Georgiann Benkovic – Prince of Peace

SUNDAY, JULY 26

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus once again speaks to us in parables. He tells of a treasure hidden in a field and of a merchant searching for a pearl of great price. When each man discovers what he has been seeking, he willingly gives up everything in order to possess it. Jesus concludes with the image of the net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. At the heart of these parables is a simple question. What do we truly treasure?

We live in a world filled with competing priorities. Our days are occupied with work, family responsibilities, finances, entertainment, and countless worries. Many of these things are necessary and good. Yet Jesus reminds us that there is one treasure greater than all others–the Kingdom of Heaven. To know Christ, to live in His grace, and to possess the hope of eternal life is worth more than anything this world can offfer.

In our first reading, the young King Solomon could have asked God for wealth, power, or victory over his enemies. Instead, he asks for an understanding heart so that he might discern between good and evil. God is pleased with Solomon’s request. Perhaps this should also be our prayer: Lord, give me an understanding heart. Help me to recognize what is truly important. Give me the wisdom to choose You above all things.

This weekend also provides a beautiful connection to the feast of Saints Joachim and Ann, traditionally honored as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus. Catholic tradition remembers them as people of faith who prepared a home in which Mary could grow in love of God. Through their quiet fidelity, they became part of God’s great plan of salvation.

Following the Masses this weekend, our parish will have the special opportunity to venerate a relic of St. Ann. As we approach the relic of St. Ann, we might especially entrust to her intercession our parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren, and all families. St. Ann and St. Joachim understood something of the treasure Jesus describes in today’s Gospel. The greatest legacy we can give to the next generation is not wealth or possessions, but faith–a living relationship with Jesus Christ.

May we have the wisdom of Solomon to recognize the true treasure before us, the courage to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and the faith of Saints Joachim and Ann to pass the love of Christ faithfully from one generation to the next.

Saints Joachim and Ann, pray for us!

What Does It Mean to Be Catholic?

What Does It Mean To Be Catholic?

The Catholic Church was founded by Christ and his Apostles. There are four marks or characteristics of the Church, and we are reminded of them each time we pray the Nicene Creed at Mass.

One: Means all members are united as the Body of Christ, given life by the one Spirit. We acknowledge one Lord, one faith, one Baptism.

Holy: Means the Church is centered on God. It is Christ who, by his sacrifice, makes the Church holy.

Catholic: Means universal. The Church is for all times and all people. The Church is “the fullness” of the means of salvation”. (CCC830)

Apostolic: Means the Church is built on the foundation of the Apostles. We teach the doctrine of Jesus as it has been handed down through the apostles and their successors, the pope and bishops.

Each Catholic is called to full and active participation in the life of the Church and has the right and responsibility to:

1.) Attend Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation.

2. Confess your sins, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a least once a year.

3. Receive the Eucharist.

4. Observe the days of fasting Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and abstinence on Ash Wednesday in Lent established by the Church.

5. Help to provide for the needs of the Church

Encountering Christ and being a witness to his love means we are called to live like Jesus and work for justice and peace in this world by living the 10 commandments, the Beatitudes, the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy and the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.

We are called to stand for the: Life and dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities of the Human Person, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Dignity of Work and Rights of workers, Solidarity of the Human Family, Care for God’s Creatures.

Infant of Prague

It was a little painted statue and stood a foot and a half high, was dressed in exquisite court dress, and cherished as an heirloom wedding gift. It came from Spain during an early spread of devotion to the Christ Child.

In the 17th century, a Spanish noblewoman named Isabel Manrique gave this little statue to her daughter Marie when Marie married a Czech noble. Marie gave it, in turn, to her own daughter Polyxena when the later married.

Polyxena treasured it for many years, but at last gifted it to the Carmelite monastery of Our Lady of Victory.

Shortly afterward the Czech kingdom was invaded by the Saxons, forcing the Carmelites to flee their monastery. The statue of the Christ Child, damaged and tattered was left behind in the ruins of the church.

