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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)
Page 2
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
Page 3
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.
Page 4
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
Page 5
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.
Page 6
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
Page 7
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
Page 10
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).
Page 11
Page 12
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!