About Christ the King · Benton, Pennsylvania
Christ the King Mission Church is a Roman Catholic mission parish in Benton, Pennsylvania, nestled among the rolling mountains of North Central Pennsylvania near the Sullivan County border — the most northern church in the Diocese of Harrisburg. It serves as the mission church of St. Columba Parish in Bloomsburg, about 17 miles to the south, and offers weekend and daily Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, religious education, and a small but active parish life centered on the Eucharist and community. Under the pastoral care of Very Rev. Richard J. Mowery, VF, with Parochial Vicar Rev. Aaron Lynch, the mission welcomes visitors and families from across rural Columbia and Sullivan Counties to worship, grow in faith, and encounter Christ in the Sacraments.
- Established
- 1961
- Patron
- Christ the King (Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe)
- Rector
- Very Rev. Richard J. Mowery, VF
- Diocese
- Diocese of Harrisburg
Why belong here
Christ the King Mission offers a small, welcoming rural Catholic community in which to belong, grow in faith, and encounter Christ through the Sacraments. The mission provides weekend Mass, daily Monday Mass, Reconciliation, faith formation for First Communion and Confirmation, RCIA for adults, and ministries such as the Prayer Shawl/Blanket Ministry and the beloved Bloomsburg Fair pierogi fundraiser. As a mission of St. Columba Parish, Christ the King is currently participating in the Catholic Leadership Institute's Next Generation Parish Program to deepen discipleship and parish life for current and future generations.
Mass times at Christ the King
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:30 PM – 3:45 PM (Diocese site lists 4:30–4:45 PM)
- Sunday: 8:30 AM – 8:45 AM
- Any time by appointment (email Fr. Lynch)
Welcome to Christ the King Mission Church
Christ the King Mission Church is a Roman Catholic community in Benton, Pennsylvania, nestled among the beautiful rolling mountains of North Central Pennsylvania. A mission of St. Columba Parish in Bloomsburg — about 17 miles north of Bloomsburg — the church welcomes visitors and families 'with the joy and love of Jesus Christ.' The parish invites newcomers to register as members, explore the faith, encounter Christ in the Sacraments, and grow in His love.
- New here? Register as a member through the parish office.
- Participating in the Catholic Leadership Institute's Next Generation Parish Program.
Our History
The mission was formed in November 1961 by Father James W. Beeman under Father Vincent Topper of St. Columba Parish. Two years later, in 1963, four acres of land were purchased to build the present church. Today the mission remains the most northern church in the Diocese of Harrisburg and a vital Catholic presence in rural Columbia and Sullivan Counties. On January 3, 2026 — the Solemnity of the Epiphany — Bishop Timothy Senior celebrated the Vigil Mass and blessed two new icons of Christ the King and the Blessed Mother with the Christ Child.
- Founded: November 1961
- Land purchased for present church: 1963
- Most northern church in the Diocese of Harrisburg
- Bishop Timothy Senior pastoral visit: January 3, 2026 (Feast of the Epiphany)
Parish Staff
Christ the King Mission is served by a small pastoral team working in close coordination with St. Columba Parish in Bloomsburg. The pastor resides at St. Columba, while the parochial vicar is in residence at the Catholic Campus Ministry at Bloomsburg University. A secretary, youth education coordinator, and maintenance staff support day-to-day parish life.
- Very Rev. Richard J. Mowery, VF — Pastor (in residence at St. Columba Church, 329 Iron Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815; 570-784-0801)
- Rev. Aaron Lynch — Parochial Vicar (in residence at Catholic Campus Ministry, Bloomsburg University, 353 E. 2nd Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815; 717-450-7333)
- Lee Ann Boiwka — Secretary (570-925-6969; [email protected])
- Betty Hnylanski — Christian Youth Education Coordinator (570-594-3687; [email protected])
- Joe Boiwka — Maintenance (570-925-6969; [email protected])
Sacraments & Preparation
The mission offers preparation for all seven Catholic sacraments. Families and individuals are invited to contact the parish office to begin preparation, and adult seekers can journey into the Catholic Church through the Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) process.
- Baptism — contact the office to begin preparation
- First Holy Communion
- Confirmation (celebrated by Bishop Timothy Senior at St. Columba)
- Eucharist — brought to the homebound and to those in convalescent homes
- Reconciliation / Confession — Saturday 3:30 PM, Sunday 8:30 AM, or by appointment
- Matrimony — contact the office to begin preparation
- Anointing of the Sick / Last Rites — call the church or priest directly (HIPAA prevents automatic hospital notification)
- Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) — for adults seeking to join the Catholic Church
Faith Formation: Christian Youth Education (CYE)
Religious Education classes for First Communion and Confirmation are held on Sundays, beginning with Sunday Mass and meeting right after from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. The 2025–2026 CYE classes began on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with Holy Mass at 9:00 AM followed by class. A parent meeting was held the same day.
- Classes: Sundays 10:00–11:30 AM (after 9:00 AM Mass)
- CYE Coordinator: Betty Hnylanski — (570) 594-3687 — [email protected]
Prayer Shawl / Blanket Ministry
A prayerful knitting and crocheting ministry that meets every 4th Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the social hall. Shawls and blankets are distributed as a comfort during illness, recovery, bereavement, prayer or meditation, marriage ceremonies, baptisms, confirmations, and many other life moments. All are welcome, and yarn donations are appreciated.
- Meets: 4th Wednesday of each month, 6:00–7:30 PM in the social hall
- Contact: Elaine DiGirolamo — [email protected]
Pierogi Making & Bloomsburg Fair
Christ the King's biggest annual fundraiser is the Bloomsburg Fair, held in late September / early October. To support it, parishioners gather every Monday from late June through early August to make pierogi — a beloved community tradition and a major source of parish income.
- Pierogi Making: Mondays, June 22 – August 3, scooping potatoes at 7:00 AM, making pierogi at 8:00 AM, finishing between 1–2 PM
- Bloomsburg Fair: late September / early October (e.g., 2026 fair runs September 25 – October 3)
Next Generation Parish Program
Christ the King Mission is participating in the Catholic Leadership Institute's Next Generation Parish Program — a formation initiative that helps parishes build a culture of discipleship, identify and equip parish leaders, and develop a clear plan for evangelization and growth.
- Program: Catholic Leadership Institute's Next Generation Parish Program
Contact & Visiting
The parish office is open limited hours during the week, and staff are happy to return calls and emails at their earliest convenience. Mass is celebrated at 300 Mendenhall Lane, Benton, PA 17814.
- Office hours: Monday & Thursday, 7:30 – 11:30 AM
- Phone: (570) 925-6969
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing: P.O. Box 297, Benton, PA 17814
- On-site: church, parking, restrooms, social hall