Author: Eric Deabill

SAYRE – Sister Kathleen Kelly, I.H.M., has never been one to seek the spotlight.

Quietly devoted, deeply faithful, and always focused on the students entrusted to her care, she has spent the past 33 years shaping the hearts, minds, and spirits of countless children at Epiphany School.

But on Monday evening, June 16, 2025, the spotlight turned toward her – and rightfully so – as the Sayre community gathered to celebrate her remarkable legacy as she retires from her position as school principal.

“I’m just grateful for the support I’ve had all these years. The parish has been tremendous. The community has been tremendous. They love their school. It is going to be 100 years old in 2029 and they have supported it with love and care all these years,” Sister Kathleen said. “I’m going to miss that support.”

Current students, alumni, faculty, families, and friends from across generations filled the pews of Epiphany Church for a special Mass of Thanksgiving to honor their principal – a woman whose presence has become synonymous with Catholic education in northern Bradford County.

Father Gerald W. Shantillo, Vicar General of the Diocese of Scranton, served as principal celebrant for the Mass representing the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who could not attend because he was out of town at a meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Sister, you have taught so many people about Jesus Christ, (about) how to pray, how to serve, how to love like Him, how to forgive like Him. You’ve touched countless people in this community, and they will never forget that,” Father Shantillo said at the beginning of Mass.

Father Dan Toomey, pastor, Epiphany Parish, who has collaborated with Sister Kathleen for the last four years, delivered an emotional homily. He indicated that the long-time principal has had quite an impact, and the Mass is a special time to pray for her.

“Sister Kathleen has had an amazing presence as a principal,” Father Toomey said. “I saw her establishing standards. She didn’t have favorites and had poise and balance and was able to keep people focused.”

Throughout her career at Epiphany School, Sister Kathleen has brought with her the charism of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Many of her students say her religious order affiliation has helped to bring a steady, compassionate presence to everyone who walked through the school’s doors.

“She is a great role model. She knows every student’s name,” student Evelyn Owen said. “She is always kind and generous to everyone.”

“She has very high standards, but she applies them to all students. She doesn’t pick favorites,” student Madeline Lincoln added. “I’m very grateful for having Sister Kathleen. She has always supported me.”

While many families say Sister Kathleen’s leadership style was marked by humility and grace, several students also say she was known for her sense of humor as well.

“I remember when she used to come into our classrooms. She would make funny jokes, and it always made me crack up,” student Ellen Heffron added.

As the Mass ended and reception in the church basement began, Sister Kathleen admitted the evening was “a little overwhelming.”

Though her official role as principal may be ending, her influence will continue to echo through the classrooms and hallways of Epiphany School for years to come.

“It is a real warm community and a giving community,” she reflected. “I’ll miss the people, the teachers, the students, the parents and the community.”

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has appointed Mark A. DiPippa as the new Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton.

He began serving in this new role on June 2, 2025.

DiPippa was selected for the position after an extensive interview process and brings a depth of experience in philanthropic development, strategic leadership, and mission-driven service to this role.

His career includes more than three decades of work in education, fundraising, and nonprofit management.

“Stepping into this role feels like coming home for me. I have received a warm welcome from all of the staff and leadership at the Diocese and I am looking forward to traveling to meet others in the eleven counties we serve,” DiPippa stated.

For the last decade, DiPippa has been working at Misericordia University, most recently serving as Director of Development for Individual, Corporate and Foundation Giving. During his time there, he was instrumental in securing the largest living alumni gift in the university’s history and led a revitalization of the development team that strengthened donor engagement.

A graduate of The University of Scranton with a Master of Science in Educational Administration, and Lock Haven University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, DiPippa has continually demonstrated a heart for service, has inspired trust through building partnerships, and has maintained a deep respect for Catholic values.

His leadership roles at institutions such as MMI Preparatory School in Freeland, Wyoming Valley Montessori School in Kingston, and Rock Solid Academy in Shavertown, have also given him broad insight regarding cultivating alumni and donor relationships.

