“The full measure of a man is not to be found in the man himself, but in the colors and textures that come alive in others because of him.”
These words from Albert Schweitzer were one of several inspirational quotes and prayers embedded in Maretta Schmidt’s e-mail signature – words that fittingly define the imprint she left on those who knew her.
Fiat Days is a retreat for young Catholic women, ages 15-25, who want to learn more about consecrated life, to deepen their faith, and to better discern God’s call in their lives. Held annually at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., the retreat drew nearly 40 young women to participate in many activities to assist them in their discernment.
Activities during the week included the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, night prayer, talks from religious sisters about vocation discernment and their communities, recreation and sports, great food and discussions.
“Where are you going?”
Young men ages 15-25 considered this question during the Diocese’s annual Quo Vadis Days retreat, June 23-27. Within the walls and on the grounds of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., young men engaged in prayer, discernment and camaraderie with priests and seminarians of the Diocese as they considered the vocation to which God calls them.
Food. Clothing. Shelter. We may often find ourselves taking these three basic needs for granted, never having to wonder when we will eat again and where we will sleep. But for far too many men, women, children and families throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg, these three basic needs are challenging to meet.
That’s where the generosity of supporters of the Matthew 25 Grant Program fill in the gaps, providing much needed and, in some cases, life-saving support.
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg released the following statement regarding a recently filed lawsuit against the Diocese of Harrisburg, Bishop Kevin Rhoades and Bishop Ronald Gainer regarding alleged crimes.
The Ordination Mass will begin at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg. Bishop Gainer will be the principal celebrant and perform the Rite of Ordination during the Mass. The Mass will be streamed live on the Diocesan website at www.hbgdiocese.org/live.
On June 22, the Church paused to remember a saint who remained faithful in the face of political persecution, even as it meant death.
Bishop Ronald Gainer celebrated Mass on the Feast of St. Thomas More at St. Theresa Church in New Cumberland. In the Diocese of Harrisburg, the annual Mass is sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society of Central Pennsylvania, established by Catholic lawyers and judges to promote Christian principals in the law in the spirit of St. Thomas More.
Barbara Roth has served the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Tribunal office for 40 years. She has worn many hats during this time; secretary, office manager, case manager and advocate are all titles she has carried. But as of July 1, Roth can add another “hat” – chancellor.
“Last week, Bishop Gainer spoke to me to see if I would consider taking on this role,” Roth said. “After speaking with Dr. [Carol] Houghton, I said yes.”
Some time ago, I was listening to Catholic radio and the host told the following story that is worth repeating.
A young couple, Patricia and Tom, with a four year old named Jimmy, excitedly waited for the birth of another child. Unfortunately, Patricia went into premature labor, and their little girl, Cindy, was born with a rare anomaly in her blood. She needed a blood transfusion. Cindy’s parents were not matches. Jimmy was the only member of the family with a suitable blood type.
Celebrating 190 years of their foundation of faith, the community of St. Peter Parish in Columbia gathered for Holy Mass on June 23 to mark the 190th anniversary of the parish’s first church.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to think about our parish history and thank God for St. Peter Parish,” Father Anthony Swamy, MSFS, pastor, said of the occasion.
As 15-year-old Ryan Kerris ascended the stairs to the choir loft of St. Lawrence Chapel in Harrisburg for the first time, an expression of awe broadened across his face.
Ryan, a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Mount Carmel, was introduced to the Latin Mass a year ago, and came to St. Lawrence last month for a chant camp hosted by the Mater Dei Latin Mass Community.
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