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:
|
|
Welcoming the Gifts Received from Christ |
|
Collection for Retired Religious and Priests |
|
March for Life Set for Jan. 22 |
|
Mark Your Calendar |
Welcoming the Gifts Received from Christ |
As we prepare to celebrate
Thanksgiving, we can reflect on a recent
catechesis given by Pope Benedict XVI on the
Gospel reading of the parable of the talents.
This passage, he said, “invites us to be
vigilant and industrious while awaiting the
return of the Lord Jesus at the end of time.”
The talents in the parable “represent the
wealth the Lord left to us in inheritance, in
order that we may might make it grow: His Word
deposited in the Holy Gospel,”, said the pope.
“Today’s parable stresses the attitude with
which we must welcome and appreciate this gift.
“The wrong attitude is that of fear. This
happens, for example, to those who, having
received Baptism, Communion and Confirmation,
bury these gifts under a layer of prejudice,
under a false image of God that paralyses faith
and works. ... Yet the parable also highlights
the good fruits brought by the disciples who ...
did not hide the gift ... but made if fructify
by sharing it with others. What Christ has given
us is multiplied when we give it to others.
Our Holy Father concluded: “This
evangelical teaching has also had a
socio-historical effect, promoting an active and
enterprising mentality among Christian peoples.
But its central message concerns the spirit of
responsibility with which we must welcome the
Kingdom of God: responsibility toward God and
towards humankind.” |
Collection for Retired Religious and Priests |
The annual collection for the
Retirement Fund for Religious will be taken up
at Masses the weekend of Dec. 13-14.
This national campaign supports the
retirement needs of sisters, brothers and
religious order priests who spent their lives in
church ministries such as education, health care
and social services. The collection also aids
the pension plan for retired Diocesan priests.
Last year, faithful in the Diocese of
Scranton contributed $218,170 to this appeal,
according to Monsignor William J. Feldcamp,
Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life and
coordinator of the local campaign.
He noted that the people in our Diocese
have always been very generous in helping our
retired religious and priests face the
challenges of growing older.
“Be assured that the elderly sisters,
brothers, diocesan and religious priests who
benefit from these funds pray daily for their
benefactors. In their name, we thank you once
more for your continued support,” he said. |
March for Life Set for Jan. 22 |
The annual March for Life in
Washington, DC, will be held on Thursday, Jan.
22, 2009. Following is a schedule of events to
be held in conjunction with the march.
Parishioners, particularly the youth and young
adults, are encouraged to participate in these
events.
Vigil Mass – Basilica of the National
Shrine
The Vigil for Life Mass will take place on
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the
Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception. Please note that this
Mass begins one hour earlier than in previous
years. Seating for this liturgy is always at
capacity so please make arrangements to arrive
as early as possible.
Rally for Life and Youth Mass
The Rally for Life and Youth Mass will be
held on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009. Times and
locations will be announced soon. Seating is on
a first-come, first-served basis. Following the
Mass, 150, 000 friends will join together on the
National Mall for the noon National Rally for
Life.
March for Life
Participants will walk to the U.S. Capitol
and visit legislators. Contact the Office of
Social Concerns/Pro-Life for further information
at 570-207-2213, ext. 1130. Information
regarding transportation to the March for Life
will be available soon. |
Mark Your Calendar |
Advent Spiritual Retreat, Dec. 7 –– 2 to
5 p.m. at the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary,
Route 315, Laflin. Hosted by the Oblates of St.
Joseph Lay Cooperators, the retreat will be
directed by the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth.
Retreat includes Eucharistic adoration, Rosary
recitation, conference, confessions and
celebration of Mass. This afternoon of
recollection is open to all faithful free of
charge. For more information, contact St. Joseph
Oblate Father Paul McDonnell, seminary rector,
at 654-7542.
Northeastern Pennsylvania Catholic Deaf
Association Interpreted Mass: Advent Sunday
Liturgy & Christmas Dinner, Dec. 14 –– at
St. Joseph’s Oblate Seminary, 1880 Highway 315,
Laflin. Sacrament of Reconciliation offered at 2
p.m., followed by Advent Mass, signed and
interpreted, celebrated at 3 p.m. Annual
Christmas dinner follows at 5 p.m. at Convention
Hall, Pittston Township. Advance reservations
required. For more information and reservations,
contact Sister Mary Beth Makuch, SSCM, at
207-2213 ext. 1013 –– voice/tdd.
Support Group for Separated, Divorced &
Widowed Persons, Dec. 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.
|
|
