Vocations
The Office of Vocations for the Diocese helps our Diocesan faithful approach the simple but profound question, “What is God calling me to do with my life?” Newly ordained priest Rev. Damon Tritle found that calling, reflecting that, “I came to the Church with a spiritual hunger and curiosity that led me to read voraciously about the faith, the saints, Church history, etc. I had a lot of catching up to do, because I did not grow up in the Church. Through this, and seeking the counsel and direction of some wonderful priests, I came to hear God whispering to me that I ought to give seminary a chance.”

Life and Dignity
Respecting life in all its stages and phases, this ministry offers hope and help to expecting mothers and young families, to those incarcerated, and to persons with disabilities. During the ever-popular summer camp for persons with disabilities, Sister Kristen Forgotch, ASC, said the camp is an important ministry of the Church. “It says to each of the campers, ‘The Church cares about you, you are included and you are part of the Church. The Church is a vast community and all of its members are needed.’”

Catholic Education
For the second year in a row, our Catholic schools experienced an increase in enrollment. Due in large part to our commitment to in-person learning during COVID, our students achieved higher than state averages on recent standardized testing. Through a strategic partnership with RedefinED Advisors, more than $1M in new EITC funding has been directed to our schools for financial aid. Our schools are well positioned to meet the financial and educational needs of our students.”

Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Supporting the faith lives of young adults in the Diocese has been a priority for years. We continue to advance our ministry to this group through retreats, evening gatherings and on college campuses. “Being able to start the school year with students from other colleges and with our bishop was very meaningful. It reinforces that even if we are in different places, we are all together, joined in unity through and with Jesus,” said Ileana Feistritzer, Catholic Campus Ministry at York College.

Faith Formation
Strengthening our faith and teaching our youngest Catholics what we believe is integral to all our evangelization efforts. Sacramental preparation is part of this process. For Tenley, a parishioner of Saint Joseph Parish in Mechanicsburg, receiving Christ in the Holy Eucharist was a memorable and meaningful experience. “Receiving my First Holy Communion was the best day of my life,” said Tenley.
 

The funds collected for the Diocesan Annual Campaign will help Saint Paul's newly engaged couples to prepare for marriage, men and women grow in faith through diocesan conferences, our young parishioners engage in youth ministry, continuing formation for Father Coyle, prison ministry at Lebanon County Correctional Facility, and many other ministries and programs. 

Here is a list of ministries and programs in which the Diocesan Annual Campaign is currently helping our parish and our parishioners directly. 

Adult Faith Formation
Annulments
Archives
Catholic Cemeteries
Continuing Formation of Priests
Courage Ministry
Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs
Evangelization
Health and Pastoral Care Ministries
Marriage Enrichment
Marriage Preparation
Matthew 25 Grant
Natural Family Planning
Prison Ministry
Religious Education
Respect Life
Retrouvaille
The Catholic Witness
Youth Ministry
Youth Protection

The Diocese of Harrisburg is excited to introduce The Saint Francis Circle.  This giving society is committed to the ongoing mission of the Catholic Church.  Saint Francis’ appreciation for God’s creation has granted him the title “Patron of the Environment.”

As a member of this society, your electronic gifts not only support the ministries of the Diocese, but also reduce the printing, mailing and postage for our annual solicitations, helping us to protect the resources given to us by God.  By helping to reduce overhead costs, more of your gift directly benefits the ministries of the Diocese that receive support from the Diocesan Annual Campaign.  Your regular monthly support provides families with the opportunity to educate their children in the faith, support the formation of our future priests and permanent deacons, and helps support those living in poverty.

To join this society, please make your electronic gift here.

Thank you for your continued faithful support of the Diocesan Annual Campaign.