Masses and Prayer Services
Join your brothers and sisters across the Diocese as we remember our departed loved ones during the Diocesan Mass for the Dead. The Mass will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, November 14, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. All are welcome to submit the names of their deceased loved ones, who will be prayed for during the Mass, by visiting www.hbgdiocese.org/event/diocesan-mass-for-the-dead. Please have all names submitted by Sunday, November 13. Those not able to attend the Mass in person are encouraged to participate via our live stream at www.YouTube.com/hbgdiocese.
An ecumenical, inter-religious Candlelight Remembrance Service for anyone who has experienced the death of a friend, family member or loved one to suicide will take place on Sunday, December 11, at 6 p.m. at Sacred Heart Basilica, Conewago. For more information, please contact Sue Poist at 717-624-2055 or smpoist@hotmail.com. All are welcome, regardless of when the suicide occurred. It is a time for us all to come together to let you know you are not alone.
Knights of Columbus – The Christopher Club, Mount Carmel, will have its annual Blessing of the Manger, Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m., at their club. This is a community event open to all area residents. Area priests and ministers of various faiths participate in the program. The club is beautifully decorated for the season. Traditional complimentary food, desserts and cookies are provided. It is an enjoyable evening of music and singing with family, friends and neighbors. A visit by St. Nick or Santa Claus is anticipated.
St. Joseph Parish in York and Father Steve Fernandes, OFM, Cap., invites York area churches to join in celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on Wednesday, January 18 at 7 p.m. Stephen Falencki, Coordinator of Music at St. Joseph Parish, is recruiting choir members and musicians from the various churches to lead the service in song and praise. If interested in joining this Combined Church Choir, please contact Stephen at 717-755-7503, ext. 248, or falencki@sjy.org.
St. Joseph and Immaculate Conception BVM Parishes in Berwick will host their annual Veterans’ Gratitude Ceremony with a display of American flags and prayer services on November 11. A ceremony with the reading of names and a Rosary for veterans on November 11 will begin after the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph Church, with a similar ceremony at Immaculate Conception at 11 a.m.
Tuesday Evening Prayer Devotions resume at St. Patrick Church in Carlisle, Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Join others in praying the Rosary for an end to abortion, The Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the clergy of the Diocese, and novena prayers to Our Mother of Perpetual Help for vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life. Devotions are every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Patrick Church on Pomfret Street in Carlisle, except during inclement weather and during 40 Hours. The devotions began in May of 1994 and are returning after a hiatus since the start of the pandemic. For information, contact Henry Treffinger at 717-701-5676 or flyboy323@comcast.net.
Education & Enrichment
All young adults ages 18-39 are invited to the Diocesan Center for a day of reflection and celebration to welcome in the Advent season, Saturday, December 3. The day will be split into two parts. The first will be filled with informative talks by speakers such as Bishop Ronald Gainer and the new Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Zack Haney. There will also be time for discussion, prayer and Adoration. Lunch will be provided. We will then celebrate Mass together before heading into the second, evening portion, which will feature a Christmas/Advent party followed by games, dancing and more! Participants are welcome to attend either session or both. Cost is $20 per session or $35 for both. Afternoon session is 11 a.m.-4 p.m., with Mass at 4 p.m. Evening session is 5-8:30 p.m. Registration coming soon. For more details, please visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/adventus-young-adult-day-of-reflection/.
An Advent Evening of Reflection will be presented by Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC, on Monday, December 5, at 7 p.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Church, in Mechanicsburg. The title of the talk is “Mary, Woman of the Eucharist.” The evening is sponsored by the Parish Council of Catholic Women.
Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Lykens will offer an Advent presentation entitled “Survival of the American Family in a Cancel Culture,” Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. with a light lunch during the last hour of the program. The presentation will address the problems we as families face, from loneliness to violence, from affliction to addiction, from hope to healing and recognizing that the place of the wound is the place of healing. The presenter will be Msgr. Michael T. Mannion from the Diocese of Camden, N.J., a staunch pro-life advocate who has implemented many pro-life programs in New Jersey and throughout the country. He also serves as Chaplain to the New Jersey State Police and the Philadelphia Division of the FBI. Please register by Saturday, November 26 by calling or texting 717-329-3016 or by email at cnggram@comcast.net. This event is sponsored by Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Council of Catholic Women and the Knights of Columbus Father Mark O’Neill Council #2486.
