The 6 1966-201 50th A nniversaryCatholicWitness The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg August 5, 2016 Vol. 50 No. 14 WYD KRAKOW 2016

A number of the 82 World Youth Day pilgrims from the Diocese of Harrisburg gather for a photo in Krakow, Poland, the site of this year’s worldwide celebration July 26-31. The pilgrims are shown at a statue of a dragon; legend says the city was founded by the mythical ruler Krakus, who built it above a cave where a dragon lived. Emily Albert of The Catholic Witness joined the pilgrims on their journey. See coverage of the pilgrimage on pages 8-17. EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS The 2 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 Misericordia Celebrates Service with Groundbreaking Ceremony By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness

In the Church’s Jubilee Year of Mer- cy, Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilita- tion Center in York hosted a ground- breaking ceremony on July 11 for its campaign, “A Legacy of Caring – A Future Bright with Promise.” Misericordia is Latin for “Mercy,” and the center which bears its name was founded by the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy in York in 1943. Offer- ing care for people of all faiths, Miseri- cordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, therapy, mental health services, respite care, hospice care and pastoral care to its residents. The ministry is dedicated to continuing the work of Jesus in the spirit of St. Mary Joseph Rossello, the founder of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, providing kind, patient and compassionate care. Nearly 100 guests gathered at Mi- sericordia for the July 11 ceremony to break ground for a $7 million project that will allow the center to enhance its physical space, improve security and create an environment that allows residents to feel more at home in the facility. EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Construction began the first week of Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in York, a ministry of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, broke ground for enhancements and renovations on July 11. From left are Joseph Wagman, Chairman of Wagman Construction; Sister August, and completion is slated for Ambrogina Aldeni, D.M., Provincial of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy; Bishop Ronald Gainer; Marion Bittner, early 2018. Misericordia has partnered Administrator at Misericordia; George Shorb, President of the Advisory Board and Building Committee Member; Father with RLPS Architects and Wagman Jonathan Sawicki, pastor of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in York and Advisory Board and Construction for the project, which Building Committee Member; and Richard T. Dropik, RLPS Architect. will occur in phases, beginning with the building of a new resident activity Bishop Ronald Gainer led the ground- God’s own co-workers.” 13, 1964, the Sisters broke ground for room with adjoining deck. Enhance- breaking ceremony, telling those in at- Sixteen Daughters of Our Lady of the construction of this building. Today ments to services have already begun, tendance that “Whenever we look to the Mercy attended the event, and received we are pleased to be renovating and including the installation of a new resi- interests of our neighbor or the commu- special recognition and roses for their upgrading the facility. Sisters, we can’t dent/nurse call system. nity and serve them, we are, in a sense, dedication and service. thank you enough for all the years of “Today in this celebration, we thank caring and dedication to your minis- God for the vision, the dreams, the try.” hopes of the Daughters of Our Lady of Sister Ambrogina Aldeni, D.M., Pro- Mercy, who wanted to serve the elderly vincial of the Daughters of Our Lady in this community,” Bishop Gainer re- of Mercy, spoke of the future in her re- MEDICAL MORAL ISSUES marked. To the Sisters, he said, “Thank marks during the ceremony. you for being those close, conscien- “Now the dream continues as we set tious and committed co-workers with out on the next path of Misericordia’s the Lord, to provide this beautiful ser- journey – that of reconstruction and vice, this misericordia to our elderly renovation in order to continue this and frail members of the family of work of mercy in a facility that will of- God.” fer an even better place in which to care George Shorb, President of the Ad- for those who come here seeking hope, visory Board and Building Committee love and compassion.” Member, also commended the Sisters, (For additional information about saying, “For 73 years, the Sisters have the services offered at Misericordia unselfishly provided compassionate Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, or care to the elderly residents of York to learn more about its campaign, visit County. Fifty-two years ago, on July http://mn-rc.org/.)

CARING FOR THE SICK AND VULNERABLE  END OF LIFE ISSUES  ORGAN DONATION  ASSISTED SUICIDE When: September 30, 2016 at 8:30AM - noon | Registration Fee: $10 Where: Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg Pennsylvania

SOONER OR LATER you, a loved one or a friend is going to have to deal with one of these difficult issues. Do you know how to look at these and other medical moral issues through the eyes of our Catholic faith? Have your questions answered by Reverend Paul C.B. Schenck, Catholic Health Care Ethicist & Director of the Respect Life Office, and guests from the medical and legal fields. Participants will also have the opportunity to network with Hospital Chaplains.

To register online visit: www.hbgdiocese.org/evangelization or contact Jaclyn Curran: (717) 657-4804 ext 313 or email [email protected]

The compassion and care found at Misericordia Nursing & Rehabilitation Center Lunch will be provided. in York is reflected as residents enjoy time with members of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy prior to the groundbreaking ceremony. The August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 3 Moment of Mercy: Mother Maria Kaupus Center, Group Transforms Plastic Bags Bucknell University Promote into Mats for the Homeless Community Revitalization By Stephanie during Institute at Notre Dame Kalina-Metzger Special to The Witness By Jake Betz Special to The Witness Plastic bags and cluttered kitchen closets sometimes The Mother Maria Kaupas Center in Mount Carmel and its unique go together like cheese and partnership with Bucknell University in promoting community revital- crackers, but unlike the second ization were among the initiatives highlighted at this year’s Community pairing, the first isn’t always a Engagement Faculty Institute held at the University of Notre Dame in good thing. South Bend, Indiana. If, at the end of the month, The university’s Center for Social Concerns, which sponsored the insti- you find yourself with too tute, was interested in learning how a spiritual organization and a presti- many plastic grocery bags, gious private university are able to work together to advance the goals of the ladies who gather on the community partners. first and third Monday at St. The mission of the Mother Maria Kaupas Center was described in an Theresa’s Catholic Parish in hour-long presentation by Father Martin Moran, pastor of Divine Re- New Cumberland will be quite COURTESY OF STEPHANIE KALINA-METZGER, THE SENTINEL deemer Parish in Mount Carmel; Jake Betz, Kaupas Center director; Carl happy to take them off your Diane Roskos, President of the Council of Catholic Women of Milofsky, a professor of sociology at Bucknell, and Shaunna Barnhart, hands. St. Theresa Parish in New Cumberland, oversees a group of director of the Place Studies Program in Bucknell’s Center for Sustain- For several years now, the women transforming plastic bags into mats for the homeless. ability and the Environment. group has been on a mission of The center, a ministry of Divine Redeemer Parish, opened in April 2015 mercy, meeting together to transform thousands throw into a tight little bundle when not in use. in the former St. Peter Convent. The center promotes volunteerism in the of plastic bags into sleeping mats for the local To date, about 62 mats have been donated, community and is also the base of operations for a Bucknell University homeless. and these days the ladies working on them have Field Station where students and their professors conduct research on is- Kathy Kokoski, former president of the the opportunity to employ their creativity. sues related to the Coal Region. Council of Catholic Women at St. Theresa’s “In the beginning we used white ‘plarn’ and The center is named for Mother Maria Kaupas, founder of the Sisters of Parish in New Cumberland, described how she got a little bored with that, so now we use ad- St. Casimir. In 1907, Kaupas and two companions came to Mount Carmel learned about the activity. ditional colors,” said Roskos, adding that it to begin their first mission, which was the establishment of Holy Cross “My focus has always been on community has the added benefit of aiding the homeless in School. The school was the first in the United States that was formed to service, and my daughter, Lisa, learned about more easily identifying their individual mats. educate the children of Lithuanian immigrants. this from a friend,” she said. “The same day she As the women sat crocheting, familiar colors Sisters Margaret Petcavage, Theresa Dabulis and Elizabeth Ann Yocius, mentioned it to me, Chuck Rhodes was on tele- could be identified, like the yellow from Fam- of the Sisters of St. Casimir, and Mindy Rueden, the executive director vision and he was talking about Grace United ily Dollar, for instance. Roskos pointed out a of the Maria Kaupas Center in Chicago, visited Notre Dame for the pre- Methodist Church making mats for the home- blue color. “That came from Giant Eagle and sentation. less. We asked them to show us how they make the bags were shipped in from Pittsburgh,” she According to Connie Mick, director of community-based learning at them.” said. A deep red was identified as never-before- the Center for Social Concerns, the institute seeks to develop and deepen The Mechanicsburg resident said the idea used and soon-to-be-discarded biohazard bags. best practices in academic community engagement informed by the prin- took off, and since then a group of between 10 The Council of Catholic Women collects ciples of the Catholic social tradition. “The team from the Mother Ma- and 20 have been dedicating their time to take many bags from parishioners who save them for ria Kaupas Center and Bucknell are exemplars of community-university what was once the bane of landfills and turn the project and then drop them off at the church. partnerships that promote solidarity, mutual benefit, and care for the com- them into a gift for the area’s homeless. Ann Smolko busied herself with an eye- mon good. Their presentations at the Community Engagement Institute About a dozen women sat chatting around catching red, white and gray mat and said she demonstrated the breadth and depth of commitment among the faculty long tables on a recent Monday night, each per- and her neighbor, Carole McFadden, travel and community partners in that region,” she said. forming specific jobs to turn the unremarkable from Reeser’s Summit to contribute to the ef- “With faculty and students from so many disciplines connecting with plastic bags into something remarkable for the fort. “There’s a need there for the homeless the local Church, a path for long-term impact on community development less fortunate. people, and the Lord tells us we should share, that heals social and economic burdens seems possible, even inevitable. Some flatten the bags and trim the tops and and it also makes us feel good,” she said. We will continue to watch the good work being done through this partner- bottoms, others use rulers and knives to cut Rose Carter of New Cumberland said she ship and seek to replicate this model of comprehensive care that acknowl- what remains into strips. A few loop together used to crochet handkerchief edges for her edges past pain but looks forward to a future when all members of the the strips and then roll them into balls of plastic mother as a child and that a neighbor told her community flourish,” Mick added. yarn, otherwise referred to as “plarn.” about the project. She said she volunteers to During the institute, the Kaupas Center group met with Harlan Beckley, The group estimates that between 500 and help those less fortunate and the group is more executive director of the Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Pov- 700 plastic bags are needed to crochet each than happy to train anyone willing to join them. erty, of which Bucknell University is a member, to discuss the possibility 3-foot by 6-foot mat, each of which takes be- Roskos is hoping, as the word gets out, new of college students performing service work in the Mount Carmel-Sham- tween 35 and 50 hours to complete. volunteers will come forward to lend a hand to okin Area through the Shepherd program during the summer of 2017. The durable and surprisingly soft mats can be the worthy cause. She said the group also wel- Beckley said that after meeting with the Kaupas Center and Bucknell easily washed, according to Diane Roskos, cur- comes plastic bag donations, and she’s always representatives, he is hopeful that a collaboration can be developed to rent president of the Council of Catholic Wom- on the lookout for more as she goes about her enable students from the Shepherd Consortium to work in the Mount Car- en. “It’s an alternative to cardboard, and some day-to-day business. mel-Shamokin area. “The opportunity to bring people together for their will opt for two so they can sleep on one and “I’ll never view a plastic bag the same way mutual benefit is promising,” he said. use another as a cover. When used in camps, again,” she said with a laugh. (Jake Betz is the Director of the Mother Maria Kaupus Center. they keep down the mud,” she said. (This article originally appeared in The Carl- For information about the center, visit https://mothermariakaupas Before completing each mat, the women af- isle Sentinel, and is reprinted here with permis- center.wordpress.com/ or contact 570-339-3450 (option 5) or fix a crocheted tie for the purpose of turning the sion from the author.) [email protected].)

