View source for San Juan Bautista (Diocese of Harrisburg)

{{Parish
|Dedication=San Juan Bautista
|ShortName=San Juan Bautista
|ParishLocation=40.0341, -76.3016
|MailingAddress=425 S Duke St, Lancaster, PA 17602
|Diocese=Diocese of Harrisburg
|Deanery=Lancaster Deanery
|City=Lancaster, PA
|County=Lancaster County
|AdministrativeSubdivision=Pennsylvania
|Country=United States
|ParishWebsite=https://sanjuanbautistalancaster.com/
|ParishFounded=1982
|ParishSchool=No
|ParishEmailAddress=sanjuanbautistalanc@hbgdiocese.org
}}

== History ==
San Juan Bautista Parish in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was established in 1982 to serve the growing Hispanic community within the Diocese of Harrisburg. The parish was named after Saint John the Baptist, reflecting the cultural and spiritual heritage of its congregation. It was established as the first Hispanic parish in Lancaster, aimed at providing spiritual guidance and community support to Spanish-speaking Catholics who were seeking a place to worship in their native language.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/san-juan-bautista-lancaster/ |title=San Juan Bautista - Lancaster |website=Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The parish church is located on South Duke Street, offering a place where the Hispanic community can celebrate their faith, culture, and traditions. San Juan Bautista has been instrumental in creating a sense of home and belonging for many immigrants, providing services like Masses in Spanish, religious education tailored to the Hispanic community, and cultural events that celebrate the diverse backgrounds of its parishioners.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sanjuanbautistalancaster.com/historia |title=Historia - San Juan Bautista Lancaster |website=San Juan Bautista Lancaster |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

Although San Juan Bautista does not operate a school, it focuses on religious education, offering programs that cater to the needs of Hispanic families, ensuring that the faith is passed on in a culturally relevant manner. The parish has various ministries, including youth groups, community outreach, and cultural preservation efforts, which are central to its mission.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sanjuanbautistalancaster.com/ministerios |title=Ministerios - San Juan Bautista Lancaster |website=San Juan Bautista Lancaster |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

The parish has been under the leadership of several pastors, with each contributing to its growth and community engagement. San Juan Bautista also hosts significant community events like the annual festival, which not only celebrates Hispanic culture but also serves as a fundraiser for parish initiatives and support for the needy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sanjuanbautistalancaster.com/eventos |title=Eventos - San Juan Bautista Lancaster |website=San Juan Bautista Lancaster |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

San Juan Bautista Parish continues to be a beacon of faith and culture in Lancaster, serving as a vital part of the Catholic community by fostering a welcoming environment for Hispanic Catholics, promoting evangelization, and engaging in social justice activities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://discovermass.com/church/san-juan-bautista-lancaster-pa |title=San Juan Bautista |website=Discover Mass |access-date=2025-01-05}}</ref>

== Related parishes ==
* Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Lancaster, PA
* Saint Joseph, Lancaster, PA

== References ==
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