VATICAN CITY (CNS) – When Jesus called himself the “good shepherd,” he was telling people not only that he was their guide, but that they were important to him and “that he thinks of each of us as the love of his life,” Pope Francis said.

“Consider this: for Christ, I am important, he thinks of me, I am irreplaceable, worth the infinite price of his life,” which he laid down for the salvation of all, the pope said April 21 before reciting the “Regina Coeli” prayer with visitors in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis waves at people gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican April 21, 2024, for his recitation of the “Regina Coeli” prayer. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

Jesus was not just saying something nice, the pope said. Each believer should recognize that “he truly gave his life for me; he died and rose again for me. Why? Because he loves me, and he finds in me a beauty that I often do not see myself.”

Many people think of themselves as inadequate or undeserving of love, he said. Or they believe their value comes from what they have or are able to do.

In the day’s Gospel reading, Jn 10:11-18, “Jesus tells us that we are always infinitely worthy in his eyes,” the pope said.

To understand and experience the truth of that statement, Pope Francis said, “the first thing to do is to place ourselves in his presence, allowing ourselves to be welcomed and lifted up by the loving arms of our good shepherd.”

The pope asked people in the square to consider if they find or make the time each day “to embrace this assurance that gives value to my life” and “for a moment of prayer, of adoration, of praise, to be in the presence of Christ and to let myself be caressed by him.”

That time in prayer, he said, will remind a person that “he gave his life for you, for me, for all of us. And that for him, we are all important, each and every one of us.”

After reciting the “Regina Coeli,” Pope Francis told the crowd that he continues to follow the tensions in Israel, Palestine and throughout the Middle East “with concern and also with grief.”

“I renew my appeal not to give in to the logic of vengeance and war. May the paths of dialogue and diplomacy, which can do so much, prevail,” he said. “I pray every day for peace in Palestine and Israel, and I hope that these two peoples may stop suffering soon.”

He also asked Catholics to continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and for the people who are suffering because of the war.

 

 

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Peace can spread and grow from “small seeds” like including someone who is left out of an activity, showing concern for someone who is struggling, picking up some litter and praying for God’s help, Pope Francis told Italian schoolchildren.

“At a time still marked by war, I ask you to be artisans of peace,” the pope told some 6,000 Italian schoolchildren involved in the National Network of Schools of Peace, a civic education program designed to teach the children to care for themselves, their friends, their communities, the world and the environment.

A teacher blows a kiss to Pope Francis at the end of an audience with about 6,000 Italian schoolchildren involved in the National Network of Schools of Peace, a civic education program, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican April 19, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

During the gathering April 19 in the Vatican audience hall, Pope Francis led the children in a moment of silent prayer for their peers in Ukraine and in Gaza.

“In a society still prisoner of a throwaway culture,” he told them, “I ask you to be protagonists of inclusion; in a world torn by global crises, I ask you to be builders of the future, so that our common home may become a place of fraternity.”

The pope drew the children’s attention to the U.N. Summit of the Future, which is scheduled for Sept. 22-23 in New York to draft a “Pact for the Future,” focused on promoting international cooperation and partnerships to ensure “a world that is safer, more peaceful, more just, more equal, more inclusive, more sustainable, and more prosperous.”

While government leaders and experts in a variety of fields obviously must get involved to make that hope a reality, the pope said, the pact will remain “just words on a page” without a commitment by all people of good will to take concrete steps aimed at changing harmful behavior and building communities and societies where everyone feels they are cared for and belong.

“This is a dream that requires being awake and not asleep,” he told the young people. The world can change for the better only when people are out in the world, “not lying on the couch,” using media to create connections and not just waste time, “and then — listen carefully — this kind of dream is realized by praying, that is, together with God, not by our strength alone.”

“Peace, in fact, is not only a silence of weapons and absence of war,” Pope Francis said. “It is a climate of benevolence, trust and love that can mature in a society based on caring relationships, in which individualism, distraction and indifference give way to the ability to pay attention to others, to listen to their needs, to heal their wounds, to be instruments of compassion and healing.”

INDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) – Catholics will come to Indianapolis in the tens of thousands for the National Eucharistic Congress July 17-21 — some as individuals, some as couples, some as groups.

And some will come as families.

“The church is a family of families,” said Gabriela Ross, director of the Indianapolis Archdiocese’s Office of Marriage and Family Life. “It just makes sense for them to be here for the congress!”

Ross serves on the NEC planning team for the congress’s family track.

“We’ve tried to think of everything to make attending the National Eucharistic Congress as easy as possible for families,” she said, including offering free admission for children ages 12 and younger traveling with their family.

Ross spoke with The Criterion, Indianapolis’ archdiocesan newspaper, about the experience families can look forward to at the congress — and how families can prepare and be involved, whether or not they attend.

Families coming together to spend time focusing on the Eucharist is important, said Ross.

“The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith,” she said. “And marriage as a sacrament is an icon of God’s love.

“The vocation of marriage is to baptize and evangelize the family. If marriages are going to succeed in that vocation and mission, then they need the Eucharist as the source of their love, because the Eucharist transforms and purifies the family.”

The NEC website notes the same, stating, that “fostering a love of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist within our homes will have a profound impact on how we love others outside of our homes. … Eucharistic revival happens at the grassroots level, and the domestic church is an essential part of this movement.”

This message will be shared during the morning “Cultivate” family impact sessions during the congress. Speakers include Voluntas Dei Father Leo Patalinghug, founder of the Plating Grace international food and faith movement and host of EWTN’s “Savoring Our Faith” show; John Paul II Healing Center founder Bob Schuchts; and Damon and Melanie Owens, founders of the online Joyful Ever After marriage ministry.

Ennie and Cana Hickman, founders of the Del Rey Collective ministry, will serve as emcees, and popular Catholic musician Steve Angrisano will provide music at each session.

“It’s wonderful for Catholic families to encourage and support each other in their witness,” said Ross. “The family track has taken the time to anticipate a lot of those family needs – nursing, a sensory-friendly room, a family quiet room, volunteers at all entrances and exits, like a checkpoint in case little ones try to wander off.”

While the morning sessions are ticketed and have a capacity limit, all attendees are welcome to enjoy afternoon breakout talks and experiences.

“There are other family workshops beyond the talks,” Ross adds, including a “Catholic home experience that has Eucharistic adoration and activities for the whole family every day,” and an area offering “Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.”

Families also can enjoy some sightseeing in the afternoons. The Indiana Convention Center and neighboring Lucas Oil Stadium — the two NEC venues — are within walking distance of several museums, the canal walk, Monument Circle and more.

Whether planning on attending the congress or not, there are ways for families to be involved and focused on the Eucharist ahead of time, said Ross.

The National Eucharistic Revival website offers resources in English and Spanish for families and children of different ages at eucharisticrevival.org/revival-resources. Options include videos and activities on eucharistic saints, the Mass, small group discussions and more. Local opportunities can help families on the Eucharist, too.

“Join in a Corpus Christi procession, and invite other families to join you,” Ross suggested. The feast is celebrated June 2 this year.

Families also might participate in one of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage events from May 17-July 16, as eucharistic processions from the northern, eastern, southern and western areas of the United States make stops for adoration in parishes throughout the U.S. before converging in Indianapolis for the congress. Information on the four routes and parish stops can be found at eucharisticpilgrimage.org.

The most important action families can take is to pray, said Ross.

“Pray the Sisters of Life’s Eucharistic family prayer,” she said, which can be found at tinyurl.com/SOLFamilyPrayerCard. “Pray as a family in adoration. Talk with your parish about offering a family adoration experience.”

Ross invited families to include the National Eucharistic Congress among their intentions.

“Pray for the success of the congress, for those in attendance, for those planning the event,” she said. “And pray for renewal, that our country will experience renewed love for the Eucharist.”