Jubilee Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Bishop Gainer’s for Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls Saturday, September 10 from 1-4 p.m. Public Calendar Basilica of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Danville

The National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts USA and • August 6 – Celebrant and homilist for Cursillo Mass, Cardinal Keeler Camp Fire USA now offers a special 2016 Year of Mercy Center, Harrisburg. patch to encourage youth in grades K-12 to explore some of the wonderful aspects of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in • August 10 – Mass and dinner for the Serra Club of Harrisburg, Cardinal the Church. All Girl Scouts and American Heritage Girls Keeler Center, Harrisburg, 5:30 p.m. are invited to attend, are called to be “Merciful Like the Father,” the theme of this Year of Mercy. • August 11-14 – Men’s Cursillo Retreat, St. Pius X Parish, Selinsgrove. Cost is $7. Participants should bring their own lunch, • August 15 – Mass at Camp Kirchenwald, 10 a.m. and will eat with the Sisters in the dining hall at noon. • August 18 – Episcopal ordination and installation of Philadelphia Register online at www.hbgdiocese.org by Sept. 1. Auxiliary Bishop Edward Deliman, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and For more information on Catholic Scouting in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Paul, Philadelphia. visit: http://www.hbgdiocese.org/youth-and-young-adults/catholic-scouting/ The 4 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 Charismatic Day of Renewal Comfort the Sorrowful to Focus on Healing and Mercy By Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC September 17, from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Cardinal Keeler Center, Harrisburg Special to The Witness The Diocesan Charismatic Day of Renewal, “A Day of Healing and Mercy,” will fea- It was a snowy March 1, 2005, and I was digging out the cars from the park- ture Bishop Ronald Gainer and Alberta Turcio this year, with the gathering to take place ing lot in downtown Harrisburg when one of the Sisters with whom I was living on Sept. 17 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Harrisburg. came running to me. Out of breath as she trudged through the unplowed snow, Catholic Charismatic Renewal is a powerful expression of the stirring of the Fire of she cried out, “Sister, your brother is on the phone. He’s been the Holy Spirit. crying.” Instantly, I dropped the shovel and called out to her The Day of Renewal will feature a keynote address by Bishop Gainer on “The over my shoulder, “My mom’s gone!” Healing Ministry of Jesus.” Bishop Gainer will also celebrate the day’s Mass. An af- Breathless, I ran through the kitchen ternoon session will be presented by Alberta Turcio, who will speak on “Forgiveness: of the convent to the phone. My brother Thoughts How Important is it in our Lives?” Mrs. Turcio and her husband, Frank, reside in Lititz, on the other end relayed to me that my from a Catholic where they are prayer group leaders, music ministers and healing prayer warrior. Mrs. mom had fallen down the cellar stairs, Evangelist Turcio teaches at the “Light of Christ Prayer Group” at St. James Parish, and speaks at breaking her neck, jaw, cheekbone many Charismatic gatherings in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. and both wrists. The break to her neck Sister Geralyn The day will also feature prayer ministry, the music group Breakthrough, and Prayers caused respiratory failure. As a result, Schmidt, SCC for Healing. she was put on a respirator. He request- Cost of the day is $20 per person, and includes lunch. Registration deadline to include ed my presence so that we both could lunch is Sept. 9. On-line registration is available at www.hbgdiocese.org/renewal. Or, decide how aggressively the doctors would meet her medical send a $20 check payable to Diocese of Harrisburg, Charismatic Renewal, Attn. Jac- needs. This was the first time over the next four months that I would weekly lyn Curran, at 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, Pa 17111. For information, visit race home. After several surgeries, a stay at a sub-acute hospital, nursing homes, aliveinthespirit.net or call Mary Ann at 717-564-7709. rehab centers and physical therapy, my mother peacefully died in the presence of the two of us. Before she breathed her last breath, the doctors tried weaning her off of the respirator. There was one last conversation with her that I shall never forget. Support Catholic Charities’ As I entered her hospital room, I noticed that the respirator was “capped.” This meant that she was breathing on her own and she could talk to me. As I watched Fundraisers this September! her peacefully sleep, silent tears streamed down my face. I thought, “How many times have you watch me sleep? Mom, how am I going to live without you?” I “Come and See” Dinner ~ September 21 coughed in order to prevent my silent tears from turning into wailing. My cough Linda Schaefer, the last photojournalist to be given woke her up. She said, “Hi! Pull up the chair close to the bed and sit down.” As permission by Mother Teresa herself to photograph I did so, she turned on her side and it became evident that she had planned this the work of the Missionaries of Charity, will speak conversation and she wanted to talk to me eye-to-eye. at the annual “Come and See” Dinner on Wednesday, Smiling, she put her splinted hands through the railings of the bed, cradling September 21, at the Cardinal Keeler Center in Har- my face within her hands. “Ger. Listen to me. I want to go home. It’s been 12 risburg. years since I have seen dad. I want to be with him. I want to see Jesus as well as The evening includes a reception and auction, buf- beautiful Mary! My time on earth is about over. Do not grieve too much for me! fet dinner, and remarks by Ms. Schaefer, who was I am going to a better place. Take care of your brother. You have been a truly the first speaker at the Come and See Dinner in 2006. Her unique experience, combined wonderful daughter. I have learned so much about life watching you grow. I will with the upcoming canonization of Mother Teresa, provides a wonderful opportunity to always love you. You will be always my dear daughter.” learn more about the newest saint of the Catholic Church. She died a month later. All proceeds from the Come and See Dinner will benefit Catholic Charities’ Homes My grief for her was gut wrenching and difficult. A few laps “around the block” for Healing – Evergreen House, Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families, and Lourde- with a grief counselor helped me to vocalize what her loss meant to me. Through shouse Maternity Home. much work and some time, I can now see the blessing in the above conversation. RSVP deadline is September 6. For more information, visit www.cchbg.org/events Sorrow can truly be resurrected. online or contact Christopher Meehan, Catholic Charities Director of Development, at Last year, on Holy Saturday, as one of the Sisters and I were preparing our [email protected] or 717-657-4804. chapel for the Easter Vigil, an employee of Holy Spirit Hospital stood at the entrance of the sacristy. She said, “Sisters, could you please do me a favor? I “Shelter Shuffle” 5K Run/Walk ~ September 24 just got word that my mom died.” Immediately, I enfolded her in my arms. She pressed her face within my shoulder and wailed out loud. I prayed, “Father, your The 12th annual Shelter Shuffle 5K Run/Walk will daughter hurts. Shower your presence upon her. Give her wisdom and peace to take place on Saturday, September 24 on the grounds of journey through the next couple of days. Hold her. Guide her. Welcome her mom the former Harrisburg State Hospital (across from the into your loving embrace!” When her sobs subsided, I learned from her that her Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg). Registration be- daughter was coming to pick her up. I walked to the atrium of the hospital to gins at 8 a.m. Race time is 9 a.m. The registration fee is wait with her. As we waited, I rocked her and hummed softly. When her daugh- $20 per person if received on or before September 1, $25 per person after September 1. ter arrived, I prayed over her as well. I gave them both a kiss and sent them off Registration is free for participants who collect $50 or more in sponsorships. All pro- to return to preparations of the Easter Vigil – how appropriate! I prayed for this ceeds benefit the Interfaith Shelter for Homeless Families. woman and her family as well as her mom as I once more prepared our chapel Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome! Participants who register by Sep- for Easter this year. tember 1 will receive a commemorative shirt. Shirts will be available to participants I could not help thinking about these two events as I began to write about the who register after September 5, while supplies last. Cash prizes will be awarded for top fourth spiritual work of mercy: Comfort the sorrowful. As I write these words, I overall male and female runners. Additional cash prizes will be awarded if a new course thank God for the numerous people who gave me comfort as I grieved my mom. record is set. Other awards will be given for other runners by age category. Door prizes I have learned that comforting the sorrowful requires much patience, sensitiv- will be awarded after the race. ity and silence. I have learned that sorrow often has a life and logic of its own. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. It is as unique to the individual as the For more information on either of these events, or ways relationship that was lost. One has to just go through it. The comforter needs to to support the ministries of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg, listen, accompany and give understanding attention to the griever. This requires Visit: www.cchbg.org/events a sensitivity that seeks to discover the needs of the person on his or her terms, not Contact: Christopher Meehan, our own. If this is done correctly, our comfort turns into strength as the person [email protected] who is grieving can stand, as Mary did, under the weight of grief. 717-657-4804, ext. 284 In closing, I came across these words of wisdom: “Say. Stay, and pray. Say a little (but listen even more)—People who are suffering often have a lot more wisdom about their situations than we or they realize. Often our simply listening The well is what’s needed for them to discover that wisdom. Stay a while (but not too long)—Suffering and sorrow are tough enough, but they can seem almost inter- minable and overwhelming when we have to do them alone. Having someone CatholicWitness there to bear the load can be a blessing. At the same time, sometimes it can be an The Newspaper of the Diocese of Harrisburg added stress to attend to even the most helpful people. Space and time are also essential for healing. Pray a lot—it is often in the face of suffering that we (es- Telephone The Catholic Witness 717-657-4804 ext. 201 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF HARRISBURG pecially if we’re used to helping people) experience our own human limitations. We can’t fix everything or sometimes even very much at all. There are many FAX Most Rev. Ronald W. Gainer: Publisher 1 717-657-7673 people and situations that we must simply hand over to God.” Email: [email protected] Jennifer Reed: Managing Editor Remember, we are an Alleluia people! Grief can be turned into joy! Remember Website: www.hbgdiocese.org Staff how filled with joy the disciples where when they experienced the wounds of the Chris Heisey: Photojournalist resurrected Christ. Yearly Subscriptions: Emily M. Albert: Photojournalist $8.17 per family, derived from 1 Susan Huntsberger: http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/blog/spiritual-works-of-mercycomfort- diocesan revenues from the Circulation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant parishes. Other subscriptions: the-sorrowful $12.00 The Catholic Witness (ISSN 0008-8447, USPS 557 120) is published biweekly (Sister of Christian Charity, Geralyn Schmidt, is the Wide Area Network Coor- except Christmas/New Year and July by the Harrisburg Catholic Publishing Association, dinator at the Diocese of Harrisburg and the Director of Formation for Wives in 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. the Diaconate Program. An educator for 29 years, she is responsible for Profes- your NEW address including zip sional Development Programs for every age learner. Through her presentations, code +4. Please allow three weeks POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: for the change. The Catholic Witness, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111-3710. she challenges her audiences to be the individual God has called them to be.) The August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 5

