The 6 1966-201 50th A nniversaryCatholicWitness The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg December 23, 2016 Vol. 50 No. 24

The artwork pictured here was created by two of the four winners of Christ, the Savior Bishop Ronald Gainer’s 2016 Contest. The contest allowed students to is Born! portray an interpretation of the birth of Christ as seen through their eyes. Four winners were selected from contest entries among four age categories. The illustration at the bottom is by Annie St. Denis, a senior at Lancaster Catholic High School, and the illustration at the top is by Abigail Sell, an eighth-grader at BVM School in McSherrystown. The other two winning images were featured on the cover of the December 9 edition of The Catholic Witness. The four winning pieces will be used as illustrations on Bishop Gainer’s Christmas cards this year.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, from David’s throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this! (Isaiah, 9:1-6) The 2 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016

Bishop Gainer’s Congratulations to Our Diocesan Winners Christmas Letter in the 2015-16 MCA Christmas Artwork Contest! Christ the By Karen Harding Savior is Born Special to The Witness Madeleine Suhrbier of Our As I write this Christmas mes- Mother of Perpetual Help Par- sage, it is the Feast of Lucy, ish in Ephrata and Evan Sloane the young virgin and martyr of Sic- from the Mater Dei Community in Harrisburg were selected as ily who gave her life for Christ in two of 24 national winners of the the early fourth century. The name annual Missionary Childhood Lucy originates in the Latin word Association 2015-16 Christmas for “light” (lux, lucis) and how Artwork Contest. Their origi- appropriate it is for the Church to nal artwork, selected from more celebrate Lucy’s memorial during than 5,000 entries, is currently , as daylight approaches displayed in the Basilica of the its shortest span. As we mark the National Shrine of the Immacu- approach of Christmas Day with late Conception in Washington, the increasing light of the Advent D.C., throughout the 2016 Ad- wreath, we find in this young- vir vent/Christmas season. gin martyr a radiant light of faith On Friday, December 2, an and trust in God. A patron saint awards ceremony at the Shrine, whose intercession is invoked for followed by Mass and lunch, problems with eyesight, her bright was hosted for all finalists and their families. Awards were example gives us a clearer vision of presented by Reverend Andrew the power of God’s love at work in Small, OMI, the national direc- us and what grace can accomplish tor of the Pontifical Mission through us, if we allow it. Societies in the US, and Mari- Christmas is a festival of light lyn Santos, Mission Education and gifts. Decorative lighting Director. Winners came from as gleams everywhere. Our homes, far as California and Florida for their pennies to help children in churches, stores and offices become the event. other areas who are less fortu- signs of the season. For us who The honor was especially Madeleine nate. In the Diocese of Harris- believe that “Christ, the Savior is meaningful to Madeleine and Suhrbier burg, the MCA assists educators born” the lights are not just a way her family. In October 2015, receives and catechists in showing our to pretty up things for a few weeks Madeleine’s 14-month-old sis- her award children how, by virtue of their at the bleakest time of the year. No, ter, Mary Grace, a special needs from Father baptism, we are all called to be the colorful lights signal the birth child, passed away. Mary Grace Andrew missionaries through prayer and of the Light of the World Who came had not been expected to be born Small, sacrifice. The diocesan MCA is alive, but during her short life to dispel the darkness of human OMI, for part of the Office of Pontifical the family cared tenderly for her. her winning Missions, under the direction of sinfulness and to brighten even the Madeleine’s mother, Kate, said, mystery of death. The eternal light artwork, Reverend Robert F. Sharman. “Our family was devastated by above, in of the Son of God came into our The Diocese of Harrisburg has Mary Grace’s death... caring for the annual been blessed to have MCA Art- darkness and, even though at times Mary Grace was probably the Missionary work Contest winners for three it looks as though the darkness is hardest thing our family ever had Childhood years straight. Thanks to all our getting the better hand, His Light to do, but we were honored to do Association students who submitted artwork! cannot be overcome. so and felt blessed that she lived Contest. Christmas is also the season of 14 months – that was a gift from An entry form for the 2016-17 gift giving. Parents give gifts to God!” contest can be found on the di- ocesan MCA website: www.hbg- their children, spouses to each “Maddie drew her not long after Mary Grace she won this contest after every- Forbin-Jansen, who began the diocese.org/MCA, or contact the other, friends and family members diocesan Missions Office at mis- exchange gifts. For us who believe died,” her mother relayed. “I was thing she had just been through.” Holy Childhood Association (as astonished that Maddie could The Missionary Childhood it was then known) as an orga- [email protected] or 717- that “Christ the Savior is born,” 657-4804 for more information. our gift giving is also an evocative bring herself to draw again and Association (MCA) is the Holy nization of “Children Helping draw so well. God is so good! Father’s mission society for chil- Children.” MCA now exists in Deadline is January 31, 2017. sign. As we prepare to celebrate the Mary is so amazing! What a re- dren. It was established in 1843 120 countries, and even children (Karen Harding is the Dioc- Christmas Mystery, we ready our- ward for our dear Madeleine that by a French Bishop, Charles de in mission countries put together esan MCA Coordinator.) selves to receive anew the greatest gift we could possibly receive – the Son of God come in our flesh. In Saint John’s Gospel, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life” (John 3:16). Yes, our gift giving is an expression of our love and appreciation for one another, but at a deeper level for us who believe that “Christ the Savior is born” our gift giving becomes an expression of gratitude to God and an imitation of His gracious gener- osity in His Son’s Incarnation and Birth. Let the words of the beautiful , Silent Night, keep us centered on why we do all that we do at Christmas. Reflect on the Evan Sloane receives an award from Father wondrous mysteries we celebrate Andrew Small, OMI, for his winning artwork, in our Liturgies and at home. Be- shown at right, in this year’s Missionary cause “Christ the Savior is born,” Childhood Association Christmas Artwork we celebrate not just a holiday but Contest. a holy day – a day, a season, time itself has been sanctified by Divine Love Who entered our time and abides with us as Light, Gift, Hope and Life. Christ the Savior is born! My sincere best wishes and fer- vent prayers are yours for a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. Your Brother in Christ, Bishop Ronald Gainer The December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 3

The Girls’ Soccer team from Trinity High School in Camp Hill was treated to dinner with Bishop Ronald Gainer at the Pizza Grill on Dec. 12 to celebrate their three straight PIAA state championships. During a luncheon at the Cardinal Keeler Center following last year’s state title, Bishop Gainer promised to have dinner at the Pizza Grill if they pulled off the three-peat. The team won their third championship on November 19 by defeating Mercyhurst Prep 4-1 at Hersheypark Stadium. The team has appeared in four consecutive State Final matches, won 12 straight in PIAA competition and dominated districts, winning District 3 gold six times since 2010. Coach Terry Mull stated, “I am so thrilled to see these girls develop as people. This is just a game, but it gives them life experiences that allow them to grow emotionally, socially and mentally through the love of the sport and each CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS other.”

The Italian Mass Epifania del Nostro Signore Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 12:15 p.m. St. Patrick Cathedral 212 State Street Harrisburg, PA 17101 (Note new time and location) Father Joshua Brommer, Celebrant Special thanks to: Rev. Joshua R. Brommer, Chaplain for the Italian Apostolate Ministry Mario Billow of Daily Funeral Home & The Italian Apostolate Ministry Committee will provide a reception after Mass In the Bishop Rhoades Hall located in the lower level of the Cathedral CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS The four students whose winning artwork is featured on Bishop Ronald Gainer’s Christmas cards this year enjoyed a luncheon on Dec. 12 with the bishop and members of the Department for Catholic Schools. For more information please contact: In the front row are Annie St. Denis, a senior at Lancaster Catholic High School, Bishop Gainer, Livia Mariella Amato at 717-278-9420 Riley, Diocesan Superintendent; and Isabella Jones, a second-grade student at Holy Name of Jesus School Or in Harrisburg. In the back row are Abigail Sell, an eighth-grade student at Annunciation BVM School in Maria DiSanto at 717-554-5698 McSherrystown; Leah Brighter, a fourth-grade student at St. Leo the Great School in Rohrerstown; and e-mail: [email protected] Father Edward J. Quinlan, Diocesan Secretary for Education.

The Witness Returns January 20 Bishop Gainer’s The December 23 edition of The Catholic Witness is the final one for 2016. Our first issue of the New Year will be January 20, 2017. Public Calendar Do you know that you can receive The Catholic Witness via e-mail instead of standard mail? Sign up for the e-mail service by logging on to the dioc- esan Web site at www.hbgdiocese.org. Follow the News/Events tab to The Catholic Witness page and click on “Catholic Witness E-mail Sign Up.” Or, • December 25 – Celebrate , St. Patrick Cathedral, send your name and street address to [email protected], and we’ll Harrisburg, midnight. sign you up. Each Friday that the newspaper is published, you will receive • January 5 – Homilist at Eucharist Devotions, St. Church, an e-mail with a direct link to the latest edition. Registration with the e-mail Lancaster, 7 p.m. service will not cancel your mailed subscription unless you state otherwise. • January 6 – Celebrate First Friday Mass with Confessions, Cardinal As parishes, schools and organizations plan their event calendars for the Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m. New Year, we take this opportunity to let you know that our schedule of is- sue dates and submission deadlines for 2017 are now available. You can find • January 8 – Pastoral Visit and Mass, Our Lady of Fatima Mission, the Publication Schedule and information on how to submit items to via The Jonestown, 9:45 a.m. Catholic Witness link at www.hbgdiocese.org. If you would prefer to receive • January 11 – Celebrate Mass for Catholic School Principals, Cardinal the Publication Schedule and Submission Guidelines via e-mail or standard Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 8:30 a.m. mail, contact us at [email protected] or 717-657-4804 and we’ll be happy to send them to you. • January 15 – Celebrate Mass celebrating African-American Faith and Remember to stay in touch with news from the Diocese of Harrisburg by Culture, St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, 12:15 p.m. visiting its Web site, www.hbgdiocese.org, and by following it on Facebook • January 22 – Celebrate Diocesan Pro-Life Mass, St. Patrick Cathedral, and Twitter. Harrisburg, 12:15 p.m. We send you best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year! The 4 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016

A Photojournalist’s Farewell to The Catholic Witness By Emily M. Albert The Catholic Witness our World Youth Days, two , and three Bishops is Fthe calculation of my nine years and three months work- ing as a photojournalist for The Catholic Witness. God has a special journey for each of us, and nine years ago on September 13, part of my journey was my first day atThe Witness. I couldn’t even begin to mention every name of all the people I’ve been so fortunate to meet throughout the 15 coun- ties of the Diocese of Harrisburg during this journey. Now, I sit, writing my last commentary. My journey is tak- ing a turn down a different path, and I’m letting go and letting God. I’m grateful for my experiences and memories I’ve made through the nine years here. It has been a privilege to photo- graph people at their most intimate moments with God or listen to the stories from the faithful. It has been an honor to do this job, to be there for our parishioners, whether it was going to one of our schools to meet the youth and teachers, or being present for Holy Days like Palm Sunday. This is difficult to write. It’s hard to talk about yourself, and it’s hard to share everything that has happened in nine years; Traveling with the diocese around the world has been an experience I have learned greatly from. A LOT happens in just one year alone! I hope maybe a pho- I’ve learned that I’m never too tired to keep going, and that the people around you are always tograph or a story caught your attention. I hope we’ve learned there for encouragement and prayer. I chose this image from World Youth Day 2011, from our from each other, because I’ve learned from you. Each and stop in Lourdes, France. I remember right after I captured this moment, I paused to take it all in. I was standing above thousands of people praying before the Blessed Mother. Music was every time I went on assignment, I learned from the person in bellowing, and suddenly I began to weep. It was so beautiful, and I felt a sudden warmth front of my camera, or the person behind the voice telling their and comfort from my own time in prayer. story. It was YOU that has made this job meaningful for me. Thank you for reading, thank you for looking at the photographs. Thank you for the notes that were sent, or your participation with recipes for the Feeding the Faith series [please don’t stop!] Thank you for nine years and three months of showing me the Catholic faith alive!

