Year: 2025

HARRISBURG, Pa. (OSV News) – Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg said he was “deeply saddened” by a shooting in rural Pennsylvania that claimed the lives of three police officers and injured two others.

York County law enforcement officials were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to a man at a farm in North Codorus Township Sept. 17 when the man opened fire before being shot by an officer, officials said.

“At this difficult time, I entrust all those impacted to the loving care of our Lord,” Bishop Senior said in a Sept. 18 statement. “We recognize and honor the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement officers, who daily put their lives on the line to protect others. Their courage reflects the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.”

“As a community, I call on all people of good will to join me in praying for healing for the two injured officers, and comfort for the families of the three officers killed,” he added. “May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring comfort to those who suffer and guide our community to healing and unity.”

In a statement, the Northern York County Regional Police Department said, “We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters Sept. 17, “Our Commonwealth owes a debt of gratitude to our law enforcement officers and the three who sacrificed their lives today to keep us safe.”

Shapiro ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania flags “on all public buildings across the Commonwealth to be lowered to half staff in their memory,” he added.

The Diocese of Harrisburg said Bishop Senior was scheduled to celebrate a vigil for the fallen officers and the community Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Holy Infant Church in Manchester.

Dear Friends,

“Life: Our Sign of Hope!”

For over five decades, the Catholic Church in the United States has dedicated the month of October as a special season to promote a culture of life throughout our land. This year’s theme is linked to the great Jubilee Year of Hope and emphasizes the belief that every human life is a precious gift from God, especially the most vulnerable. It encourages us to promote and defend life, recognizing it as a sign of God’s promise and love.

Despite the hope that was generated with the overturning of Roe v. Wade three years ago, the challenge to protect human life has not diminished. It has merely shifted from being a national issue to a state issue. Sadly, because our world is so often hostile to the truth of the Gospel of Life that we embrace, proclaiming the sanctity of human life can be challenging at best. In many arenas, defense of unborn lives, the lives of those who are disabled or dying, or the lives of any vulnerable human population is met with resistance. Proclaiming the Church’s teaching on topics like abortion, assisted suicide, and the death penalty can provoke challenging and emotional responses from those who disagree. And often, we may find ourselves afraid to speak up about these issues in our families, among our coworkers, or with students in our school community. We may fear disagreement, judgement, confrontation, or misunderstanding.

But as our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, encourages us, “How important it is that each and every baptized person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today.”

Brothers and sisters, we bring hope to our world whenever we lift our voices in opposition to threats to our belief in the dignity and value of the human person – from abortion to euthanasia to the death penalty, human trafficking, and unjust immigration laws. We bring hope to our world not merely through self-righteous criticisms of those whose beliefs may be different than our own – but through the respect and dignity that we afford to every person we encounter, regardless of their lifestyle, their country of origin or economic status.

In anticipation of our commemoration of this cherished month devoted to respect for human life, I invite you to join me in traveling to our state capital of Harrisburg on Monday, September 22, 2025, where we will join with thousands of faithful souls from around our Commonwealth for the annual Pennsylvania March for Life. On that day, the message of countless numbers of faithful disciples of Jesus and brothers and sisters from different faith traditions will once again proclaim the value of human life as the treasured gift of God that it is.

Shortly after his election, Pope Leo shared these words to diplomats from countries around the world: “It is the responsibility of world leaders to work to build harmonious and peaceful civil societies.” He continued, “No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”

Therein, we discover our responsibility as disciples of Jesus as well as our true and lasting hope!

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

SCRANTON – The Catholic Church recognizes the month of October as Respect Life Month and the first Sunday in October is designated as Respect Life Sunday.

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate Respect Life Sunday Mass on Oct. 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Mass is open to the public. Faithful from across the Diocese of Scranton are invited to attend the Respect Life Sunday Mass and focus on God’s precious gift of human life and our responsibility to care for, protect and defend the lives of our brothers and sisters.

The theme for the 2025 Respect Life celebration is, “Life: Our Sign of Hope.” The theme reflects the ongoing Jubilee Year of Hope. Through the gift of our Baptism, Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be a member of His body thereby, demonstrating the invaluable dignity of the human person. This mystery invites us to be witnesses to the hope of the resurrection by promoting and defending the precious gift of life.

Catholics are called to cherish, defend, and protect those who are most vulnerable, from the beginning of life to its end, and at every point in between. During the month of October, the Church asks us to reflect more deeply on the dignity of every human life.

For those unable to attend in-person, the Mass will be broadcast live on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton and the Diocese of Scranton’s YouTube Channel. The Mass will also be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website with links provided on the Diocese of Scranton social media platforms.

