MISSION STATEMENT
We the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Scranton,
in union with our Holy Father, the Pope, are called
through baptism to share in the mission which Jesus
Christ has entrusted to the One, Holy, Catholic and
Apostolic Church. Priests, deacons, religious and laity,
under the leadership of our Bishop, cooperate to
proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the teaching of
the Church, to celebrate the sacraments, especially the
Eucharist, for the salvation of all, and to witness by
grace to the Kingdom of God so as to promote a culture
of life, justice and peace.
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This Issue:
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Why Background Checks? Because they help to
protect children |
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Formation Program in Christian Chastity |
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Catechist Convocation Set for Oct. 18 |
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Housing Education Seminars in Pike County |
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Year of St. Paul Speakers’ Series Announced |
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Diocesan Director at American Mission Congress |
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EMHC Training Sessions Scheduled |
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Basic Skills Course for Parish Religious
Education Teachers |
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Mark Your Calendar |
Why Background Checks? Because they help to
protect children |
The national Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People,
enacted by the U.S. Bishops in 2002, requires
that all employees in parishes and schools, as
well as volunteers who spend 20 or more hours
per year with children, must have up-to-date
criminal background and child abuse clearances.
This includes coaches, who are reminded that no
practice may be held until these clearances have
been received.
Gail Fromm, Diocesan compliance officer,
explained why this is such an important part of
the efforts to protect children:
“Almost every week, we read in the
newspaper about another adult arrested for child
sexual abuse. We watch television news in horror
as sexual offenders are caught by undercover
police officers in stings. We all shake our
heads in disbelief when the perpetrator is
someone we know, and we had no idea they were
capable of doing anything like this. Yet, I am
frequently asked, ‘Why do we need background
checks?’”
She conceded that this is not surprising,
since typically our employees and volunteers
have devoted many years of faithful service to
our parishes, schools and other institutions.
“Naturally, we would assume that our colleagues,
friends and neighbors are beyond suspicion. But
when it comes to protecting children, we can’t
simply assume; we have to be as certain as
possible,” Mrs. Fromm said.
Previously, the Diocese used the
Pennsylvania State Police and Childline
clearances to fulfill the background check
requirement. As of January 2008, the Diocese now
uses a more comprehensive and less costly
background screening process through ChoicePoint
VolunteerSelect. An application for the new
background check can be found on the Diocesan
website under Compliance Office, or it can be
obtained at any parish office. Clearances are
good for three years.
Obtaining background clearances, attending
a VIRTUS training session and reporting any
suspicious behavior are vital to creating safe
environments for children, Mrs. Fromm said. “Our
Lord Jesus Christ directed us to care for the
children and never let any harm come to them.
Each of us is called to protect God’s children
as part of our Christian stewardship.”
“Instead of asking, ‘Why do we need
background checks?’ let’s be sure we never have
to answer the devastating question, ‘Why didn’t
we get a background check?’” she added.
Mrs. Fromm is available to answer questions
and provide assistance. She can be contacted at
877-5965.
Notice Regarding Sexual Abuse of a Person
Under Eighteen Years of Age by Ordained or Lay
Personnel of the Diocese of Scranton
Such an act should be reported to the
Diocese by calling the Victim Assistance
Coordinator (570-344-5216) or the Chancellor
(570-207-2216) or the Vicar for Priests
(570-207-2269).
Upon receiving a report of this kind, the
Diocese of Scranton is committed to assisting
victims or survivors of sexual abuse in their
pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being. |
Formation Program in Christian Chastity |
Bishop Joseph F. Martino has approved a
program of formation in the Christian virtue of
chastity to be used in schools and parishes of
the Diocese of Scranton. The program will be
introduced in the Catholic schools this fall and
in the parish religious education programs in
the spring of 2009.
Formation in Christian Chastity
“provides a sound program of chastity education
that looks to parents as the primary educators
of their children,” said the Bishop. It offers
resources to parents of children in kindergarten
through eighth grade to help them to supply
their children with the Catholic Church’s
teaching on the virtue of chastity. For children
in grades five through eight, the program
provides lesson plans to be used in the
classroom that support the teaching being done
at home by parents.
