Use of Holy Water in the Home:
Please note that the holy water font has been moved to the front entrance of the church so that it can be accessed more conveniently, and hopefully used more frequently. I encourage you to bring small containers to take Holy Water to your homes, and to use it to purify yourself, your family, and your home. It is a reminder of our baptism, as the Reverend Philip Weller tells us: “The holy water font is a counterpart of the baptismal font; the sacramental is related to the great sacrament. Easter is the day of Holy Baptism par excellence, and every Sunday is a little Easter. Consequently, on the Lord’s day the Church blesses water to be used in the renewal of baptism, for so often as she sprinkles us with the blessed water, a sign is given us of renewal of the pristine life once bestowed by the Gift of Life—baptism.”
The words of the blessing of the water teach us of its great power in our daily lives: “O God, Who for man’s salvation dost dispense wondrous mysteries with the efficacious sign of water, hearken to our Prayer—pouring forth thy benediction upon this element which we consecrate with manifold purifications. Let this creature serve thee in expelling demons and curing diseases. Whatsoever it sprinkles in the homes of the faithful, be it cleansed and delivered from harm. Let such homes enjoy a spirit of goodness and an air of tranquility, freed from baneful and hidden snares. By the sprinkling of this water may everything opposed to the safety and repose of them that dwell therein be banished, so that they may possess the well-being they seek in calling upon thy holy name, and be protected from all peril.”
Volunteer Needed:
The cleaning of our Church is done entirely by volunteers. Besides the primary benefit of volunteer cleaning, which offers a practical way to offer thanks to God for the Mass, the sacraments, and all His Blessings, there is also the added benefit of financial savings so that church funds can be used for other projects. We now need additional helpers for all 1st Saturdays. Please contact Kristin Patterson at: clean@stlawrence.cc if you would like to know more about this important service to Our Lord, and the Parish.
St. Catherine of Siena Young Adults' Group:
For any young adults (ages 18-35) interested, St. Lawrence has a Young Adult Group which meets about three times a month for different events, including social events, charitable works, and Bible studies. Please email Fr. Cortes: assistant.pastor@stlawrence.cc for more information.
Pontifical Orchestral High Mass and Parish Picnic—Sunday August 7: Bishop Gainer will preside for the Principle Mass on Sunday August 7th 11:00 am for the external solemnity of St. Lawrence’s Feast day. To compliment the solemnity of the Feast, the Mass will be accompanied with an orchestra playing Joseph Haydn’s Missa Brevis St. Joannis de Deo. This Mass setting also highlights the organ which will be played by Brian Myers, FSSP Seminarian. It will be a joyous occasion and a great blessing to have our Bishop joining us for our Patron’s Feast. Our Parish Picnic will follow immediately after the Mass (Noon until 5pm) at Roof Park, 599 Lewisberry Rd, New Cumberland. More information in coming weeks!
Mass Intentions:
Mass Intentions are filled for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. We currently are not accepting Mass intentions. We will resume taking Mass Intentions on October 1.
Hand Missal Instruction Class:
Brian Myers, FSSP Seminarian, will present the second class on how to use a hand Missal after the 9:00am and 11:00am Masses today, Sunday, July 17 in Classroom 1. Even if you did not attend the first class, you may come to the second one which will focus in particular on questions and difficulties in applying what was covered in the first class. Although you don’t need one, if you have a Missal, please bring it to class. Also, Daily Missals by Angelus Press will be available for purchase if you would like one. Purchase price is $55.00.
2022 Diocesan Annual Appeal:
Our goal for 2022 is $16,093.00. So far this year, parishioners have contributed $10,480.00. If you would like to help St. Lawrence reach our goal, please contact Fr. Smith.
27th Annual Pilgrimage for Restoration:
The Pilgrimage of Restoration will be held this year on September 23-25, 2022. Members of St. Lawrence are invited to participate! Fellow pilgrims, young and old, join in penance and in hope on the way to Our Lady’s Shrine of Martyrs, Auriesville, New York. For more information about the Pilgrimage, visit: www.pilgrimage-for-restoration.org/modified-pilgrimage/.
Confraternity of Christian Mothers:
The Confraternity will meet after the 9am Saturday Mass each fourth Saturday of the month. The next regular scheduled meeting is this Saturday, July 23. We will begin the day with 8am Adoration followed by 9am Mass. The Meeting will be in the Social following the 9am Mass. For information email: mothers@stlawrence.cc
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Nathanael Dye United in the Sacrament of Marriage on July 9, 2022
Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Rodriguez United in the Sacrament of Marriage on July 9, 2022
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 send photos of your new baby to include on our new Website! Please notify us at contact@stlawrence.cc
Sunday Socials: Help still needed:
Please consider helping with our Sunday Socials after the 9am and 11am Masses. The goal is to have many volunteers so that volunteers only have to do their duty once every month or two. If you can help please email: socials@stlawrence.cc.
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 the 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
Legion of Mary:
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification:..." (First Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians Chpt 4, vs 3). This is the goal of the Legion of Mary, to sanctify its members by actively bringing souls to Christ through the work of Our Lady. Please consider becoming an active member. Guests are always welcome to attend meetings. Contact Dan Jones at: legionofmary@stlawrence.cc for more information. Meetings are held on Mondays at 5:45pm.
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.