June 25, 2020 | issue #7 New Permanent Diaconate Formation Program to begin in 2021 By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness Ronald W. Gainer has announced that a new class of the Permanent Diaconate Program for the will begin at the start of next year. The bishop extended his invitation to to nominate men who wish to consider the Permanent Diaconate. Approximately 20 men – and their spouses, if they are married – will be admitted to a year of aspirancy (exploration and discernment) beginning in January of 2021. The program will last a total of five years. Participants will be selected taking into account projected needs of the parishes, ministries, and geography of the Diocese. Nominees must be faithful Catholic men, between the ages of 35 and 62, Catholic for at least three years, in a valid and stable in the class of 2010 prostrate themselves marriage of at least seven years (if married), before the altar during the Rite of Ordination. and known to the of their parish. In CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS addition, they must possess an undergraduate degree, or its equivalent, be able to undertake admission to the program, which is anticipated for graduate level studies, and be gainfully 2021-2026. Applications must be obtained from employed. the pastor after an applicant’s initial discussion Applications for the Permanent Diaconate with him; they cannot be obtained directly from any will be accepted until September 15, 2020. Diocesan office.

A rigorous interview process will lead to More DIACONATE, page 3 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 2 Thank You For Contributing to the Catholic Communication Campaign radio program • Advertising Diocesan • Live streaming Masses, ministries/programs including annual • Underwriting “The Ordinations Parish Bulletin Board” • Social Media presence on Holy Family Radio, The Diocesan Office of on Facebook, Twitter, WHYF AM 720 Communications expresses Instagram and YouTube • Diocesan website its gratitude to those who • Various Podcasts maintenance contributed to the Catholic • “Witness TV” program Financial gifts can still be Communication Campaign this • Expanded digital made to this year’s campaign. month. Your donations support presence for The Visit the Diocesan website to us in our continued efforts to Catholic Witness donate. connect communities to Christ. newspaper Contributions to the Catholic Communication Campaign support To report suspected abuse of a minor, the Church’s efforts to please follow these two steps: remain a strong voice in the media through TV, radio, newspapers, 1 1-800-932-0313 2 1-800-626-1608 podcasts, and the Internet. 100% of the Communications Campaign money which Call the toll-free PA Report suspected abuse of stays in the Diocese of Child Abuse Hotline a minor by a church , Harrisburg is used to at 1-800-932-0313 employee or volunteer by support the following calling the diocesan toll-free Communications hotline at 1-800-626-1608

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Publisher: 4800 Union Deposit Road The Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710 DD, JCL, Bishop of Harrisburg Phone: 717-657-4804 Executive Director for Public Relations: Email: [email protected] Rachel Bryson, M.S. [email protected] Digital subscriptions provided complimentary to all parishioners registered to a parish in the Diocese of Managing Editor: Jennifer Reed The mission of The Catholic Witness is Harrisburg. The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, [email protected] to be of personal and practical help as USPS 557 120) is published digitally weekly except we try to be loyal and true witnesses for Photojournalist: Chris Heisey Christmas/New Year by the Harrisburg Catholic Christ in our daily living, spiritual and [email protected] Publishing Association, 4800 Union Deposit Road, temporal, in private and in public. Harrisburg, PA 17111. June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 3 DIACONATE have allowed me to The word “” continued from 1 learn my Catholic faith comes from the in a unique way that Greek word diakonos, The Diaconate is an ordained on Sept. 12 of has allowed me to meaning “servant” or order of the Catholic this year. appreciate its wisdom, “minister.” Becoming a open to married Virgilio Centenera, a its beauty, and the deacon is a vocation, and single men. As candidate in the class manner in which our that is, a calling from such, the Permanent that will be ordained faith is an expression God. Deacon is a A member of deacon the Church’s is an hierarchy, ordained who is minister configured of the to Christ Catholic the Servant Church. through the They can Sacrament of perform a Holy Orders. variety of In the roles in the Diocese, Church. there have During been three Mass, as previous Ministers classes of of the deacons Word, they can ordained Deacons assist with the Holy Oils during the Diocesan Chrism Mass in this for service: proclaim Witness file photo. the 1978, 1983 CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS and 2010. Gospel, The 42 men in the this fall, recalled when preach first program were he applied to the of the truth of our and teach in the name ordained by Bishop program. lives. In doing so, it of the Church. As has opened my eyes to ministers of Sacrament, Joseph Daley at St. “I can recall as I view the world through deacons can baptize, Patrick Cathedral in sent in my application a different lens, a lens lead the faithful Harrisburg in June for the diaconate I which will provide in prayer, witness 1978. A second class wasn’t really sure answers yet to be marriages, and conduct of 28 was ordained what lied ahead, but asked. Secondly, the wake and funeral by Bishop William as always I put it all in process has allowed services. As ministers Keeler in June 1983, God’s hands. As I’ve me to form bonds of Charity, deacons are and a third class of 23 learned over the years, with a special group leaders in identifying men was ordained by whenever I do that I of men, a group that I the needs of others Bishop Kevin Rhoades am blessed in ways I can truly call brothers. and working to match in May 2010. couldn’t even imagine,” This special bond is the Church’s resources The current class he said. of 35 candidates, one that I hope will to meet those needs. whose formation Reflecting on the form the foundation for Deacons are to be a program began in program, he said the brotherhood I join servant in a servant- 