Author: Eric Deabill

SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton’s annual Mass of Remembrance will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

This Mass is offered for family and friends of those who have died in tragedy, especially through murder, suicide and accident.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will serve as principal celebrant of the Mass.

CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will provide live coverage of the Mass of Remembrance. The Mass will also be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel and across all social media platforms.

PECKVILLE – Hundreds of Catholics from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered in Peckville and Dupont on June 11 and 12 to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, taking part in two special liturgies highlighting one of the Church’s most beloved devotions and its enduring message of God’s love.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, first celebrated Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville on the Vigil of the Solemnity and visited Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dupont for the feast day itself.

The celebrations coincided with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the country prepares to mark its 250th anniversary.

At the conclusion of the Vigil Mass in Peckville, Bishop Bambera consecrated the parish community to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and encouraged families to renew that devotion within their own homes.

“It was glorious to see so many people here,” Father Andy Kurovsky, Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville, said. “When you know and you believe that you are loved, it becomes so much easier to act in a more loving way in your day to day lives.”

Throughout both celebrations, Bishop Bambera emphasized a simple but profound message rooted in Scripture: We love, because God first loved us.

Father Kurovsky said that message resonates deeply in a world often marked by division and uncertainty.

“There is too much division and what we forget is that we’re so much more alike,” he said. “That begins with God’s great love for us. His love is freely given to all of us.”

In his homily, Bishop Bambera reflected on the meaning of the consecration and challenged the faithful to allow Christ’s love to transform their lives. He reminded everyone that devotion to the Sacred Heart is not merely a prayer or image but a commitment to live with greater mercy, compassion, and concern for others.

“Our consecration challenges us to move into our world and embrace it with love, mercy, and respect,” the Bishop said. “It challenges us to feed the poor, to love our enemies, to live in peace with one another, to accept the immigrant, and to proclaim to our world that we are Christians not solely because of the words of consecration that we proclaim but because of the love we share with our broken world.”

Many who attended the celebrations say they offered a hopeful reminder of Christ’s presence amid the challenges facing society today.

“For all of us, the love of Christ has to come from our heart,” Christine Loyek of Saint Ann Basilica Parish in West Scranton said. “What better way than to be here when our hearts are joined with the Sacred Heart of Jesus?”

At the Mass in Dupont, Father Thomas Petro said the devotion remains especially relevant in today’s world because it continually calls people back to God’s mercy.

“I really do believe that our country and our world is in great need of God’s love and his healing power that begins in the hearts of each believer,” he said.

For many faithful, the large crowds at both liturgies served as a powerful witness to faith.

“Christ gives us the inspiration, the hope, the guidance, the love, the assurance, that in following him, we go along the path that we need to go to obtain eternal life,” Frank Suraci of Saint Joseph Marello Parish in Pittston, said.

“Jesus is always there for us. People come and go in our lives, but He is the one that is always here,” parishioner Mary Jo Salva said following the Peckville celebration. “He wants us to be happy, and He loves us no matter what.”

SCRANTON – More than 400 women from parishes across the Diocese of Scranton and beyond gathered at Marywood University on June 6 for the 2026 Catholic Women’s Conference.

The day of prayer, fellowship and inspiration centered on the theme, “Courageous Faith.”

The annual event featured Mass with the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, keynote speakers, opportunities for Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, music and more.

In his homily at the opening Mass, Bishop Bambera reflected on the Gospel account of the widow who placed two small coins into the temple treasury, explaining that her gift was significant not because of its value, but because of her complete trust in God.

“The widow in today’s Gospel is praised by Jesus not because of what she gave but because of who she was – a woman of faith who relied upon her God and trusted that he would walk with her in her life’s journey,” the Bishop said.

Drawing from the conference theme, the Bishop reminded participants that courageous faith is not merely belief but action.

“It’s a faith that lives boldly, stepping forward despite opposition, and refusing to compromise on the truth,” he said.

Throughout the day, speakers also challenged attendees to deepen their trust in God and live their faith more intentionally.

Father Dan Reehil, pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Nashville, Tenn., encouraged women to remain rooted in gratitude regardless of life’s circumstances.

“God wants us to have faith that no matter what happens in our life, we turn to him and we thank him,” Father Reehil said. “At every Mass, in the preface, we say it every single day, ‘We give thanks to you, O Heavenly Father, always and everywhere.’”

