The CatholicWitness The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg December 11, 2015 Vol. 49 No. 23

A Season of Expectation By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness

The season of Advent, which began on Nov. 29, ushers in a period of spiritual preparation for the birth of Christ. The word Advent itself is derived from the Latin word adventus, or “coming.” In Advent, we prepare for the coming of Christ in a twofold manner: his arrival on Christmas Day and his coming at the end of time. Throughout the four weeks of Advent, churches and homes are decorated with Advent wreaths, which symbolize the coming of the Light into the world. Purple candles – which are lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays – represent the penitential aspect of Advent, while the rose-colored candle lit on the third Sunday – also known as Gaudete Sunday – represents the joy associated with Christ’s coming. The circle of the wreath alludes to ev- erlasting life and God’s eternal presence. A norm promulgated in 1969 defined Advent as a season to prepare for Christ’s birth and to await for his coming at the end of time. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to the Feast of St. Andrew (which is Nov. 30) and ends before Evening Prayer I of Christmas. You can find a variety of Advent resources – including blessings for a Nativity scene and Christmas tree, information on feast days, and recommended Christmas movies – online at http://www.hbgdiocese.org/advent/.

The Christmas artwork that graces the cover page was created by two of the four winners of the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Christmas card contest. The image of the three wise men is by Abigail Doss, an eighth-grade student at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School in Coal Township. The image of the angels is by Allison Hahalis, a fourth-grade student at St. Anne School in Lancaster. Four winners were selected from contest entries, and the remaining two images will be featured on the front page of the December 25 issue of The Catholic Witness. The four winning pieces will be used to illustrate Bishop Ronald Gainer’s Christmas cards this year. The 2 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015 Good Shepherd School and Holy Spirit Hospital Partner to Spread Christ’s Ministry

By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness s the Jubilee Year of Mercy was Aset to begin for the universal Church, several fifth-grade students from Good Shepherd School in Camp Hill were putting one of the Corporal Works of Mercy into action, thanks to their school’s partnership with Holy Spirit Hospital. Two days before Thanksgiving, six students arrived at the hospital – just a stone’s throw from their school – bear- ing dozens of handmade greeting cards and promises of prayer for patients and staff alike. Accompanied by their principal, Dr. Stephen Fry, and by the Director of Nursing and the Chief Nursing Officer, the students visited several patients on two floors, spreading cheer and distrib- uting cards that they and their class- mates created. EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS “It’s important for us to be here to- The healing ministry of Christ is spread at Holy Spirit Hospital as Good Shepherd School students visit patients as part of day, so that we can give the school’s partnership with the hospital. the patients hope that one of the hospital’s leader- “It was great to see them happy that they would be well, ship meetings, noted Patri- we had come in to give them cards, and and to let them know cia Carnes, Magnet Hospi- they were appreciative of our visit,” that we’re praying for tal Leader and Director of classmate Robby Santa said. them,” student Ava Nursing. Kindergarteners’ For student Max Dutkiewicz, the Prince told The Catho- artwork hangs in the pediat- community service activity also offered lic Witness. “They were ric wing there. a glimpse into health care ministry. happy to see us, and Ms. Carnes also pointed “I’m interested in a career in the med- were telling us why out that one of the hospi- ical field because I really like helping they are in the hospital tal’s pediatric orthopedists people, and I think that being a doctor and how they’re getting presented a continuing-edu- would be a way to do that,” said Max, better.” cation program on scoliosis who hopes to be a surgeon someday. “This visit is a won- for school nurses, and sev- Dr. Fry said the students enjoy shar- derful way to spread eral nurse leaders assisted ing their “Good Shepherd School spir- some cheer throughout with scoliosis screenings it” in the community, and it spreads to the hospital, to the pa- at Good Shepherd School. those they serve. This month, the third- tients and to the staff,” Hospital staff have also grade class will participate in Christ- classmate Maddie Get-well cards for patients and thank-you cards for staff – all created connected with the school’s mas caroling there, and the seventh- Boyle said. by Good Shepherd students – are distributed at Holy Spirit Hospital health teacher to present grade handbell choir and fifth- and The pre-Thanksgiv- in Camp Hill. on drug and alcohol abuse. sixth-grade vocal choir will entertain ing visit was the latest Holy Spirit hopes to expand during a hospital leadership meeting. event in a string of activities that the others in their community.” this kind of partnership into other area “When folks in the hospital, who are communities of Good Shepherd and From Holy Spirit Hospital’s perspec- schools, she noted. often feeling vulnerable or scared, see Holy Spirit have mutually enjoyed tive, “our mission is spreading the heal- Traveling from room to room on the the faces of young children who are since forming a partnership nearly a ing ministry of Jesus Christ, so any- sixth and eighth floors Nov. 24, the stu- spreading cheer and offering prayers, year ago. Last winter, while Dr. Fry thing we can do to help prevent or help dents were welcomed with joy as they their spirits are lifted. At the same time, was seeking a community partner diagnose illness and provide care is a stopped at nurses’ stations, stepped for- the kids enjoy the opportunity of hav- through which students could volun- win-win situation for us,” Ms. Lewis ward to greet doctors in the hallways ing face-time with the people they’re teer, Lisa Lewis, the hospital’s Chief said. “We look at every opportunity to and entered patients’ rooms. praying for,” he said. “These kinds of Nursing Officer, was looking to reach get into the community and help teach, “I felt surprised by the patients’ re- visits are one way for our students to out to area schools to promote health, train and assist to promote healing and actions to us, because I thought maybe show mercy to others.” healing and care. care. At the same time in this partner- they weren’t going to feel well, and that “This partnership has been such a “The partnership with Holy Spirit is ship, students get exposed to health they would be sad because they were win-win situation for Good Shepherd a great opportunity for our children to care ministry, the workings of a hospi- in the hospital at Thanksgiving,” said and for Holy Spirit Hospital,” Dr. Fry get hands-on and real-world opportuni- tal, and careers in the medical field.” student Victor Green. said. ties to serve. That’s a core part of our Previous activities have included mission at Good Shepherd,” Dr. Fry re- student visits to the hospital on Valen- marked. “We want our students to see tine’s Day and during the Easter sea- how they can be involved in helping son, as well as choral performances at

Above: Good Shepherd School students Jack Frisch, Robby Santa, Victor Green, Max Dutkiewicz, Maddie Boyle and Ava Prince visit a patient at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill two days before Thanksgiving to share prayers and well wishes. Left: Kenneth Stoner receives a visit from Good Shepherd School students as they distribute cards at Holy Spirit Hospital Nov. 24. The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 3

Dr. Cecilia Moore presents a lecture on the history of the research, writing and influence of Black Catholics in the United States during a gathering at the Diocesan Center in Harrisburg Oct. 24.

An attendee of the lecture hosted by the Diocesan Black Catholic Apostolate in October takes notes on Black Catholic history. CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Office of Black Catholics Offers History Program On Saturday, October 24, the Office of Black the research, writing and influence of The History Church, particularly in the United States of Amer- Catholics for the Diocese of Harrisburg sponsored of Black Catholics in the United States by the late ica. an afternoon program on Black Catholic history. Father Cyprian Davis, O.S.B. Following the lecture, Dr. Moore guided the Dr. Cecilia Moore, Associate Professor of Reli- Dr. Moore highlighted aspects of Father Davis’ participants in a workshop on how to identify, pre- gious Studies at the University of Dayton and Ad- biography that prepared him to develop the field serve and use Black Catholic resources in writing junct Professor of Religious Studies for the Xavier of Black Catholic history studies and the pastoral history. More than 40 people from the Diocese of University of Louisiana’s Institute for Black Cath- nature of his dedication to recovering the history of Harrisburg as well as neighboring communities at- olic Studies, presented a lecture on the history of people of African descent in the Roman Catholic tended the program.

Celtic Celebrations Showcase Charismatic Workshop with December 20 at 3 p.m. Father Stephen DeLacy Scottish Rite Auditorium, “Freedom in God’s Mercy” rd 2701 N. 3 Street, Harrisburg January 9 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Celtic Celebrations is a collaborative venture involving Harrisburg-area Celtic artists Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg who joined talent and forces to aid Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in 2013 and Wounded Father Stephen DeLacy, a Philadelphia native, is well known in the Arch- Warriors in 2014. diocese of Philadelphia and beyond as a popular retreat director, Theology on Tap speaker and young adult ministry leader. He served as parochial vicar of Join the Celtic Martins, Seasons, and The Rebel Heart Irish Dancers as they show- Sts. Peter and Paul Parish and as school minister for Archbishop Carroll and case an explosion of Celtic and Christmas melodies along with elegant and rhythmic Pope John Paul II High Schools before being named to his current position as dance. All the artists are respected throughout the Celtic scene, with 2015 seeing The Director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Vocation Office. Celtic Martins release their new album “FOUR,” Rebel Heart Irish Dancers continue Doors open at 8 a.m. Praise and worship begins at 8:45 a.m., followed by the celebration of Mass at 10:45 a.m. Following lunch at noon, there will be an to tour their popular “Enchantment of The Dance” show, and Seasons being named a afternoon session at 1:15 p.m., and Prayers for Healing at 4 p.m. “Rising Artist” in the November 2015 issue of the international publication Irish Music Cost is $20 per adult, $10 per student, and includes lunch. For a registration Magazine. form, visit www.aliveinthespirit.net. For additional information, contact Lori The 2014 show raised $4,310 for the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors. This year, we Ribic at 717-877-4818 or [email protected]. will once again be supporting the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors, as well as Hospice of Central PA’s Camp Dragonfly. Special guests this year include the Coyle School of Irish Dance and the Harrisburg Scottish Country Dancer Society. Tickets: $15 Adults; Children 6 and Under $6; Students, Seniors, Military $12. Tickets and more information can be found at: https://celticcelebrations.wordpress. com/ or by calling 717-232-9896.