2015, is expected to be “These five years through ordination.” Church. June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 4 ‘Enter into the Chaos’ of the Lives of Others, Bishop Encourages during Mass on Feast of St. Thomas More By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness Celebrating a pre- recorded Mass for the June 22 Feast of St. Thomas More, Bishop Ronald Gainer cautioned against the temptation of re-ordering the lives of others and encouraged the faithful instead to ‘enter into the chaos’ of the lives of those we encounter. “As we celebrate his feast day today and seek about doing our own vocations, I would hope we would ask for that particular grace to avoid the temptation to re- order the lives of others and to allow ourselves to act CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS as Christ acted toward us: Bishop Ronald Gainer celebrates Mass pre-recorded for the ’s to enter in to the chaos of Feast Day on June 22. The Diocesan Office of Communications others’ lives [to] stand there recorded the Mass from the Diocesan Center Chapel. as a sign of God’s mercy and understanding,” the the spirit of St. Thomas More. a most indulgent Sovereign,” bishop said in his homily. The celebration of this even though he was already On June 22, the Church year’s Mass was recorded imprisoned by Henry and knows celebrates the life and witness by members of the Diocesan of his intentions. of St. Thomas More. A devout Office of Communications in the The epitaph is “an Catholic and a lawyer, scholar, Diocesan Center chapel, due examination of More’s own author, government servant to continued social distancing conscience, not a condemnation and Lord Chancellor, he guidelines. It is available for or critique of the king, but was imprisoned in 1534 and viewing on the Diocese’s an examination of More’s beheaded in 1535 by the YouTube Channel. conscience from the viewpoint order of King Henry VIII for In his homily, Bishop Gainer of God himself,” Bishop Gainer refusing to sign the king’s made a connection between an remarked. Act of Supremacy and Act of excerpt from St. Thomas More’s He connected it to the Succession. personal epitaph and the day’s Sermon on the Mount, in which Each year, the St. Thomas Gospel Reading for the Feast, Jesus says to his disciples, More Society of Central the Sermon on the Mount. “Stop judging, that you may not Pennsylvania sponsors a Mass St. Thomas More, in be judged. For as you judge, so on his Feast Day. The Society his epitaph, refers to King will you be judged.” was established by Catholic Henry VIII as an “excellent “[Jesus] talks about the lawyers and judges to promote Sovereign” and writes of “the Christian principles in the law in unparalleled graciousness of More THOMAS MORE, page 5 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 5 THOMAS MORE members and their family to participate in one of continued from 4 the several events sponsored by the St Thomas wooden beam in my own eye, which prevents More Society of Central Pennsylvania.” me from seeing the splinter in your eye. By way “It is special to have an in-person community of that exaggeration, Our Lord is teaching very to worship with, however, since the Feast Day clearly a truth that I think we all know in our own was on a Monday, it would have been difficult lives – our own tendency to ignore our faults, to for many lawyers to attend,” she pointed out. overlook our failings and sins, our shortcomings, “I noticed that the YouTube counter said 92 and to enlarge the failings of those around us,” views. That is close to twice the number in Bishop Gainer remarked. attendance last year when the Mass was “Many times, we attempt to re-order the lives celebrated at St. Theresa’s in New Cumberland of others,” the bishop said, advising that we can on a Saturday. I was pleased to see the take a lesson from St. Thomas More’s epitaph increased level of participation, especially since and his treatment of others with understanding Bishop Gainer was generous with his time and mercy. celebrating the Mass, and presented an excellent “St. Thomas More doesn’t agree with Henry’s homily.” decisions one bit, but he’s not trying to re-order Gerard Mackarevich, a 25-year member of Henry’s life by his judgments or criticisms,” the St. Thomas More Society, also expressed Bishop Gainer said. gratitude for the celebration of the annual Mass. “St. Thomas More shows us the way: we need “The bishop made it a meaningful experience to enter into the chaos of the lives of others. That for Society members this year, even with the requires us to let go of our own idea of what’s absence of the physical celebration of the right and what’s the correct way…. Enter into the Eucharist and the fellowship that goes along with situation of their lives with understanding and it,” he said. “Bishop Gainer could easily have just mercy,” he said. “Isn’t that what the Son of God postponed this year’s event, but instead made has done for us? Isn’t that why Jesus speaks lemonade out of lemons with an intimate remote about judgment in the Sermon on the Mount? celebration and a memorable homily.” The Son of God did that for us – he entered into Mackarevich, who has worked in private the chaos of humanity in order to save us, and practice and with the state throughout his career he brought God’s order to all who accept him as as a lawyer, said he was enriched by St. Thomas Savior.” More’s epitaph. Karen Balaban, an attorney and one of the “How remarkable it was that this humble man original members of the St. Thomas More Society who had lost his title and his freedom at the of Central Pennsylvania, spoke of how the hands of a tyrant could still show respect to the homily and St. Thomas More’s epitaph caused man who took it all from him,” he said. her to personally reflect on her approach to In addition to the annual Feast Day Mass, disagreements with leadership. the Society also sponsors the annual Red Mass “The homily reaffirmed my commitment to that coincides with the start of the U.S. Supreme continue praying for the president in spite of my Court’s term in October, and gatherings with many disagreements with, and disapproval of, his speakers who address current issues of religious behavior, character, competence and policies. In freedom in the state and in the country. spite of these differences with the president, I “To me, the best part of the Society is the acknowledge that he is a human being made in opportunities it provides for personal