This isn’t by any means the best photograph of the that has ever been captured, but the story leading up to it is why I chose it. I had a press pass to be in a special area for the arrival of Pope Francis at Copacabana Beach in Rio during World Youth Day 2013. The language barrier in Rio was possibly the most challenging I’ve had on all my trips. I was with Father Michael Reid, who had decided he would escort me to my post, and we both There is this moment in photography called the “Decisive Moment.”It had hoped his priest credential would allow him access with me. We soon realized we were originates from famed street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. running out of time before the roads would be completely shut down and mobility wouldn’t Essentially, it means when all things come together in a perfect be possible. We finally – through the interpretation of what I think was from English, to second and the photographer is able to capture that moment. For me, French to Spanish to Portuguese – found out where my location was. We decided to go this photograph was my “Decisive Moment.” The light, the priest’s down the beach where it was less crowded and work our way from there. Suddenly, Father expression. It all came together in one second. Just seconds after I Reid grabbed my arm and we began to sprint down the beach. We made it just in time to photographed the priest, he moved, and just like that it was over. But get me to my post. Though Father Reid was not permitted entrance, he prayed over me I had it. This image was taken at the African American Mass in 2011, and wished me well. After I returned that evening, we talked about our experience and he one of my favorite Masses every year. The congregation is friendly, said it felt like the Holy Spirit had taken over. Neither one of us could believe we had run as and the music is glorious. fast or as far as we did! Still today it is one of my favorite stories to tell.

The Mass Celebrating African CatholicWitness American Faith & Culture The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg

Telephone The Catholic Witness 717-657-4804 ext. 201 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG Sunday, January 15 • St. Patrick Cathedral FAX Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer: Publisher 717-657-7673 Email: [email protected] Jennifer Reed: Managing Editor Bishop Ronald Gainer will be the Principal Celebrant and Homilist for a Website: www.hbgdiocese.org Staff Mass celebrating African American Faith and Culture at Saint Patrick Cathe- Chris Heisey: Photojournalist dral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg. Mass will begin at 12:15 p.m. Yearly Subscriptions: Emily M. Albert: Photojournalist $8.17 per family, derived from Susan Huntsberger: The Diocesan Black Catholic Committee has planned a dynamic liturgy diocesan revenues from the Circulation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant parishes. Other subscriptions: celebrating African American faith and culture, featuring the choir from $12.00 The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly Saint Francis Xavier in Baltimore, Md. All are invited to join us as except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing Association, we celebrate in conjunction with the national holiday honoring the late Dr. Moving? Send us the address label 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111 3710. Periodicals postage paid at from The Catholic Witness plus Harrisburg, PA. Martin Luther King, Jr. your NEW address including zip code +4. Please allow three weeks POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: For more information, contact Gwen Summers at 717-421-4324 or for the change. The Catholic Witness, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710. [email protected]. The December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 5 Father Tamburro Guides Berwick Ministerium in Sharing Christian Faith

By Emily M. Albert The Catholic Witness

Have you heard the one about a priest, a Lutheran minister and a Methodist minister who walk into a meeting on the Feast Day of St. Nicholas? It happened, and the meeting was for the Berwick and Ne- scopeck Area Ministerium. The ministerium consists of several local churches and their congre- gations to share ideas and op- portunities to join the commu- nities together. Father Francis Tamburro, pastor of Immacu- late Conception BVM Parish in Berwick, has led the group as its first-ever Catholic president for the last year and was recently re-elected for his second term. He has been involved with the ministerium for several years and has worked along the side of longtime committee member, Father Dominick Mammarella, a retired priest of the diocese. “I see it as a role of service to my fellow clergy,” Father Tam- EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS burro said of his responsibility. At the conclusion of their December meeting, members of the Berwick and Nescopeck Ministerium joined together for a Christmas According to the ministeri- celebration, including a special visit from St. Nicholas, Rev. Brian Vasey of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, who dressed um’s constitution, the primary up as the saint to tell the story of the origin of started. Father Tamburro is to the left of St. Nicholas, and Father purpose of this organization Mammarella to the right. Other ministerium members are Rev. Chad Hebrink of Grace Lutheran Church, Pastor Susan Knorr of is to encourage growth in the Columbia Circuit U. M., Rev. Ralph Hartenbach of Bower Memorial U.M. Church, Pastor John Hill of Berwick Christian Church, Rev. Christian faith and to promote David Kingsborough of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Rev. Mary Kisner of Christ Episcopal Church, Mrs. Joan Vasey, wife of Rev. Vasey, Rev. Craig Gommer of Wesley United Methodist Church, Rev. Laura King of Calvary and St. Paul’s United Methodist fellowship among the clergy Churches, Rev. Jessica Kingsborough of Faith United Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rev. Darlene Little of First Presbyterian Church, of the area’s churches. In ac- Rev. Warren Baughman, Jr. Retired, of Bower United Methodist Church, Lt. Trisha Smouse of the Salvation Army, Rev. Thomas cord with this purpose, it is the Jones of First United Methodist Church, and Rev. Stephen Portner of Bethany United Methodist Church. ministerium’s desire to promote the unity and common minis- such way is through a grant response, so that those in the congregations what is going on has been a really helpful thing try of the corporate church of they receive from the Berwick community do not have to go in the other faith communities. for me as a new person in town.” Jesus Christ in the greater Ber- Health and Wellness Founda- through the Yellow Pages call- The ministerium also brings Father Tamburro feels he has wick area. They guide this pur- tion that enables them to cre- ing different churches. If you together fellow clergy by giving seen the ecumenical relation- pose by hosting unity services ate an emergency heating fund. speak to one of us we can share them a network. ships improve over the years. throughout the year. Most re- They also help place people in the information and we can point “As a new clergy recently ap- “We don’t impose anything cently, they hosted a Thanksgiv- hotels or at the local warming them in the right direction.” pointed, I really value the min- on anybody, we just work to- ing unity service on the Sunday shelter during extreme winter At the end of their agenda isterium and getting to know gether with our shared Christian before Thanksgiving. And they conditions. during monthly meetings, min- all the other clergy of the other faith.” He continued, “I see it as celebrate another service for The ministerium also pro- isterium members ask if any of churches,” commented Rev. a really good channel or instru- Christian Unity Sunday every vides a clearer process for those the clergy have church events to Laura King of Calvary and St. ment for evangelization in the January. in need to seek help, Rev. Chad share. They can then take this Paul’s United Methodist church- sense of spreading the Gospel of The ministerium provides as- Hebrink of Grace Lutheran information back to their own es. “And being pulled into the Christ and witnessing to it in the sistance to those in need. One Church, explains. “It’s a united church and share with their own brotherhood of fellow clergy, it greater Berwick community.”

The Diocesan Girl Scout Committee Presents A St. Agnes Patch Workshop Saturday, January 21 from 2-4:30 p.m. Good Shepherd Church, Camp Hill Girls are invited to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Agnes, patron saint of Girl Scouts and American Heri- tage Girls. Cost of the workshop is $7. Donations of children’s socks, hats, gloves and mittens will be collected for a service project. Register online by visiting the Girl Scouts CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS link at www.hbgdio- Bishop Ronald Gainer accepts the gifts from Matthew Cates, Newman Club Treasurer, cese.org/youth-and- and Mark Freidhoff, Newman Club Vice President, during a Mass for the Catholic Campus young-adults/ Ministry at York College on Dec. 7, for the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed catholic-scouting/. Virgin Mary. Last year, the Newman Club of York College of celebrated its 50th Deadline to register is anniversary as the Catholic student organization on campus. The Newman Club there holds January 4. regular Masses, socials, retreats and community service efforts. The 6 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016 Forgiving Self Whence the By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC Special to The Witness Incarnation? As you are all well aware, last December, Pope Francis announced an Ex- By Father Paul CB Schenck traordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy. He spent the year reflecting, preaching, Special to The Witness and teaching the global Church about what it means to be merciful like the Father, and how we enflesh this concept in today’s world. Have you ever had the experience of meeting someone you’ve greatly ad- Throughout this year, you and I have also mused about mired, for the first time? It happened to me when I was invited to accompany the spiritual and corporal works of the Greek Catholic Archbishop of Jerusalem, Lacham, on Pope St. John Paul’s mercy. With this year of grace now Holy Land Pilgrimage. We drawn to a close, I have looked back Thoughts were in the Church of the Na- not only to the articles that I have from a Catholic tivity in , where the Father Paul written about mercy in The Catholic Evangelist Great Saint would meet us. I CB Schenck Witness but also to the varied presen- Sister Geralyn had been reading and follow- tations on mercy. Schmidt, SCC ing John Paul II for a decade. LIFEGIFT Of all the words that I typed or said As a Protestant minister, I was about God’s grace and mercy, there is thrilled with his encyclicals, one aspect that, I believe, only few of us live or understand: Ut Unum Sint, (On Christian Unity), and Evange- being merciful to self; extending forgiveness to the person that we see in the lium Vitae, (The Gospel of Life). Now, I was in the mirror. Can each and every one of us go up to the person we see reflected Holy Land, in Bethlehem, and was to be greeted by back and announce with all sincerity, “I love you!” I am not talking about a him. He entered the room, and the response I had narcissistic, “worship me” type of attitude. I mean truly gazing on our warts, written and memorized evaporated from my brain, moles, scars and, because of them, or in spite of them, loving self. and I was speechless. His holiness was palpable, it “How does one get there?” you might ask. First and foremost, it begins exuded from him, and enveloped all of us. He greeted us, blessed us, then we with being totally honest with self, being in the presence of God and say- followed him into the grotto of Christ’s nativity to pray. I had met the holiest ing, “I am powerless over how I …..” (am addicted to drink, food, sex, lust, person in my life, body, and blood. At the Incarnation, God gave himself a Body. God gave himself Blood. comfort, entertainment, being right, being better than others, being more The Compendium of the Catechism of the states, “Christ wealthy than others, and … and ...) This reflection could easily cause an assumed a true human body by means of which the invisible God became vis- emotional downward spiral if it wasn’t for the fact that God CAN restore all ible.” (92) But when did this occur? Because of the great Feast of the Nativ- those things within us that are lacking. Then, LET HIM do so! This means ity on December 25, we mostly associate the Incarnation with Christ’s birth. being brutally honest within the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. His visible Body though was given to Him at His conception. Conception is Within this sacrament, let him forgive you for that one thing you have hid- when 46 human chromosomes pair up and, according to the Human Genome den away under your “spiritual bed,” or in your “spiritual closet” or up in Project, a new, distinct, and unique human comes into being. We now know your “spiritual attic.” After all, he already knows about it! Remember, on the the embryonic body begins at conception and the blood is in place five weeks cross, Jesus opened his arms in an eternal embrace, waiting for you to accept later. In the Creed, we profess – his hug of forgiveness. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, This grace of forgiveness found within the sacrament that stems from the the Only Begotten Son of God, cross beckons us to open our beings to the workings of the Holy Spirit. In born of the Father before all ages. doing so, we experience a personal resurrection; we become a new creature God from God, Light from Light, in Christ. true God from true God, Some of you might be thinking, “Yeah, not me!” Really? What offense is begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; not pardonable by God? through him, all things were made. Recently, I came across a blog1 that was specifically about this topic. In For us men and for our salvation this blog, the author states, “Forgiving yourself is not about forgetting. It is he came down from heaven, about not bringing the offense up to yourself in negative ways. Forgiving and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, yourself is simply letting go of what you are holding against yourself so and became man. that you can move on with God. If God has moved on, shouldn’t we do the Perhaps it is because for most of history the prenatal child has been techni- same?” cally invisible, that we do not associate the Incarnation with the conception. Forgiving self is all about allowing the mercy of the Father to turn the scar, Imagine if ultrasound existed in Mary’s time, it would have been possible to the wound, the addiction, into glory. By refusing to do this, we rob ourselves capture an image of His “true human body by means of which the invisible of the energy that God gives us to build up his kingdom. In a sense, we ce- God became visible”! Still, at the Visitation, Elizabeth asks, “… how does this ment the stone that whatever we are holding onto blocked from our personal happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Lk. 1:43) She experience of the resurrection. knew her Lord was present within Mary. Pop culture makes a lot these days of A new life awaits! What still is preventing us? the “baby bump.” I have a beautiful depiction of the Madonna Della Divina 1 http://www.allaboutgod.com/forgiving-yourself.htm Maternita, “Our Lady of Divine Motherhood,” with an obvious baby bump! As we celebrate the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas), we should harken to (Sister of Christian Charity, Geralyn Schmidt, is the Wide Area Network the Annunciation nine months before. It was then, at the divine conception, Coordinator at the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Director of Formation for that the invisible God was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became visible. Wives in the Diaconate Program. An educator for 29 years, she is responsi- He was making Himself known, fully and completely, Body, Blood, Soul, and ble for Professional Development Programs for every age learner. Through Divinity. her presentations, she challenges her audiences to be the individual God has (Father Paul CB Schenck is the Director of the Diocesan Office of Respect called them to be.) Life Activities.)

