Holy Week Schedule
Scheduling notes for Lent:
Fridays in Lent: Stations of the Cross will be at 6 pm (replacing Adoration during Lent). Vespers will remain at 5 pm, and Mass will be at 6:30 pm immediately following Stations. Fridays in Lent are days of abstinence, binding gravely.
Mozart Orchestral Mass for Easter Sunday:
Just as at Christmas, we will offer a Solemn High Mass at 11 am Easter Sunday morning accompanied by an orchestra assembled by our music director, Paul Thomas May, playing Mozart’s Kliene Credomesse (K192). It promises to be a glorious way to celebrate our most important feast day.
Blessing of Paschal lambs, eggs, bread, and new fruits:
After the 11 am orchestral Mass on Easter Sunday, the priests will give special blessings only given at Easter for any lambs, eggs, bread, or new fruits that parishioners would like to bring to be blessed.
Social on Easter Sunday:
Our regular organizers for socials will be traveling on Easter Sunday, so if anyone would like to help with a low-key yet very joyous social after the 11 am orchestral Mass, Father would be very grateful. If you can help setup before hand or cleanup afterwards, please email socials@stlawrence.cc.
Confraternity of Christian Mothers: Saturday:
The next gathering of ladies interested in the Confraternity of Christian Mothers will Saturday, March 26. The ladies will assemble at the church at 8 am for Holy Hour and Mass, and will gather in the social hall afterwards for a talk about Our Lady of Sorrows, the patroness of the Confraternity. There will be food, coffee, and time to socialize. Fr. Smith has named the first officers for the Confraternity. They are Stephanie Fonticoba as president, Becky Fair as vice-president, and Lindsey Hepburn as secretary.
Confirmation on Saturday, April 9:
Bishop Gainer will come to confer Confirmation and to celebrate a Pontifical High Mass. A reception at the Civic Club on Front Street will follow. Those interested in helping with refreshments afterwards are encouraged to email socials@stlawrence.cc
Tuesday Adorers needed:
Adoration is in need of 3 permanent adorers, one for each time slot for the 9am, 10am and 11am adoration hours. We would also like to have a backup adoration coordinator in case the current coordinator is unavailable. The assistant coordinator will at times be needed when a last minute substitute is needed. This is just to assure that adoration runs smoothly. If you can help as an Adorer or assisting the coordinator please contact Amanda Healy at tuesdayadoration@stlawrence.cc.
Sunday Sports:
For those families interested, we will be holding a rotation of sports (soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc.) on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at a park across the river. If you are interested in joining and for more information, please email Chris Sloane at sports@stlawrence.cc
Monday Night Basketball at Local YMCA:
We are happy to announce that we have reached an agreement with the local YMCA (701 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101) to use their gym for Monday Night basketball on every Monday from 7pm-8:30pm through the end of April. Any men interested in participating can contact Tom Allen at basketball@stlawrence.cc for more information.
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 exit the front of the church and enter through the exterior door on Buttonwood Street.
Calling all Altar Boys and those interested:
Any boy who has received his First Holy Communion is invited to consider being an altar boy at St. Lawrence. The altar boys meet on the second Saturday of the month. Due to the special schedule for Holy Week, the next regularly-scheduled practice will be May 14, but special practices will be held for those serving during Holy Week. The regular meeting begins after the 9 am Mass, and concludes at 12:30 pm, and includes a light breakfast, a meeting with a spiritual talk from one of the priests, practice serving, recreation, pizza for lunch, and clean up. For more information about becoming an altar boy, email Fr. Smith or Mr. Pitman at altarboys@stlawrence.cc.
Openings in the Choir at St. Lawrence:
The choir has openings for additional dedicated volunteers and one qualified section leader. 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 position is available for Tenor; all applicants must audition and demonstrate strong vocal musicianship. Inquiries can be directed to Paul Thomas May at music@stlawrence.cc.
Registration at St. Lawrence Church:
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.
Sunday Socials: Help still needed:
Please consider helping with our Sunday Socials after the 9am and 11am Mass. The goal is to have many volunteers so that volunteers only have to do their duty once every month or two.
Music Lessons:
Would you like to have your children enrolled in music lessons? The State Street Academy (SSA), which is located in the St. Lawrence lower level, accepts students for a semester-length course of lessons in an instrument of choice with a recital at the end of the semester. There are skilled teachers for lessons in piano, violin, and voice among other instruments. In the coming semester the SSA will be able to offer instruction in harp if there is enough interest. For further inquiries on price and/or to reserve a spot for harp lessons, please send an email to Paul Thomas May at music@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 Mondays at 5:45pm.