XAVIER NEWS y El Migrante

Volume 10, Issue 3

Fall 2015

There are no strangers here. ¡Aquí no hay extranjeros! ‘Year of the Family’ draws to a close with Pope Francis’ U.S. visit

Muy pronto el Papa Francisco

Very soon Pope Francis

visitará a Cuba y también a los Estados Unidos, donde participará en el Encuentro Mundial de las Familias en Philadelphia. Esto es un gran parte del foco durante nuestro Año de familia ... y vamos a celebrar la primera visita del Santo Padre a los Estados Unidos como una familia parroquial. Usted está invitado a ver la Misa del Santo Padre en vivo Domingo, 27 de septiembre en la "pantalla grande." La Misa comienza a las 4 p.m. (el Centro Xavier abre a las 3 p.m.) Es un momento maravilloso en la vida de la Iglesia en Cuba y en los Estados Unidos, y un momento de gracia para nuestra familia parroquial de San Francisco Xavier. Ya habrán varios eventos parroquiales durante nuestra Año de la Familia  Tiempo & Talento: Durante octubre se invitará a todos los feligreses a participar en nuestra familia parroquial tomando un papel activo en algún tipo de ministerio parroquial. Dios a dado a cada persona dones y talentos particulares: como educadores o los que pueden organizar, como ministros o jardineros.  40 Horas de Adoración Eucarística: Domingo-Martes, 1, 2 & 3 de noviembre, con la adoración del Santísimo Sacramento durante todo el día hasta que el servicio empieza a las 7 pm cada noche. Padre Timothy Marcoe, párroco de la Parroquia del Inmaculado Corazón de María en Abbottstown predicará durante las tres noches. El domingo 1 de noviembre vamos a recordar de una manera muy especial a todos los miembros de nuestra parroquia que han muerto durante el último año. Durante el servicio de la tarde vamos a mencionar, por nombre, todos nuestros feligreses que han muerto y encenderemos una vela en memoria de ellos. El martes, 3 de noviembre será nuestro (Continued on page 2) servicio de cierre. La parroquia invitará a sacerdotes, a las hermanas religiosas y a las seminaristas a unirse a nuestra familia parroquial para esta importante celebración eucarística de la parroquia. Non-Profit Org.  Servicio Penitencial de Adviento: El 20 de diciembre será la conUS Postage clusión del Año de la Familia donde tendremos la oportunidad de rePAID unirnos para nuestra anual Servicio Penitencial de Adviento— Lancaster, PA después tendremos otra cena de “pot-luck.” El Rito de la Penitencia Permit #299 sugiere que al celebrar un Servicio Penitencia Comunitaria, los fieles (después de las confesiones individuales) se reúnen en la oración de acción de gracias a Dios por el don de la reconciliación. También sugiere que una comunidad parroquial también podría continuar esa

will arrive in the United States and participate in the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. This has been the focus of much of our Year of the Family preparation, and we will celebrate our Holy Father’s first visit to the United States as a parish family. You are invited to watch the Holy Father’s Mass LIVE on the “big screen” at the Xavier Center on Sunday, Sept. 27. Mass begins at 4 p.m. (Xavier Center opens at 3 p.m.) It is a wonderful moment in the life of the Church in the United States—and a moment of grace for our parish family of St. Francis Xavier—to be able to welcome and celebrate Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia, especially in the context of the World Meeting of Families. Several of our parishioners are either participating in the World Meeting of Families events or attending the Pope’s Mass on Sunday afternoon on the Franklin Parkway. We’ll be asking them to share with us their reflections and experiences of this wonderful event. As a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, I have been “activated” and will be involved in a military role during the Holy Father’s visit to the United States. We will be serving a supporting role to ensure the safety of everyone (including the Holy Father), and offering any needed assistance and support to local and state officials. It’s a unique opportunity for me to be a part of this event both as a priest and a member of the United States Armed Forces. I, too, will be sure to share with you my experiences of the event.

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church 455 Table Rock Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

(Continued on page 2)

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Saint Francis Xavier Church - Gettysburg, PA

Fr. John Bateman (Continued from page 1)

There are several more big parish events during our parish Year of the Family: 





Parish Time and Talent Survey: During October, every parishioner will be invited to get involved in our parish family by taking an active role in some type of parish ministry. We all have particular gifts and talents, whether they be for teaching or organizing, ministering or gardening. 40 Hours Eucharistic Devotions: Sunday-Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2 & 3 with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament all day until the closing service at 7 p.m. each evening. Fr. Timothy Marcoe, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Abbottstown, will be our guest homilist for the three evenings. On Sunday, Nov. 1 we will remember in a very special way all the members of our parish who have died in the past year (since last Nov. 1). During the evening service we will mention, by name, all our beloved parishioners who have died and light a candle in remembrance of them. Tuesday, Nov. 3 will be our closing service. Priests, local religious sisters and seminarians will be invited to join our parish family for this important parish Eucharistic celebration. Advent Penance Service: Dec. 20 will see the closing of our Year of the Family as we have the opportunity to gather for our annual Advent Penance Service, followed by a final pot-luck supper. The Rite of Penance suggests that when celebrating a Communal Penance Service, the faithful (after individual confessions) rightly gather in prayer in thanksgiving to God for the gift of reconciliation. It also suggests that a parish community might also continue that celebration through a reception or refreshments. What a great way to end our Year of the Family—celebrating the members of our family being reconciled to God and prepared to celebrate His Nativity at Christmas.

of Divine Mercy), Florence, Assisi and Rome (to walk through the Holy Door). More details are on Page 11 of this newsletter. I am so honored and humbled to be here at St. Francis Xavier Parish and offer to each of you my profound thanks and assurance of my constant prayers. May our Parish Family of St. Francis Xavier be richly blessed by our loving and Merciful God.

