This Issue:

Benedict XVI: Thank God for Priests

Bishop Celebrating Mother’s Day Adoption Mass

RCIA Presentation Set for May 22

Wedding Anniversary Mass Rescheduled for June 13

Bishop’s Installation on DVD

Lector Training Session on Saturday

Bereavement Presentation Scheduled for June 8

Sacred Heart Enthronement Guild Mass and Dinner

Weekend Youth Retreat at Fatima Renewal Center

Mark Your Calendar

Benedict XVI: Thank God for Priests

    Pope Benedict XVI is encouraging the faithful to be close to their priests, remembering that through them, God chooses to sanctify the world.
    The pope reflected on the priestly mission of sanctifying yesterday in his general audience. He explained that sanctity is the "specific quality of God's being, that is, absolute truth, goodness, love, beauty – pure light."
     "Hence," he said, "to sanctify a person means to put him in contact with God, with his being light, truth, pure love." Now, this contact with God, the Pope explained, is created by God himself, and it "transforms us little by little into true images of God."
     "No man on his own, by his own strength, can put another in contact with God. An essential part of the grace of priesthood is the gift, the task to create this contact," he reflected. "This is done in the proclamation of the Word of God, in which He comes to meet us. It is done in a particularly profound way in the sacraments."
    The Holy Father gave some particular words of encouragement to priests. He urged them: "live the liturgy and worship with joy and love: It is action that the Risen One carries out through the power of the Holy Spirit in us, with us and for us.
     "And I would also like to invite each priest to celebrate and live the Eucharist with intensity, which is at the heart of the task of sanctifying; it is Jesus who wants to be with us, to live in us, to give himself to us, to show us the infinite mercy and tenderness of God."
    The Bishop of Rome also had encouragement for the faithful: "Dear friends, be conscious of the great gift that priests are for the Church and for the world; through their ministry, the Lord continues saving men, making himself present, sanctifying. Know how to thank God, and above all be close to your priests with your prayer and support, especially in difficulties, so that they will be increasingly shepherds according to the heart of God."

Bishop Celebrating Mother’s Day Adoption Mass

    Bishop Bambera will be the celebrant and homilist for the annual Mother’s Day Adoption Mass at St. Peter’s Cathedral this Sunday, May 9, at 10 a.m.
    This liturgy is in honor of all mothers, especially those involved in adoption. The public is invited to attend.
    All the ministers of the liturgy are adoptees, adoptive parents and professionals who facilitate the adoption process. Music will be provided by St. Peter’s Cathedral Choir under the direction of Daniel Marx.
    Catholic Social Services and the Adoption: A Choice for Life Committee are co-sponsors. The Adoption Committee for over 20 years has been promoting adoption as an option to abortion and the prevention of child abuse.

RCIA Presentation Set for May 22

    The Office for Parish Life and Evangelization is sponsoring a one-day session on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) on Saturday, May 22, at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m.
    Father Robert J. Simon, pastor of St. Catherine Church, Moscow, is the presenter. He will lead the group into concrete discussion on the stages and periods of the RCIA process. The session will also offer suggestions for compiling strategies, for working together as teams, for finding and using catechetical resources, and for devising meaningful parish ritual celebrations. Participants will learn how the parish community can become a vital part of the RCIA process.
    This program will be beneficial to RCIA coordinators and team members, directors of religious education, clergy and parish musicians.
    To register, call the Office for Parish Life and Evangelization at 207-2213, ext. 1019. Fee is $15 which includes lunch.

Wedding Anniversary Mass Rescheduled for June 13

    The annual Wedding Anniversary Mass has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 13, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
    The Mass was originally set for April 25, but subsequently the appointment of Bishop Bambera was made and the Evening Prayer Service prior to his Episcopal Ordination was held on that day.
    At the Wedding Anniversary Mass on June 13, the Diocese will honor couples from 11counties who are celebrating their 25th, 50th and beyond wedding anniversaries this year. Bishop Bambera will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
    Couples will renew their wedding vows at the Mass. A reception for couples and their guests will follow at Holy Cross High School on Wyoming Avenue across from the Cathedral. During the reception, Bishop Bambera will greet each couple and a photo will be taken.
    Couples who have not yet registered for the Mass can do so by contacting the Office for Parish Life and Evangelization at 570-207-2213.

Bishop’s Installation on DVD

    Bishop Bambera’s Episcopal Ordination and Installation will soon be available on DVD from Catholic Television.
    There will be two DVDs included in the package, covering the Solemn Evening Prayer Service on April 25 and the following day’s Ordination and Installation Mass. Also included is CTV’s pre-ordination special with host Dan Gallagher and Father Robert Simon, which features interviews with Bishop Bambera, his mother and sister.
    The cost for the two-disc set is $20 plus $5 shipping for up to five sets to the same address. The package can be ordered by sending a check to Catholic Television, 400 Wyoming Ave., Scranton PA 18503.
    Or you may pick them up at CTV with no delivery charge. In this case, please include your phone number so we can call you when they are ready for pick up.
    The DVDs can also be ordered by calling CTV at 570-207-2219.