Bishop Gainer’s Public Calendar

December 13 – Solemn Opening of the Holy Door of St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 4 p.m. December 14 – Advent Afternoon of Reflection for Priests, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 1 p.m. December 16 – Lunch with Christmas Card Contest Winners, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, noon. December 17 – St. Margaret Mary Parish Penance Service, Harrisburg, 7 p.m. December 18 – Diocesan Center Mass and Luncheon, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 11 a.m. December 20 – Celebrate Mass at St. Luke Mission, Mercersburg, 11 a.m. December 21 – Seminarian Christmas Dinner, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m. December 24 – Celebrate Mass at Dauphin County Prison, Harrisburg, 5 p.m. December 25 – Celebrate Midnight Mass at Saint Patrick Cathedral, 12 a.m. The 4 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015 Mercy and Forgiveness Bury the Dead: A Work of By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC Mercy through the Centuries Special to The Witness By Carol Glatz Many, many years ago, when I was in college, I worked in a residential psychi- Catholic News Service atric treatment center for emotionally disturbed children that was run by Catholic Charities in the diocese in which I lived. In my role as a child care If a pilgrim walking to Rome worker and in crisis intervention, I was both big sister and mom for a Holy Year fell mortally ill to the residents. As the staff and I assisted to teach the residents far from home or a poor tenant that their behavior had consequences, we farmer died working in a field, or an unidentifiable victim of looked for opportunities for the boys and Thoughts girls to interact with other individuals murder was found, a group of within the community in which we lived. from a Catholic courageous Christians buried On a regular basis, we scheduled trips Evangelist these anonymous or forgotten to museums, parks, presentations, tours; Sister Geralyn dead with dignity. basically anything that was educational Founded in 1538, the Arch- and free. Each child had to “earn” their Schmidt, SCC confraternity of St. Mary of trips through appropriate behavior. the Oration and Death in Rome One trip that I had a privilege of par- spent nearly 500 years offering ticipating in was a trip to a local park one Sunday afternoon. I a Christian funeral and burial had 12 kids and two other staff members with me. This individual park had a huge to those who would otherwise jungle gym and “castle” made out of stacked logs, along with seesaws, chain and never have one. tire swings, and various kinds of slides. Burying and praying for the The staff during this type of trip observed each child and allowed them to play dead are among the corporal with the neighborhood children with little adult intervention. I sat on a log in the and spiritual works of mercy corner of the play area, constantly counting heads. My lifeguard training kicked in. Pope Francis has asked people At one far end of the play area, I saw a neighborhood child throwing sand at one to carry out during the Year of of “my kids.” I turned to one of the staff sitting next to me. I said, “Look at Jim Mercy. and that kid.” The staff member said, “I wonder if we should get involved?” As he Many popes, over the past voiced this, Jim (my kid) jumped on the other child and began restraining him the centuries, had supported the same way the adults restrained our residents. As I stood and calmly walked over to difficult and somber work of CNS/PAUL HARING this scene, I heard the neighborhood boy declare, “Mercy! Mercy!” To which Jim the archconfraternity, starting Skulls in the form of a cross and in wall cabinets said, “Are you done?” “Yup!” was the reply. Jim got off of the other child and both with Pope Paul III, who wanted are seen in the crypt of the Church of St. Mary began playing again. I turned to the other staff member and said, “Boy, it works!” to see the association formally of the Oration and Death, the headquarters of a I am reminded of this experience as I begin a new series of articles on the Year of established, said Alfonso Sapia, confraternity with a legacy of burying the dead, in Mercy. This holy “year” began on December 8, 2015, and will end on November head of the archconfraternity. Rome Nov. 18. The skulls were left behind as a 20, 2016. As I comb the Internet about this call to the universal Church by Pope During Advent in early De- reminder of the person’s presence after death. Francis to take up compassion and pardon, I pause and ask, “But what truly is cember in 1538, a Capuchin mercy? What is the difference between mercy and forgiveness? How are they the priest gave such an impassioned homily about the tragedy of those abandoned at death same and how are they different?” and the immense spirit shown by those who risked danger and disease to bury them, he Moments like this, I am absolutely thrilled that the location of my office at the inspired a huge number of people in the pews to join the new lay association. Diocesan Center is near the elevator. As one after another of my co-workers wait Several decades later, Pope Paul V gave the confraternity’s chaplains special permis- by the elevator, I call out to the hallway, “What is the difference between mercy sion to celebrate Mass outside of a church, before sunrise and after sunset if necessary and forgiveness?” It is thrilling for me to observe as I challenge my colleagues to – “prerogatives that had been unthinkable” at the time, Sapia told Catholic News Service pause and reflect as they wait for the elevator. Some of them even allow the elevator in mid-November. to come and go as they respond to my question. One individual, a “newbie” to the Members often walked long distances at any time of day or night to get to an abandoned building, took a step into my office, looked away and declared, “Forgiveness is an body. The special dispensation was granted because sometimes they couldn’t get the de- episode; mercy is a stance.” Smiling, the he triumphantly entered the elevator and ceased to a cemetery quickly enough and the dangers of natural disasters, disease, wild went up to his floor. Another called out to me as the elevator door closed, “Mercy animals or advanced decay necessitated immediate burial. is an attribute of God. Mercy IS, while forgiveness DOES.” Recognizing the confraternity’s important work, St. Pope Pius V granted clemency ev- In the very first sentence of the Bull of Induction of the Extraordinary Jubilee ery year to one prisoner on death row and entrusted the confraternity members and their of Mercy,1 Pope Francis declares, “Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy.” families to take in the formerly condemned man and his family – teaching them skills, a (1) This very first sentence of this document brought me to prayer. Contemplate trade and helping them back on their feet, Sapia said. the face of Jesus! “Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus.” (1) His was the The pope also conceded to the confraternity the rare privilege of collecting money on glance that knew no criticism, just profound love. His patience and his mercy put to the street and in taverns to pay for the burials of the poor. “It wasn’t legal to raise money flesh the very nature of God. (6) He taught us that this was who God is! He taught without authorization from the pontiff,” he said. us that because we were created in God’s image, we too are called to be mercy for Because taverns were still a hothouse of murder in the 16th century, “people would others. get drunk, and it would end up like in the Wild West,” with stabbings and things getting You might ask, “How?” The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it this way: smashed, he said. The owner always kept one of the confraternity’s black metal canisters “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our on hand to collect spare change and donations to then pay for any eventual burials. neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, Located on the wide cobblestone road of Via Giulia, the Church of St. Mary of the comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs pa- Oration and Death – and the confraternity’s headquarters – are still surrounded by foreign tiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, shel- embassies and ornate buildings once owned or inhabited by noble families and wealthy tering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and bury- merchants. ing the dead. Large commemorative marble plaques with lengthy inscriptions and entreaties for peo- Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal ple’s prayers decorate the walls behind a chapel of the church. charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God. (847) Another, more unexpected form of remembrance is seen in the lower portion of the So, how will you be mercy this year in response to Pope Francis? church, where scores of skulls sit neatly in rows on wooden shelves set into the walls. The 1http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/papa-francesco_bol- deceased’s name, and date and cause of death are chiseled onto the forehead. la_20150411_misericordiae-vultus.html Sapia said many confraternity members had wanted their skulls preserved in the church (Sister of Christian Charity, Geralyn Schmidt, is the Wide Area Network Coordi- “as a testimony of affection” and as a way to say, “I love this confraternity and I will never leave it, not even after I die.” nator at the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Director of Formation for Wives in the Other skulls in the crypt belonged to the poor whose cause of death shows the difficult Diaconate Program. An educator for 29 years, she is responsible for Professional conditions just a few generations ago: almost all of the skulls belonging to women docu- Development Programs for every age learner. Through her presentations, she chal- ment them dying during childbirth, he said. lenges her audiences to be the individual God has called them to be.) A holy water font is watched over by the upper torso of a skeleton, and the chandeliers lit overhead are an artistic composite of vertebrae and the triangular sacrum – “the sacred bone” – at the end of the spinal column. He said using bones serves as a reminder that from darkness and death there shall be light. The Sapia said such concrete reminders of death “seems awful and terrible” in today’s cul- ture, but back then “people didn’t live past 50, and death was much more human,” with people being much more aware and accepting of dying. CatholicWitness “Besides praying for and burying the dead, the confraternity also taught people not to The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg be hedonists,” living only for the present moment “and doing want we want right now,” Telephone The Catholic Witness he said. 717-657-4804 ext. 201 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG “Instead what the confraternity told people was, ‘Yes, we have to live well, but most FAX Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer: Publisher of all we have to die without being afraid of dying,’” which meant being ready for God’s 717-657-7673 Jennifer Reed: Managing Editor judgment by trying to live a holy life. Email: [email protected] With the group’s last burial in the 1950s, as a post-war Italian government began to Website: www.hbgdiocese.org Staff provide basic human and social services, the archconfraternity’s mission had to change, Chris Heisey: Photojournalist Yearly Subscriptions: Emily M. Albert: Photojournalist he said. $8.17 per family, derived from Susan Huntsberger: diocesan revenues from the Their work is now based “on the three C’s: Christ, charity and culture,” he said, as they Circulation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant parishes. Other subscriptions: promote sacred art and music. $12.00 The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly Confraternities, Sapia said, have been essential in providing charitable care and pre- except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing Association, Moving? Send us the address label 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 3710. Periodicals postage paid at serving the spiritual life of the Church. from The Catholic Witness plus Harrisburg, PA. Sapia said he sees a parallel with Pope Francis. your NEW address including zip code +4. Please allow three weeks POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: “The confraternity, as Francis says, smelled of sheep” and members didn’t wait for for the change. The Catholic Witness, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710. people to come to them for help, but bravely ventured off to bring the church to people in need, he said. The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 5 Our Lady of Guadalupe Shouldn’t Be Viewed as Just a Mexican Tradition By Chaz Muth The image of Mary dressed in a way Aztecs could Catholic News Service relate to her is credited with more than evangelization. It’s also an acknowledged factor in the easing of ten- The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been a reli- sions between the native people of that region in the gious and cultural hallmark for Mexican Catholics for Americas and the European settlers. centuries, but the custom received little attention from Latinos living in the U.S. celebrate the feast of Our Anglo Catholics in the U.S. before the last few decades. Lady of Guadalupe with zeal. With the growing Latino population in the United Their fervor for the feast day is a great example for States, the presence of Hispanics has steadily increased Anglo Catholics, attracting more of them to the cel- in Catholic churches throughout the country, creating a ebrations, said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louis- greater awareness of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the pa- ville, Kentucky, who is president of the U.S. Confer- troness of the Americas. ence of Catholic Bishops. Catholic scholars say the significance of her feast The Latino presence in the U.S. has helped educate day, Dec. 12, has risen beyond the Americas with the more Anglo Catholics about Our Lady of Guadalupe, emergence of the Latin American church on the world Archbishop Kurtz told Catholic News Service, and he stage. said he hopes more will embrace this part of the Catho- The dark-skinned image of Mary, known as Our lic tradition. Lady of Guadalupe, also has been identified by leaders “Our Lady of Guadalupe is really for everybody, cer- tainly the people of the Americas,” and not just Hispan- of the universal Catholic Church as the face of the new ic Catholics, said Bishop Peter F. Christensen of Boise, evangelization. Idaho, a statewide diocese where Latinos now make up The story of how Mary appeared to a poor Aztec the majority of Catholics. Indian in 1531 near present-day Mexico City brought When Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego, the Span- more than 6 million indigenous people into the Catho- iards and Aztecs were on the brink of war, and schol- lic faith within a decade. ars believe it would have been brutal. Many have sug- gested the result of such a war could have diminished JEN REED, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Christianity in the region. This statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe graces THE EPIPHANY Instead, the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary brought an end to the Aztec’s worship of stone gods Church in York. ITALIAN MASS and the practice of human sacrifice, said Father Michael Witczak, an associate professor of liturgical studies at Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have cel- EPIFANIA DEL NOSTRO SIGNORE The Catholic University of America in Washington. ebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. Pe- When the indigenous people embraced Catholicism, ter’s, signaling to Catholics worldwide its importance Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 12:15 P.M. the religion of the Spaniards, the two groups discov- in the universal Church, Father Witczak said. ered a way of living together in relative harmony, Fa- “She’s not just the patroness of Mexico, but the pa- St. Patrick Cathedral ther Witczak said. troness of the Americas,” he said. 212 State Street “The story is captivating,” he told CNS. “That whole The message from the last two popes is also that Harrisburg, PA 17101 image of this 57-year-old Aztec Christian encountering Catholics throughout the Americas should draw inspi- (Note new time and location) this woman and not wanting to get involved with some- ration from the apparition of 1531, that the Mother of God’s appearance in their land was a sign of its signifi- Father Joshua Brommer, Celebrant thing he knew would be viewed with great skepticism. Yet, [the news] was eventually seen as a miracle that cance to God, Father Witczak said. Special thanks to: helped spread Christianity throughout the Americas.” In his homily on the 2014 feast day, Pope Francis Rev. Joshua R. Brommer, It’s a story that should enrich the faith of all Ameri- said Mary did not just want to visit the Americas, but Chaplain for the Italian Apostolate Ministry can Catholics, Archbishop Kurtz said. that the image on the cloak, or “tilma,” was a sign that Mario Billow of Daily Funeral Home Nevertheless, many Anglo Catholics either don’t “she wanted to remain with them.” & know the story or understand the significance Our Lady Archbishop Kurtz pointed out that the current nations The Italian Apostolate Ministry Committee of Guadalupe has in American Catholicism. in the Americas didn’t exist when Mary appeared be- will provide a reception after Mass Pope Francis celebrated the feast day at St. Peter’s fore St. Juan Diego, so when he shared her image on his in the Bishop Rhoades Hall located Basilica in Vatican City in 2014. “tilma,” he wasn’ t just sharing it with the indigenous in the lower level of the Cathedral During his homily, the pope said the dark-skinned people in his region. He was sharing it with inhabitants image of Our Lady of Guadalupe – traditionally be- throughout North America and South America. For more information, please contact: lieved to have been miraculously impressed on Juan “Of course it will always be perhaps especially dear Mariella Amato at 717-278-9420 Diego’s cloak – proclaimed to the indigenous peoples to those families whose roots are in Mexico,” he said. or of the Americas “the good news that all its inhabitants “But, I have to say; their example of fervor and devo- Maria DiSanto at 717-554-5698 shared the dignity of children of God. No more would tion touches the hearts of all of us. We have a great debt or [email protected] anyone be a servant, but we are all children of the same of gratitude in faith to the Latino people and, of course, Father and brothers and sisters to each other.” to Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