Retrouvaille ~ Diocesan A Lifeline for Marriages Pro-Life Mass

Stress in Your Marriage? Retrouvaille Sunday, January 22 is a program for married couples that St. Patrick Cathedral feel bored, disillusioned, frustrated, or angry in their marriage. Some The annual Diocesan experience coldness. Others experi- Pro-Life Mass will take place ence conflict in their relationship. on Sunday January 22, 2017, at Most don’t know how to change the St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State situation or even communicate with their Street, Harrisburg. Mass begins spouse about it. This program has helped at 12:15 p.m., and Bishop tens of thousands of couples experiencing Ronald Gainer will be the celebrant and homilist. The difficulties in their marriage. In the Diocese Mass will mark the 44th of Harrisburg, Retrouvaille falls under the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, auspices of the Office for Family Life. For confidential legalizing abortion in America information about Retrouvaille, or to register for the and leading to the death of January program beginning with a weekend on Jan. more than 57 million unborn 13-15, call 800-470-2230 or visit the web site at www. children. All are welcome to HelpOurMarriage.com. EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS attend. The December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 7

Life Issues Forum Prayer Changes Things By Tom Grenchik Special to The Witness Pro-life advocates pray across from the Supreme January 22, 1973 is ingrained in the minds of those Court building during the who cherish human life as the infamous day when the March for Life in U.S. Supreme Court invalidated state abortion bans and Washington last Jan. 22. made abortion legal and available on-demand throughout This year’s March will be all 9 months of pregnancy across the country. And every held Jan. 27. year since the tragic Roe v. Wade decision, people have CNS/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ gathered in Washington, D.C., each January to march for life, pray for the protection of unborn children and their mothers, and make their voices heard to federal elected officials. This coming year, the national March for Life will be held in our nation’s capital on Friday, January 27, 2017. As happens every four years, the March is shifted by a week due to the Presidential Inauguration. In ad- dition to the hundreds of thousands who will gather in D.C., many thousands more will be gathering at local and regional events from coast to coast. Visit marchforlife. org/mfl-2017/local-march-for-life-events to get a sense for the size of this movement, largely made up of young people compelled to right a grievous wrong from an ear- lier generation. Whether you are making a national pilgrimage or a local one, pilgrimages are marked by prayer and penance. And the U.S. Catholic bishops have created a very adaptable novena to assist you. 9 Days for Life is an annual invita- tion to join the bishops in focused prayer and action for who would have been deeply committed to further en- and to assure them of hope through post-abortion healing the nine days encompassing the Roe anniversary and the shrining abortion in our legal system and culture. Now, ministries like Project Rachel. events marking it nationwide. Especially geared toward perhaps, there is hope that the next justices appointed Various ideas for individual or group participation young people, participants can join the bishops in daily will be more committed to upholding the Constitution, in the novena are available at www.usccb.org/about/ prayers and simple sacrifices from Saturday, January 21, rather than furthering the culture of death. Let us offer pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/9-days-for-life- to Sunday, January 29. Prayers and activities are provided our prayers and sacrifices for such a hope. summary.cfm. The bishops look forward to you joining through email, text messages, various social media plat- During 9 Days for Life, the bishops not only ask us to them in this special time of prayer for our nation. Prayer forms, and even a free mobile app. So even if you can’t pray for children’s and mothers’ lives at risk, but to also changes things. attend a physical pilgrimage, you can join in spirit from pray for the many millions of lives that have been lost, (Tom Grenchik is the Executive Director of the Secre- home, office, or school—and invite others along as well. and for those who personally mourn those losses. Rare is tariat of Pro-Life Activities of the United States Confer- Not long ago, we were looking at the prospect of the the family that has not been touched by abortion in some ence of Catholic Bishops. Learn about the bishops’ pro- next appointments to the Supreme Court being justices way. The novena reminds us to pray for those who grieve life activities at www.usccb.org/prolife.) Buses Traveling to the March from the Diocese of Harrisburg The following is a listing, provided by the Diocesan Office of Respect LifeActivities, of various buses departing from the Diocese of Harrisburg to the March for Life on January 27, 2017. For a list of parishes that will be offering Holy Hours for Life January 18-25, visit www.hbgdiocese.org/respectlife.

Our Lady of the Visitation Parish in Saint Patrick Parish in Carlisle: Council 4057 Shippensburg: The day starts with Mass at the Join in the March for Life of the Knights of Columbus in Carlisle is sending parish at 7:15 a.m. Departure will be at 8 a.m., and a bus to the March. Depart from the Parish Activ- return time 6 p.m. Cost: $20. Includes round trip ~ January 27, 2017 ity Center at 85 Marsh Drive at 5:30 a.m. to allow motor coach, driver tip, group hat, snacks, water participants to attend Mass in Washington. Return Agenda for the Day: and pizza dinner upon return to church. Contact: time is 8 p.m. Cost: $25. For additional informa- Joanne Meehan 717-491-6495. tion, contact George Pollin at gapollin3@gmail. Youth Rally & Mass at the DC Armory com. St. John the Baptist Parish in New Freedom (ticketed event) will send two buses to the March for Life, leaving 2001 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington DC Parish in Danville: The parish the parish at approximately 9:45 a.m. and returning 6:30 a.m. Doors Open office will be coordinating the bus arrangements. approximately 7 p.m. To register, please call the Our meeting place is the front of the church. De- parish office at717-235-2156. Cost: $10. 7:30 a.m. Rally Begins part after the 6:30 a.m. daily Mass and return time 7:30 a.m. Confessions is between 10:30 and 11 p.m., after a quick stop St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Annville will be for dinner. Individuals need to pack a lunch. Cost: 9:30 a.m. Mass sponsoring a bus for the March for Life. The bus $20. To register, call the parish office at 570-275- departs at 8:45 a.m. and returns at approximately 2512. 8 p.m. Contact Mary Langan at the parish office at March for Life at the National Mall 717-867-1525. Cost: $25. (no tickets needed) Seven Sorrows BVM Parish in Middletown: 11:45 a.m. Musical Opening The parish along with the George V. Lentocha Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Elysburg: The bus departs from the parish at 7 12:00 p.m. Rally Knights of Columbus Council #3501 is arranging a bus for the March for Life. Depart the church by a.m. and returns at approximately 10:30 p.m. To 1:00 p.m. March register, please contact Michele Resuta at 570-672- 7:05 a.m. to arrive at the National Basilica at 10:15 1040, ext. 102, or [email protected]. Cost: $20. 3:00 p.m. (approx) Silent No More testimonies a.m. and attend Mass at the Shrine of the Immacu- outside U.S. Supreme Court late Conception at 11 a.m. After Mass, participants Holy Infant Parish in Manchester: Departure 3:30 p.m. Visit your Representative or will take the Metro to the site of the Rally. Those who wish may also stay at the Basilica for reflec- and return times: 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m. The meet- Senator to advocate for life ing place will be the parking lot of Holy Infant tion or sightseeing during the Rally. After the Silent No More testimonials, the group will take Church, 535 Conewago Creek Rd., Manchester. Visit www.marchforlife.org the Metro back to the Basilica and board the bus Will drop of at Basillica and get metro to March for additional information. site. Cost: $10. To reserve your space, please con- for home. There will be a quick dinner stop on the tact Becky Papa at 717-266-5286 or way back. Cost: $25 for ages 16 and up. For youth [email protected]. Depart from the IHM parking lot at 7 a.m. and return ages 6-15, cost is $15 and they must be accompa- approximately 7:30-8 p.m. Cost: $10. Seats must nied by a parent or guardian. Children five years Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in be reserved by the end of December. Contact Steve of age and under are free. For more information, Abbottstown: Knights of Columbus Council Signorello at 717-253-5924 or John Schlaline at 717- please contact Daniel Samarin at 717-919-7587 or #13692 is sponsoring a bus to the March for Life. 699-4534. at [email protected]. The 8 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016 Bishop Gainer Makes Pastoral Visit to St. Patrick Parish in Trevorton By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness A painting of St. John Neumann is seen among the murals at St. Patrick Church. The saint blessed the The labors of love enfolded into the his- cornerstone of the original church in 1857. tory of St. Patrick Church in Trevorton ring through the parish’s 150-plus years to the community of faith that it continues to be today. This rich history and care for the commu- nity was evident as Bishop Ronald Gainer made a pastoral visit to the Northumber- land County parish on the third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 11. The coal-mining town of Trevorton drew people to the area after the opening of the mines in 1827, and soon priests visited the Catholics among the townspeople, tending to their needs and celebrating Mass in pri- vate homes. By 1852, Father Michael Sheridan, the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Danville, was making regular visits to Trevorton, and he soon planned for the construction of a Catholic church named after the patron saint of Ireland. Construction of the original church began in 1857, and its cornerstone was blessed by St. John Neumann while serving as Bishop of . An account in a diocesan history book tells the legend that Father George Gosten- schnigg, pastor of the parish as the church CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS was nearing completion, carried the bell for the new church on his shoulders from Sun- ing the short pastorate of Father George of the parish posed for the paintings. The anniversary in 2000. The parish is a com- bury, and died as a result of heat exhaustion Seubert; the first Mass was celebrated there church’s stained-glass windows depict 13 munity that cares for the poor and those in and pneumonia just days before its dedica- in the basement on Christmas Day, 1901. pastors, and were created by Edward J. By- need via a food bank, a clothing pantry and tion. The original murals were created by Ed- rne of Doylestown, Pa. a charitable fund that assists people in pay- The present church was purchased dur- win Sharkey of Glenside, Pa., and members St. Patrick Parish celebrated its 150th ing for fuel and emergency needs.

Above: Father Steven Frenier, OFM, Conv., is the current pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Trevorton. Left: Bishop Ronald Gainer concelebrates Holy Mass on the third Sunday of Advent. The rose-colored vestments represent the joy of our anticipation of Christ’s coming. Right: Bishop Ronald Gainer receives the gifts from Miley Brezgel. The December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 9

