News Update: October 14, 2025

kmikulski6
Oct 14
5 min read

Updated: Oct 15

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.

Father Dan's Ski Chair Chat

Parish News

***Due to our Priests attending a workshop this week, there will be no evening Confessions, Mass or Adoration on Thursday, October 16th. Thank you for your understanding. ***

Upcoming Events

Please stop by the church to pick up your Box of Joy shoe box. Use the wish list to shop and fill the box. Return to the church by the weekend of October 25/26 so that we can get them shipped to the families in need.

We are in the process of forming a new Youth Choir. If you are interested in joining, please complete the form and bring it to the first practice on Monday, October 27th.

This year, All Saints Day falls on a Saturday, so it is not a holy day of obligation.

That being said, we will have a 9 a.m. Mass on Saturday, November 1st to honor our saints.

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We are thrilled to share that A Woman’s Concern is participating in this year’s FaithfulGive! This is an opportunity to support our mission of empowering women, strengthening families, and cherishing life in our community.

Here are the top three reasons your participation in this year's event is so important for AWC:

Support Life-Changing Care – Your donation directly helps AWC provide compassionate medical care, parenting resources, and education that empower women to make life-affirming choices.
Build Strong Families – Together, we can strengthen the foundation of our community by equipping families with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Multiply Your Impact – FaithfulGive provides cash prizes and stretch funds that increase the power of your gift, making your generosity go even further for moms and families in need.

Mark your calendars to give online through our AWC FaithfulGive page from October 19–21. Your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of women, children, and families in Lancaster.

Thank you for helping us celebrate life and nurture hope every day!

Diocesan News & Events

Check out this article from The Catholic Witness about diocesan support for the missions last year. You may recognize our school in the photos!
Click the information below to learn about the Triennial National Collection for Archdiocese for Military Services, USA.

The USCCB's annual Respect Life Month novena will take place October 22-30, 2025. The novena covers a wide breadth of Respect Life topics, including pregnancy support, the death penalty, persons with disabilities, healing after abortion, and more. Join thousands of Catholics across the country in praying for the protection of human life at https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month-novena.

See the flyer below regarding the Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic Day of Dialogue on November 11th.

The Diocese of Harrisburg Cursillo Movement will host its annual Grand Ultreya, Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Diocesan Conference Center, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA. The Doors Open at 8:00 a.m. Mass will begin at 9:15 a.m. with the Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer, Bishop Emeritus of Harrisburg, as the main Mass celebrant. The cost is $20 (for lunch). Please register by October 17, 2025, at www.harrisburg-cursillo.org. Payment accepted at the door, by PayPal or by check. Make the check payable to 'Harrisburg Cursillo Movement.' Bring your spiritual books for the Book Swap at the Grand Ultreya. For questions, email Lisa Rowe, Post-Cursillo Chair at rowrosie@hotmail.com or call 717-736-3866.

See below for the Respect Life Campaign Flyer.

The Harrisburg Diocesan Guild of the Catholic Medical Association will host the annual White Mass for Healthcare Professionals at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church (359 W. Areba Ave.), Hershey, on Sunday, October 19th at 9:30 a.m. Bishop Timothy Senior will be the celebrant. The White Mass provides an opportunity for all Catholic physicians, healthcare workers, medical students, residents, and their families to gather in solidarity and fellowship. Members of the Guild will renew their annual promises. Attendees are welcome to wear their white coats and uniforms. Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Medical Association is invited to gather for a reception in the Parish Hall across the street following Mass. For more information, please visit https://cathmedharrisburg.org/.

The diocesan Behold event will be held on October 18, 2025. See the flyer below for more information.

Click below for a flyer for the Catholic Scout Retreat taking place on November 22.

Youth Ministry

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

Faith Formation

Meet Our Director: Nate Gulya

If you’ve spotted a cowboy hat around St. John Neumann, it’s likely worn by Nate Gulya, our Director of Faith Formation. The hat has become a signature part of Nate's welcoming presence since he took on the role of Director of Religious Education (DRE) at SJN.

Nate has been married for 13 years and is the proud dad of three boys. He spent a decade in youth ministry before becoming a DRE, and his passion for sharing the faith began with his own encounter with Jesus in high school at Lancaster Catholic. He’s an Eagle Scout with a Master’s in Moral Theology, a marathon runner, guitar player, chess fan, and video game enthusiast—but more than anything, Nate is known for being a kind, thoughtful listener and an enthusiastic disciple of Jesus Christ. We’re grateful for the joy, wisdom, and vision he brings to our parish community!

✨ Stay tuned each week as we introduce our amazing catechists who make Faith Formation at St. John Neumann so special.

Check out the flyer below about the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Annual National Christmas Artwork Contest. It's a contest for children!

Parish Health Ministry (PHM)

This month, the Pope’s prayer is for collaboration between different religious traditions. Mental illness is part of the human condition, and people from all religious traditions are affected.Religious traditions are coming to a more complete understanding of mental illness and see that mental health care is a gift from God that can help all people find healing and hope. Pope Leo XIV has said, “religion, at its core, is ... a wellspring of healing”.Pray that all religious traditions will work together to eliminate stigma and promote the healing that comes with good mental health care.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS _FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24 at 6 pm in Social Hall for a MHM Presentation on ANXIETY: What it is?, Why do we have it ? When does it become an issue to bring to therapy? If you have ever wondered about these questions or thought about how anxiety helps and hinders you, join us October 24th, 6-7:30 for this presentation and questions in the social hall. This presentation is done by Peter Krimmel a Master preparing Clinical Mental Health student at Immaculata University. After discussing the history, causes, diagnosis, and finally treatment and anxiety reduction methods there will be time for questions and feedback. Please prayerfully consider joining us.

MARK CALENDAR THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6^TH 6PM MASS OF REMEBRANCE: HONORING THE PASSING OF OUR LOVED ONES.

In honor of this Mass, we ask you to bring a framed photo of your deceased loved ones (labelled with your contact information on the back). Drop off photos beginning October 14. In the container in front of the office. Photos will be displayed in the narthex before Mass and brought into the Sanctuary for Mass of Remembrance on November 6^th.