When my children were growing up many years ago, as now I am a Send Us Your Recipes and Stories! grandmother, we usually made these The Catholic Witness is looking to support fam- cookies when it snowed or rained, ily meal time by sharing family recipes in upcom- and you know you have time to ing editions, as well as scripture and “food for spend with your children not going thought.” Do you have a significant dish and anywhere – just baking, decorating memory to share with us? You may mail a copy cookies and storing some for another of the recipe and your thoughts to 4800 Union day. I did pass this recipe onto my Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 or email it to daughter, MaryKay, and she bakes [email protected]. them now for her little ones. The 6 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015

Find the Father’s Mercy in the Sacrament “When we go to confession, of Reconciliation we feel a bit ashamed. That Confession is a sacrament instituted by Je- sus Christ in his love and mercy. It is here happens to all of us, but we that we meet the loving Jesus, who offers must remember that this shame sinners forgiveness for offenses committed against God and neighbor. At the same time, is a grace that prepares us for Confession permits sinners to be reconciled the embrace of the Father, who with the Church, the mystical Body of Christ, which also is wounded by our sins. always forgives and always As you prepare for Confession, you want forgives everything.” to ask God’s forgiveness for any ways in which you have offended him in thought, word or deed, and particularly for any serious ~ Pope Francis sin. If you are not certain what you should Angelus message, Aug. 2, 2015 bring to the priest in Confession, do not be afraid to ask him for help. The priest is there to assist you and to share with you God’s love and mercy. The Catholic Witness presents here several helpful resources as parishes hold Advent Penance Services this month. For additional CNS/STEFANO SPAZIANI, POOL resources for Advent and find the Sacrament Pope Francis goes to confession during a Lenten penance service in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican last March 13. It of Reconciliation at http://www.hbgdiocese. was during the service that the pope announced the Holy Year of Mercy, to be celebrated from Dec. 8, 2015, until Nov. org/advent/. 20, 2016. A Brief Examination of Conscience How Do I Go Based on the Ten Commandments to Confession? I am the Lord your God: spend time with family or in service You shall not steal. The following may be helpful in pre- you shall not have strange Gods on Sunday? Have I taken or wasted time or re- paring for Confession. Above all, do before me. sources that belonged to another? not be afraid. If you are hesitant about Have I treated people, events or Honor your father what to do, ask the priest for help. things as more important than God? and your mother. You shall not bear false Do I show my parents due respect? witness against your neighbor. Greeting You shall not take the name Do I seek to maintain good commu- Have I gossiped, told lies or embel- The priest welcomes the penitent of the Lord your God in vain. nication with my parents where pos- lished stories at the expense of an- warmly and greets him or her with Have my words, actively or pas- sible? Do I criticize them for lacking other? kindness. sively, put down God, the Church, or skills I think they should have? people? You shall not covet Sign of the Cross your neighbor’s spouse. Remember to keep You shall not kill. Then the penitent makes the Sign of holy the Lord’s Day. Have I harmed another through Have I honored my spouse with my the Cross, which the priest may also Do I go to Mass every Sunday (or physical, verbal or emotional means, full affection and exclusive love? make. Saturday Vigil) and on Holy Days including gossip or manipulation of any kind? You shall not covet Invitation to Trust in God of Obligation (Jan. 1; the Ascension; Aug. 15; Nov. 1; Dec. 8; Dec. 25)? your neighbor’s goods. The priest invites the penitent to Do I avoid, when possible, work that You shall not commit adultery. Am I content with my own means have trust in God using one of the for- impedes worship to God, joy for the Have I respected the physical and and needs, or do I compare myself to mulas in the ritual or similar words. If Lord’s Day, and proper relaxation of sexual dignity of others and of my- others unnecessarily? the penitent is unknown to the priest, mind and body? Do I look for ways to self? © 2013, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops it is proper for the penitent to indicate his or her state in life (married, single, or clergy), the time of his or her last Confession, and anything else that may Advent Penance Services help the confessor in exercising his Churches in the Diocese of Harrisburg will hold Penance Services during the season of Advent. These services ministry. typically include an opening hymn, Scripture readings, and time for an examination of conscience prior to go- ing to Confession. The following is a list of services, which were submitted from the parishes to The Catholic Reading of the Word of God Witness. Advent Penance Services and Advent resources can be found on the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Web site, Confessions of Sins and www.hbgdiocese.org/advent/. Acceptance of Satisfaction Holy Spirit, Palmyra St. Andrew the Apostle, Waynesboro The penitent confesses his or her sins Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Monday, December 21 at 6:30 p.m. and accepts the prayers or deeds that Immaculate Heart of Mary, Abbottstown the priest proposes as a penance. St. Joan of Arc, Hershey Tuesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. Prayer of the Penitent Sunday, December 13 at 7 p.m. and Absolution Immaculate Conception BVM, New Oxford Monday, December 14 at 7 p.m. St. Joseph, Mechanicsburg The priest asks the penitent to ex- press sorrow by praying one of the Sunday, December 20 at 2 p.m. prayers found in the ritual or in his or Immaculate Conception BVM, York Sunday, December 13 at 4 p.m. her own words. The priest then prays St. Paul the Apostle, Annville the Prayer of Absolution, to which the Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. penitent responds, “Amen.” Mary, Gate of Heaven, Myerstown Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Proclamation of St. Peter and Holy Trinity, Columbia Praise and Dismissal Our Lady of the Visitation, Shippensburg Sunday, December 13 at Holy Trinity Church Sunday, December 13 from 6:30-8 p.m. The priest continues: “Give thanks Adoration from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. to the Lord, for he is good.” The peni- Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Ephrata Penance Service at 2 p.m. tent responds: “His mercy endures for Individual Confessions from 2:15–4 p.m. ever.” The priest then dismisses the Wednesday, December 16 at 7 p.m. penitent, using one of the formulas round in the ritual. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Elysburg St. Rose of Lima, York (Excerpt from “A Guide to the Sac- Tuesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. Monday, December 21 at 7 p.m. rament of Penance,” Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops, 2001. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cornwall Read the full text online at www.ewtn. Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. St. Theresa, New Cumberland com/library/bishops/guidepen.htm.) (At St. Paul the Apostle, Annville) Sunday, December 13 at 7 p.m. The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 7 CATHOLIC CHARITIES 76 YEARS of PROVIDING HELP and CREATING HOPE OFFICE OF OFFICE OF MOST REVEREND RONALD W. GAINER THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends in Christ, Dear Friends of Catholic Charities,

Feed the Hungry; Clothe the naked; Shelter the homeless; Visit the sick and Imprisoned; Bury the We just completed our 76th consecutive year of providing human services to the people of the Diocese of dead; Give alms to the poor. Harrisburg and South Central PA.

Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Harrisburg has responded to this 2014/2015 was a challenging year for us on many fronts. We made call to serve others in need, as Jesus did over 2000 years ago. significant changes both programmatically and from a personnel perspective. These changes were required for us to remain competitive and be in concert Catholic Charities has been responding to this call for over 76 years. with the changing landscape of human services in Central Pennsylvania. When these individuals have exhausted all available resources and have nowhere else to turn, they seek the services of Catholic Charities. We evaluated our programming and service delivery and wanted to insure that To some, we are their last resort. These individuals that seek our we were doing the right things right and that we were efficient and effective in services are in need of the basic life essentials that we sometimes take our service to our clients. for granted – food, shelter, and clothing. We also initiated changes to our method of electronic record keeping and Catholic Charities is there to provide these services as well as many billing. We changed service providers and upgraded our system. This change others. Catholic Charities provides services to individuals and families did not come without countless meetings, duplication of work, sacrifices and regardless of race, religion, color, creed, country of origin, nationality running parallel systems for a period of time. or ability to pay. The broad mission of Catholic Charities encompasses many programs and a variety of services. The access to these services is a phone call away. A Catholic From a purely financial perspective, we ended the year in the black for the second time in several years. This Charities worker or volunteer may speak to an individual on the phone and offer them specific was not done without some pain and sacrifice as mentioned above but with a clear vision and a dedicated staff. assistance, an act of kindness or refer them to one of our many programs or one of our residential As a testimony to our seasoned and dedicated staff and volunteers, we were able and privileged to serve facilities, all done in an expedient manner, with dignity and in the strictest of confidence. nearly 6,000 individuals and provide over 170,000 client services which included items such as meals, The mission of our agency is to be able to help these individuals bed-nights, counseling hours, training, pantry items, material assistance, etc. As our motto states, we by providing the necessary support, enabling them to become “Provide Help and Create Hope” and we proudly serve one client at a time treating them each with dignity self-sufficient and contributing members of society. Through and respect. the work of Catholic Charities, individuals’ self esteem is As always, and as we have done for the past 76 years, we will continue to “Provide Help and Create Hope” “Provide restored and they have a new sense of hope, purpose and outlook for the most vulnerable in our society. on life, when all previously seemed hopeless. Please, take the Help & time to review this Annual Report and witness the good works, I thank Bishop Gainer, Father Gillelan and the Board of Directors for their support and guidance. I also accomplishments, client testimonials and corporal works of wish to acknowledge the Administrative Staff and the Program Directors who as a result of their hard work mercy, in action. and dedication to our Mission, contribute immensely to the success of the Agency. Furthermore, I offer my heartfelt thanks to all employees and volunteers of the Agency for their commitment and perseverance. They Create To the dedicated staff of Catholic Charities, the countless are focused on the sole goal of providing help and creating hope to each of the clients that we are privileged to volunteers and the Board of Directors, I offer you heartfelt thanks serve. Hope” for carrying on God’s work in the Diocese of Harrisburg. May the Lord continue to bless all of you as you carry forth the work of Finally, I would like to thank all our donors and benefactors for their continued support enabling us to fulfill this important ministry. our Mission of helping those in need.

Sincerely in Christ, May God continue to Bless us and give us the strength to forge ahead and carry out His Mission to help those who cannot help themselves. May he give us the resolve and commitment to help those in need.

Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer

Mark A. Totaro, Ph.D. Executive Director/CEO

CORPORATE OFFICERS ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Mark A. Totaro, Ph.D., Row 1, left to right: Linda Weber, Annette Martin, Christopher Meehan. Row 2, left to right: Debra Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Clark, Carole Klinger, Peter Biasucci, Mark Totaro, Chris Vandenberg, Kelly Slabonik, Kate Downes Very Reverend Robert M. Gillelan Jr.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Row 1, Left to Right: Jeffrey Tearpock, Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer (Corporate Officer), Walter J. Legenstein. Row 2, left to right: Louis F. Santangelo, Camille Kostelac-Cherry, Very Reverend Robert M. Gillelan (Corporate Officer), Zenoria McMorris Owens (Board Secretary), PROGRAM MANAGERS Barbara Yohn Groce, Joseph F. Schatt (Board Treasurer). Row 3, left to right: Richard Berrones, Row 1, left to right: Lydia Porter, Kate Downes, John Leedock, Karrie Ballantine, Annette Martin, David S. Gash, Rev. Daniel C. Mitzel (Board President), Edward J. Kraus, John P. Pagana, Sara Beck. Row 2, left to right: Chris Vandenberg, Sinisa (Sasha) Jovic, Kelly Bolton Matthew Schlosser. Missing: Brian P. Downey (Board Vice-President) Missing: Rebecca Diamondstone, Dustin Langeheine, Lisa Peck, Rebecca Jacoby The 8 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015 NUMBER OF CLIENTS SERVED

PROGRAM FAMILY MEMBERS SERVED

Adoption ...... 217 Specialized Foster Care ...... 83 Lancaster Intensive Day Treatment ...... 156 IRS - English As A Second Language ...... 291 IRS -Employment Services ...... 162 IRS -Resettlement Program ...... 223 IRS - Gain Progrram ...... 60 The 2015 Soup Salad and Sermon Lenten Luncheon featured these families from IRS- Match Program ...... 108 our Adoption and Foster Care Program, who shared their inspiring stories about York Intensive Family Services ...... 635 how the program helped their affected their lives. York/Adams Family Based ...... 58 Paradise School ...... 104 Evergreen House ...... 96 ADOPTION SERVICES Crescent Way ...... 5 Based in Harrisburg, Adoption Services offers information for adoptive parents Willow Way ...... 11 who are interested in welcoming a child to their family. In some cases, the family Interfaith Shelter ...... 373 chooses to adopt a newborn infant while other agency clients are matched with an Lourdeshouse - Residents ...... 34 older child or group of siblings engaged with the Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN). Lourdeshouse -Babies ...... 20 In addition, Child Preparation Counseling is offered to children preparing for Capital Counseling ...... 209 adoption. During this series of sessions, children participate in activities and Lancaster Counseling ...... 255 exercises designed to help him/her adjust to the adoption process by reviewing their past, identifying and discussing feelings and concerns, and strengthening Paradise Counseling ...... 65 their bonds with his/her new family. York Counseling ...... 182 TOTALS ...... 3,347

40% Government Funding SPECIALIZED 33% Program service fees FOSTER CARE 3% United Way allocation Based in Harrisburg, Specialized Foster Care places 9% Other contributions and bequests children who have been separated from their families by 1% Distribution of funds held in Trust the court system into loving homes. 0% Investment income If a child cannot be returned home, an alternative permanent placement plan is developed. Adoption is 0% Net Assets released from funds often times an appropriate course, and the Pennsylvania held in trust Statewide Adoption Network (SWAN) works with many 12% Diocesan Funds foster parents to adopt their children and provide a permanent and caring home. 2% Miscellaneous income

13% Counseling IMMIGRATION 7% In-home counseling services AND REFUGEES SERVICES 28% Specialized youth services Based in Harrisburg, the Immigration and Refugee Services Program assists a 24% Specialized residences diverse population of legal entrants to the United States to achieve economic and 15% Immigration/refugee services social self-sufficiency. The English-as-a-Second-Language Program (ESL) has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania 0% Other program expenses Department of Human Services for its success in serving the large number of persons 13% Management and general with limited English proficiency. In addition, the number of refugees who have found jobs through the Employment Services Program continues to exceed grantor 0% Depreciation Exp requirements. Services provided by any Immigration and Refugee Services Program are limited to those who have resided in the United States for five years or less.

ULTIMATE On Thursday, June 18th, 2015, David Ranck (TLC Instructor) and Barb Sariano (CCHBG Prep Class Instructor) celebrated Punam Dulal, Tanka Gurung, Mahananda Siwakoti, Tila Khatiwoda, Sharaswati Khanal’s completion of the TLC Certified Nursing GIVEBACK CHALLENGE 2014 Aide program. The students started CCHBG’s C.N.A program in May. First completing a six-week preparation course with Barb Sariano, a two-Saturday session of Career The Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families was a winner in the Guaranteed Rate Development with Beth Hess, followed by a three-week TLC C.N.A class, and then “Ultimate Giveback Challenge” a nationwide contest that recognizes programs that passing the Red Cross Exam. With the help of Catholic Charities these students have are making a real difference in their communities. The money was used to build a new overcome the odds and are looking forward to a brighter future. playground at the shelter. The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 9 FAMILY-BASED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES Catholic Charities offers a variety of behavioral health counseling for issues MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES including grief and loss as well as other major life challenges. Counseling offices are Family-Based Mental Health Services is a comprehensive program that delivers located in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, and Abbottstown (Paradise School Facility). services to children and their families in both home and community settings. Services are offered to individuals, married couples, and families. For those who are Families entering the program are at risk of having their children placed into foster in need of additional assistance with housing, vocational rehabilitation, care. The goal of the program is to strengthen family relationships and stabilize drug/alcohol addiction, or other serious issues, referrals are made to partner the family through therapeutic interventions. Licensed by the Pennsylvania agencies and built into a customized care plan. Department of Human Services, the program provides a team-centered approach proven to be successful in keeping families together or reuniting children with their families. The Family-Based Mental Health Services Offices provide services for families in Adams and York Counties. LOURDESHOUSE Located at the Saint Samuel Center in Harrisburg, the Lourdeshouse Maternity Home provides quality services to pregnant women who have nowhere else to turn. The program symbolizes the commitment of the Roman Catholic Diocese of INTENSIVE DAY TREATMENT Harrisburg to uphold the dignity and sanctity of all human life. Based in Lancaster, the Intensive Day Treatment Program serves at-risk youth from age nine to fifteen who possess significant emotional and behavioral health All of the residents at Lourdeshouse are provided with childbirth and parenting needs. An alternative to residential treatment services, the program runs Monday classes, case management, and transportation. In addition, case managers assist through Friday and aims to increase anger management skills, to improve social residents in obtaining skills, and to enhance educational achievement. The program utilizes a therapeutic employment, housing, environment, one in which personal growth and change takes place through education, and counseling. positive relations between the youth and the program staff as a result of individual, Residents may come to group, and family therapy programming. Lourdeshouse at any time during their pregnancy and The program’s educational component is operated by the Lancaster Intermediate may remain in the program Unit 13 and is funded by contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Human up to eight months. Pantry Services, Lancaster County, and other managed care organizations. items such as food, diapers, clothing, furniture, and toiletries are also available to both residents and other women in the community WILLOW WAY AND CRESCENT WAY who have a child twelve Willow Way (located in Harrisburg) and Crescent Way (located in Lancaster) are the months of age or younger. latest addition of services designed to serve women in recovery. Both facilities are The Knights of Columbus from Sacred Heart of Jesus Services are funded in part owned and operated by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg. Parish conducted a supplies drive for Lourdeshouse through the Real Alternatives Maternity Home. Program. Both locations offer in-house staff that provide support to help connect residents to counseling, manage daily operations, reinforce accountability, and support family living.