Lector Training Session on Saturday

    The Pastoral Formation Institute is presenting a lector training session this Saturday, May 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall in Susquehanna.
    The presentation by Marie Lendacky is intended to assist those who carry out the ministry of lector in liturgical celebrations. It will explore the theological source of this ministry and provide training in proclamation techniques.
    The fee is $20. To register, call 207-2213, ext. 1107.

Bereavement Presentation Scheduled for June 8

     Sister Jane O’Donnell, RSM, will present an evening session entitled Bereavement: Season of Hope and Healing on June 8 from 6-8:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist Hall, Pittston.
     The session is designed for parish support groups who offer assistance to those experiencing grief and loss. Sister will share with participants the elements of being compassionately present to those undergoing the grieving process. Topics include: learning listening skills, understanding feelings of grief, acknowledging that grief is part of the healing process, providing a safe environment for those who grieve, and respecting the confidentiality of each person.
     This session is essential for parishes who are beginning bereavement programs or for those who need refreshing input to their existing ones.
     The fee is $20 per person or a flat fee of $50 for three or more persons from one parish. To register, call the Office for Parish Life and Evangelization at 207-2213, ext. 1107.

Sacred Heart Enthronement Guild Mass and Dinner

    The Sacred Heart Enthronement Guild announces its annual Mass in celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be offered on Thursday, June 10, at 5 p.m. in the IHM Center at Marywood University. Father Daniel Toomey, spiritual moderator of the Enthronement Guild, will serve as principal celebrant.
    The Eucharistic liturgy will be followed by a dinner in the IHM Center. Music will be provided by the Sacred Heart Singers, under the direction of Ernie Pappa, who will also serve as toastmaster for the program.
    Featured speaker for the event will be Father Bryan Wright, who will also concelebrate the Mass. Father Wright is currently assistant pastor at the churches of St. Mary of the Mount, Mount Pocono, and St. Ann, Tobyhanna. He also serves as chaplain at Monsignor McHugh Elementary School in Cresco.
    Father Wright will speak on “The Power of His Sacred Heart,” offering his insights into the importance of spreading the love of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and reflecting on the grace available through devotion to the Sacred Heart.
    The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Apostolate enables individuals and families to consecrate their homes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Homes that have been enthroned become an extension of the liturgy, whereby members can follow up their Eucharistic devotion in Church with further prayerful devotion in their homes.
    For further information on Sacred Heart Enthronement or to make reservations for the annual dinner, please call Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Celesta Sinisi at 330-0248.

Weekend Youth Retreat at Fatima Renewal Center

    Up and Over, a weekend youth retreat for 7th and 8th graders, will be held at Fatima Renewal Center June 11-13. The theme of the weekend is teamwork and recognizing the ways in which God has gifted you.
    Built into the weekend are a number of fun activities and events, including an outdoor obstacle course located in the middle of the center’s beautiful 350 acres of wooded property. In addition, there will be Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation, a movie, opportunities for free time, all you can eat buffet-style meals, and your own private room.
    &nbspArrival time is Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. and departure is Sunday, June 13 at 1 p.m. The cost is $100 (which includes a $25 non-refundable deposit).
    To register call Fatima Center at 563-8500 or register online at www.fatimarenewalcenter.org. Deadline to register is June 1.

Mark Your Calendar

Day of Reflection: “The Return of the Prodigal Son –– A Parable of Homecoming,” May 15 –– 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Guest presenter: Father Phillip Altavilla, V.E., who, through the Gospel story of the Prodigal Son, will address the themes of homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation that are found within the segments of this parable. Day’s program is designed to lead those who have experienced anger, jealousy, loneliness and dejection into the love and compassion of God the Father; includes celebration of Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fee: $30 per person, includes lunch. To register, call Fatima Renewal Center 563-8500.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Catholic Deaf Association Interpreted Mass, May 16 –– at St. Joseph’s Oblates Seminary, 1880 Highway 315, Laflin. Bible study and Sacrament of Reconciliation begin at 2 p.m., followed by Mass signed and interpreted, celebrated at 3 p.m. Refreshments follow. For more information, contact Sister Mary Beth Makuch, SSCM, at 207-2213 ext. 1101.

Support Group for Separated, Divorced & Widowed Persons, May 21 –– 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.

Retreat: “The Sacred Heart of Jesus & the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” May 22 –– at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton. Guest presenters: Monsignor John Esseff and Sister Cor Immaculatum Heffernan, IHM. Hosted by the Diocesan Legion of Mary and the Enthronement Guild of the Sacred Heart, the retreat begins with registration at 8:15 a.m. and concludes with Holy Hour and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 2:30 p.m. Cost: $15 including lunch is payable at the door. Pre-registration is required. Contact Ernie Pappa at 587-0967 or egpappa@aol.com; or Linda Sepkowski at 346-2664 or Linda.Sepkowski@yahoo.com.