spiritual the image and likeness of God, and needs our growth alongside committed Catholic lawyers and prayers,” she said. clergy, whether it is at small group settings like Balaban is in her second tenure of service on luncheon Lenten reflections and the Advent Mass the Society’s board, and said “Besides being a at [chaplain] Father Paul Clark’s parish, or the beautiful, peaceful venue, the event provides an larger traditional gatherings like the annual Red inexpensive and convenient opportunity for our Mass,” Mackarevich said. June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 6 New Principals Look Forward to Continuing Mission of Catholic Schools The Catholic Witness The Diocese of Harrisburg announced the appointment of seven new administrators who will lead several Catholic schools beginning July 1. The new administrators, most of whom will serve as principals, bring a wealth Peter Morisco Patricia Wilding Robert James Donna Tompkins of knowledge, skills, and love for Catholic education to their positions. The administrators joining the Catholic school system in the Diocese of Harrisburg are: Mr. Peter Morisco, principal, St. Columba School, Bloomsburg. Mr. Morisco previously served as the principal of Holy Family School in Deborah Henry Lorie Torquato Kyla Hockley Berwick. Ms. Patricia Wilding, principal, Torquato, the current their new roles and they St. John the Baptist School, New kindergarten teacher, has will be great additions to Freedom. Ms. Wilding has extensive been with Sacred Heart for their respective schools,” experience as a classroom teacher, both 24 years. said Daniel J. Breen, at St. John the Baptist School and with Ms. Kyla Hockley, Secretary for Education and several other school districts. principal, St. John Superintendent of Schools Mr. Robert James, principal, St. Neumann School, for the Diocese. Rose of Lima School, Thomasville. Mr. Lancaster. Ms. Hockley is “On behalf of the James has extensive experience with currently the admissions Diocese, I also wish to thank the York City School District, including director for Lancaster Dr. Robert Marande, Ms. administration. Catholic High School. Susan Mareck, Ms. Peggy Ms. Donna Tompkins, interim She previously served Rizzuto, Mr. Richard La principal, Delone Catholic High as a theology teacher at Rocca, Dr. Joe Maginnis School, McSherrystown. Ms. Tompkins Lancaster Catholic and and Ms. Suzanne Wood has been a teacher in the Diocesan as the director of religious for their dedicated years school system for more than 30 years education at St. James of service to our students, and currently is the Director of Studies and St. Alexis Parish in staff, faculty and Catholic for Delone Catholic. Pittsburgh. education in the Diocese. Ms. Deborah Henry and Ms. Lorie “We are very excited to We thank them and wish Torquato, administrative team, Sacred welcome these new leaders them well as they have all Heart of Jesus School, Lewistown. to our Catholic school family expressed their intent to Ms. Henry is currently the third grade, in the Diocese of Harrisburg. retire after terrific careers,” Religion and Lead teacher for Sacred All of these individuals bring Heart School. She has been with the experience and passion More PRINCIPALS, school for more than 25 years. Ms. for Catholic education to page 7 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 7 PRINCIPALS day. I am thankful students who enter our and to remain student continued from 6 for the opportunity to doors each year. Our achievement and faith continue my career as students reflect well- formation oriented he said. principal at St. John rounded, kind and so that each student Each new principal/ the Baptist School. I bright young men and works to realize their administrator was look forward to working women. I feel blessed full academic potential.” evaluated by a with the school and having had the ability “We are looking selection panel, which Church communities to to teach so many of forward to the new was formed by each continue the school’s them over the years challenge of what individual school. tradition of excellence before moving into lies ahead in these The new in Catholic based an administrative uncertain times,” administrators education.” role…. The last piece said Torquato. “We expressed appreciation In a video message of this puzzle is our are honored to assist for their appointments, on St. Rose of Lima volunteers. Without teachers in new and and enthusiasm as School’s Facebook all those individuals novel ways to continue they look to the start of page, James said he that are behind the to educate our young a new school year. is “very excited to start scenes doing all Catholics and keep “I am honored and this new position. I those thankless jobs, them involved in humbled about the am an alumnus of St. we would not be learning and faith new experience I am Rose of Lima School. I this smooth running formation. We are moving forward with, enjoyed my time here machine. So many excited about the new and am looking forward and I can’t wait to get people go into making endeavor and working to bringing my vision to started. I’m looking Delone Catholic what with faculty, staff, St. Columba School,” forward to meeting it is and I am just parents and students said Morisco. “I’ve met everybody and talking amazed as well as to continue making the staff and we’re with everybody to find proud to be a part of Sacred Heart School looking forward to a out our strengths, our the tradition.” a shining light in our great, positive learning weaknesses, where At Sacred Heart in community.” experience for our we want to go with St. Lewistown, Henry and Hockley said “It is students. We want to Rose, and I want to Torquato will serve as an honor and privilege promote what is unique continue all the good co-administrators. to serve the families about our Catholic things Ms. Rizzuto did. “Having been of St. Anne Parish, St. schools, and that is I’m very excited to get dedicated to the John Neumann Parish that we can carry on started on this new education at Sacred and St. Anne School and accommodate journey.” Heart School for as we transition to students – even in this At Delone, Tompkins 25+ years, we are St. John Neumann pandemic – and give said the “amazing excited about the new School. My passion them a quality Catholic and dedicated” faculty endeavor and working is supporting Catholic education.” and staff are the main with the faculty, education in Lancaster Wilding remarked reason