These homes are located in beautiful residential neighborhoods within walking distance to commercial areas and public transportation which is ideal for INTENSIVE FAMILY SERVICES employment, shopping, and attending support meetings. Based in York, the Intensive Family Services Program provides services in the homes of families who have open cases with York County Children and Youth Services. Through a partnership contract, Children and Youth Services refers families to the Intensive Family Services Program. These families are in need of parenting skills, connection to community resources, and family therapy. INTERFAITH SHELTER Emphasis is placed upon strengthening the family in order that children can remain in their homes or return as quickly as possible from foster care. Team members FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES work intensely, with multiple weekly sessions, in order to make an immediate impact upon families facing numerous issues. Located at the Saint Samuel Center in Harrisburg, the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families is the only homeless shelter in the Harrisburg region specifically serving families. During their brief stay of four to six weeks, families work with the shelter staff on issues that may have caused their homelessness: employment, education, childcare, healthcare, transportation, and other related issues. Upon completion of the program, as many as 98% of the families achieve a stable level of PARADISE SCHOOL housing and a better quality of life. Located in rural York County, the Paradise School Program, in partnership with Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12, seeks to provide a productive learning environment while providing an academic and behavioral education. Educational services are provided by the Lincoln Intermediate Unit #12 and are staffed by certified special educators. Other staff members include an Instructional Advisor as well as a School Psychologist, Speech Therapist and Occupational Therapist as itinerant support staff. Paradise School staff provides crisis intervention, supervision during lunch and break periods, social skills education and school district coordination. In addition, the program utilizes a full spectrum of community resources including parks, libraries, movie theatres, skating rinks as well as frequent and ongoing utilization Mark Totaro and Chris McCabe, male Mark Totaro and Allison Lawruk, female of the Appalachian Trail as part of their educational and therapeutic tools. 1st place winner at the 2014 Shelter 1st place winner at the 2014 Shelter Shuffle. Shuffle.

Representatives of Keller Williams Realty of Central PA East spent the day volunteering at the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families as part of their “Red Day” which stands for Renew, Energize, and Donate. The 10 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015 WORLD REFUGEE DAY SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY SOUP SALE Every February, the St. Elizabeth Guild in Support of Catholic Charities sponsors its Souper As part of World Refugee Day, the Bowl Sunday Soup Sale Immigration and Refugee Program The World Refugee Day Picnic included sponsored a picnic for client families. lots of games, including a tug-of-war.

COME AND SEE DINNER

Bishop Ronald Gainer was the guest speaker at the 2014 Come and See Dinner. This annual benefit supports the Catholic Charities “Homes for Healing” – Evergreen House, Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families, and Lourdeshouse Maternity Home.

Knights of Columbus Holy Rosary Council generously donated over 200 new winter coats for children in our various programs.

MISSION STATEMENT Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA, Inc. exists to respond to the human service needs of people throughout the 15 counties of the Diocese of Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania. Catholic Charities fosters the ideals of Christ through a caring, living faith by: promoting and advocating respect for the sanctity of human life, underscoring the central role of marriage and the family in society, and providing a continuum of high quality services to individuals, children, youth, married couples, families, and the elderly.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIRECTORY OF SERVICES

ADMINISTRATION PARADISE SCHOOL PROGRAM INTERFAITH SHELTER FOR LANCASTER OFFICE 6156 West Canal Road HOMELESS FAMILIES 925 North Duke Street MARK A . TOTARO, PH .D . Abbottstown, PA 17301-8982 120 Willow Road, Suite C Lancaster, PA 17602 Executive Director/CEO (717) 259-9537 • FAX (717) 259-9262 Harrisburg, PA 17109 (717) 299-3659 • FAX (717) 299-1328 (717) 652-8740 • FAX (717) 545-0185 (717) 392-2113 (espanol) PETER A . BIASUCCI, LSW Assistant Executive Director RESIDENTIAL IMMIGRATION & REFUGEE YORK OFFICE PROGRAMS SERVICES 253 East Market Street CAROLE A . KLINGER, MBA 939 East Park Drive, Suite 102 York, PA 17403 Director of Administration WILLOW WAY Harrisburg, PA 17111 (717) 845-2696 • FAX (717) 843-3941 120 Willow Way, Suite D (717) 232-0568 CHRISTOPHER P .MEEHAN, MBA PARADISE OUTPATIENT Harrisburg, PA 17109 FAX (717) 234-7142 Director of Development SERVICES (717) 412-4594 • FAX (717) 972-0925 FAX (717) 909-0968 6156 West Canal Road CRESCENT WAY Employment Services –––––––––––––––– Abbottstown, PA 17301-8982 YOUTH SERVICES 1509 Crescent Ave ESL Services (717) 259-9537 • FAX (717) 259-9262 Lancaster, PA 17501 –––––––––––––––– ADOPTION SERVICES & Refugee Resettlement SPECIALIZED FOSTER CARE (717) 547-6730 • FAX (717) 547-6731 –––––––––––––––– Legal Services FAMILY BASED 939 East Park Drive, Suite 103 EVERGREEN HOUSE PROGRAMS Harrisburg, PA 17111 120 Willow Road, Suite B (717) 564-7115 • FAX (717) 564-7180 Harrisburg, PA 17109 COUNSELING YORK/ADAMS PROGRAM INTENSIVE DAY TREATMENT (717) 412-4594 • FAX (717) 972-0925 OFFICES 6156 West Canal Road Abbottstown, PA 17301-8982 47 South Mulberry Street LOURDESHOUSE CAPITAL REGION OFFICE (717) 259-9537 • FAX (717) 259-9262 Lancaster, PA 17603 120 Willow Road, Suite A 939 East Park Drive, Suite 101 (717) 295-9630 /9631/9632 Harrisburg, PA 17109 Harrisburg, PA 17111 FAX (717) 295-9525 (717) 412-4865 • FAX (717) 412-4943 (717) 233-7978 • FAX (717) 233-4194 INTENSIVE FAMILY SERVICES 253 East Market Street For information on Donations, Volunteer Opportunities, or York, PA 17403 Vehicle Donations, you may contact Catholic Charities Administrative (717) 843-7986 • FAX (717) 699-0020 Office by telephone at(717) 657-4804, or FAX (717) 657-8683, or check our website: cchbg.org

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Harrisburg, PA Inc. is a non-profit organization 501(c)(3) and meets all requirements of Federal and State laws. Anyone who would like to receive a copy of the current annual report or audit may request it through e-mail, phone or by letter. All requests should be made to the Director of Administration. The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 11 Shooting at Colorado ‘Religious Fundamentalism Clinic Antithesis of Pro-Life isn’t Religion, it’s Idolatry,’ Movement, Says Priest Pope Says after Visit to Africa

By Veronica Ambuul By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Catholic News Service

