Author: Eric Deabill

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs finalized March 6 its interim policy permitting abortion at VA hospitals and clinics when there is risk to the mother’s life or in cases of rape or incest.

The final rule, published in the Federal Register, which also permits abortion counseling and procedures at VA facilities regardless of state restrictions, was criticized by Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services.

The White House said that when “working within the scope of their federal employment,” VA health care workers “may provide abortion services as authorized by federal law regardless of state restrictions.”

Supporters of the provision argued female service members may be assigned to states that have restricted abortion, and that their access should be protected in difficult circumstances. Opponents argued the department exceeded its authority.

In a March 7 statement, Archbishop Broglio said the VA “has finalized an interim rule that permits abortion counseling and abortive procedures in VA Medical Centers through all nine months of pregnancy.”

“The notion that killing an unborn child can somehow be considered ‘medical or surgical care’ certainly violates the dignity of the human person and suggests that some lives are more important than others,” he said. “I deplore this decision that once more removes the right to life for the defenseless and inflicts untold physical and psychological trauma on mothers.”

The Catholic Church opposes abortion, outlining its teaching in the Catechism of the Catholic Church that human life “must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception.” Because abortion takes the life of an already conceived child, it is “gravely contrary to the moral law,” the catechism says.

The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which are used by Catholic medical providers, reflect that teaching; that document, while forbidding direct abortions, also permits procedures where the “direct purpose” is to save the mother’s life and “cannot be safely postponed until the unborn child is viable, even if they will result in the death of the unborn child.”

Abortion supporters applauded the VA rule’s finalization. Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, said in a statement, “Access to abortion is necessary for the health and safety of veterans – and for all people – to determine their futures.”

“We’re thrilled that VA has taken this critical action for veterans seeking abortion care and counseling,” she said. “At a time when extremists are cruelly attacking reproductive rights across the nation, safeguarding access to abortion care for veterans and their loved ones is paramount. Our policymakers should be protecting our rights, not trying to strip them away.”

But Archbishop Broglio noted the U.S. Catholic bishops “raised multiple objections” to the rule, arguing it violates “section 106 of Veterans Health Care Act” which “specifically limits abortion.”

“The VA’s decision is at odds with the notion that the military protects the innocent,” he added. “Now, the Department which was established to care for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces through service-related disabilities and retirement, affirms its decision to join what Pope Francis called ‘hit men’ — those who choose ‘to do away with a human life to solve a problem.'”

He added, “It is expected that the Department of Veterans Affairs will at least respect the conscience rights of medical personnel, staff, and other employees and permit them to abstain from any involvement in immoral procedures.”

The VA reported that it received 57,901 comments on the rule during a 30-day window for the public to submit them, both in support and opposition.

The rule is scheduled to go into effect April 3, 2024.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The Catholic Church and the world itself need the gifts and contributions of women, especially in bringing people together and overcoming tensions and violence, Pope Francis wrote.

“Ours is a time seared by hatred, in which our human family, which needs to feel the power of love, is instead frequently scarred by violence, war and ideologies that stifle the noblest feelings of the human heart,” he wrote. “Precisely in this context, the contribution of women is more necessary than ever.”

Pope Francis prepared his text for an audience with people participating in a March 7-8 conference, “Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity.” While the pope met participants in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican March 7, he had an aide read his speech.

The conference, hosted by Rome’s Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, was sponsored by several pontifical universities and coincided with the celebration March 8 of International Women’s Day.

Using the example of 10 holy women — most, but not all, canonized saints — conference speakers looked at how Catholic women have contributed to the church and society through their groundbreaking work in education, spirituality and the promotion of peace or dialogue. The examples included: Sts. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Kateri Tekakwitha and Teresa of Kolkata.

In different times and places and “each in her own distinct way,” the 10 women “gave proof through initiatives of charity, education and prayer, of how the ‘feminine genius’ can uniquely reflect God’s holiness in the midst of our world,” the pope’s text said.

And “because the Church is herself a woman – a daughter, a bride and a mother,” he wrote, “who better than women can reveal her face?”

Pope Francis asked that Catholics put aside “any aggressive and divisive attitudes” and that they exercise “careful discernment to discover, in docility to the voice of the Spirit and in faithful communion, fitting ways for the grandeur and the place of women to be increasingly valued in the People of God.”

An important aspect of the vocation of women, he wrote, is to be the “builders” the conference title referenced. Being a builder is “cooperating with the Creator in the service of life, the common good and peace.”