“My time in working with nonprofit agencies has allowed me to gain a vast knowledge of board, staff and constituent relationships, DiPippa said. “My prayer is that all of my skills and talents would be used to build upon the wonderful footing that the Foundation’s first executive director, Jim Bebla, left me. The cornerstone has been set for the Foundation, and we have already established multiple endowed funds, which will benefit the Diocese for years to come.”

In announcing the appointment, Bishop Bambera said DiPippa’s commitment to the mission of the Church, along with his proven ability to cultivate donor activity, and his passion of pastoral, educational, and service ministries, make him well-suited to guide the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton into the future.

“I am confident that under his leadership, the Foundation will continue to experience growth in its charitable efforts for the long-term sustainability for the Diocese of Scranton,” Bishop Bambera said.

“The future is bright for the Foundation. There is a great sense of momentum and my hope and prayer is that we can build something that spans far beyond my lifetime. The Foundation and the endowed funds we establish will have the potential to impact the Diocese in perpetuity,” DiPippa added.

For more information on the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, or to contact Mark DiPippa, visit catholicfoundationscranton.org.

SCRANTON – For the last five years, the Diocese of Scranton has been working proactively to address the realities of our local church while striving to meet the opportunities and challenges of the coming decade. The Diocese created its Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning Process in order to create vibrant expressions of parish life rooted in the life of Jesus Christ.

This planning process addresses the ongoing needs of parishes through the lens of four distinct priority drivers: Vibrancy of Parish Life (Mass Attendance & Sacraments); Condition of Facilities; Financial Viability of a Parish; and Distribution and Availability of Clergy.

Over the last several months, conversation and consultation has taken place in several parish communities regarding how best to work together and grow together in faithfulness to Christ and His Church.

Beginning on July 1, 2025, three new consolidated parish communities will take shape. Each community will have a new name and the clergy assignments for the new parishes are listed below.

1.

Beginning on July 1, Blessed Sacrament Parish, with its sole worship site of Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Throop, will be consolidated with Holy Cross Parish, with its sole worship site of Saint Patrick Church, Olyphant.

The name of the newly consolidated parish will be Blessed Carlo Acutis Parish, pending his canonization on Sept. 7, 2025, after which time the consolidated parish will be Saint Carlo Acutis Parish.

Father Scott Sterowski, current pastor of both Blessed Sacrament and Holy Cross Parishes, has been appointed pastor of the newly consolidated parish. Deacon John P. Musyt will also serve the newly consolidated parish.

2.

Beginning on July 1, Annunciation Parish, with its sole worship site of Saint Gabriel Church, Hazleton, will be consolidated with Holy Name of Jesus Parish, with its sole worship site of Transfiguration Church, West Hazleton.

The name of the newly consolidated parish will be Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish in honor of Saint Padre Pio.

Father Kevin Miller, current pastor of both parishes, has been appointed to serve as pastor of the newly consolidated parish. Father Neftali Feliz-Sena and Father Benito Hierro Aquino will serve as assistant pastors.

3.

Beginning on July 1, Most Precious Blood Parish, with its sole worship site of Most Precious Blood Church, Hazleton, will be consolidated with Queen of Heaven Parish, with its sole worship site of Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton.

The name of the newly consolidated parish will be Our Lady of Peace Parish.

Father Anthony Generose, current pastor of both parishes, has been appointed to serve as pastor of the newly consolidated parish. Father Rafael Ofarril Bermudez Gonzalez will serve as assistant pastor. 

SCRANTON – When asked why he came to the Diocese of Scranton’s annual Wedding Anniversary Mass, Brian Kelly didn’t hesitate to be honest.

“My wife told me I was going to do it,” he joked with a smile, glancing at Pat, his wife of 50 years.

