Author Archives: Miller

Art Show Exhibits Students’ Talents

The faith-based artwork of students from Diocesan Catholic schools was on exhibit in the Archives’ display cases at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg this spring as the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis hosted the seventh annual art contest for students to highlight their God-given artistic talents.

Awards were presented to the top-three artists in a senior division for students in grades 10-12 and in a junior division for those in grades 7-9. Judges also awarded ten honorable mention ribbons.

2019 Golden Apple Recipients Reflect on Role of Forming Students

The Diocese of Harrisburg recognized seven Catholic school educators for their outstanding devotion through the 13th annual Golden Apple Awards on May 7 at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg. The awards are based on nominations from school principals, parents, students and fellow teachers in acknowledgement of an educator’s professional excellence, leadership, commitment to Catholic values, and devotion to teaching in Catholic schools.

Fiat Spirituality

Recently, I was asked by a wife of a deacon in another Diocese to conduct a retreat for women in her area. When I agreed, I asked if she had a topic for the day. She said, “Saying ‘Yes’: Finding Your Unique Gifts and Purpose in Everyday Life.”

Honestly, when I read that topic, it made me pause to think and to pray. I said to myself, “How am I supposed to present that? Where do you start?” I looked at the title and prayed some more. I remembered a wise person who once said that the way you eat an elephant is one bite at a time. So, I began my reflection with the word, “Yes.”

Riding Into Safety with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

Bicycle safety was on full display at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg on Sunday, May 19. The second annual Bike Rodeo, sponsored and organized by the Parish’s American Heritage Girls (AHG) troop, was a great way to remind parish and community children of bicycle safety, right in time for summer.

The AHG troop hosted their first rodeo last year, after several parents suggested the safety event. A huge success, the troop decided to continue hosting the rodeo.

St. Catherine of Siena, Quarryville, Celebrates 175 Years ‘with Endurance and Hard Work’

St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Quarryville is celebrating founders, saints and the handing on of the faith this year, the 175th anniversary of its presence in southern Lancaster County.

Bishop Ronald Gainer celebrated an anniversary Mass for the flock on Sunday, May 19 in their 20-year old church.

“This is an amazing birthday for your parish. Think about 175 years and all the faithful that have gone before you, passing on the faith to each generation,” Bishop Gainer addressed the congregation. “St. Catherine of Siena once said, ‘Nothing great has ever been achieved without endurance and hard work.’ That is the story of your parish – it has endured for all these years.”

Religious Sisters Celebrate Jubilees

Religious Sisters in the Diocese of Harrisburg marking milestone anniversaries this year were recognized and honored during the annual Sisters’ Jubilee celebration. The celebration was hosted by the Diocesan Secretariat for Clergy and Consecrated Life on April 27 at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg The gathering to recognize the Sisters for their ministry and service began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald Gainer, and included photos with the bishop and a luncheon for the jubilarians in attendance, as well as members of their congregations who were present for the celebration.

Jim Forjan Remembered by York Catholic Community

For nearly 60 years, Jim Forjan invested himself into the York Catholic High School community, as teacher, coach, dean of students, principal and volunteer.

From his first year as a social studies teacher and boys’ basketball coach in 1959, until his last days there as a cafeteria moderator last fall, Forjan rightly earned the titles “Mr. York Catholic” and “the greatest legacy to walk the halls of YC” – accolades members of the school community have expressed since his death on Feb. 15 of this year. Forjan was 83.

Undefeated Courage Expands Pro-Life Witness

It was an overcast spring day when a group of nearly 20, including Bishop Ronald Gainer, stood in prayer outside the Planned Parenthood clinic on North Second Street in Harrisburg.

These Sidewalk Advocates for Life are part of Undefeated Courage, a 501(c)(3), which works peacefully to engage with women considering abortion outside of abortion facilities. Literally providing an immediate intervention on the front lines, the group also gathered for a blessing of their new chapel, located just across the street from the Planned Parenthood facility.

New Apartments at St. Anne’s Retirement Community Continue Adorers’ Mission

A new and innovative apartment complex at St. Anne’s Retirement Community in Columbia, Lancaster County, is continuing a ministry that began there 90 years ago with the Adorers of the Blood of Christ.

The 54-unit complex opened on the grounds of the retirement community on April 1, adding to its options for independent living with a stunning three-story facility overlooking St. Anne’s bucolic grounds.