Ross encouraged families throughout the country to come to the National Eucharistic Congress.

“This is such a unique moment in the life of the church,” she said. “It really is an incredible opportunity for families that will have a ripple effect. But it takes families to come to create those ripple effects when they go back to their communities and take their lived experience and witness to the faith.”

Ross acknowledges that planning any family trip can have its challenges.

“But in this case, everything is planned out for you — all you have to do is come!”

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate the Diocesan Scouts Mass on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

All scouts and their families are invited to attend the liturgy which will recognize the value of scouting.

During the Mass, three scouts are expected to receive the Pope Pius XII medal. The emblem for this award reflects the ideal of the youth’s growing awareness of the Word of God as well as the scouts place in the world.

Seven scouts will also receive the Ad Altare Dei medal, which centers on the Sacraments and equips the scout to take their place as a maturing Catholic.

At Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow, the value of scouting was also recognized recently as members of BSA Troop 132, Troop 1132 and Pack 126 participated in their annual Scout Sunday Service. Father Thomas M. Muldowney and Deacon Frank Zeranski are pictured at the right with the scouts that attended the Mass.

SCRANTON – Some serve their parishes as altar servers and ushers, while others serve their schools and community by participating in service projects and organizing fundraisers. In all cases, however, they have contributed to the mission of our local church by reaching out and touching lives in real and meaningful ways.

This month – after being nominated by their Pastor, Parish Life Coordinator, Principal, Religious Education Director, or Youth Minister – more than 500 young adults received the Bishop’s Youth Award.

After presenting each individual award, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera congratulated this year’s award recipients at the April 7, 2024 Mass.

Two separate Masses were held to distribute the awards earlier this month. Students in the western and southern regions of the Diocese received their awards at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Sunday, April 7, 2024, while students in the northern and eastern regions were recognized on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

“We’re all very, very proud of those of you who received an award,” the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, said during each Mass. “We are extremely grateful for your example and for the witness of your lives and for the hope that you give us all.”

Since 1996, the Bishop’s Youth Award has recognized young people in eighth and 12th grade for their exemplary practice of faith and for their commitment to serve others. Each of the students receiving the award were called forth this year by parish to receive a special pin as a symbol of the way they have contributed to the mission of the Church.

Paige Moss of Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish in Wilkes-Barre receives her award from Bishop Joseph C. Bambera. (Photos/Mike Melisky)

“It is just a great feeling being around all these other people that you know are dedicated to their faith in some sort of way,” Paige Moss, a 12th grade award recipient from Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish in Wilkes-Barre, said.

Faith is something that is very important to Raegan Czyzycki, a 12th grade award recipient, from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Swoyersville.

“I think it’s important to stay close to my faith because it gives me a sense of support and guidance that I probably couldn’t find anywhere else,” Czyzycki said.

Brandon Makara, who serves Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Brodheadsville as an altar server, was excited to receive his award.

“I wasn’t expecting this honor and it makes me so glad that I was chosen for it,” the 12th grade student said.

Those same sentiments were shared by Lauren Shemansky, who attends Holy Family Academy in Hazleton and is a parishioner of Most Precious Blood Parish.

“I do youth group in my parish. We help make cookies and do things around Halloween for the little kids,” Shemansky said. “I’m also in the Students for Service club. We do gardening and a lot of collections for people who need it.”

While many of the 12th grade award recipients are preparing to head off to college, Peter Stec, who was recently accepted as the newest seminarian for the Diocese of Scranton, will be discerning a path to the priesthood. He also received a Bishop’s Youth Award this year.

Award recipients from Saint Eulalia Parish, including Amato Lynn, center, pray during the April 14th Mass.

“What I’m most excited about is being with all the youth of the Diocese of Scranton who are deeply involved in their faith, specifically their Catholic faith,” he said. “What has really fostered my vocation is Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. If we can stick to that – then we can all be united together and have a future for our Church.”