she accepted staff, and students County, which I have that she is “truly the role as interim to continue making loved doing for the blessed to be a part of principal. “I think they Sacred Heart School past 17 years, nine of the St. John the Baptist recognize that we are a shining light in our which have been as family. The school has a team and we are all community,” Henry Director of Admissions an incredibly dedicated in this together with said. “Our goal heading at Lancaster Catholic. I faculty, wonderful a common goal…. into this school year am excited to put my families who partner Another aspect that is to provide as much strengths together with with us, and faithful makes Delone Catholic stability as possible students who make More PRINCIPALS, special is all of the with students and staff, us all proud every page 8 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 8 PRINCIPALS Corpus Christi Men’s Retreat Will continued from 7 be Offered Online those of the faculty and staff The 42nd Corpus Christi Men’s Retreat, offered yearly to men of in service to the communities the Diocese, will take place in an online format on Saturday, Aug. we serve, while inviting new 1, from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Father Luis Rodriguez, pastor of Corpus families into our mission and Christi Parish in Chambersburg, will lead the virtual retreat, ministry. Given the transition offered free of charge. to St. John Neumann, we will Registration is requested for planning purposes, and is be able to look at every aspect available on the retreat website at https://ccccmensretreat. of school life with new eyes weebly.com/. To join in the live retreat on Aug. 1, go to the Corpus as we look to maximize our Christi Roman YouTube Channel at https://www. academic, faith formation, and youtube.com/channel/UCr75D8gIh_SwtMLj2vmWiOQ/ service opportunities for our Father Rodriguez will expand on the theme for the men’s students. I am confident that retreat: “2020 Vision in Christ, Healer of Our Interior Life.” In as a school community, under addition to presenting four sessions, Father Rodriguez will the guidance and inspiration of celebrate Holy Mass. Other devotional activities planned include the Holy Spirit, we will leverage a Scriptural Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Adoration and the energy of this transition as Benediction. we write the next chapter in our The retreat is geared toward men of all ages in the Harrisburg history.” Diocewse. Brothers, fathers, sons and grandsons are encouraged All Catholic schools in the to view the retreat together. Donations are accepted to help defray Diocese of Harrisburg are the costs, and can be mailed by check payable to ‘Corpus Christi accepting enrollments for the Men’s Retreat’ to 320 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 2020/21 school year. Visit www. w17201. GoCatholicSchools.org to learn For information, contact Keith R. Smith at 717-263-3442, or more. [email protected].

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Tuition Assistance and Scholarships are available. Learn more at a school near you. Find a school at www.GoCatholicSchools.org Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg • 4800 Union Deposit Road • Harrisburg, PA 17111 • (717) 657-4804 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 9 got to see parts of the The Called education system that A series of profiles on clergy and religious I would not normally see or even knew Father Peter DiTomasso, MSSCC existed. But I still had this thing about the Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. priesthood and having a call to pursue that Education: Cathedral Prep High School in Brooklyn, St. Francis College in Brooklyn, vocation. College in Washington, D.C., Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md. What steps did you take to pursue that Current Assignment: Pastor of Immaculate call? Conception BVM Parish in Fairfiled and St. Rita Parish in Blue Ridge Summit A friend of mine told me about going to the Diocese of Metuchen Share with us where the eighth grade. I in 1987 until 1992. I in New Jersey. At the you grew up and your went into high school came back home and time, I was in my late childhood experiences. where there were 110 worked in the New 20s and I spent a year I grew up in Brooklyn, seminarians studying York public school as a postulate year New York, and I am for the priesthood, system as a teacher. at Sacred Heart of the oldest of four boys. and I graduated with I started out as a Jesus Parish in New My father, Peter, was 26 who were not. substitute teacher, Brunswick. At the end Italian-American and After I graduated high but then I went from of that year, the pastor my mother, Mary, was school, I wanted to that to work for the and I agreed that I Irish-American. I would be a history major so Bureau of Education. was not being called say that I grew up in I went to St. Francis We would review all to be a diocesan what can be called a College in downtown the different federal priest in that diocese. middle class family. My Brooklyn and the program funding I then went to a temp father was a construction sister college, of that was given to agency, where I did worker and my mom course, is in Latrobe the schools, like various little jobs and started out as a stay-at- in Pennsylvania. English as a Second I eventually got to home mother until later. I did my four Language and special Merrill Lynch. I worked When we grew up, she years of college education needs, at that company for became a secretary for and graduated as a making sure that all five years in the 401K an oncology doctor and history major, and the money being department. I helped she did that for many after college I still had appropriated was with the paperwork years. the idea of wanting being used properly. side of things with I lived in Brooklyn to be a priest. At that It was essentially the 401K program. I for 26 years until I left time I looked into auditing. I enjoyed never thought I would for my vocation and the of Mary that work and I did be doing something seminary training. I went Immaculate and it for two years. I like working in the to Cathedral Prep High joined them. I did two got to go to parts of economics sector of School in Brooklyn, years of studies in New York City that I our economy. and that was the high Washington, D.C., would not normally school seminary for the at Oblate College, go. I was in Harlem That seems like