This Issue:

Pope to Priests: Accompany Human Beings on Their Journey

Cathedral Concert to Close ‘Year for Priests’ in Music, Song

Diocese Participating in Peter’s Pence Collection

Time To Tee It Up!

Guardian of the Redeemer Men’s Fellowship Plans Retreat, ‘Father-Son Camp Day’

June Editions of Disciple and Familia Fidelis Available Online

Free Summer Spiritual Reading Material

Natural Family Planning Instruction

Pastoral Formation Institute Offers Programs

Mark Your Calendar

Pope to Priests: Accompany Human Beings on Their Journey

     As the Church observed the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, the Holy Father presided at a Eucharistic concelebration in St. Peter's Square to mark the close of the Year for Priests, which he had called to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the death of St. John Mary Vianney, the holy “Cure of Ars.”
     In his homily, Pope Benedict noted how the Year for Priests was celebrated to ensure “a renewed appreciation of the grandeur and beauty of the priestly ministry. The priest is not a mere office-holder. ... Rather, he does something which no human being can do of his own power: in Christ's name he speaks the words which absolve us of our sins and in this way he changes, starting with God, our entire life. Over the offerings of bread and wine he speaks Christ's words of thanksgiving, ... which open the world to God and unite it to Him. The priesthood, then, is not simply 'office' but Sacrament.”
     “This audacity of God Who entrusts Himself to human beings (Who, conscious of our weaknesses, nonetheless considers men capable of acting and being present in His stead), this audacity of God is the true grandeur concealed in the word 'priesthood'. ...This is what we wanted to reflect upon and appreciate anew over the course of the past year. We wanted to reawaken our joy at how close God is to us, ... we also wanted to demonstrate once again to young people that this vocation, this fellowship of service for God and with God, does exist.”
     The pontiff continued: “It was to be expected that this new radiance of the priesthood would not be pleasing to the 'enemy'; he would have rather preferred to see it disappear, so that God would ultimately be driven out of the world. And so it happened that, in this very year of joy for the Sacrament of the priesthood, the sins of priests came to light - particularly the abuse of the little ones. ... We too insistently beg forgiveness from God and from the persons involved, while promising to do everything possible to ensure that such abuse will never occur again; and that in admitting men to priestly ministry and in their formation we will do everything we can to weigh the authenticity of their vocation and make every effort to accompany priests along their journey.”
     Pope Benedict urged his fellow priests to “strive to 'know' men and women as God does and for God's sake; we should strive to walk with them along the path of friendship with God. ... The shepherd points out the right path to those entrusted to him. He goes before them and leads them.”

Cathedral Concert to Close ‘Year for Priests’ in Music, Song

     St. Peter’s Cathedral will open its doors on Friday evening, June 25, for a 7 p.m. concert to celebrate in festive song the conclusion of the worldwide Year for Priests, proclaimed last June by Pope Benedict XVI.
     Titled "Faithfulness of Christ, Faithfulness of Priests," the musical celebration will integrate the accompaniment of a chamber orchestra, pipe organ and piano. The gift of the priesthood will be celebrated in song featuring the St. Peter's Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Daniel J. Marx, and guest countertenor/international vocal artist Thomas Mark Fallon.
     They will be joined by soprano Kathryn Whitaker and tenor Jim Cerminaro, as well as the dance talents of the youngest members of the Ballet Theatre of Scranton, under the director of Joanne Arduino.
     A special feature of the concert will be the singing of a Slovak Hymn to honor the rich ethnic history of Holy Family Parish in Scranton, as it embraces the merger with St. Peter's Cathedral.
     Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students, and can be obtained by calling 344-7231; on the web at: info@stpeterscathedral.org, or at the door.
     A reception will follow in the Cathedral Prayer Garden.

Diocese Participating in Peter’s Pence Collection

     In September of 2006, Pope Benedict XVI gave a homily in which he explained that those who are baptized create one family of believers who are never alone. The annual Peter’s Pence Collection unites us in solidarity to the Holy See and its works of charity to those in need.
     This year the collection in the Diocese of Scranton will be taken up at all Masses of Obligation the weekend of June 26-27. The theme is “Cast the love of Christ upon the world.”
     The Peter’s Pence Collection gives U.S. parishioners a chance to unite in solidarity with the Holy Father, the faithful worldwide, and those most in need of charitable love. The Holy See uses the collection proceeds to provide emergency assistance and aid to the most disadvantaged around the world.
     “I ask all to please be generous in contributing to the collection and, in doing so, cast the love of Christ upon the world,” said Bishop Joseph C. Bambera. “As always, please know of my profound gratitude for your generosity and your continuing support for the work of the Holy Father.”