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania March for Life is now just days away and several of the speakers who are expected to take the stage on Monday, Sept. 22 have been announced.

Among those expected to speak are the Most Reverend Nelson Perez, Archbishop of Philadelphia; Ryan Bomberger, founder, Radiance Foundation; Michael Geer, president, Pennsylvania Family Institute; Jennie Bradley Lichter, president, March for Life; Sarah Bowen, founding president, Pennsylvania Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative; Dr. Robby Waller, emergency medicine physician; along with numerous Pennsylvania lawmakers.

The events associated with the 2025 Pennsylvania March for Life will begin on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 12:15 p.m. as Saint Patrick Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, will begin Eucharistic Adoration directly following their regular Mass. The Adoration will conclude with a Mass for Life on the day of the rally at 9:00 a.m., at which time a morning Mass for Life will be held.

At 10:00 a.m., pre-rally praise and worship will take place outside the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

The rally with speakers with all of the announced speakers will begin at 11:00 a.m., and the Pennsylvania March for Life itself will begin at noon.

Following the march, another Mass for Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick Cathedral.

Individuals planning to travel to the Pennsylvania March for Life are also encouraged to advocate for the unborn with their individual legislators while in Harrisburg.

Interested individuals can contact their legislator prior to the March for Life and set up a time to meet with them before or after the rally or can stop by their member’s office and leave a message for them with their staff.

SILVER LAKE TOWNSHIP – On a picturesque September morning, with sun streaming through the historic stained-glass windows, Saint Augustine Church celebrated a momentous milestone: 200 years of Catholic faith and community.

The bicentennial Mass, held at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2025, drew a packed church filled with current parishioners and returning families who came from far and wide.

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as the principal celebrant and homilist for the special liturgy at the oldest Catholic church in the Diocese of Scranton.

“This is a big milestone in our history. It’s not a small thing,” said Father Thomas Augustine, Pastor of Saint Brigid Parish, of which Saint Augustine Church is a worship site. “It calls back the memories that were planted many years ago and now we can see the fruit of what was planted here.”

CELEBRATING MORE THAN A BUILDING

While the anniversary honored the physical structure built by Irish immigrants in the 1800s, the true celebration was much more about a celebration of faith that has withstood the test of time.

“Our biggest thing was to not just celebrate 200 years of a building, but to celebrate 200 years of faith,” parishioner Mary Homan said.

Homan represents the fifth generation of her family to worship at Saint Augustine Church.

“My grandchildren are the seventh generation of families who have been in this parish,” she added. “That is what the party is really about.”

Founded through the missionary efforts of Father Jeremiah Francis O’Flynn in the early 19th century, Saint Augustine Church began as a simple place of worship in what was then a rural frontier.

Despite hardships, including a devastating fire in the 1870s and even a temporary closure during diocesan consolidations, the church has endured.

“We’re the first to celebrate 200 years in our diocese,” Human said proudly. “What makes this so significant is the resilience of the people.”

Parishioner Cott Demaree, whose family has also worshipped at Saint Augustine Church for generations, also reflected on the church’s humble origins.

“To think what they went through 200 years ago. They didn’t have power tools. They didn’t have everything we’re used to now, but all these Irish people came together and made this magnificent building, and it was also a community, which still stands right now,” she said.

A COMMUNITY STILL ALIVE AND THRIVING

Despite its rural location in Susquehanna County, Saint Augustine Church remains a vibrant, active parish with weekly Sunday Mass, an Adoration Chapel open daily, and events that continue to draw large crowds.

“We have a big following,” Homan said. “In the summer, the church is packed.”
“This is more than a church, it’s “Christ’s community,” Demaree added. “It’s a community of love, sharing, and endearment.”

Patti Dudock, who moved into the area and now has found herself involved in many parish initiatives, said the Mass highlighted the church’s universality.

“To hear Father Augustine, who is not from our country, to bring his insight and faith, shows this is a universal church,” she said. “When the Bishop spoke, what a blessing! The homily was phenomenal. Then he brought up a young boy whose birthday it was – that is our future – to watch that, I got goosebumps. I just got absolute goosebumps.”

CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER

Following the anniversary Mass, the celebration moved outdoors, where guests enjoyed a catered buffet meal, live Irish music, dancing, and decades of memorabilia on display.

“It is better than Christmas,” Dudock said with a laugh. “This is where people were born and raised. This is where they made all their sacraments. It’s their hometown and they’ve come back.”

Even as the parish looked back on 200 years of history, parishioners of Saint Augustine Church remain focused on the future.

When asked what her favorite part of the day was, Demaree didn’t hesitate in her answer.

