Author: Eric Deabill

SCRANTON – During Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Peter offers several ways in which the faithful can deepen their relationship with Jesus and come to know Him in a more intimate way.

CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will make many of these opportunities available to the faithful through television broadcasts and livestream opportunities.

Every Sunday during Lent, the Cathedral will be hosting Adoration and Evening Prayer following the 5 p.m. Mass.

Evening Prayer is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church fulfills Jesus’ command to “pray always.”

Through this prayer, the people of God sanctify the day by continual praise of God and prayers of intercession for the needs of the world.

During Lent, CTV plans to broadcast both the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass live as well as the Sunday Evening Prayer that will begin directly thereafter (around 6:15 p.m.).

The first broadcast of the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass and Evening Prayer will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Every Friday during Lent, the faithful are invited to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s saving love by praying the Stations of the Cross following the 12:10 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

Walking spiritually along the path to Calvary, we reflect on the moments of Jesus’ Passion – His condemnation, His falls, His encounter with His Blessed Mother, His crucifixion and death. In each station, we see not only the suffering of Christ, but the depth of God’s mercy poured out for the world.

The Stations remind us that the crosses we carry are united to His – and that no suffering is endured alone.

For those unable to attend in person, Catholic Television will broadcast the Stations of the Cross live each Friday, with rebroadcasts following the Daily Mass at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., allowing the faithful to participate prayerfully from home.

Accompany our Lord to Calvary this Lent. Walk with Him, meditate upon His sacrifice, and discover in His Passion the hope and peace that lead to Easter joy.

WYALUSING – As Lent unfolds across the Diocese of Scranton, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will once again travel to each of our 12 deaneries to lead Lenten Holy Hours centered on this year’s theme: “Finding Peace in Challenging Times.”

The Holy Hours begin tonight at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Wyalusing, Bradford County.

In a world marked by uncertainty – and in lives often burdened with personal crosses – these evenings of Eucharistic Adoration, reflection, and sacred music offer a chance for the faithful to pause. Before the Blessed Sacrament, you will be invited to lay down your worries, seek clarity amid confusion, and rediscover the steady peace that only Christ can give.

All are welcome to attend any Holy Hour at 7 p.m., regardless of parish or deanery.

The full schedule is listed below.

Consider making time this Lent to step away from the rush of daily life, encounter the Lord in stillness, and find peace in the midst of life’s challenges.

SCRANTON – Some came in wheelchairs. Family members or caregivers assisted others. But they all approached the sanctuary with hands open, ready to receive a blessing.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, dozens of faithful received the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during the Diocese of Scranton’s annual World Day of the Sick Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist. He called the Mass a special and sacred moment for the Church.

“It’s beautiful to see so many of you gathered for this annual celebration,” Bishop Bambera his homily by saying.

Celebrated each year on the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the World Day of the Sick invites Catholics to pray in a special way for those who are ill, elderly, or suffering, while also honoring caregivers and healthcare professionals who accompany them with compassion.

The World Day of the Sick was established in 1992 by Saint John Paul II as a moment of prayer and spiritual closeness for the entire Church.

For 2026, Pope Leo XIV chose the theme: “The Compassion of the Samaritan: Loving by Bearing the Pain of the Other.”

Reflecting on that theme, Bishop Bambera pointed to the familiar Gospel story of the Good Samaritan.

“Without even thinking about it, he makes a difference,” Bishop Bambera said of the Samaritan who stops to care for an injured stranger. “He makes the world more fraternal. He participates in building a community that we know as the Body of Christ.”

The Bishop reminded the faithful that love cannot remain an abstract idea.

“Love can’t just be spoken about,” he said. “It needs concrete gestures of closeness, through which we enter into the suffering of others – those who are ill, and especially those who experience poverty, isolation, grief, loss and loneliness.”

During his homily, the Bishop spoke about celebrating Christmas Mass each year at the Gino Merli Veterans Center in Scranton – a simple gathering in a community room.

“For all that is so obviously missing in that gathering, it is a sacred moment, because, like here, Jesus is present,” the Bishop remarked. “He’s present in the Eucharist, he’s present in the Scriptures that are proclaimed, but he is so very present in family members, volunteers, staff and most especially the residents that make their way to Christmas morning Mass.”

That same sacred presence filled the Cathedral as the faithful came forward for anointing.

The priests present traced the sign of the cross with holy oil on each person’s forehead and hands, praying for healing, strength, and peace.