A priest who celebrates Mass every Friday morning on a sidewalk near the Planned Pope Francis told reporters he is well aware that God is a god of surprises, but Parenthood clinic targeted by a lone gunman Nov. 27 said the shooter’s actions were he had not been prepared for what a surprise his first visit to Africa would be. the antithesis of the pro-life cause. Obviously tired, but equally content, Pope Francis told reporters he prayed “We want the conversion of Planned Parenthood, not their destruction,” said Fa- in a mosque in Bangui, Central African Republic, and rode around a Muslim ther Bill Carmody, the longtime Respect Life director for the Diocese of Colorado neighborhood with the imam seated with him in the popemobile. Both were Springs. “The pro-life movement has no place for violence.” spontaneous initiatives of the pope Nov. 30, his last day in Africa. The attack on the clinic in northwest Colorado Springs left three people dead, in- Returning to Rome from Bangui later that day, the pope spent more than 60 cluding a police officer, and nine others wounded. The clinic reported that none of minutes with reporters in the back of his plane, responding to their questions. its employees or patients was among those killed or seriously wounded in the Black “The crowds, the joy, the ability to celebrate even with an empty stomach” Friday attack. were impressions the pope said he would take home with him after his six-day The clinic sits near a busy shopping center that includes a grocery store, a bank and trip to Kenya, Uganda and the Central African Republic. several other businesses. After the attack broke out around 11:30 a.m., local time, pa- After two years of civil war, the pope told reporters, the people of the Central trons and employees of the businesses “sheltered in place” for nearly six hours while African Republic want “peace, reconciliation and forgiveness.” police tried to contain the shooter, Robert Lewis Dear, 57. The standoff ended with “For years, they lived as brothers and sisters,” the pope said, and local Catho- Dear’s arrest at 4:52 p.m., local time. lic, Muslim and evangelical Christian leaders are doing their best to help their Among those killed was Garrett Swasey, a police officer at the University of Colo- people return to that situation of peace, coexistence and mutual respect. rado at Colorado Springs and father of two. Leaders of every religion must teach values, and that is what is happening in The clinic is the frequent site of prayer vigils and other activities, in addition to the Central African Republic, Pope Francis said. pro-life Masses, leading several national media outlets to speculate that Dear was a “One of the most-rare values today is that of brotherhood,” a value essential member of the pro-life movement. for peace, he said. However, Father Carmody said he did not recall ever having seen or spoken to “Fundamentalism is a disease that is found in all religions. We Catholics have Dear. On the day of the shootings, he had celebrated his usual weekly Mass, but he some,” he said. “I can say this because it is my Church.” said that he and others in attendance departed shortly afterward because of the snow- “Religious fundamentalism isn’t religion, it’s idolatry,” he told the press. Ideas storm hitting the region. and false certainties take the place of faith, love of God and love of others. “We were long gone” before the attack started, Father Carmody told The Colorado “You cannot cancel a whole religion because there is a group or many groups Catholic Herald, the diocesan newspaper of Colorado Springs. of fundamentalists at certain moments of history,” the pope said. Others who regularly pray outside the clinic also said they did not recall seeing As the pope ended his trip, global representatives were beginning the U.N. Dear at any pro-life events. Law enforcement officials would not discuss a motive for the shootings because climate conference in Paris to discuss the possibility of forging a binding inter- their investigation was still underway. national agreement to reduce climate change. According to The Gazette daily newspaper, Dear previously lived in South Carolina Pope Francis said he was not sure what would happen at the conference, “but and North Carolina and had arrest records in both states. Voting records show that I can say this, it’s now or never.” Too little has been done over the past 10-15 Dear maintains a residence in Hartsel, a small town about 120 miles west of Colorado years, he said, and “every year the situation gets worse.” Springs, The Gazette reported. “We are on the verge of suicide, to put it strongly,” he said. “Yesterday, our community experienced an act of pure evil at the local Planned Par- Given his visits to Uganda and Kenya, where new HIV infections and AIDS- enthood clinic,” Bishop Michael J. Sheridan of Colorado Springs said in a statement. related deaths continue, Pope Francis was asked if he thought the Church “should “As Pope Francis recently reminded us, ‘The path of violence and hate can never change its teaching” about the use of condoms. solve the problems of humanity.’” Pope Francis responded that an ongoing question for Catholic moral theology The National Right to Life Committee’s president, Carol Tobias, said her organi- is whether condoms in that case are an instrument to prevent death or a contra- zation “unequivocally condemns unlawful activities and acts of violence regardless ceptive – in which case they would violate Church teaching on openness to life. of motivation. The pro-life movement works to protect the right to life and increase But, he said, the question is too narrow. People are dying because of a lack of respect for human life. The unlawful use of violence is directly contrary to that goal.” clean water and adequate food. Once the world takes serious steps to solve those Bryan Kemper, youth outreach director for Priests for Life and founder of Stand problems, then it would be “legitimate to ask whether it is licit” to use condoms True, said in a Nov. 27 statement that “although we do not know the details behind to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS. the gun violence at Planned Parenthood in Colorado, it is important to say that we are Pope Francis said that at various moments of his trip, he visited the very poor, against all violence against our fellow human persons.” people who lack everything and have suffered tremendously. He said he knew “From the abortionist, the workers, the patients, the children scheduled to die or that a small percentage of people – “maybe 17 percent” – of the world’s popula- anyone at that Planned Parenthood, all of their lives are precious and worth saving,” tion controls the vast majority of the world’s wealth – “and I think, ‘How can he said. “All of them are loved by God and deserve our prayers.” these people not be aware?’ It’s such suffering.” To say the world’s economy has put profits and not people at the center and to denounce “the idolatry of the god money,” he said, “is not communism. It’s the truth.” As for future trips, Pope Francis was not full of surprises. He said he plans to go to Mexico and visit cities where St. John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI never went. The trip is expected in late February. Pope Francis said he has to go to Mexico City, “but if it wasn’t for Our Lady I wouldn’t.” So he will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, then go to Chiapas, Morelia and, “almost for sure, on the way back to Rome, I will spend a day or part of a day in Ciudad Juarez,” on the Mexican-U.S. border.

PRAYER SHAWL RETREAT Saturday, January 16, 2016 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Cardinal Keeler Center (Diocesan Center) 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg Please mark your calendar now and plan to join other women from our Harrisburg Diocese for a few special hours of prayer, knitting/crocheting, fellowship and lunch! We warmly invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to come together and share your handiwork, touching stories and the thank-you notes you received from re- cipients of prayer shawls created for comfort and caring in this beautiful ministry. You are most welcome to attend even if you are a beginner and would like to be part of this time of fellowship and sharing. Please bring any prayer shawls and patterns you wish to display. We will add the pat- terns to our Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women website at http://hdccw. webs.com/prayer-shawl-ministry. While the program is free, advance registration is required so that we can arrange a comfortable work area and plan for lunch. Please call Kathy at 717-448-8899 or Deb at 717-514-8815 to reserve your space or e-mail your reservation to them at kakoko120@ comcast.net or [email protected]. Deadline is Sunday, January 3. Please make your reservation early, as space is limited. The 12 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015

The names of the following deceased Sister Marie persons have been submitted by their parishes. Please remember in your Angela Natoli prayers the happy repose of these re- Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister cently departed souls and the consola- Marie Angela Natoli, former General tion of their loved ones. Superior of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, died Nov. ABBOTTSTOWN – Immaculate 13 at Camilla Hall Nursing Home in Heart of Mary: Ann Wainwright. Immaculata, Pa. She was 87. Born in Reading, Pa., she pursued ANNVILLE – St. Paul the Apostle: undergraduate study at Immaculata Mary Pat McParland, Kathy Regelman. University, where she received a bach- elor’s degree in history and English. BLOOMSBURG – St. Columba: She earned a master’s degree in reli- Francis J. Peters, Jr. Pumpkin Contest at St. John the gious studies from Villanova Univer- Baptist School Raises Money for Missions BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – St. Rita: sity in 1973. She entered the Congregation of the Students at St. John the Baptist School in New Freedom raised $256 to donate Juliana “Pinky” Gillard. Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate to the missions, through a pumpkin-decorating contest in October. The first graders CONEWAGO – Sacred Heart of Heart of Mary in 1948, and spent most in Mrs. Miller’s class decorated the pumpkins and displayed them on a table in the hallway. For two weeks, students, staff and parents donated money to vote for their Jesus: Catherine Fitzpatrick, Carroll G. of her years as a teacher, first in ele- favorite adorned squash. When the contest was completed, Father Anthony Dill, “Jerry” Sneeringer. mentary schools and then as teacher of English, history and theology in vari- parochial vicar, and parents joined students in tallying the money. Father Dill is DANVILLE – St. Joseph: William ous high schools of the Archdiocese shown counting money with first-grader Olivia Watson. Hause, Dolores McKenna. of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Al- lentown. In 1962, Sister Marie Angela Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius DUNCANNON – St. Bernadette: was awarded the Valley Forge Free- Michael Core. dom Foundation teacher Award. She Give Servant Leadership Awards received an honorary doctoral degree In October, the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Danville awarded the Ser- ENOLA – Our Lady of Lourdes: from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary vant Leadership Award to 40 outstanding high school juniors and seniors from the Raymond O’Keefe. in 2000. dioceses of Harrisburg, Pa., Scranton Pa. and Bridgeport, Conn. The ceremony took She served as Directress of Forma- place at the Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius in Danville. Over the past 13 years, GETTYSBURG – St. Francis Xavier: tion in the IHM Novitiate in Santiago, the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius have honored over 880 teens in the Dioceses John McCormick, Donald Weaver. Chile, and as a participant in the estab- of Bridgeport, Charleston (S.C.), Chicago (Ill.), Gary (Ind.), Harrisburg, Milwau- lishment of Villa Maria Junior College kee (Wis.), Pittsburgh (Pa.), St. Louis (Mo.), Scranton and Syracuse (N.Y) with the HARRISBURG – St. Margaret Mary: in Lima, Peru. From 1988-1994, Sister Servant Leadership Award. Wilbert A. “Bill” Evert, Virginia Juran. Marie Angela held the position of Sister The Servant Leadership Award recognizes distinguished high school juniors and seniors who are joyful witnesses, compassionate proclaimers, and enthusiastic KULPMONT – Holy Angels: Robert Assistant to Mother Marie Genevieve Lawler, General Superior. In 1994, she builders of the Kingdom of God. The focus of the award is on teens who remain D. Hunter, Elizabeth “Lindy” Lentini. was elected to a six-year term as Gen- active in their faith and parish beyond Confirmation, and who actively serve in their eral Superior of the Congregation. parish, school and community. LANCASTER – Assumption BVM: Receiving the award were: Monica Amarante, Rebekah Aungst, Hayley Beck, During her tenure as General Supe- Ward Barstow, Mildred Cervino; St. Amanda Bell, Dallas Cook, Elizabeth Cooper, Emily D’Amico, Luke Darrup, Ryan rior, she called the sisters of the Con- John Neumann: Dennis Devorchik, Denis, Madeline Driscoll, Brigit Duffy, Ruby Erickson, David Fletcher, Sylvia Gar- Robert Wolf, Sr. gregation to a deeper understanding of ner, Santina Gutshall, Emily Herb, Caroline Hills, Alexa Hinegardner, Alex Hol- their charism and to their identity as leran, Hope Joyce, Hannah Konkolics, Madison Kovach, Austin LaBant, Joshua LEBANON – St. Cecilia: Frances women religious through their lives in Ladonis, Adam Maneval, Joanna Murphy, Maria Mutchler, Sarah Pagnanelli, Ste- Kozlowski, Nicholas Strangarity, Sr. community and in their ministries of ven Pomykalski, Angelique Poragratti, Mary Pugh, Charles Ricco, Joseph Rossi, Catholic education and pastoral work, Janes Rushton, Morgan Smarsh, Zachary Sowa, Jennifer Strouse, Caroline Swade, MARYSVILLE – Our Lady of Good particularly outreach to the poor. At the Aubryanna Tayman, and Lianne Uroda. Counsel: Dorothy Hammaker. completion of her term in 2000, Sister Each teen was given the opportunity to select one person as a mentor who has Marie Angela was appointed superior encouraged them to generously use their time and talents as a follower of Jesus. The MCSHERRYSTOWN – of Gillet Hall, the faculty residence for mentors selected were parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, youth ministers, Annunciation BVM: Frances L. Christie, the teaching sisters at Immaculata Uni- Scout leaders, Sisters and priests, who have been role models for the teens. Mentors Mary L. Livelsberger, Thomas A. Miller. versity. She remained there until her re- recognized by the teens have made a difference in their lives by modeling servant tirement to Camilla Hall in 2012. leadership as a way of life in their family, parish and community. MECHANICSBURG – St. Elizabeth The funeral Mass was celebrated on At the ceremony, the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius also honored four adults Ann Seton: Sharon Crowe, William Nov. 21 in Sacred Heart Chapel at Villa who received the Father Jankola Lifetime Servant Leadership Award in the minis- Freeman, Tina Navitsky; St. Joseph: Maria House of Studies, Immaculata, tries of evangelization, education, elder care and ecumenism. Father Jankola was a Willard Backhaus, Philip George Pa. priest from the Diocese of Scranton who was instrumental in recognizing the need Charest, Don Giannelli, Leona Mack; for religious sisters to educate children and founded the Sisters of Sts. Cyril and St. Katharine Drexel: Paul McGee, Gary Methodius in 1909. Wood. The 2015 Father Jankola Lifetime Servant Leadership Awards went to: Evangelization: Sister Claire Christi Schiefer, OSF, from Camp Hill, was rec- MOUNT JOY – Mary, Mother of the ognized for her work as President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Catholic Health Church: Harold Ballou. Association, where she leads the organization in lobbying for or against legislation and regulations that impact the protection of the sanctity of life and the preservation Please pray for the following NEW FREEDOM – St. John the of religious liberty by recognizing the needs of children, the elderly, the poor and clergy who died in December the underserved, including immigrant populations. Baptist: Francis Xavier Hoffman, Cherie during the past 25 years: Middleton. Education: Sister Agnes Hughes, IHM, from Immaculata, Pa., was recognized Father Stephen Rolko, 1993 for her more than 50 years as Professor of Psychology at Immaculata University, ROHRERSTOWN – St. Leo the Msgr. Joseph Bradley, 1996 and her 16 years as a Lecturer at Saint Charles Seminary in Philadelphia. Her faith- Great: Kenneth Eichenlaub, Charles fulness to the gospel message of Jesus is enhanced by her lifetime love of learning Father John Aurentz, 1996 and her desire to serve others. Lohin. Father Vitale Leonard Casey, 1997 Elder Care: Sister Romaine Niemeyer, SCC, from Camp Hill, was recognized for SHAMOKIN – Mother Cabrini: Father Joseph Blascovich, 1999 her work as President and CEO of Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, where she reaches out to people of all ages, including the elderly, and recognized the special- James Chiavaroli, George Dorko, Robert Father Robert Kobularik, 1999 ized needs of geriatric patients and works to initiate programs to help the staff deal Hauer, Florence Katch, Timothy Deacon Michael Lydon Sr., 1999 with the complex needs of elderly patients. Piper. Deacon Charles Rebuck, 2005 Ecumenism: Sister Honora Nicholson, RSM, from Merion, Pa., was recognized Father Thomas Hemler, 2006 for her work as a Campus Minister at Gwynned Mercy College, where she devel- STEELTON – Prince of Peace: oped a course in which students from all faith traditions were introduced to working Rudolph “Rudy” Brinjac. Father Thomas M. McLernon, with the poor, and her work as a Pastoral Associate in New York City, where she 2009 developed programs that exhibited a deep concern for issues of social justice for all, WAYNESBORO – St. Andrew: Father Paul Aumen, C.PP.S., 2010 and served the needs of immigrants. Regina Reed. Msgr. Leo Bierster, 2011 Because this year was named by Pope Francis as the Year of Consecrated Life, all of this year’s recipients of the Father Jankola Lifetime Servant Leadership Awards YORK – St. Joseph: Gloria G. Meads, Msgr. Robert C. Gribbin, 2013 are Consecrated Religious. The ceremony ended with a reception at Maria Hall, Phyllis M. Tuleya; St. Patrick: Jean M. Deacon Sabino “Sam” Moschella, Danville. Keating; St. Rose of Lima: Nancy 2013. (Submitted by Sister Barbara Sable, SS.C.M.) Byrne, John Kuhn, Sherrie Mora. The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 13