Brooklyn Diocese at the which is now closed and many other quite stretch for a time. I thought about and then moved to neighborhoods, but I More THE CALLED, becoming a priest in Texas. I joined them enjoyed it because I page 10 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 10 THE CALLED motherhouse for the something. You have in a while, Father,” continued from 9 America’s in Linden, to see where they are or “I’ve not been to New Jersey, and did a coming from; that is Confession in years, history major. retreat there and met the job of a vocations and I have issues with Yes, it was. But you the vocations director. director. the teachings of the see, it all shows that After a second visit I Church.” Bringing them my vocation was a made the decision to When were you back into the Church winding road. In 2000, I join the Missionaries. ordained? was the goal, and I was invited to go to the That was in 2001 and I Bishop Rhoades always had the fun part Jubilee Year in Rome did my novitiate here in ordained me a of trying to get both – designated so by Fairfield. transitional deacon men and women back Saint John Paul here at St. Mary’s and to going to Confession. II. It was a Eucharistic Since your previous I did my and They would say to me, pilgrimage. It was studies with the novitiate here also and “I do not know where to during that pilgrimage Oblates, you were finished my studies even start,” or, “Father, that God hit me square down the road a at Mount St. Mary’s you do not have all day back in the face and little from beginning in 2004. I was still in to be with me.” But I said to me that I had anew? temporary vows so I really did, and that was to “get back to doing Yes, I had a ten- was not ordained with a challenge. But after what I am calling you year hiatus between my class. I did a year in multiple visits, many to do – I want you to the Oblates and the New Jersey and then would come around. be a priest.” I came Missionaries. Again, came back here. In Some just did not want back from that Rome my vocation has been 2006, I was ordained to. pilgrimage and went a winding road, but both a transitional I remember people on a discernment the thing is, I think deacon and to the just bringing their full retreat soon after with God has blessed me priesthood in the same emotions out. One an Oblates of Mary because I understand year. I was ordained in lady who was crying Immaculate priest what unemployment Lynnwood, New Jersey, told me it was not up in Boston. I had means, I understand to the priesthood, by tears of sorrow but always had devotion what it means to pay Cardinal O’Brien, on of joy of having this to the Sacred Hearts the bills and not be June 24. burden lifted off her of Jesus and Mary, able to pay the bills. that she had been and this Oblate priest I had a girlfriend, You have had quite an carrying around for told me look into the and broke up with a incredible diversity of years and years. She Missionaries of the girlfriend, so I have had life experience, would happened to die a few Sacred Hearts of Jesus real-life experience. you not say? days later, but the gift and Mary. In some ways I have Yes, I have. In hospital of the sacrament was been blessed, so when ministry, I got to see knowing she died in Had you ever heard of I became the vocations people at their most peace, having had this order before? director for the vulnerable. Talk this enormous burden No, I had not, and Missionaries, I could about being a good lifted from her by the so after my retreat I understand where shepherd and finding mercy of Christ. Also, gave the Missionaries guys were coming from lost sheep – that was meeting Protestants a call and they were with issues, financial how I saw that ministry. and non-Catholics doing a retreat here issues. As a vocations Eighty percent of taught me quite a bit for the pastor at the director, I can find out the Catholics that I so it was ecumenical time, Father Messaro, if they are wanting to came across would ministry as well. It was here at St. Mary’s. join the Missionaries or always say, “I have More THE CALLED, After that, I made a wanting to escape from not been to church visit to what we call our page 11 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 11 THE CALLED learned as a chaplain, joined the Missionaries sometimes 16 hours continued from 10 and I see it with people was because of his a day. I like to make who have been hurt story. He did not have sure that nobody is a wonderful experience by the Church – not a a straight road to the ever turned away. Even and it helped me when racial thing – but they priesthood, either. during this pandemic, I became a pastor for hold deep resentments He wanted to be a I would go out to hear the first time at St. that go way back. Like, Redemptorist priest Confessions, adhering Joseph the Worker in “Father did not do this, at the time, but they to social distancing. Bonnueauville. Father did this and that had a quota system That is important in upset me.” The hurts when Napoleon took times like this. It is Tell us about that go back, and the thing over so he became important all the time, first assignment as a is when you start to a diocesan priest but especially so now. priest in the Diocese have a conversation, in Naples because of Harrisburg. many people talk about the Redemptorists There I was able to Could you talk about something 30 years were full. He still share my experiences, the challenges of ago. Today, I tell them, had a great love for in homilies and in being a priest and this would not happen. the Redemptorists ministry. Having pastor during a The Church has grown and would still go experiences helps worldwide pandemic? and changed. on retreats and Holy The challenge is bring it down to earth You actually are Hours. I went over to how to reach your for people and I still able to resolve some see his congregation. Much use my experiences, of these issues when in 2008 in Rome. A of my congregation is work and ministry to you get down to talking bunch of us went over, older; they do not use teach through homilies. about them. Many and we were to serve social media, Facebook times a current pastor the Mass and go out or even e-mail. They How do you prepare can help solve an issue into the people and may have cable TV for your homilies? that has been a source give Communion in the and that may be quite I try to relate what of resentment for many Square. limited in offerings. is going on today with years. It is important