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Winterfest 2021, November 20
Please mark your calendar – WINTERFEST will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 (9 a.m. – 2 p.m.) in the school gym, hallways, and cafeteria. We will be in need of cookies, fudge, candies, pies and tea cakes, etc. plus a variety of soups so please start looking through your recipes!We are also asking…
World Mission Sunday, October 24
Pope Francis invites the entire Church to support mission dioceses in Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Latin America and Europe, where priests, religious and lay leaders serve the world’s most vulnerable communities. Please keep the Pope’s missions in your prayers and be generous in next week’s collection for the Society for the…
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Community Headlines & Events
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA TEACHER NEEDED
St. Columba School is seeking a Middle School ELA Teacher for grades 5-8. Interested candidates should contact the school principal, Mr. Morisco, at (570) 784-5932.
CELEBRATE RESPECT LIFE MONTH
You’re invited to join Catholics nationwide in celebrating
Respect Life Month this October – learn more at www.usccb.org/respectlife
WELCOMING PHYSICIANS, NURSES, AND ALL HEALTHCARE WORKERS
The Harrisburg Guild of the Catholic Medical Association invites you to the annual White Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Harrisburg, on Sunday October 31 at 9:30 a.m. Bishop Ronald Gainer will be the Celebrant. Participating in the Harrisburg Guild provides faith formation, education, and advocacy, particularly with respect to conscience protection. Physicians will recite their oath of care at the Mass. Attendees are welcome to wear their white coats and uniforms. After the Mass, a reception will be held downstairs in the cathedral hall. Family members are welcome.
ANGEL TREE
Our parish Angel Tree is back this year! Applications for those in need are available at the Parish Office from now until November 5. Delivery of the Angels will be December 19. For those new to this long-standing program, the angels are put on a tree at the beginning of Advent and they are from families that are in need. The angels on the tree list the child’s age, clothing sizes and any requests made by the parent for their child (please note that there is a spending limit of $50 per Angel). You take an Angel from the tree and gift-wrap the gifts you can provide for that child. Make sure you attach the angel securely to the gift, bring it back to the church and place it under the tree. We are asking you return your Angel’s gift only on weekends of December 11 & 12 and 18 and 19. We sort and deliver them on December 19 after the 10:30 Mass. Yes, you can help sort and deliver the packages; we are always looking for help. May your heart go out to those families that are asking for diapers, coats, and boots. If you have any questions about this program, please call Gary Honabach @ 570-594-2492.
ARE YOU ABLE TO SPEND AN HOUR A WEEK WITH JESUS?
The Adoration Chapel at the Basilica of St. Cyril and Methodius in Danville IS NOW OPEN with adoration hours from Wednesdays at 7:00 AM through Thursdays at 8:00 PM. We need another adorer for the 8:00-9:00 AM hour on Wednesdays, 1:00-2:00 am on Thursdays and we need at least 2 adorers for each hour of 2:00-3:00 AM and 3:00-4:00 AM Thursdays. Contact Sue 570-441-8252 for more information or go to our website.
REMINDER: All our Mass and Music videos are available on the Saint Columba Parish YouTube Channel.
St. Columba’s Music Ministry has a Virtual Choir Playlist that is available here. Video/audio by Catherine Chayko, Music Director. (OneLicense Number M-400986)
This Week in Our Parish
LIFETEEN
Sunday, Oct. 17’s Life Night is called “Prone to Wander.” It is the last in the series AFTER EXODUS. The goal of “Prone to Wander” is for teens to understand what it means to practice charity through breaking open the seventh and tenth commandments.
SAINT PAUL STREET EVANGELIZATION TRAINING
All adults are invited to register for the Saint Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) Training, October 23, 2021 at Assumption BVM Parish, 119 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA. St. Paul Street Evangelization is a non-profit, dedicated to responding to the mandate of Jesus to preach the Gospel to all nations by taking the Catholic Faith to the streets. Armed with a simple sign, pamphlets and Rosaries, SPSE evangelists go wherever people are gathered. The training is being led by SPSE President, Adam Janke, who will be coming from Michigan. Prior to the training, Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Ronald Gainer at 9:00 a.m. After the training, from 4-5 p.m. at the Lancaster City Square, there will be a “lab experience” for those wishing to put their Saint Paul Street Evangelization training into action. Registration is $10 per person, which includes lunch. Deadline to register is October 20 at 10 p.m. To learn more or to register, go to www.hbgdiocese.org/event/st-paul-street-evangelization-training.
