October 12, 2025
Dear Parish Family:
Church law mandates continuing formation for priests. The Church sees ongoing formation as essential to a healthy, effective, and faithful priesthood. It’s not just about acquiring more knowledge; it’s about remaining spiritually alive, pastorally effective, and personally renewed throughout a lifetime of ministry. Ongoing formation helps priests remain rooted in their calling and identity. It helps priests address modern pastoral challenges and stay updated on Church teachings, Canon Law, and pastoral best practices. Topics to develop skills in leadership, communication, and administration are also covered. These annual gatherings also allow for fraternal sharing, encouragement, and mutual support, and include shared prayer, Mass, and adoration.
Every Fall, all priests “on mission/in active ministry” of the Diocese of Harrisburg are required to attend our annual Diocesan Priests Continuing Education Workshop. This year’s workshop is in Towson, Maryland, from Sunday evening, October 12, to Friday, October 17. With most priests attending the workshop (including Father Sullivan and Monsignor Quinlan), Daily Masses are not possible in most parishes. While there will not be Daily Mass here at Good Shepherd this week, our Diaconal Candidate Mike Nowakowski will lead a Communion Service on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8:30 a.m. A Communion Service includes the daily readings, Intercessions, and Holy Communion.
The Diocese does arrange for priests from religious orders and retired priests to provide a basic Mass schedule, funerals, and will be on call for emergencies.
Masses in the local area this week will be held at:
Enola, Our Lady of Lourdes
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:00 a.m.
Harrisburg, Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 12:00 noon
Monday, Thursday, Friday – Confessions after noon Mass
Mechanicsburg, Saint Joseph
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Friday – 6:30 a.m.
Friday – 6:30 p.m.
New Cumberland, Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – 6:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:45 a.m.
In the event of any emergency (serious illness or death) this week, please call the Parish Office at 717-761-1167 as you would normally do.
A staff member will be on call 24/7 to contact a priest for you.
Love and prayers,
Father Neil Sullivan