Fr. John Bateman (Continued from page 1)

celebración a través de una recepción o refrescos. ¡Qué gran manera de terminar nuestro Año de la Familia—celebrando con los miembros de nuestra familia la reconciliación con Dios en preparación de la celebración de la Navidad. Todavía no terminará nuestro Año de la Familia cuando abrimos el Año Jubilar de la Misericordia proclamado por el Papa Francisco. El 8 de diciembre, La Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción, se abrirá este año especial de la Misericordia. Mientras seguimos haciendo los planes, ya hemos preparado una Peregrinación a Polonia (y el Santuario de la Divina Misericordia), Florencia, Asís y Roma (a caminar a través de la Puerta Santa) en julio de 2016. Me siento muy honrado y humilde de estar aquí en la Parroquia San Francisco Xavier y ofrecer a cada uno de ustedes mi profundo agradecimiento y la certeza de mis oraciones constantes. Que nuestra familia parroquial de San Francisco Xavier sea ricamente bendecida por nuestro amoroso y misericordioso Dios.

Even before the end of our Year of the Family, we will open the Jubilee Year of Mercy proclaimed by Pope Francis. Dec. 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception—and Holy Day of Obligation— will open this special Year of Mercy. While plans are just in the beginning stages for this year-long celebration, we have already made arrangements for a June Parish Pilgrimage to Poland (and the Shrine St. Francis Xavier School 465 Table Rock Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

Mrs. Rebecca Sieg, Principal [email protected] 717-334-4221 sfxs.org

“Educate them in the Christian Way of Life” - St. Francis Xavier Saint Francis Xavier Church 25 West High Street Gettysburg, PA 17325

Xavier Center 465 Table Rock Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

Rev. John Bateman, Pastor Rev. Daniel Richards, Parochial Vicar Mr. Harry Holt, Business Manager Ms. Rachel Greene, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Marcy Marquez, Secretary for Hispanic Ministry Church office: 455 Table Rock Road Gettysburg, PA 17325

717-334-3919 www.stfxcc.org [email protected]

Mass, Confession, Adoration, and Morning Prayer Saturday: 5:30 p.m. Vigil (English) - Historic Church Sunday: 7 a.m. (English) - Historic Church 8:30 a.m. (Español) - Centro Xavier 10 a.m. (English) - Historic Church 11 a.m. (English) - Xavier Center 12:30 p.m. (Español) - Iglesia Histórica 5 p.m. (English) - Gettysburg College chapel (when college is in session) Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. - Historic Church Wednesday: 6:30 p.m. (Español) - Iglesia Histórica Saturday: 8 a.m. - Historic Church Confession: Saturday, 4-5 p.m. - Historic Church Primer Domingo del Mes, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Español) - Iglesia Histórica Adoration: Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (evening prayer at 4:45 p.m.), St. John Paul II Adoration Chapel, Church Offices, Table Rock Road Morning Prayer: Monday through Friday after 7:30 a.m. Mass

Fall 2015

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Family Spotlight Luckenbaugh a ‘jubilant salesman for the Lord’ By Joanne Garnett

Newcomers to St. Francis Xavier Parish may not know Ed Luckenbaugh by name, but if they often attend the 7 a.m. Sunday Mass, they will recognize his resonant voice as that of one of the regular lectors. He is also one of the principal enthusiasts and organizers for evangelism programs in the parish. Ed has been a part of the parish since birth, with forays further afield as he reached his adult years before returning permanently to Gettysburg. As a young altar boy, he delighted in memorizing not only his responses in Latin but also the entire Mass. He chuckles that he would try to see if he could “beat” a visiting priest in saying all the Mass parts. More seriously, he recalls that his way of honoring the Lord during Adoration in those years was to say the entire Mass in his head – in Latin – while before the Blessed Sacrament. Perhaps that closeness to the Lord owes to an experience when he was 10 or 11 years old. Sent on an errand one night to the streets around the old Annie Warner Hospital (now the modernized and expanded Gettysburg Hospital), unlit then by streetlights, the young Ed was startled to see a vivid point of light in front of him. It grew until he was enveloped in a vision of the Crucified Christ, so vivid that it has remained with him through all these years. A tearful and confused Ed rushed home, where his equally astonished family urged him to keep silent about his experience, worried about ridicule, outrage, or disbelief. So for many years Ed locked that deeply affecting moment away in his heart. Though his family was very poor, Catholic schools then were staffed chiefly by nuns and tuition fees were minimal. Memories of his grade school years in the old St. Francis Xavier School on High Street, before the 1950s addition, prompts the image of the wooden desks with their inkwells and a comment by one of the nuns that he never forgot. She said, “We teach you lots of facts, but the blessing of Catholic education is that we teach you how to think and reason.” Those skills followed him to Delone Catholic High School. He fondly recalls the ride on the bus to McSherrystown, or sometimes in the station wagon his father would drive, with St. Francis classmates Bob Kenworthy, the Hemler boys, and “Kenny” Cole. When Ed graduated from high school in 1954, he had the opportunity to attend Gettysburg College, as his father was then employed in the college heating plant, allowing Ed free tuition. However, there were always incidental costs that were beyond the family’s limited resources, and after the first year, he opted instead for the Navy. While stationed in Morocco, he was chosen to participate in a journalism course and later received training in broadcasting for Navy recruiting programs. All of that communications experience led to a post-military job with the Harrisburg Patriot and eventually he became bureau chief

