Saint Theresa Parish

Dear Brothers and Sisters

Along with the other bishops of Pennsylvania, I give thanks to Almighty God for the progress our country has made in curbing the coronavirus pandemic. Each of us has felt the impact of COVID-19 in many ways as individuals and families, among friends and at work. This has been a time of hardship and struggle, of separation and isolation that has impacted our lives of faith as well. Our Lord Jesus has been near to us throughout this difficult period, especially when we encounter Him in the Holy Eucharist. There He offers us His healing and peace, His mercy and reconciliation. Now the time has come for everyone to return joyfully to the celebration of the Eucharist with thanksgiving and renewed faith.

As life returns to normalcy in many ways, each bishop will reinstate in his diocese the obligation of attending Mass in person on Sundays and Holy Days beginning Sunday, August 15, 2021, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass has been in place since March of 2020 when the developing coronavirus pandemic required people not to assemble in group settings. Now, with the impact of the pandemic considerably reduced, it is possible for the faithful to assemble again for the Eucharist and fitting to restore the obligation.

The obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days arises from our Baptism which compels us to unite ourselves with Christ at the altar in His saving Sacrifice of the Cross (Code of Canon Law, canon 1247).  “Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2182).” The obligation expresses the Christian way to observe the Third Commandment, to keep holy the Lord’s Day (Deuteronomy 5:12; Exodus 31:15; Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2180-2181).

As is always the case, this obligation does not apply to those who are seriously ill, who have a serious health risk, such as those receiving therapies that suppress immunity, as well as those who have serious anxiety because of large groups. Likewise, the obligation does not apply to those who care for loved ones who cannot attend Mass in person (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2181).  Whenever legitimately excused from Mass on Sundays and Holy Days, you are urged to spend time in prayer, meditating on the Death and Resurrection of the Lord, reading the Sacred Scriptures, and uniting yourself to Christ in His worship of the Father of us all.  Also, you are encouraged to view a broadcast of the Mass.

As your Bishop, I welcome this moment that reinstates the obligation for all Catholics in the Diocese of Harrisburg on August 15, 2021.  For all of us, it is a moment to thank God anew for the great gift of the Holy Mass and the Real Presence of Jesus in His Holy Body and Blood as well as for the joy of gathering together as a believing community of faith.

May God continue to bless you and your families, and may Mary continue to intercede with Her Son to keep us safe and renewed in our love for the Eucharist.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer

Bishop of Harrisburg

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9TH
4PM TO 10 PM
Baskets
Bingo 
Craft Beer (Ever Grain Brewing) Entertainment
Food Trucks
Kids Games
Milkshakes
Movie
Raffles
Wine
and More 

Questions? Email Mark Reilly at markr@reillyinsurancellc.com or call the Parish Office at 717-774-5918.

IMPORTANT presentation for Parents, Teachers, Administrators, Law Enforcement, ANYONE who works with teens and pre-teens.

   Monday, September 20th, 2021
6:30 PM-8:00PM
Little Flower Social Hall

Come learn about teens and pre-teens and the dangers of the technology they use, including:

• Smartphone technology
• Sexing, sextortion, and cyber-bullying
• Information kidden in digital photos
• Geo-tagging and location sharing
• Secret messaging apps and "disappearing" photo apps
• How students are hding photos and messages on their phones
• AND what parents NEED to know!

You will receive the tools, resources, and advice to help mitigare these risks to children. This program is free to attend and RSVP is not required

The Litany of Saint Joseph will be prayed after all weekend Masses the third weekend of the month from March thru November.  Litany cards will be available at the church the weekend of March 20 and in the parish office any time.  Because of COVID we cannot collect the Litany cards after Mass to reuse them, so we ask you to please bring your Litany card with you each third weekend.

Letter from Bishop Gainer on moral concerns with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines
English:
/documents/2020/12/ACFrOgCpKhrOE4c5ZSPNZqkZyrEzMmRyDfJC-ECFy6CSyRczU5lyWIe-RyLIYruwcuvu5j7yYZuxG80QHf7EUbgHHbwEBDPec5K

Spanish:/documents/2020/12/ACFrOgBzmqLgzlF6F5acnmq6rh_uJFHsXt0kvLu4fhVUn7xe1AyIwditDqj9Yi6GT8956Efc1s1JseLwSTWwVjnVeBRC6vSZLm58IhrldFMo-2mCje5ovfgJ7gvDsCU-1.pdf

US Bishop Chairmen Address Use of Johnson  & Johnson Vaccine 
/documents/2021/3/2021%20March%20US%20Bishop%20Chairmen%20-%20Johnson%20and%20Johnson%20Vaccine.docx
 

TheWe need your help to make the 2021 Fall
Fun Fest successful!  In the past, we have 
had over 140 people volunteer each yearand
we will need that many again this year. 

ThrThere are many volunteer opportunities and some
everyone can help. Please sign up for the for
the spot that is right for you by clicking on  

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0b4baea82cab9-fall3

If you have any questions about the volunteer spots, please contact Beth Ann Connolly at 717-525-3006 or  baconnolly@comcast.net 

• New Program
• 100 Reward Points
• Free Meal
• Electronic machines available

The Search and Metanoia

This Tuesday, September 21^st,  we will begin an intriguing couple of series:  

The first will be the series on Formed.org titled, THE SEARCH.  This is a seven part series narrated by Chris Sefanick and produced by The Augustine Institute.  We will explore topics on What Do You Seek?, Who Are You?, Who Is God? and much, much more.  These video productions are both powerful and explosive in imaging and content.  

The second will be the series by Fr. Pivonka titled, Metanoia, A Journey with Christ into Conversion.  This is a ten part series produced by The Ministry of the Wild Goose and 4PM Media.  Many of you have been able to watch Fr. Pivonka’s Wild Goose Videos so you already have an understanding of how awesome his videos can be.  They are enlightening spiritually and you can’t help but grow in your spiritual journey by watching them.  

Please join us Tuesday in the Little Flower Social Hall as we begin these special series and share in the blessings those in attendance will receive from watching the first episodes of each.   We will begin promptly at 6:30 P.M. and conclude close to 7:45.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brian Wayne at wayneb71@comcast.net or 717-737-0685.