Diversity / Multicultural – Prince of Peace

Bishop Timothy C. Senior

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

As Catholics we have an even greater commandment from Christ, who said “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends: (John 15:12-13)

Reflecting on Dr. King’s words and historic witness, and the transition in leadership in Washington, DC, I invite all the people of the Diocese to recommit to being agents of peace and unity. Please join me in praying for President Trump and his administration, and pray also that God will bless us as we strive to embody the love, peace, hope, and unity for which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. passionately advocated.

Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior, Bishop of Harrisburg

9 Days for Life:

Day #1: Heavenly Father, thank you for the precious gift of life. Help us to cherish and protect this gift, even in the midst of fear, pain, and suffering. Give us love for all people, especially the most vulnerable, and help us bear witness to the trust that every life is worth living.

Day #2: May each person suffering from participation in abortion find forgiveness, hope, and healing in Christ.

Day #3: May every pregnant mother receive compassionate care and support as she nurtures the life in her womb.

Day #4: May every father of a preborn child lovingly support the mother of his child in welcoming new life.

Day #5: May every pregnant mother choosing adoption receive grace and support in embracing this loving option.

Day #6: May all who support or participate in abortion experience a conversion of heart to seek and receive the Lord’s boundless mercy.

Day #7: May all preborn children be protected in law and welcomed in love.

Day #8: May civic leaders work for the protection of all human life, in every stage and circumstance.

Day #9: May all who defend life find strength and renewal in the Holy Spirit.

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

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

JANUARY 2025

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 from 4pm to 6pm

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 from 10am to 12 noon

February 2025

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 10am to 12 noon

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 10am to 12 noon

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Please contact the office of Prince of Peace Parish at

717-985-1330 with any questions.