News Update: September 16, 2025

kmikulski6
Sep 16, 2025
5 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

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

Upcoming Events

UNDERSTANDING THE CURRENT U.S. IMMIGRATION SITUATION On Tuesday, September 30th at 7:00 PM in the Church, Ryan Brunsink, an Immigration Lawyer with the Pa. Immigration Resource Center, will discuss the current U.S. immigration status and it's effects on our country and our community. This presentation is open to all SJN parishioners and any other interested parties. Q. & A. will follow as time permits.

Faith Direct

We’re excited to share that Faith Direct will soon be upgrading to ParishSOFT Giving—our new, secure giving platform. This upgrade will happen automatically and securely. No action is required from you—your gift schedules and payment details will carry over seamlessly.

What’s new about ParishSOFT Giving?

· Weekly Giving: If you selected weekly giving, your gifts will now be deducted each week instead of in one monthly batch.

· More Flexibility: Adjust your giving schedule to any date that works for you—not just the 4th or 15th.

· More Ways to Give: Now you can donate using PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

We’re committed to making this a smooth transition. You’ll receive more information as we get closer to launch.

9/28/2025 - Knights of Columbus Bingo at St. James, Lititz. Proceeds benefit St. Vincent de Paul Society. Tickets are $25 now, $30 at the door. Call or text 703-9296-1375 to reserve your spot now.

9/29/2025 - Women's Bible Study begins. Call the Parish Office now to register.

10/10/2025 - Knights of Columbus Annual Golf Outing. Registration and Sponsor forms can be found on the tables at the entrances of the Church.

We are looking for Altar Servers to assist our Priests with weekend Masses. Please review the document below and scan the QR code if you are interested in learning more.

Diocesan News & Events

Bishop Senior's Statement on the Shooting of Charlie Kirk, September 11, 2025
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, issued the following statement today in response to the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk:
“I was saddened by the news of the tragic shooting death of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. I am praying for the repose of his soul, for the consolation of his family and loved ones, and for all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
Mr. Kirk was well known for his efforts to bring open and respectful dialogue onto college campuses. While his commitment to his beliefs and perspectives were very strong, Charlie welcomed the opportunity to promote respectful debate. His shocking murder is a moment that once again amplifies the urgent need in our society for peace, empathy, and respect—especially for those with whom we may disagree. No belief, no opinion, no political difference should ever lead to such heinous acts of violence.
On this day when we remember the evil attack on our country that took the lives of thousands of people on September 11, 2001, we need to recommit to shaping a society where dialogue replaces division and where every person is valued equally, regardless of ideology. We are challenged to reject hate in all its forms and to reaffirm our shared commitment to civility, justice, and the dignity of every human person.”
See below for the Respect Life Campaign Flyer.

Foster Parents Needed
Make a lasting difference in a child’s life. If you can provide a loving home, we will provide the support that you need. Please contact Catholic Charities Specialized Foster Care at (717) 564-7115 or gpfeifer@cchbg.org for more information and to register for a virtual Information & Orientation session on October 1.
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.

You are invited to attend the PA March for Life Eucharistic Adoration. Click here to sign up.

Youth Ministry

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

Faith Formation

Meet Our Catechist: Jean Reddy

Jean Reddy has been a member of St. John Neumann Parish since 1994. Originally raised Protestant, she entered the Catholic Church at the 1989 Easter Vigil after she and her husband, Al, welcomed their first child. Together, they raised four children at SJN, where their family was deeply involved in parish life. Al taught Religious Education for many years, and three of their children served as altar servers.

Jean’s faith has been shaped by pilgrimages to holy sites around the world, as well as by her vocation as a Secular Franciscan, where she currently serves as council secretary of Our Lady Queen of the Angels fraternity. She retired in 2024 after a long career as a physical therapist, and now joyfully fills her days with daily Mass, adoration, the Divine Mercy Cenacle, and time with her grandchildren, sharing with them the beauty of the Catholic faith.

Jean is excited to begin teaching 1st grade in the Family Faith Formation program this year. She says, “I have truly been blessed in so many ways. God’s goodness is never outdone.”

If you would like to register your child for Faith Formation, email Nate Gulya at ngulya@sjnlancaster.org.

Parish Health Ministry (PHM)

September is Suicide Awareness Month, a time to honor those we've lost, support those who are struggling, and remind every soul that they are not alone. It's a call to listen with compassion, speak with courage, and reach out without hesitation. Whether through prayer, conversation, or simply being present, we can be lifelines of hope. Healing begins when we break the silence—and every voice matters.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available:

• Lancaster County Crisis Intervention: 24/7 emergency mental health support at 717-394-2631. They offer phone support, outreach, and connections to inpatient care if needed.

• Mental Health America of Lancaster County: Offers free drop-in support groups, advocacy, and education through the Suicide Prevention Coalition and other programs. (717) 397-7461

• National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 anytime for free, confidential support across the U.S.

You are not alone. There is help, there is hope—and there is healing.

SJN has a Mental Health Awareness resource bookshelf in the Narthex; help yourself to any of the resources. Or email: MentalHealthMinistry@ SJNLancaster.org with questions or request resources.