News Update: September 23, 2025

kmikulski6
Sep 23
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.

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.

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.

Diocesan News & Events

The Diocese of Harrisburg held a vigil this past Thursday to pray for the deceased, the injured, and the community. The Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg, released the following statement in light of the tragic shooting in York County: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic shooting that occurred in York County, which claimed the lives of three law enforcement officers and injured two others. At this difficult time, I entrust all those impacted to the loving care of our Lord. We recognize and honor the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement officers, who daily put their lives on the line to protect others. Their courage reflects the highest ideals of service and sacrifice. As a community, I call on all people of goodwill to join me in praying for healing for the two injured officers, and comfort for the families of the three officers killed. May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring comfort to those who suffer and guide our community to healing and unity.”
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.
In 1975, 25 Catholic bishops from the Appalachian region of the United States signed a pastoral letter to Catholic clergy, laity, and people of good will in the region. Bishop Joseph T. Daley, the Sixth Bishop of Harrisburg, is one of those who signed the letter, titled "This Land is Home to Me."

This poetic and prophetic document speaks to enduring issues of poverty, environmental degradation, and the dignity of local communities--themes Pope Francis drew attention to in his ecological encyclical, Laudato Si'.

The 1975 letter was written to reflect on the inequalities affecting Appalachia. It was developed in collaboration with the Catholic Committee of Appalachia (CCA), which had spent a year listening to the stories of local residents, church workers, and community groups.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of "This Land is Home to Me" we invite you to read and reflect on these letters. Today, we face similar challenges that were presented in 1975. By participating in an upcoming online gathering, you will have the chance to rediscover the letter’s wisdom, explore its relevance, and engage in dialogue rooted in Catholic social teaching.

On October 6th & 7th, from 6:30-8pm, listening sessions will be held via Zoom to receive your input and facilitate conversation. Feedback from our Diocese will then be presented to a larger gathering of dioceses within Appalachia. These listening sessions will be our focus for the Season of Creation and Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation in our Diocese. For more information or to register to receive the Zoom link, please visit https://www.hbgdiocese.org/clev/life-and-dignity/care-for-creation-ministry/ or contact Marianne Weltmer at mweltmer@hbgdiocese.org or 717-657-4804 ext. 322.
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.

Youth Ministry

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

Faith Formation

Meet Our Catechist: Carol Haas

We’re so happy to welcome back Carol Haas for her second year in our Faith Formation program! This year, she is teaching 5th grade alongside Carol Erb. Carol, a Penn State graduate with a B.S. in Home Economics, converted to Catholicism in 1983 and has been sharing her love for the faith ever since. She and her husband, James, have been married for 53 wonderful years and ran a business together for 44 of them. Carol is a proud mom of three and grandmother of five. When she isn’t spending time with her family, you can find her in her garden! We are truly blessed to have Carol as part of our ministry family again this year!

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

Parish Health Ministry (PHM)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24^TH, AT 6 PM

The Mental Health Ministry will host a presentation titled: What is Anxiety?

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 on October 24th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for a presentation and Q&A in the social hall. This presentation is done by Peter Krimmel, a Clinical Mental Health student preparing for a Master's degree at Immaculata University. After discussing the history, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and anxiety reduction methods, there will be time for questions and feedback. Please prayerfully consider joining us.

Mental Health Ministry Spiritual Support Group will meet this Thursday evening, October 2, at 6:45 pm in the library.

We are aware that at times life feels out of control, and we don’t know where to turn. Are you a caregiver for a family member caring for an aging parent, are you an individual who is sandwiched between caring for own children and an aging adult, are you a parent grappling with your child’s life choices or behaviors, is the aging process causing you stress or worry, do you have a known mental illness, is your physical health overwhelming at times? We are here to listen to one another. By being present, we hope you will feel less alone and isolated in your struggles.

Our purpose is to support one another by fostering a sense of serenity and balance. We provide a sacred space where individuals can share personal experiences and feelings, honoring confidentiality to promote psychological and spiritual well-being. We want to help each other become the best version of ourselves, realizing we are loved unconditionally by God. All are welcome.

Join us this Thursday evening in the library at 6:45 pm. We look forward to seeing you.