Formation in Christian Chastity
draws on the writings of Pope John Paul II and
is designed to help children to develop an
awareness of the dignity of the human person and
the holiness of the human body. Those who
developed the resources and lesson plans were
careful to implement the Church’s teaching that
parents are the primary educators of their
children in the faith.
“Most of the human and religious concepts
that revolve around the topics of human
sexuality, family and moral living, are best and
most meaningful when coming directly from the
parents to their child[ren],” says the
introduction to the program.
For the first four years, parents are
provided with letters that outline a series of
teaching points on a particular theme, e.g., the
beauty of God’s creation. The themes are
developed in a manner that is appropriate to the
age of the children. For grades five through
eight, there are parent guides and basic
classroom presentations that complement one
another and focus on moral teachings of the
Church.
The Diocese of Harrisburg developed the
Formation in Christian Chastity program.
Bishop Martino has expressed his gratitude to
the educators, administrators and health
professionals who served as consultants. The
committee members, in addition to bringing a
wide range of professional competencies to the
work, are all parents with a keen interest in
promoting a Catholic vision of life for their
children.
They include: Theresa Farnan, Ph.D., Ann
Marie Manning, M.D., Faith Daggs, M.D., William
Thierfelder, Ed.D., Jennifer Kent-Shank, Helen
Remington, Maria Vitale, Michael Sweitzer, and
Livia Riley. The project was supervised by James
Gontis, director of religious education, Diocese
of Harrisburg, and developed under the auspices
of the Secretariat for Education headed by the
Very Rev. Edward, J. Quinlan, who graciously
gave permission for its use in the Diocese of
Scranton. |
Catechist Convocation Set for Oct. 18 |
Celebrate the Year of Saint Paul at the
Ninth Annual Diocesan Convocation for Catechists
on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Holy Redeemer High
School in Wilkes-Barre.
“Beyond Damascus: Seeing with the Eyes of
Faith” is the theme of the day, which will begin
with Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Mary of the
Immaculate Conception Church in Wilkes-Barre.
Bishop Joseph F. Martino will be the principal
celebrant.
Father Frederick L. Miller, assistant
professor of systemic theology at Mount St. Mary
Seminary, will deliver the keynote address
entitled “Saint Paul: Doctor of Grace.”
Lunch and workshops on various topics of
interest to DREs, catechists, youth ministers,
liturgists, and those involved in RCIA will
follow.
Sister Veronica Nugent, C.N. (Capuchin
Sisters of Nazareth) will offer a presentation
for youth at 1 p.m. She will reflect on St.
Paul’s passage “I have competed well; I have
finished the race; I have kept the faith.” All
young people preparing for the sacrament of
Confirmation or those who have been confirmed
recently are invited. Buses are welcome.
For more information, call the Office for
Parish Life at 570-207-2213, ext. 1100. |
Housing Education Seminars in Pike County |
Catholic Social Services and
Neighborhood Housing Services of Lackawanna
County are presenting a series of housing
education seminars in all areas of the Diocese
to provide information on foreclosure
prevention, adjustable mortgages, budget
counseling and assistance programs offered by
the state and federal governments.
The next two seminars will be held in Pike
County on these dates:
September 8, St. Patrick Church, 111 East
High Street, Milford
September 15, St. Vincent de Paul Church, 101
St. Vincent Drive, Milford
Each seminar will be held from 7 to 9 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP
by calling Catholic Social Services at
570-207-2283.
Topics will include:
- Taking the First Steps to Prevent Foreclosure
- Options Available to Homeowners Currently in
Default Status
- Understanding Adjustable Rate and Sub-Prime
Mortgages
- State and Federal Assistance Program Update
The main purpose of the workshops is to
encourage people who may be having trouble
making mortgage payments to understand their
options and “take the first step” to deal with
their situation. |
Year of St. Paul Speakers’ Series Announced |
The Office for Parish Life and
Evangelization is sponsoring a speakers’ series
for the Year of St. Paul. Four professors of The
University of Scranton will speak on St. Paul in
relation to their field of expertise.
Presentations will be made in each of the four
pastoral regions of the Diocese. Four talks will
take place this fall, and eight more will be
scheduled for the spring.
Each presentation begins at 7 p.m. The
current fall schedule is:
September 23: “Becoming One Flesh in
Paul” presented by Cyrus Olsen, Ph.D. at St.