Holy Spirit staff present health topics on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the library. The community is encouraged to attend. The Bosler Memorial Library is located at 158 W. High Street, Carlisle. For more information about this workshop, please call 717-763-2553 or send an email to HSGACommEdweb@ geisinger.edu. Compiled by Emily M. Albert You are invited to join Father Kenneth Smith on a Jubilee Come to Saint Ann Byzantine Catholic Church for good of Mercy Pilgrimage to Italy from June 6 -16, 2016. Tour delicious food. Perohi and Kielbasa are being sold on Wednes- Spiritual Offerings includes: Daily Mass, accommodation in First Class hotels (four days and Saturdays in the parish hall at 5408 Locust Lane, Har- Recitation of the Rosary for America and the world takes nights in Rome, two nights in Assisi, one night in Florence, two risburg. Saturday sales will be from 9 till noon on Dec. 5, 12, and place on the square in Littlestown every third Saturday of the nights in Venice-Mestre), breakfast and dinner daily, land trans- 19. Wednesday’s sales will be from 11:30 a.m. till 1 pm on Dec. 2, month at noon. The next date is December 19. Contact Barb portation by deluxe motorcoach, roundtrip motorcoach trans- 9 and 16. Visit www.stannbyz.org or call (717) 652-0545 for more Renner at [email protected]. portation from Mechanicsburg to Philadelphia Airport, roundtrip information. Other fillings available will be: Cabbage, Sauerkraut, airfare to Rome/from Venice on nonstop flights with American Recitation of the Rosary for America and the world takes Farmer Cheese, Prune and Apple. The Perohi are sold frozen by Airlines, and more, for $4,275 per person/double occupancy. For place on the square in New Oxford every second Saturday of the the dozen. The Smoked Kielbasa will be sold in rings for $6. The month at noon. The next date is December 12. complete details, contact Karen Hurley at k.m.hurley1@gmail. com or George’s International Tours at (800) 566-7499, sales@ newly remodeled Saint Ann Gift store will be open during the sale A Traditional Latin Low Mass will be offered monthly on the georgesintl.com or visit www.georgesintl.com. times for your holiday shopping. second Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. at the St. Gabriel Chapel Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you Christopher West will be giving the talk “God, Sex, and the of Mary, Gate of Heaven Parish, Myerstown, by Father Robert Meaning of Life” at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Enola. Join Berger. The next date is December 13. frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down? Have you thought about best-selling author Christopher West as he explores the ancient Father Samson from Assumption BVM Parish in Lebanon separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse? but forgotten truth that our deepest desires of body and soul are is starting a Charismatic Prayer Group, from 6:30 pm.-7:30 p.m. in Retrouvaille provides marriage help! The next Retrouvaille week- meant to lead us to the infinite, to God. Sunday December 13th, the Chapel, 2 North 8th Street, Lebanon. The group will meet on end is scheduled for January 15-17, 2016. For more information 2015 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 225 the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. and to register, please visit retrouvaille.org or call 717-938-8229. Salt Road, Enola, PA 17025. For more information, contact Erica Benning at [email protected] or 717-979-9941. This is a free Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated December 20 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine Labouré Church in Harrisburg. Confes- Events & Fund-Raisers event open to all. sions are heard in English and Polish after every Mass. HO! HO! HO! It’s time to get in the Christmas Spirit while St. Joseph the Worker church, Bonneauville, will host Caelorum at St. Joan of Arc Church in Hershey will be held getting some exercise too! Bishop McDevitt High School’s Christopher West on December 16 from 7p.m. to 9p.m. No cost 3rd Annual SANTA 5K RUN/Walk is set for December 12, 2015. on Wednesday, January 6 at 7 PM. Father Pius will preside. to attend; a free will offering will be taken. Based on his acclaimed Come and experience the power of praise & worship music and Come join us for this festive holiday inspired event! All participants book “Pope Francis to Go: Bite-Sized Morsels from The Joy of Eucharistic Adoration. A reception will be held immediately follow- that run or walk a 5K or 1 Mile loop will receive and race in a the Gospel,” Christopher West helps you discover the “fragrance ing the Caelorum. For more information, call 717-583-0240. Santa hat and Santa long sleeve shirt. Online registration is now of the Gospel” as the blissful aroma of an eternal wedding feast live at www.bishopmcdevitt.org. If you are interested in a sponsor- prepared by God to satisfy the deepest hungers of your heart. Saint Rose of Lima Parish in York will hold a Mission, ship or in having your business name on a 4 Ft. high Candy “Triumph of Mary,” January 10th through 13th at 7 p.m. The pre- Cane lining the course, contact Cheri Comasco at ccomasco@ Parish, School senter, Father David W. Gunter, MIC, is a member of the Marians bishopmcdevitt.org or 717-236-7973. We hope to see you! of the Immaculate Conception located at the National Shrine of & Organization News the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Mass. He was ordained in 2009 St. Francis Xavier Catholic School in Gettysburg will be holding its Third Annual Noreen Neitz Memorial 5K Run St. Anne School in Lancaster is searching for any alumni for the Archdiocese of Boston. Prior to entering the priesthood, he who graduated from the school in the past 90 years. Contact studied at Northeastern University, receiving a BA in Economics and Sufficiently Radical 1 mile walk on Saturday, December 19. us to let us know your current address and what year you gradu- and Geology in 1981. He went on to obtain an MBA from Boston The 5K race will begin at 10am and the 1 mile walk will begin at College in 1984. He entered the Marian Fathers in July 2014, and 11:15am. Same day registration will be accepted beginning at ated from the school. Alumni should go to the school website at completed his novitiate in August 2015, when he professed his first 8am. Pre-registration is encouraged and t-shirts are guaranteed www.stannelancaster.org. On the home page, in the top banner, vows. Over the last few years, Father David has been researching for all runners and walkers registered by Tuesday, November 24. under “Contact Us” is “Alumni Information”. Once they click on Marian apparitions, Marian teachings by saints and popes, and Pre-registration information can be found on the school develop- this, the alumni information form will appear. Simply fill it out and has compiled an exciting program based on a book he has written ment website, http://www.sfxs.org/development or www.parun- hit submit. called “The Triumph.” Contact: Joe Bankowski at 717-308-7245. ners.com. The race and walk will begin and end at St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Xavier Center at 465 Table Rock Road, Volunteers are needed for prison ministry communion Gettysburg. services and catechesis at Dauphin County Prison – particularly Retreats, Pilgrimages & Trips on Saturdays and on Thursday afternoons, but also on other Year of Mercy Pilgrimage—June 13-23, 2016. Join St. Francis Holy Spirit–A Geisinger Affiliate is presenting a health days. Please contact Deacon Jim Doyle (343-1102) or e-mail Xavier Parish in Gettysburg on a special Year of Mercy Pilgrimage lecture focusing on heart conditions at the Bosler Memorial [email protected] if you are interested and available for to Poland (the Divine Mercy Shrine), Florence, Assisi, and Rome Library, Carlisle, on Tuesday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. Karrie this rewarding ministry. It is a true work of Mercy and of the New (a General Wednesday Papal Audience and the opportunity to Peterson, BSN, RN, Tom Abruzzo, BSN, RN, and Icely Guzman, Evangelization. pass through the Holy Door). Spend 11 days on pilgrimage with RN, from the cardiovascular unit at The Ortenzio Heart Center daily Mass, 4 & 5 star hotels in downtown areas, and certified local at Holy Spirit, will talk about Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Court Queen of Peace #1023 Catholic Daughters of the tour guides. Cost of $3,999 is all-inclusive (except lunch, personal ACS is a term used to describe conditions like a heart attack or Americas announces the Catholic Daughters of The Americas purchases—single supplement and trip insurance are optional). unstable angina, which cause a sudden blockage in the blood 2016 National Education Contest for Grades 4 –12. Entrants can For more information or to get a brochure, contact Father John supply to the heart. Those at risk for ACS include those who choose from two themes: “WE ARE STEWARDS OF GOD’S Bateman ([email protected]) or visit www.ProximoTravel.com / smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, CREATION” or “HOW DO WE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT”. choose your trip and scroll down to the June 13, 2016 date. There are inactive, and/or overweight or obese. They will discuss how For details of contest rules and awards, please go to www. you can review the full itinerary, get general information and sign these conditions develop, symptoms and treatment options. This catholicdaughters.org, scroll down the page to frequent down- up (by clicking on the dates). workshop is part of the Your Health @ Bosler educational series. loads, and under contests, select Education Contest Forms. Parishes Share Caring Cheer with Prisoners Hanover Parishioner The Living Our Faith Ministry at Releases CD of both St. Joan of Arc Parish in Hershey and Church of the Holy Spirit Parish in Inspirational Music Palmyra recently collected new and un- used Christmas and all-occasion cards Jackie Klunk, a member (and envelopes) as well as 2016 wall of Sacred Heart calendars. All materials will be distrib- of Jesus Parish uted at Pennsylvania prisons. The collec- in Conewago, tion, called Caring Cards and Calendars, which began at Holy Spirit in 2013, al- recently released lows parishioners to drop off new or ex- an album entitled cess cards from previous years that will “Faith, Hope, & not be used, as well as wall calendars re- Love,” a collec- ceived from charitable mail solicitations. tion of Christian While each parish collected more than inspirational tunes 11 boxes of these paper products, the col- that is meant for lection at St. Joan of Arc weighed in at prayer, medita- 340 pounds. Holy Spirit Parish also contributed calendars, which are items that most of us take for tion, relaxation two more boxes to the Palmyra Caring Cupboard granted, are not usually available to those who are and enjoyment. incarcerated. The wall calendars bring amazing Food Pantry for the use of their clients. The various songs were Dr. Charles (Buz) Myers, Department of Re- color into the prisoner’s cell, which normally is chosen to uplift people in times of despair and sadness ligious Studies at Gettysburg College and vol- very drab and dull. In addition to the bright colors, unteer at the Camp Hill Prison, expressed his the cards also bring glitter, texture and humor into and to give thanks to God for our blessings. Church thanks, saying, “I cannot tell you how much the the routine daily life of the prisoners. organist Jody Richter is featured on most of the piano inmates at the Camp Hill State Prison appreciate Statistics consistently show that the majority of selections, with friends or special guests from the par- all the time and effort that you put into this proj- inmates are incarcerated for non-violent crimes ish on other songs. There are also two songs which were ect. Please know that your work will truly bring and will soon return to our communities. This sim- recorded live at the church and feature the Sacred Heart joy into the lives of many incarcerated persons ple gesture reminds them that love and forgiveness organ. can be found at home when their debt to society and their families this Christmas and all year The CDs are being sold for $20 each, with all of the is paid. profits being donated to the Basilica Interiors fund long.” In the photo, Anne Searer, Living Our Faith to restore and conserve the beautiful paintings in the The donated items remind our brothers and sis- Ministry member, presents a packet of greeting ters that they are not forgotten and offer inmates cards to Dr. Charles (Buz) Myers. church. To purchase a CD, contact Jackie Klunk at the opportunity to send holiday greetings all year (Article submitted by Deb Andrews. Photo by [email protected], or visit A&B Religious Shop long to family and friends. The colorful cards and Tom Searer.) at 1150 W. Elm Avenue in Hanover. The 14 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015 Bishop McDevitt Remains on Top in District 3 By Chris Heisey cool – the Crusaders The Catholic Witness look comfortably cool with grinding out first Whispers doubt- downs on the ground, ing whether Bishop and that’s never a bad McDevitt had enough thing in December goods to grab its sixth when your ultimate straight District 3 goal is to win not once, Class AAA football but twice in Hershey. title were quickly si- With the 33-19 win lenced in the champi- over the Tribe, the vic- onship game at Her- tory marks the Crusad- sheypark Stadium on ers’ 24th consecutive Dec. 4. Twelve min- District 3 playoff win utes and three seconds and sixth straight gold into the game against medal. Difficult to Susquehanna Town- doubt this impressive ship – a team which streak. beat the Crusaders in In the semi-final October for McDe- against upstart Solan- vitt’s only blemish co, the Crusaders were up to the defensive – Bishop McDevitt challenge of handling was up 21-0 over the the Golden Mules’ Indians, leaving little speed, quickness and doubt as to who the top triple option threat. dog in District 3 con- The Crusaders’ de- tinues to be. fense forced a couple While the Indians of Solanco turnovers, may have played tight and with 38 carries and in the early going, they did rally and got within one bully through holes enough to move the sticks and roll the clock, the 209 yards from Mike Jones, the Golden score in the fourth quarter. Five costly turnovers, two Crusaders controlled the tempo of the game. Jones may not yet be Mules were never really able to get their pick sixes, forced Susquehanna to chase the Crusaders. dangerous offense on track, losing 35-7. That’s a daunting prospect, given the fact that McDe- the type of runner that breaks big runs, but he is the special kind that The Crusaders face old-time rival Erie vitt controlled the line of scrimmage all night. Led by seems to get a couple of more yards out of each run that he should. Cathedral Prep in the state semi-final to sophomore running back Mike Jones, who was able to Though the weather was perfect to throw the football – calm and win a trip back to Hershey.