The Kellys, parishioners of Saint Andrew Parish in Wilkes-Barre, were among 115 couples honored at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on June 1 for reaching milestone anniversaries – 25, 50, and even more years of marriage. Together, the couples represented an astounding 4,880 years of love, partnership, and commitment.

But for Brian, after starting with direction, the occasion turned more into reflection.
“The more I thought about it, the more I said, what an honor, what a wonderful day and I would not ever have missed today,” he said.

His sentiment echoed throughout the Cathedral, which was filled with couples who’ve walked together through decades of joy, challenges, and struggles.

“Being married isn’t a bed of roses. It is an endeavor that two people take and they have to meet the challenges along the way,” Pat Kelly explained. “I believe God is right there with you, because between two people you have to have God with you, and he helps you get through everything.”

The Wedding Anniversary Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has become a beloved tradition in the Diocese of Scranton, honoring the sacred bonds of marriage.

In his homily, Bishop Bambera thanked couples for being living witnesses of love and perseverance.

“Christian marriage, your marriage, has endured because you come to see it as part of something much bigger than yourselves,” Bishop Bambera said. “You see your marriage as something of a mystery – the mystery of God’s love woven into creation, embraced in your lives and lived only through God’s grace.”

Each couple attending the Mass received a special certificate, but more than any memento, many said they were touched by the opportunity to come together and reflect on what it takes to build a marriage that lasts.

Many also appreciated the opportunity to renew their wedding vows during the Mass.

“It went by very quickly,” Christine Kane, a parishioner of Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin, said. “Renewing our vows was nice. It reminded me how long it has been since we’ve actually looked at each other in the eyes and said those vows.”

Christine and her husband, Thomas, are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

“It is a nice reminder of how our marriage started with vows and being in church,” Thomas added. “Church has always been a big part of our lives, so it is a nice reminder to reemphasize that on our anniversary like this.”

Asked what advice they might offer couples just starting their journey, this year’s attendees had many things to offer.

“Love, patience, and always listening to what the other person has to say,” Christine said.

“Communication is very important. Working together and knowing you’re working together and having a sense of humor,” Thomas added.

“I think it’s having faith in God that he is going to help you get through everything,” Pat Kelly said.

“Love, big time, I’ve had that from day one,” her husband Pat added with a smile.

SCRANTON – After more than 120 years as a spiritual home to generations of Catholics in South Scranton, Nativity of Our Lord Church closed its doors for the final time on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The church, filled to capacity with more than 500 parishioners, was filled with both sorrow and gratitude as the community gathered for the closing Mass.

“It was a solemn and sad occasion but one that was also filled with faith and love,” Father Jonathan Kuhar, pastor of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, explained.

Father Kuhar served as principal celebrant of the Mass and was assisted by Deacon Albert Giacometti. Seven other priests who are either native sons or served at Nativity Church concelebrated the liturgy.

“I thought the nine priests and a deacon on the altar for the consecration was incredible. It was beautiful to see them all up there and consecrating the hosts together,” parishioner Katie Kearney stated.

The final Mass, rich in symbolism and tradition, honored the sacred history of the church. Following the Prayer after Communion, the congregation participated in the Church’s traditional rites for the closing of a sacred space.

Together, the community prayed over the baptismal font that welcomed new life, the ambo from which the Word of God was proclaimed, and the Stations of the Cross that guided the faithful through the Passion and Death of Jesus.

But it was the final act of veneration – when parishioners were invited to approach the altar one last time – that brought the deepest emotion. One by one, young and old, families and longtime parishioners stepped forward.

Some touched the altar gently; others knelt and kissed it, a deeply personal goodbye to a place that had shaped their lives.

“As a Eucharistic Minister, I’ve been giving Communion out for 38 years now. That is the centerpiece of the church,” parishioner George Schneider, Jr., said. “It was beautiful the way they closed it, acknowledging the baptismal font, stained glass, altar, and statue of Mary.”

