Author: Debbie Granger

Regarding Hostilities

Posted on by Debbie Granger

A Special Message from Father Bob
October 18, 2026

Regarding the hostilities that have been shown towards the Catholic Church in Lebanon, with the desecration of our statues and the street preachers who have shown up at St. Mary’s and over at St. Cecilia’s, I’ve advised Bishop Senior and Monsignor Quinlan, the Vicar General, and our Diocesan Attorney of the situation.

If the street preachers show up again outside on the sidewalk, basically what they do is simply tell us we’re wrong, and they have a right to do that. So simply ignore them.

Jesus said, if they’re going to hate Me, they’re going to hate you as well. As long as they are preaching and acting within their constitutional rights, they have the right to do that.

If they step out of line and become more aggressive, then we will take some legal action. But the bishop is aware of some of the hostilities that are going on here in Lebanon, and we are monitoring the situation very carefully.

I don’t think those are hostilities that endanger any of us. It’s just showing animus in this world in which we live—animus towards the Catholic Church.

We’re about the last castle to be conquered. And so be a good, strong, courageous missionary out there.

—Father Bob

The Holy Trinity at St. Mary’s

Posted on by Debbie Granger

By imagining lines connecting three sacred symbols—from the Hand of God above, down to the Dove on the left, across to the Lamb on the right, and back up—we can trace a triangle, a traditional symbol of the Holy Trinity.

These symbols invite us to reflect on the central mystery of our faith: one God in three Divine Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each also holds a place in our parish’s story.

The Hand — God the Father

High above the Assumption scene, a hand extends downward from a cloud, with two fingers outstretched and the remaining fingers folded. The hand is an ancient symbol used to represent God the Father, while the four lightning bolts emerging from the cloud signify His presence.

According to our parish history, this Hand was the only new piece of statuary created for the interior of our present church—the third church in our parish’s history.

The vertical wooden pieces beneath it suggest downward movement, just as those behind the Assumption scene suggest Mary’s movement upward. Here, that downward movement represents the Father sending His Son and the Holy Spirit into the world.

The Dove — God the Holy Spirit

The dove has occupied a different place in each of our three churches. In the first, it was positioned on the ceiling in the center of the sanctuary. In the second, it was placed above the Assumption scene. Today, it is affixed to the front of the pulpit.

The dove recalls the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at His baptism. Its placement on the pulpit offers a meaningful reminder that the Holy Spirit is at work through the proclamation of God’s Word and the celebration of the sacraments.

The Lamb — God the Son

The lamb represents Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world. His banner bearing the cross proclaims His victory over sin and death. The book beneath Him, with its seven seals, recalls the Book of Revelation.

The next time you are in church, take a moment to look at these meaningful details. They do more than adorn St. Mary’s; they connect our parish’s history with the faith we profess each time we make the Sign of the Cross: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Holy_Trinity_at_St_Marys_Large_PrintDownload

From the Pulpit

Posted on by Debbie Granger

Parish Announcements
October 18, 2026
Shared by Deacon Richard Wentzel

CCW Christmas Bazaar: Flea Market Donations

Please remember our annual CCW Christmas Bazaar! Donations for the flea market will help make it a success. Items may be dropped off at the parish on the following days, with someone available to assist you:

  • Mondays, October 19 & 26: 10:00 AM–noon
  • Tuesdays, October 20 & 27: 6:00–7:00 PM
  • Thursdays, October 22 & 29: 1:00–3:00 PM

Please read the bulletin for details.

Mass of Remembrance

Our Mass remembering our deceased brothers and sisters who have died this year will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, at 7:00 PM.

Please join us as we remember these loved ones and pray for their families. It is always a beautiful, spiritually uplifting Mass.

CCW Christmas Dinner

The CCW Christmas Dinner will be held on December 3. Tickets are available at the parish office.

Daily Mass and Adoration Changes

Next week, the priests will be attending convocation with the bishop. There will be no weekday Masses at St. Mary’s and no Wednesday Adoration.

