By Dan McCarty • Posted June 24, 2026

Parishioners and friends of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lenni gathered for their monthly “Praise on the Hill” on June 12. It was an evening of eucharistic adoration, praise and worship music, silent prayer, the sacrament of penance, and benediction.

When Mark Griswold began to lead St. Francis de Sales as Parish Life Director last June, he wanted to organize this event for his new church community following his ministry as director of family faith formation and music ministry at St. Norbert Parish in Paoli. Because St. Francis de Sales Church is located literally on a hillside, “Praise on the Hill” was the name chosen for this monthly evening service.

Griswold said it points to the church being a “shining city on a hill” – a place of faith, hope and love for the surrounding community. The event began last August.

“I was eager to get the event established as these monthly praise and worship nights were such a part of the rhythm of my life at St. Norbert where I ministered for 23 years,” said Griswold. St. Francis de Sales Parish established a recurring schedule with “Praise on the Hill” usually taking place on the second Friday of each month.  Between 30 and 40 people come to most sessions, as was the case on June 12. Attendees including youth and young adults continue to participate from many different parishes.

“It’s just a really beautiful way to end the week, a time of reflection and prayer,” said Becca Winton, a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Philadelphia. “It’s a way to get away from the busyness of everything.”

Because June 12 marked the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, prayers  included an Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart and the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Father Lenin Fernandez Anderson, parochial vicar at neighboring St. Joseph Parish in Aston, led the benediction.

“O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my trials and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying thee,” the congregation prayed together.

Griswold and his sons, Patrick and Robby, provided music accompanied by Vince and Claire Walsh, a father and daughter duo from St. Norbert.

“I always feel music adds a deeper aspect to the worship,” said Robby Griswold. “I think in general, people feel that way about the atmosphere. I really enjoy it.”

Marie Graney of Wilmington, Del. has attended this worship service before. Because this month was an opportunity to celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she believed that Jesus touched her heart this night. She was moved by the song “Trust in God,” one of the musical selections.

“Those lyrics are so powerful,” said Graney. “I trust in God, my Savior. In all the chaos of the world, we can continue to trust in Jesus in the Eucharist. He will never fail us.”

“Praise on the Hill” will cease in July and August before it resumes in September. Griswold hopes it will offer a deep, passionate encounter where people can experience the real presence of Jesus.

“The combination of eucharistic adoration, praise and worship music, silence and the opportunity for confession is like a monthly ‘shot in the arm’ of faith that carries over into the day-to-day lives of those who come,” said Griswold.