The Diocese of Scranton    
www.dioceseofscranton.org
News Briefing Vol. 4 No. 9 7/3/2008
 

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.

Subscribe to News Briefing

This Issue:

 
Pauline Year Helps Renew Ecumenical Commitment
Liturgy of Remembrance Set for July 16
Charismatic Renewal Conference Aug. 1-3
Convocation for Catechists
Office Manager/Secretary for Holy Cross High School
Mark Your Calendar

Pauline Year Helps Renew Ecumenical Commitment
     Pope Benedict XVI recently received His Holiness Bartholomew I, ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, who had come to Rome to participate in the opening of the Pauline Year and in the celebration of Mass for the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul.
     In his remarks, Benedict XVI spoke of his happiness at learning that the patriarch had also called a Pauline Year to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of the Apostle of the Gentiles. “This happy coincidence,” he said, “highlights the roots of our shared Christian vocation and the significant harmony of feelings and of pastoral commitment we are experiencing. For this I give thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, Who guides our path to unity with the strength of His Spirit.
     “St. Paul,” the pope added, “reminds us that full communion between all Christians has its foundation in ‘one Lord, one faith, one Baptism’. ... To the Christians of Corinth, among whom discord had arisen, St. Paul did not hesitate to make a strong call for them all to remain in agreement, for there to be no divisions among them, and for them to unite in the same mind and purpose.”
     The Holy Father noted how in our world, with its “persistent divisions and conflicts, men and women feel a growing need for certainty and peace. However, at the same time, they remain lost, as if ensnared by a certain form of hedonist and relativist culture which throws doubt upon the very existence of truth. The Apostle’s guidance in this matter is extremely helpful in encouraging efforts aimed at seeking full unity among Christians, which is so necessary in order to offer humankind of the third millennium an ever more resplendent witness of Christ, Way, Truth and Life. Only in Christ and in His Gospel can humanity find the answer to its deepest hopes.”
     “May the Pauline Year,” he concluded, “help Christian people to renew their ecumenical commitment, and may there be an intensification of joint efforts on the journey to the full communion of all Christ’s disciples. And as part of that journey, your presence here today is certainly an encouraging sign.”

Liturgy of Remembrance Set for July 16
     The annual Liturgy of Remembrance will be held on Wednesday, July 16, at 7 p.m. in St. Peter’s Cathedral. The Mass will serve as a way for family and friends to remember and celebrate the lives of victims of violence and tragic death. Contact the Office of Social Concerns/Pro-Life for more information, 570-207-2213, ext. 1130.

Charismatic Renewal Conference Aug. 1-3
     The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of Scranton will host its 26th Annual Conference at the University of Scranton during the weekend of Aug. 1-3.
     The theme of this year’s gathering is: “There are different gifts, but the same Spirit” (Cor. 12:4).
     The 2008 Conference speakers include Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, La. The former bishop of Alexandria, La., Bishop Jacobs was born in Mississippi and raised in Lake Charles, La.
     He currently serves as chairman of the Committee of Evangelization for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. A frequent Charismatic conference speaker, Bishop Jacobs has served the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in various capacities over the years, both regionally and nationally.
     Other keynote speakers for the 26th annual conference will be:
--Walter Matthews, executive director for the National Service Committee of the U.S. Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
--Father Celsus Marcellus Auguiste, Episcopal Vicar and Vicar for Evangelization for the Diocese of Roseau in the Commonwealth of Dominica, whose preaching is based on an emphasis on biblical evidence that supports Catholic teachings.
--Maria Vadia, a native of Havana, Cuba, who is active in Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Miami and founder of the “Jesus is Lord” chapter of Magnificat in Miami.
--Father John Gordon, a priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., who has served the Charismatic community since 1975 and is presently a member of its National Service Committee. He recently completed his service as director of the Pre-Theologate Program at the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio.
     The Charismatic Conference in Scranton also offers a Children’s Track, for ages five through 11, and Youth Track, presented by a gifted team of youth ministers, for ages 12 through 18.
     For registration or further information, contact the Diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office in Scranton at 344-2214.

Convocation for Catechists
     Come celebrate the Year of Saint Paul at the annual Convocation for Catechists on Saturday, Oct. 18. The day will begin with Mass at 9 a.m.. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 134 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. Bishop Joseph F Martino will be the celebrant. Following Mass, the participants will move to Holy Redeemer High School for the remaining events of the day.
     Reflecting the Year of Saint Paul, the theme of the Convocation will be “Beyond Damascus: Seeing with the Eyes of Faith.” The keynote speaker will be Father Frederick L. Miller, assistant professor of systemic theology at Mount St. Mary Seminary. He will speak on the topic of “Grace and Saint Paul.”
     Lunch will be provided in the Holy Redeemer cafeteria and workshops will be held during the afternoon. A presentation for youth is planned for 1 p.m. in Holy Redeemer auditorium. All young people preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation are invited.
     Directors of religious education and catechists in parish programs are invited to attend. We also invite Catholic school teachers, those involved in youth ministry and RCIA and all who are engaged in evangelization and catechesis in the Diocese of Scranton.
     For more information, contact the Office for Parish Life, 207-2213.

Office Manager/Secretary for Holy Cross High School
     This full-time position will provide supervision and general secretarial support at Holy Cross High School in Dunmore. The successful candidate must be detail oriented and will be expected to type, operate most standard office machines, file, handle telephone calls, prepare office mailings and manage a small office staff. A minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated clerical experience, computer proficiency and strong written and communication skills are required. Applicants must possess a demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the Catholic Church’s teachings, mission, vision and values. Please send letter of interest, a complete resume, and salary requirement by no later than July 18, 2008 to:
     James R. Burke
     Diocesan Director of Human Resources
     300 Wyoming Avenue
     Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503

Mark Your Calendar

Support Group for Separated, Divorced & Widowed Persons, July 18 –– 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.