Carrie Barlup I think God has been calling me toward Catholicism for some time now, although it took the birth of my son, Theodore, to really get me to listen and pay closer attention to what God was saying to me. Theodore's name means "God's gift" and he truly has been just that an absolute gift in our lives that has brought my husband and I closer in our marriage and in our faith. My husband, David, grew up attending Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton; he went through CCD and was baptized and confirmed in this parish. When we had Theodore baptized here, I realized that I would not be able to answer Theodore's questions about his faith if I did not understand the Catholic faith myself. Also, my godmother, Nancy, became Catholic a few years ago and she has always been a source of wisdom for me while trying to understand questions of faith. Her conversion surprised me, actually, and made me want to deepen my own understanding of the Catholic faith. I started the RCIA process not quite knowing what to expect or what I would get out of it. I had a lot of skepticism and misconceptions. I assumed I would learn all sorts of Catholic traditions and teachings that wouldn't sit right with me, would clash with what I grew up learning and believing as a Presbyterian, that would turn me away from the faith. Well as it turns out, I was quite wrong. What I found instead is that Catholicism seemed to be a fuller version of what I already believed. It was as if my faith understanding had ended in high school and someone suddenly helped me graduate college. I seem to have an unending amount of reading and catching up to do to fill in the gaps in my education. But I have always been an avid reader and loved learning new things. I feel encouraged by our church leadership, inspired to continue reading and learning more about my faith, and eager to talk with others about this journey in my life. As a parish you can be patient with me when I forget the words or motions I'm supposed to do. Please pray for me and my family as we grow in our faith together. Being united with my husband in faith has been a dream of mine and I'm looking forward to seeing how God will move in this next chapter in our lives. I've been honored to have been able to share my artwork with the parish throughout the season of Lent. The inspiration for my artwork came from experiences I had while studying abroad in Rome. I was struck by the fleeting movements of all of the people and tourists hurrying along their way as compared to the solidity and permanence of the ancient structures found all over the landscape of Rome. There was an interesting symmetry with the theme of pilgrimage and journeying for us as a congregation throughout Lent that mirrored my own faith journey. Karen Ferrick Although I grew up grounded in the fundamentals of our Christian faith, I realized that there were gaps in my faith journey that only the Catholic sacraments could fill. In my previous church, I loved the few special times each year that we celebrated Communion; but now, as a Catholic, I will have the privilege of a more intimate communion with God through the Living Body of Christ at every Mass! Throughout the RCIA experience we have been exposed to the intricate structures and deep symbolism of Catholicism, with insights into how to ultimately deepen our relationship with our God. It has made me feel more accountable, that my every thought and action should be seen or acted on through the lens of my faith. This parish does a wonderful job already, so please just continue to provide opportunities to fellowship, volunteer, and take classes, studies, and workshops to help deepen our understanding of God's word and how to live our faith in our daily interactions with others.
O ne of the joyous elements of the Easter Vigil is the welcoming of RCIA candidates into full communion with the Catholic Church. These new parishioners bring a fresh and energetic faith to our community be sure to welcome them when you see them at Mass and events! We asked the candidates joining us at Easter to share a snapshot of their journey and also asked them how we can support them in their continued growth. Here are their responses. We are delighted to note that four more adults two of them Messiah College students and three children are in the midst of preparation to enter the Church as well! Sharon Fronko I have been a Christian since my early teens and was raised in an Episcopal home; I married a man who was raised Catholic. When we had children, we started attending a Pentecostal church and continued for the next 19 years. My husband was never comfortable there, so we started to explore other churches. Our close friends are Catholic and invited us to attend a church service at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. While sitting in the church service, I felt like I had come home. I loved the special attention to the Holy Eucharist and the prayers that were very similar to how I was raised. I love the reverence for the Lord that the Catholic Church represents. I missed receiving Holy Communion every week and feeling that forgiveness. I cannot wait to receive my first Holy Communion as a Catholic. RCIA has been a wonderful experience. I learned so much about the Catholic faith and realized that the information I heard about the Catholic religion was so very wrong. I can t wait to integrate my Catholic beliefs with the love I have for the Lord. They are intertwined and are now as one. I am looking forward to sharing my new faith with close friends who do not understand the Catholic Church. I think it would be great to have an RCIA Part 2! I believe as a member of a church we are extensions of Christ, and we all play a part in our Christian walk. We all have special gifts given to us by the Lord. I am hoping to use my gifts to become more active in the church. Toni Geiselman Alisha Hymes My granddaughter who isn t Catholic ended up in Catholic school, which is a place I never thought I d end up again. So I wondered if there was a bigger purpose for us ending up there together. I wanted to take the classes to remember what I forgot from Catholic school or didn t pay attention to in the first place and to make sure I wanted to be there for myself, too. I would ask that the parish keep us new members informed of events that we could be involved in or help with. I realized God was calling me to Catholicism when he answered my prayers and directed me to reach out to Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. God placed the right Catholic persons in my life at the perfect time to support me. Every day is a gift from God. RCIA was such a blessing to learn how to utilize the tools given to me to express my faith to everyone around me and share the Word. Continue to pray and support me. The parish has been extremely helpful in giving me guidance and opening the door to make me feel welcome and a part of the family.