The closure of Nativity of Our Lord Church comes after several years of prayerful consultation and difficult discernment by parish leaders. With a decline in Mass attendance and growing financial pressures, it was concluded that the community could no longer sustain two worship sites.

In his homily, Father Kuhar acknowledged the heartbreak while pointing the community toward hope. He also thanked many people, including the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who helped build the faith community.

“Nothing that is loved by God is ever lost. It might pass through our fingers for a moment, but it is never lost,” Father Kuhar said. “Even though we say goodbye today, we entrust it to God’s hands. We are a pilgrim people. We journey through this life, and we do as best we can the work of our God.”

Following the Mass, many parishioners left Nativity together on foot, walking approximately 20 minutes to Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church on Prospect Avenue – a symbolic procession from the past into the future. Following a prayer service, a reception allowed the faithful to share stories, memories and hope for the future.

LOCKING THE DOORS

Four long-time parishioners were invited to serve as closing sacristans to lock the doors of Nativity Church and seal them with ribbon.

Paul Bracey, 92, never thought he would be asked to perform the important task.

“I locked the doors many times through the years for different services. It was tough to see it go,” he admitted.

Even though it has been more than 80 years since he received his First Holy Communion in Nativity Church, Bracey still remembers being part of the first class to receive the Holy Eucharist in the Upper Church.

“It was the first time they opened up the Upper Church to children,” he said. “Before that, all the children’s Masses were held in the Lower Church. The pastor even brought the children up on the top step to receive Communion. That sticks with me all these years.”

HONORING FOUNDING PASTOR

As part of its closing weekend, Father James O’Reilly, the founding pastor of Nativity Church was honored and remembered.

On Saturday, June 7, parishioners prayed Morning Prayer together in remembrance of former cleric who died in 1907. After his death, Father O’Reilly was interred in the lower chapel at his request so that he could remain with the community.

Following Morning Prayer, the parish community reinterred him at the Sacred Hearts Cemetery. He was buried in a place of honor on the hill next to Bishop Henry Klonowski, the longtime pastor of Sacred Hearts Parish.

“From there may they both watch over the flock of our parish while we wait together for the Day of Resurrection,” a note in the Closing Mass program stated.

PARISHIONERS MOVE FORWARD IN FAITH

While Nativity Church will no longer be a location for liturgies, parishioners say the legacy of Nativity of Our Lord Church will continue to live on in the hearts of its people.

Two years ago, the faithful of Nativity Church and Sacred Hearts Church consolidated to form Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish serving South Scranton and East Mountain.

Since that time, the church congregations have merged and learned from one another.

“While the church is beautiful, it is a building,” parishioner Victoria Ayala said. “But it is not just about a building. It’s the faith inside of us and what we hold in God’s love. That is what we transport from here to there.”

SCRANTON – With the smell of potato pancakes in the air and the sound of music echoing down Wayne Avenue, the summer festival season officially kicked off this past weekend at the annual Mary, Mother of God Parish Block Party.

Held on June 14 and 15, the beloved neighborhood tradition drew thousands of people from near and far.

Whether they came for the food – favorites like pizza fritta, hot dogs and hamburgers – or for the fellowship, games, and basket raffles, there was something for everyone.

“We got very lucky. The weather, which had been predicted to be very bad all week, on Friday, turned out to be one of the nicer days of the year,” Father Cyril Edwards, pastor, Mary, Mother of God Parish, said.

While describing Block Party Weekend as a little “chaotic,” Father Edwards says the work is well worth it.

“No other event brings as many people to the streets of North Scranton as our Block Party. Friday night was a mad house with people,” he said. “You make a profit and introduce people to church who may have very little or no connection to any church.”

The Block Party – like other church festivals, picnics, and bizarres being planned around the Diocese of Scranton this summer – is a powerful reminder of community, tradition and shared joy.

