Category: 2025 News

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will ordain eight men as permanent deacons for the Diocese of Scranton at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The newly ordained deacons will join the ranks of clergy who minister to the faithful in parishes and other settings throughout the Diocese.

During the Mass of Ordination, Bishop Bambera will ordain the following men to serve permanently in the Order of Deacon: Fernando Alves, Francisco Castelan, Michaelangelo Colaneri, Frank Fanelli, Joel Marte, Jorge Roca, Rafael Sanchez Velasquez, and Christian Saunders.

“For me, the deacon is the bridge between the sanctuary and the people,” Michaelangelo Colaneri, a parishioner of the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, said. “You’re allowed to be right next to the mystery of God on the altar on Sunday, and then you’re able to take that majesty that comes from Him and extend it to the people in your parish.”

Colaneri calls his upcoming ordination a “tremendous responsibility and a beautiful call.”

“Being able to bring the blessings of God from the altar to the kitchen table is probably the greatest thing I could ever ask for,” he stated.

Both Frank Fanelli, a parishioner of Saint Ann Parish in Shohola, and Fernando Alves, a parishioner of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg said their calls to the diaconate grew naturally from years of service to others.

“I was approached by Deacon Joe Connelly while feeding the needy,” Fanelli explained. “He felt that I would be a good candidate. I’ve been a Eucharistic Minister for many years, and I just felt the need to go further with my faith.”

“I first started teaching religious education, then helping in the soup kitchen. When the parish reopened after COVID, I helped as an usher and with the cleaning crew. With time, the desire to be a deacon started growing in me, but I never felt worthy of that,” Alves added.

All the men being ordained will complete a five-year formation program and become members of the three-fold ordained ministry that consists of bishops, priests, and deacons.

The upcoming Diaconate Ordination will be historic for the Diocese of Scranton – because several of the candidates speak Spanish as their primary language. All formation classes were held jointly in English and Spanish with assistance of real-time translation services.

With assistance from online translation applications, The Catholic Light was able to speak in Spanish with both Rafael Sanchez and Jorge Roca, both parishioners of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, about their reasons for becoming deacons.

“I heard the call many years ago and have been participating in the service of my parish ever since,” Sanchez said. “My purpose (in becoming a deacon) is to serve my community, to serve everyone in need, guided of course, by my priests and obviously by the Bishop.”

Roca said he looks forward to carrying Christ’s message to the communities where it is needed most and hopes other men will consider the possibility of a vocation to the diaconate.

“Very few answer Christ’s call when He calls you to serve. I think many of us are afraid at first, but you lose all that fear as you develop the spiritual formation you receive to walk in this ministry. This formation is very important in a person’s life,” Roca said.

A third man from Saint Matthew Parish, Joel Marte, will also be ordained. Through his ministry, he hopes to accompany others in their most difficult moments.

“If you have somebody that is going through a tough moment with their kids, with their spouse, with a loved one that has passed, being able to walk with them and be able to help them carry the cross and support them and bring them closer to Christ, that is what I’m looking forward to,” Marte stated.

A deacon’s service has three aspects: word, worship, and charity. He can perform certain ministerial functions such as administering baptism; serving as the deacon at the Mass, including proclaiming the Gospel, preaching the homily and distributing Holy Communion; bringing viaticum to the sick; presiding at wake services, funeral liturgies and burial rites and with permission by the pastor, may celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Deacons also minister to the needs of families, single parents, students, the aged and infirmed, the imprisoned and those who suffer from poverty or addictions.

“I’m really moved by service to those that could never reciprocate,” Christian Saunders, a parishioner of Saint Paul Parish in Scranton, said. “I feel like that is service to Christ.”

Saunders said his calling to the diaconate began early in life.

“Since I was a teenager, I felt a call to serve God,” he added. “At the age of 40, I knew that I would not be able to ignore that call anymore.”

Francisco Castelan began his formation program in Brooklyn, N.Y. before moving to the Scranton area and attending Mass at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish.

“I was not thinking about becoming a deacon, but in my (former) parish, five or six people said I could become a deacon,” he said. “I listened to call of Jesus and that is why I decided to be a servant of Him.”

All are welcome to attend the Ordination Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter. For those unable to attend in person, CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will provide a live broadcast of the Mass. A livestream will also be available on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel, and across all Diocesan social media platforms.

The following are brief biographies of the Permanent Deacon Class of 2026:

Fernando B. Alves

Fernando B. Alves, 48, of Stroudsburg, is a member of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg. He is married to his wife, Dina, for 14 years and the couple has five children.

Following graduation from Saint Mary of the Assumption/Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth, N.J., in 1995, Alves earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Rutgers University, New Jersey, in 2002.

