Author: Debbie Granger

May is primarily dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Catholic tradition, featuring special devotions like crowning statues of Mary. Key liturgies often include Feast Days for St. Joseph the Worker (May 1), Our Lady of Fatima (May 13), and major celebrations like the Ascension of the Lord, Pentecost, and the Visitation.

Key Liturgical and Devotional Highlights in May:

• Month of Mary: Throughout May, churches and homes set up special altars, pray the Rosary, and perform crownings of Mary as Queen of May.

• St. Joseph the Worker (May 1): A celebration honoring Joseph as a model of faith and labor.

• Our Lady of Fatima (May 13): A memorial honoring the 1917 apparitions in Portugal.

• Ascension of the Lord (May 17, 2026): A solemnity celebrating Jesus’ return to heaven.

• Pentecost Sunday (May 24, 2026): Celebrated as the descent of the Holy Spirit, often with red vestments and special prayers.

• Mary, Mother of the Church (May 25, 2026): A memorial celebrating Mary’s role in the life of the Church.

• The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (May 31, 2026): Celebrated at the end of the month.

• Trinity Sunday (May 31, 2026): A solemnity focusing on the central mystery of the Christian faith.

Each spring, the Lebanon Motorcycle Club gathers for a special blessing of their bikes. Riders and passengers alike cherish the freedom of the open road, while also seeking God’s protection for the journeys ahead. This year, the club gathered at Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Jonestown on Saturday, April 18, where Deacon Richard Wentzel lead them in prayer and bestowed the blessing. Be safe out there!

Throwback: After prayer and blessing the bikes, Father Dagle enjoyed a ride in the sidecar with the Lebanon Valley Motorcycle Club. (2019 maybe)

In the quiet presence of the Eucharist, we are renewed.

Join us for our Annual 40 Hours Devotion: May 10, 11, 12

A time of prayer and Adoration of Our Lord. Each evening at 7:00 PM, Rev. David M. Hereshko from Mary Gate of Heaven in Myerstown will be the homilist.

📍 St. Mary’s Church

2 N. 8th Street, Lebanon, PA

Come… spend an hour with Him.

Spring has arrived – Time to clean out.

We are seeking your donations of gently used items that are in working condition. Unfortunately we will not be selling clothing or shoes, unless they are new with tags.

We will be accepting donations Sunday mornings at Fatima immediately after each mass beginning May 3rd. You may also drop off items to the parish office during regular scheduled office hours.
Monday-Thursday…(Closed 11:30am-12:15pm) 9:00- 3:00. Friday…..9:00- 12:00

We have evening drop off days scheduled at Fatima on the following dates : May 20th, 21st, and 22nd from 6:30-7:30.

BUT…. If you, your family or friends would like to sell their own items, including clothing at our yard sale and put a little jingle in your pocket, rental space with tables are available. Each rental space includes one 6′ table set up on prime location, the front yard and front parking lot. All this for a bargain of $10.00. Additional tables are available-$3.00 each.

Please reserve your space ASAP, they are going quickly. Come out and join the fun.

Please call AnneMarie at the parish office 272-5674 or email
mailto:aboltz@abvmlebpa.org
Thank you, The Fun Day Committee

Reservation Form

📜 Homily Library

Download and print Father Bob’s homilies for prayer, reflection, or sharing with others. Behind each link to the printable homily is a link to the appropriate gospel reading. Click any homily title below to download the printable PDF

🎁 Calling All Creative Hearts!

Do you love putting things together, making something beautiful, and bringing joy to others?

St. Mary’s is looking for a volunteer — or a small team — to take the lead on our beloved Christmas Bazaar Gift Baskets, a tradition lovingly handled for years by Marion Bleistine.

It’s time to pass the cellophane 😉

These baskets are a BIG part of our bazaar — and one of the most fun parts too!

✨ We will help

✨ We will support

✨ You will NOT be doing this alone

🙏 Please take a moment to pray about it… you might be just the person God is calling for this special role.

📞 Contact Patty Price

717-274-2007

Council of Catholic Women (CCW)

Meetings & Events

The Council of Catholic Women welcomes all women of the parish to share in prayer, fellowship, and service. Please join us for the following meetings and events throughout the year.

📅 Meetings

Saturday, May 16

Saturday, September 5
Planning Meeting for Fall Fest

Saturday, October 17
Planning Meeting for Bazaar

Saturday, November 14
Planning Meeting for Christmas Dinner

🎉 Events

Saturday, May 2
Tea Party – Mary Gate of Heaven
⏰ 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Sunday, June 14
Food Truck Event
⏰ 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Saturday, June 20
Mass at Helene’s Woods
⏰ 10:00 AM

Tuesday, September 8
Clergy Appreciation Dinner – St. Paul’s
⏰ 5:30 PM

Saturday, September 19
Fall Fest

Saturday, November 7
Bazaar

Wednesday, December 2
CCW Christmas Dinner

All women of the parish are warmly invited and encouraged to participate in these gatherings and events.

New on Our Parish Website!

Have you ever wondered what the Council of Catholic Women CCW is all about?

It’s more than meetings…

• It’s friendship
• It’s faith

It’s service to our parish family …

From prayer and fellowship… to supporting our parish through meaningful projects… to sharing coffee, conversation, and community – this is where women come together to grow in faith and make a difference.

See what happens at our meetings

• Learn about our mission

Check out photos from recent gatherings

Find ways YOU can get involved

• Take a look at our new page:

https://abvmlebpa.org/council-of-catholic-women/

Box of Joy Project – Online Options

Thank you to everyone helping with our Box of Joy project!

We are collecting 16–18 oz clear plastic water bottles with screw caps (strap preferred) that will be packed into the boxes for children.

If you prefer to shop online, here are a few options:

Walmart (about $1.22 each)

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-18oz-Plastic-Clear-Water-Bottle-with-Stainless-Steel-Screw-Cap-Lid-and-Strap/1890892116

Bulk options (sometimes around $1 each):

https://www.4allpromos.com/category/sport-bottles-under-1

Custom Reusable Water Bottles

https://a.co/d/025bK6up

https://share.google/RkkEbPkcjBckiVERh

If ordering online, bottles may be shipped to:

St. Mary’s Parish Office

Attn: AnneMarie Boltz

2 N. 8th St.

Lebanon, PA 17046

Thank you for helping bring joy to children!

What little girl wouldn’t feel the JOY and Love from a little dolly from the dollar store for $1.75?

(Similar items accepted.)

Looking for Coloring books like these!

Please join in praying for the priests of the Diocese of Harrisburg.

Each day is assigned to specific priests. May we lift them up in gratitude, encouragement, and prayer as they serve Christ and His Church so faithfully.

Each day, let us keep our pastor, Father Bob Gillelan and Deacon Wentzel in our prayers as well.

“Lord Jesus, Eternal High Priest, bless and strengthen our priests.”

THIS CAN BE USED NOW. OR ANY MONTH DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT SAYS MARCH.