Witness History: A Look Back at 50 Years of Photos

“Pierogi is King at St. Stephen’s in Shamokin.” That The women volunteered in two shifts year round, tak- was the headline of a feature page in the July 26, ing breaks one week in the summer and one week dur- 1973, edition of The Witness, showcasing the long- ing Christmas. Their efforts prepared 2,500 pierogies standing tradition at the former Coal Region parish. each week, using 300 pounds of potatoes, 200 pounds of At the time of the feature story, dedicated ladies flour, 12 dozen eggs, 100 pounds of curd cheese and 30 had been gathering every Thursday for more than 20 pounds of sharp cheese weekly. years to prepare the traditional Polish dish to raise In these photos by Charlie Blahusch, the ladies dem- funds for the parish and school. Pierogies were sold onstrate their efforts. At top let, Florence Zaleski for 15 cents a piece, and sales even extended to Cali- is shown scooping the potato and cheese filling as Fran- fornia, Hawaii and Alaska. ciscan Father Andrew Skiba, pastor, tastes a sample. Pope Expresses Shock over Violence in French Church By Cindy Wooden Carol Zimmerman “This attack in a place of worship and on innocent worship- threatens the entire world, destroys innocent souls and threatens Catholic News Service pers in particular demonstrates that there are no boundaries to world peace.” the depravity of these murderers,” wrote Imam Qari Muham- Imam Suhaib Webb, a Muslim scholar in Washington, told The murder of a priest in northern France, taken hostage with mad Asim, senior imam at the Makkah Mosque in Leeds, Eng- Catholic News Service July 28 that Father Hamel’s death is a handful of other faithful during a weekday morning Mass July land. “difficult to come to grips with on so many levels.” 26, is another act of “absurd violence” added to too many stories “In this extremely difficult time for the Catholic community, He said the priest’s death filled him with “absolute astonish- of senseless violence and death, said the Vatican spokesman. we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of all faiths,” ment and an incredible sense of horror,” not only for the loss of Pope Francis was informed about the hostage situation at the the English imam said in a statement. “An attack on any place a great human being but because it was “someone walking and church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen and the mur- of worship is an attack on a way of life of faith communities and living what he professed.” der of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel, said Jesuit Father therefore an attack on all of us.” The imam said young Muslims, who are part of his online Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman. Solidarity among religious leaders was immediately appar- outreach through Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube videos and Face- “With pain and horror” for the “absurd violence,” Pope Fran- ent after news spread about the murder of the beloved priest book, have been praising the priest because they recognize he cis expressed his condemnation of “every form of hatred” and described as a grandfather figure at the parish in the Normandy was an ally. offered his prayers for all those involved. working class town of St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray. Father Hamel’s death hit particularly close to home for Imam Mohammed Karabila, president of the Regional Muslim “We are particularly stricken because this horrible violence Webb because it reminds him that he could be threatened, or Council of Normandy, told a French newspaper he was “dis- occurred in a church – a sacred place in which the love of God worse, since this spring he and four other America Muslim lead- tressed at the death of his friend” Father Hamel and pointed out is proclaimed – with the barbaric killing of a priest,” Father ers were placed on an ISIS hit list, accused of being apostates that the two of them had worked together in an interfaith com- Lombardi said. for their efforts to promote Islam’s coexistence within the West- Police said two men, armed with knives, entered the church mittee for nearly two years since the beginning of Islamic State attacks in France. ern world. during Mass. They reportedly slit the throat of Father Hamel. The priest’s death also was a harsh reminder of the deaths They said another person present at the Mass was in serious He described the priest as “a man of peace, of religion, with a certain charisma. A person who dedicated his life and his ideas so many family members in his community have experienced condition at the hospital. An Interior Ministry spokesman said because of acts of terror. the attackers were killed by police, ending the hostage situation. to his religion. He sacrificed his life for others.” Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of Egypt’s al-Azhar mosque He also feels the weight that many in the Muslim community A nun who witnessed the attack described the scene to French feel when terrorism is committed in the name of Islam because radio station RMC. and university, who met with Pope Francis in May after years of then all Muslims can be cloaked with suspicion or hatred. “In the church, everyone screamed ‘Stop, you don’t know suspended dialogue with the Vatican, said in a July 26 statement Father Hamel’s murder “gave voice to the extreme,” he said, what you’re doing.’ They didn’t stop. They forced him to his that the church attackers lacked “any sense of humanity and all harming Islam as well as Christianity. So for his part he is deter- knees; he tried to defend himself, and it was then that the drama the values and principles of Islamic tolerance, which invite us mined to stick with “little things” that might make some inroads began,” said the nun, who identified herself as Sister Danielle. to peace and to avoid the bloodshed of innocents, without any to change. “They recorded themselves [on video]. They did a little – like distinction of religion, color, gender or ethnicity.” a sermon – around the altar in Arabic. It was a horror.” The imam also called for an “intensification of efforts and “It starts with dialogue,” he said. “People have to want to talk The sister managed to escape the church and flag down a car joint initiatives to deal with the cancer of terrorism that now with each other.” for help, RMC reported. She told the station about her respect for her colleague. “It’s necessary to remember that this was an extraordinary ‘Beginning Experience’ Weekend for Those Who have Lost a Spouse priest,” Sister Danielle told RMC. “That’s all I want to say. He’s November 4-6 in Halifax my encounter with the Beginning Experience weekend has great, Father Jacques.” The Beginning Experience team for the Diocese of Harris- brought me greater peace and given me an extended family The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack burg will hold a weekend program Nov. 4-6 at Camp Hebron of lifelong friends who I quickly grew to love and lean on. via its news site, though the group’s involvement had not been in Halifax, Pa. If you or someone you know is suffering the isolation and confirmed by French police. French President Francois- Hol Beginning Experience weekends are an approved Catho- pain that can accompany the loss of a spouse or marriage, I lande suggested the group was behind the attack. lic program for those suffering the loss of a spouse through encourage you to seriously consider attending the Beginning Hollande called Pope Francis to express “the grief of the death, divorce or separation. Hundreds of persons of different French people after the odious assassination of Father Jacques faiths have been helped through these weekends. Experience weekend.” Hamel by two terrorists,” said a statement from the president’s The ecumenical weekend is led by people who have lost a For information, visit the diocesan Web site, www. office. spouse and are trained in facilitating a weekend. hbgdiocese.org, and go to the “marriage and family” link, An Attack on ‘All of Us,’ Imam Says The following is a testimonial of someone who attended visit www.beginningexperience.org, or call the Harrisburg Father Jacques Hamel’s gruesome murder prompted sorrow Beginning Experience in the fall of 2014: “I can tell you that Beginning Experience team at 717-379-0800. and outrage from Muslim leaders around the world. The 6 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 Of Saints, Hymns and Vocation Stories Fiat Days Participants Enjoy Learning More about the Bishop By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness Bishop Ronald Gainer answers questions of Fiat The diocese’s annual retreat for young women dis- Days participants during a question-and-answer cerning their vocation in life offered this year’s par- session. The bishop also celebrated Mass for the ticipants some time to get to know their bishop just a retreatants, and joined them in Eucharistic Adoration. little bit better. The 47 participants at Fiat Days – held at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., early last month – engaged in a question-and-answer session with Bishop Ronald Gainer, who had joined the young women on July 6 to also celebrate holy Mass and lead them in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Joined by religious sisters representing various communities, the young women were eager to know some of the bishop’s favorite things, such as his favor- ite food (pasta), his favorite saint story (St. Thomas More), and his favorite hymn (How Great Thou Art). They asked about the name he chose for his Con- firmation – Frederick, a name on his dad’s side of the family that goes back several generations – and how he found out that he was selected to be ordained as a bishop. That came in a phone call from Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, then-Apostolic Nuncio to the Unit- ed States, in December of 2002, relaying Pope John Paul II’s appointment of then-Msgr. Gainer as Bishop of the Diocese of Lexington. During the friendly and conversational exchange with the Fiat Days participants, Bishop Gainer ex- pressed his gratitude for the young women in choosing to attend the retreat, “and for giving serious consid- eration for God’s will in your lives, as EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS well as for the religious sisters who are was mind was sharp and he knew well walking with you on this journey here.” of Bishop Gainer and his diocese, and Bishop Gainer shared his vocation remained a profound witness to Christ. story, beginning with his years of Catho- “Looking into his face was just like lic school education in Pottsville, under looking at my grandfather, so I felt very the guidance of the Sisters, Servants of comfortable and connected with him,” the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who, he Bishop Gainer recalled. said, “were very intentional in inviting Asked by one of the Fiat Days at- the students to consider a religious vo- tendees to speak of his favorite hymn, cation.” Bishop Gainer pointed to How Great While he gave consideration to the Thou Art. priesthood as a young boy, those thoughts The hymn, he said, was sung at his drifted away during high school, he said, first Mass. “I always get a little emo- when he began to think about becoming tional because it really is a song of won- a chemical engineer. derful praise for the greatness of God.” Then, just before graduation, his prin- St. Francis – a popular choice among cipal, a priest, told him, “You’ll never Confirmation names – saw the hand of be happy in life in unless you look into the Creator in everything, the bishop a religious vocation.” So he took the pointed out. “He looked at a bird, the seminary entrance exam, passed it, in- fish and the wolf, and he saw the hand terviewed for the seminary in May, and that created it. That’s why I like How Sister Altar of Sacrifice, a member of the Servants of the Lord and Virgin Matará, entered St. Charles Borromeo in Sep- talks with a Fiat Days participant. Great Thou Art. It’s about God’s beauty, tember. God’s glory reflected in his creation.” When prompted during the Q&A at Fiat Days to Thomas More has much to teach us, because we do Fiat Days is named for Mary’s “Fiat” to God’s plans share his favorite saint story, Bishop Gainer pointed have to take stands based on the truth, based on real for her to be the mother of Jesus. The program calls to that of St. Thomas More, a Catholic lawyer, phi- justice, and that can be very unpopular. He knew the young women, ages 15-25, to say “Yes” to God’s plan losopher and statesman who was beheaded in 1535 for truth and he stood on the principles that had formed for their lives. The retreat’s schedule of Morning and refusing to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the head him.” Evening Prayer, daily Mass, Exposition of the Blessed of the Church of England. Bishop Gainer also spoke of his encounters with St. Sacrament, spiritual direction and discernment walks “St. Thomas More wielded a lot of political author- John Paul II, including during his ad limina visit to ity, but he was also a very holy man,” Bishop Gainer Rome in 2004 as Bishop of Lexington. Bishops peri- with the sisters offers a rare opportunity to see the life said. “His last words were, ‘I die the king’s good ser- odically make these visits to the Apostolic See to offer of religious sisters. vant, but God’s first.’” a detailed report of his diocese to the Holy Father. For more information on the programs and activi- “He is a good teacher of where our priorities need to When Bishop Gainer visited John Paul II in 2004, ties of the Diocesan Office of Vocations, visit www. be,” the bishop remarked. “We are in a culture where the pope was very frail and his speech slurred. Still, hbgdiocese.org/vocations.

A participant in this year’s Fiat Days retreat spends time in prayer before the Blessed Father Brian Wayne, of Sacrament in the chapel at the Diocesan Office of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary Vocations, places the in Emmitsburg, Md. The Blessed Sacrament in the annual event, offered by the monstrance for a time of Diocesan Office of Vocations, Eucharistic Adoration. gives young women time to discern God’s will for their lives through interaction with religious sisters, prayer, holy Mass, reflection and recreation. The August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 7

Promises Made and Promises Kept Bishop Gainer Celebrates Holy Mass for Golden Jubilarians

Bishop Ronald Gainer looks on joyfully as golden jubilarians sign the prayer book prior to Holy Mass.

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness

ore than 350 couples from scores of parishes across the diocese Mgathered at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Camp Hill, to cel- ebrate their golden wedding anniversaries. Bishop Ronald Gainer cele- brated Holy Mass for the jubilarians and their family members on a sultry July 10. The Mass was sponsored by the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, the Diocesan Senior Adult Ministry and the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Ministries. Bishop Gainer praised the couples, citing that, “Today you are the true After receiving Holy Communion homily because you bear witness to God. What a beautiful sight it is to form Bishop look out into your faces. Your anniversaries are a lot more than the pass- Ronald Gainer, ing of time. It’s about promises made and promises kept. You witness to one of more than what it means to keep a promise.” 350 couples He also told the nearly full church that “Jesus Christ is the bond that has prayerfully return kept you together all these years.” to their seats. After Mass, the couples joined Bishop Gainer in fellowship in the Bish- op Nicholas Dattilo Parish Hall. St. Matthew Parish Burns Mortgage Three Years after Building New Church By Jen Reed untimely death.” The Catholic Witness Prior to the construction of the current church, the parish had been saving money Cautiously approaching flames from an for nearly 15 years. outdoor fire pit at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish bookkeeper and secretary, Phyllis Parish in Dauphin June 25, Father Paul Miller, remarked, “I have just been over- Clark dropped the parish’s mortgage into whelmed by the fact that we sat here strug- the blaze. gling to decide on a time frame that the In the blink of an eye, the document was church could be paid off – not really know- consumed; perhaps a symbol of how quick- ing what was going to happen. And the pa- ly the parish paid off the diocesan loan to rishioners really pulled through.” build the new $1.5 million church, dedi- The mortgage-burning ceremony took cated in April of 2013. place following Saturday evening Mass, The ten-year loan took St. Matthew’s pa- and within the context of a prayer service, rishioners just three years to pay off. with more than 175 people in attendance. “It seems to me that while we are a small The celebration included a catered meal, parish with a little over 330 households, we a parish history quiz, games, raffles and fel- have quality over quantity,” Father Clark, lowship. pastor, told The Catholic Witness. “We continue to be grateful to God for “We made paying down the debt a chief our beautiful parish church in Dauphin, financial responsibility the last few years,” nestled in the mountains,” Father Clark he said, noting that the effort saved more said. “It never grows old. Each day, I thank than $77,000 in interest. “This indeed is a God for allowing us to build a simple but testimony to the generosity of the people worthy temple for the glory of His Name.” as well as their satisfaction with the new “I would like to thank again all our con- church building, which was dedicated by tributors who made this possible, parishio- Bishop McFadden a few weeks before his PHOTO COURTESY OF FATHER PAUL CLARK ners and non-parishioners alike,” he said. The 8 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 Our World Youth Day Experience in Poland

