About St. Francis Xavier · Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Saint Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Parish in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, was founded on October 2, 1831, and is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg. The parish's historic church on West High Street was blessed by St. John Neumann in 1852 and dedicated on July 31, 1853. During the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, the then-ten-year-old church was the second house of worship to open its doors to wounded soldiers and served as a hospital until the end of September; the Sisters of Charity from Emmitsburg, Maryland helped tend the injured. In September 1918 the parish school and hall again served as a U.S. Army hospital during the Spanish Influenza Epidemic, caring for troops under the command of then-Lieutenant Colonel Dwight D. Eisenhower. Today the parish continues this 'field hospital' tradition through worship in English and Spanish, a parish school, religious education, OCIA, youth and campus ministry at Gettysburg College, and active outreach to the Adams County community.
- Established
- 1831
- Patron
- St. Francis Xavier
- Rector
- Very Rev. Timothy D. Marcoe, VF
- Diocese
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg
Why belong here
St. Francis Xavier is the historic Catholic heart of Gettysburg and Adams County, with a story of service that goes back to the Civil War. The parish welcomes worshippers in both English and Spanish — including a fully bilingual Sunday Mass and a Spanish Wednesday evening Mass — making it a true community for the area's growing Hispanic population. Faith formation runs from PREP classes for children and sacramental preparation through OCIA for adults, alongside a youth group for grades 6–12, Catholic campus ministry at Gettysburg College, Bible studies, prayer groups, and a vibrant sacramental life with daily Mass, a Saturday Vigil, Friday adoration, and regular confession. Add a parish school (SFXCS), an active Council of Catholic Women, a Respect Life Committee, and outreach to those in need, and parishioners find a parish that lives up to its calling as a 'field hospital' for body and soul.
Mass times at St. Francis Xavier
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday — after the 4:00 PM Vigil Mass (Historic Church)
- Monday–Thursday — after the 7:00 AM Daily Mass (Historic Church)
- Wednesday — after the 6:30 PM Spanish Mass (Historic Church)
- First Saturday — after the 9:00 AM Mass (Historic Church), until 10:00 AM
- Or by appointment
Adoration times
- Friday — following the 12:00 PM Mass until Vespers at 4:45 PM (Historic Church)
- First Saturday — after the 9:00 AM Mass until 10:00 AM (Historic Church)
Welcome & Parish Identity
St. Francis Xavier describes itself as a parish that has literally lived out Pope Francis' image of the Church as a 'field hospital.' Founded in 1831 and built around a historic church dedicated by St. John Neumann in 1853, the parish welcomed wounded Civil War soldiers in 1863 and Spanish Influenza troops under Lt. Col. Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1918, and continues that mission today through worship, sacraments, religious education, and service to Gettysburg and Adams County. The welcome message, signed by Father Marcoe, invites newcomers to use the parish's contact channels to reach the pastoral team.
- Founded October 2, 1831
- Historic church dedicated by St. John Neumann on July 31, 1853
- Served as a Civil War hospital in 1863 and as a U.S. Army hospital in 1918
- Pastor's greeting signed 'Father Marcoe'
Parish History
The parish maintains an extensive history page built around two anniversary publications — 'For God & Country' (1831–1981) and 'A Glorious Heritage' (1853–1953) — plus a complete timeline of parish history and a guide to the meaning of the painted ceiling motifs in the Historic Church. The CCW (Council of Catholic Women) preserves additional narrative material, including eyewitness accounts from the Sisters of Charity who tended wounded soldiers in the church in July 1863.
- 'For God & Country' 1831–1981 (parish history volume)
- 'A Glorious Heritage' 1853–1953 (parish history volume)
- Complete Timeline of Our Parish's History
- Story & Meaning behind the Historic Church Ceiling Motifs
- Council of Catholic Women archive (sfxpccw.org)
Clergy & Parish Staff
The parish is led by Very Rev. Timothy D. Marcoe, VF, named pastor in June 2025, who grew up near Allentown, studied meteorology at Millersville University, then completed six years of formation at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe before being ordained on June 2, 2007. He has served the Diocese of Harrisburg for over 18 years. His parochial vicar is Rev. Michael P. Pray, ordained in 2024 from Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, who previously taught and served as a Catholic school administrator. The lay staff includes a Director of Religious Education, Director of Evangelization, Hispanic Ministry Coordinator, Director of Communications, Parish Manager, Administrative Assistant, Funeral/Cemetery & Quinceañera Coordinator, and a Spanish Music Coordinator.