of the Carlisle Sentinel newspaper. Next came five interesting years at Dickinson College, first in public relations and finally with the Sports Information department. In the midst of these adventures, Ed’s sister -in-law set up a blind date for him and he met Nancy. The date was a success; Ed Luckenbaugh and wife Nancy. this November they will celebrate 55 years of marriage. With four little children “and one in heaven,” Nancy and Ed bought a farm west of Gettysburg. Ed had begun his career in sales by now, his enthusiasm and imagination alight with plans. But when the cookware company for which he operated a franchise ran into serious difficulties, Ed was left adrift, the family’s finances shattered. One night during that dark time, Ed, drenched to the skin in a downpour, wandered into a Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship dinner where Father Mike Bennett was the speaker. Father Bennett was a charismatic priest who ended his talk that evening by urging those in the packed audience to accept Jesus into the void in their lives. Ed felt his arm irresistibly raised, asking for that blessing. It was an electrifying and pivotal moment in his spiritual life. The problems he and Nancy faced didn’t go away, but steadfastly, securely grounded in the Lord, they worked their way through them and triumphantly honored every debt they owed. For 30 years, Ed has worked in car sales and, after a recent operation meant a month-long recovery, his current employer, Renn Kirby, recognized his long-time service and arranged more limited hours to allow him to continue working. While that work is still very important, Ed would probably agree that these days his “real” work is using those salesmanship skills and interest in his fellow man to bring Jesus into the lives of all those he encounters: at St. Francis, through the Full Gospel Fellowship, or anywhere he meets and talks with people. He is a jubilant salesman for the Lord.

Prayer for persecuted Christians/ Oración para los Cristianos perseguidos O God, who in your inscrutable providence will that the Church be united to the sufferings of your Son, grant, we pray, to your faithful who suffer for your name’s sake a spirit of patience and charity, that they may be found true and faithful witnesses to the promises you have made. Through Christ our Lord. Dios nuestro, que en tu misteriosa providencia has querido asociar tu Iglesia a los sufrimientos de tu Hijo, concede a los fieles que sufren persecución a causa de tu nombre el don de la paciencia y de la caridad, para que puedan dar testimonio fiel y creíble de tus promesas. Por Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amen.

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Saint Francis Xavier Church - Gettysburg, PA

Diácono Brian Olkowski Yo empecé a pensar en el sacerdocio cuando estaba en el 2º grado cuando una hermana religiosa hizo un gran trabajo en prepararnos para recibir los sacramentos. Cuando yo estaba en el grupo de jóvenes en la parroquia en que crecí, San José en York, había muchas pláticas y retiros acerca del discernimiento y las personas ahí siempre me decían que debería entrar al seminario. Pero no sabía cómo estar seguro de que Dios me estaba llamando, y además yo tenía otros intereses. Así que fui a la Universidad de Millersville para estudiar bioquímica, y me involucré en el Ministerio Católico del Campus. Con el tiempo, mientras mi trabajo y responsabilidades crecían, yo notaba un cambio en como veía las responsabilidades diferentes que tenía – empecé a ver mi trabajo en la escuela como si fuera un obstáculo a lo que yo quería hacer de verdad y a lo que quería dedicar mi tiempo, lo cual fue el ministerio. Descubrí que era mi amor por la Iglesia y mi deseo por ayudar crecer el mensaje de nuestro Señor seria mi trabajo “real.” Un día, cuando caminaba después de Misa, estaba reflexionando sobre la gran oportunidad de ser un sacerdote algún día y que yo podría dedicar todo mi tiempo al ministerio en la Iglesia. De repente me di cuenta que realmente no había nada que me detendría de investigar, y ahí es cuando decidí hablar con nuestro director de vocaciones. Cuando hablamos acerca de vocación, usamos el término “un llamado,” porque vocación viene de la palabra latina “vocare” que significa llamar. Sin embargo, si hay una cosa que he aprendido de todas las variedades diferentes de hombres con quienes he estudiado a través de los años, es que cada quien tiene una histórica única de como Dios les estaba llamando. Pero todos siempre tenían algo en común – cuando encontraban a Dios en la oración y los sacramentos y mientras se esfuerzan en vivir una vida de santidad no importa la situación en que se encontraban, ahí es cuando su llamado hacia una vocación final se hizo más claro. Como dice en Santiago 4:8, “Acérquense a Dios y él se acercará a ustedes”. Dios siempre nos está llamando, no importa en donde nos encontramos en esta vida. Cuando empezamos a escuchar activamente y responder a Su invitación, ahí es cuando se hace todavía más claro a donde nos está llamando Dios en la vida. Las historias de cómo cada quien llega a su vocación final es diferente, pero el origen siempre es lo mismo: el deseo de levantar su cruz diariamente y seguirlo a Él. Todo lo demás se trata de solo trabajar en los detalles.

