Recent Announcements

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The relics of St. Bernadette will visit St. John Neumann Parish in Lancaster and St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Hanover September 30-October 2. The schedule on Wednesday at St. John Neumann includes veneration of the relics from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Adoration and confessions from noon-4 p.m., Rosary at 5 p.m., Mass with the Water Gesture* at 6 p.m., candlelight Rosary at 8 p.m., and a farewell prayer service at 9 p.m. St. Vincent will host the relics October 1 and 2. Thursday begins with an opening prayer service at noon, followed by veneration. Confession will be heard at 4 p.m. Bishop Ronald Gainer will preside at Mass at 6 p.m., followed by the Water Gesture. A candlelight Rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m., with veneration continuing overnight. On Friday at St. Vincent’s, Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m., followed by the Water Gesture*. Veneration of the relics continues until a farewell prayer service at noon. The Water Gesture traditionally invites pilgrims to engage with the water of Lourdes.

* Water Gesture: At Lourdes, millions of pilgrims drink and wash in the water. The water gesture reflects what the Lady said: "go and drink at the spring".

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​An Evening of Prayer in Honor of St. Therese, The Little Flower, Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, McSherrystown, Thursday, October 1st, 7 PM. Father Keith Carroll will be the homilist. Attendees are encouraged to bring a rose to symbolize their prayer intentions.

The York District Council of Catholic Women invites couples and their families who celebrate their 25th Silver Anniversary in 2025 or 2026 to a special Mass, 11:30 AM, Sunday, October 25th, St. Joseph Church, York. A light luncheon follows. To attend: RSVP Angie at 717-395-1528 no later than October 18th.

A Beginning Experience Weekend for people who are suffering the loss of a spouse through death, divorce or separation will take place at Camp Kirchenwald in Lebanon from October 30th to November 1st. For more information, go to www.beginningexperience.org. or contact Julie, at 717-379-0800.

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“God Wants to be Your Best Friend,” is a  retreat day for deaf Catholics, Saturday, October 24th, St. Joseph Parish, Mechanicsburg. Father Michael Depcik, a deaf priest, will offer the retreat in American Sign Language. Voice interpretation will not be provided. The retreat begins at 9 AM with a continental breakfast and includes two presentations, lunch, Confession and ends with Mass at 4 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. To attend RSVP Dawn at love2kids3@gmail.com by October 17th.

A Rachel’s Vineyard retreat weekend for those suffering from an abortion will take place November 13-15 in Columbia, Lancaster County. Whether you were pressured into an abortion, were unable to prevent a family member from having one, or you were a part of the abortion decision, this retreat will help you move beyond any guilt, shame, or anger you have. These weekend retreats are uniquely designed to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental group environment. To register, or for more information, e-mail Leah at leahsoulfilledbygrace@gmail.com or text/call 609-709-3749 or Ana at anasoulfilledbygrace@gmail.com or text/call 908-319-2950.

Rachel’s Vineyard retreats are sponsored by the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Prince of Peace Parish in  will have its annual trunk-or-treat on Saturday, October 31, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in front of the parish complex. The parish will serve hotdogs, ice cream, beverages and treats in the parish center. Attendees can have their picture taken with pumpkin patch cutouts. Wear your Halloween costumes and bring your treat bag to collect your candy and treats. Event is rain or shine. Contact the parish office at 717-985-1330 for additional information.

​A Youth Conference on Christ the King weekend for all teens in grades 7 through 12.  Hosted by the Diocese of Harrisburg, this event will take place on November 21st at Good Shepherd Church in Camp Hill. Check-in will begin at noon, with the event beginning at 1 p.m. There will be speakers, breakout sessions, Adoration, service opportunities, Mass with Bishop Timothy Senior, dinner, games, dancing and more! The event will conclude with communal night prayer at 8 p.m. Price per teen is $30. All adult chaperones attend for free. Speakers include the Youth Director for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia: Marisally Santiago; Catholic author: Chris Padgett; and Bishop Senior. For attendees and chaperones to register (and for more information), visit www.hbgdiocese.org/ctk.

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Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Marysville holds Bingo every Saturday in the parish social hall. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., the kitchen is open from 5:30-7 p.m., and games begin at 7 p.m. Look for holiday specials on October 31, including special cash games, sweet treats, complimentary Halloween Bingo markers and door prizes. Prizes are paid in cash, except where merchandise is awarded. Minors under the age of 18 cannot play unless accompanied by an adult.

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The Mental Health Ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Mechanicsburg, holds spiritual support groups on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 PM. These meetings are not group therapy, but rather a time to come together to share and pray with others who are on a personal journey of mental illness or caregiving for someone who is. All are welcome to join. For more information, contact Donna, pastoral associate, at 717-697-6929.

St. Martin de Porres Catholic Worker House , 1440 Market Street, Harrisburg hosts a Bible study on Monday nights at 7 p.m. for English-language learners. If you’re looking for a place to study scripture together and practice your English or help your fellow Catholics learn English, you are invited.

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Continuing 

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The members of the Serra Vocations Club of Harrisburg invite you to their meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at the Diocesan Center, in Harrisburg.  Mass is celebrated by Father Joshua Weaver at noon in the chapel at the Center, followed by prayers for our priests, sisters, deacons and seminarians, and lunch.  Meetings consist of prayer, announcements, a timely speaker and other instructional or spiritual events.  If you would like to attend a meeting, please email Stella at theoldfolk@aol.com  [The organization, named after Saint Junipero Serra, has, as objectives, to promote priestly and religious vocations in the Catholic Church, by supporting our clergy and prospective clergy prayerfully and  financially.]

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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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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.