 4-year degree or combination of education & experience. Please submit your résumé to jobs@lchsyes.org.

The Diocese of Harrisburg has a full time vacancy for Cemetery Maintenance and Service at Holy Savior Cemetery, York. Applicants must have skills in grounds maintenance. The ability to operate a backhoe is highly 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. Applicants must have a valid, clean Pennsylvania 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. Applicants must pass Diocesan background checks. Applicants should send résumé and cover letter to JBrlansky@hbgdiocse.org. Please visit www.hbgdiocese.org/careers for the full job description.

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.

Morning Star Pregnancy Services is hiring! Do you have a heart for Life? For supporting families unprepared for pregnancy? Morning Star is seeking a full-time Client Services Director to oversee client programs at our three Central PA clinics. We also have openings for a part-time ultrasound tech and part-time and full-time counselor advocates. To learn more about these opportunities, visit www.SupportMorningStar.com/get-involved/job-openings.

St. Maria Goretti Catholic High School in Hagerstown, Md., is seeking a Director of Advancement. The Director of Advancement is a critical member of the school leadership team and reports to the President. The Director of Advancement leads all fundraising for the school, and is responsible for organizing the fundraising efforts for the annual fund, major gifts, planned gifts, foundation and government support, corporate support, Goretti “Gaela,” and capital campaign, and assists with all other fundraising for Goretti including the Golf Tournament, Gael Center Banner Sponsorships, etc. A bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of successful professional advancement experience is required. Send your résumé and cover letter to Vince Connelly at vconnelly@connellyfundraising.com. Those selected for interviews will be asked to submit three professional references. Please contact Vince Connelly at 443-413-6033 or vconnelly@connellyfundraising.com with any questions. All conversations are confidential.

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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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