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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The Role of Priests Is Irreplaceable |
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Mass on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 4 |
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Faithful Asked to Help Feed the Hungry |
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Statement Regarding Charges Filed Against Former
Notre Dame Athletic Director |
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Convocation for Catechists Set for Oct. 17 in
Wilkes-Barre |
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Position Available: Diocese of Scranton Auditor |
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Refrigerators and Freezers Needed |
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Mark Your Calendar |
The Role of Priests Is Irreplaceable |
In a talk this morning to the National
Conference of Bishops of Brazil, Pope Benedict
XVI highlighted the functions of the various
members of the Church and explained how “the
particular identity of priests and laity must be
seen in the light of the essential difference
between priestly ministry and the 'common
priesthood'. Hence it is important to avoid the
secularisation of clergy and the 'clericalisation'
of the laity.”
The Holy Father indicated that “the lack of
priests does not justify a more active and
abundant participation of the laity. The truth
is that the greater the faithful's awareness of
their own responsibilities within the Church,
the clearer becomes the specific identity and
inimitable role of the priest as pastor of the
entire community, witness to the authenticity of
the faith, and dispenser of the mysteries of
salvation in the name of Christ the Head.”
“The function of the clergy is essential
and irreplaceable in announcing the Word and
celebrating the Sacraments, especially the
Eucharist. ... For this reason it is vital to
ask the Lord to send workers for His harvest;
and it is necessary that priests express joy in
their faithfulness to their identity,” he said.
The pope made it clear that “the shortage
of priests must not come to be considered as a
normal or typical state of affairs for the
future.” In this context he encouraged the
prelates “to combine efforts to encourage new
priestly vocations and find the pastors your
dioceses need, helping one another so that all
of you have better-trained and more numerous
priests to support the life of faith and the
apostolic mission.” |
Mass on Respect Life Sunday, Oct. 4 |
The Diocese of Scranton will observe
Respect Life Sunday with the celebration of the
Mass on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 12:15 p.m. in St.
Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton.
Retired Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty
will serve as the principal celebrant for this
special liturgy which highlights the Catholic
Church’s respect for the sanctity and dignity of
life spanning all stages and conditions, from
conception to natural death.
The Mass recognizes the sanctity of the
unborn, persons with disabilities, the deaf, the
ill, and those in the last stages of earthly
life. It reminds us of the alternatives to
abortion by honoring those who have chosen
adoption. The liturgy is also offered for
victims of abortion, euthanasia and the death
penalty.
Students representing Diocesan Catholic
schools and parish Religious Education programs,
in addition to representatives of organizations
that work to uphold the sanctity and dignity of
human life, will serve in various ministerial
roles at the Mass.
The faithful of the Diocese are invited to
attend this special liturgy, which will be
broadcast live by CTV: Catholic Television. |
Faithful Asked to Help Feed the Hungry |
“For I was hungry and you gave me food…”
Matthew 25, 35
Parishioners in the Diocese of Scranton are
being asked to help feed the hungry by
supporting food pantries, soup kitchens and any
other means of providing aid.
Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera, Delegate of
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Apostolic Administrator
of the Diocese, made the request in a Sept. 14
notice to pastors.
He cited a growing concern that is “quickly
turning to alarm as we see all too clearly that
food pantries and social service agencies that
have traditionally met the needs of families and
the elderly who are struggling in this uncertain
economy are no longer able to help. The shelves
at our community and parish food pantries are
dangerously low or empty.”
The concern is amplified by the continuing
state budget impasse because many of the
agencies and pantries rely on state funding.
Even if a budget is approved, anticipated
funding could be reduced and there will likely
be a delay in the receipt of any money that is
provided.
“The Catholic Church has always taught that
there is a mandate from Jesus Christ to reach
out to the least of our brothers and sisters.
Indeed, Matthew’s Gospel has Our Lord declaring
that we will be judged on whether we fed the
hungry. We cannot turn away from the hungry
child, the unemployed laborer, and the frail
elderly who depend on our generosity to make
certain they have enough to eat,” Monsignor
Bambera said.
He asked all pastors to encourage the faithful
to donate food to their local parish food
pantry, to the kitchens run by Catholic Social
Services, or other community-based pantries and
kitchens.
Interfaith Friends United Conducting Events
to Benefit St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen
One endeavor to feed the hungry is being
organized by Interfaith Friends United, which is
conducting several events to benefit St. Francis
of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton.
The group, comprised of people in the
community who want to support the Kitchen’s
mission of feeding the needy, is hosting Family
Fun Nights at Friendly’s Restaurant in Dunmore
on Oct. 14, Nov. 18 and Dec. 10. The first such
night was Sept. 16.
From 5 to 8 p.m. on those nights, the group
will receive a percentage of the food receipts
from either dining in or takeouts.
On Oct. 24, the group will celebrate its
“Make A Difference Day” with a pancake and
sausage breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. in the
social hall of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church, corner of Ash St. and Taylor Ave. in
Scranton. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for
children under 12. Friendly’s is donating the
pancake batter and sausage.