Women “know how to bring people together with tenderness,” the pope wrote. “With their unique capacity for compassion, their intuitiveness and their connatural inclination to ‘care,’ (they) are able, in an outstanding way, to be for society both intelligence and a heart that loves and unites, to bring love where love is lacking, and humanity where human beings are searching to find their true identity.”

Pope Francis also used his text to thank the pontifical universities for holding up to their students the lives and works of the 10 women saints and he asked them and all Catholic universities to make “every effort to present students with testimonies of holiness, especially of feminine sanctity,” that can inspire them.

SCRANTON – The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has appointed James Bebla to serve as the first executive director of the newly formed Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton. Bebla has served as Diocesan Secretary for Development for the past ten years.

Bebla will be responsible for advancing the mission, vision and values of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton in collaboration with the Foundation Board of Trustees, specifically leading efforts to establish and successfully implement strategic goals, plans and policies in support of raising endowed and non-endowed funds for Diocesan ministries.

In appointing Bebla to this position, Bishop Bambera said, “I am confident that Jim will effectively lead this important initiative to secure the future of our Diocesan ministries. Jim’s passion and commitment, his ability to build strong relationships and his dedication to our Catholic faith will serve us well in this new role.”

“I feel incredibly blessed for this opportunity and I believe the work of the Catholic Foundation will be instrumental in building up the Kingdom of God in our local Church. The focus on long-term support through the establishment of endowment funds will insure that our Diocesan ministries, parishes and schools will remain strong for our children and grandchildren,” Bebla said. “I look forward to joining with Bishop Bambera, our pastors, donors and the Catholic Foundation board of directors in this meaningful mission.”

The mission of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton is to sustain and nurture the pastoral, educational, and service ministries of our Diocese, our parishes, schools, and organizations through endowments, planned gifts, and other financial contributions. The long-term financial viability of these ministries is a sacred calling for Catholics to build up the Kingdom of God in the Diocese of Scranton.

VATICAN CITY – On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, announced the appointment of Monsignor Shane L. Kirby as substitute Promoter of Justice of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura.

The Apostolic Signatura ensures that justice in the Church is correctly administered.

The Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura is composed of Cardinals, Bishops, and priests appointed by the Pope and it is headed by the Cardinal Prefect.

A native of Waynesburg in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Monsignor Kirby was ordained for the Scranton Diocese in 2004 in the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Since November 2017, he has served in the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican in Rome.

Originally appointed as an official of the Congregation of the Clergy, Monsignor Kirby most recently served as coordinator for the Clergy and Administration Offices within the Dicastery.

In 2005, he was awarded a licentiate in patristic theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and in 2014, a licentiate in canon law from the Catholic University of America in Washington. At the time of his appointment for Vatican service, Monsignor Kirby was serving as Chancellor and Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Affairs for the Diocese of Scranton, as well as pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish in Jermyn.

Please join us in praying for Monsignor Kirby as he begins his new role!

SCRANTON – During Lent, Saint Paul’s words to the Colossians are very appropriate: “Whatever you do, do from the heart.”

The Diocese of Scranton is blessed to have so many people putting these words into action.

The generosity of so many people who have supported the Diocesan Annual Appeal testifies to the powerful hope we can bring to the lives of so many in northeastern and north-central Pennsylvania when we trust in Christ.

Now, more than ever, we need your continued support!

Our current campaign has now reached 85-percent of its goal ($3.84 million of $4.5 million goal) but we need all faithful to participate to ensure that we get to 100-percent – and make sure there is funding for the vital ministries of our diocese that no one parish can provide on its own.

For example, in 2023, your gifts helped feed more than 107-thousand people at Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre alone.

Within the last month we welcomed one new seminarian – Peter Stec – so we now have 11 young men studying for the priesthood. Your generous response to the Diocesan Annual Appeal provides support that allows them to focus on their formation.

And as we head towards Easter – our Parish Life Office stands ready to assist the 177 people from our parishes who will fully join the Catholic Church in just a few weeks.

None of this work can happen without you.

During this Lenten season – please ask yourself how God is calling you to give of yourself to others.

Your gifts go solely to support Catholic ministries, including: formation and education of seminarians, support of retired and ill clergy, Catholic Social Services, Catholic education, Catholic communication efforts, Parish Life Initiatives as well as Faith Formation and Social Justice grants to parishes.

We invite you to prayerfully consider renewing your commitment to the Diocesan Annual Appeal this year.

