“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Welcome to our church family: a message from our Pastor, Father Richard Mowery
Greetings to all who have found our Parish, our community of faith!
If you are an active Catholic, welcome! If you are a lax Catholic, welcome! If you are searching, welcome! We welcome your presence! God will provide the rest, His grace and blessing and healing.
As you peruse our website, you will learn about our prayer life, our elementary school, our religious education programs, and our service ministries.
When you sense the Lord speaking to you, respond in prayer and openness to His call in your life.
Jesus reminds us that “it is not you who have chosen me, but I who chose you that you may go forth and bear fruit.” The Lord desires us more than we desire Him and He will give us the grace to respond to His love and invitation.
May the good Lord lead and guide you in your search for Him!
Catholics Coming Back Home: Welcome back!
Want to sign up as members of the parish? Our registration form is here. There’s an old saying that goes, “Once a Catholic, always a Catholic.” Maybe you have been away from the Church for a little while or for quite some time, but now you feel a tug at your heart calling you back to the Catholic Church. Listen to that tug. It’s your Heavenly Father reaching his arms out to you, the Holy Spirit whispering in your ear, hoping to draw you home. We hope you accept this as your invitation to rediscover the truth, wonder, and mystery of the Catholic faith. As your brothers and sisters in our worldwide Catholic family, we want you back. We’ve missed you, and our Church is not the same without you. Regardless of why you left or got out of the habit of going to Mass, you can always come home and return to the practice of the sacraments and the fullness of relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church He founded. We are Catholic. Welcome home. Recognize that your Heavenly Father yearns for you to come home to his Church. Then, go to Confession at your local Parish and consider discussing any concerns or questions you may have about returning home with a priest. Begin going to Mass again and experiencing Christ’s presence through worshipping in the liturgy. The Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are also there to help you on your journey home, as are Parish ministries like RCIA. Know that you are not alone, and do not be afraid to find answers to your questions. Call Father Richard Mowery at the Parish Office for more information.
How to enter into the Catholic Faith: Welcome!
Have you considered becoming a Roman Catholic? The process for becoming a Catholic is called RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). There are several steps along the way before entering the Catholic Church. The process includes prayer, Scripture, instruction (using the Catechism of the Catholic Church), sharing, and discernment. Adult Roman Catholics, who have not completed their initiation sacraments of Confirmation and/or First Eucharist, are also encouraged to attend. Classes are held according to your schedule and special arrangements can be made. If you or someone you know wishes to join the Catholic Church or if you are a Catholic who wishes to complete your sacramental initiation of Confirmation and/or Eucharist, please call the Parish Center (570.784.0801 x 4) and speak with Jim Gregory, our Director of Religious Education. A Catholic spouse or friend may attend with you throughout the process.
Invitation to Become Involved in Saint Columba Parish
Some Parishes, like ours, will eagerly invite you to participate in any of the many activities we offer if you ask or show interest. Often, however, it takes time to get to know the Parish community and to allow them to get to know you. When you are interested in becoming part of any St. Columba Parish program, use our website menu to learn more about all we offer and then please call or email the group’s contact person (found on each activity page) who will explain the process and whether or not you will need clearances to participate.
Activities or programs that involve contact with children or students such as CYE or Vacation Bible School require specific certifications, clearances, and online training. Your contact person will guide you through this process or you can contact Deanna McKinnon at the Parish Office or you could visit the Diocese of Harrisburg’s Youth Protection website.
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