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Throngs of pilgrims from all over the world wave flags from their respective states and countries during World Youth Day opening ceremonies at Blonia Park in the center of Krakow July 26. By Emily M. Albert Lady of Częstochowa. The icon is also The Catholic Witness known as the Black Madonna, since Mary’s face, under the many layers An estimated three million youth, of varnish, is brown in color. Legend young adults, priests, religious and has it that the image was painted by youth leaders were among those gath- St. Luke the Evangelist on boards of ered in Krakow, Poland, the home of the table used for meals by the Holy St. John Paul II, in celebration of World Youth Day 2016, held July 26-31. Family. The image is breathtaking in The beloved Pope John Paul II be- person. Though known for its dark gan the youth celebration in 1984, and features, the icon is also adorned with since his death, both Pope Benedict beautiful gems, gold and silver. XVI and Pope Francis have continued While in Częstochowa, the nine the outreach to the youth and young priests traveling with the Harrisburg adults all over the world. And upon pilgrims were fortunate to celebrate Pope Francis’ announcement three Mass for the contingent at the Cha- years ago of Krakow as the official site pel of the Miraculous Image. The pil- for the worldwide 2016 celebration, grims were seated among tourists from youth and young adults have been pre- all over the world; people seeing that paring their hearts for a visit – includ- Mass was in progress would come and ing 82 pilgrims from right here in the Diocesan pilgrim Matthew Yohe, right, joins hands with a pilgrim from Italy during join. Even if they didn’t speak a word the opening youth festival. Diocese of Harrisburg. of English, they could participate in During the first stretch of the dioce- the universal language of the Catholic san pilgrimage, the group visited Wad- Church. owice, the birthplace of John Paul II, even seeing the exact window through which he would look directly at the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the church where he attended Mass every day. Many of the pilgrims stared in awe, knowing that they stood in the exact spots of the beloved pope and saint. They had time to wander around his small hometown, filled with shops, markets and cafes that served the famous cake he ate ev- ery day, Kremówka papieska or “Papal cream cake.” The pilgrims went inside the Basilica, and saw the powerful re- ligious icons that must have been an inspiration in JPII’s vocation. Naeem Lott-Khan, a pilgrim of the Częstochowa was also a stop includ- Diocese of Harrisburg, holds a luminary ed as a important part of Catholicism during the World Youth Day overnight vigil in Krakow, Poland, July 30. He in Poland. It is the city that houses Diocesan pilgrims Jose Sanchez, Joseph Heldrich and Mario Perez, light their was one of 82 diocesan pilgrims on the the famous religious art piece of Our candles during the vigil at the Field of Mercy July 30. spiritual journey. The World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 9

One of the patron saints for this World Youth Day was St. Faustina, most known for her devotion to spread the word of Christ all over the world with the famous image of the Divine Mercy that she saw after several vi- sions of the Lord Jesus. She was in- structed by the Lord to have the im- age of the Merciful Jesus painted and to have “Jesus, I trust You” writ- ten underneath. It was promised that those who would trustfully pray be- fore this image and perform works of mercy would be given bountiful grace, advance towards sainthood and be offered the grace of a good death. The first image was painted in 1934 by artist Eugeniusz Kazimirowki, who followed the instructions of St. Faustinia. The image before which the pilgrims prayed was painted by Adolf Hyła in 1944 and is in the side altar of the Convent Chapel. While on the grounds of the Sisters of Divine Mercy, diocesan priests celebrated a private Mass for our pilgrims in the Divine Mercy Chapel. The last and possibly the most pow- erful stop the pilgrims made before the official kick-off of World Youth Day EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS was to the Auschwitz-Birkenau con- Father Luis Rodriguez, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg, celebrates Holy Mass for pilgrims at Czestochowa, centration camp. Given the large size joined at the altar by several diocesan priests. of WYD pilgrims, with over 2 million expected, the camps were on restricted The Way of the Cross, and then finally visitation and only the grounds were came the five-mile pilgrimage walk to available to be seen; therefore no one Campus Misericordae and the over- could go inside the buildings. And still night vigil in preparation for the next our pilgrims could feel the sorrow and morning’s closing Mass with the Holy horror from these grounds. The camps Father. And of course at the end of the have been left purposefully just as they closing Mass came the most anticipat- were when the Germans fled from be- ed news of the week....the announce- ing prosecuted for their crimes, though ment of the location of World Youth some of the buildings and gas cham- Day 2019: Panama! bers were set up in flames as a way So you might read this and think, for the German soldiers to hide the “Wow what a whirlwind!” Yes, it was. evidence of this extermination of man- But it was a beautiful spiritual jour- kind – including one million Jews in ney of which the pilgrims will slowly 1942 alone. over the next few weeks continue to As the pilgrims walked on the hal- remember and reflect. World Youth lowed grounds, everything was silent. Day has a habit of flying by, but when It was hard not to think of the person you get home, you remember things in that would have been standing there pieces and then all at once. And it is an 72 years ago. Signs stood to offer a experience that remains with you for description of what took place in the a lifetime. No matter your journey, it location. One sign in stood in front of a A view looking down into the Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland, which has is always a part of your spiritual jour- beautiful wooded area with birds sing- museums, carvings, statues and other pieces made completely out of salt. ney, pulling you closer to God and the ing and the sun dancing through the Church, reminding you on the Sunday trees. It looked like the perfect place to were waiting for were to be marched a location for English-speaking pil- morning when you’re a little too tired have a family picnic among the shade into a gas chamber where they would grims, followed by Mass. The eve- and would like to sleep in that yes, you of the trees. But the sign read that the die. The pilgrims were left with much nings featured large events with an can get up and go to Mass, because you people who stood in these woods were to think about after this visit, and will opening Mass with Krakow Cardinal once walked five miles in 90 degree among those who were selected as in- always remember what evil can do. Stanislaw Dziwisz in Blonia Park July heat, to set up camp and sleep on the capable of working, and were told to For the next four days, the youth 26, and the welcoming of the Holy Fa- dirt and celebrate the faith with three wait for further orders. The orders they went to catechesis in the morning at ther the next night. They also observed million fellow Catholics.

Left: The image of Our Lady of Czestochowa, known as the Black Madonna, is seen in the Pauline Monastery at Jasna Gorga Mountain during the diocesan pilgrims’ tour. Right: Pilgrims touch the tabernacle at the Basilica of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, where St. John Paul II attended Mass as a child, and where he prayed after he was elected pope. The 10 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 ‘Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord’ Encountering Christ and His Church

By Father Joshua Brommer Special to The Witness

“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, open the eyes of my heart. I want to see you!” These words were sung by our band of World Youth Day pilgrims at Holy Masses in a chapel at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki and on the patio of our ho- tel, throughout the streets of Krakow, and on the hot, crowded road toward the Cam- pus Misericordiae where we would keep an all-night vigil in prayer and adoration in order to celebrate the Sunday Eucha- rist with Pope Francis. In so many ways, they sum up the very heart of our journey: seeking to see and encounter Jesus Christ alive in the universal Church. This encounter came to us in many ways. Leaving behind the comforts and routine of our daily lives opened us up to experience Christ in the community of believers from across the world. One of our pilgrims, Joey Barvir from St. Andrew Parish in Waynesboro, seemed to have mastered the national chants of a dozen countries and didn’t hesitate to shout out to the Italians, Australians, French, Ca- nadian and other groups of pilgrims we passed on the way. Far from mere nation- alism, we saw that the Gospel of Jesus EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Father Anthony Dill, parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in New Freedom, concelebrates Mass with his brother has truly spread throughout the world and priests during a daily Mass. each nation proudly reminded the others that they were represented. risburg were at the Tauron Arena, which We saw small bands of pilgrims from held 18,000 people to capacity. Here the Angola, Benin, South Korea, Iraq, Leba- nine priests of our group made themselves non, and even caught a glimpse of the available with hundreds of English speak- Church in Syria when across the gigan- ing priests throughout the world to hear tic screen at Campus Misericordiae they confessions. The lines for confession were greeted us. In fact, the witness of the staggering! Young people rushed to meet suffering Church throughout the world Christ in the Sacrament of mercy and rec- was one of the themes of this pilgrim- onciliation, asking to have their hearts age. Archbishop Warda, from Erbil, Iraq, opened to the graces of this pilgrimage. spoke of the choice his flock was given by In our Eucharistic celebrations, we ISIS: convert to Islam, leave their homes encountered Jesus in the Breaking of and land, or die. His people chose Christ the Bread and in Eucharistic Adoration. and have left everything behind to follow Have you ever been surrounded in silent Him in exile. He told us to not be afraid adoration with over a million people? We and to do the same. His was one of a cho- WYD pilgrims have! And, kneeling down rus of voices from the suffering Church, on the dusty earth or on our ponchos or witnessing to the Cross of Jesus in our our sleeping bags, under a beautiful night own time with pain and tears that reach sky, we held lit candles singing “Tantum us all. Here we encountered Christ alive ergo” and received the Benediction of the in the Church! Most Blessed Sacrament held in the hands On certain days, we divided up into lan- of Pope Francis. Jesus met us where He guage groups for catechesis, confession, Performers dance in traditional Polish attire during World Youth Day opening promised He would and gave us His bless- and Holy Mass. The 82 pilgrims from Har- ceremonies. ing.

A pilgrim’s shirt shows the young people’s anticipation for Diocesan pilgrims from St. Joseph Parish in Hanover nap beneath the shade of an umbrella after their Pope Francis’ arrival. five-mile walk to the Field of Mercy July 30 for the overnight, outdoor vigil. The World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 11

“In the Year of Mercy, it sounds like Francis is so easy on everybody. ‘Mercy for everybody!’ But as soon as we admit we need mercy, we’re admitting that we did something wrong, and that’s the reality he wants to bring to the whole world. He wants to bring compunction to everybody; the sense that we do do things wrong, that we are sinners, and that we need to examine our conscience.” ~ Father Anthony Dill, Homily for diocesan pilgrims at Krakow hotel

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Diocesan pilgrims listen as Father Anthony Dill, parochial vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in New Freedom, delivers a homily during Mass at their hotel in Krakow prior to a five-mile walk for the overnight vigil July 30. It was that same evening when Pope you well, who want you to be drowsy and Francis spoke powerfully to us about not dull, and never free! No, this must not be being Catholic couch potatoes! The Vicar so! We must defend our freedom.” of Christ on earth said to us, “Dear young The freedom of which he spoke is none people, we didn’t come into this work to other than a life with Christ, as true dis- ‘vegetate’, to take it easy, to make our ciples who live as God’s sons and daugh- lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep ters. True living is about giving away our on. No, we came for another reason: to lives in love and mercy. The measure of leave a mark. It is very sad to pass through our credibility as Christians is the life of life without leaving a mark. But when we merciful service. But, in order to do so, opt for ease and convenience, for confus- we must receive the gift of our lives from ing happiness with consumption, then we God, taking full possession of it; since we end up paying a high price indeed: we cannot give to others what we don’t have. lose our freedom. We are not free to leave It was a call to action in our world – to live a mark. We lose our freedom. This is the the faith we possess in Jesus to the full. In high price we pay. There are so many peo- this way, Jesus met us in His Word, speak- ple who do not want the young to be free; ing to our hearts: be witnesses to what you there are so many people who do not wish have seen and spread this merciful love across the face of the earth. Each pilgrim leaves World Youth Day changed. The physi- cal rigors of the journey are but outward signs of the interior, spiritual gifts which have made a lasting impression in our hearts. It may take some time for our eyes to see and understand all of this, but he answered our prayer. We wanted to see Jesus and we did: hidden in our little suffer- ings and evident in the suffering Church throughout the world; coming to meet us in our true hunger as Living Bread and food for our journey; using the voice of the Pope to speak a word of Gospel challenge; and, alive in the sheer joy, the singing, the smiles of the millions of Catho- lic brothers and sisters through- out the world whom we met for the first time at this awe-inspir- ing family reunion called World Youth Day 2016. (Father Brommer is the Direc- tor of the Diocesan Office of Di- The image of the Divine Mercy is seen at St. Faustina’s Shrine of Divine Mercy in Father Andrew Stahmer, pastor of Holy vine Worship, and pastor of the Lagiewniki, Poland, where diocesan pilgrims visited prior to the international World Angels Parish in Kulpmont, concelebrates Mass Cathedral Parish of St. Patrick Youth Day celebration. In the image, Christ is seen as he revealed himself to St. following a catechetical session. in Harrisburg.) Faustina. The 12 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 Pope Francis: Cruelty Did Not End at Auschwitz; It Continues Today By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service

Humankind’s cruelty did not end with the Holocaust, but rages on in the suffering of those living through war, homelessness and persecution, Pope Francis said. “This cruelty exists today. We say: ‘Yes, we have seen cruelty, 70 years ago; how they died shot, hanged or gassed.’ But today, in so many places in the world where there is war, the same thing happens,” the pope told a crowd gathered late July 29 outside the arch- bishop’s residence in Krakow where he is staying. The pope’s words came at the end of a day focused on the suffering of inno- cents. He had begun the day with a si- lent prayer at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, fol- lowed by a visit to a local children’s hospital and participation in the Way of the Cross with young people at Blonia Park. Calling it “a day of sorrow,” the pope said that in following the Way of the Cross, Christians were united in Jesus’ sufferings. EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS However, Christ not only “suffered A diocesan pilgrim solemnly approaches one of the buildings at Auschwitz. 2,000 years ago,” but continues to suf- fer in today’s world. “There are no answers for that ques- elty did not end in Auschwitz, in Birke- sins, he concluded, inviting the young “So many people suffer: the sick, tion,” the pope said. neau. Even today, people are tortured; people to pray together for those who those who are in war, the homeless, the The pope also said his visit to Aus- so many prisoners are tortured to make suffer from “so many bad things, so hungry, those who are doubtful in life, chwitz-Birkeneau was a reminder of them talk. It is terrible!” he exclaimed. much wickedness.” who do not feel happiness, salvation or “such pain, such cruelty” that human “What I am telling you is a bit sad, “When there are tears, a child seeks who feel the weight of their own sin,” beings are capable of inflicting. but it is reality. But the fact that Jesus out his or her mother. We sinners, too, he said. “Is it possible that we men and wom- has taken upon himself all these things are children; let us look for our moth- Before unspeakable horrors and suf- en, created in God’s likeness, are capa- is also a reality,” the pope said. er and pray to Our Lady together,” he fering – especially the pain of children ble of doing these things? These things Jesus loves everyone despite their said. who suffer – Christians may ask them- were done. I do not want to make you selves why it happens, he continued. bitter, but I have to say the truth. Cru-

A cattle car stands at the site at Auschwitz. Cars like these were used to transport prisoners, cramped and suffering from hunger and thirst in their confines.

