The sorrow which began the New Year was eased when the Holy See announced, on March 9, 1966, the transfer of the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick from Altoona-Johnstown to Scranton. His installation as the Sixth Ordinary followed on May 25, in Saint Peter's Cathedral. A native of Philadelphia and a bishop for nineteen years, Bishop McCormick was well known.

       Bishop McCormick's leadership was exemplified in many ways: in the addition of new parishes; in the creation of a spirit of accommodation and friendship not only among members of varying religious persuasions but also among differing ethnic groups; in emphasizing traditional Catholic values touching upon the sanctity of marriage, the importance of the family and the individual, and the essential character of a religious education; and implementing the Age of Renewal affected by the Second Vatican Council.

     On Sunday, May 19, 1968, Bishop J. Carroll McCormick observed the centennial of the Diocese of Scranton with an outdoor Mass in Scranton's Memorial Stadium.  7,500 people together with Cardinal John J. Krol, bishops, clergy, religious, and laity, celebrated with obvious pride the accomplishments of 100 years of faith in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

      During the 1960's  social revolution characterized by violence, civil unrest, and the hippie movement affected American Society.   Vietnam and civil rights were key issues of the day.  Individual freedom became paramount and any exercise of authority was questioned.  This challenge faced the Church and our Diocese as well.

      As society was compelled to adjust to new values and practices, another equally significant revolution was taking place in the Roman Catholic Church, the Second Vatican Council. On January 25, 1959,  Pope John XXIII made his historic announcement.

      Forty-five months later, October 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII  presided  at the opening session of the Council in Saint Peter's Basilica. After four lengthy sessions, the death of Pope John XXIII and the election of his successor of  Pope Paul VI, the council was brought to a solemn close on December 8, 1965. Sixteen documents had been fashioned. All were accepted, signed, and promulgated by Pope Paul VI.

      National conferences of  bishops translated these documents into  responsible path between the ideals enunciated by the Holy See and the desires of their own members. In turn, the bishops had to pursue the same course of action amid the contesting factions in their own dioceses. As a result, Liturgy took on a new vibrancy. The Code of Canon Law was successfully revised. Administrative practices were forever modified.

      To Bishop J. Carroll McCormick was entrusted the transitional period following the Second Vatican Council.  In his first few months, he made a survey of diocesan institutions to determine what facilities were needed to complement those already in service. With boldness, he then proposed a multi-million dollar challenge and appropriately called it, "Project: Expansion."

      From the proceeds of the highly successful drive, he created: two large central Catholic high schools, a high rise nursing home, a clergy retirement home, and a regional community center. Also, with his personal encouragement, 21 new churches were built during his 17 years. At his demand, every other church in the diocese was remodeled to conform with the conciliar liturgical norms. And to provide additional opportunities for worship in various urban and rural locales, 17 new parishes were brought into existence.

      Bishop McCormick's principal claim to recognition was the skill with which he dealt with the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council and the contemporary upheaval in society's values. Calmly, deliberately, and courageously, he disposed of problems as they occurred. During his 17 years. priestly and religious vocations dwindled, schools and hospitals were increasingly staffed by the laity, labor unions and work stoppages made their disturbing debuts, expenses rose while income at all levels stayed constant.

      To maintain clerical morale, for those who were forced to work harder, he raised salaries, increased benefits, and made retirement possible.  Those same considerations were extended to all sisters working in a variety of diocesan assignments. The laity was encouraged as well. They became an integral part of the administration of all church-related activities, starting with initial appointments to boards, councils, and commissions. They were entrusted with the direction of various offices and programs. Bishop McCormick's unstinting confidence in God's Will led to a peaceful transformation from a staid ultra-conservative diocese to a middle-of-the-road entity. Extremes had been successfully avoided and the Diocese prospered.