St. Monica Parish
Sunbury, Pennsylvania
About Us
PARISH MISSION STATEMENT
We, the parish family of Saint Monica Church, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ through the Scriptures and Sacred Tradition, are a welcoming Catholic Christian Community in the Diocese of Harrisburg. We are nourished and strengthened by the Eucharist and all the sacraments, and strive to live our discipleship by faith-filled worship and service. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we continue to carry Christ's message of peace, love, and joy to all generations, with the hope that we may attain the treasure that is God's Kingdom.
OUR SAINT MONICA PARISH PRAYER
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O Heavenly Father, we, the community of Saint Monica Parish, confidently come to You with one mind and heart through Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Savior, in communion with the Holy Spirit our Sanctifier.
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Through the prayers of Saint Monica our Patron, we call upon Your strength to grow in faith together, loving and serving one another under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Empower us to live as the faith-filled community you call us to be. Guide us in spreading Your Kingdom and inspire us to work together, all for Your glory. Amen.
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Saint Monica, pray for us.
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Saint Augustine, pray for us.
Pope Francis’ Prayer to Mary during the Pandemic
O Mary, you shine continuously on our journey as a sign of salvation and hope. We entrust ourselves to you, Health of the Sick. At the foot of the Cross you participated in Jesus’ pain, with steadfast faith. You, Salvation of the Roman People, know what we need. We are certain that you will provide, so that, as you did at Cana of Galilee, joy and feasting might return after this moment of trial. Help us, Mother of Divine Love, to conform ourselves to the Father’s will and to do what Jesus tells us: He who took our sufferings upon Himself, and bore our sorrows to bring us, through the Cross, to the joy of the Resurrection. Amen. We seek refuge under your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Do not despise our pleas – we who are put to the test – and deliver us from every danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.
SAINT MICHAEL PRAYER
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Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the devil;
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan
and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
SAINT MONICA, OUR PARISH PATRON,
PRAYER TO SAINT MONICA
Exemplary Mother of the great Saint Augustine, you perseveringly pursued your wayward son not with wild threats but with prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so that they may learn to draw their children to God. Teach them how to remain close to their children, even the prodigal sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.
Amen.
Diocesan COVID-19 Guidelines
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**Please follow the directions of the Ushers at time of Communion**
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++ The obligation for Catholics in the Diocese of Harrisburg to attend Mass in person has been restored, effective August 15th.
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++Those who are seriously ill or have serious health risk, are still dispensed. Learn more at http://www.hbgdiocese.org/returntomass.
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++“In continued alignment with state health guidelines, Bishop Gainer has lifted the COVID-19 mask mandate and all other remaining COVID-19 restrictions.
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++ Those who wish to continue wearing a mask are welcome to do so.
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++We also continue to encourage those who are unwell or under care for COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms, to refrain from attending Mass in person.
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++Concurrent with the lifting of the mask mandate in the Commonwealth, COVID-19 liturgical restrictions for parishes throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg are also lifted. It is the discretion of each pastor to reinstate these practices to meet the needs of the parish. The only exception to this is the distribution of the Most Precious Blood to the Faithful by use of side chalices.
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++Should the Faithful not attend Mass, you are encouraged to devote yourself to prayer and watch or listen to Mass. For those unable to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus in Holy Communion, you are encouraged to make an act of Spiritual Communion. This is making a conscious desire that Jesus come spiritually into your soul.