“We get to see people that we haven’t seen all winter and people come from all over. It’s wonderful,” Mary Claire Boylan, co-chair of the Mary, Mother of God Block Party, explained. “What we do brings so many people together.”

Boylan, who has co-chaired the Block Party since 2009, says the events allow parishioners of all ages and abilities to get involved.

“We usually start planning in February. We start having committee meetings because we have a phenomenal group of people,” she added.

Throughout the summer months, dozens of other parishes across the Diocese will open their doors – and their parking lots – to host festivals, picnics, and bazaars.

While each has its own unique flavor, from homemade ethnic foods to live music and games for kids.

Whether you’re craving a taste of tradition or simply looking for a fun evening out with family and friends, the following listing of parish festivals offer something meaningful for everyone.

To view a full list of upcoming church festivals submitted by parishes, visit the Diocese of Scranton website at dioceseofscranton.org.

HARVEYS LAKE – Neither gray skies nor the threat of rain could dampen a beloved tradition in Luzerne County.

On Sunday, June 15, 2025, local boaters gathered once again on Harveys Lake for the annual Blessing of the Boats, an event that has taken place on the popular waterway for more than 70 years.

Held at the Warden Place dock on Lakeside Drive, the Blessing of the Boats draws family boats, sleek jet skis, colorful kayaks, and everything in between.

Despite overcast skies, Father Andrew Hvozdovic offered blessings for a safe, joyful, and peaceful season on the lake to each family that participated.

“Just like we offer a blessing for cars and houses, we just ask for God’s safety and for God’s protection to be upon them,” Father Hvozdovic said, referring to the boaters.

As Father Hvozdovic, pastor of Our Lady of Victory Parish in the community, sprinkled holy water on each vessel, he also joked with each person that the blessing only takes effect if he gets to ride on the boat.

“They get a chuckle out of that,” he said.

Locals say the boat blessing marks the unofficial start of lake season, bringing together year-round residents and weekend visitors alike.

For many families, it’s a multi-generational tradition.

“I’ve had my boat blessed. I’ve had my wave runner blessed multiple times, so today I brought over my paddleboat to get that blessed and get a little exercise,” Merry Ann Edwards said.

Despite the chance of rain at any moment, the spirit of those participating was still high.

“It’s just one of the fun things of summer. We have a very short season here at the lake. The winters are hard, so we look forward to our summers and to allow our wonderful faith to be a part of our wonderful summer,” Edwards added. “It just makes for a wonderful time here on the lake.”

As summer officially approaches, Harveys Lake is once again ready to welcome days of sunshine, laughter, and safe adventures on the water – with just a little extra divine protection.

“I’ve grown up coming to this every year,” resident Jack Herron said. “It’s a good tradition and something that we always look forward to each year.”

SCRANTON – Many people in the community may not know that located near the entrance of Cathedral Cemetery in West Scranton is a quiet, sacred space dedicated to the unborn.

Due to the efforts of the Knights of Columbus Council 12572, that space is now more visible and welcoming to the public.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, the Knights of Columbus held a special dedication ceremony for a newly installed three-foot plaque at the Tomb of the Unborn, inviting the public to recognize the peaceful spot as a place of prayer, reflection, and healing.

“As people drive by seeing the plaque, knowing it’s the Tomb of the Unborn, they can offer a prayer quickly, or if they want to stop and kneel here at the foot of the monument, they can do so,” Master Brian Hallock, Knights of Columbus Pennsylvania Central District, said.

John Scandale, Knights of Columbus District Deputy, said prior to the plaque being installed there was only a small name plate at the top of the monument that often went overlooked.

“It got very little notice. People generally don’t look up, so it got missed,” Scandale explained. “We thought this needed identification.”

Through the generosity of Monuments by Parise, a company based in Lackawanna County’s Up Valley, the plaque was donated and installed.

“They did an excellent job,” Patrick Williams, one of the project organizers explained.
Williams said the Tomb of the Unborn was also power washed, and new shrubbery was planted around its base, including two new rose bushes.