“I just think it’s all the love. People are just smiling. They’re thrilled to be here. It’s God’s graciousness in all its majesty,” she said.

LARKSVILLE – On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, parishioners and friends of Saint John the Baptist Church in Larksville will gather in thanksgiving as the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate a special 4:00 p.m. Mass marking 125+ years since the founding of the parish.

All are welcome to attend.

The parish reached its 125th anniversary milestone last year, but did not wish to celebrate without its pastor, Rev. Gerald Gurka, who was recovering from an illness at the time.

The history of Saint John the Baptist Parish is one of faith, hope, hard work, and sacrifice.

It began in the late summer of 1898 when a group of Polish Roman Catholic men, most of whom were coal miners of very modest means, seized an opportunity to acquire a lot on the corner of Nesbitt and Third Streets in Larksville, then known as the East Plymouth section of Plymouth Township.

After they received permission from the Diocesan Bishop to begin building, they solicited the funds necessary to build the church.

The parish was organized in December 1898, and during the church construction, services were held at a building nearby.

The church was completed and dedicated with a Mass on Feb. 3, 1899.

Many pastors served the parish in its early years, and as more Polish immigrants settled in Larksville, the parish grew in size and vibrancy.

Rev. Paul A. Kopicki was named the ninth Pastor on Nov. 11, 1918. When the original church was destroyed by fire a year later on Dec. 18, 1919, Father Kopicki led the project to construct a new church. Though it was a huge sacrifice, each parish family contributed $75 to the construction of the new edifice.

It was completed in only seven months time, on the same site as the original church, and dedicated at the Christmas Midnight Mass on Dec. 25, 1920.

Throughout the early and middle part of the 20th century, the parish thrived under the leadership of Father Kopicki, who served as Pastor for 39 years until 1957. He was succeeded by Rev. John J. Piontek (1957-1965), and then by Rev. John J. Kowalkiewicz (1965-1971).

On Sept. 7, 1971, Monsignor John C. Masakowski became the twelfth Pastor of Saint John’s, serving for 29 years.

During his tenure, he completely renovated and refurbished all parish buildings and secured land across the street from the church to insure a permanent location for the annual Saint John’s Bazaar.

On Oct. 11, 2000, Rev. Gerald J. Gurka became the thirteenth Pastor of Saint John’s.

The hallmark of his pastorate has been an emphasis on the spiritual development of his parishioners while maintaining and improving the physical infrastructure.

Upon arriving at Saint John’s, Father Jerry reorganized all parish activities around a Vatican II focus of Word, Worship, Community, and Service. He has continued the annual Saint John’s Bazaar, a festival renowned in the Wyoming Valley, holding 21 festivals during his pastorate.

He has also brought his unique talent of writing and directing Nativity and Passion plays and has involved many parishioners in his productions over the years. His formal training in the culinary arts has made him a regular participant in the annual Rectory, Set, Cook! diocesan fundraiser for anti-hunger and anti-homelessness.

In 2004, he warmly welcomed parishioners from Saint Anthony’s in Larksville and SS Cyril and Methodius in Edwardsville when those parishes closed, and in 2022, welcomed parishioners from All Saints Parish into a linkage with Saint John’s.

He has led numerous physical renovations and improvements in his 25 years at Saint John’s.

The parishioners look forward to the anniversary celebration to remember the past sacrifices, with a hopeful look to the future to continue good works for the honor and glory of God.

SCRANTON – The Cathedral of Saint Peter was nearly filled to capacity on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, as the Diocese of Scranton celebrated its annual Hispanic Heritage Mass.

The liturgy drew hundreds of Spanish-speaking Catholics from parishes across the diocese, uniting them in faith, fellowship, and the celebration of their shared heritage.

“This is not just a Mass – this is more like a family gathering,” Karla Andrade, a parishioner of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton, explained. “We bring our traditions and cultures and celebrate with different parishes of the Diocese of Scranton.”

Following the Mass, the celebration continued across the street at the Diocesan Pastoral Center with a huge festival featuring food, music, and dancing.

This year’s Mass was especially meaningful as it comes at a pivotal time in the Diocese’s engagement with its Hispanic communities. Over the last year, parish leaders have hosted listening sessions and parish assemblies with Spanish-speaking parishioners to hear their hopes, struggles, and vision for the future.

The insights gathered are being used to help shape a renewed and inclusive pastoral plan for Hispanic Ministry.

“It’s very important that the Diocese is listening,” Andrade added. “Especially in these difficult times – it’s comforting to know that we have a family, a place to be, and a church that speaks our language. It helps us feel closer to our homes.”