Father Andrew Mohl will offer Mass at St. Cecilia’s on the following schedule:

  • Monday, October 19: 9:00 AM
  • Tuesday, October 20: 9:00 AM
  • Wednesday, October 21: 9:00 AM
  • Thursday, October 22: Noon
  • Friday, October 23: 9:00 AM

Box of Joy Packing and Stacking Night

Please sign up to help pack and stack our Box of Joy gifts on Friday, October 30, at 6:30 PM.

Sign-up sheets are available in the narthex.

Flea Market Donations

Posted on by Debbie Granger

🎄 St. Mary’s CCW Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, November 7 | 8:30 AM–1:00 PM

Sharing this early so you have time to sort through your treasures and plan your drop-off! 😊 Flea market donations will be accepted beginning Monday, October 19.

📦 Flea Market Donations
Please bring all items to the rear parish center door during these collection times:

• Mondays, October 19 & 26: 10:00 AM–noon
• Tuesdays, October 20 & 27: 6:00–7:00 PM
• Thursdays, October 22 & 29: 1:00–3:00 PM

No books, clothing, or appliances, please. Do not bring flea market items to the church office.

🎁 Raffle Basket Donations Still Needed
Basket items may be dropped off in the narthex. Monetary donations may be placed in the collection basket in an envelope marked “Basket Raffle” or brought to the office during regular business hours.

For questions, call or text 717-274-2007.

Thank you for helping make our Christmas Bazaar a success! 🎄

CCW Christmas Bazaar

Posted on by Debbie Granger

St. Mary’s CCW Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, November 7 • 8:00 AM–1:00 PM

St. Mary’s Church Parish Center
2 N. 8th Street, Lebanon

Discover handmade crafts, delicious food, baked goods, our famous homemade caramels, and more! Browse the white elephant sale and take a chance on an extraordinarily creative selection of gift baskets in our basket raffle.

Enter through the rear door of the church, accessible from the back parking lot.

Spread the word, bring a friend, and join us for this festive parish tradition!

With Gratitude to Our Golf Tournament Sponsors 2026

Posted on by Debbie Granger

The St. Mary’s Charlie and Susan Middleton Golf Tournament was held Friday, September 11!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the individuals, families, organizations, and businesses whose generous sponsorships help make this important parish fundraiser possible.

Many of these sponsorships carry an even deeper meaning, having been given in memory of loved ones or in honor of special people in our parish and community. We are privileged to recognize both those being remembered and those whose generosity honors their memory.

MAJOR SPONSORS

  • In Memory of Gregory D. Wentzel — by Deacon Richard and Shirley Wentzel
  • In Memory of Ann Marie Foster — by Jim Foster
  • In Memory of Charlie and In Honor of Susie Middleton — by Kevin and Maine Keith
  • In Loving Memory of Charlie Middleton, who we miss every day, and in Honor of Susie Middleton — from Terry and Ed Middleton and their families
  • Hidden Still, Inc.
  • In Memory of Charlie and In Honor of Susan Middleton — by Joseph A. Smith IV
  • In Memory of Dr. Drew Mello — by The DiGiacomo Family
  • In Memory of Archie and Pat Battistelli — by Michael and Julie Battistelli
  • In Memory of Audra and Damon Schlegel — by Jack and Ceal Schlegel
  • Bill and Carolyn Shay and Family, Shay Vending, Inc.
  • In Memory of John & Minnie Albright and Betsy V. Albright — by David A. Albright
  • In Memory of the Deceased Members of CCW — by Assumption BVM Parish Council of Catholic Women
  • In Memory of those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NEVER FORGET — by Lisa Murcko, MD
  • In Memory of John & Catherine Eck and John & Virginia Grace — by Michael & Stephanie Eck
  • In Memory of Wassil Snitzer — by Kathleen M. Snitzer
  • The Shay and Hartman Families — by John and Alice Shay
  • In Memory of Mr. & Mrs. Walter Stachina and Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Fava — by Dr. George & Mrs. Margie Fava
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by John and Jeanne Brandt
  • Ash Cigar and Whiskey Bar
  • PA’s Best Mechanical LLC
  • In Memory of Helen Marie Allwein — by Peter & Stacey Allwein
  • In Honor of Coach Middleton’s continued legacy — by Our Lady of the Cross CYO