Musician, speaker, and evangelist Francesca LaRosa reflected on the challenge of surrendering one’s plans to God, especially during difficult moments.

“Maybe God is asking you to trust him with your family, with your marriage, with your faith, with your children, with your health, with your future, with a dream that you had buried,” LaRosa said. “Courageous faith means, ‘Jesus, I trust in you,’ no matter what.”

For many participants, the conference provided an opportunity to be renewed in faith while connecting with other Catholic women.

It’s very important, as a woman, to be with a lot of people, and prayer is so powerful with groups of people,” Mary Kay Noto, a parishioner of the linked parishes of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saints Anthony & Rocco in Dunmore, said. “To express your faith, it’s a beautiful thing.”

Robyn Patrick of Saint Carlo Acutis Parish in Olyphant described the conference atmosphere as “uplifting and energizing.”

“You walk into this room, and you feel welcomed,” Patrick said. “You know that your purpose is to be here and to learn and to bring something back and hopefully share it with the people that you meet in your everyday life.”

Maria Dalrymple of Saint Ann Basilica Parish in Scranton said the conference served as an important reminder that Christians are not meant to walk alone in faith.

“We’re meant to be in community with one another,” Dalrymple said. “It is an incredible opportunity when we get to come together, pray together, and remind ourselves that not only is God walking with us, but the Body of Christ – the Church – all these women – we’re all in this together.”

For Bridget Conway of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville, the conference offered encouragement through the witness of others who have faced challenges with faith and perseverance.

“I was encouraged and invited to come here by my mom and I’m so glad that I accepted that invitation,” Conway said. “It has really been a wonderful experience … I hope to someday in the future, share this day with my daughter.”

As this year’s conference ended, the women were encouraged to mark their calendars for the 2027 Catholic Women’s Conference – which will be held on June 11 & 12, 2027.

JERMYN – With prayers and cherished memories, parishioners gathered on June 7, 2026, for a Closing Mass of Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Jermyn, bringing to a close more than 130 years of worship at the church in Lackawanna County’s Upper Valley.

Father Ryan P. Glenn, Pastor of Christ the King Parish, served as the principal celebrant and homilist for the Solemn Mass of Relegation, held on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Concelebrating priests included Assistant Pastor, Father Michael Amo Gyau, and several priests of the Diocese of Scranton.

Members of the Knights of Columbus Council 7622 provided an honor guard.

The Mass marked the final celebration of the Eucharist in the church before its permanent closure as part of the Diocese of Scranton’s Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning Process.

“Unfortunately, because of a declining population, a limited number of priest personnel, and some major repairs coming down the pike, we determined with our pastoral council and our finance council that the church needed to be relegated, needed to be closed,” Father Glenn said. “To honor the legacy of the church and its parishioners, and the wonderful ministries here, we celebrated this final Mass.”

While the day was marked by sadness, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the church’s rich history and enduring impact on generations of Catholics.

The roots of the Catholic faith in Jermyn date back to 1875, when the first Mass was celebrated in Rymer’s Hall for a growing population of Irish immigrants, many of whom worked in local coal mines.

In 1879, a plot of land was purchased on Washington Street in Jermyn for a church and for ten years, priests from Saint Thomas Aquinas Church in Archbald would ride into the community on horseback to celebrate Mass.

Sacred Heart of Mary Parish was formally established in 1889, and the cornerstone for the present church on Madison Avenue was laid in 1892. The first Mass at the site was celebrated in 1893. Plans to proceed with the construction of the upper church were delayed for several years due to significant coal mine strikes and labor disputes.

In 1908, Sacred Heart of Mary Church in Jermyn was formally dedicated and it became a spiritual and community center for families.

“As you come off the Casey Highway, the steeple of the church is one of the first things you see in the skyline,” Father Glenn noted. “The community has gathered here for social events, for fundraisers, for prayer and for the sacraments.”

For parishioners, the church’s significance extended far beyond its bricks and stained-glass windows.

“My family has been there for four generations,” parishioner Elizabeth Pittsman said. “I grew up going to this church – baptized, confirmed, Communion, everything happened in this church for me.”

Olivia Cunningham, who served at the Closing Mass as an altar server, reflected on the church’s importance in her own life.

“My mom and dad received all their sacraments there. I received all my sacraments there. My parents got married in the church,” she said. “I just think the family aspect of it holds a special place in my heart.”