“Today, Jesus invites us to experience His healing and His grace. Say yes to His invitation to come to Him with your burdens, to find consolation and peace,” Bishop Bambera ended by saying. “Trust, that in the midst of all that life seems to unload upon you, that Jesus will care for you and remember – through the wonderful sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick – every one of you will encounter the Lord, who promises to touch our hearts and give rest to our spirits.”

The Mass for the World Day of the Sick was broadcast live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton and livestream on Diocesan media platforms, allowing many who could not attend in person the opportunity to participate in prayer.

SCRANTON – Surrounded by family members and caregivers, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities were honored in a special way on Feb. 8, 2026, during the Diocese of Scranton’s annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

Reflecting on Jesus’ call to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” in the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, reminded those gathered that the true value of salt and light is realized only when they are shared.

“Salt and light, of themselves, are not good for very much,” Bishop Bambera said. “Their value is realized only when they interact with other things.”

In the same way, the Bishop explained, disciples of Christ are called to live with humility and generosity – drawing out goodness in others and illuminating the presence of God in the world.

Bishop Bambera noted that those living with disabilities often offer a powerful witness to that message.

“More than you realize, my good friends, you teach us what it means to be ‘salt and light’ for our world,” Bishop Bambera stated. “You illuminate our world and our hearts in such ways that even the most cynical among us can see the presence of God in the simplest gestures and in the most unexpected places. Often with few words and with your infectious smiles, you teach us lessons of gratitude for the simplest of blessings.”

The liturgy itself reflected the spirit of inclusion the Mass seeks to foster each year.

Sister Mary Alice Jacquinot, IHM, President and CEO of Saint Joseph’s Center, served as one of the lectors. She was joined by Gerard Wazeter of Saint Frances X. Cabrini Parish in Carverton, who has been privileged to proclaim the Word of God at the annual Mass for several years.

Members of the Order of Alhambra, Alamar Caravan #4, served as gift bearers.

“For so many years, the Bishop has offered this liturgy to highlight the idea of inclusion – involving people in their community – to be able to celebrate and honor people with disabilities and to recognize their unique gifts,” Sister Mary Alice said following the Mass. “We’re creating a welcoming community.”

She noted that the residents living and served through Saint Joseph’s Center demonstrate inspiring values each day.

“They teach us courage, perseverance, acceptance, trust,” she said. “But also, they bring a great spirit of gratitude, humility, and unconditional love. I think those are all values that we can embrace and learn.”

Ada Magni, Supreme Director of Region II of the Order of the Alhambra, said her organization is grateful to participate in the annual celebration.

“It’s a real opportunity to spotlight the unique gifts that God has given to them,” Magni said. “We can always learn from them. They’re just cherished.”

The Order of the Alhambra, founded in 1904, is dedicated to assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities. Alamar Caravan #4, established locally in 1906, will celebrate its 120th anniversary in June and is the oldest caravan in the nation.

Throughout the year, members host events like dinner dances, hockey outings, and an annual festival.

“We want to continue to do God’s work, to help those with intellectual disabilities and provide events for them,” Magni added.

Both Magni and Sister Mary Alice emphasized that inclusion within the Church – and in society – requires continued effort.

“We establish belonging when we welcome the varied gifts of all people,” Sister Mary Alice said. “We’re really able to broaden our understanding of God’s love for us by getting to know people with disabilities.”

As he concluded his homily, Bishop Bambera also echoed that same message of gratitude and learning.

“Thank you for serving us through your lives,” he said. “And for teaching us how to believe, to trust, and to love with the generous, selfless spirit of Jesus.”

SCRANTON – Music and the shuffling sounds of dancing feet filled the Diocesan Pastoral Center on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, as more than 100 people came together for the Diocese of Scranton’s first-ever Swing Dance celebrating National Marriage Week.

The evening began with dance instruction from local instructors Philip Spinka and Jill Wetzel, followed by an open dance featuring the 17-piece Swing Fever Dance Band, a Big Band recreating the swing sounds of the 1930s and 1940s.

For many couples that participated, it was a chance to relax and simply enjoy the company of their spouse.

“It is a hobby of ours,” Marie Sica of Saint Michael Parish in Scranton said. “It’s nice to be able to have a live band and have good company and just be together.”

Her husband, Robert Sica, echoed her enthusiasm.

“It was a great opportunity to get out with my wife. We have 11 children at home so it’s difficult to find a good value to be able to have fun and just connect with one another,” he said. “The band was phenomenal. We were really excited about being able to dance in front of a live band. Just the way they play with changing the tempo, makes it exciting to try other dance moves.”