GOLD SPONSORS

  • In Memory of James & Helen Martel — by Jean Engle
  • In Memory of our parents, Dale & Martha Granger and James & Elizabeth Wile, and our beloved sister, Susanne Wile — by Dale and Debbie Granger
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Tim McShane Agency, Inc.
  • In Memory of William R. Bleistine — by Marion L. Bleistine
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Dave and Mary Jane Schlegel
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Joseph and Dale Minder
  • In Memory of Charles Springborn — by Ann Springborn
  • In Memory of Erin E. Bratton — by Kathy and Deryck Bratton
  • In Memory of Dr. Rafael V. Abeleda — by Dr. Guillerma Abeleda
  • In Memory of Iris Heilman Fultz — by Ann and James Gruber
  • In Memory of James T. Reilly — by Diana Reilly
  • Michael and Donna Forgotch
  • In Memory of Terry Whitehead — by Diane Whitehead
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Mr. & Mrs. James Schlegel
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton & In Honor of Susie Middleton — by Joe and Pat Noll
  • The Swetland Family
  • In Honor of All of Our Priests
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Cannistraci Family
  • Lebanon Federal Credit Union
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Charles and Joan Fetter
  • In Memory of the DiNovo and Klick Family — by Scot and Dianne Klick
  • In Memory of James C. and Helen I. Martel — by Suzanne McMurtrie
  • Bob Phillips State Farm Insurance
  • Marianne Turnbaugh
  • Denis and Kathy Kulbitsky
  • The Helwig Family
  • In Memory of Our Beloved Son, Aaron — by The Neubauer Family
  • In Memory of Our Dearest Father Joseph Scanlin — by The Neubauer Family
  • In Memory of Joe Hill — by Susan Hill
  • Robert J. Jr. and Rhonda Mazzoni
  • In Memory of Donald & Susanne Schlegel — by Debra & Michael Schlegel
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by The Catanzarites
  • Michael G. Gilmartin
  • In Memory of Shirley Groff — by Brian and Jodi Groff
  • In Memory of Herb Bryns, III — by Ron and Tammy Kline
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Louis J. & AnnMarie Martarano
  • Damian and Kimberly Foster
  • In Memory of Ronald W. Blatt — by Kathy, Chris and Ryan Blatt

SILVER SPONSORS

  • In Memory of Megan Theresa Stefonich — by Mary Weise Stefonich
  • In Memory of Samuel J. Simpson — by Jessica Ritchey
  • In Memory of Donald Griffith — by Donna L. Griffith
  • David and Michelle Skettini
  • In Memory of Jimmy Uhrich — by Sara Shirato
  • In Memory of Anthony B., Jodi and Zachariah Kuzo — by Anthony Kuzo
  • In Memory of Lucille and Henry Ditzler — by Barbara and Donald Koons
  • In Memory of Kevin Parise — by Thomas Parise
  • In Memory of Nicholas J. Fick — by Anastasia Fick
  • In Memory of Charlie Middleton — by Annette M. Smith
  • In Memory of Jean and Carl Blim, Jr.
  • In Memory of Charlie & In Honor of Susan Middleton — by Carole & Dana Ellenberger
  • Susan L. Baum
  • In Memory of David Kaley — by Addy Kaley

BRONZE SPONSORS

  • In Memory of Ed Werth — by Jackie Werth
  • In Loving Memory of William G. “Bill” Carpenter — by Richard and Patty Price
  • In Memory of George (Ozz) Miller — by Tom Miller
  • In Memory of David Kaley — requested by Family and Friends
  • In Memory of Klespis and Martin Family — by Theresa and Johanna Martin
  • In Memory of Leonard and Mary Ann Thompson — by Ted Thompson
  • In Memory of William R. Bleistine — by Christina Bleistine

❤️ To all of our sponsors, thank you.

❤️ To Mike and Gina and to every sponsor, volunteer and golfer — thank you. Your generosity and dedication allow the St. Mary’s Charlie and Susan Middleton Golf Tournament to continue a wonderful tradition while honoring Charlie’s memory and so many others who are remembered this year.

St. Mary’s Charlie and Susan Middleton Golf Tournament
Friday, September 11, 2026 • Fairview Golf Course