Escuela de Educación Religiosa School of Religious Education

Juntas Importantes

La Escuela de Educación Religiosa (SRE) mejor conocida como Continuing Catholic Development (CCD) o La Doctrina es un programa de educación formal disponible para los niños y jóvenes de nuestra parroquia. A través de este programa, nuestra iglesia ofrece educación en la fe a aquellos que no pueden beneficiarse del sistema de la escuela católica. El programa está a cargo de catequistas voluntarios (profesores, compañeros de maestros y ayudantes) buscados de nuestra congregación y organizado por la directora del programa.

9/13:

Los catequistas deben ser confirmadas católicos, por lo menos 18 años de edad. Los ayudantes pueden ser menores de 18 años y estar todavía en la escuela. Debido a estas personas dedicadas se puede llevar a cabo el programa cada año. Si le gustaría ser catequista y trabajar con los niños y jóvenes de la parroquia, por favor comuníquese con nosotros.

11/22:

Actualmente se están aceptando las inscripciones. Puede obtener la hoja de inscripción en la oficia del Centro Xavier durante la semana o a través de la página web www.sfxs.org bajo la sección de Educación Religiosa. Daremos inicio al año con una junta de padres el domingo, 13 de septiembre.

Junta de Padres (bilingüe) 9:30am en el Centro Xavier

9/27:

Junta de Padres OBLIGATORIA - CONFIRMACIÓN (bilingüe) 7:00pm en el Centro Xavier

10/25:

Grado 2 - Programa para Padres e Hijos de Educación acerca de la Virtud 9:30—10:45am en el Centro

Xavier 11/1:

Junta de Padres OBLIGATORIA - Primera Confesión (bilingüe) 9:30am en el Centro Xavier

11/15:

Grado 4 Programa para Padres e Hijos de Educación acerca de la Virtud 9:30—10:45am en el Centro Xavier Grado 6 Programa para Padres e Hijos de Educación acerca de la Virtud 9:30—10:45am en el Centro Xavier

12/13:

Clase de Confirmación Programa para Padres e Hijos

de Educación acerca de la Virtud 6:00—8:00pm en el Centro Xavier

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México

Brazil

Colombia

Costa Rica

Misa Diocesana de la Herencia Hispana

Dominican Republic

Guatemala

Celebrante/Celebrant: Reverendísimo Ronald W. Gainer Obispo de Harrisburg Most Reverend Ronald W. Gainer Bishop of Harrisburg

El Salvador

Dónde/Where: Parroquia de Santo Nombre de Jesús Holy Name of Jesus Parish 6150 Allentown Boulevard Harrisburg, PA 17101

Ecuador Perú

Puerto Rico

Uruguay

“APRENDIENDO A ORAR PARA APRENDER A VIVIR" Paso a Paso desarrolla una relación cercana con Dios. Invitamos a todos los jóvenes de 15 a 22 años al Taller de Oración, que se va a impartir en nuestra parroquia; comenzando el viernes 4 de SEPTIEMBRE. Habrá 10 sesiones, una cada semana en el Centro Xavier de 7:00pm a 8:40pm. Para mayor información comuníquese con: Lety Sánchez - (717) 885-3936 Carlos Pichardo - (717) 521-1134

Año de la Miserocordia Venezuela

Chile

Perú

Panama

Cuándo/When: Domingo 13 de septiembre de 2015 Sunday, September 13, 2015 3:30 p.m. Para más información/For more information: www.hbgdiocese.org/hispanicministry & (717) 657-4804

Nicaragua

Diocesan Hispanic Heritage Mass

Cuba

Honduras

Argentina

Bolivia

Cambio del horario de Misas a partir del 13 de septiembre A partir del 13 de septiembre regresaremos al horario regular de las Misas pero con un pequeño cambio. La Misa de 12:30p.m., en español, se celebrará en la iglesia histórica. Este cambio dará a cada familia la oportunidad de asistir a Misa en el Centro Xavier (donde hay mucho estacionamiento) o en la iglesia histórica (donde se puede estacionar en la cancha de baloncesto que está encercada, detrás de la antigua casa de los sacerdotes. No se permite el estacionamiento en la iglesia metodista). El horario regular de Misas en español será: Domingo: 8:30 a.m. (Centro Xavier) 12:30 p.m. (Iglesia Histórica) También, deseamos ofrecerle la oportunidad de confesarse. El primer domingo de cada mes, de 11:30 a.m. hasta las 12:15 p.m. uno de los sacerdotes estará en el confesionario para celebrar el sacramento de reconciliación. NOTA: Si desea celebrar la confesión debe llegar temprano. Es necesario que las confesiones terminen a las 12:15 p.m. para que el sacerdote puede prepararse para la Misa.

