About St. Aloysius · Littlestown, Pennsylvania
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish serving Littlestown and the surrounding Adams County, Pennsylvania community from its location at 29 South Queen Street. A parish of the Diocese of Harrisburg under pastor Rev. C. Anthony Miller, it describes itself as "A Faith Community called by the Holy Spirit, nurtured by the Eucharist and the Word of God," committed to following the teachings of Jesus Christ as expressed by the Bishop of Harrisburg and proclaiming God's love through evangelization, education, and outreach. The parish offers daily and weekend Masses, the Sacrament of Penance, a Religious Education (CCD) program, a high-school Youth Group, and a Knights of Columbus council (#17784) that supports parish life.
- Established
- 1790
- Patron
- St. Aloysius Gonzaga
- Rector
- Rev. C. Anthony Miller
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Why belong here
St. Aloysius offers a small-town Catholic home where families can know their pastor personally — Father Miller invites visitors to call him directly at the parish residence (717-359-0519). The parish runs an active Religious Education program for children, a high-school Youth Group meeting twice a month for fellowship, and a Knights of Columbus council (#17784) that sponsors community events such as ballroom-dancing nights for all ages. Daily Mass in the chapel Monday through Friday, two Sunday morning Masses, Saturday Vigil Mass, and a Saturday Sacrament of Penance make frequent participation easy for working families.
Mass times at St. Aloysius
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00 AM – 8:25 AM (before daily Mass)
- Saturday 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM (before Vigil Mass)
- Other times by appointment
History of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
St. Aloysius was founded in 1790 and is one of the earliest Catholic congregations in Adams County. The first church and a parochial school were built circa 1791 on the same South Queen Street lot the parish still uses today. The community grew out of the Conewago Settlement, a colony of mostly German Catholic families who had moved north from Lancaster. A printed history of the parish, "History of Saint Aloysius Church of Littlestown, Penn'a," was authored by Father William McSherry in 1893; fifty years later the parish issued a Golden Jubilee commemorative book covering 1894–1944. The current church building occupies the historic site of the original 1790s structure.
- Established 1790 — one of Adams County's oldest Catholic parishes
- Original church and parochial school built circa 1791 on South Queen Street
- Parish history published by Fr. William McSherry in 1893
- Golden Jubilee commemorative volume published 1944 (covering 1894–1944)
Pastor's Welcome & Parish Mission
Father C. Anthony Miller, the parish's current pastor, opens the parish's About page with a personal letter describing St. Aloysius as a faith community "called by the Holy Spirit, nurtured by the Eucharist and the Word of God." The parish commits itself to following the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ as expressed through the Bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg and to proclaiming God's love through evangelization, education, and outreach. Father Miller invites new families to call the parish office (Krista) for a family information card and welcome packet, which is returned in the collection basket or by mail as part of the parish census.
- Pastor: Rev. C. Anthony Miller
- Parish priest residence: 717-359-0519 (Ask for Father Miller)
- Parish office: 717-359-4513
- Family registration coordinated through the parish office with Krista
Mass & Sacrament Schedule
The parish offers a full daily and weekend schedule centered on the Eucharist. Daily Mass is celebrated Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 AM in the chapel; the Saturday Vigil is at 5:00 PM; two Sunday Masses are celebrated at 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Holy Days of Obligation are marked with Masses at 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Daily Mass times are subject to change, so the parish directs the faithful to consult the weekly bulletin.
- Daily Mass Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri — 8:30 AM (Chapel)
- Vigil Mass Saturday — 5:00 PM
- Sunday Masses — 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM
- Holy Days of Obligation — 12:00 PM and 7:00 PM
Religious Education (CCD)
St. Aloysius operates a parish-based Religious Education program serving the children of the parish, coordinated by Religious Education Coordinator Cynthia Baughman (listed on the Diocese of Harrisburg parish directory). The program walks school-age parishioners through Catholic faith formation and sacramental preparation in concert with their family's parish life.
- Coordinator: Cynthia Baughman
- Schedules published in the weekly parish bulletin
- Contact through the parish office at 717-359-4513
High School Youth Ministry
St. Aloysius Gonzaga's Youth Group welcomes high-school students in grades 9 through 12 who want to grow as disciples of Jesus and serve their community. Members gather for fellowship on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM (after Sunday Mass), and the program runs from September through May, with the summer months reserved for family time and other parish events. Youth Group activities are designed to educate, inspire, and help teenagers proclaim their faith through action.
- Open to students in grades 9–12
- Meets 1st and 3rd Sundays, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Program year: September through May
- Coordinators: Jonathan and Judy Lippy
- Contact: [email protected] or 717-818-2319
Knights of Columbus Council #17784
The parish is the home of Knights of Columbus Council #17784, a Catholic fraternal organization that supports the parish, the diocese, and the broader community of Adams County. The Council has long sponsored popular community events — including a recurring monthly ballroom-dancing night in the parish hall open to all ages — that serve as both fellowship and fundraisers for parish programs.
- Council #17784, chartered at St. Aloysius
- Hosts monthly ballroom dancing in the parish hall
- Open to all ages; modest attire required
- Fundraisers benefit parish programs and community outreach
Parish Life, Ministries & Outreach
Beyond its formal programs, St. Aloysius points to a broad culture of discipleship: "We are proud of our rich heritage and the many ways we serve the people in Adams County. We are disciples of Christ who bring our many gifts of time, talent and treasure together to build the Kingdom of God." Visitors and parishioners are invited to register with the parish office so they can be connected to ministries that match their gifts.
- Parish registration and census through the parish office
- Lay ministry opportunities matched to parishioner time and talent
- Parish bulletins posted on the parish website
Visiting & Contact Information
The parish office can be reached by phone, fax, or email; the pastor can additionally be reached at the rectory. Newcomers are encouraged to contact the office for a welcome packet and to introduce themselves. The church is located on South Queen Street in historic Littlestown, with on-site parking available.
- Parish Office: 29 South Queen Street, Littlestown, PA 17340
- Office phone: 717-359-4513
- Fax: 717-359-0683
- Email: [email protected]
- Rectory (Father Miller): 717-359-0519
- On-site parking available at the church