A sign shows a picture of the gas chambers and Crematorium IV, where thousands of Jews were murdered and bodies of other prisoners were disposed. On October 7, 1944, Jewish prisoners revolted and set fire to the building, destroying it. Its remains are pictured at right. The World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 13 Pope Pays Tribute to Holocaust Victims in Silence, Prayer By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service Sitting with head bowed and eyes closed, Pope Francis paid silent tribute to the victims of one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century. The pope arrived July 29 at the Aus- chwitz-Birkenau Nazi death camp in Os- wiecim, an area now blanketed by green fields and empty barracks lined by barbed wire fences, remnants of a horror that re- mains embedded in history. Used by the Nazis from 1940 to 1945, the camp was the Nazis’ largest and con- sisted of three parts: Auschwitz I, where many were imprisoned and murdered; the Birkenau extermination camp – also known as Auschwitz II – and Auschwitz III (Auschwitz-Monowitz), an area of aux- iliary camps that included several facto- ries. “Lord, have In 1942, Auschwitz became the site of mercy on your the mass extermination of over 1 million Jews, 23,000 Roma, 15,000 Soviet prison- people. Lord, forgive ers of war and thousands of Polish citizens so much cruelty.” of different nationalities. ~ Pope Francis’ message Among those killed were St. Maximil- in Auschwitz visitors’ book ian Kolbe, a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar, and Edith Stein, a Jewish philosopher who converted to Catholicism and became a Carmelite nun, St. Teresa Benedicta of CNS/PAUL HARING the Cross. Pope Francis touches the death wall at the Auschwitz Nazi death camp in Oswiecim, Poland, July 29. Crossing the gate head before their bodies were sent to Pope Francis then made his way to the inscribed with the in- the crematoriums. Holocaust memorial at Auschwitz II- famous motto “Arbeit Candle in hand, the pope lit an oil Birkenau, driven in an electric cart on a macht frei” (“Work lamp in front of the wall, before praying path parallel to the railroad tracks that car- sets you free”) the pope and laying his hand on the wall. He then ried countless men, women and children to quietly sat on a small turned around and entered the barracks their doom. It now leads to a monument bench for 10 minutes of Block 11. that honors their memory. with his head bowed, Also known as “the death block” be- To the left of the memorial lay the ru- occasionally glancing cause the Nazis used it to inflict torture, ins of one of four crematoriums used to somberly around be- it houses the cell where St. Maximilian incinerate the bodies of those who died of fore closing his eyes in Kolbe spent his final hours, starved and disease or starvation or who were executed silent prayer. dehydrated before being given a lethal in the two gas chambers housed within the He stood up, and injection of carbolic acid. slowly walked up to extermination camp. Pope Francis entered the darkened The pope approached the memorial to the wooden post of one cell, illuminated by a faint light from of the barracks, rever- the victims, lined with 23 plaques, each in- the corridor, revealing a candle, an en- scribed with a message in a different lan- ently touching and Barbed wire is still prominent throughout the camp. graved plaque marking the site of the kissing it. guage: “Forever let this place be a cry of Franciscan friar’s death, and countless despair and a warning to humanity, where The pope then made his way to Block enwald in January 1945 before his libera- words – even a cross – etched on the walls the Nazis murdered about one and a half 11 to greet a dozen survivors of the camp, tion. by those who spent their final moments in million men, women and children, mainly including a 101-year-old violinist, who Furst, who now lives in Israel, gave the the starvation cell. Jews from various countries of Europe.” survived by being in the camp orchestra. pope a photograph showing him and other Once again Pope Francis sat in silence with his head bowed. Alone in the cell for Passing each plaque, Pope Francis Pope Francis greeted each survivor indi- inmates imprisoned in the Auschwitz bar- reached the end of the monument where he vidually, gently grabbing their hands and eight minutes, he occasionally looked up racks. to contemplate his surroundings. set a candle in a large glass bowl and once kissing their cheeks. Pope Francis also signed a book for Outside the cell, he signed the visitors’ again stood in silence, clasping his hands Among the survivors was Naftali Furst Furst before he made his way toward the book, writing a simple message: “Lord, together over his chest in prayer. of Bratislava, Slovakia, who was deported “death wall” where thousands of prisoners have mercy on your people. Lord, forgive While he prayed, the voice of Poland’s to Auschwitz and was evacuated to Buch- were lined up and shot in the back of the so much cruelty.” Chief Rabbi Michael Joseph Schudrich echoed Psalm 130 in Hebrew throughout the camp. The psalm begins with a cry to God: “From the depths I have cried out to you, O Lord.” The event ended with the pope greeting 25 people honored as “righteous among the nations,” a recognition of non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews from the Nazi extermination. Among those present for the solemn occasion was Rabbi Abraham Skorka, a longtime friend of the pope from Buenos Aires. Speaking to journalists July 28, Rabbi Skorka recalled a telephone conversation with Pope Francis in which he asked about the visit to Auschwitz. “The pope told me, ‘I am going to be- have the same way I did in Armenia – the places where people were killed – I will remain silent,’” he said. “From a theological point of view and One of the chambers at Auschwitz is seen during the diocesan pilgrims’ tour of the Nazi death camp, where well more than from a biblical point of view, this attitude 1 million Jews were put to death in 1942 during World War II. means a lot,” the rabbi said. The 14 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 Pope Francis’ Message during the Way of the Cross Delivered July 29 in Krakow I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me (Mt 25:35-36). These words of Jesus answer the question that arises so often in our minds and hearts: “Where is God?” Where is God, if evil is present in our world, if there are men and women who are hungry and thirsty, homeless, exiles and refugees? Where is God, when innocent per- sons die as a result of violence, terrorism and war? Where is God, when cruel diseases break the bonds of life and affection? Or when children are exploited and demeaned, and they too suffer from grave illness? Where is God, amid the anguish of those who doubt and are troubled in spirit? These are questions that humanly speaking have no an- swer. We can only look to Jesus and ask him. And Jesus’ The cross is carried in procession during the Way answer is this: “God is in them.” Jesus is in them; he suf- of the Cross at World Youth Day in Blonia Park in fers in them and deeply identifies with each of them. He Krakow, Poland, July 29. is so closely united to them as to form with them, as it CNS/PAUL HARING were, “one body.” Jesus himself chose to identify with these our broth- ers and sisters enduring pain and anguish by agreeing to our credibility as Christians is at stake ­— but not at the their lives “halfway,” young people ready to spend their tread the “way of sorrows” that led to Calvary. By dying level of idea. lives freely in service to those of their brothers and sis- on the cross, he surrendered himself into to the hands of Humanity today needs men and women, and especially ters who are poorest and most vulnerable, in imitation of the Father, taking upon himself and in himself, with self- young people like yourselves, who do not wish to live Christ who gave himself completely for our salvation. sacrificing love, the physical, moral and spiritual wounds In the face of evil, suffering and sin, the only response of all humanity. By embracing the wood of the cross, Je- possible for a disciple of Jesus is the gift of self, even of sus embraced the nakedness, the hunger and thirst, the A large image of one’s own life, in imitation of Christ; it is the attitude of loneliness, pain and death of men and women of all times. Jesus is seen as service. Unless those who call themselves Christians live Pope Francis offers a Tonight Jesus, and we with him, embrace with particular reflection during the to serve, their lives serve no good purpose. By their lives, love our brothers and sisters from Syria who have fled Way of the Cross at they deny Jesus Christ. from the war. We greet them and we welcome them with World Youth Day in This evening, dear friends, the Lord once more asks you fraternal affection and friendship. Blonia Park in to be in the forefront of serving others. He wants to make By following Jesus along the Way of the Cross, we Krakow July 29. of you a concrete response to the needs and sufferings of have once again realized the importance of imitating him EMILY M. ALBERT, humanity. He wants you to be signs of his merciful love through the fourteen works of mercy. These help us to be THE CATHOLIC WITNESS for our time! To enable you to carry out this mission, he open to God’s mercy, to implore the grace to appreciate shows you the way of personal commitment and selfsac- that without mercy we can do nothing; without mercy, rifice. It is the Way of the Cross. The Way of the Cross is neither I nor you nor any of us can do a thing. the way of fidelity in following Jesus to the end, in the Let us first consider the seven corporal works of mercy: often dramatic situations of everyday life. It is a way that feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing fears no lack of success, ostracism or solitude, because the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick and it fills our hearts with the fullness of Jesus. The Way of those in prison, and burying the dead. Freely we have re- the Cross is the way of God’s own life, his “style,” which ceived, so freely let us give. We are called to serve the Jesus brings even to the pathways of a society at times crucified Jesus in all those who are marginalized, to touch divided, unjust and corrupt. his sacred flesh in those who are disadvantaged, in those The Way of the Cross is not an act of sadomasochism, it who hunger and thirst, in the naked and imprisoned, the alone defeats sin, evil and death, for it leads to the radiant sick and unemployed, in those who are persecuted, refu- light of Christ’s resurrection and opens the horizons of a gees and migrants. There we find our God; there we touch new and fuller life. It is the way of hope, the way of the fu- the Lord. ture. Those who take up this way with generosity and faith Jesus himself told us this when he explained the crite- give hope and future to humanity. The Way of the Cross rion on which we will be judged: whenever we do these spreads hope. And I would like you to be sowers of hope. things to the least of our brothers and sisters, we do them Dear young people, on that Good Friday many disciples went back crestfallen to their homes. Others chose to go to him (cf. Mt 25:31-46). out to the country to forget the cross. I ask you. Answer After the corporal works of mercy come the spiritual in the silence of your hearts. How do you want to go back works: counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, this evening to your own homes, to the places where you admonishing sinners, consoling the afflicted, pardoning are staying? How do you want to go back this evening to offences, bearing wrongs patiently, praying for the liv- be alone with your thoughts? Each of you has to answer ing and the dead. In welcoming the outcast who suffers the challenge that this question sets before you. The world physically and welcoming sinners who suffer spiritually, looks at us.