The deacon candidate currently serves as controller for the Archdiocese of New York.

Francisco Castelan

Francisco Castelan, 49, and his wife of 30 years, Elena, reside in Scranton and are members of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in South Scranton.
The couple has four children.

Michaelangelo J. Colaneri

Deacon candidate Michaelangelo J. Colaneri, 38, is a resident of Wilkes-Barre.
He and his wife, Kristine, have been married for six years and are parishioners of the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

A 2006 graduate of Scranton High School, Colaneri continued his education at Villanova University near Philadelphia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in theology in 2010.

The ordinand currently serves as a territory manager for Lennox Industries.

Frank A. Fanelli

Lackawaxen resident Frank A. Fanelli, 61, has been married to his wife, Nancy, for 36 years. They are the parents of three children and are parishioners of Saint Ann Parish in Shohola.

A 1982 graduate of Nazareth Regional High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., Fanelli entered his law enforcement training at the New York Police Department/New York City Police Academy, where he graduated in 1987.

The future deacon is a retired detective with the NYPD.

Joel Marte

East Stroudsburg resident Joel Marte, 41, is a member of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, along with his wife, Ramona.

The couple has been married for nine years and are the parents of seven children.

The ordinand graduated from Northampton High School in 2002 and is employed as a general contractor.

Jorge Roca

Jorge Roca, 58, and his wife, Roselia Veronica, reside in Stroudsburg and are members of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg.

Married for 30 years, the couple has four children.

The deacon candidate currently works in the construction industry.

Rafael Sánchez

Rafael Sánchez, 63, is a resident of East Stroudsburg.

He has been married to his wife, Flor Alina, for 43 years and they are the parents of three children.

The family is among the parishioners of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg.

Christian D. Saunders

Scranton resident Christian D. Saunders, 45, is a member of Saint Paul Parish in the city’s Green Ridge section.

He and his wife of 17 years, Stefanie, are the parents of four children.

A 1999 graduate of the former Bishop O’Hara High School in Dunmore, Saunders earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Marywood University in 2003.

The deacon ordinand is currently employed as a licensed realtor.

SCRANTON – On the feast of the patron saint of immigrants – and a day after the U.S. Catholic Bishops issued a special pastoral message on immigration – a coalition of Catholic organizations held a second wave of prayer vigils across the country Nov. 13 for what organizers called a “national day of public witness for our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

The latest vigils – which took place on the feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian immigrant whose ministry to fellow immigrants ultimately led to her canonization as the first American saint – came amid growing concern from various faith communities and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops about the impact of hardline immigration policies.

The first round of “One Church, One Family: Catholic Public Witness for Immigrants” vigils took place in multiple locations around the country on Oct. 22.

In Scranton, the Nov. 13 witness began with a 4:30 p.m. Mass at The University of Scranton’s Madonna della Strada Chapel, celebrated by university president Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. Following Mass, participants processed by candlelight – a challenge with gusty November wind – from the university campus down Monroe Avenue to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton, where they concluded the evening with prayer, song, and personal testimony.

Organizers stressed that the gathering was not a political rally but a public expression of Catholic teaching on human dignity and solidarity.

“We are here tonight to bear witness to what is going on with our community, particularly with immigrants,” Joe Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, explained. “We find some of the actions of the government dehumanizing – and that is not what Christians are about.”

On Courthouse Square, speakers read the U.S. Bishops’ new pastoral message on immigration and shared quotes from popes and other Church leaders.

Mahoney recalled the words of President Abraham Lincoln at the end of the Civil War – “malice toward none, charity for all” – and urged those gathered to reject rhetoric that demonizes people because of where they come from.

“Why do we have to say that these folks are evil because they came from some other place?” he asked. “Most of our ancestors did the same. This is not a political issue. This comes right back to the Gospel.”

Dr. William Cohen, a professor of theology at The University of Scranton who directs the school’s Peace and Justice Studies program and coordinates “Christians for the Common Good,” said many residents have been personally affected by recent immigration enforcement actions.

“There are a lot of people in Scranton and the surrounding area that are really moved with pain and with concern about their neighbors, their friends, their children’s friends, who are being ripped from their community,” Cohen said.

He noted that many of those caught up in enforcement efforts have been working, paying taxes, and doing no harm.

“While we recognize the need for an immigration policy that is orderly, we recognize that the kinds of actions that have been happening locally are not upholding the dignity of people,” he continued. “All Catholics and people of goodwill should agree that every human being has dignity.”

Julie Schumacher Cohen, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement and Governmental Affairs at The University of Scranton, said the vigil was rooted in Catholic moral teaching, not partisanship.

