Holy Family Radio Parish Bulletin Board
Biblical Thought of the Week:
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I said, "I will confess my injustice against myself to the Lord:" And thou [O LORD] hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin. For this shall everyone who is holy pray to Thee in due time
--Psalm 31(32):5-6 (Douay Rheims)
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Recent Announcements
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The Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women’s Fall Mini Retreat, “A renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist,” Saturday, September 16th, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Saint Katharine Drexel Church, Mechanicsburg. Cost is $10 and includes brunch. To register contact Terri at 717-398-9023.
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Join hundreds of pro-life supporters at the Shooting Star 5K Run and Walk for Life supporting Morning Star’s no-cost medicaland support services to moms, dads and families in our community. This fun family event will be Saturday, September 16th, Harrisburg’s City Island, Musical entertainment, City Island train rides, free pancake breakfast and more! For all the information visit www.SupportMorningStar.com.
St. Joseph Parish in Berwick is having an “Italian Food Palooza” under the pavilion, September 17th, noon to 3 PM. Take-out only Pasta and meatball dinners; porkette, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and sweet treats. There will be a money raffle and basket raffle.
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Holy Spirit Council of the Knights of Columbus, is sponsoring a Youth Soccer Challenge Competition for all boys and girls ages 9 to 14, Saturday, September 23rd, 2 PM at the Campbelltown Soccer Fields. Participants must furnish proof of age and written parental consent. To Register or for more information, contact Steve at 717-507-2744 or email steve@nk-graphics.com .
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The Knights of Columbus used Book sale will be held at St. Bernard Parish 811 Shermans Valley Road, New Bloomfield, September 18th and 29th from 9:00AM to 5:00PM and September 30th from 9:00AM until 2:00PM. Over 1,000 books, Catholic Statues, framed pictures, and more.
A Retrouvaille weekend for couples experiencing marital problems will take place September 29-October 1 in Mechanicsburg. The program is for couples who want to take steps towards healing their marriage. Couples who are considering separation and those who are already separated or divorced are encouraged to attend. For more informational 717-356-2185.
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Oktoberfest! Saturday, September 30th, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, 10 AM to 8 PM. German foods and desserts. Draft beers in the Biergarten. Events, games, a LIVE German Band and dancing. Oktoberfest will be held rain or shine.
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The Diocese of Harrisburg’s Formation Ministry of Spiritual Direction is accepting applications from individuals who feel called to be a spiritual director. Formation sessions will meet monthly over period of three years at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg or through Zoom. For more information, contact Sister Geralyn Schmidt: 717-657-4804, ext. 254. [Applications are due by September 30.]
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Parish volunteers in the Cumberland Deanery parishes invite all caregivers to the 10th Annual Caregivers’ Day of Prayer and Care, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, Saturday, October 14,10 AM to - 3 PM The Day of Prayer and Care will include a prayer service the blessing of hands. No cost to attend, but preregistration is required. Contact Mary: 717-991-4821.
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The Order of Malta- Lancaster Region, joined by the Knights of Columbus Santa Maria Assembly, announces their annual Sanctity of Life Mass, OCTOBER 26th, 7pm, St. John Neumann Catholic Church, Lancaster. Bishop Timothy Senior will serve as principal Presider and Homilist! Bishop Senior will also be present at a reception directly after mass in the Parish Social Hall. All are invited.
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg is looking for someone with a servant’s heart to work with Messiah University students as Newman Club Coordinator. Responsibilities include acting as a liaison between the parish and Messiah students, as well as fostering fellowship. For more information, contact John Durle at 717-697-2614.
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Are you looking for a great school for your child? If so, consider Catholic Schools. The Catholic schools in the diocese of Harrisburg are noted for excellent academics, affordable tuition, high graduation rates, and college scholarships. To find a school near you go on-line to www.gocatholicschools.org
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The Flower of Carmel Hermitage is seeking volunteers to assist in the development of funding and construction of a Laura which is a small colony of hermits who spend their entire life in prayer alone with God. In the Diocese of Harrisburg the hermit’s way of life is approved by our Bishop who is their superior. These consecrated hermits live alone praying constantly and doing penance for the the forgiveness of their sins and those of the whole world. As of old, they rely on the support of others. If you want to learn more, explore the life, or want to assist in the building of something beautiful for God go on-line to, https://flowerofcarmelhermitage.org/ or e-mail sisterhermitess@gmail.com .
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Needed: Catholic men and women volunteers for a prison ministry team (approximately one hour monthly) at the Camp Hill Prison (Fridays from 9:30- 10:30 AM). No experience necessary, orientation to be scheduled. For more information contact Bob Ribic at 717-571-4217.
