Author Archives: Miller

Mary: Trust, Hope and Strength

Some time ago, I came down with a case of the shingles at a place on my body where the sun doesn’t shine. I had always heard that this virus was very painful. In reality, I had no idea how painful it actually would be.

On the second day after my diagnosis, as the rash blossomed, the pain was horrible. I could not sit, stand or even lie down. I could not pray. All I could do was finger the beads of my Rosary, allowing the tears to stream down my face. I prayed, “Dearest Jesus. How, as a human, could your body withstand all the suffering and the pain and the sins of all humanity for all time on the cross?” As I said these words out loud, I burst into tearful sobs. His response to me was deeply profound.  I heard a gentle whisper, “I could because my mother stood near me.”

New Catholic Meditation App Breaches Secular Digital Market

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.

How many times have you prayed the words? Innumerable. But with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul, have you truly entered into them?

A new app makes that possible. Named “Hallow,” it offers guided meditation sessions over the course of five 10 or 15 minutes that lead users through prayer, calmly and carefully, step-by-step.

Diocesan Institute Strives to ‘Go and Make Disciples’

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” This request from Psalm 119:66 inspires all to continually seek knowledge and information on our faith. This request is exactly what the Diocesan Institute for the Diocese of Harrisburg works to fulfill.

Bishop Gainer Concludes Listening Tour

It has been seven months since the release of the Grand Jury Report and Bishop Ronald W. Gainer recently completed his listening session tour of the Diocese. During these sessions, Bishop Gainer has listened to the faithful, survivors and non-Catholics on the impact of the report. Many expressed dismay over the handling of sexual abuse cases in the past and a loss of trust in the leadership of the Church.

African Saints Celebrated During Pilgrimage

Quick. In the next three minutes, write down the names of as many black Catholic saints as you can.
How many did you get? 20? 15? 10? 5?
This was the start of Dr. Camille Brown’s talk on African Saints during the Diocese’s recent pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. Many in the crowd had two or three names of African saints by the end of the exercise, but had many more by the end of Dr. Brown’s talk.

Christian Day of Dialogue Examines Personal Response to Violence

Gun violence, racism, pacifism and the Christian response to violence were the topics of discussion at this year’s LARC Day of Dialogue. The annual gathering is a joint effort of the Lutheran, Anglican and Roman Catholic churches in central Pennsylvania for prayer and greater cooperation between the Churches.

Taking place nine days after the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue outside of Pittsburgh, the Day of Dialogue presented a socially relevant topic, said Father James Lease, Director of the Diocesan Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs.

Youth Hunt for ‘Treasure’ during Pilgrimage

Learning about the faith and history of the Church was a fun activity for youth attending the Diocese’s pilgrimage. Close to 85 children participated in a scavenger hunt, hosted by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls. All youth were invited to participate and explore the Basilica, while searching for eight “hidden” treasures.

Knights of Columbus Council Formed at St. Philip the Apostle Parish

In August, Knights of Columbus Council # 17028 was formed and chartered at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Millersville. Heading the Council is Grand Knight Robert W. Ziemba. The Council included 45 new and transferred members on the charter date of Aug. 1. Father Lawrence W. Sherdel, pastor at St. Philip’s and two terms Pennsylvania State Chaplain, requested the formation of the council. Brian T. Smith, Past Grand Knight, Former District Deputy and current CE New Council Development Chairman, is responsible for the development of new councils.

3,000 Faithful Make Pilgrimage to National Shrine

A gathering of more than 3,000 faithful from the Diocese of Harrisburg traveled to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Nov. 3. The pilgrimage was a time of prayerful reflection over recent events in the Church and the Diocese, as well as a commemoration of the Diocese’s 150th anniversary.

Local March for Life Events

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Mechanicsburg March for Life Solidarity Day, Friday, January 18, to unite with those who are attending the march in Washington. The day begins at…