Monthly Archives: May 2019

Riding Into Safety with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Bicycle safety was on full display at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg on Sunday, May 19. The second annual Bike Rodeo, sponsored and organized by the Parish’s American Heritage Girls (AHG) troop, was a great way to remind parish and community children of bicycle safety, right in time for summer.

The AHG troop hosted their first rodeo last year, after several parents suggested the safety event. A huge success, the troop decided to continue hosting the rodeo.

St. Catherine of Siena, Quarryville, Celebrates 175 Years ‘with Endurance and Hard Work’

St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Quarryville is celebrating founders, saints and the handing on of the faith this year, the 175th anniversary of its presence in southern Lancaster County.

Bishop Ronald Gainer celebrated an anniversary Mass for the flock on Sunday, May 19 in their 20-year old church.

“This is an amazing birthday for your parish. Think about 175 years and all the faithful that have gone before you, passing on the faith to each generation,” Bishop Gainer addressed the congregation. “St. Catherine of Siena once said, ‘Nothing great has ever been achieved without endurance and hard work.’ That is the story of your parish – it has endured for all these years.”

Religious Sisters Celebrate Jubilees

Religious Sisters in the Diocese of Harrisburg marking milestone anniversaries this year were recognized and honored during the annual Sisters’ Jubilee celebration. The celebration was hosted by the Diocesan Secretariat for Clergy and Consecrated Life on April 27 at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg The gathering to recognize the Sisters for their ministry and service began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald Gainer, and included photos with the bishop and a luncheon for the jubilarians in attendance, as well as members of their congregations who were present for the celebration.

Jim Forjan Remembered by York Catholic Community

For nearly 60 years, Jim Forjan invested himself into the York Catholic High School community, as teacher, coach, dean of students, principal and volunteer.

From his first year as a social studies teacher and boys’ basketball coach in 1959, until his last days there as a cafeteria moderator last fall, Forjan rightly earned the titles “Mr. York Catholic” and “the greatest legacy to walk the halls of YC” – accolades members of the school community have expressed since his death on Feb. 15 of this year. Forjan was 83.

Undefeated Courage Expands Pro-Life Witness

It was an overcast spring day when a group of nearly 20, including Bishop Ronald Gainer, stood in prayer outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on North Second Street in Harrisburg.

These Sidewalk Advocates for Life are part of Undefeated Courage, a 501(c)(3), which works peacefully to engage with women considering abortion outside of abortion facilities. Literally providing an immediate intervention on the front lines, the group also gathered for a blessing of their new chapel, located just across the street from the Planned Parenthood facility.

New Apartments at St. Anne’s Retirement Community Continue Adorers’ Mission

A new and innovative apartment complex at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia, Lancaster County, is continuing a ministry that began there 90 years ago with the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

The 54-unit complex opened on the grounds of the retirement community on April 1, adding to its options for independent living with a stunning three-story facility overlooking St. Anne’s bucolic grounds.

Mother of the Church

Many, many years ago, when I was merely 4 years old, I had an experience of my mother’s protection and love that still fills my eyes with tears today.

My mother had a soft, lamb’s wool bath robe that was salmon in color. When I was sick, or frightened, or just in need in some loving, my mother would wrap me in her arms under the folds of this soft robe. She would rock me and hum folk songs of Ireland that her mother had taught her. I never learned the words to these songs, but their melody hummed through her lips, as well as the softness of her robe, always brought me consolation. As I grew, this magical robe became the means through which I would defend the world from the attacks of an evil dragon, as joyfully played by my brother.