Masses and Prayer Services
A Mass of Thanksgiving to God for all newly initiated and newly received will take place May 22 at 4 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. Parishes are asked to register and send their parishioners who were initiated and/or received during the past two years, along with sponsors, to participate in this inaugural event. Registration can be found at https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/mass-of-thanksgiving/. Please register by May 15, 2022.
The Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary, Monastery of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, formerly on Lititz Pike in Lancaster, will be honoring in a special way all the deceased members of their community who have recently been moved from the former monastery property to St. Joseph’s New Roman Catholic Cemetery in Lancaster. The Blessing and Dedication of the “Dominican Nuns” section of St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 175 Charles Road, will take place on Friday, June 3 at 11:30 a.m. with Bishop Gainer officiating. All are welcome to attend.
St. Pius X Parish in Selinsgrove will have a Rosary rally on May 15 at 1 p.m. in the Marian Garden. The most powerful form of prayer is the Holy Rosary. Come pray with us.
The next Caelorum at St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey will be Wednesday, June 8 at 7 p.m. 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.
St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, will host a quarterly Sensory-Friendly Mass for persons with sensory sensitivity or other disabilities. Dimmer lighting, no music, and a shorter homily, among other adaptations, are included in this Mass to promote a fully inclusive environment. Masses are planned on the following Sundays starting at 2 p.m.: Easter: May 15, 2022; Fall: October 9, 2022; Advent: December 11, 2022. Every effort will be made to accommodate all in attendance, and all behaviors are welcome. Families are encouraged to bring materials that can assist with comfort during the liturgy (i.e. noise-canceling headphones, wiggle seats, weighted blankets, fidgets, etc.) For more information, contact the Parish Office at 717-533-7168 or Office@stjoanhershey.org. All are welcome to attend.
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
St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg is planning a special celebration of the Pentecost Vigil on June 4. The celebration will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with quiet prayer at 6:15 p.m., a talk on the Holy Spirit and St. Joseph at 6:30 p.m., Pentecost Evening Prayer and Adoration at 7 p.m., a talk on the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit at 7:30 p.m. followed by Benediction, and the celebration of the Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. For more information, contact the parish at 717-766-9433 or evangelization@stjosephmech.org.
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 Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites officers, Commission chairs, and future leaders of council to attend a day of workshops and lunch to help you better understand your role in the CCW. The workshop will be held at St. Catherine Laboure Parish in Harrisburg on June 4 from 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m. The HDCCW strongly encourages you and fellow leaders of your council to attend this important workshop. If you are not able to attend, please be sure to send someone from your parish as a representative. To register for the workshop and lunch, and for information on where to send the check, please visit https://hdccw.webs.com/leadership-workshop. The deadline to register is Friday, May 27.
Retreats & Pilgrimages
A young adult retreat, “One Church, One Family,” will be held May 27-29 at Christian Retreat Center in East Waterford, Pa. This retreat for young adults (20s and 30s, married or single) includes daily Mass, Adoration, Confession, group discussions, fellowship, and praise and worship. Registration is $95 for a cabin and $130 for the lodge. More details and registration can be found online at https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/yaretreat/.
St. James Parish in Lititz will host a Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus presentation on Sunday, May 22 at 3 p.m. St. James parishioner Patrick Cloonan, who became one of only 50 students selected worldwide by the Jewish National Fund to go to Israel to participate in their annual Caravan for Democracy Mission, will share his experience and reflections on “walking in the footsteps of Jesus.” Patrick is an historian, accomplished speaker and Honors graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. RSVP at https://forms.gle/9A2Gtw4yJYLot4jAA by Thursday, May 19. This seminar is suitable for all who are 10 or older. Admission is free and open to the public. This presentation was rescheduled a second time due to Covid-related issues. For more information, call the parish office at 717-626-5580, ext. 243.
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.