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Saint Francis Xavier Church - Gettysburg, PA

The faces of St. Back to School

Clockwise from top left: The St. Francis Xavier Class of 2016 on their first day as eighth graders; seventh graders relax and catch up with friends before on the first day of school; and third graders get acquainted with their new classroom and teachers. Opposite page, top three photos: Participants enjoy this year’s Vacation Bible School’s “Everest” theme. Opposite page, bottom three photos: Parishioners gather at various events this summer.

Fall 2015

Francis Xavier

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Saint Francis Xavier Church - Gettysburg, PA

Page 8

Finance Committee: Year-end report By George Gelles Finance Committee Chair

StFX Church Total Operating Expenses: $1,292,722 July 1, 2014- June 30, 2015

Our parish is blessed with many loving families and individuals who

SFX School Subsidy: $294,417

have been very generous in giving back to God a portion of the gifts SFX Religious Ed. Subsidy: $74,944 God has given them. Thanks to each of you for the gifts of time, talent Delone High School Subsidy:$135,691 and treasure that you have given this past year in support of our family Youth Ministry Subsidy; $21,875 community. Rectory Expense: $32,079 The pie charts below give you an illustration of the parish’s income and expenses for the church, rectory, religious ed program, youth ministry Salaries/Benefits: $330,967 and school subsidies. The charts do not include the parish cemetery or Repairs/Maintenance: $35,507 parish school. The school’s financial report is shown separately (see Purchased Services: $93,620 opposite page). The approved operating budget for the year was Travel: $6,690 $1,094,028. It did not include the purchase of the new rectory which was purchased for $194,160 and totally paid for by two large bequests Conferences/Dues: $2,284 the parish received this past year. The charts show that the operating Supplies: $54,352 expenses were greater than the income received. After depleting our Other/ Interst: $16,136 savings account, we had to borrow $57,757 from the diocese in order to Purchase of New Rectory: $194,160 balance the budget for the year. The main reasons for the difference were an increase of $22,592 to the school subsidy and a shortfall in the StFX Church Sunday collections. The subsidies for religious ed and youth ministry were both less than the amount budgeted. The cemetery operation had a Total Operating Income:$1,197,096 savings of $3,089. July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015 In November 2014, our parish became a tithing parish. As our tithing witnesses shared with us, tithing is “God’s Plan for Giving.” It is an inSunday/Holy Day Offerings: $902,689 vitation from God to approach parish support from a spiritual, not financial, point of view – trusting in God by giving 10 percent of our inChristmas: $43,856 come to God (5 percent to the parish and 5 percent to your favorite charities). Pope Francis continues to call us to be ever mindful and genEaster: $28,019 erous to the poor, and by becoming a tithing parish, St. Francis Xavier puts the needs of others before her own – giving to others from our own Diocesan Subsidy: $18,223 need, rather than our surplus. In keeping with “God’s Plan for Giving,” the Parish Council and Finance Committee agreed that the parish would Misc: Votives/LA Refund $11,514 also tithe 10 percent of each Sunday offering to a charitable organization. Our parish can be proud that from Nov. 2 to June 28, the parish Gifts/ Bequests: $192,795 has donated $108,748 (tithed collection $69,197 plus $39,551 individual donations) to 35 organizations including our parish debt and the diocesan collections. In addition, through other parishioner donations of make Saint Francis Xavier Parish a very active, caring family commu$106,783, the Xavier building debt balance has been reduced to nity. If you have any questions about the finances, please give me a call $102,090 as of June 30. at 717-334-0333. Thank you for being good stewards of the parish and for helping to

Religious Education

Visit sfxs.org

K-6 Religious Ed. Sundays, 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Confirmation classes Sundays, 6-8 p.m.

Sept. 20, 27

Sept. 20, 27

Oct. 4, 18, 25

Oct. 4, 18

Nov. 1, 15, 22

Nov. 15

Dec. 6, 13, 20

Dec. 6, 13

Oct. 25: Grade 2 parent/child chastity education program 9:30-10:45 a.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room

Jan. 10, 24, 31

Jan. 24, 31

Nov. 1: Mandatory First Penance parent meeting (bilingual) 9:30 a.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room

Feb. 7, 21,28

Feb. 21,28

Nov. 15: Grade 4 parent/child chastity education program 9:30-10:45 a.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room

March 6, 13

March 6, 13

April 3, 10, 17, 24

April 10, 24

Nov. 22: Grade 6 parent/child chastity education program 9:30-10:45 a.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room

May 1

May 1

Parent Meetings Sept. 13: SRE parent meeting (bilingual) 9:30 a.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room Sept. 27: Mandatory Confirmation (8th grade) parent meeting (bilingual) 7 p.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room

under Religious Ed for registration forms, updates, sacrament information and weather cancellations

Dec. 13: Confirmation (Grade 8) parent/child chastity education program 6-8 p.m. @ Xavier Center multipurpose room

Fall 2015

Page 9

Finance Committee: Year-end report (cont.) 2014-2015 S c hool E x pens es

Depos i t to s a vi ngs , $16,600 Other expens es , $17,114 Suppl i es , $24,181 Pa yment on debt pri nci pa l a nd i nteres t, $27,042 Food expens e, $28,829