to I sent out a letter to Readings and the have the dialogue. It is all my parishioners, Gospel many times, Do you have a about building bridges, and the good news and not so much favorite aspect of and we need to start is that many have about me, but about your ministry? doing that more often. One of my favorite internet. So we did the situation. Like the I also always try parts outside of saying do live streaming social justice issues we and tie a saint into my Mass is the Sacrament and I encouraged as are having currently did homilies and I like very of Confession. I want to many as possible to not start in 2020. These much the lives of the always be there for the do this. We even just issues go way back . That is probably person who feels that posted the bulletins and we must learn to the history major in me they cannot be forgiven on the church doors have conversations speaking. for their sins. God is and told people to instead of burning going to be there with spread the word to buildings. It makes it his open arms. He is as many parishioners worse in the long term. Who are some of your going to be there with as possible about But when you want a favorite saints? I have a couple of his love and mercy at parish news. We did conversation, all people them. St. Thérèse of all times. Our founder get feedback through see is the negative Lisieux is one and my (St. John Vianney) Facebook and e-mail side and destruction. founder (St. Gaetano was a great . and that was helpful. There needs to be a Errico) is another. St. John Vianney conversation. That More THE CALLED, One of the reasons I listened to Confessions is something I have page 12 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 12

THE CALLED more than one, but that does and right and not straight, and continued from 11 not mean you shut yourself off it is important to constantly pray to that call of the possibility of and ask the Lord for his help in They were appreciative. being a priest. Sometimes he putting you in the right direction. Some parishioners were not may make you go a different You cannot fall into despair and happy with us not giving Holy road for a while. discouragement. Maybe you are Communion. We had folks When I was asked by the not called to be a missionary, upset with state requirements Oblates to leave, I was hurt. I but maybe you are called to be rather than Diocesan took my vows not as temporary, a diocesan priest or deacon. I regulations. It has become a but as permanent. So when tried to be encouraging to the political issue, unfortunately. I was asked to leave, it took guys. I had great family support You always have a few that are me a while to adjust to being throughout my vocation journey. going to be upset, but the vast a lay person again. But thank You have to find somebody that majority have had no issues. the Lord, I was able to find a you have who you can turn to; it job and adjust. I worked at a is not always your parents, but What do you do in your free homeless shelter for a while in you need at least one person time, or what hobbies do you Catholic Charities; I worked at who you can turn to and trust. have? a halfway house as well with People here in this part of the One of my hobbies is troubled youth. They did not Diocese very much support reading. I like to read history have families to go back to. vocations in this area. I think the and spiritual readings as Some were addicts and I had to parishioners seeing us down well. I am reading a book sit in on their support meetings. here get to see the paths we by Scott Hahn right now on God put me in all these different have taken, and we appreciate the Resurrection, which I am positions for a reason, and their support very much. enjoying. I like to read novels I think I was made vocation (Interview conducted by Chris like Tom Clancy, in that genre, director in our order because Heisey, The Catholic Witness.) for pleasure. Sometimes I of my various just like to do puzzles – word experiences. The Council of puzzles and things to keep my Catholic Women mind sharp. I just enjoy the Share your of Sacred Heart grace here and the beauty of experiences of Jesus Parish this area. This is a beautiful of being a presented its area here, and at outdoor vocations 2020 Senior Mass I found many people just director. Award to Nicole looking at the beautiful hills and One of Lamprinos, a vista here. the things graduate of a vocations Lewisburg High What advice do you give to director must School. She a young person who may ask and find was active in the be in their 20s that has not out is, are they parish religious or is not following the more running away education traditional route of pursuing from something program and their vocation? or not wanting Vacation Bible My journey has definitely to deal with School and was been a winding road, like I said an . an issue or be biology, and is pictured in before. I try and tell guys that She will attend responsible. I this submitted photo with not everybody gets called the Muhlenberg would tell these Council of Catholic Women same way. Sometimes you are College to major guys that the representative Liz Higgins. going to have a detour, maybe road may go left in dance and June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 13 Where does anyone, The Sin of Racism especially a white religious, By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC begin to talk about the evil Special to The Witness of racism? Conversations In just a few months, our entire world has about sexism and Catholic- completely changed right before our very eyes. bashing I could lead, hands The global pandemic has shown us that we down. Racism? No way. I are all connected in some amazing way. It has understand walking into a isolated us in a way that nothing else in modern store and having people times has done before. Yet, as we fought against stare at you, or little kids the isolation, we called out, “You are not alone!” calling out as they point, In the shutdown, the entire globe became silent “Mommy, what is THAT?” as we realized the fragility and temporariness of “Thoughts from a I have seen the fear on Catholic Evangelist” life. people’s faces who’ve From the silence of the pandemic, we heard viewed my veil as a burka since 9/11. But one voice cry out, “I can’t breathe!” With the prejudices against the simple color of my skin? I death of George Floyd, the world screamed back, have no idea whatsoever about that. “Enough!” It was as if the