The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (HDCCW) invites all women of the Diocese to its Tenth Annual Weekend Retreat being held on the beautiful campus of Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Md. The retreat begins on Friday evening, June 10, and concludes at noon on Sunday, June 12. The Retreat Master is Msgr. William King, Vice Rector of Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary. The registration deadline is May 16. Registration forms and more details are available on the HDCCW website, http://hdccw.webs.com/retreat.
Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend Retreats, a safe place to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion, will be May 27-29, 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.
Rachel’s Vineyard Ministries will host a Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat for Healing after Abortion the weekend of June 24-26 at the Mariawald Retreat Center in Reading, Pa., sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown. The retreat is an opportunity for any person who struggles with emotional and spiritual pain of past abortion(s). For more information or to register, call Carol at 610-435-1541, ext. 373 or email carolswavely@ptd.net. All requests are strictly confidential.
Events & Fundraisers
Holy Family Radio AM720 is holding their second annual on-line auction. Gift cards to lots of local restaurants, artwork, gift baskets, and other great items will be available for bid. All proceeds benefit Holy Family Radio, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Visit www.720whyf.com and click on the link to the auction, which is May 13-21, concluding on the final day at 9 p.m. For more information, call 717-525-8110.
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 2022 Catholic Scouting Recognition Banquet to recognize and honor Adult Scout leaders will be June 7 at 6 p.m. at the Diocesan Conference Center in Harrisburg. Tickets are $30 and reservations are required by May 25. To purchase tickets, please visit www.hbgdiocese.org/scouting-banquet. Celebrate with us as we honor the adult leaders of our Diocesan Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts & Camp Fire and the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting. To learn more about Catholic Scouting in the Diocese, please visit www.hbgdiocese.org/youth-and-young-adults/catholic-scouting.
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.
Knights of Columbus Council #3625 of Prince of Peace Parish in Steelton is sponsoring an “All You Can Eat Breakfast” on Sunday, May 15 from 9 a.m.-noon. in the social hall of the parish center. The cost for an adult is $10, children 6-12 are $7, and children 5 and under are free. Breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, muffins, juice and coffee. Tickets are not necessary; pay at the door.
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.
St. Joseph Parish in Berwick will host an “Italian Food Palooza” under the pavilion on Sunday, May 15 from noon-3 p.m., featuring a pasta and meatball dinner and meatball, fireball, porkette and sausage and pepper sandwiches. The CCW will have a Sweet Treats table, and there will be a money raffle and basket raffle. Take-out only, rain or shine.
St. Benedict the Abbot Parish in Lebanon will have a big cash bingo on June 5 in the parish center. Doors open at 12:15 p.m., bingo starts at 1:30. There will be 20 games of $100, small games of chance, raffle baskets and refreshments. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by calling 717-450-4506 or 717-269-0785.
The Iris Dramatic Society of Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in York is performing the comedy play, “Happy Birthday Dear Grandpa.” Show dates and times are May 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and May 29 at 3 p.m. For tickets, call JoAnn Niekrewicz at 717-881-2849 or Pattie Evans at 717-999-4025. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Light refreshments will be available for purchase.
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.”
Assumption BVM Parish in Lancaster will host the Lancaster Summer Arts Festival AGO Organ Recital on June 9 at 7 p.m. The Lancaster Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has selected eight area AGO members and one scholarship student to play for this recital. This recital is open to the public. A free-will collection will support new and developing organists through the “Beginning Organist” and “Lunt-McConnell” Scholarships.
The Knights in Action Golf Tournament is seeking sponsors and players for the event, which will benefit the Diocesan camp at Camp Kirchenwald. The camp is administered by the Diocesan Office of Ministry with People with Disabilities every August. The golf tournament is June 11 at the Carlisle Barracks Golf Club, with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $75/player, $25/guest for the Saturday tournament banquet. Registration deadline May 21. Early Registration is May 15 and a discount of $280 for a foursome. For more information, call Mike Yakubick at 717-329-2725 or Steve Franchak at 717-695-3506. Registration and sponsorship forms are available at https://Knightsinaction.org.
