Yearly Archives: 2020

Diocesan Student Named Finalist in Christmas Artwork Contest

Rose Burns, a student at St. Leo the Great School in Rohrerstown, was selected from among thousands of young artists as one of 24 finalists in the 2019-2020 national Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest.

Typically, winners’ artwork is displayed in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., throughout the Advent/Christmas season, complete with an awards ceremony at the Shrine. However, it will look a little different this year.

Knights Present Mass Kits, Sick Call Set in Memory of Deceased Members

Father Vincent R. Capodanno Assembly 3167 of the Knights of Columbus honored two of their deceased members by presenting Mass kits in each of their names to be used by priests serving in Uganda.

Presented in memory of Sir Knight Stephen Reed and Sir Knight Ernest A. DeFrank, Jr., by Robert P. Hawley, Faithful Navigator of Assembly 3167, the kits were gifted to Father Bernard Wamayose, A.J., pastor of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Harrisburg and a member of the Apostles of Jesus. Father Wamayose will facilitate delivery of the kits to two priests of his congregation serving in Uganda – Father Raphael Owori and Father Bernard Bubolo.

New Regional Youth Ministry Program Gets Underway in Lancaster County

Spearheading a new, regional youth ministry program in Lancaster County, coordinator Kim Moore was eager to develop one that would draw in teens from upwards of 20 parishes while complementing already-existing programs and assisting parishes that don’t offer one.

A former youth minister at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish in Mount Joy for eight years, and the mother of five children, Moore has been ready to jump back into leading icebreakers, prayer, activities, group discussion and catechesis with teens since considering a regional program months ago.

Pope Francis Proclaims Year of St. Joseph

Pope Francis announced a Year of St. Joseph in honor of the 150th anniversary of the saint’s proclamation as patron of the Universal Church.

The year begins Dec. 8, 2020, and concludes on Dec. 8, 2021, according to a decree authorized by the pope.

The decree said that Pope Francis had established a Year of St. Joseph so that “every member of the faithful, following his example, may strengthen their life of faith daily in the complete fulfillment of God’s will.”

Catholic Charities Presents Annual ‘Come and See’ Fundraiser via Video Premiere

As the premier fundraising event for Catholic Charities, the annual ‘Come and See’ dinner provides a crucial means of support for the organization’s three homes for healing. Each autumn, the event raises much-needed financial support for the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families, Lourdeshouse Maternity Home, and Evergreen House for women in recovery.

This year’s fundraiser is exponentially critical to meet not only the needs of the programs and the men, women and children who seek assistance, but in addressing additional challenges in light of the ongoing pandemic.

Priest Communicator for Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia Dies

Father John Fields, an archpriest of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, who was communication director for the archeparchy, died at his home Nov. 28. He was 70.

Pope Francis to New Cardinals: May the Cross and Resurrection Always Be Your Goal

Pope Francis created 13 new cardinals on Nov. 28, urging them to remain vigilant lest they lose sight of their goal of the Cross and Resurrection.

“All of us love Jesus, all of us want to follow him, yet we must always be vigilant to remain on the road,” Pope Francis said at the consistory.

Meet Deacons Weaver and Wislock

Deacon Anthony Weaver Jr. Wife: Christina Weaver Home Parish: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Lancaster Parish Assignment: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Lancaster What drew you to serve the Diocese as…

Bishop Gainer Provides Update on Reorganization

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What a year 2020 has become. Who would have thought that a global pandemic would impact every continent and continue to affect our daily lives, eight months after it reached our Diocese? I pray you and your loved ones have been safe during this time.