The Huffmans, who belong to a parish in Scranton, were also happy they attended.

“We had a great time,” Rebecca Huffman said. “I really enjoyed the lessons. The band was fantastic and it was nice that it was a BYO (Bring Your Own) event, so it kept the cost down.”

Rebecca is hoping another Swing Dance night is held soon.

“My husband and I learned some (new moves), and we have to keep practicing, and hopefully the Diocese will do this again,” she added.

Philip Huffman said the Swing Dance was a great opportunity to get out as a couple.

“I’m learning to dance. It’s new to me,” he joked. “It’s good exercise. It’s great to actually get out of the house when it’s zero degrees out.”

Bridget Maille, Program Coordinator for Family Life in the Diocese of Scranton Office for Parish Life, organized the event.

“The Swing Dance came out of a hope and a dream from a personal passion of mine that I hoped would catch fire – and it has,” Maille said. “It is one of my favorite things to do … What is beautiful about it is it brings you out of your comfort zone, out of your shell, and you get to meet new people. It’s a wholesome activity – where you learn new talents and skills and you get to do something very special with the people you love.”

Couples of all ages attended the Swing Dance, and some even brought friends or singles looking to meet someone new.

Maille said the event was meant to be a fun way for couples to keep their marriage alive and celebrate National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) in a fun and uplifting way.

SCRANTON – Christians from different churches came together on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, for a special Ecumenical Celebration of God’s Word at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

The annual prayer service, which took place during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, invited Christians to pray that all followers of Jesus may grow closer together.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as the Leader of Prayer. Christian leaders from several different traditions also took part, showing that while churches may have differences, they share the same faith in Jesus Christ.
Among those participating this year were Rev. Craig Miller, Bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Lutheran Church in America; Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Mikovsky, Prime Bishop of the Polish National Catholic Church; Rev. Dr. Nora Foust, Regional Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ; Rev. Lory D. Ryan of the Presbyterian Church of Mountain Top; and Rev. Scott Sterowski, Diocesan Coordinator for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs and pastor of Saint Carlo Acutis Parish.

The Ecumenical Prayer Service was based on worship materials prepared by the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church.

The gathering began with the Lord’s Prayer. Those present prayed together using the words Christians have shared for centuries: “Our Father, who art in heaven…”

An invocation followed, asking God to guide all Christians toward unity. The congregation then sang “Arise, Your Light Has Come.”

Throughout the service, prayers and readings focused on Jesus as the true Light of the world. While the parts of the prayer service may have been led by leaders from different churches, the gathering was meant to highlight that Christians all share one Lord.

In her homily, Rev. Dr. Foust reminded those gathered that unity is not something people create on their own. She said it is a gift from God.

“We are not the origin of the light,” she said. “Any light we have or give begins with Christ.”

The theme for the 2026 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was “There is One Body and One Spirit, Just as You are Called to the One Hope of Your Calling” (Ephesians 4:4).

In her remarks, Rev. Dr. Foust focused on living with humility, patience, gentleness, and love – the virtues named by Saint Paul in his Letter to the Ephesians.

“We are not here today because the Church has suddenly solved all its divisions. Indeed, we are living in a time of deep turmoil among Christian peoples,” she added. “We are here because, in Christ, our unity is deeper than our differences.”

The service continued with a responsorial psalm, a hymn, and the profession of the Nicene Creed – words that Christians across the world proclaim together: “Light from Light, true God from true God.”

The Ecumenical Prayer Service ended with closing prayers asking God to help Christians reflect Christ’s light in the world – especially in places of darkness and division.

“Shine the light of your righteousness and wisdom on all your creatures,” Bishop Bambera prayed. “Make us children of light and children of the day, so that we may always live our lives reverently, and become for all the world, worthy lampstands for your life-giving light.”

DALTON – Many of the 100 women who attended the Diocese of Scranton’s recent ‘Bold and Beloved’ retreat had one thing in common: they knew little, if anything, about Saint Hildegard of Bingen.

By the end of the weekend experience, that had changed.

“I had never heard of Saint Hildegard before this,” Mary Daley of Epiphany Parish in Sayre said. “But reading the things that she wrote, it’s like you’re reading someone from today talking about the Catholic Church and the issues we’re facing.”

Held Jan. 31-Feb. 1, the third annual ‘Bold and Beloved’ women’s retreat centered on the life and teaching of Saint Hildegard, a 12th-century Benedictine abbess, mystic, composer, and Doctor of the Church.