Pilgrims attend the Way of the Cross at Blonia Park during World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland July 29. Harrisburg pilgrims were in the area just beneath the open grassy area near the top right of the field. CNS/DAVID W. CERNY, RETUERS The World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 15 A Pilgrim’s Reflection Two Truths and a Lie By Colleen Connolly Special to The Witness

Czesc (hello) from Krakow! We are having an amazing time at World Youth Day, thank you for all of your prayers. We are praying for everyone’s inten- tions back home. Since we are celebrating the next Diocesan pilgrims bear generation of believers, let’s play a middle school American flags in Krakow’s Tauron Arena. game called “Two truths and a lie.” Usually when you play this game, the object is to guess which statement is the lie within the truths. But I’ve done the hard work for you while on this pilgrimage, and uncovered the two truths and a lie about Catholic youth. The first truth comes straight from the mouth of our hero during this week: St. John Paul II, when he said to the young people of Poland: “You are not who they say you are.” Whether your personal “they” is a com- munist government, popular culture, or the mean kids in school, JP2 reminds us who we really are: sons and daughters of Christ. It’s almost pointless to say that being a Christian is hard; everyone knows that. So- ciety is filled with false promises that sound so fun and glittery, far away from the rules and restrictions that kids think are imposed by their faith. (I attended Catholic school for 12 years, so trust me; I’m an ex- pert on this topic.) But the truth is that we are not the disrespectful, unworthy “millennials” that soci- ety paints us as. This week I have met thousands of brilliant, young people who are going to change the like to challenge any parishioner reading this to take world because they are “not of this world.” (Jn 18:36) a closer look at their Church community. How are The second truth is that young people are actively you helping the next generation build their faith? Do searching for fulfillment and authentic love. Millions you sponsor a youth group, plan mission trips, offer of youth have found that fulfillment in Jesus Christ, Adoration, or experiment with a contemporary Mass? who tells us what society won’t: that we are loved, What can you do to help? For me, having a spiritual and we are more than enough. When you encounter experience on a Steubenville youth retreat my junior Jesus for the first time in a setting with a community year brought everything I learned in Catholic school of people your age (doesn’t matter if it’s dozens or to life in screaming colors. I was given all the tools in millions), it changes your life. There is an exhilarating school, but I had never been taught to use them in my feeling that comes with the realization that the Church spiritual life. The devil tells Catholic kids to forget is bigger than your religion class or your grandma’s their faith because they are different, outside accepted Bible study group. After years of hearing from the society, and plus that spiritual mumbo jumbo has no world that Catholicism is dead and living in the past, place in the world. it only takes one look at a youth conference or a World Sometimes, all it takes is one retreat, one youth Youth Day to dismiss that lie. The Church is vibrant, full of life and taking its shape in the new generation. group, or one dedicated role model to show a young The lie is that you cannot do anything to help en- person that they are so much more than what society courage young people in their faith. This lie, like all tells them they are. lies, comes from the devil himself. He trembles be- (Colleen Connolly, age 18, is an alumna of Trinity fore the counter-cultural teens who are saying “yes” High School in Camp Hill and St. Theresa School in to God’s plan in their lives. He is so afraid that he is New Cumberland.) frantically spreading lies in the hearts of adults: that teenagers are beyond reaching, that youth groups are Left: Colleen Connolly, a graduate of Trinity High a waste of time, that if they haven’t embraced Jesus’ School and St. Theresa School, receives Holy message after years of Catholic school or 10:30 a.m. Communion during opening Mass. Masses, then there’s nothing more we can do. I would EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS

“Coming into this experience, I Ivanna Hernandez is embraced by Karen Bruskewicz following Opening Mass for World Youth Day. The young pilgrim, a native of New Mexico who is studying in Pennsylvania, was overcome with emotion had no idea what to expect. During during the Mass. the opening ceremony, it was raining, and I completely dislike rain. It rained throughout the entire Mass…. But during the Sign of Peace, the sun came out and the rays started beaming down. I got emotional and cried for a solid hour. It was a beautiful experience, and just feel that the Holy Spirit really called me to be here. I had hesitated about coming here because I didn’t really know what to expect. It has just opened up so much for me. I’m comfortable here to be who I am. I can sing, I can dance, I can be whoever I want to be. I don’t think I’ve ever felt any type of peace or form of emotion.” ~ Diocesan Pilgrim Ivanna Hernandez The 16 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016

Don’t Tuck Life Away, Take Risks, Pope Tells Young People

EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS Sleeping bags, tents and inflatable rafts fill the Field of Mercy in Krakow as pilgrims sleep under the stars before the morning’s Sending Forth Mass with the Holy Father.

By Junno Arocho Esteves we don’t think ourselves worthy. “People will try to block you, us real courage: the courage to be more tree at “the risk of appear- Catholic News Service This is a great temptation; it has to make you think that God is more powerful than evil by lov- ing completely ridiculous.” to do not only with self-esteem, distant, rigid and insensitive, ing everyone, even our enemies.” Pope Francis encouraged the Take risks and do not let life’s but with faith itself,” he said. good to the good and bad to the The pope noted that Jesus looks young men and women to not obstacles get in the way of en- At the same time, he said, bad,” he told the young people. at all people with the same gaze be ashamed in bringing “every- countering the true joy and life people will try to convince Chris- “Instead, our heavenly Father he looked at Zacchaeus, not tak- thing to the Lord in confession, that Jesus can give, Pope Francis tians that there are others who are ‘makes his sun rise on the evil ing into account his sins, wealth especially your weaknesses, your told more than 2 million young unworthy of God’s love. and on the good.’ He demands of or social standing. struggles and your sins.” people. “God counts on you for what “Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ “Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes’ you are, not for what you possess. to him with all your heart, to re- to him with all your heart, to Pope Francis is In his eyes the clothes you wear spond generously and to follow respond generously and to fol- seen on a live or the kind of cell phone you use him! Don’t let your soul grow stream, as he low him,” the pope told pilgrims are of absolutely no concern. He numb, but aim for the goal of a at the closing Mass July 31 for addresses some three million pil- doesn’t care whether you are styl- beautiful love which also de- World Youth Day. “Don’t let your grims gathered ish or not, he cares about you! In mands sacrifice,” the pope said. soul grow numb, but aim for the on the Field his eyes, you are precious and “Trust the memory of God: his goal of a beautiful love which of Mercy. your value is priceless,” the pope memory is not a ‘hard disk’ that also demands sacrifice.” said. saves and archives all our data, “When it comes to Jesus, we Another obstacle, the pope but a tender heart full of compas- cannot sit around waiting with continued, is the “paralysis of sion that rejoices in definitively arms folded; he offers us life. We shame,” one that Zacchaeus erasing every trace of evil,” the can’t respond by thinking about it overcame by climbing the syca- pope said. or ‘texting’ a few words,” he told the young people, thousands of whom had spent the night camp- See More WYD Imagery ing at an area dubbed the Field of You can view more of Emily Albert’s images and videos Mercy. from World Youth Day by liking the “World Youth Day Dio- In his homily, the pope re- cese of Harrisburg” on Facebook. A slide of images will also flected on the Gospel story of be available on the diocese’s Youth and Young Adult Minis- Zacchaeus, a reviled tax collec- try page, at www.hbgdiocese.org/youth. tor who, due to his short height, World Youth Day 2019 will take place in Panama, but don’t climbed a sycamore tree to see forget the diocesan World Youth Day celebrations hosted by Jesus. the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry every Palm “Even today we can risk not Sunday. For information on these and other activities offered, getting close to Jesus because we visit www.hbgdiocese.org/youth. don’t feel big enough, because

The pilgrims of the Diocese of Harrisburg gather for a photo before making a five-mile walk to the Field of Mercy for an overnight, outdoor vigil. The World Youth Day ~ Krakow 2016 August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 17

“We come from every nation under heaven, like those who came in great numbers to Jerusalem on Pentecost Day….” ~ Krakow Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, World Youth Day opening Mass

World Youth Day pilgrims hold luminaries as light beams from above during the outdoor vigil with Pope Francis on July 30. EMILY M. ALBERT, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS The 18 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016

St. Margaret Mary Students Honored in Scholastic Writing, National History Day Competitions Gabriella Recce, a recent gradu- ate of St. Margaret Mary School in The names of the following de- MOUNT CARMEL – Divine Harrisburg, was honored at Carn- ceased persons have been submitted Redeemer: Eleanor Greco. by their parishes. Please remember egie Hall in New York City June in your prayers the happy repose of NEW CUMBERLAND – St. 1-3. Gabriella received the presti- these recently departed souls and the Theresa: Victoria Fick, Michael gious Scholastic Writing Ameri- consolation of their loved ones. Malinak, Jr. can Voices Medal for her essay en- NEW FREEDOM – St. John the titled Write. Gabriella’s essay was ANNVILLE – St. Paul the Apostle: selected the winner over 20,000 Nicholas J. Georgelis, Jean W. Zelek. Baptist: Charles Stroup, Sr., Willie West. other submissions from students BERWICK – Immaculate throughout the United States. Her Conception BVM: Donald Bogart, NEW OXFORD – Immaculate Language Arts teacher, Ms. Eliza- Luigi Marsico, Mary Spadoni, Philip Conception BVM: Wanita, Orner, beth Emery, was also invited to at- Gabriella Recce Megan Mwaura Wilds. Donald J. Vallotton. tend the awards celebration and was honored as well. BLOOMSBURG – St. Columba: QUARRYVILLE – St. Catherine of St. Margaret Mary student Megan Mwaura recently competed in the national Veronica D. McCloskey. Siena: Mary B. Bolton. competition for National History Day at the University of Maryland. Megan took sixth place in the nation in the category of Individual Performance, and she BUCHANAN VALLEY – St. ROHRERSTOWN – St. Leo the Ignatius Loyola: Chris Bumbaugh. received the Equality In History Award for her performance, Women’s Suffrage Great: James Grier. Movement and the 19th Amendment: Carrie Chapman Catt Explores Women’s CAMP HILL – Good Shepherd: Leo S. Dadigan, Adelaida Raymundo. SHAMOKIN – Mother Cabrini: Rights. This award was given to a student in any category whose outstanding Clare Golazeski, Raymond Kearney, entry illuminated the history of human equality, especially with respect to the CHAMBERSBURG – Corpus Mary Lishewski, Bernard Pronick. role that individuals and/or organizations have played in the efforts for isolated Christi: Chris Michael Bumbaugh, groups to have the same status in certain respects, often including civil, voting, Mildred Ruth “Millie” (Forster) SHIPPENSBURG – Our Lady of the Visitation: Rhoda Coleman, Joseph and property rights, freedom of speech, marriage and gender equality and ac- Henninger. cess to social goods and services. Some 650,000 students participate in NHD Redington, Norman J. Roberts, Jr. COLUMBIA – Holy Trinity: worldwide. Fewer than 3,000 qualify for the National Contest. This means that Ramona Declementi, Anna Frantz, STEELTON – Prince of Peace: the students in the NHD in Pennsylvania Delegation are among the top .5% of Dorothy Goodman, Rita Holtslander, Rudolph E. Dubravec, Joseph R. students in the world. Mary Mimnall. Egresits, Ernie Nicotera, Mary (Nagle) CONEWAGO – Sacred Heart of Spanitz. Peyton Walker Foundation Launches Jesus: Joan Miller. SUNBURY – St. Monica: Evelyn Event to Help Raise Funds to Screen and Increase DANVILLE – St. Joseph: Michael Paul, Lorraine G. Yost. Awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Teens “Dean” Roth, Henry Zmiewski. TREVORTON – St. Patrick: ELIZABETHTOWN – St. Peter: Jacqueline (Jackie) Zimmerman. The Peyton Walker Foundation announced July 19 that it will step up its Justin M. Ebert, William Masterson. fundraising effort this summer with a unique event amidst the relaxed, yet el- WAYNESBORO – St. Andrew: egant, atmosphere at Historic Acres of Hershey. ENOLA – Our Lady of Lourdes: Elizabeth Eichelberger. Arthur Clark, Stiles Gaffney, John “This event is our major fundraiser for the year. Proceeds will fund future Hubler, Jacqueline Mc Graw. WILLIAMSTOWN – Sacred Heart heart screenings, the purchase and placement of Automated External Devices of Jesus: Vincent Osag. (AEDs), and certified CPR & AED training for the community,” says Julie FAIRFIELD – Immaculate Walker, Foundation Director and Peyton’s mom. “The fundraising success of YORK – St. Joseph: David R. Conception BVM: Janet Charland, this event will determine what programs and services we’re able to deliver in Hamme; St. Patrick: Lena Kent, Edith Joseph Kane. the coming year.” GETTYSBURG – St. Francis Lehman. “The Beat Goes On – Under the Stars” will be held August 19, beginning at Xavier: Joseph P. Hamilton, William Sister M. Francesca 6:30 p.m., according to the PWF and its Platinum Partner, the PinnacleHealth Mayhew, Edward C. Miller, Chester Spaziani Foundation. Pentlicki. Every three days, a student athlete dies from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). HANOVER – St. Joseph: Thomas Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy Sis- The PWF works to increase awareness about SCA through education, training, Kearns, Mary Ann Krepps, Donald ter M. Francesca Spaziani died July 18 and most importantly, heart screenings. A previously undetected heart condi- J. Neiderer, Lee Wise; St. Vincent de at Cooper Hospital in Camden, N.J. tion will be found in one out of every 100 students attending a heart screening Paul: Marie Busbey. Born Ida Spaziani in Ozone Park, clinic – clinics that The Peyton Walker Foundation make available to students HARRISBURG – St. Catherine New York, she entered the congrega- and athletes in our community free of charge. Labouré: Raymond Chopper, Helen tion in Newfield, N.J., in 1949. She re- Named after 19-year-old Peyton Walker of Mechanicsburg who lost her life Scherzinger. ceived a bachelor’s degree in elementa- to SCA in November of 2013, the foundation screened close to 400 south-cen- HERSHEY – St. Joan of Arc: ry education from College Misericordia tral Pennsylvania students last year alone. Six were diagnosed with significant Pauline Broadwater, James Kolaric, in Dallas, Pa., and taught in schools in heart issues, and an additional 30 students were referred for additional testing Emil Malasavage, Robert (Bobby) Hershey, Steelton, York, Old Forge and and/or follow-up care. Trenn, Mark Van Zandt. Hazleton, Pa., as well as in New York “The Beat Goes On – Under the Stars” will feature distinctive food, trendy silent auction items, wine, beer and cider tastings, traditional cigar rolling and KULPMONT – Holy Angels: Janet and New Jersey. live acoustic music from the renowned “Jellybricks.” Attendees must be 21 Fierro, Paul Niglio, Sr., Marie Rainal, In recent years as a resident at Villa Jessica R. Slaby. Rossello Provincial House in Newfield, years of age and can purchase tickets at www.peytonwalker.org. she served her religious community as For more information, contact Linda Schneider, Foundation Coordinator, at LANCASTER – Assumption BVM: [email protected] or 717-697-5511. Jean M. Harder; St. Anne: Joseph W. a caregiver and advocate for the sisters Arsenault, Audrey Long, Helen who were ill and elderly. Sabatine; St. John Neumann: Natalie The funeral Mass was celebrated at Matsiko World Orphan Choir to Appear Fusco, Mary McFadden-Schiavone. Villa Rossello Chapel, Newfield, on at St. Theresa’s in New Cumberland July 21. Burial was in the Pieta Cem- LEBANON – Assumption BVM: Hope; a small word that changes everything. In Uganda, hope is pronounced Teresa Behney, Dorothy Brubaker, etery on the grounds of Villa Rossello. as Matsiko (mat-see-ko). On August 24 at 7 p.m., the Matsiko World Orphan Jane Fancovic, Betty Jane San Martin, Choir will perform at St. Theresa Church, 1300 Bridge Street in New Cumber- Mary Clare Matyi, Emmaline Miller, land. Come, experience the hope and joy. Dorothy Petrovich. Currently made up of some of the poorest orphaned and at-risk children from LEWISTOWN – Sacred Heart of Peru, India and Liberia, the Matsiko World Orphan Choir captures the hearts of Jesus: Harry Krepps, Frank Sheidy. all who hear their hope-filled message. The children, some of whom are living on the streets in their own country, come together and sing with such passion LYKENS – Our Lady Help of Please pray for the following Christians: Anna Sedesse. and meaning that their hope of overcoming tragedy and the life-changing ef- clergy who died in August during fects of an education is truly inspiring. The choir’s contagious energy and zeal MCSHERRYSTOWN – the past 25 years: shines through a powerful presentation of original songs, cultural dances, and Annunciation BVM: Francis A. Deacon Morris MacAdam, 1996 multimedia testimony. Timmins, Francis D. Warner, Msgr. Thomas McGough, 1997 The Matsiko Choir is in its third year of touring the United States, although Josephine Wheeler. Msgr. Leo A. Beierschmitt, 2002 this is the first year they have come to the eastern portion of the country. Each MECHANICSBURG – St. Father Francis Lahout, 2003 year orphaned and vulnerable children ranging in age from 5-16 are auditioned Elizabeth Ann Seton: Patricia Gordon, and selected from a pool of hundreds of children before leaving their home na- Shirley Melodini; St. Joseph: Stanley Father Hugh J. McLaughlin, 2005 tions to travel out of their countries for the first time in their lives. These chosen Kenjarski, John Toti. Father Charles Slough, 2009 few become part of a one year United States world orphan choir tour in order to be the greatest ambassadors for our world’s orphaned and vulnerable children MIDDLETOWN – Seven Sorrows Father Joseph Kofchock, 2010 BVM: Mariann Bardell. Msgr. Thomas R. Brenner, 2011 we have ever experienced. Msgr. George W. Rost, 2012 Come, join the Parish of St. Theresa on August 24 at 7 p.m. as they wel- MILLERSVILLE – St. Philip the come the wonderful Matsiko World Orphan Choir. Admission is free. A free- Apostle: Roman Matenka, Dorothy Deacon Frank Eckman, 2012 will offering will be taken. For more information, contact Joseph Gargiulo at Ryan, Patricia Scarborough, Vera Msgr. Thomas Smith, 2014 [email protected] or 717-763-9437. Wimpling. The August 5, 2016 • Catholic Witness - 19