Ten years later in 1638, a Carmelite priest found it. He took it to his church in Prague and displayed it by the altar.

Suddenly, as he knelt in prayer before it, the statue spoke, saying: “Have mercy on me and I will have mercy on you. Give Me My hands and I will give you peace. The more you honor Me the more I will bless you.”

After this, many miracles were reported to have been wrought through the statue and devotion to the Christ Child increased all the more.

Many saints, such as Therese of Lisieux and Francis of Assisi, were greatly devoted to the Infant Jesus. Nurture love for the Child Jesus in your own home.

The Catholic Company: Bite-Sized Faith

SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

Spiritual Communion:

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

Blessed Virgin Mary Grotto

Dear Friends

Visit our Grotto at Prince of Peace Parish-Assumption of the BVM Church. Pray to our Blessed Mother for peace in our country and the world and ask her assistance to bring friends and families who are not practicing their faith to return to her Son, Our Lord Jesus.

Our Blessed Virgin Mary Grotto is the Queen of Peace.

Sacrifice of the Mass

The Sign of the Cross and the Greeting tells us who we are as we gather to enter into the Mystery of Our Lord’s Death and Resurrection.

The Penitential Rite gives us the opportunity to acknowledge our sinfulness as we approach the Sacrifice of Christ that destroys sin and bring us back into a relationship with God.

The Gloria is a hymn that leads us to praise glorify, adore, thank and ask our Triune God for all we, His sons and daughter, need as we beg His mercy.

The Opening Prayer or “Collect” collects the intentions of the people assembled and presents them to God by the priest who stands in persona Christi (in the person of Christ).

In the Reading of the Old Testament we hear the story of God’s covenant with His chosen people Israel and the revelation of Himself that speaks of His mercy and desire for their salvation.

The Responsorial Psalm is the faithful’s response of praise and thanksgiving to God’s Word in the First Reading . It reminds us that we are not passive listeners to the Word; we are in a relationship of love with the Word of God.

The Second Reading from the New Testament tells us of God’s New and Eternal Covenant forged in the Blood of His Son who is the Word Made Flesh.

The Gospel is a proclamation of an event from the life of Our Savior. In the readings from Holy Scripture that are not taken from the Gospel, it is God who speaks to His people. But when the Gospel is proclaimed, it is specifically Christ Jesus, true God and true man, who speaks to us.

The Homily is a vital part of the liturgy of the Mass that explains the Holy Scriptures and instructs us in the Faith.

The Profession of Faith (the Nicene Creed) is the ancient formula of beliefs that unites the people assembled with the Universal Church of all ages in their expression of their Faith in Christ.

General Intercessions or Prayer of the Faithful offers prayers to God for the Church the world, and the need of people both living and dead.

The Preparation Rite is the offering of the bread and wine brought to His altar by the priest on behalf of the people of God assembled. The people participate in the offering by virtue of their baptism into the priestly people of God.

The Eucharistic Prayer makes present the Mystery of Our Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. Christ’s Sacrifice of the Cross, His offering to the Faith of Himself for the salvation of the world is represented on the altar. At the words of consecration the bread and wine brought to the altar become the Body Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The baptized are called to participate in the sacrifice of Christ that is made present through the ministry of the ordained priest.

The Our Father begins the Rite of Communion. We are faithful to Jesus’ command to pray in the words He taught us. The priest prays for deliverance from evil, peace, and freedom from anxiety as we wait for the coming of Christ Our Savior in glory. The priest extends a greeting of Christ’s peace to all present in the assembly. The faithful share a sign of peace with one another. The priest comingles a portion of the Sacred Host that he has broken in the chalice of the Precious Blood. The faithful sing the Agnus Dei. “Lamb of God You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, grant us peace.”

Communion has arrived. The faithful go forward to receive His Sacred Body. This reception of the Holy Eucharist effects communion between the individual and God and among the individual members of the Body of Christ.

