Author Archives: Miller

‘A Rescue Mission of Truly Loving People’: Tim Tebow Calls on Pro-Lifers to Change the Culture

Speakers at the 2021 March for Life rally on Friday called on pro-lifers to change the culture and not be discouraged at political setbacks.

“We need to live on a rescue mission of truly loving people well,” said Tim Tebow, retired NFL player and current baseball player.

Tebow was the keynote speaker at the rally for the 48th annual March for Life. The rally was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic and security measures, and featured speeches from politicians of both parties, former professional athletes, and religious leaders.

A Celebration of Consecrated Life

The Church celebrates World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life on Feb. 2 and in parishes over the weekend of Feb. 6-7. It’s a special time for the Church to celebrate the gift of consecrated life and pray for men and women discerning a consecrated vocation.

Diocesan Annual Campaign Illustrates Faith Alive

Despite the unexpected challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic throughout most of 2020, the Diocese of Harrisburg was able to continue its many ministries and programs on which people depend. Through the generosity of parishioners and parishes across the Diocese’s 15 counties, the 2020 Diocesan Annual Campaign (DAC) supported more than 40 programs that directly benefited people in our communities.

‘Vaccination of God’s Grace and Love’ Needed against the Culture of Death, Bishop Says at Diocesan Respect Life Mass

Responding to society’s deep division over the fundamental right to life, Bishop Ronald Gainer spoke in his homily at the Diocesan Respect Life Mass of the need for a vaccination of God’s grace and love against a culture of death.
Celebrating the Mass two days after the 48th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion, the bishop celebrated the pro-life liturgy Jan. 24 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg.

Diocese Accepting Applications for New Diaconate Formation Program Aspirancy Year to Begin this Fall for 2026 Ordination

Building on the momentum of the ordination of 35 permanent deacons this past September, the Diocese of Harrisburg is accepting applications for a new class of men for the Permanent Diaconate Program.

Candidates – and their spouses, if married – will be admitted to a year of aspirancy (exploration and discernment) beginning this fall. The program will culminate with ordination in 2026.

U.S. Bishops Respond to President Biden’s Orders and Proclamations on Abortion, Sex Discrimination, Immigration and Climate Change

Amid a number of executive orders and proclamations during his first days in office, President Joe Biden made changes to immigration policy, re-joined the United States to the Paris Agreement, and praised the Supreme Court’s decision on Roe v. Wade in marking the 48th anniversary of the landmark decision to legalize abortion.

Bishop Gainer Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

Bishop Ronald Gainer, who is in a higher-risk category, received the first of two COVD-19 vaccines on Jan. 20 at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill.…

U.S. Bishops Release Statement on Biden Inauguration, Express Hope in Working with New President

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a prepared statement Wednesday afternoon, after President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
“Our commitments on issues of human sexuality and the family, as with our commitments in every other area — such as abolishing the death penalty or seeking a health care system and economy that truly serves the human person — are guided by Christ’s great commandment to love and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, especially the most vulnerable,” Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in the statement.

Pro-Life Events this Month Include Diocesan Mass, Days of Prayer and Virtual March

Whether you’re a longtime March for Life participant, a witness for life on public squares, or someone who prays for pro-life intentions at home, late January offers a variety of ways to promote and pray for a culture of life.

A number of activities and days of prayer fill the calendar through the end of the month. Some offerings are in person, and others are virtual – but all of these occasions for prayer and reflection, coinciding with the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1973 decision legalizing abortion.