The Diocese of Scranton has four easy ways to give your immediate support to our families, students, and those in need.

First, you can use your cell phone and scan the QR code below right now.

Second, you can visit AnnualAppeal.org to make your gift or learn more about all of the Catholic ministries your gift supports.

Third, you can call our Development Office directly at (570) 207-2250 to make a pledge over the phone.

Or you can mail a check payable to “Diocesan Annual Appeal” to 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.

May God bless you for your continued generosity.

WILLIAMSPORT – The Catholic parishes of Lycoming County are thrilled to announce that The Vigil Project will be making its third visit to Lycoming County later this month.

In celebration of our Lenten journey, the group will hold a ‘True Presence Night’ on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Saint Lawrence Church in South Williamsport.

The night will feature Eucharistic Adoration, live music, and dynamic speakers.

“The group previously held events at Church of the Resurrection in Muncy for Advent 2019 and Lent 2020,” Becky Goonan, Communications and Technology Coordinator at Saint Ann Parish in Williamsport, said. “This year’s event will be held at Saint Lawrence Church in South Williamsport, as part of the Williamsport Deanery’s ‘Road to Resurrection’ series.”

Recognizing that the parish is the heartbeat of the Catholic Church, The Vigil Project aims to bring together the community to pray, provide inspirational music, and engage parishioners in an active life of prayer and evangelization.

All are welcome to attend.

There is no cost for the event, but a free-will offering will be taken up to benefit The Vigil Project’s continued ministry efforts.

SCRANTON – After feeling called to strengthen their relationship with God and learn more about the Catholic faith, five individuals in the Diocese of Scranton have completed a years-long process to receive a certificate in Lay Ministry Formation.

Those who have completed the coursework now have a significant degree of preparation, formation, and professional competence to serve their parish communities and the entire diocese in mutual collaboration with local priests and deacons.

Four individuals – Ana Becerril, Rufino Cano, Linda Sampson, and Diane Stone – were each commissioned as Lay Ecclesial Ministers during a Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, on March 3, 2024, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The fifth individual, Patricia Blockus, has also completed all of the coursework but was unable to attend the Mass.

The Diocesan Lay Ministry Program helps prepare Catholic adults for ministry in their parishes by expanding their knowledge of Scripture and Catholic theology and helping each live their baptismal call in service to others.

“It has been a blessing to be part of this program,” Cano said following the Mass.
Cano, a parishioner of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton, began the Lay Ministry Program in 2017 after feeling called to give it a try. Since initially signing up, he has taken numerous online courses in catechesis and ministry leadership.

“It gives you more formation and more knowledge about the church and the teachings of the church and how you can help your community and your parish through that knowledge,” he said.

Even before his commissioning, Cano has helped his parish develop a weekly Spanish bulletin and now hosts training sessions for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in Spanish throughout the diocese on a regular basis.

Cano actively wants to help other people grow in discipleship and service to the Church.

“The courses are really strong. They’re university courses so it’s not like you can just sit back and watch,” Cano explained. “It’s a big effort but it really helps.”

Sampson, a parishioner of Saint Peter Parish in Wellsboro, first read about the Lay Minister Program in The Catholic Light in 2019 and felt it could help in her spiritual growth.

“There is so much about the Church itself that I learned and how to interact with people,” she said.

The Tioga County native focused her lay ministry activities around a ‘Marian theme’ and has helped to create a beautiful Marian Ministries Program in her Northern Tier community.

“We plan pilgrimages, brunches, and retreats and all sorts of things for people to come and encounter God,” Sampson explained. “It is growing naturally, and we hope that this will just help it move forward and touch more lives.”

Stone, secretary at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock, was a little more hesitant to participate in the Lay Ministry Program when her pastor and deacon submitted her name for consideration back in 2019.

“I never thought I would do something like this,” she joked.

After starting the classes in 2020 right before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stone found herself gaining both wisdom and knowledge.

“I’ve learned so much more about my Catholic faith that I didn’t know, and I want to be more involved with the church, not only our home church, but the whole church,” she explained.

Over the last several years, Stone has learned more about the structure of the church and has taken classes on the importance of individual prayers.

“When people now ask certain questions, I know the answer,” Stone said. “I just want to be able to lead people to God, my family and my church family.”

Becerril said the Lay Ministry Program classes helped her come to a better understanding of the universality of the Catholic Church.

“I fell in love and I continued with it all these years,” Becerril said.