St. Catherine of Siena Parish Welcomes Bishop Gainer on Fourth Sunday of Advent

By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness ocated on the southeastern-most edge of the diocese, St. Catherine of Siena LParish in Quarryville was the final stop Dec. 18 on Bishop Ronald Gainer’s most recent series of pastoral visits in November and December. St. Catherine’s, which will mark its 175th anniversary in 2019, traces its history to the Scotch- Irish immigrant Catholics who came to work at the iron furnace built in 1809 along the Conowingo Creek. Those early Catholics in the area were tended to by priests from Assump- tion BVM Parish in Lancaster and St. Malachy’s Parish in Chester County. Around 1830, Father Bernard McCabe began celebrating a monthly Mass for CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS the congregation; the first was celebrated in a grove of trees which is now located Above, top: The is seen on the Fourth Sunday of Advent at St. in St. Catherine Cemetery. By 1842, Father McCabe began overseeing the con- Catherine of Siena Church in Quarryville. struction of a church, and St. Catherine’s Chapel was completed in 1844. Bishop Above: Bishop Ronald Gainer blesses Father Mark Speitel, pastor of St. Catherine of Philadelphia dedicated it on May 4, 1844. Parish, prior to the Gospel Reading on Dec. 18. According to parish history, St Catherine’s Church was almost named for St. Left: Two-year-old Aslan Stefanow peers over the shoulder of her father, Ken, Patrick, but Bishop Neumann felt that there were too many St. Patrick churches during Mass. in the Philadelphia Diocese. Since more of the women in the parish had Cath- Below: Altar servers Olivia Lasko and Angela Cylc join in the processional, flanked erine as their name, St. Catherine was chosen as patroness, and on July 26, 1857, by a Knights of Columbus honor guard. Bishop Neumann rededicated the cornerstone. The parish’s second church was dedicated by Bishop Thomas McGovern on Nov. 8, 1896. By the 1990s, the church could no longer accommodate its growing congrega- tion, with more than 650 families. Bishop Nicholas C. Dattilo saw the need for a larger worship space, and Father Joseph C. Coyne, pastor, began the building process along Robert Fulton Highway, Route 222. Ground was broken on April 4, 1998, construction began that October, and the first Mass was celebrated there on July 3, 1999. Classrooms and offices were also included in the new building project. Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades and Father Ronald J. Moratelli, former pastor, dedicated the parish’s large community room on July 16, 2005, which included additional classrooms, an office and a well-equipped kitchen for social gatherings. Today, St. Catherine of Siena Parish is under the pastorate of Father Mark Speitel. An estimated fifty percent of the parish’s families are those who moved to the area from Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. The parish enjoys an active Knights of Columbus Council, and has just re- sumed a youth group. Its “Good Samaritans” group visits shut-ins and offers a prayer shawl ministry. The parish also participates in Quarryville’s “Flowing Oil” project, in which area churches take turns organizing and hosting meals for those in need. The 10 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016 Allentown’s Bishop Barres Appointed to Rockville Centre, N.Y. Catholic News Service cess for parishes across the Diocese of Allentown. He has called on every Pope Francis has accepted the resig- parish to establish a parish council and nation of Bishop William F. Murphy of has made support for Catholic schools Rockville Centre, New York, and ap- a priority; enhanced evangelization and pointed as his successor Bishop John pastoral ministries; and encouraged use O. Barres of Allentown, Pennsylvania. of social media to spread the Gospel Bishop Barres, 56, has headed the Di- and evangelize. ocese of Allentown since 2009. Bishop On the national level, he is a mem- Murphy, who has been Rockville Cen- ber of the U.S. Conference of Catholic tre’s bishop since 2001, is 76. Canon Bishops’ Committee on Evangelization law requires bishops to turn in their res- and Catechesis and is the USCCB’s ignation to the pope when they turn 75. episcopal liaison to the Pontifical Mis- The changes were announced Dec. sion Societies. 9 in Washington by Archbishop Chris- He has a bachelor of sacred theol- tophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the ogy and a licentiate in systematic the- United States. ology from The Catholic University of Bishop Barres’ Mass of installation America in Washington; he received his will be celebrated at the Cathedral of seminary formation at the university’s St. Agnes in Rockville Centre Jan. 31. Theological College. Until that time, Bishop Murphy will He has a licentiate in canon law and a serve as apostolic administrator of the doctor of sacred theology degree from diocese. the Pontifical University of the Holy “It is my deep conviction that he will Cross in Rome. He has a bachelor of be a bishop for all of us without excep- CNS/GREGORY A. SHEMITZ, LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC art’s degree in English literature from tion,” Bishop Murphy said of his suc- Bishop John O. Barres of Allentown, Pa., greets sacristan Romona Duran after concelebrating Mass with Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y., Princeton University and a master’s in cessor in a statement. “He has shared Dec. 9 at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre. Earlier in the day Pope Francis business administration, focusing on with me his love of youth and his care accepted the resignation of Bishop Murphy and appointed Bishop Barres as his management, from New York Univer- for the elderly. He has a keen sense of successor. sity’s School of Business Administra- parish life and has a special expertise in tion in 1984. education. He has a deep love for the The newly named Rockville Centre my prayers and my Masses as I remem- After his priestly ordination, he had poor.” bishop was introduced to the diocese ber our days of ‘holiness and mission’ assignments as associate pastor at two Bishop Murphy also said Rockville during an early morning Mass the day together.” Delaware parishes, then went to Rome Centre’s new bishop “will be a good of his appointment that he concelebrat- Born in Larchmont, New York, Sept. for further studies. After his return to neighbor to our brothers and sisters” in ed with Bishop Murphy at the Cathe- 20, 1960, Bishop Barres was ordained the Wilmington Diocese in 1999, he other Christian denominations as well dral of St. Agnes. a priest of the Diocese of Wilmington, served as vice chancellor, then chancel- as members of the Jewish and Muslim “I must thank the priests and the en- Delaware, Oct. 21, 1989. On May 27, lor. faiths, and the many civic and political tire people of God of the Diocese of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed A native of Boston, Bishop Murphy leaders with whom the church works Allentown, where I have had the great him bishop of Allentown. He was in- was ordained to the priesthood for the “in building up Long Island for future blessing of serving as bishop for the stalled as that diocese’s fourth bishop Archdiocese of Boston Dec. 16, 1964. generations.” last seven-and-a-half years,” Bishop July 30, 2009. He was named a Boston auxiliary bish- He described Bishop Barres as “a Barres said in a statement. “You will all During his tenure in Allentown, he op in 1995. St. John Paul II appointed man of prayer” above all. always be in my heart, my memories, has initiated a pastoral planning pro- him to Rockville Centre June 26, 2001.

Violence Fixes Nothing; World Needs Politics of Peace, Pope Says By Carol Glatz closed-mindedness, but on responsibility, respect and holy. Peace alone is holy, not war!” Catholic News Service sincere dialogue.” “In the most local and ordinary situations and in the “Hence, I plead for disarmament and for the prohibi- international order,” he wrote, “may nonviolence be- Calling for a new style of politics built on peace and tion and abolition of nuclear weapons: nuclear deter- come the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships nonviolence, Pope Francis also called for disarma- rence and the threat of mutually assured destruction and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its ment, the eradication of nuclear weapons and an end are incapable of grounding such an ethics,” he said. “I forms.” to domestic violence and abuse against women and plead with equal urgency for an end to domestic vio- Speaking with reporters at the Vatican, Cardinal Pe- children. lence and to the abuse of women and children.” ter Turkson said the pope’s message is meant to remind “Violence is not the cure for our broken world,” he The Church contributes by seeking to limit the use of people that active nonviolence is not “a utopian idea” said in his annual message for the World Day of Peace force by applying moral norms, and many Christians but is a truly “feasible path.” Jan. 1. contribute by drafting legislation. Diplomacy and the hope for peace negotiations must “It is a challenge to build up society, communities “To be true followers of Jesus today also includes never be neglected because “the diplomatic channel al- and businesses by acting as peacemakers. It is to show embracing his teaching about nonviolence,” he said, ways gives us the possibility for dialogue” where all mercy by refusing to discard people, harm the environ- and follow his practice of tackling evil with love and sides can speak face-to-face, said the cardinal, who ment or seek to win at any cost,” he added. truth. is president of the Pontifical Council for Justice and The message, released by the Vatican Dec. 12, said In fact, an important “manual” for peacemaking, he Peace. He will serve as prefect of the new Dicastery for building a world of peace requires a “willingness to said, is Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he present- Promoting Integral Human Development, which will face conflict head on, to resolve it” and to make it part ed the Beatitudes. consolidate the work of four pontifical councils. of a new process of choosing solidarity and building Applying the Beatitudes, which outlines how to be He said the new dicastery will be conducting a deeper friendships. blessed, good and authentic, “is also a program and a reflection on the appropriateness of how the traditional “Active nonviolence is a way of showing that unity challenge for political and religious leaders, the heads Catholic just-war theory is being used today. is truly more powerful and more fruitful than conflict,” of international institutions, and business and media While there are no plans for a papal encyclical on the the pope said. While differences will sometimes lead to executives,” the pope said. subject, he said the dicastery will organize a number difficulties, “let us face them constructively and non- The “politics of nonviolence,” he said, also begins of seminars and events to bring in experts to discuss violently,” so that tension and opposition can turn into with each individual, who will never miss an opportu- various “points of view” on the theory that some wars “diversified and life-giving unity,” preserving “what is nity to offer a kind word, smile or simple gesture that can be justified in order to “analyze” the findings and valid and useful on both sides.” “sows peace and friendship.” publish the conclusions. His message, which the Vatican sends to heads of “I ask God to help all of us to cultivate nonviolence A deeper reflection is needed, he told reporters, be- state around the world, invited everyone “to banish in our most personal thoughts and values. May charity cause just-war criteria are not always used for their violence from our hearts, words and deeds, and to and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as in- original intent of preventing or discouraging war. “Now becoming nonviolent people and to build nonviolent dividuals, within society and in international life.” it is used for other different reasons,” he said. communities that care for our common home.” When victims of violence resist the temptation to re- The cardinal also said while the new dicastery was Building a new politics of nonviolence starts in the taliate, “they become the most credible promotors of set to begin Jan. 1, 2017, he said he asked Pope Francis human heart and the home, he said. nonviolent peacemaking” in the tradition of those who if they could extend that date to “around Easter” given It is in the family that people can learn how to com- struggled actively and nonviolently for change such as the amount of work in re-organizing and building a new municate, be generous and caring, and resolve conflicts St. Teresa of Kolkata, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther approach with the help of an outside consultant. “not by force but by dialogue, respect, concern for the King Jr. and the thousands of women in Liberia who Some of the councils’ former offices will continue good of the other, mercy and forgiveness.” helped end their nation’s civil war, Pope Francis wrote. their work in research and study and a new department From within the family, “the joy of love spills out Many religious traditions contribute by promoting will be established to apply or put into practice differ- into the world and radiates to the whole of society,” compassion and nonviolence and protecting victims of ent projects. He said he hoped the new dicastery would he said. injustice, he said. For that reason, “I emphatically reaf- have a better communications strategy with a special- This “ethics of fraternity and peaceful coexistence” firm that ‘no religion is terrorist’” and the name of God ized office dedicated to sharing information and reach- can never be “based on the logic of fear, violence and can never be “used to justify violence. Peace alone is ing out to media. The December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 11 Christmas Joy Comes from Knowing God Loves and Saves Us, Pope Says By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

As Christmas approached, St. Peter’s Square was filled with balloons, singing and an incredible variety of Baby Jesus figurines – everything from plastic figures that would fit in a walnut shell to those that were larger- than-life sized. For Pope Francis, the most important ingredient in the mix was joy. Reciting the Angelus Dec. 11 and blessing the Baby Jesus statues children brought for their home or school Nativity scenes, the pope insisted that the true meaning of Christmas should bring Christians a deep and abid- ing sense of joy. Unlike “superficial happiness” or even the giddiness shopping can bring, he said, “it is a joy that touches the depths of our being while we await Jesus, who already has come to bring salvation to the world, the promised Messiah, born in Bethlehem of the Virgin Mary.” “God entered history to free us from slavery to sin; he pitched his tent among us to share our existence, heal our wounds, bandage our injuries and give us new life,” the pope said. “Joy is the fruit of this intervention of salvation and God’s love.” The Christmas decorations and lights and the Nativity scenes being set up in homes all over the world are signs of that joy, Pope Francis said. They are a call “to welcome the Lord who always knocks at our door, the CNS/PAUL HARING doors of our hearts, to draw near to us” and “to recognize his footsteps in those of our brothers and sisters pass- A girl holds her baby Jesus figurine as Pope Francis leads the Angelus from the window of his apartment ing by, especially the weakest and neediest.” overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 11. Pope Francis asked the children to pray in front of their Nativity scenes with their parents. “Ask Baby Jesus In an annual tradition, Roman children brought their to help us all love God and our neighbors.” figurines of the baby Jesus to the Angelus. Baby Jesus Reminds Us of Painful Plight of Migrants, Pope Says By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service A boat representing migrants is pictured in the Nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square at the The Christmas and Nativity scene are symbols of Vatican Dec. 9. God’s love and hope, reminding us to contemplate the CNS/PAUL HARING beauty of creation and welcome the marginalized, Pope Francis said. Baby Jesus, whose parents could find no decent shelter and had to flee persecution, is a reminder of the “painful experience” of so many migrants today, he said Dec. 9, just before the Vatican was to be lit and its Na- tivity scene was to be unveiled. Nativity scenes all over the world “are an invitation to make room in our life and society for God – hidden in the gaze of so many people” who are living in need, poverty or suffering, he told people involved in donating the tree and creche for St. Peter’s Square. The northern Italian province of Trent donated the 82-foot-tall spruce fir, which was adorned with ceramic ornaments handmade by children receiving medical treat- ment at several Italian hospitals. The 55-foot-wide Nativity scene was donated by the government and Archdiocese of Malta. It features 17 fig- ures dressed in traditional Maltese attire as well as replica of a Maltese boat to represent the seafaring traditions of the island. The boat also represents “the sad and tragic reality of its symbolic value, which is a message of fraternity, shar- Archbishop Lauro Tisi of Trent, speaking at the tree- migrants on boats headed toward ,” the pope said in lighting ceremony as the sun set, told people in St. Peter’s his speech in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall. ing, welcoming and solidarity,” the pope said. Square that the towering tree had lived decades – decades “In the painful experience of these brothers and sisters, The beauty of the pristine forests of northern Italy where that saw thousands of people from the region emigrate in we revisit that [experience] of baby Jesus, who at the time the tree grew “is an invitation to contemplate the creator search of work in the early 1900s. It’s unconscionable, he of his birth did not find accommodation and was born in and to respect nature,” he said, adding that “we are all said, that people today refuse to welcome those coming a grotto in Bethlehem and then was brought to Egypt to called to approach creation with contemplative awe.” from poorer places with the same needs and dreams. escape Herod’s threat.” The Nativity scene and tree will remain in St. Peter’s Manwel Grech, a sculptor of religious statues from “Those who visit this creche will be invited to rediscover Square until the feast of the Lord’s Baptism Jan. 9. Gozo, Malta, won a contest to make the Nativity scene. It was dream to create art for the Vatican and have it exhib- ited in the square where thousands of people from around the world will see it. Pope With more than a dozen statues of people and a menag- Francis erie of animals and other elements in the scene, Grech is a accepts a bit of a traditionalist: Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus are birthday his favorites among the resin sculptures. cake from He wanted Mary to have a peaceful face because “when chefs during you see Jesus, you relax,” he said, and he tried to give Jo- his general seph a look of pride. audience in Grech included several very Maltese touches in the Na- Paul VI tivity scene: A traditional balcony decorated with a Mal- hall at the tese cross; a statue of St. George Preca, the country’s only Vatican canonized saint; and a “luzzu,” the traditional Maltese Dec. 14. The fishing boat, which also reminds people of the journeys of pope turned 80 migrants across the Mediterranean Sea. on Dec. 17. Between the Nativity scene and the Christmas tree, the Vatican placed the cross and chunks of the facade of the CNS/ L’OSSERTAVORE Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy. The basilica was ROMANO destroyed by an earthquake in October and dozens of other churches in central Italy crumbled or were heavily dam- aged. Money left at the Nativity scene by visitors will be donated to the church rebuilding effort in Norcia. The 12 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016