per person after Sept. On Sunday, October 9 at 10 a.m., enjoy a tour and Mass at the new Bishop McDevitt High School (1 Crusader Drive, Harrisburg). Please bring your family. RSVP and questions to Andrea Hartman Dietz, [email protected] or 717-515-5208. St. Patrick School in Carlisle is holding its 21st annual golf outing Friday, Sept. 16 at the Carlisle Barracks Golf Course in Carlisle. Compiled by Jen Reed us as we believe and live as disciples. For more information, contact Check-in starts at 11:30 a.m., shotgun is at 1 p.m. Golf and steak dinner Deb at 717-645-0735 or [email protected]. is $80; dinner only is $25. Format is a four-person scramble; all skill Spiritual Offerings The Knights of Columbus, Michael F. Barrett Coun- levels welcome. For more information, to sign up for golf or to help with Mass in the Polish language will be celebrated August 21 at cil 9875, is hosting its second annual “Cruise for a sponsorship, contact St. Patrick School at 717-249-4826. Knight” car show on Saturday, Sept. 10 at St. Paul the Apostle 2 p.m. at St. Catherine Labouré Church in Harrisburg. Confessions are The I THIRST Prayer Group of St. Joan of Arc Church heard in English and Polish after every Mass. Church, 125 S. Spruce St. in Annville from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. All cars registered (original or modified, trucks Euro and Asian imports) will be in Hershey invites everyone to attend “The Wild Goose” seminar on A Rosary for World Peace is prayed on the third Saturday of eligible to win a trophy for their class, farthest distance, pastor’s choice Wednesday evenings beginning September 14. This multi-week semi- each month in the Littlestown Historical Square at the intersection of or the Grand Knight’s choice. There will be music, games, great food, nar, led by Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, is a video presentation followed King and Queen Streets at noon. The next date is Aug. 20. Join us to in- prizes and 50/50 drawings. For a copy of the registration form, contact by small group discussion and reflection. The Wild Goose series will voke Our Lady of Fatima for Her protection for our country and the world. SK Don Hassenbein at 717-838-6307 or [email protected]. help you experience a deeper relationship with the Person of the Holy A Pro-Life Mass is celebrated on the first Saturday of Spirit. To register, call Lou at 717-583-0240 or e-mail mathfamily1@ The Knights of Columbus of St. John Neumann yahoo.com by September 7. every month at 8 a.m. at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church Council 12532 will host their 16th Annual Pig & Corn Roast Aug. 21 in Harrisburg. The next Mass is Aug. 6. Following Mass, participants from noon-3 p.m., rain (inside the new Blessed John XXIII building) or Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Parish in Elysburg gather at Hillcrest Clinic, 2709 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, to pray the shine (in the picnic grove) at St. John Neumann Church, 601 E. Delp will hold a Lobster Fest August 27 from 5-11 p.m. Delicious Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Breakfast follows. Call 717-432- Road, Lancaster. Drive-through takeout will be available. Tickets cost food, live entertainment by Double Talk, games, basket raffle, horse- 5415 for information. $10 each, with children 4 and under free, for a pork sandwich, roasted shoe tournament. Lobster dinners are $25, with seatings at 5, 6 and 7 Join St. Patrick School community in York on September corn, baked beans, apple sauce, a beverage and ice cream courtesy of p.m. Live and steamed lobster pick-up from 2-4 p.m. *All Lobsters must 22 as St. Patrick Church welcomes Bishop Ronald Gainer to celebrate Turkey Hill. For tickets call the parish office at 717-569-8531, Al Gillis be pre-ordered by August 15. Orders may be placed by calling 570-672- at 717-293-1051, Bruce Bischoff at 717-435-9605 or Chuck Mayo at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in honor of St. Patrick School’s 165th 2302. More info and order forms available at www.qmhr.net. anniversary. A reception will follow in Brenner Hall. All parishioners and 717-569-2394. Proceeds benefit the St. John Neumann Church and alumni are encouraged to attend. Contact Nicole Nirosky or Peggy local pro-life charities. St. Joan of Arc Council of Catholic Women in Her- Logue to RSVP at [email protected] or plogue@stpatrickyork. Monday Night at the Movies: Our Lady of the Blessed shey will hold a rummage sale and flea market on August 5 from net. Sacrament Parish (2121 N 3rd St, Harrisburg) will conclude its 2016 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and August 6 from 8-11 a.m. in the school cafeteria, located at 359 West Areba Ave. There will be bargains galore, clothing, Mass in the Croatian language will be celebrated August summer movies season with “Bernadette,” the official dramatization 7 at 11 a.m. prior to the Croatian picnic at Cibort Park, Penn Street, of the story of St. Bernadette, which is shown daily at the Lourdes household items, jewelry, books, games, puzzles, toys, knick-knacks Bressler. This year’s celebration is especially significant since it marks Shrine in France. Shot entirely on location, the film is based solely on and more. All proceeds go to charity. the 100th anniversary of the setting of the cornerstone for Assumption of recorded, factual history. This outstanding lesson of faith will be shown Trinity High School’s second annual “Countdown to the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on July 9, 1916. on Monday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. and is a great way for families to will take place August 27 from 5-9 p.m. Adults 21+, honor Mary on the Feast of her Assumption. Snacks welcome. Kickoff” social more details to follow. Contact Lisa Schlager, lisaschlager@comcast. Pilgrimage and Retreats The Men’s Club of Immaculate Conception BVM net or 717-319-9604. Parish in Fairfield will be holding a spaghetti dinner in St. Mary’s Travel with Father Donald Bender of St. Patrick Parish, St. Theresa School and the St. Theresa Knights of Carlisle, in 2017 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Apparitions parish hall Sunday, August 7 from 3-6 p.m. Dinner includes spaghetti, of Our Lady of Fatima. We will visit Fatima, Lourdes and La Sagrada meatballs, sausage, salad, bread stick, drinks and dessert. Cost is $8 Columbus are having a Golf Outing on Friday, September 9 at Valley Familia in Barcelona, Spain. Contact [email protected] to for adults, $4 for children 6 to 12, and under 6 free. Green Golf Course in Etters. All details can be found on the school request a flyer detailing the trip. website: www.sainttheresaschool.org, or for more information, please Resurrection Catholic School in Lancaster announc- contact Michelle Zemba at 717-649-8899. Oblates of St. Benedict – Day of Recollection will be es its annual golf outing Sept. 13 at Four Seasons Golf Club offered Saturday, Sept. 10 at St. Joseph Church in Lancaster. Topic is in Landisville with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Registration begins at St. Theresa Parish in New Cumberland will be hosting a “Preserving the Tradition – Enhancing the Practice: Living the Monastic 10 a.m. Men and women golfers may play in foursomes for $85 each. community Fall Fun Fest on Saturday September 17 from 4-10 p.m. on Life with the Awareness of the Past and a Recommitment to Spiritual Twosomes and singles will be paired up. The day includes hot dog the grounds of St. Theresa School, located at 1200 Bridge Street, New Growth in the Present.” The retreat is open to all. Our presenter is lunch, beer, roast beef and stuffed chicken dinner and door prizes. Cumberland. Food, music, entertainment, kids’ activities and so much Father Barnabas Gillespie, OSB, a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Contests include a $10,000 prize for a hole in one on the fourth hole. more. For more information, contact Michelle Zemba at 717-649-8899. The day will begin with Mass in the lower church at 8:15, bring your own Other contests are putting, closest to the water, crooked drive, straight- bag lunch (coffee/drinks will be provided as well as coffee/pastries after est drive, adjusted drive and golf package prize. Proceeds go toward Have you ever heard of Natural Family Planning? Mass) and the retreat will conclude at 3:30 p.m. There will be an op- improving technology at the school to give students what they need to Approved by the Catholic Church, NFP enables couples to avoid portunity for Reconciliation and one-on-one with Father Meinrad (Oblate be successful in school and in life. For sponsorship information or to pregnancy by practicing chaste abstinence during the fertile time of the Director) and Father Barnabas. Cost is $15 per person. RSVP by Sept. register, call 717-715-5537 or contact dwalker@resurrection woman’s cycle. At Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Abbottstown 2. Call Sharon or Oliver Ogden 717-560-2873 or e-mail seojogden2@ catholicschool.net. on August 19 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the parish social hall, Dr. Luis Garcia, aol.com for further information or a flyer. Tri County Theology on Tap invites all young adults MD, of York will present on basic Church teaching regarding sexuality and NFP, and then will teach on various forms of NFP and the science The Third Order Secular Carmelites of Elysburg will on a Year of Mercy pilgrimage to the Seton Shrine in Emmits- have their annual retreat at Villa Sacred Heart in Danville September 23- burg, Md., on Sunday, August 21. The group will meet at the Basilica of behind them. From this first session, couples will then have the opportu- 25. Father Emmanuel, OCD, from the Carmelites Washington Province, Elizabeth Ann Seton parking lot (located at 339 South Seton Avenue, nity to learn a specific model of NFP that is best suited for their family’s will be the Retreat Master. Saturday, the retreat will be open to anyone Emmitsburg) at 11:15 a.m. A Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited needs. Advanced registration is not required; for further information, call interested in learning about Carmelite Spirituality and participating in the first at St. Joseph’s Cemetery (11:30 a.m.) followed by a visit with the the parish office at 717 -259-0611. conferences offered by Father Emmanuel. If interested in attending the Holy Door of Mercy, Confession & Mass. There will also be time to one-day session 9:30-5 p.m., contact Meg Geffken [email protected] explore the grounds and visit the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Parish & Organization News Lourdes. Following, everyone is welcome to dine out together at a local or 570-925-6264. Deadline for reservations is Sept. 16. Members of the Lebanon Catholic School announces an after-school Third Order met the fourth Sunday of the month at St. Joseph Church restaurant. Questions, or for carpooling information, contact tricounty [email protected], or call Emma at 717-817-4390. enrichment program. P.E.A.R.S., Program for Enrichment in Danville. Spiritual Director is Sister Angela Pikus, OCD. President is through Academics, Recreation and Spirit, is for preschool-aged chil- Bernadine Markey, OCDS. Meetings are open to all. If interested, contact Theology on Tap-Lancaster will hold its first installment of dren and will be available in September to all interested Pre-K students secretary Meg Geffken at 570-925-6264. The next meeting is Aug. 28. Breaking Bread. All young adults in the area are welcome to meet We meet in the chapel at 11:45 a.m. for opening prayers. enrolled at Lebanon Catholic. Families may choose a 3-day or 5-day at different parishes throughout the year on the 4th Sunday of each program. P.E.A.R.S. will be led by Kali Reb. The program includes age- month. On Sunday, August 28, meet in the narthex of Historic St. Fundraisers and Events Mary’s Church, 119 South Prince St., in Lancaster for 11 a.m. appropriate curriculum designed to foster growth in a variety of areas, Mass, followed by brunch at 12:15 p.m. at the Pressroom (26-28 W. including religion, math, language arts, social studies and science. Holy Trinity Parish in Columbia will hold a chicken barbecue It will be an extension of the school day through engaging activities. Aug. 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the school parking lot at 4th and Cherry King St., Lancaster.) Parking garage available on Vine St. across from St. Mary’s. For more details, check out Lancaster Theology on Tap on P.E.A.R.S.’ extended day hours are from 2:45-6 p.m., when school is in streets, or at the Columbia Borough Fire Department #80 at 10th and session. For more information, call 717-273-3731. Manor streets. Donation of $7 includes half a chicken, bag of chips and Facebook. a drink. Cost of half a chicken only is $5.50. For tickets, call the rectory Patrick Madrid will speak at New Oxford High School ob pportunities office at 717-684-2711 or Judy Ott at 717-684-2075. Aug. 27. Sponsored by Immaculate Conception BVM Parish, Madrid J O St. Catherine Labouré Parish in Harrisburg invites all to will offer three talks during the day, which will be held from 9 a.m.-3 Lebanon Catholic School is seeking a qualified junior high fill up at “Dinner on Derry 2016: Food Truck Fest for the Fortieth” on Au- p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. for registration. Madrid is a Catholic author girls’ soccer coach. Interested individuals should send a letter of interest gust 21 from 1-6 p.m. on the parish campus located at 4000 Derry St. and the host of the popular “Patrick Madrid Show” on Monday through to Mr. Michael Miller, Athletic Director, to mmiller@lebanon Enjoy a variety of food truck vendors featuring slow cooked barbeque Friday, produced and distributed by Immaculate Heart Radio. During catholicschool.org. Preferred candidates will possess relevant coaching sandwiches, cheese steak sandwiches, pepperoni stuffed pretzels, the program at New Oxford High School, he will speak on “Why be experience and/or playing experience. Application deadline is noon sweet treats and so much more. Music by the Kellys, bingo, 50/50 raffle Catholic?” “Search and Rescue,” and “Is Everything up for Grabs?” August 12 or until the position is filled. Cost of $20 per person includes lunch. Madrid’s books will be available and games for children. Please take time to join us in celebrating the is 40th anniversary of our beautiful Shrine Church by taking a tour to learn for purchase throughout the day. Register by contacting Pete Socks at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish in Shippensburg about the many hidden treasures in each window – a true symphony in [email protected] or 717-634-4961 and leave a message. Indi- currently accepting resumes for the part-time position of Coordinator blue. cate choice of American, turkey or Italian sub. Checks should be made of Religious Education (CRE) for the 2016-2017 school year. Previous payable and sent to Immaculate Conception Church, 106 Carlisle St., experience as a CRE preferred. If you are interested in applying for the The 9th Annual “Swing for the Sisters” Golf Tourna- New Oxford, PA 17350. Register by Aug. 14 to guarantee lunch choice. position, send your resume to Reverend Dwight Schlaline. You may ment, to benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph, will be held Sept. 17 at Flat- A Caregivers’ Day of Prayer and Care will take place at St. send it via email to [email protected] or by mail to Rev. bush Golf Course, Littlestown. For more information and/or to register, Dwight Schlaline, 305 North Prince Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257. call 1-800-482-6510 or e-mail [email protected]. Patrick Parish Activity Center in Carlisle Oct. 22 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Most of us know of someone who is involved in providing care Holy Spirit Parish in Palmyra is looking for a parish secretary St. Peter Parish in Columbia will hold its Parish Picnic for a family member, a neighbor, or friend. That someone may be for part-time work 4 days a week (Mon-Thurs). This position requires a on Sunday, August 7 at Fairview Park, 4380 Fairview Road, Columbia. you. Caregivers often describe their service as simply “doing what mature, detail-oriented individual with exceptional organizational and Meats and drinks will be supplied. Parishioners are asked to bring either needs to be done.” However, the hours spent caring can leave little a side dish or dessert and a folding chair. The festivities, including activi- time for relaxation, spiritual renewal or connecting with others. Parish interpersonal skills. Must be able to work independently. This person ties for all ages, will begin at 3 p.m. and last until dusk. Cost: $10 per volunteers and advocates in the Cumberland/Perry Deanery parishes should possess an overall knowledge of general office procedures family or $5 per individual. invite you to the 3rd Annual Day of Prayer and Care to honor these very and excellent spelling and grammatical skills. This person should be special men and women. The day will include a continental breakfast, proficient in Microsoft applications, especially Word, Excel, Publisher A powerful study on the Blessed Mother begins Sept. and Outlook. Knowledge of the sacraments a plus and prior secretarial Filmed on location in prayer service, guest speaker, the blessing of hands, a luncheon, and 26 at Holy Infant Parish in Manchester. spa and craft activities. Attendees are welcome to also attend Mass experience a must. Send applications to: Secretary Application c/o Holy the Holy Land, “Mary: A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother” will place Spirit, 245 West Pine St., Palmyra, PA 17078. you in the midst of the powerful drama of Mary’s earthly life, taking you at 5:15 p.m. The event is free of charge, but advanced registration is required at http://www.2016dayofprayerandcare.com/. through her joys and her sorrows. The series will be presented at Holy Ministry Openings at St. Margaret Mary Parish in Infant Parish at 535 Conewago Creek Road, Manchester, beginning The Bishop McDevitt Class of 1986 will be holding its Harrisburg. Leadership is needed for the following parish ministries: Monday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and continuing every Monday for 8 ses- 30th Class Reunion the weekend of October 21 and 22. The first Adult Choir Director and Youth Ministry Coordinator. Qualified practicing sions. Student Study Guide for the entire series is $25. For information event will be Friday evening October 21 with an informal gathering from Catholics interested in either of these positions are asked to contact or to register, call Terry Bradunas at 717-266-1274 or e-mail terrybradu- 6-10 p.m. at Spring Gate Winery, 5790 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg. the parish office at 717-233-3062 for a job description and further [email protected]. The second event will be held Saturday evening October 22 at the information. Hershey Italian Lodge, 128 Hillcrest Road Hershey, from 6-11 p.m. For “Living Holy in an Unholy World – Living Catholic more information, or if you have questions, contact Jeanine Mesarick at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie is seeking a without Compromise” mini-retreat will be held at St. Catherine Director of the Office of Spiritual Ministry for Persons with Disabilities Labouré Church in Harrisburg Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. [email protected] or call 717-433-4844. You can also contact John The problem with our country is not Hollywood, the president, or the Wilk at 717-648-0667 or [email protected]. and Deaf/Hard of Hearing. This part-time, 20-hour per week position media. The problem is sin… and a crisis of saints! This powerful, hard- The Bishop McDevitt Class of 1981 will hold its 35th addresses a variety of special needs through consultation, advocacy, hitting mini-retreat discusses what it means to be a follower of Jesus Reunion Weekend Friday, October 7 at 9 a.m. will be a Golf education, spiritual enrichment and community building. To access the and the challenges we have in living out our Catholic faith more fully Outing at Blue Ridge Country Club, $40/person, and from 7-11 p.m. full position profile and an application form, visit: http://www.ErieRCD. at home, at work, and in everyday life. Following the 9 a.m. Mass, join an informal covered dish gathering at 2352 Timber Line Court, Har- org/employment.asp. Submit a cover letter with signed application, Bryan Mercier, an international Catholic speaker and retreat leader who risburg. On Saturday, October 8 from 6-11 p.m. at Hollywood Casino, resume and references to: Disabilities Director Position, Catholic Chari- has spoken to tens of thousands of people over the last 20 years, as he Grantville, there will be a cocktail reception, buffet dinner and other ties Diocese of Erie. 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504 or via leads this morning retreat. His passion for sharing the faith will inspire entertainment. Cost is $55 early bird per person by Aug. 31 and $60 e-mail to [email protected]. The 20 - Catholic Witness • August 5, 2016 Bishop Gainer Heartens Diocesan Athletes Gathered at Annual Rosary Rally