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.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg is having its first annual Spring Bazaar on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring vendors, raffles, book sales and food. Browse and purchase from a wide variety of over 40 vendors, take a chance at raffle prizes such as a grill, bistro set, bushel of crabs, many themed items, lottery tickets and so much more. Located at 310 Hertzler Road, Mechanicsburg.
St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Harrisburg is hosting a Spring Cleaning Community Yard Sale on Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Browse tables inside and outside.
Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Lancaster will host “Adult Recess,” an evening of music, food and fun for adults, on May 20 from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy delicious “grown-up” versions of favorite cafeteria foods and play yard games with friends. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at https://www.accelevents.com/e/recess-in-the-courtyard. An online auction begins May 19 at 6 p.m. and concludes May 20 at 8 p.m.
The 33rd annual Mechanicsburg Area Ecumenical Choir Concert will perform on May 15 at 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Church in Mechanicsburg. The choir features 52 voices from 23 area churches.
The Notre Dame Club of Harrisburg is hosting a free performance of the Notre Dame Chorale, May 16 at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. The event is free but donations will gratefully be accepted.
Lancaster Catholic High School’s Fine and Performing Arts (FPA) Department will host a Fine & Performing Arts Middle School Workshop on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m.-noon. The workshop will be free to all middle school students, grades 5-8. LCHS will offer five different mini-workshops throughout that morning with interested students choosing one track for the day. The options include chorus, band, guitar, art and acting. Students must currently be taking instrumental music (any length of time) and supply their own instrument for the band track. Students who chose guitar must supply their own instrument, but no experience is necessary to participate. All other workshops need no previous experience or study. Students will break into their workshop groups and create and play with LCHS faculty and current students beginning at 9 a.m. At 11:45 a.m., parents, guardians and guests are welcome to a special performance by the students in the choral, band, guitar and drama workshops. Students who participate in the art workshop will have a gallery of their work displayed for all to see. For more information about the workshop and to register, please visit www.lchsyes.org/fpaworkshop/. Questions? Contact Lancaster Catholic’s Fine & Performing Arts Director, Tony Brill, at tbrill@lchsyes.org or call 717-509-0315.
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
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); St. Joseph, Hanover (www.sjshanover.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.
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.
St. Joseph Parish in York is accepting applications for a full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. The director will be part of the pastoral staff team, reporting directly to the Pastor. Interested applicants will be responsible for growing the parish’s current youth and young adult ministries. Highlights of the position are the Middle School SPARKS program, the High School IGNITE program including the Fan the Fire Youth Rally, and Young Adult Ministry. Candidates must have the ability to interact successfully with the public, with parents and with fellow employees. Individuals must have a minimum of three years related work experience. Applicants should send résumé and cover letter to St. Joseph Parish, Attn: Mrs. Erin Maiolino, Parish Manager at Maiolino@sjy.org.
Sacred Heart Parish and School in Lancaster are seeking a full-time custodian. Tasks include cleaning, sanitizing, and vacuuming on a regular basis, routine maintenance including testing, monitoring, and upkeep of emergency systems, and seasonal duties such as stripping and waxing floors, and light grounds maintenance. The position includes a competitive wage and benefits. If you are interested in being part of a passionate, Christ-centered team working in a lively, elementary school environment, view more details on the parish website at www.sacredheartlanc.org and contact the rectory (Mon.–Thurs., 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) at 717-394-0757 or shparish@sacredheartsch.org.
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. Rose of Lima Parish in East Hanover, N.J., is looking for a Youth Ministry Director who will be responsible for implementing and leading a successful Life Teen & Edge program. Experience as director of youth ministry in a parish, or other proven leadership experience, as well as experience with Life Teen is strongly preferred. A letter of recommendation from your pastor as well as two additional letters are required. This position includes frequent weekend and weeknight responsibilities. The parish is prepared to offer a relocation bonus. For application information, e-mail Kelly Robertazzi, Youth Ministry Assistant, at krobertazzi@saintroseoflimachurch.org or call Cathy Seborowski at 973-887-5572, ext. 128.
