Harrisburg Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

06/15/2026

BLESSING PRAYER FOR A GARDEN
Lord of Creation and Giver of All Life,
who planted your own garden called Eden,
let your blessings fall upon our seeds and bulbs,
our hands and tools, our soil,
our potted plants, our gardens.
Bless our labor with rain and sunshine
that new life might spring up.
May we know the great joy
that comes from sharing with others.
This we pray as your humble servants
and stewards of this wonderful planet. Amen.

06/12/2026

SOLEMNITY of the MOST SACRED HEART of JESUS
The heart has become a symbol for our very selves. We say, “I put my heart into it” and “I want that with all my heart.” According to John 19:34, after Jesus had died a soldier made sure of his death by piercing his side with a lance, and blood and water flowed out. Jesus’ pierced heart became a sign of the completeness of his love for us. Call to mind the Sacred Heart when you are having a difficult day and need a reminder of the intensity of God's love for you.

06/11/2026

On Thursday, June 11, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of the 250th anniversary of the nation. A Mass will take place at 4 p.m. EDT.

The Good Newsroom will carry the USCCB’s coverage of the livestream of the Mass.

Learn how to watch the livestream here:
https://thegoodnewsroom.org/how-to-watch-and-listen-to-the-mass-of-consecration-of-the-united-states-of-america-to-the-most-sacred-heart-of-jesus/

Photo courtesy of USCCB

06/10/2026

"The heart of Jesus is an abyss where everything can be found...

If you are in an abyss of dryness and weakness, go bury yourself in the heart of Jesus Christ, which is an abyss of power and love.

If you are in an abyss of weakness, of failings and miseries, go frequently to the heart of Jesus. It is an abyss of mercy and strength. It will relieve and fortify you.

If you find yourself plunged in an abyss of sadness, bury the sadness itself in the heart of Jesus, which is an abyss of heavenly joy, and the treasury of all the saints and angels.

If you are in trouble and anxiety, the divine heart is an abyss of peace, and that peace will be communicated to you.

When you are in an abyss of fear, the heart of Jesus is an abyss of confidence and love. Abandon yourself to it. You will there learn that fear will yield to love.

Finally, everywhere and in everything, bury yourself in this ocean of love and charity, and, if possible, never depart from it, that you may be penetrated with the fire, by which the heart is inflamed for God and humankind, as the iron in the furnace, or as a sponge cast into the sea and filled with its waters."

~from the Counsels of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

06/02/2026

05/30/2026

Today is the Memorial of Saint Joan of Arc. One summer day in her father’s garden, Joan of Arc heard a mysterious voice, accompanied by a bright light. She listened, obeyed and achieved the purpose she was given—a mission to save France. Her trust in God gave her the courage to persevere, to endure betrayal and to keep her wits at her trial. When asked by the court if she was in a state of grace, Joan answered, “If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.” She was judged a heretic and executed. Few of us hear heaven-sent voices. Yet, now and then we sense something God wants of us. May the example of Saint Joan of Arc encourage us to listen closely to God and do what we are called to do.

05/29/2026

To accompany his constant calls for peace in the world, Pope Leo XIV will lead the prayer of the Holy Rosary on May 30 at 7:00 PM Rome time from the Vatican Gardens.

He will lead the faithful in Shrines around the world in praying the Joyful Mysteries, with each decade being dedicated specifically for those affected by war and violence and entrusting them to the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace.

The first mystery prays for the victims of war, especially the most vulnerable, while the second is for those who bring words of hope and the comfort of faith to populations affected by war. The third recalls the medical and paramedical personnel and volunteers who bring humanitarian aid every day.

The fourth mystery prays for those who suffer the violence of war, for prisoners and for all who endure humiliations that violate human dignity. The fifth and final Joyful Mystery is dedicated to praying for an end to war and the establishment of lasting peace in the world.

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-preside-over-rosary-dedicated-to-peace-in-vatican-gardens.html

05/25/2026

Today is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. At the foot of the cross, Mary became the Mother of the Church when she accepted her Son's testament of love and welcomed all people in the person of the beloved disciple as sons and daughters to be reborn unto life eternal.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day 2026
We honor this day with respect, remembrance, and gratitude for the brave who never came home.