The priest then blesses the people in the name of the Holy Trinity and dismisses all to go forth to witness to Christ in the world.

No One is a mere spectator at Mass. All of the baptized are invited to participate in the sacred Mysteries by full, conscious and active participation. This participation is not limited to eternal expression. It must also be an external expression of faith and devotion. The mass is an awesome treasure! It is Christ’s work of salvation active in our midst!

Upcoming Parish Liturgical & Social Events

Confessions are scheduled every Saturday in our Parish Church from 3 pm to 3:30 pm. Our Saturday Vigil Mass at 4:00 pm and Sunday Mass at 8:30 am and 10:30 am will be celebrated in our Parish Church and the doors will open 1/2 hour prior to the start of Mass.

Croatian Masses are scheduled the first Sunday of each month at 5:00pm celebrated by Fr. Maurus Dolcic, TOR. Confessions in the Croatian language will begin at 4:00pm. This schedule may change periodically due to Fr. Dolcic’s other liturgical responsibilities.

Mass will be live streamed every Sunday morning at 10:30 am on our Facebook page, MyParish App and on our webpage (popsteelton.org). For those of you who do not have a computer, you may listen to the Mass on your phone by calling the below toll free number: 1-855-635-1965

You may tune your radio station to 90.7 FM and listen to the Mass in your car in the back parking lot. You would need to come into our Parish Church to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Son of Man: Come, let us adore him, alleluia!

LITURGICAL SERVICES AND PARISH ACTIVITIES 2026:

Thursday, July 23, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, July 24, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday, July 25, 2026: Vigil Mass for 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time at 4:00pm. Missionary Co-Op Weekend: Fr. Augustine Joseph.

Sunday, July 26, 2026: 17th. Sunday in Ordinary Time. Masses at 8:30 and 10:30am. Mission Co-Op Weekend: Fr. Augustine Joseph.

Monday, July 27, 2026: No Morning Mass

Tuesday, July 28, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Tuesday, July 28, 2026: Mary’s Helpers Pantry from 4pm to 6pm

Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, July 30, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, July 31, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday, August 1, 2026: Vigil Mass for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time at 4:00pm

Sunday, August 2, 2026: Masses at 8:30am and 10:30am for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Monday, August 3, 2026: No Morning Mass

Tuesday, August 4, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Tuesday, August 4, 2026: Knights of Columbus Meeting at 7:00pm in the Parish Office

Wednesday, August 5, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, August 6, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, August 7, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday, August 8, 205: Vigil Mass for 19th. Sunday in Ordinary Time at 4:00pm

Sunday, August 9, 2026: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass at 8:30am and 10:30am.

Monday, August 10, 2026: No Morning Mass

Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Mary’s Helpers Food and Clothing Pantry from 10am to 12 noon.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, August 13, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, August 14, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday, August 15, 2026: Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass will be celebrated as 4:00pm.

Sunday, August 16, 2026: Honoring the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sunday Mass at 8:30am and 10:30am

Monday, August 17, 2026: No Morning Mass

Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Mary’s Helpers Food and Clothing Pantry from 10am to 12 noon.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, August 20, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, August 21, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday, August 22, 2026: Vigil Mass for 21st. Sunday in Ordinary Time at 4:00pm

Sunday, August 23, 2026: 21st. Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass at 8:30am and 10:30am.

Sunday, August 23, 2026: Knights of Columbus Sub Sale Orders begin

Monday, August 24, 2026: No Morning Mass

Tuesday, August 25, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Tuesday, August 25, 2006: Mary’s Helpers Food and Clothing Pantry from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Wednesday, August 26, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, August 27, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday. August 28, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday. August 29, 2026: Knights of Columbus Sub Sale pick-up

Saturday, August 29, 2026: Vigil Mass for 22nd. Sunday in Ordinary time at 4:00pm

Sunday, August 30, 2026: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass at 8:30am and 10:30am.