Knights from St. Donate to Coats for Kids Program The Knights of The names of the following de- Sister Therese Dugre Columbus St. Katha- ceased persons have been submitted rine Drexel (Council Sister Therese (of the Infant Jesus) Du- #13100) in Mechanics- by their parishes. Please remember gre, a Discalced Carmelite nun, died on burg recently presented in your prayers the happy repose of Nov. 11 at Emmanuel Center in Danville. Operation Wildcat in these recently departed souls and the She was 100. Mechanicsburg with a consolation of their loved ones. Born Marie Therese Yvette Dugre on donation of coats from June 10, 1916, in St. Boniface, Province the Coats for Kids ABBOTTSTOWN – Immaculate of Quebec, Canada, she emigrated to the Heart of Mary: Richard Harkenrider. drive. The Knights of United States with her family in 1928 and Columbus developed continued her schooling in Manchester, BLOOMSBURG – St. Columba: the Coats for Kids N.H. Blaise Delnis, Nebiye A. Karlonis, program, which allows In 1932, at the age of 16, she entered Marjorie Speer. the Discalced Carmelite Monastery in councils across North BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – St. Loretto, Pa., and made profession in America the oppor- tunity to purchase Rita: Nancy Angle, Mary Bentz. 1934. Nine years later, she was chosen to be one of the foundresses of the monas- new winter coats for BUCHANAN VALLEY – St. tery in Mount Carmel, which was opened children at a discount Ignatius Loyola: Ronald Grace. in 1953. In 1961, the community moved and to distribute them to children in need in CAMP HILL – Good Shepherd: to its newly-built monastery in Elysburg. their local communi- Paul Kennedy. In religious life, Sister Therese served as a baker, director of novices, sacristan ties. Operation Wildcat began in 2006 to pool the resources of the Mechanics- COAL TOWNSHIP – Our Lady for more than 20 years, making vestments burg community to help school district students and families in need. Operation of Hope: Ronald Bradley, Georgietta and altar linens, seamstress, making litur- Wildcat strives to be the one resource available to Mechanicsburg Area School Rozinskie, Eleanor Vivaldo. gical banners, council sister and prioress. District students and families. The coats were distributed to students and fami- Sister Therese was a witness to love of lies beginning Nov. 21. In the photo, Grand Knight Russell Kulp and Brother GETTYSBURG – St. Francis God, fidelity in prayer, diligent service Knights Scott Christ, Joe Moritz, Paul Bowers and Dave Orris present Coats for Xavier: Mary R. Bowling, Thomas to the community, obedience, and had a Kids to Leslie Collins, President of Operation Wildcat. Westhaver. spontaneous enjoyable humor. Like her patron, St. Therese of Lisieux, Sister HANOVER – St. Vincent de Paul: Therese was humble and transparent. St. John the Baptist and St. Catherine Labouré William Buehrle, Tom Long. The funeral Mass was celebrated on Schools Receive Middle States Accreditation HARRISBURG – St. Catherine Nov. 16 in Maria Hall Chapel, Danville. St. John the Baptist School in New Freedom recently earned accreditation, and Labouré: Gladys Simione. St. Catherine Labouré School in Harrisburg received re-accreditation from the HERSHEY – St. Joan of Arc: Sister Daniel Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools. Frances Ritter. Marie Catherine The Middle States Association is a worldwide leader in accreditation and con- Sister Daniel Marie Catherine, a mem- tinuous school improvement. LANCASTER – Assumption BVM: ber of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mer- Accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school sys- Karl Auchter; St. Anne: Edmund F. cy, Villa Rossello, Newfield, N.J., died tems voluntarily use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of research- Domboski, Vincent P. Peterson, Jr., on Dec. 4 at St. Joseph Parish Convent based performance standards. The 12 Standards for Accreditation are: mission, Raymond H. Sweigart; St. Joseph: in York. governance and leadership, school improvement planning, finances, facilities, Linda M. Schmalfhofer. Born in Palmyra, she entered the Con- school organization and staff, health and safety, educational programs, assess- gregation of the Daughters of Our Lady ment and evidence of student learning, student services, student life and activi- LEBANON – Assumption BVM: of Mercy in Newfield in 1961. She earned ties, and information resources. Andrea Capobianco, Joan Light, a bachelor’s degree in elementary educa- The accreditation process begins with a self-study that is conducted by the Wendy Lister, Louis Shaud, Richard J. tion from Glassboro State College in New school and requires input from school leaders, teachers, parents, and students. Smith, Michael Vonada, Shirley Jersey, and a master’s in Theology from Following the self-study, a team of volunteer educators from Association mem- Zimmerman. St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vt. ber schools conducts an on-site peer review visit to observe school operations She also earned certification for psycho- and interview various stakeholders. LEWISTOWN – Sacred Heart of therapy and spirituality from Neumann Jesus: Frank Cunningham, Brian College in Aston, Pa. Gutshall, James “Pat” Houser, Mary Sister Daniel Marie taught in elemen- Students Pallo. tary schools in Berwick and Hershey, and Participate in Inaugural ‘Hour of Code’ in New Jersey. Following her teaching MCSHERRYSTOWN – career, she was involved in parish minis- Students in grades two through high school crowded into Lebanon Catholic Annunciation BVM: Janet S. Smith, try in Connecticut and Assistant Director School’s library/computer lab to participate in the school’s very first “Hour of Catherine Withers. of Vocations for the Diocese of Camden, Code,” an innovative international learning event sponsored by Code.org. The free workshop teaches children how easy, accessible and fun computer program- MECHANICSBURG – St. Joseph: N.J. From 1996-2007, sister Daniel Marie ming can be. Gino Fioritti, Eileen McMullen; St. served as a missionary in the Diocese of In celebration of Computer Science Education Week, Lebanon Catholic joined Katharine Drexel: Anna Costello. Mandeville, Jamaica. Upon her return to thousands of schools in the worldwide movement known as Hour of Code, an MIDDLETOWN – Seven Sorrows the United States, she served as Coordi- annual program dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take interest in computer BVM: Thomas Zimmerman. nator of Religious Education at St. Joseph science and designed to teach students the basics of coding. According to the Parish in York, and then went on to serve Hour of Code Web site, computer science helps nurture problem-solving skills, MOUNT CARMEL – Divine as the Provincial Superior of her religious logic and creativity in students. By starting early, students will have a foundation Redeemer: Dorothy L. Costa, John B. order at Villa Rossello in Newfield. Her for success in any 21st-centry career path. Kaminski. last assignment was at St. Joseph Parish The event was coordinated by Mrs. Megan Sanchez, Director of Secondary in Dallastown. Studies at Lebanon Catholic School. Volunteer facilitators included LC parent MOUNT JOY – Mary, Mother of The funeral Mass was celebrated at the the Church: Robert Ballard, Mary order’s Provincial House in Newfield, alumni Michael Williams, Senior Manager Network and Telecom at the Milton Frey, Matthew McMahon, Rose N.J., on Dec. 10. Burial was in the Pieta S. Hershey School, and Jennifer DyReyes, Director of Global Systems at ADP, Raftovich. Cemetery on the grounds of Villa Ros- joined Mrs. Claire Schneider, LC’s technology coordinator, to guide the students sello. along the online tutorials. Students chose different fun, age-appropriate themes NEW CUMBERLAND – St. then selected different blocks of code to tell the droid what to do. Theresa: Adeline Davis, James P. Till. One of the area’s Hour of Code experts on hand for the evening, Mr. Dan NEW FREEDOM – St. John the Stoddard, Technology Education and Engineering Instructor at Cedar Crest Baptist: Joseph Farber. Middle School, assisted with the event. He explained, “Computer science is problem-solving. Problem-solving is probably the most critical life skill we can NEW OXFORD – Immaculate possess.” Conception BVM: Mary Catherine Please pray for the following “Bringing the Hour of Code program to Lebanon Catholic is a very powerful Berkheimer, Margaret Irene Myers. clergy who died in January dur- way to expose our children to technology as well as the role models we have SHAMOKIN – Mother Cabrini: ing the past 25 years: right here in our local community that that can support their advancement in this Ann Marie Carsto, Eugene Purcell, Msgr. William Lyons, 1993 field,” stated Jennifer DyReyes, Lebanon Catholic alumna/parent. DyReyes added, “As a woman in technology and the mother of a daughter Joseph L. Scopelliti, Sr. Father Michael Homola, 2003 at Lebanon Catholic, I am passionate about getting young women and girls en- YORK – St. Joseph: Constance Deacon Ralph Runkle, 2005 gaged in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM). My goal Arigo, Eleanor Green, Dr. Thomas Father Wallace E. Sawdy, 2006 is to promote females in technology and inspire kids to get involved at a young McGraw, William J. Richardson, Msgr. Francis Kumontis, 2009 age in coding and connecting their learning experiences with other kids. I enthu- Josephine Surdich; St. Patrick: James Father Thomas F. Langan, 2012 siastically support the efforts that Lebanon Catholic is taking to bring STEAM Witkowski, Carl Young IV; St. Rose of Father Raymond Orloski, 2016. into the classroom.” Lima: Ann Gajewski. The December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 13