Through prayer, study and fellowship, women of all ages explored her vision of faith, womanhood, and discipleship – many encountering her story for the first time.

The retreat was led by Annette Bergeon, CEO of Endow, a women’s apostolate devoted to intellectual and spiritual formation. Endow is one of the only women’s organizations that has a study specifically on Saint Hildegard.

“She was a doctor, a writer and author – and I can relate to a lot of that,” Hannah Halliday of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville, a third-year retreat participant, said. “It taught me so much about her and about her life.”

Participants took part in four large-group talks, followed by structured small-group discussions. The weekend retreat also included daily Mass, the Rosary, Liturgy of the Hours, Eucharistic Adoration, opportunities for Reconciliation, and time for rest and fellowship.

The retreat was open to women over the age of eighteen, and many mother-daughter pairs participated.

“I’ve always loved coming to retreats and once I learned about this one, I was really excited and immediately messaged my mom and said, do you want to do this with me, and here we are,” Concetta Cooney of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston said.

“Women are created as social beings. We are extremely communal,” Marianne Guarnieri, Director of Discipleship for the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, explained. “This is a weekend that is designed to create fellowship. It is a wonderful time.”

For younger participants like Stephanie Kucharski, a first-year college student from Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Duryea, the retreat offered both renewal and connection.

“It’s nice to just take a break and relax and get away for a weekend from the workload,” she said. “It has been very interesting and cool to see like-minded people here for the same reason which is exploring their faith together.”

Others described the retreat as deeply affirming.

“In the real world, it’s not always easy to be Catholic,” Daley added. “It is so refreshing to be here with other Catholic women, sharing the same beliefs, and helping to strengthen those beliefs. I really appreciate it. It’s like water in the desert.”

As the retreat concluded, many participants say they’re already looking forward to next year.

“It’s an amazing opportunity and I encourage anybody that is even thinking about coming on it to take that step,” Halliday said.

SCRANTON – When Camilla Edwards moved to northeastern Pennsylvania from Michigan a little more than four months ago, she knew that she wanted to find a faith community she could call home.

“I’ve been trying different churches here and there,” she said. “My huge goal has been to get involved in a faith community and just start building a network of like-minded, Catholic people to surround myself with.”

That search led her, on a cold January afternoon, to the slopes of Montage Mountain – and to an event aptly named “Faith Moves Mountains.”

On Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, young adults from across the Diocese of Scranton were invited to come together at Montage Mountain for a ski-in, ski-out Bible study and fellowship experience organized by the Diocesan Office for Parish Life.

For Edwards, the event offered something she had been hoping for since her move.

“How do we find like-minded people? How do we start those connections?” she asked. “You don’t wear a badge on your forehead that says ‘Catholic.’ This is the perfect opportunity – I just know that everyone here is on the same page as me and it was a fun activity. I’m really glad I came.”

The winter meet-up was coordinated by Bridget Maille, Program Coordinator for Family Life in the Diocesan Office for Parish Life. Maille said the event was designed to take faith beyond church walls and into everyday life.

“Last year, our winter meet-up was a New Year’s retreat. But this year, we decided to take our faith out into the world,” Maille explained.

The theme, “Faith Moves Mountains,” was inspired by Christ’s teaching that faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.

“As young adults, it gives us a chance to realize that we’re not alone in our faith and that faith doesn’t just happen on Sundays,” Maille added. “By establishing relationships, we build community and deepen our faith.”

Throughout the afternoon, participants prayed the Rosary, took part in a Bible study, and shared togetherness in an informal, welcoming way over a warm fire pit.

Deacon Michaelangelo Colaneri, who serves the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Immaculate Conception Parish in Scranton, took part in the gathering and said it embodied the Church’s call to bring Christ into the world.

“It gives us a chance to bring Christ outside of our Cathedrals and churches,” he said. “Christ doesn’t belong just in the church– we are the Church. As we come out and are with one another and enjoy each other’s fellowship, you start to see the true idea that Christ had for His Church start to blossom and flourish.”

He noted the simplicity of the afternoon is what made it enjoyable.

“We all sat around a fire. It is something so basic, so easy, so simple, but the experiences and sharing that came from it, you could feel Christ in our midst,” Deacon Colaneri added.

After collecting phone numbers for all the people in attendance, with the plan to start a group text message to continue sharing their interests and faith, Edwards said the Scranton area is starting to feel a little more like home.