silence of the stay- Even though I am ignorant about a personal at-home order made this cry of discrimination experience of this kind of prejudice, I do believe into a deafening roar. Something in all of us racism is born from evil. The Evil One divides and was awakened. I have spent the last few weeks separates and makes enemies of one another. praying and reflecting on the images of hatred, This is the antithesis of what the Gospel, the anger and civil unrest that have pierced the Good News of Jesus, is all about. It leads to the silence of my heart. mistreatment of people based on their race, color, In the parish and neighborhood where I grew national origin, or ancestry. This mistreatment up, most of the people I came across looked like takes place first on a person-to-person level. me. My first experience meeting a person of color From there, it spreads out to institutions that came with the beginning of elementary school. legalized or tolerated structures of society that I was six years old and a bit nervous going to benefited one group above another. This is the “big kids’” school. When I met my first-grade always sinful! teacher, I could not take my eyes off of her. I In 1979, the U.S. wrote a pastoral thought that she was absolutely beautiful with letter on racism called, Brothers and Sisters to her black hair, her dark skin and her white teeth. Us. One paragraph from that document reads: She took time with each of us. We all learned “Racism is a sin: a sin that divides the human in a personal way that she truly cared for each family, blots out the image of God among of us individually. What was more striking for specific members of the family, and violates me was the way in which she taught us how to the fundamental human dignity of those called pray. I loved to sneak a peek and watch her after to be children of the same Father. Racism she received Communion. Her love of God was is the sin that says some human beings are clearly visible, and she taught us about God’s inherently superior and others essentially inferior love not only by her words but by the way she because of race. It is the sin that makes racial treated us. She expected that we would treat characteristics the determining factor for the each other in a way that mimicked Christ in the exercise of human rights. . . . racism is more than modern world. Whenever I think about prayer, I a disregard for the words of Jesus; it is a denial cannot help thinking about Sister Alice Francis. of the truth of the dignity of each human being Because of her, I know have an image of God revealed by the mystery of the Incarnation.1 the Father as a man of color who rejoices in the Where do we go from here? I personally think simplicity of the sunset or the sunrise He just created. More MUSINGS, page 14 June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 14

OBITUARIES Deceased Clergy The names of the following deceased persons have Please pray for the been submitted by their parishes. Please remember in your prayers the happy repose of these recently following clergy who died departed souls and the consolation of their loved in June during the past 25 ones. years: Abbottstown Lebanon Middletown Msgr. Francis Taylor, 1997 Immaculate Heart of Assumption BVM: Seven Sorrows BVM: Father Augustine Zan, 1999 Mary: Gail Marie Rusnak Larry Carr Louise Snoots Margaret “Betty” Edkin Betty Houser Father Joseph Kelly, 2000 Shirley Houtz Father Robert Burns, Jr., Bloomsburg Terrence Smith Rohrerstown 2001 St. Columba: St. Leo the Great: Victor L. Kimsal St. Benedict the : Rene Rheault Father Thomas J. Gralinski, 2005 Maryann R. Ray Patrick Wippel Coal Township Gloria J. Guerrisi Nicholas Schmalhofer Father William Geiger, Our Lady of Hope: CSSR, 2007 Rita Yost Sunbury Father T. Ronald Haney, St. Monica: 2012 Elizabethtown Manheim Elsie Burke St. Peter: St. Richard: Father Andre J. Meluskey, Kathy Jo Narkiewiz Nancy Smith York 2013 St. Rose of Lima: Father Francis T. Menei, Richard Steinfelt 2019.

MUSINGS ‘Beginning Experience’ Weekend for continued from 13 Those Struggling with Loss of Spouse that each of us needs to listen to The Beginning Experience Team for the Harrisburg Diocese our brothers and sisters who have has reserved Camp Hebron in Halifax, Pa., for a Beginning been affected by racism. Give them Experience Weekend, Nov 6-8, 2020. a chance to speak their experience The ecumenical Beginning Experience weekends are of what it means to be a person of designed for those suffering the loss of a spouse through color in our country. If we are truly death, divorce or separation. Hundreds of persons have been open to their experience, to their helped to move towards successful, productive, happy lives by story, our hearts will change. A small attending one of these weekends. shift in perspective can change our The weekend is led by persons who have lost a spouse actions and thus in turn can change through death or divorce and are trained in facilitating a our society. Jesus calls to us to act weekend. like he did, to love like he loved, to Beginning Experience is your Church at work to speak like he spoke – a lesson I provide help, healing and spiritual restoration. Visit www. began to learn so many years ago hbgdiocese.org and go to marriage and family, check www. by one teacher in New Jersey! beginningexperience.org or contact the Harrisburg Beginning Experience Team at 717-379-0800 or harrisburgbe@gmail. 1https://www.uscatholic.org/ com. church/2008/07/brothers-and- *Masks and social distancing will be required. sisters-us June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 15 Venerable Carlo Acutis and His Love for the Eucharist By Hannah “One summer every day. It was not Brockhaus before his death, the other way around; Catholic News he went to look it was not his parents Agency for where great bringing the little boy Venerable Eucharistic to Mass, but it was he Carlo Acutis, an miracles occurred who managed to get Italian teen whose in the world, those himself to Mass and Pope recognized by the to convince others to Francis approved in Church, from the receive Communion February, is known for Credit: carloacutis.com first Christian era to daily,” Gori said. his gift for computer the present day.” The postulator programming, but ourselves in front of The website called Carlo a how he used those the Eucharistic Jesus Carlo created was missionary, saying, skills is what makes we become saints.” the genesis of The “he used the internet him an