The sense of “home’ was echoed by Emmanuel Escoto, a parishioner of Saint Nicholas/Saint Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre.

For Escoto and his family, finding a welcoming faith community in northeastern Pennsylvania was a gift.

“Two years ago, before we moved here, it was difficult for us to be close to our community and have a Mass in Spanish,” Escoto shared. “When we came here, the Scranton Diocese, there is a church offering Spanish Mass, confessions, and celebrations.”

Both Andrade and Escoto highlighted the Mass as an important way of passing down cultural traditions and faith to the next generation. They both also expressed deep hope that the Hispanic Ministry Planning Process will lead to even greater unity, growth, and opportunity for Hispanic Catholics.

“My hope is that Hispanic Ministry continues to grow,” Andrade said. “That it brings more activities like this one.”

Reflecting on the celebration, Escoto was particularly moved by being able to share the day with his own son, who joined him at the Mass.

“I went to do the reading, and I realized I’m setting an example for him,” he said. “Giving your faith is the best thing you can give to your son, daughter, or the future generation … it will be your legacy.”

ROME – Nearly 100 faithful from the Diocese of Scranton embarked on the journey of a lifetime earlier this month, traveling to Italy as part of the Diocese’s official Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage, led by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.

From walking through the Holy Doors of Rome’s four major basilicas to celebrating Mass at the Tomb of Saint Peter, the pilgrimage offered a deep, personal, and transformative spiritual experience for those who participated.

The ten-day trip, organized in partnership with TravelWorld, spanned some of the most sacred and historic sites in the Catholic faith – from Rome and Assisi to Florence, Lucca, and Gubbio.

“The pilgrimage exceeded my expectations, and the amount of ground we covered was remarkable,” Toni Ballenstedt, a pilgrim from Epiphany Parish in Sayre, said. “As a convert to the Catholic faith, it was truly enlightening.”

The group began their journey on Aug. 31, 2025, flying from Newark to Rome. Upon arrival, the pilgrims celebrated their first Mass in Italy at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, setting the tone for a week steeped in prayer, history, and community.

Over the course of the trip, Bishop Bambera and five other priests who participated in the pilgrimage celebrated multiple Masses for the group, including one at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, another at Saint Francis’ tomb in Assisi, and a final liturgy at the Basilica of Saint Ubaldo in Gubbio – the sister city of Jessup.

One of the most spiritually moving moments for several pilgrims occurred on Sept. 4, when pilgrims attended Mass at the Altar of the Tomb of Saint Peter in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Father Andrew McCarroll, one of the Diocese’s newest priests, delivered the homily.

“That space, which is thousands of years in the making, coupled with the homily from Father Andrew was a spectacular experience for me,” Renee Boland, a pilgrim from Our Lady of Victory Parish in Harveys Lake, explained. “In that moment, I felt the closest to Jesus.”

Another unforgettable highlight of the pilgrimage took place on Wednesday, Sept. 3, when the group attended Pope Leo XIV’s General Audience in Saint Peter’s Square.

Pilgrims were elated as their group was acknowledged during the public ceremony – and the moment was made even more special when Bishop Bambera personally greeted the Holy Father.

“We were able to get within 15-20 feet of Pope Leo XIV when he was being driven around Saint Peter’s Square,” Rose Emmett, a pilgrim from Ascension Parish in Forest City said. “Just being in his presence was an overwhelming feeling of calmness and peace.”

Throughout the pilgrimage, the faithful walked through the Holy Doors of the four papal basilicas in Rome: Saint Peter’s, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Mary Major – a key act of devotion during the Jubilee Year of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis.

The pilgrimage was the first time that Boland had been to Europe, and she admits before the trip she didn’t even know what a Jubilee Year was.

“The opportunity of walking through the Holy Doors was something that I will remember forever,” she said. “Just the privilege of going to Rome during a Jubilee Year has renewed my faith.”

Ballenstedt also highlighted the opportunity to visit the tomb of Saint Carlo Acutis in Assisi just days before his canonization as another powerful experience.

“Every moment was meaningful. I had the opportunity to continuously pray and even light candles for many family members and friends,” she said.

While each day of the pilgrimage was filled with sacred encounters, many pilgrims said there were also many moments of laughter, fellowship, and even new friendships.

“It was a grueling schedule each day, but well worth it,” Boland said. “The holiness of the spaces made me feel closer to the Lord.”

For many, the pilgrimage reaffirmed the universality and unity of the Catholic faith.
“This wasn’t just a sightseeing tour,” Emmett said. “There were nearly 100 of us seeking blessings and answers to our own prayers, but being able to experience it all together as a group was another blessing. I met many individuals who I am happy to now call friends.”