As someone who helps lead faith formation classes at her parish, Saint Teresa of Calcutta in Scranton, Becerril realizes receiving her certificate is only the beginning of the work she is being called to do.

“This is a huge responsibility, as the Bishop mentioned, to be present (to people) with compassion, to hear people,” she said. “I feel like the Lord is taking us a little further and a little further, deepening us in His love.”

During the Mass, which took place on the Third Sunday of Lent, Bishop Bambera thanked each of the individuals commissioned as Lay Ecclesial Ministers for their desire to walk more closely with the Lord and helping to build the church.

“We give thanks to them and to their families for their commitment, to their desire to walk more deeply with the Lord, and indeed to serve the people of God in our diocese.”

For more information on the Lay Ministry Program, contact Mary Hallman, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life, at (570) 207-2213.

SCRANTON – After reading the bible for most of her life, Katelyn Haytko, 20, is now ready to fully enter into the life of the Catholic Church.

On Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, the First Sunday in Lent, the Newfoundland native was one of 177 people from the Diocese of Scranton who participated in the Rite of Election & Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

“It’s important for me to step into my faith a little bit more,” Haytko said.

After months of preparation at her parish – Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Hawley – Haytko is preparing for the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at this year’s Easter Vigil.

“The program has really opened my eyes to so many things that I didn’t know from reading my bible so I’m very grateful to be a part of the program,” she said.

Her grandmother, Chris Haytko, is serving as her godparent.

“It filled my heart, I cried when she told me she wanted to become Catholic,” Chris said. “It just meant so much to me. I have a strong faith and I’m so glad that she’s now a part of that faith.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, presided over the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion liturgy.

“What we do here today represents the most important thing we can do as Church, to call one another to a deeper relationship to Christ,” Bishop Bambera said in welcoming those in attendance to the Cathedral.

During the homily, Bishop Bambera spoke directly to the catechumens (those who are not baptized) and the candidates (those who are baptized but have not received Holy Communion or Confirmation).

“My sisters and brothers, don’t discount for an instant the power of this moment in your lives. Jesus is speaking to you today, inviting you to a relationship with him, calling you by name to follow Him,” Bishop Bambera said. “He is inviting you to walk a path that leads to a life of meaning, purpose, and peace. He is saying, through His invitation, that your life – with all its struggles and joys, with all its blessings and challenges – has a unique place and role to play within His plan.”

Each of the catechumens and candidates then demonstrated their wish to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church through a series of questions and responses before the congregation, including pastors, friends, and family.

The catechumens also inscribed their name in the Book of Elect for their home parish.

“Getting baptized is going to be a rebirth,” Stephane Enot of Pleasant Mount said.

After going through a number of hard times recently, including losing his mother-in-law and having his wife diagnosed with cancer, the parishioner of Saint Mary Parish in Waymart found solace in his faith.

“I found so much peace in going back to church and starting back reading the bible and all that, and then all of a sudden, it was obvious that I had to do it (join the Church). I’ve been postponing it for so long,” Enot explained.

Jolene Drum of Jersey Shore, Lycoming County, and two close friends, made the decision to go through the process together.

“My fiancé is a cradle Catholic; he was brought up Catholic, and his dad is my sponsor. My fiancé is our friend’s sponsor, and his wife is being sponsored by my future mother-in-law, so we’re just going all together,” she explained. “We go to church every weekend and go to class on Mondays together. We’re just doing this as a group. It makes it a lot easier.”

During all the preparatory classes, Drum says they were able to ask questions without judgment, because everyone has each other’s best interests at heart. They say they have found strength and purpose being on this journey together.

“It does bring a deeper, further discussion on why things are the way they are and the history behind it,” she explained.

Timothy Langan of Mountain Top, a parishioner of Saint Jude Parish, was baptized as a baby and received the Eucharist in second grade – but never received Confirmation.

That will all change at the end of the month.

“I’ve always had a very strong relationship and strong faith with God, but I let it get away from me,” he explained. “It’s one of the things that I wanted to make sure I finish in my life. It is important. I have two young daughters – one in college and one in high school – and it is important to bolster that part of my faith.”

John Hodle, who also attends Saint Jude Parish, will receive both the Eucharist and Confirmation.

“I’ve learned a lot and it really opened up my mind,” Hodle said. “It’s been a very positive experience. I’ve learned a lot about the faith and the classes helped me understand things during the Mass and why things are done the way they are.”

Anyone interested in joining the Catholic Church or coming into full communion with the Church can contact their local parish to learn more about the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) program.