Sa l a ri es a nd wa ges , $701,815

Purcha s ed s ervi ces , $56,312

Empl oyee benefi ts , $202,243

2014-2015 S c hool Inc om e

Other non-opera ting i ncome, $15,214 Other pa ri s h s ubs i dy, $22,260 Other i ncome, $31,552 Sa l e of food, $49,453

Tui tion a nd fees , $562,021 Fundra i s i ng Activi ties , $99,219

SFX Pa ri s h Subs i dy, $294,417

Meet Deacon Brian Olkowski I

first began thinking about the priesthood when I was in second grade, when a religious sister did a great job in preparing us to receive the sacraments. When I was in youth group at my home parish, St. Joseph in York, we had many talks and retreats about discernment and people there always told me that I should enter the seminary. But I didn´t know how to be sure that God was calling me, and I had many other interests too. So I went to Millersville University to study biochemistry, and became involved in our Catholic Campus Ministry. Over time, as my work and responsibilities grew, I noticed a change in how I looked at the various responsibilities I had—I started looking at my work in school as an obstacle to what I really wanted to do and spend my time with, which was ministry. I discovered that it was my love for the Church and a desire to help the message of our Lord grow that was my “real” work. One day, when walking back from Mass, I was reflecting on what a great opportunity it would be to be a priest some day and I could dedicate my whole time to ministry in the Church. Suddenly I realized that technically there was nothing stopping me from inquiring, and that was when I decided to talk with our vocations director. When we talk about vocation, we use the term “a calling,” because vocation comes from the Latin word “vocare” which

does mean to call. However, if there is one thing I´ve learned from all the different varieties of men I´ve studied with over the last several years, its that everyone has a unique story of how God was calling them. But they always had one thing in common: the more they encountered God in prayer and the sacraments and the more they strove to live out a life of holiness in whatever situation they were in, that is when their calling toward a final vocation became more and more clear. As it says in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” God is always beckoning to us, no matter where we find ourselves in life. When we begin to actively listen and respond to His invitation, that is when it becomes more clear where God is calling us in life. Everyone´s story in how they arrived at their final vocation is different, but the starting point is always the same: the desire to pick up one’s cross daily and follow Him. Everything else is just working out the details. This article is also in Spanish on Page 4.

Saint Francis Xavier Church - Gettysburg, PA

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Ministering to the campus community By Michele Behan

They descend by the hundreds on the small town of Gettysburg, drawn by its bucolic atmosphere and stimulating sights, ready to plunge headlong into interesting things they didn’t know before. Summer tourists? Not quite … I’m talking about Gettysburg College students who, for nine months out of each year, populate the historic campus located in the middle of town. Those of us who were once students ourselves can recall those college years of early independence – a time when hazy high school dreams coalesce into the buds of tentative career paths. The college years can be an important milestone both in the personal growth of an individual and developing a lifelong attitude toward one’s faith. According to Father Daniel Richards, Parochial Vicar at St. Francis Xavier Parish and parttime chaplain at Gettysburg College, “For many Catholic students, college is the first time they are really asked to take ownership of their faith: whether to attend Mass or not, standing up for their faith when it is questioned or even attacked, or kind of falling in with the pack. It's a challenging time, in many ways, but of course challenge is very often the impetus for growth. My hope is that we can help our Catholic students to meet those challenges and learn from them, in order to become the men and women God calls them to be.” However, the practice of one’s Catholic faith can take a back burner to the rigors of academia. Father Richards knows this from personal experience. In his college years, he found himself drifting slowly away from the foundation laid by years of Catholic education in grade school and high school. He didn’t have time to pray and even began missing Mass on occasion. Then, something happened in the course of his college life that changed everything. Two college professors were instrumental in helping Father Richards scrutinize his Catholic faith as a young man. One was an English Literature professor. This man had a strong faith himself, and in the course of his teaching, he almost “evangelized” to his students by choosing spiritually oriented literature for them to study. The other professor taught a course on Western Civilization. She was strongly atheist and challenged everything that Christianity offered. Oddly, but consistent with the peculiar way in which God’s grace often works, the yin and yang of their teaching approaches caused Father Richards to examine his own Catholic faith more closely. He began to slowly develop a personal relationship with Jesus