“We’re working with J&L Construction on replacing some of the stone and pointing the joints of the monument because they’re starting to leak a little bit,” Williams added.

The work is very meaningful for Theresa Baux who visits the site regularly.

“I’ve come here for years and years, being a post-aborted woman,” Baux explained. “I would always come here and pray because I didn’t have a monument for my own child. I would just come here and pray.”

Baux now works with other women who have had abortions and provides information and resources to pregnant women hoping they choose life.

“The unborn that are killed in the womb in this day and age is a terrible tragedy,” Baux stated.

Father Michael Boris, assistant pastor, Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and Saint Gregory Parish, Clarks Green, attended the dedication ceremony and provided a blessing.

Located just to the first left as you enter Cathedral Cemetery on Oram Street, the new plaque at the Tomb of the Unborn now stands not only as a memorial, but also as a reminder of the Knights’ ongoing mission to support life and family in all stages.

“We’re trying to build up our activities, get more members and do more work in the community,” Scandale ended by saying.

SCRANTON – For Shannon Andres of Reading, this year’s Catholic Women’s Conference was more than just a day of spiritual reflection – it was a deeply personal journey of faith shared with her mother.

Andres, who currently lives in the neighboring Diocese of Allentown, attended the June 7 event at Marywood University alongside her mother, who had come alone the previous year.

In the months since, the two women have grown closer in their spiritual lives – so much so that Shannon invited her mother to a women’s conference in the Allentown area earlier this year. In a beautiful return gesture, her mother brought her to this year’s “Refresh Your Faith: Heart to Heart Prayer” conference in Scranton.

“It’s just nice to be in a room full of women who just know the importance of Christ and the importance of our faith,” Andres said.

The day-long event, filled with prayer, powerful speakers, music, and community, left attendees like Shannon and her mother renewed and inspired in their Catholic faith.

“It’s just so moving and it’s just so great to hear people express what we can do to be closer to our faith and what we can do to reflect how much Jesus loves us,” she added.

Several hundred women attended the conference, saying the event radiated energy, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“It has been such an incredible experience. I’m very touched. It had amazing energy. I can feel the Spirit, I can feel God’s presence here today,” Lizbeth Lamont, a first-time attendee from Saint John Parish in East Stroudsburg said.

“It is great talking to people that we know and people that we don’t know and just sharing in the love of our Lord and just enjoying each other’s company for a great day of prayer,” Bridget Kennedy of Saint Paul Parish in Scranton added.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, kicked off this year’s conference with a special Mass, urging women to embrace the heart of prayer and the strength of their faith in today’s world.

“This gathering today, with its theme of Heart to Heart Prayer, is an invitation for all of us to engage in the vital practice of opening our hearts to God and placing before the Lord our lives – with all their blemishes, joys, blessings and brokenness – trust that God will ever and always receive us in his tender embrace,” Bishop Bambera said.

The day unfolded with a lineup of speakers that each offered a unique perspective on faith and spiritual growth.

Sister Maria Kateri of the Sisters of Life encouraged attendees to live with courage and conviction rooted in God’s love. Kara Kardell, host of the popular Draw Near podcast, encouraged the women to take time to listen to God speak to them in silence. Acclaimed Catholic musician Sarah Hart moved the crowd with her music and message, blending song and storytelling in a way that brought tears, laughter, and reflection.

“My favorite part is when Kara had us close our eyes and say our name to ourselves,” Danita Evans of Saint Ann Parish in Williamsport said. “If we’re quiet and we silence ourselves and we listen, we can hear His voice.”

“Kara’s message about making sure that we have the time to listen to God speak in silence to us, I think that is what I’ll take away from today,” Teresa James of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Cresco added. “Also, Sarah’s encouragement that none of us have this figured out but God is with us and all will be well.”

