 A Message From The Office Of The Bishop: This past week, we confirmed that the Diocese of Harrisburg received a subpoena from the United States Justice Department for records related to clergy sexual abuse of minors. We are fully cooperating with this investigation, just as we did with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General's investigation. Read more 
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 On October 6th & 7th a special collection for Disaster Relief was taken in response to the request by the USCCB for all Dioceses to take up a Special Collection for those impacted by Hurricane Florence and other natural disasters. Due to short notice we were not able to give sufficient notice and there were not many donations received. Please be aware that if you are interested in supporting this effort, you can still bring contributions to the parish office, drop them in the collection basket at Masses this weekend, or contribute through our Online Giving Program.
In a letter to the U.S. Bishops, USCCB President Cardinal DiNardo, wrote: “Given the patterns of recent years, it is reasonable to expect much more unpredictable weather and an increasing number of natural disasters. As we often do in these situations, I suggest we take up a special collection for the humanitarian, long-term recovery, and Church needs arising from these storms. In anticipation of more disasters awaiting us this year, I ask that we make a special appeal for the ongoing disasters of 2018 and that we each take up the collection as soon as possible so that those most in need can receive assistance quickly The funds collected in this special appeal for 2018 Disasters will be used to support the efforts of Catholic Charities USA and/or Catholic Relief Services, the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church, as they and their local agencies respond to immediate emergency needs for such necessities as water, food, shelter, and medical care and aid in long-term rebuilding and recovery efforts, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church. Funds will be used in response to Hurricane Florence and any other natural disasters that occur this year.” We are appreciative of your financial contributions as well as your prayers for all those who are impacted by these natural disaster. *To make a donation through our Online Giving Program, click here.  Please be reminded that Father Al will hold a Town Hall Meeting tonight in the wake of the sadness, anger and disappointment following the release of the Attorney General's report. This meeting will take place at 7:00 pm in the Our Lady of Grace Room of the Saint Joseph Center (located in the old parish office space).
If you are not able to attend, there will be two other opportunities with meetings also scheduled for September 8th (following the 9 am Mass) and September 9th (following the Noon Mass). To read more about these meetings, please click here  In the wake of the sadness, anger and disappointment at the release of the Attorney General’s Report, it is important for us in the parish to begin to talk about this and share our thoughts and feelings. Father Al will be hosting three Town Hall meetings to gather with concerned parishioners. You are invited to share your ideas on how to move forward with healing and also in making real changes in the culture of the Church. Father will use this opportunity as well to explain what we do here in the parish to safeguard our children. Each of the three meetings will take place in the in the Our Lady of Grace Meeting Room located in the St. Joseph Center (the old parish office space). Meetings are scheduled for:
*These meetings were first announced in Father's weekly bulletin column on August 26th. You can read his message here.
A little Hershey Christmas trivia involving St. Joan of Arc appeared on the Inside Hershey Facebook page this weekend. In 1935, Milton Hershey gave each of the five churches in Hershey $20,000. Though he did not affiliate with a particular denomination as an adult, he felt churches were important for the community.  First United Methodist Church located on Chocolate Ave.  Preparing for the Nov. 8th Election In keeping with its mission, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) aims to educate and inform Catholics about a wide range of issues. To that end, they have compiled a series of resources to help to educate you about some of the issues and topics of import to Catholics. You can view this information on their website here “We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.” -Pope Francis PRINTABLE RESOURCES: Click Here
 MASS INTENTIONS: 2017 Mass Intentions may be scheduled beginning Tuesday, November 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the parish office. NOTE: Up to 4 intentions may be scheduled.
CALENDARS: Parish Calendars for 2017 are available at the back of the church. ALL SOULS ENVELOPES: Please return your envelopes to the parish office by Thursday, October 27. REP TEACHERS NEEDED: We are seeking two catechists for Sunday mornings in grades 1 and 2. Grade 1 needs a replacement (or two who can share the class); grade 2 needs a partner who can alternate weeks. If you love your faith and desire to share it with our youngsters, please contact Marcie for more information at mwarner@stjoanhershey.org or 533-7168 Ext 112.  Last evening was a very blessed day in our parish! 84 students (7th & 8th graders) received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Ronald Gainer. As a parish community we rejoice and send prayers of thanksgiving in honor of these students:
If you did not have a chance to see the ABC 27 news interview with Deacon Mortel last evening, they captured some great clips live during Confirmation. You can read the article or watch the video here.  Last evening ABC 27 was interviewing Deacon Rod Mortel about the Hurricane touching down in Haiti. You can read the full interview and watch the video clip here. Following the interview, the News team set up in the Church and captured some live footage of 84 seventh and eighth grade students receiving Sacrament of Confirmation from the Bishop Ronald Gainer. Once again we are reminded how blessed we are to have Deacon Mortel as part of our parish family!  |
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