example of Carlo died from a Eucharistic Miracles to spread the Gospel holiness, according to brain tumor in 2006 of the World, an in what way he could.” the postulator of his at the age of 15. international exhibition Gori also sainthood cause. The summer after which highlights such emphasized Carlo’s Carlo is known his 14th birthday, he occurrences. proper use of to have called the spent researching Carlo, Gori said, computers and the Eucharist his “highway Eucharistic miracles was concerned by internet. He said that to heaven.” and creating a website people growing distant while investigating “We know about to catalog and share to the Church and the the boy’s cause Carlo that one of the information with sacraments and he for beatification, his great pillars was others. wanted to bring them technicians carried the Eucharist and He will be beatified back. out analyses on his the other was the October 10 in Assisi, His website “is computer to see what Madonna, the Virgin,” Italy, at the Basilica a call to shake websites he visited. Nicola Gori, the of Saint Francis. It consciences; say “It was found that postulator of Acutis’ will be chaired by let’s go back to the his use of the whole cause for sainthood, Cardinal Angelo essentials, let’s go computer, all his told EWTN News. Becciu, who is back to filling the research was done for From his for the Congregation churches,” Gori good, it was precisely adolescence, Carlo for the Causes of explained, noting to do something that prayed the Rosary Saints. Carlo is that beginning in he had very close to daily and in addition currently buried in his childhood Carlo heart,” Gori said. to other devotions, Assisi’s Church of St. brought people to “Carlo Acutis has frequently spent Mary Major. Mass and to receive never, ever used time in Eucharistic “Carlo wanted the sacraments with the internet that has adoration. He said people to approach him. not been for a good when “we face the the Eucharist and “Think, he managed purpose.” sun we become tan... for this he used the to drag his relatives, but when we place internet,” Gori said. his parents to Mass June 25, 2020 • The Catholic WITNESS- 16 DIOCESAN 6-10 p.m. Listen to music Sheila Gick, Office required by the director. and relive the 1950s with Manager, York Catholic Applicants will need NOTEBOOK music provided by DJ High School, 601 East to complete or submit Spiritual Offerings Michelangelo LaMattina. Springettsbury Avenue, (done within the past 12 Virtual Caelorum Dinner from The Sweet York, PA 17403, or months) all necessary event on Facebook, July Patch Food Truck. Bring a [email protected]. employee clearances 1 at 7 p.m. Live praise, chair or blanket or sit at a St. John the Baptist and background checks, worship and Scripture picnic table. Bring drinks School in New Freedom along with a valid reflection. A link to the live and snacks to last the is seeking a fourth- driver’s license. E-mail event will be available at evening. grade teacher for the Linda Schneider at the Caelorum Facebook Job Openings 2020-2021 school year. lschneider@stjoesmech. page. Call Lou at 717-215- York Catholic High This person should have org. 4175 with any questions. School is seeking an an interest and a passion St. Francis Xavier Fundraisers & Events Attendance Officer for for teaching children. School in Gettysburg is Seven Sorrows BVM the 2020-2021 school The ability to collaborate seeking a Fourth Grade Parish in Middletown will year. Qualified candidates with staff, partnering Teacher, to teach fourth host a blood drive with should demonstrate an with parents, and and fifth grade Religion the Central Pennsylvania understanding of the willingness to utilize and Social Studies, as Blood Bank, July 9 from 10 importance their position technology resources for well as Fourth Grade a.m.-6 p.m. in the school plays in all aspects of a instruction is essential. ELA. All Diocesan gym. Donors are asked to student’s developmental Candidates must be paperwork is required wear a mask at the drive. progress. Candidates must rooted in their faith and to be completed for the Donors will receive a also be individuals rooted support the Catholic application. Contact certificate to Sweet Dawgs in faith, willing to support school values. Interested Rebecca Sieg, Principal, self-serve frozen desserts Gospel values, and willing candidates should at [email protected] or and a blood donor t-shirt. to inspire students through send a letter of interest 717-334-4221. A form of ID is required their word and example and résumé to Tricia Employment to donate. The blood bank to accept and live these Wilding at twilding@ opportunities available suggests scheduling an values and teaching. sjbnf.org. Interested at Our Mother of appointment to donate; call The Attendance Officer applicants should Perpetual Help 1-800-771-0059 or sign up is a 10-month position refer to the following School in Ephrata. at www.717giveblood.org. (available mid-August link for employment Technology Education Holy Angels Parish 2020). Duties include application: https://www. & Integrated Technology in Kulpmont will hold attendance and discipline hbgdiocese.org/catholic- Teacher (Grades K-8), a Potato Cake Sale on database management schools/employment- Physical Education Friday, July 10 from 3-7 and main office support. applications/. Teacher (Grades K-8), p.m. at the Picnic Shed. Requirements: High St. Joseph School Art Education Teacher Midnight Smokin’ School diploma, strong Extended Day Program (Middle School Grades BBQ event at Holy Infant interpersonal, computer, in Mechanicsburg 6-8), After School Clubs Parish in Manchester, and organizational has an opening for a Program Supervisor, July 12 from 11 a.m.-2 skills, state and federal caregiver 2-3 afternoons and substitute teachers. p.m. Purchase take-out of clearances. Send résumé, per week from 2:15-5:30 If interested in any delicious smoked meats. Diocese of Harrisburg p.m. Responsibilities position, send a Take home or eat at the Application for Non- include playing with and cover letter, résumé, parish pavilion. Teaching Employment helping children, assisting transcripts, and pastor Holy Infant Parish (see www.yorkcatholic. children with homework, letter to Mrs. Patricia in Manchester will host org), a copy of state and helping to serve snack, A. Foltz, Principal, at “Rock N’ Roll at the federal clearances, and cleaning up after snack, [email protected]. Pavilion,” Aug. 8 from letter of interest to Mrs. and other duties as