View source for Holy Trinity (Diocese of Harrisburg)

'''Holy Trinity''' is in Pennsylvania ([[United States]]) and is part of the [[Diocese of Harrisburg]].

It is dedicated to Holy Trinity.{{Parish
|Dedication=Holy Trinity
|ShortName=Holy Trinity
|ParishLocation=40.0332, -76.4982
|MailingAddress=409 Cherry St, Columbia, PA 17512
|Diocese=Diocese of Harrisburg
|Deanery=Lancaster Deanery
|City=Columbia, PA
|County=Lancaster County
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Pennsylvania
|Country=United States
|ParishWebsite=http://holytrinitycolumbiapa.com/
|ParishFounded=1860
|ParishSchool=No
|ParishEmailAddress=holytrinitycol409@gmail.com
}}

== History ==
Holy Trinity Parish in Columbia, Pennsylvania, was established in 1860 to serve the German-speaking Catholic community in the area. The parish's inception was during a time when many German immigrants settled in Columbia due to the post-Napoleonic Wars conditions in Europe, finding employment in the town's burgeoning industries. Bishop John Neumann, who later became a saint, played a key role in suggesting the establishment of this parish for German Catholics who struggled to understand services in English at St. Peter's Church.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://holytrinitycolumbiapa.com/parish-history |title=Parish History |website=Holy Trinity Columbia |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/holy-trinity-columbia/ |title=Holy Trinity - Columbia |website=Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The cornerstone of the original church was laid in 1860, and the parish has since been a focal point for Catholic life in Columbia. The parish has undergone several renovations, including expansions to accommodate its growing congregation. Over the years, Holy Trinity has maintained its cultural heritage while integrating into the broader community, offering services in English and preserving its German roots through various traditions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://holytrinitycolumbiapa.com/about-us |title=About Us |website=Holy Trinity Columbia |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The parish is well-known for its community engagement, particularly through its annual Fastnacht Sale, a tradition reflecting the German heritage where thousands of doughnuts are made and sold, especially before Lent. This event not only brings the community together but also supports the parish financially.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://holytrinitycolumbiapa.com/shop |title=Fastnacht Shop Online |website=Holy Trinity Columbia |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

Holy Trinity also maintains a historic cemetery established in 1865, which serves as the final resting place for many parishioners and is an important part of the parish's heritage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://holytrinitycolumbiapa.com/holy-trinity-cemetery |title=Holy Trinity Cemetery |website=Holy Trinity Columbia |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

== Related parishes ==
* St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, Columbia, PA
* Our Lady of the Angels, Columbia, PA

== References ==
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