- Pastor: Very Rev. Timothy D. Marcoe, VF (since June 2025)
- Parochial Vicar: Rev. Michael P. Pray (since June 2024)
- Director of Religious Education: Debbie Holt
- Director of Evangelization: Becca Dickerson
- Hispanic Ministry Coordinator: Maritza Torres
- Director of Communications: Helen Jahn
- Parish Manager: Gerald Michel
- Administrative Assistant: Gina Aguilera
- Funeral/Cemetery & Quinceañera Coordinator: Susan Thresher
- Music Coordinator (Español): Gregorio Uribe
- Finance Council Chair: Paul Colomb
- Parish Pastoral Council Chair: Megan Cellucci
Faith Formation & Religious Education
The Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) serves children and youth who do not attend the parish school. Sacramental-year students preparing for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, or Confirmation meet in person on Sundays from 10:30–11:45 AM or Wednesdays from 6:30–7:45 PM, while non-sacramental-year students use a virtual bilingual textbook. The program's stated goal is to develop a 'living, conscious, active faith life within the Christian community,' and parents are reminded that Religious Education does not replace weekly Sunday Mass. Sacramental preparation for Confirmation is a two-year program, traditionally received in 8th grade, and includes a retreat, sponsor selection, and required meetings.
- PREP classes: Sundays 10:30–11:45 AM or Wednesdays 6:30–7:45 PM
- Bilingual virtual textbook option for non-sacramental years
- First Reconciliation & First Eucharist preparation
- Two-year Confirmation preparation, traditionally in 8th grade
- Tuition: $80 one child / $160 two or more; scholarships available
- Office at the Xavier Center; Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 9 AM–3 PM
Becoming Catholic — OCIA
Adults interested in becoming Catholic join the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), the parish's formal process of inquiry, catechumenate, election, and mystagogy. The program is led by Director of Evangelization Becca Dickerson and welcomes the unbaptized, baptized Christians from other denominations, and baptized Catholics seeking First Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Sponsors are paired with candidates, and unbaptized participants typically receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil; baptized candidates are received into full communion in the Easter season or another suitable time.
- Four phases: Inquiry, Catechumenate, Rite of Election / Sacraments of Initiation, Mystagogy
- Contact: Becca Dickerson, Director of Evangelization ([email protected])
- Spanish OCIA reuniones at the Centro Javier
Youth, Young Adults & Campus Ministry
The SFX Youth Group welcomes students in grades 6–12 and their parents, meeting monthly during the school year on the first Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Xavier Center, with a stated mission to 'lead youth to encounter Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.' The parish also ministers to young adults ages 18–39 and serves as host for Catholic Campus Ministry at Gettysburg College, including the Newman Association. Priests and the Director of Campus Ministry are available for faith formation, fellowship, service, and pastoral care.
- SFX Youth Group: grades 6–12, first Sunday monthly, 7:00 PM, Xavier Center
- Contact: Katie Langville ([email protected])
- Gettysburg Catholic Young Adults (ages 18–39)
- Catholic Campus Ministry at Gettysburg College / Newman Association
- Associate Director of Catholic Campus Ministry: Marie Hopkins
Hispanic Ministry / Centro Javier
The parish runs an extensive Hispanic Ministry coordinated by Maritza Torres, anchored at the Centro Javier (Xavier Center) at 465 Table Rock Road. It includes a fully bilingual 9:00 AM Sunday Mass (livestreamed), a Spanish noon Sunday Mass, a Spanish 6:30 PM Wednesday Mass with Confession afterward, OCIA meetings in Spanish, the Cristo Rey Comité, Grupo de Oración 'Jesús En Ti Confío,' Juan 23 Misa y Evento, and Grupo de Jóvenes. The parish website and bulletin are presented in parallel English and Spanish throughout.