Even in their sadness and grief, many took comfort in some of the Scripture verses contained in the worship aid for the closing Mass, trusting that Jesus Christ will transform their broken hearts by his grace and mercy.

Those verses included: “Behold, I make all things new” (Revelation 21:5) and “one Faith, one Lord, one Baptism” (Ephesians 4:5-6).

At the conclusion of the liturgy, the closing ritual included special prayers over the ministers of the church, the baptismal font, the statue of Mary and Saints, Stations of the Cross, stained glass windows, crucifix, ambo, and the altar.

Parishioners were also invited to process forward and reverence the altar one final time before leaving the church. Many paused to kiss the altar or offer a prayer of thanksgiving.

“It was a very emotional moment because the finality is very much present,” Father Glenn said. “Our human reaction is to mourn and grieve what has been, but as people of faith, our response is to move forward with hope.”

After all parishioners exited, three individuals representing different generations and ministries of the church ceremonially closed and locked the doors.

At the time of its closing, Sacred Heart of Mary Church was a secondary worship site of Christ the King Parish. Even with its doors now closed, Father Glenn emphasized that the mission of Christ the King Parish continues.

“So many people from Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald and Eynon continue to rally, continue to do the good work of the Gospel, whether it is prayer, gathering for the sacraments, our community outreach to the hungry and those who are in need, catechizing and educating our children, there is so much that continues to happen at Christ the King Parish. The legacy of Sacred Heart of Mary (Church) continues, and we move forward as a united parish of Christ the King,” he said.

SCRANTON – For generations, they have baptized infants, witnessed marriages, celebrated the Eucharist, comforted grieving families, and guided countless souls in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

On Thursday, June 4, 2026, faithful from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter to honor twelve priests who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of their ordination during the annual Mass for Priest Jubilarians.

Principal celebrant and homilist, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, recognized the priests for their decades of faithful service to the Church.

Together, the jubilarians represented 600 years of priestly ministry.

While each priest’s journey has been unique, several of the jubilarians shared a common reflection as they looked back on their years of service: the blessings they received far exceeded anything they sacrificed.

“I’ve gotten more,” Father Phillip J. Sladicka said when asked if the priesthood had given back as much as he had invested over the last fifty years.

Overcome with emotion, the Pastor Emeritus of Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca paused before continuing.

“So much more. It’s all I can say.”

Ordained on May 1, 1976, Father Sladicka traces his vocation back to a family life rooted in faith and the encouragement of an aunt who inspired him to reflect on his desire to become a priest.

Looking back, he said some of his greatest joys have come through accompanying people during important moments in their lives and helping them grow in faith.

“Being with families, being with people, being able to draw them in through Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation,” he said. “What a joy it is to celebrate our Lord with people who love Him and are desiring to grow in the Lord.”

For Father John Polednak, who is also celebrating his fiftieth anniversary of ordination, the greatest gift of priesthood has likewise been the people he has served.

The former Diocesan Vicar for Clergy said he did not seriously consider priesthood until his sophomore year in college.

“Some things happened in my life, and I got the inkling that maybe I should try seminary,” he recalled. “The rest is history.”

Five decades later, Father Polednak still treasures the notes and cards he occasionally receives from parishioners who remember a homily, a conversation, or a moment of support years after it occurred.

“You don’t have an immediate family, but you have the whole parish, and the parish literally becomes your family and you’re very much enmeshed with them,” he added.

Among this year’s jubilarians, no one has served longer than Father Joseph J. Adonizio, who was recognized for seventy years of priesthood.

Ordained on May 29, 1956, Father Adonizio has witnessed tremendous changes in both the Church and society during his seven decades of ministry.

Now approaching his 100th birthday, he remains deeply grateful for his vocation.

“I had within me a feeling that I wanted to serve and also that I would have Christ in my life,” he said when reflecting on his decision to enter the priesthood.

Throughout his ministry, some of his most meaningful moments came while caring for those who were suffering.

“One of my greatest joys was visiting the sick and comforting families in mourning,” he said.

Although he eventually stepped away from active ministry, Father Adonizio continues to reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed upon him.

“God has been very generous and good to me,” he said. “I thank Him every moment of my life. Throughout the day, I express my gratitude: ‘Thank you Lord, thank you.’”

