February 24, 2026

Feb 24
6 min read

Welcome to the latest news blog for St. John Neumann Parish. This page will be updated weekly with the most recent information to keep you informed. You can also access past blogs by clicking on the links on our blog landing page.

Fathers Dan's Ski Chair Chat!

Parish News

Diocesan News & Events

Bishop Timothy C. Senior invites men throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg to prayerfully discern a call to serve the Church as permanent deacons. A new formation cohort will begin in August 2026. Men between the ages of 30 and 62 who are active, prayerful Catholics are encouraged to speak with their pastor about this possibility. Applications are available through pastors and are due by March 15, 2026. Information sessions will be held at 6 p.m. at the Diocesan Center, Harrisburg; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 15, at St. Pius X Parish, Selingsgrove. Bishop Senior’s full letter, which offers additional guidance and details, is available at https://www.catholicwitness.org/invitation-for-applications-to-be-permanent-deacons/.
Beginning Experience Weekend: The Harrisburg Diocese Beginning Experience Team will host a Beginning Experience Weekend on May 1–3, 2026, at Camp Kirchenwald, Lebanon, Pa. Beginning Experience is an approved, ecumenical program offering healing, hope, and spiritual restoration for those grieving the loss of a spouse through death, divorce, or separation. Led by trained facilitators who have experienced loss themselves and certified by the International Beginning Experience Organization, these weekends have helped hundreds move toward renewed peace and purpose. For more information, visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/clev/laity-and-family/navigating-difficulties/, or contact Julie at 717-379-0800.

Hallow

Yesterday, we began the first full week of Lent Pray40, continuing to reflect on the powerful truths of the Parable of the Prodigal Son with one of the greatest novels ever written, The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Click below to access an accompanying study

guide.

Check out Father Dan's Lenten audio message on our Hallow parish page!

I already have a Hallow account. How do I access SJN's parish page?

Everyone is invited to be a part of our parish community page. There, you can create a profile, add friends, share/respond to prayer intentions, and take part in prayer challenges with the parish. The steps are simple:

To join the parish page: Tap “Church” on the menu at the bottom of your screen > Select “Join a Church” > Search for our parish by typing "17601." Hallow has corrected our parish name from "Saint" to "St." when searching by name. However, it is best to search by zip code (17601).
Start praying with us!

I do not have a Hallow account. How do I get a free account and join the SJN page?

Go to hallow.com/parish.
Type in “17601” and click on St. John Neumann Parish.
Click “Join.”
Create an account using phone or email.
Create a password.
You may redeem the $1 offer by clicking “Redeem Offer,” OR click “SKIP” to continue to the basic (free) version of the app.

My $1 Hallow Trial Expired. Now what?

If you currently have a Hallow premium subscription (or $1 trial) and would like to renew, our Hallow Parish Partnership is offering a 25% discount on a premium subscription annually for the duration of our Hallow Parish Partnership. To redeem this, follow these instructions:

Cancel your current Hallow subscription.
1. Open your Hallow app. Go to the “Me” tab > Settings > Subscription > Cancel my Subscription.
Go to Hallow.com/redeem.
Enter code: GrowthSub25
Follow the steps to get your discount.
Enjoy your Hallow premium subscription, and don’t forget to join our parish page on Hallow!
1. Open the Hallow app.
2. Go to the Church tab at the bottom of your screen.
3. Select “Join a Church” and search for our parish by zip code: 17601.
4. Start praying with the parish!
If you do not wish to renew, Go to the "Me" tab, click the little wheel in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Go to "Subscription" and click "Cancel My Subscription." If you were erroneously charged a renewal fee, contact parishsupport@hallow.app to have the charge reversed.

Ministry Team Members

Are you a member of a ministry team at SJN and interested in a premium Hallow account? Reach out to Erin Houser at the parish office or email ehouser@sjnlancaster.org to request access. Premium accounts are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Faith Formation (Religious Education) and CGS Families

If you are a registered parent or student in our Faith Formation Program and would like to obtain a premium Hallow subscription, please click here to submit your information and get your account started.

Customer Support

If you have any issues getting someone set up on the app, please reach out to parishsupport@hallow.app. Hallow has an incredibly talented support team that responds to parish partners with super high priority. You may also direct inquiries to Erin Houser at the parish office, ehouser@sjnlancaster.org.

Youth Ministry

As a reminder, YM events are still scheduled. God bless!

Faith Formation

Confirmation Parent Meeting Highlights

by Erin Houser

This past Saturday, we gathered with our 8th-grade parents to prepare for the Confirmation this spring. We walked through interview dates, retreat requirements, practice and Mass logistics, sponsor expectations, and dress code reminders — especially ensuring the forehead is clear for the anointing with Sacred Chrism. Parents were also given a copy of the Rite of Confirmation so students and sponsors can become familiar with what they will say and when they will say it during the liturgy.

A few key reminders:

All paperwork is due March 1.
Opportunities still abound to complete the Works of Mercy requirement.
If you have questions, please contact Nate Gulya in the Faith Formation Office.
If you were unable to attend the meeting, details will be sent via email. Please take time to read the information thoroughly.

We also reassured families that Confirmation interviews are not something to fear. Students cannot “fail.” The interview is an opportunity for students to share about their faith, their chosen saint, and their desire to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit more deeply. Confirmation is not graduation. It is strengthening. It is commissioning. It is a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit for a life of courage and discipleship.

As we approach this sacred day, we ask our entire parish community to pray for our Confirmation candidates. May they be open, bold, and faithful. Please also continue to pray for all of our school children, that our parish and school remain places where young hearts are formed in Christ.

Come, Holy Spirit.

If you are interested in learning more about Faith Formation at our parish, contact Nate Gulya at ngulya@sjnlancaster.org, or call the parish office.

Parish Health Ministry (PHM)

GRIEF SHARE Returns to SJN March 3^rd, 2026

Losing a loved one changes everything. The emptiness, the loneliness, the sense that life has been turned upside down can feel overwhelming. If you’ve experienced this kind of loss, we want you to know: You’re not alone, and there is help available.

We invite you to join our GriefShare group beginning on Tuesday, March 3. Session is from 10-11:30 am. If evening hours work better for you, please call Tonianne if enough interested individuals would prefer an evening session, one can be added.

Grief Share is a 13-week program. It is built around a 3-part design. Each session will show a short 20-30-minute video. There would then be a small group discussion with an opportunity to talk about information shared in the video and/or any challenges you may be experiencing. There is no expectation that you need or must share in the group discussion. You may choose to just listen if that is what feels right for you at that time. Each participant will be requested to donate $10 towards the purchase of the workbook. SJN will cover the additional $10 for each book. You may take notes in the workbook during the video or reflect on some of the short exercises and journal prompting with scripture passages in between the sessions. Registration is required to plan for supplies. Call Tonianne at 717 569-8531x 229.

Pew Cards

Beginning this Sunday the Mental Health Ministry has placed take home cards in the pew with scripture verses referencing the 3 pillars of Lent- Prayer, Fasting & Almsgiving. Take one home and reflect on the passage and when possible put into expression.