Father Bert S. Kozen, Pastor, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Bastress, and Saint Luke Parish, Jersey Shore, served as homilist for the first Mass. Father James J. Paisley, Pastor, Saint Ann Basilica Parish, Scranton, served as homilist for the second celebration.

At both Masses, the homilists acknowledged how important it is for the young adults to continue to share the gifts and blessings God has given them.

“Yours are the hands and heart of Jesus,” Father Paisley said. “Whatever gifts you have, today is a reminder to take them out of storage and share them enthusiastically … Don’t even think about tucking away your gifts for another day because we need them.”

“Receiving this award is a testimony to your willingness to live your faith – not only in word but more importantly and more powerfully – but in the manner in which your life is being lived,” Father Kozen said. “Jesus is in each and every one of us and if we recognize the Risen Christ in those means, then we can’t help but proclaim Him in that Easter faith each and every day of our lives.”

As she received her award, Lillie Kochis, a senior at Holy Cross High School and parishioner of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Dunmore, put her Bishop’s Youth Award into perspective.

“As young people, we have the opportunity to be the change that we want to see,” she said. “This all comes from how you bring Jesus Christ’s light into the world.”

After taking a mission trip to the Diocese of Gaylord to participate in Habitat for Humanity activities last year, Kochis now spends an hour each week volunteering at Saint Joseph’s Center.

“It’s just my little way of giving back. I know that an hour of my time, spending time with the residents and doing activities there may not seem like a whole lot, but to the friends and the people I’ve met, it means the world to me,” she said.

WILKES-BARRE – Saint Nicholas Church, 226 South Washington Street, will be the location for the Diocese of Scranton’s annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations Mass on Sunday, April 21, 2024.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will be the principal celebrant for the 12:15 p.m. liturgy, which will be held in Spanish.

The purpose of World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” (Mt 9:38; Lk 10:2).

While those in attendance will pray for all those discerning and living out their vocation, on this weekend the Church concentrates its attention on vocations to the ordained ministries (priesthood and diaconate), consecrated life in all its forms (male and female religious life, societies of apostolic life, consecrated virginity), secular institutes in their diversity of services and membership, and to the missionary life.

This year, 2024, marks the 61st anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

May Christ the Good Shepherd guide and protect us as we respond to our vocations in total surrender to Him!

In a hostile world, the vocation of Christians is to hope, Pope Francis says

Though the global situation risks plunging people into pessimism, Christians are called to pursue their vocation of becoming “men and women of hope,” Pope Francis said.

“As individuals and as communities, amid the variety of charisms and ministries, all of us are called to embody and communicate the Gospel message of hope in a world marked by epochal challenges,” the pope wrote in his message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 21.

Global challenges such as war, migration, rising poverty rates and climate change, in addition to personal difficulties encountered daily, “risk plunging us into resignation or defeatism,” the pope wrote in the message. He encouraged Christians to instead “cultivate a gaze full of hope and work fruitfully in response to the vocation we have received, in service to God’s kingdom of love, justice and peace.”

To be “pilgrims of hope and builders of peace” means “to base our lives on the rock of Christ’s resurrection, knowing that every effort made in the vocation that we have embraced and seek to live out will never be in vain,” the pope wrote.

Pursuing a vocation, he explained, is not an imposed duty but rather “the surest way for us to fulfill our deepest desire for happiness.”

“Our life finds fulfillment when we discover who we are, what our gifts are, where we can make them bear fruit, and what path we can follow in order to become signs and instruments of love, generous acceptance, beauty and peace wherever we find ourselves,” he wrote.

The pope expressed his gratitude for the “hidden efforts” of those who consistently respond to their calls in life, namely parents, workers, consecrated men and women and priests, and he urged young people to make room for Jesus in their lives in order to discover their vocation.

“Let Jesus draw you to himself; bring him your important questions by reading the Gospels; let him challenge you by his presence, which always provokes in us a healthy crisis,” he told young people.