REMEMBRANCE BOOK
During the month of October, our Remembrance Book will be in the back of the church so that all may inscribe the names of their beloved deceased family and friends during the month of October. A candle will be lit for all the names in the book at the Mass of Remembrance on Tuesday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to the Mass of Remembrance.
PARISH MASS OF REMEMBRANCE
November is traditionally the month that Catholics dedicate to the Holy Souls. Once again, this year, we have a special Parish Mass of Remembrance to join our prayer with the Communion of Saints in heaven. Everyone is invited to this Mass, on Tuesday, November 2, at 7:00 p.m., as we light candles to remember each of our be-loved departed who have left us in the past year, and with a candle lit for all of the names in the Remembrance book as well. Even if you haven’t lost a loved one this past year, please consider coming to the Mass to sup-port, through your presence and prayers, the members of our community who are grieving.
Parish Stewardship
October 10, 2021 – $15,547
October 18, 2020 – $11.255
This Week’s Offering – Weekly
Next Week’s Offering – Weekly
DIOCESAN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN as of 9/14/21
ASSESSMENT – $96,150
PLEDGED – $84,523
% OF GOAL – 88%
GIVERS – 215
Mass Schedule for this Week
SUNDAY/October 17, 2021
8:00 a.m. People of the Parish
10:30 a.m. Sp. Intention of Charles & Ines
Carroll’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
TUESDAY/October 19, 2021
7:30 a.m. Janet McLaughlin (Bill & Jane
Bissinger)
WEDNESDAY/October 20, 2021
7:30 a.m. Carmen Calleri (Richard Marston
Family)
THURSDAY/October 21, 2021
7:30 a.m. Raymond Haladay (Haladay Family)
FRIDAY/October 22, 2021
7:30 a.m. Special Intention David Baarck (Anne
Baarck)
SATURDAY/October 23, 2021
8:00 a.m. Mary Ann Stasik (Maryellen & Sam
Young)
5:00 p.m. Donna Mary David (Felicia O’Brien)
SUNDAY/October 24, 2021
8:00 a.m. Donald Dunne (Theresa Dunne &
family)
10:30 a.m. People of the Parish
BLESSED MOTHER CANDLE
In Honor of Charles & Ines Carroll’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
ST. JOSEPH CANDLE
In Honor of Charles & Ines Carroll’s 50th Wedding Anniversary
ST. GIANNA CANDLE
Contact the Parish Office if you would like to sponsor this candle
ST. COLUMBA CANDLE
Contact the Parish Office if you would like to sponsor this candle
Hearing the Word of the Lord
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Most like to think of Jesus giving us a “warm fuzzy” feeling. He does indeed give us a good feeling. He tells us also that following Him means carrying the cross and being of loving service to Him and to His people.
Be Prepared for the Word of the Lord
BE PREPARED FOR THE WORD OF THE LORD
Readings for Sunday, October 17, 2021
TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Isaiah 53: 10 – 11
Psalm 33: 4 – 5, 18 – 20, 22
Hebrews 4: 14 – 16
Mark 10: 35 – 45
BE PREPARED FOR THE WORD OF THE LORD
Readings for next Sunday, October 24, 2021
THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jeremiah 31: 7 – 9
Psalm 126: 1 – 6
Hebrews 5: 1 – 6
Mark 10: 46 – 52
Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church
Part Three: Life in Christ
SECTION TWO: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
The Fifth Commandment: You Shall Not Kill
What is forbidden by the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbids as gravely contrary to the moral law: direct and intentional murder and cooperation in it; direct abortion, willed as an end or as means, as well as cooperation in it.
Attached to this sin is the penalty of excommunication because, from the moment of his or her conception, the human being must be absolutely respected and protected in his integrity; direct euthanasia which consists in putting an end to the life of the handicapped, the sick, or those near death by an act or by the omission of a required action; suicide and voluntary cooperation in it, insofar as it is a grave offense against the just love of God, of self, and of neighbor. One’s responsibility may be aggravated by the scandal given; one who is psychologically disturbed or is experiencing grave fear may have diminished responsibility.
Sponsor of the Week
We would like to thank the Sponsor of the Week
McKINNON FINANCIAL GROUP
for sponsoring an ad in our weekly bulletin.
CELL PHONE FRAUD
Please be aware that another round of similar text messages from someone pretending to be our Pastor and asking for iTunes gift cards is happening again. Please know that these scammers are becoming savvier and savvier and that this crime is being committed all across the country, stealing thousands of dollars from good-hearted people. Also, know that no one from our Parish will ever contact you to ask for monetary help. Anytime you receive a text presumably from our Pastor or anyone from the Parish, double-check the original cell phone number AND call the Parish Office. NEVER give a caller any personal information. Fraudulent calls and text messages can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and we encourage you to do so.