MON Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 16:1-2a, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Mt 28:8-15 TUE Acts 2:36-41; Ps 33:4-5, 18-19, 20,22; Jn 20:11-18 WED Acts 3:1-10; Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Lk 24:13-35 THU Acts 3:11-26; Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9; Lk 24:35-48 FRI Acts 4:1-12; Ps 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a; Jn 21:1-14 SAT Acts 4:13-21; Ps 118:1, 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21; Mk 16:9-15 SUN Acts 4:32-35; Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Jn 5:1-6; Jn 20:19-31 35 YEARS A PRIEST Join us Sunday, April 8, as Monsignor celebrates the 11 am Mass in gratitude for his vocation. Afterwards, all are invited to a reception in Waldron Hall until 2 pm. Food for the reception may be dropped off in Waldron on Saturday, April 7, 10 am to noon & Sunday, 8 to 11:30 am. Volunteers are still needed for a variety of tasks both days. Sign up at bit.ly/anniversaryhelp, or contact Donna, donna@steas.net, 717-697-6929. this week at StEAS MON 2 TUE 3 WED 4 THU 5 FRI 6 SAT 7 SUN 8 Keep me safe, O God; you are my hope. 7:30 am 9:00 am 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 9:30 am 8:30 pm 6:00 pm Gospel Reflection Groups That Man Is You! Zumba Fitness Trail Life Knights of Columbus (rosary @ 6:20) Faith Matters Morning Faith Matters Evening Schools of Spirituality Carmelite Adult Open Gym Zumba Toning College Funding Course Consoling the Heart of Jesus First Friday Devotions after Masses Eucharistic Adoration after 9:00 am Mass 3:45 pm Benediction and Reposition 6:30 am 9:00 am 7:45 pm That Man Is You! Mass for Confirmation Students Easter Vigil Mass Divine Mercy Sunday 35th Anniversary of Monsignor King s Ordination to the Priesthood 11:00 am 12 to 2 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 6:00 pm 8:00 pm Monsignor King Anniversary Mass Reception for Monsignor King Divine Mercy Holy Hour Confirmation Rehearsal Let s Play Cards! Kids Open Gym and Lego Club 14 and up Basketball 14 and up Floor Hockey SATURDAY MARCH 31 VIGIL, EASTER SUNDAY THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD AT THE EASTER VIGIL IN THE HOLY NIGHT OF EASTER 7:45 pm Special Intentions SUNDAY APRIL 1 EASTER SUNDAY THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD THE MASS OF EASTER DAY 7:30 am Special Intentions 9:00 am Special Intentions 11:00 am Special Intentions MONDAY APRIL 2 MONDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER NO MASS TUESDAY APRIL 3 TUESDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 6:45 am Morning Prayer 7:00 am Andrea Phillips WEDNESDAY APRIL 4 WEDNESDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 8:30 am Rosary 9:00 am Richard Mahoney THURSDAY APRIL 5 THURSDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 6:45 am Morning Prayer 7:00 am John Deibler FRIDAY APRIL 6 FRIDAY IN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 6:45 am Morning Prayer 7:00 am Special Intention 8:30 am Rosary 9:00 am Don Wargo SATURDAY APRIL 7 3:00 pm Confessions VIGIL, SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY 5:00 pm Josephine Mrazik SUNDAY APRIL 8 THROUGH THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM, our parish community welcomes Elaine Grace Thomas SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY 7:30 am Joseph Lappano 9:00 am People of the Parish *11:00 am Nicholas (Nick) Robert Vogl * Choir at Mass
CONGRATULATIONS to all our Faith Bee participants! These students competed in our parish oral Faith Bee on March 26, and 1st place winner Brianna Iucolino will go the Diocese finals in April! Brady White placed 2nd, and Drew Kostelac 3rd, with Lindsey Fetterhoff and Maya Caicedo also part of the fun competition. Love to see what our young parishioners are up to! CONSOLING THE HEART OF JESUS Join us, beginning Thursday, April 5, for a 10-week group retreat inspired by Saint Ignatius of Loyola and designed by Father Michael Gaitley. Come as you are and give your trust to Jesus. It is not necessary to buy the book before coming to the first session. Books will be available on the first night. Come to the first meeting and see if this program is right for you! Contact: Julie Ritts, 717-580-8554. HOLY FAMILY RADIO DINNER Representatives from area Knights of Columbus Councils and Assembly present a check to Holy Family Radio for the Second Annual Dinner and Auction. The Squires and Knights are the grand sponsor of the April 20 event