NEW KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL:

Having had a strong response from the men of the parish interested in establishing a new council of Knights, Fr. Smith has decided to move forward with inviting the Knights of Columbus to establish a council here at St. Lawrence. The next step will be a degree ceremony on Saturday, February 19 at 10:30am, at which all men intending to join are welcome. This ceremony is meant to initiate the following men (18 and up) into the Knights of Columbus: those who are not members of the Knights of Columbus, current e-members, and for all 1^st and 2^nd degree members. At the same time, it is open to the public, and anyone may come and show their support.

How long is the ceremony? Approximately 30-40 minutes.

What are some special elements of the ceremony? The ceremony emphasizes Fidelity to the Church, chivalry, brotherhood, the centrality of the Eucharist, and the Marian devotion that is expected of all Knights.

What is the purpose of the Knights of Columbus? The Knights of Columbus see themselves as the “strong right arm of the Church” (Pope St. John Paul II). They strive to unite men in service to Christ and the Catholic Church, especially through works of charity, building up parish and family life, financial protection, and through their strong support of, and service to priests. 

I thought Knights of Columbus ceremonies were private? In an attempt to better serve the needs of the Order, the Knights of Columbus now has a public ceremony which anyone, including wives and children, may attend.

What does a Knight promise in the initiation ceremony?

1. to conduct oneself as a Catholic gentleman, and to live a life guided by the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity.
2. as a practical (practicing) Catholic, to continue to form oneself in the Catholic Faith, to live in accord with the Precepts of the Catholic Church, and to participate in its sacramental life, especially through attendance at Sunday Mass
3. to promote the well-being of ones brother Knights, and to support the mission and activities of your council.
4. to obey the laws, rules and lawful authority of the Order.

Sponsorships needed for parish library

We are expanding the parish library with 75 volumes of the works of the greatest doctors of the church. If you would like to underwrite either the works of St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Augustine, we would be very grateful, and you would be doing a great service for the parish. A 31-volume set of St. Thomas, in a Latin-English side-by-side edition, costs $1,706 by the Aquinas Institute. A 44-volume set of St. Augustine with a new translation by New City Press cost $1,827.60.These books are not to be checked out of the library, but to remain in the library and enjoyed on site.

FREE WEEKEND AT THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE:

If you are high school junior or senior, you are invited to spend a long weekend on campus socializing with college students, other prospective high school students, talking with teachers at the college, and getting a sense of what four years at this great-books college might be like. The program runs on the Massachusetts campus from Thursday, Feb. 17, to Monday, Feb. 21. If you are interested, call the college at (413) 846-1200, or RSVP via the website at www.thomasaquinas.edu/new-england-open-house-rsvp

Saint Lawrence of Rome Youth Group:

Please join us on Saturday, February 19, 2022 in the social hall from 6-9 pm for our annual Jeopardy Night. After Father Killackey's talk, the evening will conclude with the prayers of the rosary in the chapel. Feel free to bring a snack to share and a friend. Anyone age 13- through high school is welcome! For questions contact youthgroup@stlawrence.cc

Young Adults:

For any young adults (ages 18-35) interested, the St. Lawrence Young Adult Group will be meeting after the 11am Mass today, Sunday, Feb. 13, at Squeaky Rail Diner ( 505 N Enola Rd, Enola, PA 17025) to have brunch together.  We will meet there around 1pm. For more information contact Fr. Killackey at assistant.pastor@stlawrence.cc

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL – K-8:

Saint Leo the Great Catholic School, in Lancaster, PA, is seeking a devout, dedicated and dynamic leader to guide and maintain its thriving Elementary School.  For more information, see the Employment Listings on the Diocese of Harrisburg website:  www.hbgdiocese.org.  Please send Resume and Letter of Interest by March 4, 2022 to:  Ann Everest, Department of Education, Diocese of Harrisburg, 4800 Union Deposit Road, Harrisburg, PA  17111-3710 or by e-mail: aeverest@hbgdiocese.org

Knights of the Altar:

There will be a Knights of the Altar Meeting every 3rd Sunday after the 11am Mass. The next meeting will be held Sunday, February 20. For more information contact Mr. Pitman or Mr. Rozman at altarboys@stlawrence.cc

Coffee and Doughnut Socials:

We are very happy to once again have our socials in the basement after the 9 am and 11 am Masses. We invite everyone to come and get to know your fellow parishioners. To get to the basement, please go through the courtyard (through the door on the Epistle side of the Church), or by exiting the front of the church and entering through the exterior door on Buttonwood Street.

Inquiry Class Reminder:

If you are not Catholic and are interested in Catholicism, or if you know of anyone who is at all interested, we hold an Inquiry class every Monday at 6pm in the school building behind church.  This is a no commitment class and all one needs to do is show up. If you have questions, you are welcome to contact the office at contact@stlawrence.cc

Expectant  Mothers:

If you are expecting a child and registered in the Community, please let us know so we can put  your expected date in our date book and rejoice with your family! Please notify us at contact@stlawrence.cc

Registration at St. Lawrence:

The Pastor and Assistant Pastor have the special grace to guide those who are registered parishioners and are hence assigned to their care. The Mass offered for the people every Sunday, Pro Populo, is offered for those who are registered members. Anyone seeking the Sacraments of Baptism, 1st Communion, Confirmation and Matrimony here must be registered and active parishioners for 6 months. Registration forms are available on our website.

Openings in the Choir at St. Lawrence:

The choir has openings for additional dedicated volunteers and two qualified section leaders. Members are expected to be available for Thursday evening rehearsals, Sunday 11am Masses throughout the year, and for other important Feast Days as notified. Volunteers with previous choral experience are preferred, but those with strong desire may be considered at the discretion of the Music Director. Section Leader positions are available for Alto, and Tenor; all applicants must audition and demonstrate strong vocal musicianship. Inquiries can be directed to Paul Thomas May at music@stlawrence.cc

Sunday Socials: Help still needed!

Please consider helping with our Sunday Socials after the 9am and11am Mass. The goal is to have many volunteers so that volunteers only have to do their duty once every month or two.

• Doughnut Procurement: Doughnuts can be picked up anytime between 7am and the start of 9am Mass at Enola Dunkin Donuts. Doughnuts are preordered by the Office.
• Coffee Social Setup 9am Mass: 8:30am—8:50am  Set up drinks, donut table, etc.
• Coffee Social Greeter 9am Mass: 9:55am—10:10am  Opens alley door to enable parishioners entry to social.
• Coffee Social Setup 11am Mass: 10:30am—10:45am  Place Doughnuts on table, drinks, etc. after 9am social
• Coffee Social Greeter 11am Mass: 12:25am—12:40am  Opens alley door to enable parishioners entry to social.
• Coffee Social Cleanup: 30 minute commitment anytime prior to Vespers. Put away coffee pots, etc. Clean social hall as needed.