In June 2018, the Diocese of Scranton issued the following statement in regards to the Saint Francis and Saint Clare Independent Roman Catholic Community:
“The Saint Francis and Saint Clare Independent Roman Catholic Community is in no way affiliated with the Diocese of Scranton nor in communion with the universal Catholic Church.”
His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective as indicated:
PASTOR
Reverend Anthony J. Generose, J.V., to Pastor, Most Precious Blood Parish, Hazleton, effective August 1, 2018. Father Generose will continue to serve as Pastor, Queen of Heaven Parish, Hazleton, and as Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Scranton.
Reverend Joseph J. Manarchuck, from Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Wyalusing, and Pastor, Saint Joachim Parish, Meshoppen, to Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Matamoras, and Saint Patrick Parish, Milford, effective July 2, 2018.
PASTOR EMERITUS
Reverend Louis A. Grippi, from Pastor, Most Precious Blood Parish, Hazleton, to Pastor Emeritus, Most Precious Blood Parish, Hazleton, effective August 1, 2018.
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Reverend Edward J. Casey, to Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, effective June 25, 2018.
Reverend Ryan P. Glenn, to Assistant Pastor, Saint John Neumann Parish, Scranton, effective June 25, 2018.
Reverend Seth D. Wasnock, from Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, to Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Carbondale, effective June 25, 2018.
SENIOR PRIEST
Reverend John C. Ruth, from Senior Priest, Saint John Neumann Parish, Scranton, to Senior Priest, Saint Patrick Parish, Scranton. Father Ruth will continue to serve as Chaplain of the Lackawanna County Prison. Effective June 25, 2018.
Reverend Peter Tran, from Senior Priest, Church of the Epiphany Parish, Sayre, to Senior Priest, Christ the King Parish, Archbald. Effective June 25, 2018.
CHAPLAIN
Reverend Richard G. Ghezzi, to Chaplain, Saint Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre, effective June 25, 2018. Father Ghezzi will continue to serve as Chaplain, Little Flower Manor, Saint Therese Residence, Wilkes-Barre.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Deacon Stephen B. Frye, from diaconal ministry Saint Ann Parish, Williamsport, and Master of Ceremonies for the Diocesan Bishop, to leave of absence for service at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, effective June 4, 2018.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT
Deacon Andrew A. Fazio, to Master of Ceremonies for the Diocesan Bishop, effective June 21, 2018. Deacon Fazio will continue his diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore.
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton is sponsoring a “World Refugee Day” event on Sunday, June 24, 2018, from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. at Nay Aug Park in Scranton (Mulberry Street entrance).
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees established World Refugee Day to commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of millions of refugees throughout the world. In recognition of this special day, all are invited to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the refugee communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The celebration will showcase cultural music, dance, art, ethnic dress, exhibits and community conversations with refugee families; will provide crafts and games for children, and resources from community partners. Ice cream and light refreshments will be available, and attendees can bring a picnic.
For more information on “World Refugee Day,” contact Sonya Sarner at Catholic Social Services, 570-207-2283.
In conjunction with the visit to Scranton by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his recent statements about persons seeking asylum in the United States, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has issued the following statement:
The development of a sound immigration policy that respects both the concerns of our nation and the needs of those individuals seeking asylum in our country for themselves and their children is a challenging task.
Sadly, current immigration policies have reached a critical point, with children and families with children who are seeking asylum being separated from one another.
These individuals are fleeing violence and chaos in their homelands, only to face policies that are destroying their families and unduly burdening their children.
While our borders must be protected and we must support the rule of law, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asserted that “at its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life.” Separating children from their parents is an affront to the right to life. We must do all that we can to preserve and respect this right.
Peaceful Rally to Support Immigrants’ Rights
People of faith and concerned citizens will hold a peaceful rally in support of immigrant families and children. The rally is scheduled for Friday, June 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the corner of N. Washington Avenue and Vine Street in Scranton, (in front of the library).
On behalf of the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, we offer our prayers for all those affected by the terrible storms that recently struck our area. Several people were injured, and significant damage to properties and businesses is being reported. We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of so many emergency personnel, government officials and citizens who have been responding to this incident, and we commend the recovery efforts to God’s care.