View source for Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus (Diocese of Harrisburg)

'''Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus''' is in [[Pennsylvania]] ([[United States]]) and is part of the [[Diocese of Harrisburg]].

It is dedicated to Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus.{{Parish
|Dedication=Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus
|ShortName=Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus
|ParishLocation=40.2235, -76.8739
|MailingAddress=1300 Bridge St, New Cumberland, PA 17070
|Diocese=Diocese of Harrisburg
|Deanery=West Shore Deanery
|City=New Cumberland, PA
|County=Cumberland County
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Pennsylvania
|Country=United States
|ParishWebsite=https://www.sainttheresaparish.org/
|ParishFounded=1926
|ParishSchool=Yes
|ParishEmailAddress=parish@sainttheresaparish.org
}}

== History ==
Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, was established in 1926 under the leadership of Monsignor Roy C. Keffer. The parish was named after Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as "The Little Flower," reflecting the community's devotion to her spirituality of "the little way," which emphasizes simplicity and love in daily acts. The parish's founding was part of a broader effort by the Diocese of Harrisburg to serve the growing Catholic populations in suburban areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/saint-theresa-of-the-infant-jesus-new-cumberland/ |title=Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus - New Cumberland |website=Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The first church was a converted two-story house, with the living room transformed into a chapel where the first Mass was celebrated in 1928. The growth of the parish led to the construction of a new church in 1949, which included a school to serve the educational needs of the community. This structure was later replaced by an ultra-modern church-in-the-round in 1968, showcasing the parish's commitment to both spiritual and architectural innovation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sainttheresaparish.org/history |title=History - Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish |website=Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus School has been an integral part of the parish since its founding, providing Catholic education from preschool through eighth grade. The school aims to nurture students in faith, learning, and community service, reflecting the parish's mission.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sttnewcumberland.org/ |title=Saint Theresa School |website=Saint Theresa School |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The parish is known for its community engagement, including hosting events like the annual parish festival, which brings together parishioners for celebration and fundraising. Saint Theresa also supports numerous ministries, from religious education to outreach programs, embodying the spirit of its patron saint through acts of charity and community service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sainttheresaparish.org/ministries |title=Ministries - Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish |website=Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

Over the years, Saint Theresa has seen various pastoral changes, with each pastor contributing to its spiritual and communal life. The parish has also been recognized for its sports programs, with the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) basketball team winning back-to-back Harrisburg Diocesan Championships in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc27.com/sports/local-sports/st-theresa-wins-back-to-back-harrisburg-cyo-championships-on-to-state-tournament/ |title=St. Theresa wins back-to-back Harrisburg CYO Championships, on to state tournament |website=ABC27 |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

== Related parishes ==
* Good Shepherd, Camp Hill, PA
* Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mechanicsburg, PA

== References ==
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