Christ, likening it to a love relationship in which you want to learn more and more about the Beloved. Father Richards explains, “The first step is really out of our control – it’s God working within us. It began at our Baptism, and continues through His grace at work in us. We don't cause it, but it's important to recognize it, because it will take us down a bad path if we think it's all about how much we do – God has already done more for us than we can ever do in return!” When asked how he would advise college students to ignite that spark, Father Richards answered, “We can open ourselves up to God's grace by receiving the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist each Sunday and Confession frequently, and developing a life of prayer. It's that prayer which, I believe, college students especially need help developing, because often their idea of prayer hasn't changed much since they first learned to pray. What I mean is: the idea of ‘prayer’ is limited to saying certain words, in a certain order, at a certain time, etc. Those prayers are good, for instance the rosary, but they aren't everything. A much deeper prayer takes place in silence, when we stop talking and let God start talking. It's hard at first, it can be awkward and uncomfortable to sit in silence, but it's a much more mature way of turning to, and listening to, our God who wants to be with us in a real relationship.” To help fill the college students’ spiritual needs, an active Catholic campus ministry has existed at Gettysburg College for at least several decades. This includes a full-time lay minister, currently Mrs. Susan Collinge, and a part-time priest chaplain, Father Richards. The position is assigned by the diocese and is not necessarily drawn from St. Francis Xavier parish. Before Father Richards filled the position – in the days when Father Pistone was our parish’s only priest – the chaplain’s role was occupied by Father Steve Fauser, pastor of Immaculate Conception in New Oxford. While school is in session, Catholic Mass is offered each Sunday at 5 p.m. at Christ Chapel, located on the Gettysburg College campus. The college Mass provides an ideal opportunity for college students to maintain their Catholic faith, even in the insular environment of their college experience. Father Richards notes, “The students are tremendously appreciative of Catholic campus ministry, and in particular for Sunday Mass on campus. We have a strong, committed group of students who come to Mass every Sunday, and as they leave almost every one of them says, ‘Thank you’ each and every week. I can see that they recognize the importance of God and His Church in their lives, and are striving to not simply take their Catholicism for granted.” Homilies contain universal truths, but audiences can be very different. When asked if Father Richards prepares a unique homily for the stu-

dents’ college Mass, he answered, “Generally speaking, the main ‘point’ of the homily will be the same at the parish and the college, especially since they're based on the same readings. However, if you came to Mass at the parish and then Mass at the college on the same day, you wouldn't hear the exact same homily. I don't read my homilies, except on rare occasion, and though I have the homily prepared and planned out, it does allow me a certain amount of freedom to adapt as I'm going. I find that the audience to whom I'm preaching affects me a great deal, not only in preparation but in the moment. Perhaps it's the Holy Spirit, or perhaps it's just my intuition of what will or will not be impactful, but I'm sometimes even surprised at what I end up saying. It isn't that the point changes or that I say something I didn't plan or want to say, but the reality is that the same thing can be said in a number of different ways. Preaching has always been one of my favorite parts of the Priesthood, and I really enjoy preaching at the college each week.” I recently attended a college Mass at Christ Chapel for the first time. The Chapel is very attractive, bright and inviting. Sunlight flowed through beautiful stained glass from the many arched windows. Three young smiling women in white robes cheerfully prepared the altar before Mass. Attendance was lighter than at the other Catholic Masses in Gettysburg. There was a lively mix of young men and women present, interspersed with older attendees, and even some families, who obviously prefer the time of that particular Mass. A pianist played music and a cantor led the singing. Father Richards’ preaching was in fine form. Probably due to the lighter attendance, the Mass was over in record time: 45 minutes! Midway through the celebration of the Mass, a delicious smell began wafting through the church. The enticing fragrance only grew stronger and stronger as the Mass drew to a close. Then came the announcement: All college students are invited downstairs after Mass for pizza! Of course, pizza – could there even be college without pizza?

Fall 2015

Calling all young Catholics: Join Theology on Tap! By Alex J. Hayes

Young Catholics without children often have a hard time finding their place. Parents make us go to church when we are in elementary, middle and high school. Some of us wander off during our college years and don’t instantly come back when we become young professionals. A few years ago, I discussed this with our pastor at the time, Father Bernardo Pistone. We tossed around the idea of forming a young Catholics discussion group but it never took off. I brought the idea back up when Father John Bateman became our pastor. He, like Father Pistone, was very enthusiastic about it and informed me that a group already existed for young Catholics from Adams, Franklin, and lower Cumberland counties. The first meeting my wife and I attended was very conveniently held at Garryowen Irish Pub on Chambersburg Street in Gettysburg. Father Bateman led a discussion on Catholic views on immigration. About 20 people from different churches sipped on a beer while asking Father Bateman questions and sharing their own views. The unfortunate part was that even though the discussion was held in Gettysburg, my wife and I were the only ones from Saint Francis (except for Father Bateman). Tri-County Theology on Tap is planning its fall events. Father Luis Rodriguez will lead a discussion about the World Meeting of Families on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Roy Pitz Brewing Company, 140 N. Third Street, Chambersburg. Father Rodriguez is the pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Chambersburg. October’s event is still being planned but on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Dr. Joseph Zume, assistant geophysics professor at Shippensburg University will lead a discussion on Pope Francis' new Encyclical on the environment. The gathering will most likely be held at Garryowen. In December, the group plans to do a service project. Last year, they made Christmas cards and sang carols with residents at South Mountain Restoration Center. Check the Catholic Witness, Saint Francis Xavier’s parish Facebook page and Theology on Tap – Tri County for more details. I will be on vacation during the Sept. 9 event in Chambersburg, but it would be great if someone from Saint Francis took the lead on arranging a carpool to Chambersburg.

