Monthly Archives: October 2020

God’s Grace Leads Former Priest of the Episcopal Church to Ordination for the Diocese of Harrisburg

Father William Barbee’s grace-filled journey came to its long-awaited destination on Oct. 24 with his ordination to the Diocesan priesthood.

A husband, father, grandfather and former minister in the Church of Christ and priest in the Episcopal Church, Father Barbee became a Diocesan priest through the Laying of Hands by Bishop Ronald Gainer and the Prayer of Ordination, celebrated during the Rite of Ordination at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg.

Knights of Columbus Founder to be Beatified October 31

Father Michael McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus Catholic fraternal organization, will be beatified on October 31 in Hartford, Connecticut.

A miracle credited to the intercession of Father McGivney was approved by the Vatican and announced by Pope Francis on May 27. A child who was diagnosed as terminally ill in the womb was miraculously healed following prayers for the intercession of Father McGivney.

Meet Deacons McCormack, McGovern, Nazario

Deacon Patrick McCormack Wife: Mary Ann McCormack Home Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Marysville Parish Assignment: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Marysville What drew you to serve the Diocese…

Meet Deacons Kuchinski, Lawson, Livelsberger

Deacon Frank A. Kuchinski Wife: Madeline (Lynne) Kuchinski Home Parish: St. Leo the Great, Rohrerstown Parish Assignment: St. Leo the Great, Rohrerstown What drew you to serve the Diocese as…

Food, Beauty and Genuineness of Faith: Virtual Conference Welcomes Women to their Place at the Table

God’s love symbolized in cheesecake and bacon, the beauty and strength of women, and the genuineness of faith were among the topics of this year’s Diocesan Women’s Conference, “Catholic Women: Our Place at the Table.”

Streamed live from the Diocesan Conference Center in Harrisburg Oct. 17, the virtual event yielded a feast of themes for women, with engaging presentations and real talk about life’s joys and sorrows.

City of Lancaster Bestows Lifetime Achievement Award on Father Wolfe in Recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month

In recognition of nearly 25 years of service to the people of his parishes and greater community, the City of Lancaster honored Father Allan Wolfe with its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oct. 13 meeting of City Council.

Father Wolfe is the pastor of San Juan Bautista and St. Joseph Parishes in Lancaster. He will become pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg and Our Lady of Refuge Mission in Doylesburg, effective Oct. 26.

Trinity Golfers Make Bold Statement at States

There is an old sign just outside Latrobe, Pennsylvania, the hometown of the late, great Arnold Palmer that quotes the golfer: “You must play boldly to win.”

Trinity’s James Ulsh, a junior, took that to heart at the 87th PIAA golf championships at Heritage Hills in York on Oct. 19 – a beautiful autumn day with enough breeze to make players judge its effect.

Bishop McDevitt Football Looks Ready to Make Another Postseason Run

There are times when it is difficult to gauge just how good Bishop McDevitt’s football team is in October as they cut through Mid-Penn Conference foes like a sharp knife dices cheese. That may well be true this season also, as the Crusaders are undefeated and easily sliced through Cumberland Valley, 45-10, on October 16 at Rocco Ortenzio Stadium on a chilly night.

Normally, Cumberland Valley is a good barometer opponent to test how you handle stout pressure, but the Eagles are not the brawny, and physical team of years past. The Crusaders’ impressive speed easily handled CV’s secondary. McDevitt running back Marquese Williams, coming off an injury, broke a couple of runs that showed he is up to speed, and that is bad news for post-season opponents.

Diocese’s New Speakers Bureau Leads off with Bishop’s Presentation on St. Thomas More and the Formation of Conscience

A new educational program offered by the Diocese kicked off with a presentation on the formation of conscience and the example of a saint who gave his life rather than compromise it.

Bishop Ronald Gainer was the inaugural speaker for the Diocese’s new “Truth, Beauty and Goodness Evangelization Speaker Series.” The series will feature speakers from the Diocese and beyond, with monthly sessions now through August of 2021.

Catholic Conference Working to Support Bill for $1,000 Stimulus for Students to Attend School of Choice

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference continued its efforts to work for funding for parents of school-age children, going before the Senate Education Committee on Oct. 5. The PCC was joined by others taking up the fight for school choice in Pennsylvania.

The hearing was called to discuss Senate Bill 1230 by Senator Judy Ward. The bill references the “Back on Track Education Scholarship Account Program,” which would make a $1,000 per-student stimulus available to eligible families to help them afford educational expenses.