Joseph’s Church, 312 Davis Street, Scranton.
October 28: “How to Read Scripture”
presented by Susan Mathews, Ph.D. at St. Peter’s
Church, 38 Central Avenue, Wellsboro.
November 13: “St. Paul and Grace”
presented by J. Brian Benestad, Ph.D. at Our
Lady of Mt. Carmel, 237 William Street,
Pittston.
TBA: “St. Paul in Art” presented by Jodi
Dunn, Ph.D. at St. Luke’s Church, 818 Main
Street, Stroudsburg. |
Diocesan Director at American Mission Congress |
Deacon Edward T. Kelly, Diocesan
director of the Mission Office in the Scranton
Diocese, has been selected by the National
Office of the Pontifical Mission Societies in
the U.S. to be a delegate at the Third American
Mission Congress (CAM 3) in Quito, Ecuador.
Deacon Kelly is one of two delegates from
Pennsylvania. Fifty delegates from 22 states are
representing the U.S. at the Congress, which
began Aug. 12 and will conclude Aug. 17. Canada
and the countries of Central and South America
are also represented.
According to Monsignor John Kozar, national
director of the Pontifical Mission Societies,
the representation from our country is
broad-based, inclusive and truly represents the
missionary history and fabric of our national
church. “This is the same tapestry that seemed
to delight our Holy Father when he visited us in
April,” Monsignor Kozar stated. In addition to
Monsignor Kozar, the coordinating committee for
the U.S. delegation includes Bishop Daniel Walsh
of Santa Rosa, Calif.; Father Michael Montoya,
MJ, Washington, D.C; and Father John Gorski, MM,
New York. |
EMHC Training Sessions Scheduled |
Three Extraordinary Minister of Holy
Communion training sessions are scheduled for
September.
At St. Mary of the Mount Church, Mount
Pocono, Father Joseph Kopacz, V.G., will conduct
sessions on two Saturdays, Sept. 6 and 13 from
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and conclude on Saturday,
Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Deacon Robert Roman will conduct sessions
at Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre,
beginning Sept. 18, 25 and ending Oct. 9,
Thursdays, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Beginning Sept. 23, 30 and concluding on
Oct. 7, Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 9 p.m., sessions
will take place at the Diocesan Center,
Scranton. Deacon Gerald Carpenter is the
presenter.
The fee is $25 and includes two documents
prepared by the United States Catholic Bishops.
To register, call 570-207-2213, ext. 1107. |
Basic Skills Course for Parish Religious
Education Teachers |
Recommended for those teachers who are
new to parish education programs and those who
wish to strengthen their skills, this course is
based on the model of Jesus as teacher.
Key topics include: Ministry of the
Catechist, Methods of Prayer, Overview of The
Nantional Directory for Catechesis and The
Catechism of the Catholic Church, Curriculum/
Lesson Planning/Manual and Texts, Classroom
Management, and Integrating the Family in the
Religious Education Program.
Classes will be held at the Diocesan
Center, Scranton, Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 16, 23
on Thursdays 6-8:30 p.m. Instructors are Robin
Lipik and Maureen Scarfo.
Fee: $50 or 20% discount for 5 or more
participants from a parish or school. To
register, call call 570-207-2213, ext. 1107. |
Mark Your Calendar |
Support Group for Separated, Divorced &
Widowed Persons, Sept. 19 –– 7 to 9 p.m. at
St. Ann Basilica Parish Center, 1200 St. Ann
St., Scranton. Sponsored by the Diocesan Office
for Parish Life, this “Beginning Experience”
monthly session offers support to cope with
sorrow, doubt, anxiety and loneliness after
losing a spouse. For more
information/registration, call 489-7769.
Retrouvaille Weekend, Oct. 17-19 –– at
Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Sponsored by the
Diocesan Office for Parish Life/Family Life, the
weekend program is designed for couples to
address marital difficulties. Retrouvaille helps
couples to communicate better, using a method
that can aid in building a loving and lasting
relationship. Call 655-1916 or 800-470-2230 for
confidential information/registration, or visit
the Diocesan Web site: www.dioceseofscranton.org/marriage
& family support/marriage enrichment.
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