Time To Tee It Up!

Lackawanna County CSS Golf Tournament July 19
     Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County announces it will sponsor its Fifth Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, July 19, at the Elmhurst Country Club. All proceeds benefit CSS-sponsored programs.
     The tournament, which will use a “captain & crew” format, gets underway with registration and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. Play begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The event concludes with a social reception and tournament dinner, including the presentation of prizes and awards.
     Since its inception, the CSS Golf Tournament has raised $100,000 through participation and sponsorship to support several service programs, including St. Anthony’s Homeless Shelter; pregnancy counseling; food, clothing and financial assistance; children’s gifts; adoption services; and refugee and resettlement services.
     For more information on the tournament, registration and sponsorship, call the Catholic Social Services offices in Scranton at 207-2283.

Inaugural ‘Vocations Golf Classic’ Set for Aug. 30 in Mountaintop
     Father Christopher T. Washington, Diocesan director of vocations, announces plans for the inaugural “Vocations Golf Classic” to benefit the St. John Vianney Vocations Endowment for Seminarians in the Diocese of Scranton.
     The golf tournament, which will be the first major fundraiser for the Diocesan Vocations Foundation, is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 30, at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club in Mountaintop. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has been named honorary chairman and will be present for the event.
     The tournament will be played using a “captain & crew” format, beginning with a noon shotgun start. The event gets underway with a pre-tournament luncheon at 11:30 a.m.      Immediately following tournament play, a social hour reception and awards dinner will be held at the Blue Ridge Trail clubhouse.
     Priests throughout the Diocese have been asked to help organize golfer foursomes and assist in obtaining financial support for the event. Along with golfing, parishioners and friends are also invited to participate in two specific ways: by helping to sponsor a golf foursome or as a Benefactor, $500; Flag Sponsor, $200; Hole Sponsor, $100; and Patron Listing, under $100.
     Golfer packages include: “Archangels” — a donation of $2,500 — which includes carts & green fees for four golfers; lunch, reception & dinner; clubhouse signage; organization/personal advertisement in The Catholic Light newspaper; and a ticket for an additional guest at the tournament dinner; “Angel” ($1,000 donation), which includes carts & green fees for four golfers; lunch, reception & dinner; and clubhouse signage.
     It is hoped that with the assistance of sponsorships, golfers will be able to reach one of the two donation levels. Deadline for program sponsorship is Aug. 19.
     Those wishing to participate in the tournament may obtain information by contacting their pastor or the Diocesan Vocations Office at 207-2216 ext. 1013.
     For more information, contact Father Washington in the Vocations Office or at: Rev-Christopher-Washington@DioceseofScranton.org.

Guardian of the Redeemer Men’s Fellowship Plans Retreat, ‘Father-Son Camp Day’

     The Guardian of the Redeemer Catholic Men’s Fellowship will hold a Men’s Leadership Training Retreat/Workshop on June 25 & 26 at the Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center, 151 Old Newport St., Nanticoke.
     Led by Father Leo McKernan and Glenn Yanik, the event will gather men in order to spiritually invigorate and practically equip current leaders and prospective leaders to enable them to serve more effectively the Catholic men in their existing and yet-to-be-formed parish men’s fellowship groups, and to continue to form a network of relationships among these leaders in the Diocese of Scranton.
     A light supper on Friday will precede communal prayer and an inspirational talk, followed by some evening fellowship. After Mass and breakfast on Saturday morning, a practical session will address the organizing and improving of parish men’s fellowship groups.
     The participants will have the opportunity to share their men’s group experience, and to solicit helpful advice.
     Space is limited; early registration is suggested. Contact Mr. Yanik at 362-0417 or at: gmyanik@epix.net.
     The Guardian of the Redeemer is also sponsoring a “Father & Son Day” at Camp St. Andrew in Tunkhannock on Saturday, July 10.
     Utilizing the theme, “Take Courage and Be a Man’’ (1 Kings 2:2), the day will begin with registration at 9 a.m.
     Father Brian Van Fossen will celebrate the day’s Mass, and priests will be available to hear Confessions. Lunch will be provided.
     Activities include supervised orienteering, swimming, fishing, volleyball, bocce ball and horseshoes.
     Minimum age for participants is 12, and young men age 12 through 18 must be accompanied by an adult male. Pre-registration is required.
     For more information and to pre-register, call 288-9998 or e-mail: gmyanik@epix.net. Registration deadline is July 5.
     The Guardian of the Redeemer CMF currently has eight parish men’s groups meeting regularly in the Diocese, and is seeking to share the benefits of active men’s fellowship with more parishes.