and marketing, all proceeds will benefit students on Good Shepherd School. Proceeds will be used to support finan- cial aid for Catholic students and to enhance technology access for our students. Tickets are available for purchase from Good Shepherd School, 3400 Market Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011. You may visit our Web site to reserve your Compiled by Jen Reed daily, land transportation by private deluxe motorcoach, tickets and see official rules www.gsschpa.org/Lexus. roundtrip motorcoach transportation from Elizabethtown Once tickets are reserved, you will have 10 school days Spiritual Offerings to Washington Dulles Airport, roundtrip airfare from Wash- to send in your check or money order to the school. Call ington Dulles on Air France, and more, for $3,495 per Good Shepherd School with any questions at 717-737- A Parish Mission will be held at St. Rose of person/double occupancy. For complete details please on Jan. 16, 17, 18 at 7 p.m. The mission 7261. Lima, York, contact Karen Hurley at [email protected] or is being presented by Father Joseph R. Upton, based in St. Joseph School in Mechanicsburg will Kingston, R.I. Father Upton presently serves as a Catho- George’s International Tours at (800) 566-7499, sales@ georgesintl.com or visit www.georgesintl.com. hold the following registration sessions for the 2017- lic chaplain and teaches philosophy at the University of 2018 school year: Preschool on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m.-1 Rhode Island. The Mission message is “Rediscovering the p.m. (snow date Jan. 11), Kindergarten on Jan. 13 from Power of the Gospel. Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans Education & Enrichment 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. (snow date Jan. 20), and Grades 1-8 on provides a succinct and powerful presentation of the faith “Young Women of Grace, Embrace your Feb. 1 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The school will host an Open of the Church and shows how the Gospel of Jesus can be Femininity”, a study program created by Women of House on Feb. 1 from 9-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m., as well as lived and believed with transforming power. Monday, Jan. Grace for girls ages 10-17, will be held at Holy Name of an information night for parents of prospective students on 16: “The Gospel as Victory,” Liturgy of the Word; Jan. 17: Jesus Parish in Harrisburg. In this study, our Catholic Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. “The Gospel of Reconciliation,” Penance Service, Jan. 18: daughters will discover their purpose and mission in the Court Queen of Peace #1023 of the Catho- “The Gospel as a Way of Life,” Celebration of Mass. For world! Study will meet the second and fourth Sunday of lic Daughters of the Americas announces the Information: contact Joyce at 717-308-7245. each month from 4-5:30 p.m. in the former church. First Catholic Daughters of The Americas 2017 National Educa- Mass with prayers for healing will be celebrated class will begin Jan. 8. For questions, contact Ann Marie tion Contest for all children in grades 4-12. Entrants can Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. at St. Theresa Church in New Cumberland Lapkowicz at 717-657-3665 or [email protected] choose from two themes: “Whatever you do for the least by Father Paul Clark, Diocesan Judicial Vicar and pastor of or Chris Arnold at 717-379-6041 or carnold@women of my brethren, you do for me,” or “Helping the needy St. Matthew Parish in Dauphin. The Mass is sponsored by ofgrace.com. where I live.” For details of contest rules and awards, the Pilgrims of Praise and Life in the Spirit prayer groups. Theology on Tap – Lancaster: Join other please go to www.catholicdaughters.org, scroll down Call Mary Ann at 717-564-7709 or Loretta at 717-737-7551 young adults for a discussion of “Being a Young Adult the page to frequent downloads, and under contests, Catholic in Today’s World of Non-Believers,” with Father select Education Contest Forms. Court Queen of Peace Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated #1023, Lancaster, will be sponsoring entries at the local Jonathan Sawicki, pastor of Immaculate Conception BVM January 15 at 2 p.m. at St. Catherine Labouré Church in level. First place local winners will compete at the state Harrisburg. Confessions are heard in English and Polish Parish in York. The gathering will be held Thursday Jan. level. First place Pennsylvania winners will compete at after every Mass. 12 at Annie Bailey’s Irish Pub (on the second floor), 28 E. the national level. Local entries must be postmarked or King St., Lancaster. Happy half hour at 7 p.m., followed received no later than February 15, 2017. All participants Midnight Mass in the Croatian language will by the speaker at 7:30 p.m. and then a Q&A session. be celebrated at midnight at Prince of Peace--Assumption must sign a completed entry form, and all rules must be Theology on Tap is a young adult ministry and evange- adhered to in order for the entries to be valid. On the of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 815 South Second lization outreach of the Diocese of Harrisburg. All young Street, Steelton. Traditional Croatian Christmas carols “Return to” portion of the entry form, enter the following: adults, (20s and 30s) single, married, Catholic or not, are Name of Sponsoring Court: Queen of Peace No. 1023; with tamburica accompaniment will be sung before Mass invited to attend the events. Go to www.totlancaster.com City and State of Sponsoring Court: Lancaster, PA; Name beginning at 11:30 p.m. and during the Midnight Mass. for more information. of Education Chairperson: Margaret T. Giordano; Address The Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick in Har- St. Rose of Lima Parish in York will study and Phone: 1530 Hollywood Drive, Lancaster, PA, 17601, risburg invites the faithful to our First Friday Devotions of “Struggles of the Heart,” a part of the Walking Towards 717-390-9035. Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament & Intercessory Eternity series featuring Jeff Cavins. The study will begin Prayers to be held on January 6, beginning with a 6:30 Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. and continue for 8 weeks. Job Opportunities a.m. Holy Mass followed by Exposition; 7 a.m. Prayers of Participants will meet in the parish center’s “couch room.” Immediate opening for a part-time parish Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; 8 a.m. Holy Contact Jennifer Riley at 717-793-8964 for more informa- secretary at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Rosary prayed for bishops, priests, and deacons; 9 a.m. tion. in Cornwall. This position requires a positive, friendly, prayers for our families and young people; 10 a.m. prayers mature, detail-oriented people-person with above average for our parish outreach ministry and those served; 11 a.m. Mark your calendar now for January 21, 2017 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and plan to join keyboard skills, excellent organizational and interpersonal Divine Mercy Chaplet and Litany of the Sacred Heart; 11:45 skills with the ability to understand and follow instruc- a.m. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament; 12 p.m. other women from our Harrisburg Diocese for a few special hours including Mass, prayer, knitting/crochet- tions, as well as work independently. Trustworthiness, Holy Mass; 12:30 p.m. Sacrament of Penance and Recon- reliability, willingness to maintain confidentiality and the ing, fellowship and lunch! We warmly invite you to take ciliation. For more information, contact Rosy Gonzalez at ability to complete routine and delegated assignments in a 717-903-1111 or Connie Egan at 717-232-2169, ext. 222. advantage of this opportunity to come together and share timely manner are essential. The person should possess your handiwork, touching stories and the thank you notes an overall knowledge of general office procedures, and Pilgrimages and Retreats you received from recipients of prayer shawls created for possess excellent spelling and grammatical skills. The comfort and caring in this beautiful ministry. You are most person should be proficient in Microsoft applications, most Join a pilgrimage to Italy being spon- welcome to attend even if you are a beginner or just want sored by the National Council of Catholic especially Word, Publisher, Outlook and Excel. As a vis- to be part of this time of fellowship and sharing. Please ible representative of the parish and sometimes the only Women from March 28 to April 7, 2017. Individuals, bring any prayer shawls and patterns you wish to display person in the parish office, this person will need to put the couples, families, and friends are all welcome. The trip or share. We will add the patterns to our Harrisburg Dioc- includes: roundtrip flights from New York JFK, breakfast interests of the parish first in all actions and communica- esan Council of Catholic Women website at http://hdccw. tion with others. Cordial and effective communication and dinner daily, admission to all sites as per itinerary, first webs.com/prayer-shawl-ministry. While the program is with priests, parishioners, vendors, committee members, class hotel accommodations for 4 nights in Rome, 2 nights free, advance registration is required so that we can ar- officers of church councils and Diocesan office personnel in Venice, 2 nights in Florence, 1 night in Assisi, Daily Mass range a comfortable work area and plan for lunch. Please is an ongoing necessity. Job hours are Monday-Friday, celebrated by our chaplain Father James Stembler, visits call Kathy Kokoski at 717-448-8899 or Deb Black at 717- 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Educational and work experience to Padua, Siena, Orvieto, and more for $3,690 per person/ 514-8815 to reserve your space or e-mail your reserva- requirements include; high school diploma, preferably with double occupancy ($550 supplement for single room). tion to them at [email protected] or mvdb01@ business curriculum. Associate degree in office adminis- For complete details on this pilgrimage, contact: George’s verizon.net. Deadline is Friday, January 6, 2017. Please tration helpful. Two to three years of related work experi- International Tours, (800) 566-7499, sales@georgesintl. make your reservation early as space is limited. ence. Please submit your resume to the parish office or com, or Karen Hurley at [email protected]. send to: Sacred Heart of Jesus, PO Box 136, Cornwall, Jody Cole will be conducting 2 icon writ- PA 17016. Hearts Afire Parish Programs( HAPP) – St. ing (painting) workshops this winter: Tuesdays Joseph Parish in York is pleased to offer “Consol- beginning Jan. 10 at St. Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg St. John Neumann Parish in Lancaster ing the Heart of Jesus,” a 10-week retreat in 2017, based and Thursdays beginning Jan. 12 at St. Patrick Parish in is seeking a full time Coordinator of Youth on The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The Carlisle. Each class will meet in the evenings for 3 hours Ministry. Candidates should possess an undergradu- retreat will be held Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m., January 26 for 8 consecutive weeks. The icons being written are Our ate degree in one of the following: education, psychology, to April 6 (with built in snow day). The retreat is designed Lady of Fatima or St. Patrick. The cost is $150. All sup- social work; general youth work, theology, catechetics, to help us become and set our hearts on fire with plies are included. More information is available by calling or have comparable experience in Youth Ministry. Be a love of God, neighbor, and to inspire us to works of mercy Jody at 717-919-8791 or e-mailing [email protected]. practicing and evidential Catholic with knowledge of faith in our families, parishes, and communities. Please order formation for Catholic youth. Each candidate will need your materials at www.allheartsafire.org or call 800-877- to undergo Diocesan and State clearances. Be certified 4277. Order Consoling Heart of Jesus Participant Packet Fundraisers & Events or willing to work towards certification in Youth Ministry. which includes book and study guide (CJPPWB) $29.95. The Shamrock Showcase Basketball Tour- Résumé and cover letter can be mailed to the church If you already have the book, order (CJPP)$19.95. Allow nament will take place on December 29 and December address or emailed to the attention of Tom Conner, Parish 1 week for shipping. RSVP to Deacon Neil crispo@sjy. 30 at Trinity High School in Camp Hill. Come and see two Manager at [email protected]. org or call 755-7503 x229. Even if you cannot attend the full days of exciting games, as Trinity hosts and takes on retreat, join us for a night of fellowship, Thursday, January five other PA boys’ basketball teams. Tickets purchased 19 at 7 p.m. in the St. Francis meeting room. A viewing at the door. Cost is $8-adults, $5-students. Your one price of, The Face of Mercy” on St. Faustina’s powerful visions ticket includes all three games for the day! Visit www. Submission thsrocks.us for more information. of a merciful God, to her countryman Pope John Paul II who propelled the message of Divine Mercy onto the world Good Shepherd School in Camp Hill is Deadlines stage. Weaving together theology and history with modern conducting a Dream Car Raffle. The grand prize testimonials and visual effects, this stirring film creates a will be a new 2017 Lexus NX200t SUV (MSRP $44,677) The next edition of The Catholic Witness is remarkable tapestry of what constitutes the face of mercy from Bobby Rahal Lexus. The winner may select the January 20, 2017. The deadline for announce- in our modern world. vehicle color of their choice from in stock vehicles at the ments for the January 20 edition is Wednesday, time of the auction. The grand prize winner may elect to You are invited to join Father Steven select a $35,000 cash prize in lieu of the new Lexus. Two January 11 at 4:30 p.m. Submissions should Fauser on a Pilgrimage to Poland and the 2nd place prizes of $500 each will be awarded, as well as be e-mailed to [email protected]. A Czech Republic from September 18-28, 2017. Tour in- three $100 3rd place prizes. There are only 4,000 tickets list of upcoming issue dates and deadlines cludes: Daily Mass, professional local guides, accommoda- available for the auction. Tickets can be purchased for can be found on The Witness’ page at www. tion in First Class hotels (two nights in Warsaw, four nights $25 each or five tickets for $100. Raffle drawing will be hbgdiocese.org, or requested via e-mail. in Krakow, three nights in Prague), breakfast and dinner Feb. 25. After covering the cost of the vehicle, printing, The 14 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016

Winter/Spring Diocesan Institute Adult Faith Formation Offerings

The 2017 Winter/Spring Session of the Diocesan Institute for Catechetical and recordings to view at your convenience. Webinar offerings are clearly marked. Pastoral Formation affords adult Catholics the opportunity to deepen their knowl- To view the complete Winter/Spring session schedule, which includes course edge of the Catholic Faith. All courses and workshops are open to any interested descriptions and fees, as well as a number of available pre-recorded courses and adult, including those who are pursuing catechetical certification in the diocese sessions, please visit www.hbgdiocese.org. and those who simply wish to understand the Catholic faith better. For information about the Diocesan Institute or obtaining catechetical certifica- Learn from home option: Numerous faith formation offerings are also available tion in the Diocese of Harrisburg, contact Ryan Bolster at 717-657-4804, ext. 225 via webinar, allowing you to participate in “real time” from home or to request or [email protected].

BASIC CATECHETICAL 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 28, April 4, 18, Adolescent Development and Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg 25 and May 2, 2017 Youth and Young Adult Culture CERTIFICATION COURSES ALSO AVAILABLE VIA WEBINAR 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, April 19, 26, Mr. Dominic Lombardi Immaculate Conception BVM May 3 and 10, 2017 Introduction to Scripture Parish, York 6:30-9:00 p.m. Mondays, January 9, 16, 23 Very Rev. Jonathan Sawicki and 30, 2017 Teaching Methodology—Part 2 Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg 6:30-9:00 p.m. Wednesdays, March 8 and 22, 2017 ADVANCED CATECHETICAL ALSO AVAILABLE VIA WEBINAR Divine Redeemer Parish, 6:30-9:00 p.m. CERTIFICATION COURSES Mr. Rob Williams Mount Carmel Saint Mark the Evangelist Mr. Joe Mullen Parish, Greencastle Christology ELECTIVES Mr. Ryan Bolster Tuesdays, March 14, 21, 28, Introduction to the Sacraments April 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2017 Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love): Thursdays, January 19, 26, Introduction to Prayer 7:00-9:00 p.m. Pope Francis’ Apostolic February 2, 9, and 16, 2017 Tuesdays, January 31, Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg Exhortation on Love in the Family 7:00-9:00 p.m. February 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2017 ALSO AVAILABLE VIA WEBINAR Thursday, February 23, 2017 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mr. Ryan Bolster 7:00-9:00 p.m. Virgin Mary Parish, Middletown Saint Catherine Laboure Parish, Mr. Ray Kerwin Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg Harrisburg COURSES OF ALSO AVAILABLE VIA WEBINAR Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23 ALSO AVAILABLE VIA WEBINAR SPECIALIZATION Mr. Ryan Bolster and April 6, 2017 Mr. Ryan Bolster 7:00-9:00 p.m. Recent Church Documents The Beauty of Sacred Art Saint Joseph Parish, Hanover Mondays, February 6, 13, 20, 27, on Evangelization and Catechesis Thursdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, Rev. Ryan Fischer and March 6, 2017 Wednesdays, March 8, 15, and 30, 2017 6:30-8:30 p.m. 22, 29, and April 5, 2017 6:30-8:00 p.m. Introduction to Morality Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, 6:30-9:00 p.m. Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg Thursdays, March 23, 30, Bonneauville Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg ALSO AVAILABLE VIA WEBINAR April 6, 20, and 27, 2017 Rev. Peter DiTomasso, M.SS.CC. Mr. James Gontis Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC

Suds and Solidarity: Benedictine Brother Buying Benedictine Beer Helps Rebuild Basilic Augustine Wilmeth, a monk of the By Cindy Wooden brew beer since before the summer Monastery of St. Benedict in Norcia, Catholic News Service quake, but in a newsletter to support- Italy, works to build ers in mid-December, they reported temporary living The Latin-liturgy chanting, beer- that bottles shipped earlier to the Unit- spaces for his brewing Benedictine monks of Norcia, ed States are available for Christmas community in August Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict, gift giving. Their U.S. online store – after an initial are living and praying in temporary birranursia.com/purchase/ – has all the earthquake damaged structures after an earthquake in Au- details. the monastery. CNS/COURTESY OF THE gust damaged their buildings and a big The purchase of beer will help the MONKS OF NORCIA quake in late October razed their ba- monks rebuild and will help the devas- silica, except for the facade. tated town of Norcia. extremely important for the identity of means giving new life to a town that The monks have not been able to “The monastic presence in Norcia is the town, so rebuilding the monastery finds itself sorely tried,” the monks wrote on the website. “Our neighbors count on our solidarity, both spiritual and material.” Before the earthquakes, the monks were tithing 10 percent of beer profits to charity. Now, they said, 15 percent of profits will go to charity and a por- tion of all earthquake-recovery funds raised will be used to help the people of Norcia rebuild. Outside of Norcia, the monks have set up a temporary monastery, and they announced in early December that Sun- day morning Masses open to the public would be celebrated in their makeshift Chapel of St. Andrew. “The brewery, which was located in the basement of the now-ruined mon- astery, was largely spared of any dam- age,” according to the monks’ Web site. But local officials declared the building unsafe and off limits. “All of the brewing equipment that has made the beer you’ve all come to love will be salvaged, and, as soon as possible, transferred to a new brew- ing location outside the city walls,” the monks said. “This may take a few months to find a suitable space, and therefore, brewing is suspended until an alternative brewing quarters is se- cured.” The Diocesan Financial Report December 23, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 15

DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES OF DIOCESANTHE DIOCESE ADMINISTRATIVE OF HARRISBURG ENTITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015 YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015

2016 2015 2016 2015 Changes in unrestricted net assets ChangesRevenues in andunrestricted gains net assets RevenuesIntradiocesan and gains billings, primarily self-insurance Intradiocesan premiums billings, primarily self-insurance $ 16,846,617 $ 16,405,970 Dear Friends in Christ, Lentenpremiums Appeal, contributions and bequests $ 16,846,617 7,044,090 $ 16,405,970 6,994,186 LentenInterest Appeal, and dividends contributions and bequests 7,044,0904,497,983 6,994,1864,055,184 I am pleased to share with you the audited Diocesan Financial Report for InterestCemetery andsales dividends 4,497,9831,975,139 4,055,1841,946,100 CemeteryProgram servicesales fees 1,975,1391,199,420 1,946,1001,040,311 the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016. This report reflects the continued and ProgramRental incomeservice fees 1,199,420 274,716 1,040,311 275,278 generous financial support from you, the faithful of the diocese, for our overall RentalOther income 274,716215,703 275,278301,862 Other 215,703 301,862 mission and ministry. Total unrestricted revenues and gains 32,053,668 31,018,891 Total unrestricted revenues and gains 32,053,668 31,018,891 The mission statement of our great diocese is to proclaim the goodness Net assets released from restrictions of God and to make truly present and active the one, Holy, Catholic and NetExpiration assets released of restrictions from restrictions 772,806 803,226 Expiration of restrictions 772,806 803,226 Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ to all people through the power of the Total unrestricted revenues, gains, and Holy Spirit. It is in our mutual collaboration that the diocese is not merely an Total other unrestricted support revenues, gains, and 32,826,474 31,822,117 other support 32,826,474 31,822,117 Expenses and losses administrative structure, but rather a means to join communities, our parishes, Supporting services Expenses and losses into a strong local Church, uniting its people in faith, worship and service to SupportingGeneral secretariat services 706,244 628,878 others. TemporalitiesGeneral secretariat 706,244 628,878 TemporalitiesAdministrative support As your Bishop, I could not shepherd the people of Central Pennsylvania AdministrativePlant operation support 1,518,436 1,561,736 OtherPlant administrativeoperation support 3,169,1531,518,436 2,577,8481,561,736 without your willingness to share your time, talent and treasure. Please know FundOther raising administrative support 3,169,153 272,692 2,577,848 256,417 of my abiding gratitude for your generous and consistent support. I pray that DiocesanFund raising support for parishes and schools 830,854272,692 816,582256,417 Diocesan support for Catholicparishes Charitiesand schools 937,472830,854 939,089816,582 as we welcome the New Year you and your loved ones may experience the CemeteryDiocesan operationssupport for Catholic Charities 1,552,281 937,472 1,517,599 939,089 richness of God’s love. InsuranceCemetery operations 15,122,787 1,552,281 14,537,217 1,517,599 ProgramsInsurance DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES 15,122,787 OF 14,537,217 ProgramsEducation THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG 948,820 900,344 EducationClergy and religious life 2,067,986 948,820 1,940,348 900,344 Sincerely in Christ, CatholicClergy and life religious and evangelization life 2,067,9861,408,411 1,940,3481,224,756 STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES (Cont'd) CatholicCanonical life services and evangelization 1,408,411 654,162 1,224,756 579,568 CanonicalCommunications services 654,162914,217 579,568882,866 CommunicationsInterest - deposits payableYEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015 1,233,423 914,217 1,184,702 882,866 OtherInterest - deposits payable 1,233,423 247,571 1,184,702 631,190 Other 247,571 631,190 Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, D.D., J.C.L. Total expenses and losses 31,584,5092016 30,179,1402015 Total expenses and losses 31,584,509 30,179,140 Bishop of Harrisburg Change in unrestricted net assets, before other changes 1,241,965 1,642,977 Other changes Net gains (losses) on investments (2,637,757) (1,970,697) Depreciation and amortization (718,372) (690,321) Change in obligations for priests' pension Consistent with its policy of providing financial disclosure, the Diocese and postretirement benefits (2,691,590) (892,884) of Harrisburg is once again presenting the financial statements of its Central Change in unrestricted net assets (4,805,754) (1,910,925)