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The Knights of Columbus invite the faithful to join the Father McGivney Guild. Blessed Father McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus, is one miracle away from sainthood. All are welcome to join the Father McGivney Guild. To learn more about Fr. Mc Givney or to join the guild, go https://www.fathermcgivney.org .
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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. The first year of membership is free. For more information, contact Bob DeSousa: 717-648-8317.
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In 1981, Mother Angelica, a cloistered Franciscan nun, launched what has become the largest media network in the world, the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Mother Angelica was born Rita A. Rizzo in a small home in the southeast end of Canton, Ohio during the Roaring Twenties. Her life was not easy... still, with a few miracles and perseverance along the way, Mother’s EWTN now reaches over 700 million homes in 145 countries in various media formats. You can learn all about her life by visiting the Mother Angelica Museum located at the Saint Raphael Center in Canton, Ohio. To learn more about visiting the Center call 1-800-548-8270 or visit online at http://motherangelicatour.com.
Holy Family Radio Prayer & Thoughts
"Come, O Holy Spirit ,fill the hearts of Thy faithful: and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
When we think of the Holy Spirit moving in our lives we should think of the call to holiness, what this might mean for each one of us, and how we should live this out. For most it might me the call to faithfulness to one's spouse in Holy Matrimony, or to live chastely as a single person. One may think of the call to priesthood or religious life such as being a Dominican, Franciscan, Benedictine or Carmelite brother, sister or even a secular or third order. But have you ever considered that the call could be one to live a life of solitude as a Hermit?
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The vocation to the hermit's life is an ancient one, recently revived and recognized within the Church as a way of living out consecrated life as a solitary. The words “hermits, anchorites, and recluses” describe persons who are called to live the essence of this life, that is, life lived in stricter separation from the world. Stricter separation is the defining characteristic of this vocation, and both supports and is supported by the hermit’s assiduous prayer and penance.
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Hermits have been a part of Christianity for a very long time. St. Paul of Thebes who lived from 229 to 342 AD is considered by many to be the first Christian hermit. Others consider the father of Christian hermits to be St. Anthony of the Desert who lived from 251 to 356 AD. Some go back further in time to the Prophet Elijah who appears from the accounts in the book of Kings to have lived, if not as a hermit, embraced a hermit's life style. Here in the Diocese of Harrisburg we have a few hermits in our midsts. Our hermits are considered diocesan hermits.
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So what is a diocesan hermit? “A hermit is one … dedicated to God in consecrated life if he or she publicly professes in the hands of the diocesan bishop the three evangelical counsels [poverty, chastity, and obedience], confirmed by vow or other sacred bond, and observes a proper program of living under his direction.” – Canon 603
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Thus, the person considering to live as a hermit needs to begin to discern whether he is called to this way of life, and if so, whether he will live privately as a hermit or will seek canonical status as one and that is best done in spiritual direction.
If you are curious about diocesan hermits you could contact the Flower of Carmel Hermitage which is right here in Harrisburg at https://flowerofcarmelhermitage.org
Say a prayer for hermits that they may have the grace to persevere in their vocation, and, if you are curious ask God for guidance and seek the advise of a good spiritual counsellor.
Let us pray for St. Anthony of the Desert's and St. Paul of Thebes' intercession:
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Dear God, St Anthony the Abbot accepted your call to renounce the world and to love you above all things. He faithfully served you in the solitude of the desert by fasting, prayer, humility and good works. In the Sign of the Cross, he triumphed over the Devil. Through his intercession, may we learn to love you better; with all our hearts, all our souls, all our minds, all our strength and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. St Anthony the Abbot, great and powerful saint, grant us also this special request […]. Amen.
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Dear St. Paul the Hermit, you lived a life of solitude and penance in the desert. Through your unwavering faith and devotion to God, you became a shining example of holiness and self-discipline. I turn to you now, seeking your guidance and protection. Help me to follow in your footsteps, to live a life of humility and simplicity, and to find joy in the quiet moments of my days. Intercede for me before our Lord, that I may grow in grace and wisdom, and come to know the peace and joy that you discovered through your devotion to Him. Amen.
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If your Catholic parish or organization is holding an event and you would like it advertised on the "Holy Family Radio Parish Bulletin Board" please email all the pertinent information to: contact@720whyf.com. You must include your name and telephone number so we can contact you. The request must be received at least three (3) weeks in advance of the date of the event. Note: The announcement will be reviewed for appropriateness and may be edited before airing. All requests will be on a first come basis.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT:
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"Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
--Joshua 1:9
