Parish News
OCIA: Meet Cathi
Introducing People to Jesus
Meet Cathi
RCIA and joining the Catholic Church changed my life. In 2016, Rudy and I started attending mass at St. Patrick’s in Carlisle. Not being Catholic, I could not receive the Eucharist. Being Methodist, I knew very little of what was going on. For two years, I watched, listened, and asked questions. Rudy and I both met Fr. Don. In 2017, I started RCIA and joined the Church at Easter 2018. Rudy attended class with me, so I was lucky to have someone with whom to discuss everything. My sponsor, Kathy Perry, had me give her questions every week, which helped me a lot, too. Doing this online would not have been the same as meeting the TEAM and all my new friends every week. Joining the Easter Vigil was emotional, and receiving the Eucharist was so meaningful. Rudy and I both know that our lives would not be so blessed without our Catholic faith. We are now married in the Church and love going to Sunday mass, but being retired, we especially like daily mass and visiting the Adoration Chapel. The people we have met have ALL become so special to us and help us even now grow in faith. We also became OCIA sponsors, which was another great learning experience. —Cathi Dentler
Is OCIA Right For You?
OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) is the new name for RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This process helps people discern their path to becoming full members of the Roman Catholic Church. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops changed the name in Nov 2021 to more accurately reflect the Latin texts and emphasize participants' ongoing development. The process is open to baptized and non-baptized adults and school-age children. Participants can learn about the Catholic faith and decide if they want to join in full communion with the Catholic Church. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about RCIA, contact Stephanie Conrad at 717-243-4411, ext. 300. The people of St. Patrick Church are praying for you!
OCIA: Meet Joe
Introducing People to Jesus
My purpose and calling to RCIA resulted from a desire to be in full communion with my wife, Beth Ann, and son, Seth. Previously, I practiced in the Eastern Rite as an Orthodox Christian. After attending a CHRP (Christ Renews His Parish) weekend in 2019 here at Saint Patrick, I knew then that I wanted to participate in RCIA. Gail Chadrue and her RCIA team were wonderful and made me feel very comfortable.
After coming into the Church in July 2020, I was asked and agreed to become an RCIA team member. Now, my faith journey continues, and I want to encourage others considering RCIA.
My path took many years to get there for various reasons. Regardless, I am now involved with That Man is You (TMIY), Adult Education classes, the Adoration Chapel, Parish Council, and the Usher Team. These have been rewarding endeavors, and all have helped me understand more about the Catholic faith.
Father Don Bender has always been encouraging and made me feel welcome here at Saint Patrick. So, to the entire Church family, I say “thank you.” If you are considering the RCIA Program, great! I know it will be a worthwhile journey. Stephanie Conrad - our RCIA leader at St. Patrick - will be very helpful.
—Joe Buletza
Is RCIA Right For You?
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about RCIA, contact Stephanie Conrad or 717-243-4411, ext. 300. The people of St. Patrick Church are praying for you!
Joy to the World Day Trip
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Announcement About 4:30 pm Mass Discontinuation
There were many factors that went into the decision to not continue the 4:30 p.m. Mass. Fluctuating attendance, lack of volunteers, and clergy mental health were among them. This decision was not made by me alone or lightly. It was prayed over and discussed with staff and clergy and pondered over for some time.
The mental health of priests is something we are dealing with across the diocese and is very important to the health of the parish. With the 4:30 p.m. Mass there could be six to seven Masses a weekend at the parish to split up between two priests. This is the first time in a long time at our parish that we only have two priests. In the past, there have been three to four priests serving our parish between the priests assigned to the parish and retired ones. That is not the case anymore. This puts a heavy strain on the two priests who are here to handle all the Masses and ministries our church has to offer.
What was not among the factors to discontinue the Mass was the future of Revival Music Ministry. Their ministry will continue on at the parish. They will be rotated into the music schedule of the existing Marsh Drive Masses. The particular Mass that they are at will be posted in the bulletin. We will also have more regularly scheduled Praise, Worship and Adoration nights. This rotation will start on September 21.
I hope you can find another Mass to attend that helps you grow closer to Jesus.
In Christ,
Father Don