Monday, August 31, 2026: No Morning Mass

Tuesday, September 1, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Tuesday, September 1, 2026: 50+ Senior Club Luncheon at 1:00pm in Parish Center

Tuesday, September 1, 2026: Knights of Columbus Meeting at 7:00pm in Parish Office

Wednesday, September 2, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, September 3, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, September 4, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Saturday, September 5, 2026: Knights of Columbus Sub Order Pick-up between 10am and 12 noon in the GYM of the Parish Center.

Saturday, September 5, 2026: Vigil Mass for 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time at 4:00pm

Sunday, September 6, 2026: 23rd. Sunday in Ordinary Time. Mass at 8:30 and 10:30am.

Monday, September 7, 2026: Happy Labor Day Holiday to all. We will celebrate Mass at 9:00am today.

Monday, September 7, 2026: Parish Office will be closed for the holiday.

Tuesday, September 8, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Wednesday, September 9, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Thursday, September 10, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Friday, September 11, 2026: Morning Mass at 7:00am

Let Us Prayerfully Remember

Let Us Prayerfully Remember Those Who Have Died Since

All Souls Day: November 2, 2026

Eternal Rest Grant unto them, O Lord…and Let Perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Trudy L. Jones, Vilma L. Belsak, Helen Lescanec, Valeria Gorecki, Nancy Spizzirri, Eileen Sceski, Jack R. Brommer, Sr., Bonnie L. Doyle, Andrew Rafaj, Raymond Lopatic, Susan (Kamenar) LaVia, James Cibort, Harry M. Young, Irene (Tudic) Smith, William N. Husic, Smiljan Blazevic, Grace L. Kepp, Henry Tamanini.

Mary’s Helpers Food Pantry

Mary’s Helpers was established in 2008 under the supervision of Sister Sue Ann Steves. Over the years the Food Pantry has established relationships with PA State Medical Center, and other charitable organizations.

The Food Pantry, Mary’s Helpers, purchases their food supplies from the Central PA Food Bank and receives donations from Prince of Peace Parishioners, Matthew-25 Grants via the Diocese of Harrisburg and the United Way. PA State Medical Center and the Central PA Food Bank hold classes to assist the needy in the area with dietary needs, blood pressure screenings and “Flu” shots. We rely on our dedicated volunteers to give assistance to the Food Pantry and to our Chairpersons. Our volunteers are dedicated to the Food Pantry which Sr. Sue Ann Steves established and will continue to be of service to our local community.

Mary’s Helpers Food Pantry and Clothing Store

will be open on the following dates in

We are asking for donations of pancake mix and pancake syrup for the month of July. Also, gently used children’s summer clothing.

JULY 2026

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 from 4pm to 6pm

AUGUST 2026

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 10am to 12 noon

Tuesday, August 18, 2026 from 10am to 12 noon

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

During the month of August we are collecting canned chicken and canned tuna for the Pantry. You may contact the Pantry or the Parish Office if you wish to donate.

Please contact Mary’s Helpers Pantry at 717-985-1332 or email pop.parish@comcast.net with any questions or concerns.

SCRIP Program

TREAT YOURSELF TO A DAY OF SHOPPING

GIFT CARDS ARE THE BEST FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS!

Our SCRIP program to purchase “gift cards” is available to all of our Parishioners. The cards are great for Birthday, Anniversary, Thank you, Baptism, Graduation and many more occasions or for your day to day shopping. The SCRIP profits benefit our children’s education and other Outreach Programs in our Parish.

A list of gift cards available for purchasing is in the back of Church. You can order gift cards for as little as $5.00 and up. Giant, Weis, Target, CVS, Panera Bread, Texas Roadhouse, Walmart, Karns and loads of other local stores.

Call us today at 717-985-1330 or email pop.parish@comcast.net and place your order. Your participation in this program is appreciated.