He also credits the Blessed Mother for being by his side.

“Our Blessed Mother has guided my priesthood and protected me all these years,” he added.

SCRANTON – A total of 163 couples who are celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries this year will be recognized at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will serve as principal celebrant and homilist for the Diocese of Scranton’s annual Wedding Anniversary Mass that this year recognizes married couples who are celebrating their 10th, 25th, 40th and 50th anniversaries.

The Mass will begin at 2:30 p.m.

In all, the couples registered to attend the Mass will signify 6,250 years of married life.

Marriage is a vocation to holiness. All marriages can grow in knowledge, faith, joy, and love. Whether a married couple is just starting out or has fifty years (or more) under their belt, the Church can always help strengthen and bless your marriage.

This year, a couple who has been married for 69 years is planning to attend the Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass.

In all, couples from 69 different parishes plan to participate.

CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will broadcast the Mass live and provide a livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel and all Diocesan social media platforms.

As we celebrate these milestone anniversaries, please join us in praying for these couples and all married couples throughout the Diocese, that their lives may continue to reflect the faithful and enduring love of Christ.

SCRANTON – More than 180 visitors stepped into stories of compassion, resilience and service when the national People of Hope Museum made a stop at Nay Aug Park on June 10.

Hosted by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, the traveling exhibit from Catholic Charities USA welcomed 183 visitors throughout the day, offering an interactive experience designed to foster greater understanding of poverty, community service and the dignity of every human person.

Before the museum opened, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, joined Catholic Social Services staff and community leaders for a brief prayer service and blessing.

“I think the most important thing this museum reminds us of is not only need, but opportunities that we are given as a people, as a community, and as a Church to respond to that need,” Bishop Bambera said. “The name of this traveling museum says it all – a people of hope.”

Housed inside a 53-foot tractor trailer, the museum featured video testimonies, storytelling opportunities and an interactive poverty simulation that challenged visitors to navigate the difficult decisions many families face each day.

Joe Mahoney, CEO of Catholic Social Services, said the exhibit offered an opportunity for visitors to better understand both the challenges facing vulnerable individuals and the ways Catholic Charities agencies respond.

“The poverty simulator was eye-opening to me,” Mahoney said. “It’s not easy being poor. There are so many hoops and hurdles to get through – what people in poverty face on a daily basis as they try to feed their families and get through the day.”

Mahoney noted that the museum’s message aligns closely with the mission of Catholic Social Services.

“I’ve been working with Catholic Charities agencies for more than 20 years,” he said. “This is what we are. We are the people of hope.”

Bishop Bambera said the museum also served as an opportunity to highlight the often unseen work of Catholic Social Services throughout the Diocese of Scranton.

“Most of the work that we do, that touches thousands of people, is done quietly,” he explained. “We don’t have cameras at a kitchen or food pantry where people go for help each day. We don’t have cameras in our shelters where people stay each night. We’re content with doing it quietly and helping the people God has placed in our care.”

Launched in March, the People of Hope will travel to more than 150 cities across the country through the first half of 2028.

SCRANTON – On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the community is invited to participate in the 2026 World Refugee Day Celebration from 2-5 p.m.

The new location for this year’s event will be the Diocese of Scranton Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton.

The celebration will include cultural music and dance performances, refreshments, giveaways, games, and activities for kids.

More than 25 community agencies are working together to plan this celebration.

Members of the planning committee pictured are, front row, from left: Krishna Rai and Tek Khadka, Bhutanese Community of Scranton. Back row, from left: Phil Yevics, Scranton Area Multifaith Ministerium; Ghana Rasaily, Bhutanese Community of Scranton; Toya Timsina, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit; Tek Panday, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation Scranton Association; Audrey Golosky, United Neighborhood Centers; Mary Nehme, Catholic Social Services; Ana Becerril, Diocese of Scranton; Joseph Mahoney, Catholic Social Services; Fikile Ryder, Catholic Social Services; Julie Schumacher Cohen, The University of Scranton; Daysi Carreto, The University of Scranton; Maria Vital, Leahy Clinic; Jenny Gonzalez, S.T.A.R.S. Program at Marywood University; Sister Donna Korba, I.H.M., Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; Rabbi Daniel Swartz, Temple Hesed; and Rev. Tyler Perry, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Not pictured: Chandra Sitaula, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association; Ushu Mukelo, Congolese Community of Scranton; Channel Kearse, City of Scranton; and Dr. Melinda Krokus, Islamic Center of Scranton.

