November 11, 2025
- kmikulski6
- 4 days ago
- 8 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
Beginning the weekend of November 22/23, Gift Giving tags (for gifts and gift cards) will be available in the Narthex. As in past years, the St John Neumann Knights of Columbus have identified local organizations with clients who may not receive a gift this Christmas. These organizations include: Lancaster Day Care Center, Mental Health America, Lancaster Nursing and Rehab Center (formerly Conestoga View), San Juan Bautista Church, School District of Lancaster King Elementary Angel Project (formerly Homeless Student Project), Lancaster County Children & Youth, Off the Streets, and St Anne’s Church. Please take a tag from the tree display, purchase the gift, wrap it, attach the tag to the gift, and return it to the table in the Narthex on or before December 7th. Gift cards should be placed in an envelope with the tag attached to it and then placed in the offertory box. Please do not take a tag unless you intend to return it with a gift or gift card! The $25 gift cards for Target, Walmart, Giant and Weis Markets can be purchased in the church office. Buying them through the church office benefits the church school. Thank you!
Extraordinary Minister Training
Deacon Peter Jupin will hold two sessions for Mandate Training of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. He will hold a morning session on Tuesday, December 2 from 10 a.m. to Noon in the Social Hall. There will also be an evening session on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Social Hall.
If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, please call the Parish Office.
Letter from Off The Streets
Dear Friends and Family,
I'm reaching out to you today to share a cause that's close to my heart and ask for your support: Off The Streets Lancaster. This incredible all-volunteer organization has been helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness since 2013, and their impact is vital now more than ever.
On Friday, November 21st, Lancaster County will hold its largest day of online giving, The ExtraGive. Beginning in 2012, “The ExtraGive” has raised over 110 million dollars for over 500 local organizations. Last year, Off The Streets raised over $65,000 in a single day, finishing as one of the top 25 organizations!
Your donation has a direct and immediate impact. It can provide a:
Security deposit for an apartment
Warm bed and essential basic living needs
Fresh start and restore dignity for a person or family who has experienced homelessness in our community
NEW: Donate In Advance and Avoid Fees!
For the first time this year, you can mail a check in advance of the ExtraGive to Off The Streets! These "offline gifts" will still be captured on the ExtraGive platform and will count toward our goal on November 21st, but they are not subject to any additional processing fees.
If you prefer to donate this way, please note the following:
Checks must be received by November 21st
Make payable to: "Off The Streets Lancaster"
Important: You must indicate "ExtraGive" in the memo line to ensure your gift is counted toward our ExtraGive goal
Mail your donation to: Off The Streets Lancaster 601 E. Delp Rd Lancaster, PA 17601
Of course, if online giving is preferred, the Extra Give website is open on November 21st only. Thank you so much for considering a donation toward our goal of $75,000. I've enclosed a flyer that tells you more about the amazing work Off The Streets is doing.
Let's make this our best ExtraGive yet!
Diocesan News & Events
A Prayer for Veterans' Day
Lord God, Almighty Father,
creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever. Amen.
Click here for the Society of Little Flower Relics Tour dates!
Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Hershey, will offer its next Sensory-friendly Mass on Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 pm in the Main Church (359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey). The Mass will include dimmer lighting, no music, and a shorter homily among other adaptations to promote a fully inclusive environment. Every effort will be made to accommodate all in attendance, and all behaviors are welcome. For more information please contact the Parish Office at 717-533-7168 or Office@stjoanhershey.org. Thank you.
The Diocese of Harrisburg is excited to announce the first Diocesan Catholic Social Teaching Symposium to be held in-person (4800 Union Deposit Rd., Harrisburg) on Saturday, January 31, 2026. This full day event will emphasize education, action, and advocacy for issues relating to the Catholic Church’s long history of social teaching, with an emphasis on the dignity of the human person. The event will feature expert panel sessions on immigration and healthcare, as well as a variety of breakout sessions to explore other issues. Please plan to attend and look for the registration to open in early December 2025.