- Hispanic Ministry Coordinator: Maritza Torres ([email protected])
- Bilingual 9:00 AM Sunday Mass, hybrid/livestreamed
- Spanish Mass: noon Sunday and 6:30 PM Wednesday
- Spanish Confession after 6:30 PM Wednesday Mass
- OCIA Reunión en Español at the Centro Javier
- Grupo de Oración Jesús En Ti Confío (Wed 7:30 PM)
- Juan 23 Misa y Evento (Fri 7:00 PM)
- Grupo de Jóvenes (Fri 6:30 PM, Parish Office)
- Cristo Rey Comité — Emma Salgado
Sacraments & Sacramental Preparation
The parish prepares parishioners for the seven sacraments, with detailed pages on Baptism (infant and adult), First Reconciliation and First Eucharist (through PREP), Confirmation (two-year program for youth, or through OCIA for adults), Marriage (contact the parish office), Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders (through the Diocese of Harrisburg). Quinceañeras are coordinated by Susan Thresher. The OCIA process for unbaptized adults culminates in the reception of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
- Baptism — infant and adult (via OCIA)
- First Reconciliation / First Holy Communion (PREP)
- Confirmation (2-year youth prep, or adult via OCIA)
- Eucharist (daily, Vigil, and Sunday Masses)
- Penance / Confession (regular schedule & by appointment)
- Marriage preparation
- Anointing of the Sick
- Quinceañera coordination (Susan Thresher)
- Holy Orders — vocation support via Diocese of Harrisburg
St. Francis Xavier Catholic School (SFXCS)
The parish operates St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, now located on Table Rock Road just outside historic downtown Gettysburg, serving families across Adams County. The school is led by Principal Becky Sieg, and the parish contact directory lists the school as part of the parish campus along with the Xavier Center and Parish Office. Parents and families are also involved through the School PTO, which meets at the Xavier Center.
- Principal: Becky Sieg ([email protected])
- Located on Table Rock Road, Gettysburg
- School PTO meetings held at the Xavier Center
St. Francis Xavier Cemetery
The parish maintains St. Francis Xavier Cemetery as part of its campus of ministries, with cemetery arrangements and inquiries handled by Susan Thresher, the Funeral/Cemetery & Quinceañera Coordinator. The Diocese of Harrisburg parish listing identifies the cemetery as an associated location of the parish.
- Cemetery inquiries: Susan Thresher
- Listed by Diocese of Harrisburg as an associated parish location
Parish Organizations & Prayer Groups
An active Council of Catholic Women (CCW) — meeting since October 1937 — supports parish life and preserves the parish's historical memory through publications like 'For God & Country.' Other organizations include the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, Respect Life Committee, St. Monica's Prayer Group, Women of the Word Bible Study, Trail Life, and the Cristo Rey Comité. The parish bulletin regularly lists these groups along with school and parish activities on a given week.
- Council of Catholic Women (since 1937)
- Parish Pastoral Council — Megan Cellucci, Chair
- Finance Council — Paul Colomb, Chair
- Respect Life Committee
- St. Monica's Prayer Group (Tue 1:00 PM, Parish Office Chapel)
- Women of the Word Bible Study (Thu 9:00 AM)
- Trail Life (Xavier Center)
- Cristo Rey Comité — Emma Salgado
Contact & Visiting
The Parish Office at 455 Table Rock Road is open Monday–Thursday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM; the office can be reached at 717-334-3919 or by email at [email protected]. The site also lists extension numbers and direct emails for individual staff, plus separate English- and Spanish-speaking contacts. Mail should be sent to the Parish Office, not the Historic Church. Visitors to the Historic Church in downtown Gettysburg can use the available parking, restrooms, and assistive listening; the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass is offered as a hybrid/livestreamed service.
- Parish Office: 455 Table Rock Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325
- Phone: 717-334-3919
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–4 PM; Fri 9 AM–12 PM
- Historic Church: 25 West High Street (parking, restrooms, assistive listening)
- 9:00 AM Sunday Mass — hybrid/livestreamed