“I’m very grateful for the experience and I’m looking forward to the next event,” she said.

TOWANDA – Across the Diocese of Scranton, Catholic Schools Week looked a little different this year.

A big snowstorm in late January, icy roads, and frigid temperatures forced delays, closures, and schedule changes in many places, stretching what is traditionally a single week of celebration into something longer and more flexible in many communities.

Yet even as calendars shifted, the foundation behind Catholic Schools Week remained the same: faith, learning, and service to others.

Throughout the 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton students participated in outreach projects that extended beyond school walls and into the wider community.

One such example came from Saint Agnes Elementary School in Towanda, where students collected socks to benefit the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post.

The socks will be distributed to men, women, and children throughout the local area and the state – providing warmth and comfort during the cold winter months.

The service project was organized by the school’s 5th Grade Kindness Club, which took responsibility for collecting and counting donations from every grade level.

From Pre-K 3 through sixth grade, students were encouraged to bring in socks, turning a friendly competition into a shared mission.

“We were bringing socks and we would count them up and give them to people who need them,” fifth grader Killian Smith said.

When asked how it felt knowing the socks were going to the VFW, Smith’s answer was simple and sincere: “Good.”

His classmate, Will Eberlin, was struck by the number of donations.

“There were a lot of socks,” he said. “It will help a lot of people, and it will keep people warm.”

In the end more than 360 pairs of socks were collected, with second graders leading the way by donating 96 pairs.

Several students spoke about how meaningful it was to help others during a week already filled with celebration.

“Catholic Schools Week is really fun because you get to play games and think of the people you’re giving to,” fifth grader Sofia Lrozzo stated.

For Max Bride, the combination of learning, fun, and service is what makes Catholic Schools Week special.

“I think it’s nice to help people,” Bride said.

Through projects like the sock collection, students at Saint Agnes School learned to live the Gospel in tangible ways and that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

WILLIAMSPORT – Saint John Neumann Regional Academy students, faculty, and administrators celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with an in-person learning day on Jan. 19, 2026, filled with faith, service, and fun.

“It’s a basic tenet of Christianity – and a deep part of Catholicism – that we’re called to meet Christ in the hungry, the thirsty, the homeless and the stranger,” Father Glenn McCreary, pastor of Saint Boniface and Saint Ann Parishes, said. “Our day of service reflected MLK’s life mission as well as the Church’s mission to the world.”

This was the first year Saint John Neumann Regional Academy held a student school day on MLK Day since it became a national holiday.

“This has been a goal of mine for many years. It is important that students learn about and share their time and talents with others on this day,” explained Principal Alisia McNamee. “Martin Luther King Day is more than a celebration of his importance to civil rights and peaceful protest. We wanted our students to show how important MLK’s message about service resonates throughout our lives and within our Catholic beliefs.”

Dr. Chad Greevy, Assistant Principal and Curriculum Director added, “We had over 200 students participating in morning Mass, and every SJNRA student provided service at our local food bank; provided the collection of products, assimilation, and distribution of hygiene-care packages to local soup kitchens; helped with projects around Saint Boniface Parish; or wrote thank you cards to community service heroes for our Catholic Schools Week project.”

CATHOLIC FIRST

Students gathered before the normal start time of their school day, to join Saint Boniface parishioners for daily Mass followed by a message from Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter.

The 8:00 a.m. Mass was attended by parishioners, SJNRA parents and family members, community leaders, and SJNRA PreK-3 through Grade 12 students.

During his homily, Father McCreary spoke about the importance of Dr. King’s message of equality and service and how it helped to shape our nation’s pathway.

However, he also explained how King and others like him “stood on the shoulders of others before him … including many black Catholic saints.”

Father McCreary referenced saints like St. Martin de Porres, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Augustine of Hippo, and St. Benedict the Moor. He also spoke about six African Americans who are on the path to sainthood, including Servant of God Julia Greeley and Venerable Mother Henriette Delille.

“Thea Bowman, as an educator and musician, used her voice to highlight the beauty of African American church music and to speak about justice to the American Bishops,” Father McCreary said.

Following Mass, Mayor Slaughter, spoke to those in attendance about the needs of the community and the necessity for giving back.

Slaughter shared how volunteerism can be impactful to a community and emphasized how St. John Neumann’s Day-of-Service “is a day we serve those less fortunate than us.”

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS VOLUNTEER LOCALLY

Following Mass, students in grades 9-12 headed to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to begin their service to the community.

However, students and teachers were not the only ones sacrificing their time and day off to work at the food bank.