A parishioner at OPMH parish is asking for prayers and the help of a truly selfless individual. His wife, Jody, is in need of a living donor kidney transplant. Due to a genetic condition, both her kidneys are slowly failing. If you would like to learn more about the disease or the donation process, please contact her at: kidneyforjody@gmail.com.
Click below for a flyer for the Catholic Scout Retreat taking place on November 22.
Hallow
Pray with us on Hallow this Advent
A note from CEO Alex Jones
Advent is just 3 weeks away, and by the time it starts, many of us might feel like we’re already out of breath. Full calendars, shopping lists, limited resources, not enough time. And beneath it all, there might be an even deeper suffering we’re carrying in our hearts, whether it’s complex family dynamics, financial struggles, unfulfilled desires, or even the loss of a loved one.
That’s why this year, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce the theme for this Advent Pray25 challenge as Be Still. This Advent, we invite you to discover deeper stillness amidst the chaos of the holiday season, just as Mary did that first Christmas. Join millions around the world as we dive into the story of the Nativity through reflections on the infancy narratives, powerful excerpts from The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer, and moments of silence and contemplative prayer. Join us in this 25-day journey, starting December 1!
How do I access SJN's parish page on Hallow?
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:
Download or open the Hallow app on your phone
Join the parish page. Tap “Community” on the menu at the bottom of your screen > Select “Join a Church” > Search for our parish by typing "Saint John Neumann Parish" > Join the parish page. Spell out the word "Saint" when searching for our parish.
Start praying with us!
Did Your $1 Hallow Trial Expire?
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.
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!
Open the Hallow app
Go to the community (church) tab at the bottom of your screen
Select “Join a Church” and search for our parish by typing exactly "Saint John Neumann Parish."
Start praying with the parish!
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) Students and 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
Meet Our Catechist: Jennifer Steranko
We’re excited to welcome Jennifer to our kindergarten classroom this year! Jennifer is a proud mom of two girls, ages 3 and 5, and works as a program director for a therapy company, where she draws on her experience as a physical therapist assistant.
She loves to stay active—biking, walking, and working out—and enjoys relaxing with a good book. We’re so glad to have her warmth and enthusiasm as part of our parish community!
✨ Stay tuned each week as we introduce our amazing catechists who make Faith Formation at St. John Neumann so special.
Parish Health Ministry (PHM)
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS: A GRIEF SHARE PRESENTATION
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and with the focus on family, traditions, social events, and cheer, all of which will cause difficult emotions to surface when a loved one’s presence is absent from these celebrations. Whether this is the first, second, or tenth holiday season after your loved one’s death, emotions that may arise in the days ahead can blindside you. Join us on Thursday, November 13th, at 6:45 pm in the Social Hall for this valuable presentation from Grief Share and Deacon Jupin. Here you will receive encouragement and helpful tips for the days ahead. These tools will help you face the holidays with a measure of peace and assurance. ALL ARE WELCOME.
THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKETS
PHM will be distributing Thanksgiving Food Baskets. If your family or a family you know would benefit from a food basket this holiday, please call PHM at 717 569-8531 x 229 to leave your name, number of family members, and point of contact. Do not hesitate to request a basket. SJN and the PHM understand that this year has had various degrees of impact on all families. We are here to assist. Donations are being accepted for turkey breasts and turkeys. Please donate by Sunday, November 16th. Thank you in advance for your generous support.
Spiritual Support Group will meet on Monday, November 17th, at 9:45 am -11:00 am
in the Youth Room.
Are you anxious? Are the upcoming holidays beginning to stress you out? Does life feel out of control? Join us in a safe, confidential space where you can be heard and supported. All are welcome.
Jesus says; “Come to me all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29
St. John Neumann Catholic School
SJNCS Construction
Each day brings us closer to enjoying our exciting new additions!