Throughout the day, women also took advantage of opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, fellowship during a community lunch, and spiritual conversations in the lively Catholic marketplace that featured vendors, local ministries, and other artisans.

As the day ended, many attendees left reinvigorated in their mission as women of the Church – ready to carry the light of Christ into their families, parishes, and communities.

That includes Shannon Andres and her mother – who shared the special spiritual journey together.

“The Holy Spirit works in mysterious and wonderful ways and just having a day where everyone can focus on how much they love Christ and love our faith is such an amazing thing,” she said.

SCRANTON – Despite all the rich symbolism and sacred rituals of a Diaconate Ordination Mass, it was just eight words that held the deepest meaning for Jan Carlo Perez.

“I testify that he has been found worthy,” Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation/Diocesan Vocations Director, proclaimed during the Rite of Ordination on May 24, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

“When you’re on this road, you struggle a lot with unworthiness … To hear ‘we have found him worthy’ to the acclamation of God’s Church, that was something special,” Rev. Mr. Perez said just minutes after the Mass concluded. “It has been eight years since I started, three years in minor seminary, a pastoral year, theology, I left for a year and I came back, it has been a long road.”

A road that Perez admits was filled with prayerful discernment.

“I’ve grown a lot in ways that I never expected to grow. I just thank God. To God, be all the glory,” Rev. Mr. Perez added.

Perez, 26, is the son of Dr. Alex and Mrs. Liana Perez of Stroudsburg. He is a parishioner of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg. Perez graduated from Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg in 2016 and attended Temple University for one year before transferring to Cathedral Seminary in Queens, N.Y., later graduating from St. John’s University in Queens in 2020.

For the last several years, Perez has been attending St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md., where alongside his normal seminary studies he is getting a specialization in sacred scripture.

“God has given me everything and I can only give him so little back. I can give him back my life, that’s about it,” Rev. Mr. Perez added.

The Diaconate Ordination Mass was attended by clergy and seminarians, along with Perez’s family and friends, who gathered to witness and support him in this sacred moment.

“Honestly, I feel great. This has been awesome. There were so many people that I just didn’t know would come and support me on this day,” he explained.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant, homilist, and ordaining prelate at the Mass. During his homily, the Bishop explained that the responsibilities of a deacon encompass three main areas: Ministry of the Word of God; Ministry of the Liturgy; and Ministry of Charity.

“If you want your ministry as a deacon to be fruitful, Jan, you must root yourself in Jesus’ life and love. The disciplines of prayer, obedience, and celibacy that you are called to embrace this day are meant to enable you to grow in the same spirit of service and mercy that so characterized Jesus’ ministry,” Bishop Bambera said. “These disciplines are not obstacles, hurdles or distractions that are somehow detached from what it means to be an ordained minister of the Church. They are not meant to set you up as being better or greater than others. Rather, they are the vehicles that will carry you to a deeper union with Jesus.”

While Perez is excited to begin preaching homilies and proclaiming God’s Word, he readily admits needing to serve the poor in a greater way.

“I’ve been reflecting on service a lot because I think, if I can be a little vulnerable here, I think it’s probably one of the things I feel weakest in. I feel like I haven’t done enough for God’s Church and now I’ve been commissioned to do this by the Church, so I know I have to look for every opportunity to serve the homeless, the poor, and the suffering,” Perez added.

Perez was ordained as a transitional deacon, meaning he will now serve in various capacities within the diocese, gaining practical experience and deepening his spiritual life in preparation for priestly ordination, which is expected to take place next year.

His journey reflects the Church’s commitment to nurturing vocations and ensuring that those called to serve are well-prepared to lead and guide the faithful.

“I’m really looking forward to learning everything I can this year so that I can be as prepared as I can be for the priesthood,” Perez said. “The day of (priestly) ordination is just the beginning. It’s not like graduating where you’re done with school and now, you’re onto something completely different. No, it’s just the beginning of something and I look forward to being as prepared as I can be.”