Author Archives: Miller

U.S. Catholic Bishops Call for Peace after Protesters Disrupt Capitol

Catholic bishops condemned pro-Donald Trump protesters’ incursion that penetrated the Capitol Building Wednesday as Congress debated the certification of the presidential election results, leading to the evacuation of lawmakers and – as of press time Thursday morning – the deadly shooting of one protester by law enforcement.

“I join people of good will in condemning the violence today at the United States Capitol,” Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Jan. 6. “This is not who we are as Americans. I am praying for members of Congress and Capitol staff and for the police and all those working to restore order and public safety.”

Diocese Upholds 86% Score in Annual Financial Transparency Rating

The Diocese of Harrisburg’s commitment to the highest standards of good stewardship, accountability and transparency in the financial gifts it receives from the faithful were reaffirmed with the recent release of the Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) Annual Diocesan Online Financial Transparency Study. This study, conducted each year by the independent VOTF organization, reports on the financial transparency of dioceses and archdioceses throughout the United States.

In 2020, the Diocese of Harrisburg received a total score of 86% out of 100%, maintaining its score from 2019.

Scott Udit Joins Diocese as New Buildings and Properties Director

The Diocese of Harrisburg is pleased to announce that Mr. Scott Udit has joined our team as the new director of Buildings and Properties. A member of Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish in New Cumberland and a third degree Knight of Columbus in Council 8921, Udit is looking forward to supporting the parishes, Catholic schools and the Diocese with their facility needs. Udit began his new role with the Diocese on January 4.

Obituary for Father Thomas Marickovic

Father Thomas C. Marickovic, 67, of the Priests Retirement Residence in Harrisburg, died December 30, 2020 in UPMC Pinnacle Community Osteopathic Hospital.

He was a retired priest for the Diocese of Harrisburg; a graduate of Steelton-Highspire High School’s Class of 1971, Loyola University, Chicago 1975, and the Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, OH. He was ordained a priest on May 16, 1981, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg by Bishop Joseph T. Daley.

Good Shepherd’s Nativity Celebrates God with Us

On a cold winter’s night a week before Christmas, thousands of faithful came to Good Shepherd Parish in Camp Hill to ponder and gaze upon a Living Nativity display.
With roles played in large part by youth of the parish, and featuring live animals used in productions at the Sight and Sound Theater, the drive-through event brought to life five scenes leading to the first Christmas.

Pregnancy Resource Center Spreads Christmas Cheer to Families

With Christmas just five days away, staff at A Woman’s Concern Pregnancy and Parenting Resource Center in Lancaster put their Santa hats on Dec. 21 to give gifts to families in need.
The center turned their Hope House, where families normally pick up strollers and Chicco car seats, into a drive-through toy land.

This Year’s Vatican Christmas Tree Features Ornaments Handmade by the Homeless

Reaching a height of nearly 100 feet, the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square this year is adorned with handcrafted wooden ornaments made by the homeless, as well as children and other adults.
Before the Christmas tree lighting ceremony Dec. 11, Pope Francis said that he wanted the Christmas tree and nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square to be “a sign of hope” in a year marked by the coronavirus pandemic.

Vatican Astronomer Relates the ‘Christmas Star’ to Star of Bethlehem

The “Great Conjunction” of Jupiter and Saturn on Dec. 21 – dubbed the “Christmas Star” – was a pretty sight, but it is impossible to know for sure if it had any connection to the Star of Bethlehem, a Vatican astronomer said.
On Dec. 21, the planets Jupiter and Saturn appeared a tenth of a degree apart in the night sky, something called a “Great Conjunction.”

Bishop Gainer’s Christmas Letter 2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Many Christmas Carols have fascinating backstories. The beloved Carol, Joy to the World, has one such interesting history. Isaac Watts, born in England in 1674, was reflecting one day on Psalm 98 and he was greatly moved by the fourth verse, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” Watts took pen in hand and wrote a four stanza poem which he entitled, Joy to the World. The words fit the tunes of several hymn melodies of the day. However, many refused to sing the hymn because Watts dared to change the wording of the Psalm to suit his poem.

Obituary for Father Robert F. Berger, KHS

Father (Colonel) Robert F. Berger, KHS, died at his family home on December 14, 2020. He was a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg for 58 years.

He was born August 30, 1935, in Locust Gap, the son of the late George Francis and Josephine (Heiser) Berger.