Employee Ryan Watts, Volunteer Projects Coordinator, was the lone employee that morning. He came in on his “day off” to serve alongside the Neumann High School students and faculty. Watts shared that “roughly 430 groups a year volunteer” at the food bank.

“The kids did great. I feel that it’s important to encourage the younger generations to do good things for their community,” Watts said.

Watts related that this was the first time a group had come in on MLK Day to volunteer, and he has already invited Saint John Neumann back for its Day-of-Service on the same holiday next year.

“Saint John Neumann tries to volunteer there three or four times a year with groups of students. I think today changed the perception for some of our kids. A few were hesitant to attend not knowing what to expect, but after an hour and a half and four pallets of packed food boxes for veterans later, we showed Neumann’s passion for care and our energy to help others,” Dr. Greevy shared.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INVITES SPEAKER, SERVES OTHERS

Middle School students began their morning of service with an interactive lecture and applied activity with Melodie Shaw.

Shaw, the Former Executive Director of the Campbell Street Family & Youth Center at the Williamsport Community Center from 2006-2010, spoke about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s sacrifice for today’s society and how his actions and words helped to inspire students and adults alike.

Jennifer McPherson, Director of Guidance, related that Shaw shared with students about “how to respond to adversity peacefully.”

She cited the March for Civil Rights that MLK led as well as other events.

“Martin Luther King sacrificed himself for people of all ages, cultures, and genders,” eighth grader Quillen McPherson said.

Quillen made the connection that “Jesus and even some Catholic saints” made similiar sacrifices.

“We heard that we have to learn about our ancestors’ mistakes. Without learning from each other, we will make the same mistakes. Doing what people like MLK did helps us understand their sacrifices better,” the Neumann middle schooler explained.

Ann Wilson, Saint John Neumann High School Secretary and 1983 Neumann alumna commented, “From my observation, even the hardest to engage students were one hundred percent on board with the projects they were assigned, and I witnessed some great camaraderie in the hallways between High School and Junior High students.

GRADES 3-5 ASSIST WITH ST. BONIFACE PROJECTS

The upper elementary students wrote their own prayers for their Peace Tree and helped Father McCreary organize, clean, and assemble thousands of plastic Easter eggs used for parish and community Easter egg hunts.

“Our students took on a bigger task than expected putting together Easter eggs for Saint Boniface and helped in organizing areas of the church campus,” Arianna Scutt, fourth grade teacher, said.

Fifth graders studied the “I Have a Dream” speech and discussed its importance.
They also learned that Dr. King spoke locally at Lycoming College, adjacent to the Saint Boniface campus, in April 1958.

“Our students did multiple activities during the week. We were busy, but it was good busy. We helped the church, learned about Dr. King’s message, and made connections between his message of service and how simple services can make big impacts,” added third grade teacher Sara Meixel.

YOUNGEST STUDENTS WRITE LETTERS TO HEROES

SJNRA Primary students also discussed the legacy of MLK Jr. and his teachings. Teachers developed a curriculum that taught students that a “legacy” is the impression of what you or someone else leaves behind.

“It’s what people will remember you for. We had the honor of bringing action to this legacy, which made them very excited, by making cards for our local heroes. This paired with the lesson they had on community helpers,” Shayna McNamee, Pre-K 3 teacher, explained. “We centered our learning around MLK’s quote that ‘Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.’”

She added, “Jesus came up multiple times in our conversations. When learning about MLK and the kindness he shared, a Pre-K student even said, ‘like Jesus.’ It was perfect.”

The letters, cards and pictures were delivered along with ‘Thank You Baskets’ during Catholic Schools Week to local fire companies, police departments, nurses, and the local armory. Provisions for the baskets were donated by SJNRA families as part of MLK Day and Catholic School Week.

“I witnessed some great camaraderie in the hallways. I feel that this day was completely beneficial to our students allowing them to learn in a hands-on way, what service to your community can be,” Wilson said. “We showed our students many different ways to serve that day, and our Neumann Knights approached all tasks with greatness. I believe that our Academy had another moment of excellence that day. May there be many more!”

For more information about Saint John Neumann Regional Academy or to inquire about Admissions and Enrollment contact: admissions@sjnra.org or call (570) 323-9953.

For more information about the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, located at 3301 Yahoo Drive, Williamsport, call (570) 321-8023, or to contact Volunteer Projects Coordinator Ryan Watts, call (570) 980-9079 or email him at rwatts@centralpafoodbank.org.