The pope also highlighted the “synodal character” of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, noting how “amid the variety of our charisms, we are called to listen to one another and to journey together in order to acknowledge them and to discern where the Spirit is leading us for the benefit of all.”

Pope Francis encouraged people to prepare for the Holy Year 2025 by engaging in the current year of prayer, in which “all of us are called to rediscover the inestimable blessing of our ability to enter into heartfelt dialogue with the Lord and thus become pilgrims of hope.”

Prayer, he added, “is more about listening to God than about talking to him.”

The pope called on Christians to “open the doors of the prison in which we so often enclose ourselves, so that each of us can discover his or her proper vocation in the Church and in the world.”

“Let us be passionate about life and commit ourselves to caring lovingly for those around us in every place where we live,” he wrote.

NANTICOKE – A Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe will visit several churches in the Diocese of Scranton next month.

The Missionary Image is an exact digital replica (4’ x 6’) of the original Miraculous Image of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, which she left on Saint Juan Diego’s cloak (tilma) in Mexico on Dec. 12, 1531.

The Image was blessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico by Monsignor Diego Monroy, Rector, for the mission of promoting sanctity of the family, solidarity of the Church in America, a culture of life, and a civilization of love.

The Image visiting churches in the Diocese of Scranton in May, and others like it, have journeyed throughout the world. The Images have visited every state in the United States, including more than 1,000 parishes and have received the veneration of hundreds of thousands of people. There have been hundreds of Masses, Confessions, hours of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Rosaries in the presence of the Images.

Many signs, wonders, conversions, healings, reconciliations, and graces have been reported by the faithful who have venerated the Images.

In the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady appears as the pregnant Mother of God. She came to offer faith, hope, and consolation to the oppressed Aztec Nation. Our Lady put an end to the human sacrifice being offered to pagan gods and converted nine million Aztecs over the next nine years.

Pope Saint John Paul II recognized the evangelistic role of Our Lady of Guadalupe when he prayed that the Guadalupe Shrine would be a center “from which the light of the Gospel of Christ will shine out over the whole world by means of the Miraculous Image of His Mother.”

He also prayed, “Our Lady accompanies each one of her daughters and sons with her repeating what she said to her children in Cana, ‘Do whatever He tells you’ (Jn. 2:5). May she cross this continent bringing it ‘life, sweetness and hope!’ May she enliven and protect the work of the New Evangelization, so that Christians may live their faith with consistency and fervor, and that those who have abandoned it may return. May she promote the unity of the church, reuniting as in a new Pentecost those who believe in Jesus Christ and those who need to be renewed by the Spirit.”

The visit of the Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is being sponsored by the ‘Living in the Divine Will Prayer Group’ in Nanticoke which was formed in March 2021. The prayer group is based on the writings of Servant of God, Luisa Piccarreta.

PUBLIC VISITATION SCHEDULE OF MISSIONARY IMAGE OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE


Holy Transfiguration Ukrainian Catholic Church, Nanticoke
Friday, May 10: 10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy; 11:00 a.m. Talk; 11:15 a.m. Hour of Prayer; 12:15 – 2:00 p.m. Veneration of the Image
Saturday, May 11: Noon to 4:00 p.m. Veneration of the Image; 6:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy; 7:15 p.m. Talk

SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Plymouth
Sunday, May 12: 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy; 9:45 a.m. Talk; 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Prayer & Veneration of the Image

Gate of Heaven Parish, Dallas
Tuesday, May 14: 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration & Veneration of the Image

Our Lady of Fatima Grotto, North Street, Wilkes-Barre
Thursday, May 16: 9:30 a.m. Meet & Process with the Image to Planned Parenthood, 101 Main Street, to Pray for the Life of Unborn Children

Holy Spirit Parish – Saint Mary Church, Mocanaqua
Thursday, May 16: 1:30 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration & Veneration of Image; 6:00 p.m. Holy Mass; 7:00 p.m. Talk; 7:15-8:30 p.m. Veneration of the Image

 

 

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrated Mass April 11, 2024, Thursday of the Second Week of Easter, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, with the specific intention of praying for survivors of child sexual abuse.