The Knights of Columbus Council #4057 is sponsoring The Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibition as part of the Eucharistic Revival Pillar One: Foster Encounters with Jesus. The exhibition of the panels will be on Christ the King weekend in the Warrell Social Hall at St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle on Saturday, November 19, from 4-7 p.m. and Sunday, November 20 from 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Books detailing the miracles on display will be available for a donation of $25.
Save the date for the HDCCW’s 97th annual convention. The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the Diocese to attend their annual convention, Saturday, April 15, 2023. The theme will be “Live in the Love of Christ.” Watch future editions of The Witness and the HDCCW’s website, https://hdccw.webs.com for additional details.
Catholic Family Connection of Lancaster will host its first event on Sunday, November 13, at St. Joseph’s Adoration Chapel in downtown Lancaster. There will be a 5 p.m. Holy Hour followed by a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Bring a dish or dessert to share. RSVP to catholic.families.lanc@gmail.com. Catholic Family Connection of Lancaster is a new group for families, established with support of local priests, and is spreading word about the new ministry. The group strives to unite Catholic families throughout Lancaster County in their pursuit of a deeper relationship with God, a greater understanding of the Catholic faith, and a stronger support system within the Catholic community. Join the group on Facebook by searching “Catholic Family Connection of Lancaster” or e-mail catholic.families.lanc@gmail.com for more information.
Calling all young adults (20s and 30’s) – A young adult Catholics group is forming in Franklin County. Open to young adults from local parishes, including St. Andrew the Apostle, St. Rita, Immaculate Conception, St. Mark, Corpus Christi and Our Lady of the Visitation. Please join our Facebook group for more information, or reach out to the co-leaders with any questions or ideas. Find Franklin County PA Young Adult Catholics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/568131137998438, or email Rachel Little at littlerach2011@gmail.com or Anissa Freeman at afreeman9159@gmail.com.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Have you served in the military? The Catholic War Veterans are reactivating their Central Pennsylvania Chapter. Any baptized Catholic who has served in uniform can join. Are you interested? We need you. The first year of membership is free. For more information, contact Col. (ret) Bob DeSousa at cptjag@yahoo.com or 717-648-8317.
Retreats & Pilgrimage
The Diocese of Harrisburg is heading to World Youth Day 2023! Young adults are invited to come celebrate with our Holy Father Pope Francis in Lisbon, Portugal. Experience a week of unity, fun and a deep encounter with Jesus Christ. Along the way, we will be also be stopping in Fatima to visit the apparition sites of Our Lady. The pilgrimage will be July 30-August 7, 2023. Young adults ages 18-39 at the time of departure are invited to attend. Cost is $2,998 per pilgrim, with an initial deposit of $500. For registration and additional information, including our itinerary, please visit: https://www.hbgdiocese.org/event/wyd/. Questions can be directed to Zack Haney, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry, at 717-657-4804, ext. 307, or zhaney@hbgdiocese.org.
Save the Date for MOUNT2000: Back after a hiatus due to COVID, all teens are invited to join us for MOUNT2000, “Kenosis: Make Room for God.” This weekend retreat includes Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Confession, exciting nationally known speakers and musicians, and breakout sessions led by seminarians. MOUNT2000 will be February 3-5, 2023, at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. Make plans to join us for this inspirational event.
Events & Fundraisers
The Bishop McDevitt Swimming & Diving Team is holding an “All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast” on Saturday, November 26 in the Bishop McDevitt High School cafeteria. Cost is $10 for ages 12 and up and $5 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. The breakfast runs from 8-11 a.m. For tickets or questions, please contact us at swimming@bishopmcdevitt.org.
Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in Berwick will have a fish fry on Friday, November 11 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Eat-in or take-out. Baked and fried fish, shrimp, and chicken tenders. All dinners are $13 and include two sides. Call 570-759-9227 for information.
St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School in Adams County will have a bi-lingual Mass and open house at both campuses in November. Mass will be celebrated at Annunciation BVM Church in McSherrystown on Sunday, November 13 at 2 p.m. Tours of the McSherrystown campus (grades 4-8) will follow Mass, until 5 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Sunday, November 20 at 2 p.m. Tours of the Conewago campus (grades PreK3-3) will follow Mass, until 5 p.m. Both open houses will feature light refreshments and bi-lingual tours by current families and students from Delone Catholic High School.
Lancaster Catholic High School’s Fine & Performing Arts Department presents William Kasel ’97, trumpet, with Dorothea Parrish, Music Director and Organist from St. Joseph Parish in Lancaster, for a performance on Sunday, November 20, at 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Church. The event is part of the George R. Schreck ‘47 & Barbara A. Schober ‘72 Memorial 2022-2023 Concert & Lecture Series. Repertoire will include Telemann in D Major, Telemann Heroic Music, Alan Hovhaness Prayer of St. Gregory and Torelli Sonata for Trumpet. Free admission, however donations will be accepted for the Fine & Performing Arts Department. For more information, please contact Tony Brill, Director of Fine & Performing Arts, at tbrill@lchsyes.org.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Elysburg is seeking crafters and vendors for its annual Christmas bazaar on December 10. Please email sheila@qmhr.net or pat@qmhr.net for registration forms and info.
St. Patrick Parish in Carlisle is seeking vendors for its Christmas Craft Market on December 3. A 10×10 space fee of $75 includes a table, chairs and concession voucher. If you are interested in more information for participation, please email Elaine Seckar at eseckar@saintpatrickchurch.org with your name, number, and email. The event will be free to the public.
Job Openings
The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking an administrative assistant for the Secretariat (Department) of Catholic Life and Evangelization. This position provides administrative support for department ministries, events and programs and acts as department receptionist. Seeking a mission-oriented team player with an eye for detail. The successful candidate must be a Catholic in good standing with advanced verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills, the ability to develop project timelines and meet deadlines, be respectful and courteous, have initiative and a spirit of innovation, and be able to work independently and collaboratively. Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and previous work experience as an administrative assistant or similar role. Must have proficiency with MS Office programs, web browsers and familiarity with office equipment. The ability to speak Spanish is a plus. This position is open to candidates looking for full-time or part-time hours and offers a competitive wage and benefits package for full-time hours. To view the full job description, please visit www.hbgdiocese.org/careers. To apply, please send a resumé and cover letter to employment@hbgdiocese.org by Friday, December 9.
The Diocesan Secretariat for Education is seeking a full-time Administrative Assistant. This confident individual with superior organizational and administrative skills will work as part of an administrative team in the Department of Education. 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 with a thorough working knowledge of database management and Excel spreadsheets. An experience of working in Catholic schools or a parish CCD program would be 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.
The Diocese of Harrisburg is seeking a part-time kitchen cook at the Priests’ Retirement Home in Harrisburg, for Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Candidate should have a friendly disposition and provide weekend food services to the priests living in the Retirement Home, an independent living facility of 15 apartments. The cook works independently and without close supervision, and must have an excellent knowledge of food hygiene and food preparation. The weekend cook is responsible for providing lunch and dinner to a pre-set menu. Must be able to stand and walk continuously throughout the working day; reach, stoop, bend, lift and carry up to 50 lbs.; manipulate various food products, dietary supplies and equipment; have visual acuity and color discrimination for examining cooked and stored food; have taste and smell discrimination in determining nutritional quality and palatability of foods; have ability to work with chemicals and cleaning agents; and tolerate exposure to temperature and humidity changes as in entering refrigerated storage areas, working at ovens, ranges, dish-washing machines, and at steam tables. Required to have (or will be given the opportunity to obtain) ServSafe Certification. Please send résumé to employment@hbgdiocese.org or via mail to Human Resources, Diocese of Harrisburg, 4800 Union Deposit Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17111.
