News Update: September 30, 2025
- kmikulski6
- Sep 30
- 5 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
***Effective this Saturday, October 4, our confession times will change to 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Diocesan News & Events
Please click the letter below from Bishop Senior on World Day for Migrants and Refugees.
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.
Click the flyer below for information regarding a listening session on October 6 & 7 entitled, "This Land is Home to Me."
See below for the Respect Life Campaign Flyer.
Catholic Charities is preparing for its annual Foster Family Picnic on September 26th, a special day of celebration and community for the children and families we serve.
To help provide food and supplies for this event, we are collecting Giant and Walmart gift cards. Your donation will make this gathering possible and meaningful for our foster families. Gift cards may be dropped off or mailed to: Catholic Charities – Foster Care Picnic, 4800 Union Deposit, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Thank you for your generosity and for helping them celebrate and support our foster families.
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: Elizabeth Peters
We're excited to introduce Elizabeth Peters, one of our dedicated 2nd Grade catechists at St. John Neumann Parish. Elizabeth grew up in State College, PA, where she attended Our Lady of Victory Catholic School and Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Shippensburg University and currently works as a marketing associate for an independent book publisher.
When she’s not working or serving at the parish, Elizabeth enjoys drawing, crocheting, playing volleyball, and (no surprise!) reading. Her favorite saint is St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and she finds special comfort in praying the Hail, Holy Queen.
Elizabeth is thrilled to be guiding our second graders as they prepare for their Sacraments and grow in their faith. We're blessed to have her as part of our catechetical team!
✨ 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)
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.
To accompany one another, we instill a sense of serenity and balance; By offering an opportunity in a sacred space, honoring confidentiality, for all to share personal experiences and feelings for our psychological and spiritual wellbeing. We are fellow parishioners and NOT professional counselors or therapists. 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.
Can’t attend this evening's meeting? Join us on October 20th for our morning session at 9:45 am-11 am.
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH , 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, 6-7:30 for a presentation and questions in the social hall. This presentation is done by Peter Krimmel, a Master's degree-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 6TH 6 PM MASS OF REMEMBRANCE: 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 in October in the container in front of the office. Photos will be displayed in the narthex before the Mass and brought into the Sanctuary for Mass of Remembrance on November 6th.
St. John Neumann Catholic School
CYAA Basketball Registration is open for all in grades 1-8. Hurry, registration closes October 15th.
Grades 1-2: CYAA offers basketball clinics Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings at OMPH gym. These run Dec-Feb. Volunteers needed.
Grades 3-4: CYAA offers development and interscholastic competition. Practices weekday evenings, games on Saturday morning/early afternoon. This season runs Dec-Mar. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.
Grades 5-6: Travel: CYAA will enter teams into the LL Travel Hoops League. Practices will be on weekday evenings, home games on weekends and some away games on weekday evenings.
Grades 5-6: Recreational: CYAA will also be offering recreational programs at these grade levels where numbers and interest support creating these teams. Practices weekday evenings, games on weekends.
Grade 7-8: Lancaster Catholic High School is the primary administrator of basketball for these grade levels. This is a PIAA team, which will require PIAA physical. The physical form can be found on the LCHS Athletics page, link is below. Practices at LCHS Monday-Thursday, games weekday evenings. Please indicate your interest on the LCHS athletics interest form also found on the LCHS Athletics page in the link below.
Grade 7-8: CYAA will also be offering recreational programs at these grade levels where numbers and interest support creating these teams. Practices weekday evenings, games on weekends. Begin by registering interest on the LCHS athletics page.
SJNCS Construction
Each day brings us closer to enjoying our exciting new additions!
Click the link below for a construction update!
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