Annual Pro-Life Campaign Kicks Off with Unveiling of Mobile Ultrasound Unit
There’s a new bundle of joy among the pro-life movement in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Her name is Little Bee, and her purpose is to change the hearts and minds…
Diocese Receives Gift of 35 Men Ordained to Order of Diaconate
Following five years of discernment, studies, formation and deepening their relationship with God, 35 men in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program were ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate on Saturday, Sept. 12.
In opening remarks at the start of the Mass, celebrated at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Harrisburg, Bishop Ronald Gainer said “Today is a phenomenal day; a day that is exciting, joyful and faith-filled…. It is the very kind of day we need during these extraordinary times that we have been experiencing.”
Religious Education Classes Resume Safely with Classroom Protocols, Remote Learning
Faced with the challenges of planning religious education programs that would ensure the physical and spiritual safety of students, one thing remained certain for parish directors and coordinators of religious education: the faith formation of young people would resume this fall.
“No matter what is going on in the world, religious education is critical,” said Kelly Krakowski, Director of Religious Education at St. Matthew Parish in Dauphin. “How sad would it be to give up on children’s religious education?”
Meet Deacons Auchey, Ballinger and Barto
Meet Deacons Auchey, Ballinger and Barto
Over the course of the next several weeks, The Catholic Witness will introduce readers to the Diocese’s 35 new permanent deacons, with photos, biographical information, and their comments/words/remarks on service to the Church.
St. Mary’s in Fairfield Re-Dedicates Eagle Scout Tribute to 9/11 Heroes
Nineteen years ago, Sept. 11 dawned clear as a bell on the East Coast. By 9:03 a.m., when the second plane hijacked by terrorists slammed into Tower Two of the World Trade Center in New York City, it was clear for the world to see that the United States was under attack by a foreign foe.
Five years ago in Fairfield, Anthony Venzin constructed a beautiful plaza with flag standards as part of his Eagle Scout project. The plaza is the perfect place on the west-facing slope of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, where the ten-mile vista over the Carroll Valley is truly scenic.
Two Trinity Students Earn Recognition as 2021 National Merit Semifinalists
Trinity High School students Lucy Cooper-Silvis and Olivia Maddux have been named among approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The announcement was made by officials from the National Merit Scholarship Program on Sept. 9.
Lucy and Olivia, both seniors, have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. More than 90 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and more than half of the Finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
Diocesan Gathering of Hispanic Pastoral Musicians Expands to Three-Day Conference for Participants Across North America
More than a year ago, the Diocese’s Hispanic Apostolate began planning for a liturgical conference aimed at musicians and liturgical ministers who serve in Spanish liturgical celebrations.
The Asociación de Músicos Pastorales Hispanos (Association of Hispanic Pastoral Musicians) offers a conference every two years, visiting a different diocese each time to offer days of professional development for choir members, liturgy coordinators, lectors and others who minister in the Church to the Spanish-speaking community.
Anonymous Donor Gifts Trinity with $1.25 Million Matching Pledge for Auditorium Renovations
As Trinity High School in Camp Hill was set to commence the public phase of a capital campaign for enhancements to its educational environment, an anonymous benefactor stepped forward with a generous contribution.
The donor gifted Trinity with a $1.25 million matching pledge, designated for renovations to the auditorium.
St. John Neumann Catholic School in Lancaster Opens for Inaugural Year
St. John Neumann Catholic School in Lancaster opened the doors of its new school building Sept. 8 on the campus of St. John Neumann Parish to begin the 2020-2021 school year.
“Today, we gather as the community of St. John Neumann Catholic School,” said Kyla Hockley, principal. “Today, we honor a new chapter – looking with hope to the future while anchoring ourselves to the proud tradition of St. Anne School. How lucky are we to be here today! This moment in history comes as the result of trust in God’s plan and God’s time, and so we begin by giving our praise and thanksgiving to God.”
‘Fatima’ Movie Now in Theaters and On Demand
In modern-day Portugal, author and noted skeptic Professor Nichols (Harvey Keitel) visits a convent in the riverside city of Coimbra, where Sister Lúcia (Sônia Braga), an elderly nun, recounts the story of her role in an historic event that took place in 1917. The conversations between pragmatic academic and the spiritual ascetic illuminate a decades-old mystery and set the stage for an inspiring story that has fascinated millions for more than a century.