Above: Crusaders’ running back Mike Jones punches in a touchdown against Solanco. Left: Senior wideout Kobay White makes a great catch for McDevitt in the final. Right: Shaniel Johnson celebrates a sack by Anthony Long. Bottom, left: Senior Joe Joe Headen is congratulated by his father, Joe Headen, head coach of Susquehanna Township. Bottom, right: Crusaders’ cheerleaders celebrate a 6th straight District 3 title. CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS The December 11, 2015 • Catholic Witness - 15

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Defense Stymies York Catholic’s Momentum in District 3 Final By Emily M. Albert their feet early after an interception by Daniel Yoke- The Catholic Witness mick on Camp Hill’s opening drive. But York Cath- olic’s fortune was stopped by Camp Hill’s defense, Just as sure as turkey leftovers, PIAA District which prevented the Irish from capitalizing on the football playoffs are in full swing in the days after turnover with a three-and-out. Without a first down Thanksgiving. or a pass completion, and with four punts in the first This year at Hersheypark Stadium on Nov. 27, the quarter, York Catholic began to lose its opening mo- York Catholic Fighting Irish played in their third mentum, as the Lions charged to a 33-7 lead at the straight District 3 Class A championship final. half. The Fighting Irish found some relief against Up against the Lions of Camp Hill for the sec- the Lions’ reserves in the fourth quarter, closing the ond year in a row, and seeking to avenge last year’s gap for a final score of 40-28 and York Catholic’s loss in the championship, the Irish had the crowd on third straight district championship loss.

Top: York Catholic Head Coach Eric Depew gathers his team for words of encouragement after their loss against Camp Hill in the District Class 3 A championship game Nov. 27.

Middle: Jakkar Kinard breaks the Camp Hill defense and finds room to run for a first down.

Right: Daniel Yokemick leaps for a York Catholic interception against Camp Hill’s offense on the Lions’ opening drive. The 16 - Catholic Witness • December 11, 2015 St. Joan of Arc School Welcomes Bishop Gainer for Pastoral Visit By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness

he mission of St. Joan of Arc School in THershey is to provide a quality educa- tion for students, in keeping with its Catholic tradition of discipline in Christian values and academic excellence. The school places special emphasis on developing a faith com- munity, which builds faith, hope and charity in the lives of students in a spirit of mercy. It was in this spirit of faith, hope and charity that the school community welcomed Bishop Ronald Gainer for a pastoral visit on Dec. 2, as the Advent season began. The bishop celebrated Mass for the school community before visiting students in their classrooms. During their interaction, students shared with the shepherd stories from their Thanksgiving celebrations and family traditions. St. Joan of Arc School educates youth in preschool through eighth grade, and is cur- rently home to 347 students. Special offerings include school-wide liturgies and faith-based celebrations during the liturgical seasons, mu- sic and technology classes, and an after-school program in addition to classroom curriculum. CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS According to Principal, Sister Eileen Marie St. Joan of Arc students Kennedy White, Katie Keane and Mary Parker served as lectors for the Mass celebrated by McGowan, D.M., upcoming initiatives include Bishop Ronald Gainer on Dec. 2. an undertaking to receive re-accreditation from the Middle States Association, and plans for expand- ing the school to ac- commodate a growing student population. See what St. Joan of Arc School has to of- fer by visiting http:// school.stjoanhershey. org/ or by calling 717- 533-2854.

Above: Kindergartener Gabriela DelCarpio is pictured during Mass.

Left: Charles Gnall prepares to give Bishop Ronald Gainer a high-five during the bishop’s visits to the classrooms.

Below: The fleur-de-lis, the French royal emblem, is seen as worshipers depart from Mass. St. Joan of Arc is often pictured with the fleur-de-lis, which she carried on a banner as she led French troops to victory in the early 1400s in support of Charles VII’s quest for the throne.

Diane Noto directs the choir, which offered their voices in song as Bishop Ronald Gainer celebrated Mass for St. Joan of Arc School Dec. 2. Choir soloists, shown at the microphone, are Elaina Jones and Ellie Sitowitz.