June Editions of Disciple and Familia Fidelis Available Online

     The June edition of the monthly adult faith formation (AFF) resource, Disciple, is now available on the AFF page at the diocesan website. This month’s issue features commentary on the Sunday Gospel readings, a look at how the liturgy is celebrated, a listing of upcoming adult faith formation opportunities in the Diocese and reviews of the Nobel prize winning novel Kristin Lavransdatter and the film The Chorus.
     The June edition of the monthly family resource, Familia Fidelis, is also available on the Family Life page at the diocesan website. This month’s issue features a look at how marriage and the family reflect the Trinity for parents, an explanation for teens on why we take the name of a saint at Confirmation, a review of “Cat Chat” for children, and a look at this month’s “Friend for Families”—St. Paulinus of Nola—whose feast is celebrated on June 22.

Free Summer Spiritual Reading Material

     Summer will officially be upon us this month and, for many, that means the desire to catch up on some reading. Why not make this summer an opportunity for growing in your spiritual life?
     Free on-line editions of Catholic spiritual classics can be accessed on the Adult Faith Formation page of the diocesan website. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis, The Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales, The Spiritual Exercises by St. Ignatius of Loyola, The Rule of St. Benedict, Confessions by St. Augustine and many more are waiting for your enjoyment and spiritual nourishment.

Natural Family Planning Instruction

     Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a non-contraceptive and morally sound form of family planning. Safe, effective, and completely natural, NFP can be used by all women, whether they have short/long/irregular cycles, are post-partum, or perimenopausal.
     Major scientific studies on the effectiveness of NFP done by such organizations as the University of Heidelberg, the British Medical Journal, the World Health Organization, and the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare have shown NFP to be over 99% effective in helping couples to postpone pregnancy. Unlike any other form of birth control, NFP can also help couples achieve pregnancy by giving them the tools necessary to identify the most fertile periods in a woman’s cycle.
     Monthly classes and one-on-one instruction are available through the Diocese for a minimal fee. For more information or to find a certified NFP instructor near you, please call 570-207-2213, ext. 1133 or e-mail Brendan-Murphy@dioceseofscranton.org. You can also explore the Natural Family Planning page at the diocesan website.

Pastoral Formation Institute Offers Programs

Continuing Education Program: Dynamics of Youth Ministry
     Father Cyril D. Edwards, pastor of Holy Rosary, St. Joseph, and St. Anthony of Padua Parishes, Scranton, will present Dynamics of Youth Ministry, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Mater Dolorosa Hall, Williamsport, on Thursday, July 8, from 6:30-9 p.m.
     This session will present a comprehensive approach in forming a successful youth ministry program in any parish. The key concepts that will be addressed are: creating a vision statement that will guide future activities, selecting effective leadership personnel, and discussing the problematic areas that often impede the creation of a successful youth program. In addition, a variety of practical projects for youth groups will be given.
     The workshop will prove helpful for parishes just starting a youth group or for those that wish to enhance an existing one. Fee: $20 per person or a flat fee of $50 for three or more persons from one parish.
     To register for these programs, call 570-207-2213, ext. 1107.

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Training Set for June and July
     Two training sessions are set for those wishing to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in their parishes. Attendance at all three sessions is required for certification.
     The first session will take place at the Diocesan Center, Scranton, on July 13, 20 and 27 from 6:30-9 p.m. Instructor is Deacon Gerard Carpenter.
     On July 12, 19 and 26, the training will take place at Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre, from 6:30-9 p.m. Instructor is Deacon Thomas Cesarini.
     Fee is $30 per person. To register, call 570-207-2213, ext. 1107.

Mark Your Calendar

Support Group for Separated, Divorced & Widowed Persons, July 16 –– 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.

Day of Reflection: “Our Call to Holiness,” July 17 –– 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Guest presenter: Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, who will lead participants in a day of prayer and reflection on the baptismal call to be Christ in the world. The day includes celebration of Mass and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fee: $30 per person, includes lunch. To register, call Fatima Renewal Center at 563-8500.

Day of Reflection: “The Eucharist –– ‘Source and Summit’ of Our Christian Lives,” Aug. 7 –– 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Guest presenter: Father James P. Dougher, who, through prayer and reflection, will lead participants in an appreciation of the Eucharist as a source of all grace, nourishing spiritual growth in order to live more fully in faith, hope and love. The reflection is highly recommended for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion; teachers in parish religious education programs, especially those who prepare children for the sacraments; and all those desiring personal refreshment through prayer and reflection of the Eucharist. The day includes celebration of Mass and opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fee: $30 per person, includes lunch. To register, call Fatima Renewal Center at 563-8500.