For more information on Interfaith Friends
United, these events and volunteer
opportunities, contact JeanMarie Warpus at
346-9294 or jeanmarie.warpus@verizon.net. |
Statement Regarding Charges Filed Against Former
Notre Dame Athletic Director |
The Diocese of Scranton regrets the
unfortunate situation that has led to the filing
of criminal charges against Anthony Creece,
former athletic director at Notre Dame High
School in East Stroudsburg. The Diocese has been
cooperating with this investigation. Mr. Creece
was terminated from his position on Sept. 4.
In addition, Eileen Hines, coach of the
women’s field hockey team, has been suspended
until further notice. It should be noted,
however, that Ms. Hines is not a subject of the
criminal investigation.
All employees, volunteers and students are
required to adhere to proper conduct, and the
Diocese will continue its own investigation into
the incident that led to these actions. |
Convocation for Catechists Set for Oct. 17 in
Wilkes-Barre |
The Diocesan Office for Parish Life
will sponsor the 10th annual Convocation for
Catechists on Saturday, Oct. 17 at St. Mary of
the Immaculate Conception Church and Holy
Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre.
The Convocation offers a day of adult
formation for DREs and catechists. All adults in
the Diocese who are interested in deepening
their understanding of the Catholic faith are
also invited.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. with Mass at
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church.
Retired Auxiliary Bishop John M. Dougherty will
be the principal celebrant.
Father Alfred McBride, O. Praem., will offer the
keynote address in the Holy Redeemer High School
auditorium at 11 a.m. His topic is “Going
Forward in Our Faith.”
Father McBride is a Norbertine priest and a
popular Catholic author, lecturer and retreat
master. He is the founder of the Department of
Religious Education at the National Catholic
Education Association (NCEA), and he has
lectured and written extensively on religious
education, scripture and prayer.
Lunch and a wide variety of workshop
sessions will be offered in the afternoon. Those
who are interested may register online on the
Diocesan website: www.dioceseofscranton.org, or
by phone 570-207-2213, ext. 1105. |
Position Available: Diocese of Scranton Auditor |
The position of Auditor reports to the
Diocesan Secretary for Financial Services. The
Auditor will mainly be required to perform field
audits at parishes, schools and other diocesan
institutions as directed. The successful
candidate will need to possess skills in the
areas of auditing, general accounting, financial
analysis and reporting. A Bachelor’s degree in
accounting, business administration or related
field plus strong written and oral communication
skills is required.
This is a full-time position that offers a
competitive compensation and benefit package.
Please send letter of interest with salary
requirement and a complete resume to:
James R. Burke
Diocesan Director of Human Resources
300 Wyoming Avenue
Scranton, PA. 18503 |
Refrigerators and Freezers Needed |
In light of recent parish closings, some
parishes might have items that can be used by
other parishes or institutions. Please see the
following requests:
Camp St. Andrew is in need of two
refrigerators and a stand-up or chest freezer.
St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen is in need of
a walk-in freezer.
Regarding these two institutions, contact
Monsignor Joseph Kelly at 570-822-7118.
Immaculate Conception Parish, Scranton is
looking for a good–very good commercial
refrigerator. Contact the parish at 961-5211 or
christking@verizon.com |
Mark Your Calendar |
Day of Reflection: “The Priesthood of the
People of God,” Oct. 10 –– 9:30 a.m. to 2:30
p.m. at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Guest
presenter: Monsignor David Tressler. This
Reflection Day will lead participants into an
understanding of the three offices of Jesus:
Priest, Prophet and King. An explanation of
these roles will be provided, along with
concrete examples of how baptized Christians are
set apart for mission and service in imitation
of Jesus. Day includes celebration of Mass and
the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Fee: $30,
includes lunch. To register, call 563-8500.
Support Group for Separated, Divorced &
Widowed Persons, Oct. 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.
Retrouvaille Weekend, Oct. 16-18 –– at
Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Sponsored by the
Diocesan Office for Parish Life/Family Life,
Retrouvaille is a weekend program, with
additional follow-up sessions, for couples in a
stressed marriage. Led by a trained priest and
married couples who have survived marital
difficulties, the weekend does not consist of
counseling or group therapy. A registration
deposit is required, and a donation is
requested. For more information, call 587-0415.
Beginning Experience Weekend, Nov. 6-8 ––
at Fatima Renewal Center, Dalton. Sponsored by
the Diocesan Office for Parish Life/Family Life,
Beginning Experience support groups for
divorced, separated or widowed offer an
opportunity for healing one’s loss in a caring
atmosphere. Cost: $150, includes non-refundable
deposit. For more information & registration,
call Mary at 629-0651 or Ann 587-2851.
“Rachel’s Vineyard” Post-Abortion Healing
Retreat –– Nov. 6-8. Confidential weekend
retreat facilitates spiritual and emotional
healing for men and women struggling with the
pain of abortion. Exercises based on Scripture
are designed to help participants experience
God’s mercy and compassion, and to reconcile
with their church, themselves and their child.
The retreat concludes with a Memorial Service
and Mass of Resurrection. Participation is
strictly confidential; financial assistance is
available. For more information, including
registration, contact Denise Rowinski at
822-7118, ext. 307 or
drowinski@csswb.org.
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