The Diocese of Scranton’s annual Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse takes place each April to coincide with National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist during a Healing Mass for Survivors of Abuse on April 11, 2024, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. (Photo/Catholic Television)

“In these days, we pray for God’s healing and peace for all survivors of sexual abuse and particularly for those abused by members of the clergy and trusted Church workers,” Bishop Bambera said. “While we have celebrated this Mass in a very public way for seven years now, it is vital that we continue to pray for survivors of abuse.”

During his homily, Bishop Bambera explained that Pope Francis has established the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors to combat clergy abuse and has encouraged them to help make the Church a safer environment for both minors and vulnerable adults.

“None of us will ever know the depth of pain that survivors endure,” the bishop said. “Yet, in courageously sharing their pain, so many survivors with whom I’ve spoken over the years have taught me a great lesson. You’ve taught me why this Mass is so significant. You’ve taught me that if we are truly intent upon creating safe environments for its children and all of God’s people – the Church, and especially Church leaders – must never forget or allow time to numb us to the pain that was so willfully inflicted on innocent lives by those who postured themselves as God’s representatives and ministers of his love and mercy.”

Erin McGrady, LPC, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton, attended the Mass in her effort to support survivors.

“It is important to continue to have this Mass because we must remember our history that led to the safeguards we have in place,” McGrady said. “The Diocese must continue to remain vigilant in our practices to safeguard children. It is so important to educate our children and adults on signs to notice, what to do, and who to tell, to prevent child sexual abuse.”

During the 2023-24 school year, the Diocese of Scranton has already trained almost 6,000 children on the topic of Safe Adults and Respecting Boundaries.

“Abuse is happening all around the world in various locations. If we can educate others on how to prevent it, we can make all places safer for our children,” McGrady added. “The Catholic Church is leading the way on responding to abuse with practices in place to include education, background checks, and removing abusers from ministry, to create safer environments for our children to grow in their faith.”

While it is a Bishop’s pastoral responsibility to provide utmost care in fostering the protection of minors through his actions and through established Diocesan Safe Environment initiatives, everyone in the community has a role to play in protecting children from abuse. The Diocese of Scranton has a zero-tolerance policy, and works to prevent any instances of abuse, particularly against minors and vulnerable adults.

“As Bishop of this local Church, I continue to apologize for the pain that has been inflicted upon far too many of you by leaders of our Church. In this season of hope and new life, I once again ask for forgiveness for the countless numbers of you who have suffered so much,” Bishop Bambera said. “I pledge to continue to do all within my power to keep our churches, our parishes, and our schools safe for our children and for all of our people to worship, pray, learn and to grow in their faith.”

The Diocese of Scranton annually undergoes a comprehensive audit by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection to ensure that the Diocese is in compliance with current directives. The Diocese has passed all audits of its child protection procedures, policies and records every year since the policy was adopted in 2002.

For more information on the Diocese of Scranton’s Safe Environment Program, or for a full overview of all policies and protocols, visit dioceseofscranton.org.

To report sexual abuse by a member of clergy, an employee or volunteer of the Catholic Church, contact your local police department or county District Attorney, and Mary Beth Pacuska, Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton at (570) 862-7551.

To report sexual misconduct by a bishop or eparch, contact the national reporting website or reporting hotline at ReportBishopAbuse.org, or by calling 1-800-276-1562.

Courtesy: Saint Vincent Seminary

 

LATROBE – On April 11, 2024, seminarian Jeremy Barket from Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dupont was installed to the Ministry of Lector by Bishop Mark A. Eckman, Auxiliary Bishop of Pittsburgh, at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe.

Meanwhile at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, seminarian Cody Yarnall also received the Ministry of Lector in March.

