College of Consultors

The diocesan bishop chooses the members of the college of consultors from among the members of the presbyteral council in accordance with canon 502 of the Code of Canon Law, which determines the scope and manner in which the consultors can assist him in fulfilling his duties as diocesan bishop.

Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System Board

responsible for the management of the school system, which is divided into four regional corporations:

  1. Holy Cross – the elementary and secondary schools in Lackawanna and Bradford counties
  2. Holy Redeemer – the elementary and secondary schools in Luzerne
  3. Notre Dame – the elementary and secondary schools in Monroe county
  4. John Neumann – the elementary and secondary schools in Lycoming county

The board ensures that all schools and the system remain true to their mission of providing an excellent academic program rooted in our Catholic identity.

Diocese of Scranton’s Catholic Social Services Governing Board

Comprised of voluntary members appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton.  The Bylaws are the rules by which the organization is to be governed. The role of the Board of Directors is to provide the organization with governance, fiduciary and strategic oversight.

Diocesan Review Board

The diocesan review board is an advisory body appointed by the diocesan bishop and established in accordance with the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.  Functions of the Review Board include reviewing diocesan policies for responding to the accusation of sexual abuse of a minor by Church personnel, advising the bishop in his assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, and advising the bishop in his determination of suitability for ministry of the accused.

Episcopal Council

The episcopal council is an advisory group of priests appointed by the diocesan bishop to serve as his consultants for pastoral assignments and other matters of importance

Finance Council

Canon 492 of the Code of Canon Law requires the diocesan bishop to establish a diocesan finance council and to appoint a minimum of three members to the council who are knowledgeable in financial and business matters.

The finance council is charged with providing the bishop with technical guidance and advice on the prudent handling of fiscal matters.

Ongoing Formation of Priests Advisory Board

The Ongoing Formation of Priests Advisory Board consists of priests appointed by the Bishop to discuss and review programs of spiritual, theological, human and pastoral formation for priests that are offered through the Office of the Secretary for Clergy Formation.

Permanent Diaconate Formation Admissions/Evaluation Committee

The Permanent Diaconate Formation Admissions/Evaluation Committee consists of the Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, coordinators, and other committee members appointed by the Bishop. It reviews each candidate in keeping with the “Requirements for Acceptance” and the “Admissions Procedure” and makes recommendations regarding acceptance to the Bishop. It also reviews each candidate’s progress biannually in consultation with his formation advisor, pastor, instructors and other pastoral supervisors and in keeping with the Formation Standards recommended by the National Directory. The Committee makes recommendations to the Bishop regarding each candidate’s promotion to candidacy, ministries of reader and acolyte, and ordination.

Presbyteral Council

The presbyteral council (also known as the council of priests), a council required by law, is comprised of priests who are elected, appointed and ex-officio members.  They assist the bishop in the governance of the diocese according to the norms of canons 495-501 of the Code of Canon Law,  assisting the bishop in the fulfillment of his pastoral ministry by serving as a principal consultative body.

Seminary Admissions Committee

The Seminary Admissions Committee, made up of clergy, religious and laity meets three times per year (and other times if necessary).  The committee members review applications to the Program for Priestly Formation of the Diocese of Scranton, interview potential candidates and meet with the Bishop to discuss each candidate and make recommendations for acceptance as a seminarian.

Seminarian Review Board

The Seminarian Review Board, made up of clergy, religious and laity meets with the Bishop twice a year (and other times if necessary) to assess a seminarian’s progress in formation.  The board members review evaluations received from seminaries concerning each of our men and review assessments from summer pastoral assignments.  They also receive verbal reports from the Diocesan Director of Seminarian’s visits/meetings with seminarians and seminary personnel.