SIMPLE EVANGELIZATION IDEAS FROM THE DIOCESE
- Be kind, say hello, and smile even when you don’t feel like it.
- Forgive everyone, and pray for reconciliation with those you might be at odds with (think of the “Our Father, “…and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”.)
- Invite someone to Mass. You might even go out to breakfast with them afterward.
- Besides going to Mass on August 15 (Solemnity of the Assumption), also pray the 5 Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary on that day.
- If on vacation, enjoy it…but don’t make it a vacation from God. He never takes a vacation from us.
- “Get outside of yourself.” Pray for others, but also pray with others…especially those who are sick, or cancer-ridden, or worried, or depressed, or…(fill-in-the-blank)
- It can be easy to spend a lot of time petitioning God and then to forget to thank Him for prayers answered…thank Him!
- Shut off the TV or computer for a little while and spend time really present.
- Go to Confession at least once during August. More refreshing than a dip in the pool or an ocean swim.
- Watch one of the episodes from the first two seasons of the hit television show, “The Chosen”. It is a terrific show, is helping to change many lives, and there are now 16 total episodes from which to choose. Each is compelling!
BISHOP GAINER’S REORGANIZATION LETTER
By the time you are reading this letter, many of you will have already heard that our Diocese has been forced to make the difficult decision to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Known as Reorganization Bankruptcy, this plan will allow us to continue the work of the Diocese and equitably compensate our creditors.
This decision was made after countless hours of prayer and careful deliberation with our financial experts, attorneys, and our Diocesan Consultative Bodies.
Over the past few years, our Diocese has been forced to confront our horrific past regarding clergy sexual abuse. Today, we are facing some difficult financial realities. Despite making every attempt to scale back operations and reduce overhead, we are currently unable to meet our financial obligations.
The overwhelming reality is that for a number of years prior to receiving the Grand Jury Subpoena in 2016, the Diocesan finances were in a very challenging condition. Responding to that investigation forced us to incur very heavy legal costs, which has had harsh financial consequences for the Diocese. Those costs were not something the Diocese was able to plan for in our budget, which greatly limited the options available to us to correct the preexisting financial trend. Our current financial situation, coupled with changes in the law both here and in New Jersey, where we are already named in one lawsuit and where we anticipate more to follow, left us with no other path forward to ensure the future of our Diocese. Despite the success of the Survivor Compensation Program, which helped 111 survivors of clergy child sexual abuse, or 96% of those who participated in the Program, we already are in receipt of half a dozen new lawsuits, any one of which could severely cripple the Diocese.
As Bishop, I must ensure the Diocese’s core mission is upheld, which is to remain focused on Christ’s mandate to preach, teach, sanctify, and to serve those in need. We must work to bring the Chapter 11 process to a conclusion, as soon as is reasonably possible and in a way that allows us to be present to the community, as we have been for the past 152 years.
When I think about our current situation and the future, I cannot help but think about what it will take to rebuild and strengthen our Diocese as we move forward. You cannot build anything without a strong and solid foundation. As we read in Luke chapter six, verse 48, “He is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on the rock; when the flood came, the rivers burst against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” Our Diocese currently lacks that strong foundation; however, at the end of this difficult process, we will again have a solid foundation to build upon.
I humbly ask for your prayers for our Diocese as we move forward in this process. May God grant us every grace needed during this difficult time. May Mary, Mother of the Church and our Mother, intercede with Her Son to be our strength and support as well.
Typically at this time of year, we would publish the results of this annual financial audit in The Catholic Witness and on our Diocesan website. Due to the ongoing bankruptcy process, we are unable to release financial statements for the fiscal year end June 30, 2020 until this process is complete. We do provide regular financial updates to the bankruptcy court and all documents related to this process can be found online. We still have several months of reorganization efforts ahead of us.
As this process continues, I encourage you to visit www.hbgdiocese.org/reorganization-information for the most up-to-date information. I humbly ask for your prayers for our Diocese as we continue this process. May God grant us every grace needed during this difficult time. May Mary, Mother of the Church and our Mother, intercede with Her Son to be our strength and support.
Sincerely Yours in Christ, Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer Bishop of Harrisburg
UPDATED: A FOUNDATION TO BUILD UPON
The Diocese has created a special page that contains several resources, including some Frequently Asked Questions and court documents. Visit the Diocese Information page to learn about this process.
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