Offices and Ministries. The financial statements presented here for the fiscal Changes in temporarily restricted net assets years ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 were prepared in accordance with Gener- Contributions 772,806 793,226 Net assets released from restrictions (continued) (772,806) (803,226) ally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and were audited by the inde- (continued) Change in temporarily restricted 3 pendent certified public accounting firm McKonly and Asbury, LLP. These net assets - (10,000) financial reports do not include the financial status of diocesan parishes and 3 Changes in permanently restricted net assets schools or Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA. Inc. Each of Contributions 1,352,951 642,121 Transfer to FOCUS (393,674) (358,779) these entities maintains its own set of fiscal records and reports individually to Interest and Dividends, net of management fees 412,698 135,150 its own particular constituencies. The complete financial reports for the dio- Net gains (losses) on investments (121,625) 1,756,075 cese, together with the independent auditor’s report and notes to the financial Withdrawals by beneficiaries (105,933) (105,652) Change in permanently restricted statements, are available from Harrisburg Catholic Administrative Services, net assets 1,144,417 2,068,915 Inc. (HCAS) upon request. Change in net assets (3,661,337) 147,990 DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES OF Net assets, beginning of year 60,293,466 60,145,476 DIOCESANDIOCESAN ADMINISTRATIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES ENTITIES OF OF DIOCESANTHE DIOCESE ADMINISTRATIVE OF HARRISBURG ENTITIES OF Net assets, end of year $ 56,632,129 $ 60,293,466 THE DIOCESETHE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG OF HARRISBURG STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENTSSTATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL OF FINANCIAL POSITION POSITION DIOCESAN ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES OF STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION DIOCESANTHE DIOCESE ADMINISTRATIVE OF HARRISBURG ENTITIES OF YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015 THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG YEARS YEARSENDED ENDEDJUNE 30,JUNE 2016 30, AND2016 2015 AND 2015 ASSETS STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS ASSETSASSETS STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 2016 2015 YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015 2016 2016 2015 2015 YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2016 AND 2015 Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,758,962 $ 4,251,975 Cash andCashAccounts cash and equivalents cashreceivable equivalents $ 3,758,962$ 3,758,962 241,942$ 4,251,975$ 4,251,975 169,428 2016 2015 AccountsAccounts receivable receivable 241,942 241,942 169,428 169,428 AccountsMortgage receivableand lots receivable 241,942961,956 169,428972,119 2016 2015 MortgageMortgageAccrued and lots interestand receivable lots receivablereceivable 961,956 961,956854,471 972,119 972,119677,626 Cash flows from operating activities Accrued InventoryAccruedinterest interest receivable receivable 854,471 429,354854,471 677,626 383,961677,626 Change in net assets $ (3,661,337) $ 147,990 Accrued interest receivable 854,471 677,626 Cash flows from operating activities InventoryPrepaidInventory expenses 429,354 167,468429,354 383,961 383,961 10,420 Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash Inventory 429,354 383,961 Change in net assets $ (3,661,337) $ 147,990 Prepaid PrepaidInvestmentsexpenses expenses 167,468 129,641,606 167,468 10,420 131,383,862 10,420 and cash equivalents provided by operating activities Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash InvestmentsInvestmentsDue from other entities 129,641,606 129,641,606 106,797 131,383,862 131,383,862 768,684 Depreciation and amortization 718,372 690,321 Due fromDueFunds other from held entities other in trustentities by others 106,797 106,797404,237 768,684 768,684422,215 andNet cash(gains) equivalents losses on provided investments by operating activities 2,759,382 214,622 Funds heldFunds in heldtrust in by trust others by others 404,237404,237 422,215422,215 GainDepreciation on disposal and ofamortization property and equipment 718,372345,589 690,321(66,909) 136,566,793 139,040,290 Net (gains) losses on investments 2,759,382 214,622 Allowance for doubtful The accounts accompanying notes are an integral 192,746 534,329 136,566,793 136,566,793 139,040,290 139,040,290 Gain on disposal of property and equipment 345,589 (66,909) 136,566,793 139,040,290 (Increase) decrease in part of these financial statements. Notes and loans receivable 26,435,498 21,942,149 AllowanceAccounts forreceivable doubtful accounts 192,746(72,514) 534,329 (6,946) Notes andNotes loans and receivable loans receivable 26,435,498 26,435,498 21,942,149 21,942,149 NotesLess and allowance loans receivable for doubtful loans 26,435,498(8,224,739) 21,942,149(8,031,993) (Increase)Accrued interest decrease receivable in (176,845) (310,500) Less allowanceLess allowance for doubtful for doubtful loans loans (8,224,739) (8,224,739) (8,031,993) (8,031,993) Less allowance for doubtful loans (8,224,739) (8,031,993) InventoryAccounts receivable 4 (72,514)(45,393) (6,946)84,091 Notes and loans receivable, net 18,210,759 13,910,156 PrepaidAccrued expensesinterest receivable (176,845)(157,048) (310,500) 99,223 Notes andNotes loans and receivable, loans receivable, net net 18,210,759 18,210,759 13,910,156 13,910,156 Property and equipment, less accumulated depreciation 20,876,717 21,602,879 DueInventory from other entities (45,393)661,887 575,319 84,091 IncreasePrepaid (decrease)expenses in (157,048) 99,223 PropertyProperty and equipment, and equipment, less accumulated less accumulated depreciation depreciation 20,876,717 20,876,717 21,602,879 21,602,879 Total assets $ 175,654,269 $ 174,553,325 AccountsDue from payableother entities and accrued expenses 661,887(11,896) 575,319399,084 Deferred revenue 80,129 318,612 Total assetsTotal assets $ 175,654,269$ 175,654,269$ 174,553,325$ 174,553,325 Increase (decrease) in LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS AccruedAccounts priests' payable pensionand accrued and postretirementexpenses benefits 2,191,590 (11,896) 399,084447,266 LIABILITIESLIABILITIES AND NET AND ASSETS NET ASSETS EstimatedDeferred revenueliability for self-insurance 168,942 80,129 (119,072) 318,612 FundsAccrued held priests' in custody pension for andothers postretirement benefits 2,191,590 (137,304) 447,266316,500 Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,834,805 $ 1,846,701 Liability for future memorial purchases (1,647) (24,338) AccountsDeferredAccounts payable revenuepayableand accrued and accruedexpenses expenses $ 1,834,805 $ 7,120,3711,834,805$ 1,846,701 $ 7,040,2421,846,701 Estimated liability for self-insurance 168,942 (119,072) Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 1,834,805 $ 1,846,701 Annuities payable on behalf of others (20,144) (590,501) DeferredDeferred revenue revenue 7,120,371 7,120,371 7,040,242 7,040,242 Funds held in custody for others (137,304) 316,500 8,955,176 8,886,943 Liability for future memorial purchases (1,647) (24,338) Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) Deposits payable 8,955,176 8,955,176 8,886,943 8,886,943 8,955,176 8,886,943 Annuities operating payable activities on behalf of others 2,834,509 (20,144) 2,709,091 (590,501) DepositsDeposits payableParishes payable 51,834,172 50,308,527 ParishesParishesSchools 51,834,172 51,834,17218,234,855 50,308,527 50,308,52716,373,223 Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) SchoolsParishSchools perpetual care 18,234,855 18,234,855 3,571,615 16,373,223 16,373,223 3,503,865 Cash flows from investing activities Schools 18,234,855 16,373,223 Purchase operating of property activities and equipment 2,834,509 (337,799) (2,588,576) 2,709,091 Parish perpetualParishOther sourcesperpetual care care 3,571,615 3,571,6154,893,822 3,503,865 3,503,8655,821,328 Proceeds from sale of property and equipment - 489,087 Other sourcesOther sources 4,893,822 4,893,822 5,821,328 5,821,328 Total deposits payable 78,534,464 76,006,943 CashIssuance flows offrom notes investing and loans activities receivable (8,605,324) (1,692,767) ProceedsPurchase fromof property payments and on equipmentnotes and loans receivable 4,111,975 (337,799) (2,588,576) 5,710,459 Total depositsTotal deposits payable payable 78,534,464 78,534,464 76,006,943 76,006,943 Accrued priests' pension and postretirement benefits 21,604,042 19,412,452 MortgageProceeds receivablefrom sale ofpayments property received and equipment 10,163 - 489,087 8,881 Accrued AccruedEstimatedpriests' priests' pensionliability pensionand for postretirement self-insuranceand postretirement benefits benefits 21,604,042 21,604,042 5,667,543 19,412,452 19,412,452 5,498,601 ProceedsIssuance fromof notes sale andor maturityloans receivable of investments 103,268,862 (8,605,324) 154,200,444 (1,692,767) EstimatedEstimatedFunds liability held liability in for custody self-insurance for for self-insurance others 5,667,543 5,667,5431,950,315 5,498,601 5,498,6012,087,619 PurchaseProceeds andfrom reinvestment payments on ofnotes investments and loans receivable (104,268,010) 4,111,975 (163,747,412) 5,710,459 Funds heldFundsMortgage in heldcustody payable in custodyfor others for others 1,950,315 1,950,315 531,931 2,087,619 2,087,619 566,841 Mortgage receivable payments received 10,163 8,881 MortgageMortgageLiability payable payable for future memorial purchases 531,931 531,931277,874 566,841 566,841279,521 ProceedsNet fromcash saleand cashor maturity equivalents of investments provided by (used in) 103,268,862 154,200,444 LiabilityLiabilityAnnuities for future forpayable memorialfuture on memorialbehalf purchases of purchases others 277,874 1,500,795 277,874 279,521 1,520,939 279,521 Purchase investing and reinvestment activities of investments (104,268,010) (5,820,133) (163,747,412) (7,619,884) AnnuitiesAnnuities payable payableon behalf on ofbehalf others of others 1,500,795 1,500,795 1,520,939 1,520,939 Total liabilities 119,022,140 114,259,859 Cash flows from financing activities Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities 119,022,140 119,022,140 114,259,859 114,259,859 Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) Total liabilities 119,022,140 114,259,859 Payments investing on mortgage activities payable (5,820,133) (34,910) (7,619,884) (36,479) Net assets Increase (decrease) in deposits payable 2,527,521 4,692,127 Net assetsNetUnrestricted assets UnrestrictedUnrestricted Cash flows from financing activities UnrestrictedUndesignated (10,924,767) (6,480,503) Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) UndesignatedUndesignated (10,924,767) (10,924,767) (6,480,503) (6,480,503) Payments on mortgage payable (34,910) (36,479) UndesignatedDesignated (10,924,767) 29,765,439 (6,480,503)59,498,538 financing activities 2,492,611 4,655,648 DesignatedDesignated 29,765,439 29,765,439 59,498,538 59,498,538 Increase (decrease) in deposits payable 2,527,521 4,692,127 Total unrestricted 18,840,672 53,018,035 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (493,013) (255,145) Total unrestrictedTotal unrestricted 18,840,672 18,840,672 53,018,035 53,018,035 Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) Temporarily restricted 392,392 392,392 Cash and financingcash equivalents, activities beginning of year 2,492,6114,251,975 4,655,6484,507,120 TemporarilyTemporarilyPermanently restricted restricted 392,392 37,399,065 392,392 392,392 6,883,039 392,392 PermanentlyPermanently restricted restricted 37,399,065 37,399,065 6,883,039 6,883,039 Permanently restricted 37,399,065 6,883,039 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (493,013) (255,145) Total net assets 56,632,129 60,293,466 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 3,758,962 $ 4,251,975 Total netTotal assets net assets 56,632,129 56,632,129 60,293,466 60,293,466 Total liabilities and net assets $ 175,654,269 $ 174,553,325 SummaryCash and of cash non-cash equivalents, investing beginning and financing of year activities 4,251,975 4,507,120 Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities and net andassets net assets $ 175,654,269$ 175,654,269$ 174,553,325$ 174,553,325 Issuance of mortgage and lots receivable $ - $ 325,000 Total liabilities and net assets $ 175,654,269 $ 174,553,325 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 3,758,962 $ 4,251,975 The accompanying notes are an integral The accompanying notes are an integral The accompanyingThe accompanying notes notesare an are integral an integral Summary of non-cash investingpart and of financing these financial activities statements. Thepart accompanying of these financial notes are statements. an integral Issuance of mortgage and lots receivable $ - $ 325,000 part ofpart these of thesefinancial financial statements. statements. 2 5 The accompanying notes are an integral 2 2 part of these financial statements.

5 The 16 - Catholic Witness • December 23, 2016

‘Jesus is Always There’ Perpetual Adoration Chapel in New Freedom Brings Blessings to Adorers By Emily M. Albert The Catholic Witness

Executing a great idea can be intimidating, sometimes even debilitating. Questions fly around, our human instinct for fear of failure can eat away at the idea. But it takes one person to believe, to take all their faith and truly believe that all things done through God will be done well. Twenty years ago, Bette Siemon and other parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in New Freedom, approached then-pastor, Father Sylvan Capitani, with an idea to start a perpetual adoration chapel because they had known of the one at St. Patrick Parish in York. They knew it would take full parish involvement to staff the chapel 24 hours a day and seven days a week. A meeting was planned for moving forward and Ms. Siemon came to learn at that meeting that in order for things to progress, she would need 24 coordina- tors. Ideally, she should have already had them accounted for, but with God’s grace she turned to the nearly 100 people at the meeting and made a plea for volunteers. In an instant, 24 hands were raised. Then, Ms. Siemon was asked to present the names of four division leaders. Again, previ- ously unaware of this need, she turned back to the audience and four more hands were raised. “And so it was providence,” explained Randy Mentzell, one of the current administrators of the Corpus Christi Cha- pel, located in the parish’s historic church. It was dedicated on June 23, 1996 and is one of ten perpetual adoration The Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. John the Baptist Parish in New Freedom. chapels in the diocese. Currently it has a total of 273 adorers; 195 regulars, 56 took turns attending so one could be at home with their son. The Corpus Christi Perpetual Adoration Chapel is a of whom have been involved since the conception of the “I had felt since I didn’t get Easter with him at church, I deanery chapel open to anyone looking for time with chapel. Administrators Randy and Marguerite Mentzell would like to take him to the chapel,” Mrs. Noll said. “As Christ, not just regularly-scheduled adorers. Mr. Mentzell maintain the organization of schedules and other responsi- soon as he saw the monstrance, he was fixated on it, and explained, “Sometimes in the A.M. hours it’s neat to hear bilities there, including keeping a personal connection with started yelling at it, ‘Hi! Hello!’ as if his life depended on it. the beeping of the security pad and you see someone come the adorers. “It was just kind of a neat thing because it is something in, and you know it’s not their scheduled hour but they need “We encourage people to come and visit the chapel, feel we believe in, in the Real Presence,” she continued. “Obvi- to be there. And it’s kind of a good feeling, because you the warmth of the chapel and get a rhythm going there and ously he was experiencing something. I don’t know what it know Jesus is always there and he’s there for everybody, just visit at first. And then generally people fall in love with was, but it was pretty spectacular according to the expres- and they can feel free to come in.” it,” Mr. Mentzell explained. Often, the adorers build a re- sion on his face. I’ve never seen him make that face again. New parishioners at St. John the Baptist are immediately lationship with one another and become like a little family. When we left the chapel, he kept looking back like he extended an invitation to come to the chapel. They have a prayer packet for new adorers, which includes wanted to go back in.” Mrs. Noll recalled when her family joined the parish. phone numbers and explanations about what to “Everyone likes to share it. As soon as you do if they can’t make their regularly-scheduled become a parishioner here, [people say] ‘You hour. have to come see our chapel.’ It’s one of the “We always try to make everyone feel first things we were told, an invitation to come comfortable here, and I think it’s that personal see and get an hour of adoration if you can or touch that is so very important about keeping come when you want.” the rhythm of the chapel going. In celebration this past June of the chapel’s For adorers Brian and Tracy Noll, the chapel 20th anniversary, renovations were made, has been pivotal to their family in ways beyond including the dedication of two new pieces of explanation. They have a son and daughter. art: an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and an Their son, Tyler, now 18, has autism, and image of the Divine Mercy. when he was 13, the family needed to make The chapel exists because of its volunteers, a very hard decision. It was becoming more those who keep their hour regularly or those evident that he needed care beyond what they who have donated their time to repairs or could provide, and they were able to find a building tables and other furniture. But it’s great school to assist him, but it was located in not just the adoration chapel that makes this Pittsburgh. parish special, it’s all their parish activities and For Mr. Noll, the decision was very hard. the participation of the community, under the “That was a very difficult thing for me to pastorate of Father Robert Yohe, Jr.. admit, as a father especially. We are charged Mr. Noll commented, “The thing that I’ve with taking care of the family, and I realized I gotten out of the chapel is that this parish is dif- couldn’t do that. And it was really hard for me ferent in a lot of ways. We are so removed from to let him go.” most parishes that are closer to each other. But Soon after their son left for school, Mr. Noll the service that the parishioners provide, tons began to experience health issues that were and tons of things that people volunteer for…. eventually connected to stress. “I started in the And I think it is because of the blessing we get chapel every other week. And then an opening from perpetual adoration. I look at the Ment- came up for every week,” he relayed. “I went zells and Father Capitani and all the others that and did a lot of praying about [my son] and I started all this and thank them for it, because sometimes felt like I wasn’t getting answers, I think that has really blessed our parish in so but I was more at peace there than I could be many ways.” from praying at home.” Mr. Mentzell added, “I’ve heard Father Capi- “One night I was in the chapel praying. tani say how he believes almost everything that I wasn’t in a particularly difficult mood or has been successful in this parish he thinks is anything, I just came in and was kind of open because we have the adoration chapel.” and started praying. Then, I just lost it, I lost St. John the Baptist parishioners had an idea my composure. I got this warm feeling and I 20 years ago. They knew it would be hard, they felt like Christ was saying ‘Give it to me, and knew it relied solely on the participation of it will be ok.’ I feel like I’m more at peace with their parishioners, but they also had faith and things, and every day I remind myself to put it prayer and still today their belief in the real in His hands.” presence of Our Lord is what continues their During their son’s visit home in April 2014, zest for their Catholic faith and their growing the family had hoped they would be able to parish community. attend Easter Mass together. But Tyler was hav- For additional information about the chapel, ing an especially difficult weekend, and Mrs. visit http://www.sjbnf.org/perpetual-eucharis- Noll didn’t see any way they would be able The door to the chapel features an image of an angel holding a monstrance, tic-adoration. People are welcome to the chapel to attend Mass together. So Mr. and Mrs. Noll and lines up with the monstrance on the chapel’s altar. at any time.