Parish Pilgrimage to Poland and Italy Spend 11 days on pilgrimage with daily Mass, 4- & 5-star hotels in downtown areas, and certified local tour guides. Cost of $3,999 is all-inclusive (except lunch, personal purchases—single supplement and trip insurance are optional). For more information or to get a brochure, email [email protected] or visit ProximoTravel.com (choose “your trip” and scroll down to the June 13, 2016 date). There you can review the full itinerary, get general information and sign up by clicking on the dates. Se le invita en esta peregrinación durante el Año de la Divina Misericordia a Polonia (el Santuario de la Divina Misericordia), Florencia, Asís y Roma (una Audiencia General Miércoles Papal y la oportunidad de pasar a través de la Puerta Santa). El costo es $3,999: todo incluido (excepto el almuerzo y un suplemento se desea tener un cuarto solo. Seguro de viaje es opcional). Para más información mande un email [email protected] o ProximoTravel.com / y elige "Choose Your Trip" y busque la fecha de 13 de junio 2016. Allí se puede revisar el itinerario completo, obtener información general y registrarse (haciendo un clic en la fecha).

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Saint Francis Xavier Church - Gettysburg, PA

Adult Education Opportunities this Fall ‘That Man is You’ kicks off Sept. 19

After months of planning, “That Man Is You,” a dynamic Catholic men’s fellowship that has received accolades everywhere it has been held, has become a reality with a weekly meeting every Saturday morning beginning Sept. 19, from 6 to 7:30, at Xavier Center. Kevin Kelly, local coordinator, announced that 23 sessions will be held until Dec. 12. Another 23 meetings will take place next Spring from Jan. 16 to April 23. Because of its anticipated popular acceptance, Kelly said a similar pattern would be scheduled every year. Highly endorsed by Father Bateman and Bishop Gainer and a host of clergy and laity throughout the country, TMIY operates with the motto “Becoming a Man After God’s Own Heart.” “This program is desperately needed in the Roman Catholic Church today,” said John Williamson, of Houston, Tex. “It is the most eye-opening and rewarding program that I have ever attended! I honestly believe this course will make Catholic men better leaders of their families, which will renew the Church and change the world.” Ed Luckenbaugh, Evangelization Chair at the church, indicated that was just a small sample of the testimonials. “I’m told that men who take a ho-hum approach to attending the meeting are the ones who really get on fire for them once they start and can hardly wait for the next one.” Each session consists of a continental breakfast, a teaching video, personal testimony and prayer. To honor men’s busy family schedules, meetings begin and end on time. Here are the main discussion points of the program:  The Scriptural vision of man, including the four leadership roles entrusted to him  The five personal leadership traits necessary to fulfill authentic male leadership  The overwhelming scientific evidence in support of the Scriptural vision of man  How Jesus perfectly fulfilled the role of man and offers every man the opportunity to participate in His life  Modern society’s attack on authentic manhood and consequences of failed male leadership  The three major obstacles to fulfilling this vision of man and the means for conquering these obstacles  The three means of discovering God’s presence in your life  The wonderful renewal God has in store for men, their families and society Steve Bollman, of Houston, Tex., founder and president of Paradisus Dei, developed the program in 2004. It has quickly moved across the country transforming men, marriages and families. He is currently developing additional programs to bring his “message of hope” to other members of the family. His other writings have appeared in national publications, including The National Catholic Register, Inside The Vatican, and Catholic Answers. Bollman describes his TMIY work as “an interactive men’s program focused on the development of men in the modern world. It combines the best research from science with the teachings of the Catholic faith and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of authentic men capable of transforming themselves, their families and greater society.”

Series explores St. John Paul II’s ‘Theology of the Body’

All adults are invited to an education series on St. John Paul II’s Parishioners Duane and Lindsay Whitlock shared their reflections on “Theology of the Body” as part of St. Francis Xavier Parish’s Year of the Family celebration. Ann Marie Kalloz, Sexuality Education Instructor and Consultant since 1984 and certification student with the Theology of the Body Institute, will lead participants through an overview of “Theology of the Body” as it presents insights regarding the human person, relationships, sexuality, married life, and the family. Come discover why “Theology of the Body” has been called a “theological time bomb” and “one of the boldest reconfigurations of Catholic theology in centuries.” Take advantage of this opportunity, here in our local community, to examine issues that will be addressed at the World Meeting of Families and the Synod of Bishops on the Family. Topics are as follows:  Sept. 9 & 16: Matter Matters  Sept. 23: Does Evil Exist?  Sept. 30: Eternal Communion  Oct. 7: The Language of the Body  Oct. 14: All of Me

the series: “As we reflect back on the first seven years of our marriage, there is little doubt that our decision to attend Christopher West’s all-day seminar on St. John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” is among the most life-altering choices that we made…Even Lindsay’s conversion to Catholicism can be at least partially attributed to that monumental moment.” Participants can choose to attend either on Wednesday mornings (Sept. 9, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14) from 8:30 to 10 a.m., or on Wednesday evenings (Sept. 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, 14) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Xavier Center. Babysitting will be provided free of charge. Religious certification credits from the Diocese of Harrisburg are available. If you have any questions you are welcome to call Ann Marie Kalloz at 717-334-4501.

St. Francis Xavier is on Facebook! Search for us, or type facebook.com/StFrancisGettysburg directly into your browser. If you are involved in a parish mission and would like to see your event posted, or share pictures of past events, please send the page a private message and we will be happy to spread the word!