In the March edition of Faith in Action:
🙏 Fr. Key uses Psalm 51 to show us what God really wants from our prayers
💡 DYK: Confession doesn't have to be scary!
🎙️ Fr. Powell discusses how to approach Lent if you are already suffering
🎭 The lessons of Catholic Education -- found in a musical
🇻🇦 A pastor meets Pope Leo XIV for a very special blessing
❓ The Diocese is conducting a feasibility study -- and your input is requested
What if the prayer God desires most from you isn’t perfect words—but an honest heart? In this Scripture & Reflection, Fr. Kevin Key reflects on Psalm 51 and how praying with Scripture can deepen our relationship with God. When we bring Him our whole selves, especially our brokenness, we discover a mercy that renews us.
Lent is a time of penance. A time to contemplate and seek God's mercy. The best way to do that is by receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation. For this reason, parishes throughout the diocese are offering penance services during Lent.
Here are a few interesting things to consider about the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
- Making a good confession at least once per year is one of the precepts of the Church.
- If you haven't been to confession in a long time--that's okay! Just ask the priest to guide you or check out this guide from the USCCB.
- Many priests consider hearing confessions as one of their greatest blessings of their priesthood.
🎙️ Lent for the Wounded Heart
w/Fr. Dan Powell
What if we're in a period of our lives where just surviving feels hard enough? How can we do Lent properly if we're struggling with our own woundedness? Father Dan Powell, Pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish in Lancaster, joins us for a Lenten Reframe for those of us who are grieving, hurting or emotionally exhausted during this season.
When Father Neil Sullivan stepped up to greet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican last month, he was carrying more than just an altar stone — he was carrying 75 years of Good Shepherd Parish with him. The Camp Hill pastor left that encounter with a papal blessing, a new perspective on prayer, and a feeling he says words can barely describe. Read what he experienced, and why it matters for the whole parish.
Featured Events
🏅 Lorica Awards
Sunday, March 15th
💙 Diocesan Men's Conference
Saturday, April 18th
🚴 Biking for Babies
Sunday, April 25th
The Diocese of Harrisburg has partnered with the Steier Group to conduct a feasibility study. Diocesan and parish leaders are seeking our parishioners’ feedback on the best way to address immediate needs and to strengthen funding for our ministries in the years ahead.
To learn more about these and other additional priorities, review the mailing you received or go to steiergroup.com/survey and select Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg.
Faith in Action is the Diocese of Harrisburg's monthly newsletter. Each month, we share a timely Scriptural reflection, a few key highlights from the previous month, upcoming Diocesan events, and more!
We pray these reflections and resources help you as you encounter Jesus Christ, and help others to encounter Jesus through you!