Category Archives: News

Observing the 18th anniversary of 9/11 and praying for the lives lost that day, the Lebanon Catholic School community welcomed first responders to a Blue Mass to pray for their safety and express gratitude for their service. Father Robert Gillelan, pastor of Assumption BVM Parish in Lebanon and principal celebrant,…

The 40 Days for Life campaign – a peaceful and prayerful demonstration for the sanctity of human life and an end to abortion – got underway in cities and towns throughout the country this week, with members of the pro-life community taking to prayer, vigil at abortion clinics and community…

United States Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos visited the Cathedral campus of Harrisburg Catholic Elementary School on Sept. 19, along with Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, to talk about school choice and freedom of education. Seventh-grade teacher Johnnie Hicks and his class presented a special tribute for Secretary…

In a service activity for Hunger Action Month, more than 20 parishioners from the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg volunteered at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank on Sept. 11, amassing 42 service hours for the organization. The service project was an activity of the parish’s Mercy Matters Committee.…

“Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. Our Merciful Lord will listen to your prayer.” These words spoken by St. Pio of Pietrelcina, commonly known as Padre Pio, were certainly on the minds of the countless members of the faithful who traveled to St. Peter Church in Elizabethtown on…

The people of St. Joseph Parish in York demonstrated their love and gratitude for the Capuchin Franciscan Friars who have served their parish and school for 40 years with an anniversary Mass on Sept. 7. The celebration extended to nearly 20 Capuchins who have previously served St. Joseph’s, and who…

The National Conference of Burmese-American Catholics gathered for its tenth annual conference at Trinity High School in Camp Hill, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, returning to the roots of the now-national organization. The purpose of the NCBAC is to bring together Burmese Catholics living in the United States, and provide opportunities for…

Father John Bateman, a priest of the Diocese of Harrisburg, returned to the Diocese this summer following more than three years in Rome, where he served as Secretary to the Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and earned a degree Canon Law. Currently serving…

Students at York Catholic High School began their year with striking renovations on campus aimed at enhancing their academic and extra-curricular experiences. Through the efforts of its “Grow Today, Impact Tomorrow” Capital Campaign, York Catholic unveiled a new turf athletic field on Aug. 19 and celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony for…

The Lebanon Catholic School community of students, families, faculty members, alumni and supporters gathered on Assumption Hill Sept. 1 for a “back to school” Mass that included the blessing of the school’s renovated gym by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades. The gym is the hub of activities at Lebanon Catholic, which…

Once upon a time, a young person came across a cottage deep within a forest. This cottage was a truly magical abode since it was the home of the Master Builder. Upon approaching the front door, the young person raised their hand to knock. The door opened and a voice…

September 2 marked the 15th anniversary of San Juan Bautista Preschool in Lancaster, and its commitment to early childhood development. The celebration kicked off this month with a campaign to raise $15,000 in 60 days, with a matching gift, giving the school the potential to raise $30,000. The anniversary also…

The annual Marian Pilgrimage at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Centralia drew hundreds of Eastern and Latin Rite Catholics to the near-ghost town in Columbia County on Aug. 25. The church, with its spotless white bell tower, overlooks the once-flourishing coal town, rendered desolate since…

The celebration of the inaugural first day at the new Holy Trinity School in York illustrated the excitement, energy and faith-filled love already in existence there. A combination of the former St. Joseph School in Dallastown and the former St. Patrick School in York, Holy Trinity – located in the…

In mid-August, Caitlin Nealon made the nearly 3,000-mile journey from her home in San Jose, Calif., to Lebanon County for the Diocese’s annual camp for people with disabilities. A highlight of the summer for more than 30 years, the week draws both new and returning campers and counselors to Camp…

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there lived a young maiden with her grandparents. Their home was of modest size and she, being the only child, had the freedom to go into any room except one. This room was constantly locked. The only key, to her…

The state of the Church and the results of a recent Pew Study weighed heavily on the heart and mind of Dr. Scott Hahn as he returned to New Oxford on Aug. 24 to present three talks to nearly 500 attendees from throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg, Maryland and as…

Give witness to the sanctity of human life and promote an end to abortion through the 40 Days for Life campaigns, which will take place in several locations throughout the Diocese this fall. 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local…

Dan Breen, a native of Massachusetts and a former Catholic school principal in Tennessee, was appointed the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Secretary for Education and Superintendent of Schools on July 1. In this role, he will oversee the operation of the Catholic schools in the Diocese. He will also work to…

The subject of immigration has been all over the news and all over the country in recent months. On Aug. 15, it was front and center at the Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference joined Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg and other community…