St. Theresa Parish in New Cumberland has an opening for a maintenance/custodian position. The expectation for this position is to have a functional knowledge of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, roofing, or HVAC and cabling processes. The position requires trouble-shooting ability and immediate response to problems and emergency situations. The individual should be versed in basic home repairs and be knowledgeable in the use of hand and power tools and the operation of cleaning equipment. This person must be a versatile, skilled individual. It is essential that this person be adaptable, flexible and have the ability to work without supervision. Responsible for the maintenance needs of the entire campus. Must maintain a high degree of confidentiality, be pleasant and have a helpful attitude. Two to three years of related work experience and/or certificates of completion for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, wiring classes required. Full-time position, $17/hour plus benefits. Contact Randy Meholick at 717-829-6176 or stsmaintenance@sainttheresaschool.org.
St. Theresa Parish in New Cumberland is seeking a cook/housekeeper responsible for keeping the residence clean, orderly, and presentable at all times; for the day-to-day operation of the kitchen and dining area; and for preparing, cooking and serving meals for the priest(s) in residence. This individual is responsible for planning and executing a cleaning schedule for a parish rectory that may have multiple occupants. The position requires varying degrees of physical exertion, to include lifting (at least 50 lbs.) stretching, bending, climbing stairs and operating cleaning equipment. This individual should possess adequate cooking skills and a working knowledge of hygiene, and proper food handling. Creativity in menu planning and knowledge or interest in basic nutritional requirements would be helpful. Organizational skills, a working knowledge of home safety procedures, adaptability, flexibility, dependability and the ability to take instructions and meet deadlines for scheduled meals, as well as work without supervision, are essential. Absolute trustworthiness and the willingness to maintain confidentiality are essential. Position is 20 hours a week, $18 per hour. Contact Elaine Herald at 717-774-5918 or eherald@sainttheresaparish.org.
Do you have a heart for life, supporting families and educating the youth of our community? Morning Star Pregnancy Services is hiring, with openings for full-time and part-time sonographers, client services and community educators. To learn more about these opportunities, visit www.SupportMorningStar.com/get-involved/job-openings.
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. Peter Parish in Columbia has an immediate opening for a part-time office administrator (Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) to undertake a wide variety of clerical duties including bookkeeping and payroll. As a visible representative of the parish, this person will need to put the interests of the parish first in all actions and communication with others. Cordial and effective communication with priests, parishioners, vendors, committee members, officers of church councils and Diocesan office personnel is an ongoing necessity. This position requires a detail-oriented individual with above average keyboard skills, strong computer skills (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and Publisher) and excellent organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to understand and follow instructions, as well as work independently. Trustworthiness, reliability, willingness to maintain confidentiality and the ability to complete routine and delegated assignments in a timely manner are essential. High school diploma, preferably with business curriculum, required. Associate degree in office administration helpful. Two to three years related work experience preferred. Submit résumé to Father Augustine Joseph MSFS, Pastor, St. Peter Parish, 121 South 2nd St Columbia, PA 17512 or FrAJoseph@hbgdiocese.org.
Immaculate Conception BVM Parish in York is seeking a part-time maintenance person. This versatile, skilled individual will be responsible for cleaning, maintaining, inspecting and reporting on the condition of the church and any auxiliary buildings, and assisting the pastor in the implementation of a maintenance program for the parish. The position requires varying degrees of physical exertion, to include lifting (at least 50 lbs.), stretching, bending, climbing stairs and operating cleaning and garden equipment. Responsibilities may fall in the areas of minor electrical work, plumbing, painting, carpentry, roofing or HVAC. The position requires trouble-shooting and immediate response to problems and emergency situations. Also required are organizational skills, adaptability, flexibility, dependability, the ability to take instructions and to work without supervision. Absolute trustworthiness and the willingness to maintain confidentiality are essential. A valid drivers’ license and reliable mode of transportation are needed. Interested applicants should contact Deacon James Koch at 717-845-7629 or jkoch@stmarysyork.org to submit a résumé.
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.
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.