SCRANTON – Each spring we throw open our windows and allow fresh air into our homes – the same can be said of this year’s Catholic Women’s Conference, “Refresh Your Faith” to be held Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Nazareth Hall at Marywood University.

There will also be a special talk by Father Justin Cinnante, O. Carm., on Friday evening, June 7, 2024, with options for the talk only, the talk with dinner, and optional overnight accommodations. It is time to throw open the windows of your soul and let in the beauty of Christ’s love for us and renew our faith.

Keynote speakers Father Justin Cinnante, O. Carm., Father Giuseppe Maria Siniscalchi, CFR, and Jackie Francois Angel, doing double duty as a keynote speaker and provider of inspirational music, will inspire and ignite your love of Jesus. Mary Clare Hallman, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life, will host the day’s events.

Father Justin Cinnante was an antsy child who preferred praying the rosary over doing math problems.

Inspired at a very young age by the book, “The Lives of Saints,” Father Cinnante stated, “God has a plan for everyone. The vocation for all of us is to be holy, to become a saint.”

After being ordained as a priest in 2007, Father Cinnante served as a diocesan priest for ten years before he felt called to the Carmelite order. He leads a healing ministry at his parish, The Church of the Transfiguration, in Tarrytown, N.Y., and is a chaplain at Iona Prep and Iona University in New Rochelle, N.Y.

Father Guiseppe Maria Siniscalchi, C.F.R., thought about the priesthood as a young man but chose to further his education and attend law school.

After graduation from Boston Law School, he moved to Miami, Fla., where he worked as a public defender. He again started thinking about the priesthood, enough so that he ended a long-term relationship with his girlfriend and considered joining a religious order. Once more, he backed away.

“I kind of panicked and ran away. I moved back to my hometown and worked there for five years in a law firm and went through a period of real darkness,” he acknowledged. “I was trying to deny this call.”

Double tragedy struck in 2001 – his mother’s cancer diagnosis and 9/11.

“They both made me really think,” he said, “what is the most important thing I can do? What do I have that can make the best contribution to the world? I remember one night saying, ‘I got to face this,’ and when I started to face it, more peace came in, more joy.”

His first encounter with the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in New York left an impression – a bad one.

“I mean they were living in bad neighborhoods and the friaries were in kind of bad shape, kind of rough food and they were walking around with beards and sandals or bare feet,” he recalled. “But then I heard a voice. God speaks to us in ways we can understand. He just said, ‘Shut up, you’ll be back.’ ”

He returned in 2002 and was assigned to Newark, N.J.

“I’ve come here to give everything I have,” he said. “I didn’t come here to hold anything back.”

Jackie Francois Angel, keynote speaker and provider of inspirational music, always knew she was made for something “more” and “larger than life.” She thought that fame and money were the answer. She aspired to be an actress since she came from a musical family and had been performing since the age of five.

At the age of eighteen she attended a Youth Conference and fell in love with God.

She realized that her faith was not just about rules and avoiding sin, but about a love story.

She also discovered her passion for sharing God’s love through music and ministry.

This changed her life and led her to become a Catholic speaker, author, and singer-songwriter.

Mrs. Angel says’ “His plan for me to be “great” was not about me, but about Him.”

The conference will feature a celebration of Mass with the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, the divinely inspired music of Jackie Francois Angel, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The day will conclude with Eucharistic Adoration, led by Fathers Cinnante and Geraci along with the music of Jackie Francois Angel. Participants will also enjoy a continental breakfast, buffet lunch and the opportunity for shopping in the Catholic Vendor Marketplace.

The cost to attend the full day Saturday conference is $55. Student tickets (under 22 year of age) are $20, and women religious are welcome free of charge.

The special Friday evening talk with Father Justin Cinnante ranges from $20 for the talk only to $40 for a buffet dinner and Father Justin’s talk with additional options for overnight accommodations.

For more information and to register, click here.