at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey. Bishop Gainer will offer prayers and remarks; keynote speaker is Father Thomas Loya, of EWTN Radio's "Light of the East" program. More information and registration at www.720whyf.com. CONNECT WITH US! Visitor, new neighbor, seeker, returning to the Church? If you are joining us today for the first time or have been coming quietly for a while we d love to get to know you better and connect you with people and activities that might help you along your faith journey. Visit this page www.steas.net/connect to fill us in on your needs and interests. Welcome! ON THIS GREAT FEAST OF THE RESURRECTION, we extend our prayers for a Holy and Happy Easter! God bless you for your faithful and prayerful participation in our parish mission, and in the liturgies and devotions of Lent and Holy Week. We were blessed by the Awaken Our Hearts mission that offered spiritual refreshment and renewal to many parishioners and visitors. Grateful thanks to Vince Ambrosetti and his team for their ministry to us. And on behalf of the entire parish community, we offer our sincere gratitude to the many parishioners whose dedicated efforts assured that the solemn ceremonies of Holy Week were carried out with care and devotion. God bless you for your service. Father King Father Schenck Father Eseke Deacon Hall
DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY Join us next Sunday for our observance of this special Sunday designated by Pope Saint John Paul II whose image, along with that of Saint Faustina, is featured in the religious art in our Divine Mercy Chapel. Before the start of the 9 o clock Mass, there will be a blessing of the Divine Mercy image in our chapel, followed by Mass as usual in the church. Parishioners are invited to bring personal images of Divine Mercy to be blessed as well. A Holy Hour will begin at 3 in the Divine Mercy Chapel. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, we pray, have mercy on us and on the whole world. SCHOOLS OF SPIRITUALITY The series continues! Learn about the breadth of our rich Catholic faith, and maybe find a practice or focus that will enrich your own spiritual life. Upcoming: April 4 Mary Taylor, Third-Order Carmelite: Carmelite spirituality; April 11 Father King: Ignatian spirituality. Contact: Donna, donna@steas.net, 717-697-6929. FAITH MATTERS MORNING On Wednesday, April 4, at 9:30 am in the Bayley Room, we conclude our study of the Gospel of John. NEW PROGRAM JOIN US! We will begin a new program on Wednesday, April 11: Divine Mercy In The Second Greatest Story Ever Told. Renowned speaker and author Father Michael Gaitley tells the dramatic history of God s love and mercy through the appearance of Mary at Fatima and the lives of Saint Faustina,, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, and Pope Saint John Paul II. Contact: Mel Lee, melmolee@reagan.com. IF YOU HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT SAVING for your children's education, or wondering if you are saving enough money to send your children to college without bankrupting your retirement, please join Bob Langan on April 5 at 7 pm for strategies you can employ while your children are young. Register online at www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/class/saint -elizabeth-ann-seton-little-known-secrets-of-paying-for-college/ THANKS, THANKS, THANKS, THANKS, THANKS! Our neighbors and parishioners count on our Lenten Fish Dinners but, wow, what a lot of effort behind the scenes (in front of the scenes, too). Thanks to our hard-working... dedicated... weary but tireless... loyal... amazing... awesome... volunteers, who weathered weather, illness, and all of the usual demands of busy lives to put (delicious) food on the table each Friday during Lent. We got love in social media, and the attendance speaks for itself. Let s do this again next year! And if you d like to get your name on the volunteer list, visit bit.ly/ StEASFishDinners NEW HERSHEYPARK DISCOUNT TICKET OFFER FOR PARISHES! Hershey now offers only one discounted price no matter what level of ticket you need. Ticket price for All Ages (3+) is $34.85 48% off of the gate price. Orders with full payment must be received at the parish office by Monday, April 30. The parish will receive tickets by Friday, May 25, in time for the holiday weekend. Order forms will be available as a bulletin insert on April 8. SPONSOR OF THE WEEK We wish to thank HAMPDEN OPTICAL for sponsoring an ad in our weekly bulletin.