Left: Jeff Waechter, head football coach at Bishop McDevitt, prays the Rosary with many of his players at the annual rally. Bottom, left: Bishop Ronald Gainer delivers remarks to the faithful gathered in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Camp Hill. Bottom, right: Late afternoon July light casts stained-glass reflections on a young athlete in prayer.

CHRIS HEISEY, THE CATHOLIC WITNESS

By Chris Heisey The Catholic Witness

or the second year in a row, diocesan Fathletes and sports teams joined Bishop Ronald Gainer for a Rosary Rally – this year’s rally was held at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Camp Hill, on July 17. The rally, which was sponsored by Sports Leader, fea- tured Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the recitation of the Rosary. Some 75 athletes, coaches and parents attend- ed the Sunday evening rally. Bishop Gainer told those gathered that he admired and respected them for being present on a hot summer evening. “As an athlete, you already know what it means to sacrifice…. Religion is the best source of virtue, and virtue makes doing the right thing flow through us.” Sports Leader is a Catholic, virtue-ground- ed organization designed to help coaches and athletes integrate four proven pillars: Virtue, Mentoring, Ceremony and Catholic Identity. Sportsleader.org has an excellent Web site with various videos, testimony and coach- ing aids designed to help teams compete with compassion, zeal, selflessness and determi- nation and to play and share Jesus Christ in troubled times.