EAST STROUDSBURG – For more than 25 years, Rachel and John Moyer carried a mission born from heartbreak.

On Dec. 2, 2000, their 15-year-old son, Greg, a student at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School in East Stroudsburg, died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during halftime of an away basketball game. There was no automated external defibrillator (AED) available.

For the last quarter century, the Moyers have dedicated themselves to ensuring other families would not experience the same tragedy.

On May 22, 2026, surrounded by students, educators, lawmakers, and supporters inside the same Notre Dame gymnasium where Greg once played basketball, the family celebrated the passage of Act 17 of 2026 in Pennsylvania, commonly known as the Greg Moyer Law.

The legislation requires AEDs at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic practices and competitions and mandates emergency action plans and training for sudden cardiac arrest situations in schools.

“I’m feeling ecstatic because there was no way that I was going to do anything else until this legislation was passed,” Rachel Moyer said. “But I didn’t think it was going to take 25 years. We kept thinking, ‘This is going to be the session,’ and we’d get this close and something would happen. But it is a no-brainer law.”

Returning to Notre Dame brought back memories of Greg, whose photograph and basketball jersey still hang in the school hallway.

“It’s bittersweet, in a way, because he loved it here,” Moyer said. “The love and the spirit are still here.”

Former Notre Dame Principal Jeff Lyons vividly remembers the night Greg died and the impact it had on the school community.

“It was the greatness of the Catholic community that kept us together,” Lyons recalled. “We could get together, we could pray together, we felt like we were doing something. Greg was a great kid.”

Lyons said he was never surprised that Rachel Moyer continued the fight despite repeated setbacks.

“Most people would have ended it after hitting roadblock after roadblock after roadblock,” he said. “Rachel is tenacious.”

State Senator Rosemary Brown, who authored the legislation, credited the Moyer family for making the law a reality.

“As your senator and the author of the Greg Moyer Law, I am truly proud to stand alongside the Moyer family today,” Brown said. “They – and Greg – have been the driving force behind this legislation from the very beginning.”

For John Moyer, the law’s significance extends beyond requiring AEDs. He feels the training this new law mandates will be just as critical.

“Sadly, we’ve encountered dozens of parents who have lost kids to cardiac arrest even when an AED was present simply because nobody knew where it was or how to use it,” he said.

While the law represents the end of one journey, the Moyers insist that their work is not finished.

“We’re not going to stop,” Rachel Moyer said. “We’re going to let everyone know, from age four and up, what to do in an emergency and how to get assistance.”

 

 

CONYNGHAM – Hundreds of people filled Saint John Bosco Parish on May 31 for “Stars, Stripes & Symphony,” a special patriotic concert celebrating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary while raising support for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Presented by the Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, the free concert featured patriotic selections, tributes to the nation’s armed forces, and musical favorites designed to honor America’s history and heroes.

“We had a wonderful celebration getting ready for the 250th anniversary of our country,” Father Richard Polmounter, Pastor of Saint John Bosco Parish, said. “We had the Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra here to play all different tunes to get us in a patriotic spirit for this great anniversary that our country is having.”

The concert attracted people from across the greater Hazleton area and beyond, filling the church with an enthusiastic audience.

“To be a musician in a world of technology, where everything is A.I., to do the real thing and play to a warm and receptive audience is every musician’s dream. It’s just so good to feed off their energy,” violinist Sarah Woolbert stated.

A free-will offering was collected during the event to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders, military veterans, and their families.

“These people put their lives on the line for us day after day, so the least we can do is show them some appreciation,” Robert Lagana, Director of the Hazleton Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra said.

One of the highlights of the concert came during a musical salute to the armed forces, when veterans and active-duty service members were invited to stand as their respective service songs were performed.

Audience members praised both the performance and its patriotic spirit.

“It was a great turnout. It really was,” Arlene Stagg, a parishioner of Saint John Bosco Parish, said. “All of the selections were so appropriate. The salute to the armed forces was really a nice tribute.”

As the nation prepares to celebrate its semiquincentennial, the concert offered an opportunity to reflect on the blessings of freedom and honor those who served.

“It was a beautiful day and a splendid concert,” Stagg added.