“Upholding human dignity is one of the core teachings that we’re taught in the Catholic church. We’re in a critical time when we’re seeing the devaluing of human lives – of our immigrant and refugee brothers and sisters – and we have to stand against that,” she said.

Scranton’s longstanding connection to Mother Cabrini and to immigrant communities was also highlighted.

“This is a community that has been home to immigrants since its founding,” Schumacher Cohen added. “Mother Cabrini actually came to Scranton in 1899. She came here six times, and she started a convent and a school. I think if she was alive today, she would probably be very much appalled at what is happening in terms of the closing of borders to refugees and the policies of mass deportation.”

For participants, the evening was a chance both to pray and to be seen.

“As Catholics, it’s important for us to voice our concerns for what is going on, because we could be next,” Anthony Farah, a parishioner of Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish in Wilkes-Barre, said. “It is good to see that there are people that care about these issues in our community.”

SCRANTON – In his recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te, Pope Leo XIV reminds us of God’s abiding and enduring love for the poor.

His words come at a critical moment in the life of the Church and our world, for we are indeed a Church for the poor.

As we approach Thanksgiving and the hopeful season of Advent – a time when we naturally reflect on and give thanks for our blessings – we can also take to heart Pope Leo’s reminder that “there are many forms of poverty: the poverty of those who lack material means of subsistence, the poverty of those who are socially marginalized and lack the means to give voice to their dignity and abilities, moral and spiritual poverty, cultural poverty, the poverty of those who find themselves in a condition of personal or social weakness or fragility, the poverty of those who have no rights, no space, no freedom.”

Near the end of the document, Pope Leo offers an important clarification about almsgiving – one that is often misunderstood.

He notes that “the most important way to help the disadvantaged is to assist them in finding a good job, so that they can lead a more dignified life by developing their abilities and contributing their fair share.”

Yet he also cautions that “where this is not possible, we cannot risk abandoning others to the fate of lacking the necessities for a dignified life. Consequently, almsgiving remains, for the time being, a necessary means of contact, encounter and empathy with those less fortunate.”

The Catholic Ministries Appeal is our collective and unified response to this call.

Through the kitchens, pantries, and shelters of Catholic Social Services, in addition to parish food pantry social justice grants, it provides vital aid to those struggling with hunger and homelessness – needs that have increased significantly.

Your support likewise enriches parish life, advances youth formation, prepares seminarians for ministry, cares for retired clergy, and empowers parish initiatives and social justice programs.

We are ahead of last year’s pace; as of press time for this issue of The Catholic Light, we have recorded approximately $3 million in gifts – 65% of our overall goal. If you have not yet made your gift, we invite you to respond to this important call to stewardship today.

Contributions may be mailed to: Catholic Ministries Appeal, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.

You may also visit AnnualAppeal.org to make a secure online donation and where you can also follow this year’s progress and view stories of impact throughout the Diocese.

Every dollar committed to the Catholic Ministries Appeal stays here in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania – and each one of us in committing a financial gift to the Appeal helps to strengthen our Catholic ministries and outreach throughout all eleven counties of our Diocese.

No matter the amount, your gift makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for supporting this year’s Appeal – a tangible expression of Our Call to Serve and to honor the dignity of all who face material or spiritual need.

SCRANTON – The City of Scranton and Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton formally announced on Nov. 13 that CSS will staff and operate the city’s Code Blue shelter at the Weston Field House for the 2025-2026 winter season.

The shelter, located at 982 Providence Road, opens on nights when the temperatures are expected to fall below 20 degrees or when winter conditions create dangerous windchills. Last winter, Scranton issued approximately 70 Code Blue alerts, with an average of about 15 individuals seeking shelter at Weston Field each night.

“We are proud to continue providing a Code Blue shelter here at Weston Field,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “The City and each of the partner organizations in our Unsheltered Task Force, which includes Catholic Social Services, remain committed to addressing the changing needs of those without stable housing in Scranton.”

Catholic School Services has served individuals experiencing homelessness in Scranton for more than three decades through Saint Anthony’s Haven, the city’s only year-round emergency shelter for adults.

In 2024, Saint Anthony’s Haven provided 5,567 nights of shelter to 549 individuals.

While the facility offers 20 beds for men and six for women, CSS officials noted that the additional space at Weston Field is essential on extremely cold nights.

“A shelter is one of our core programs. It is Gospel-based – this is what we do,” Joe Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, explained. “We provide emergency shelter 365 nights a year at Saint Anthony’s Haven, but on especially cold nights, we would need more room. Being able to house up to 50 (people) here will give us that space we need.”

Mahoney emphasized the collaboration required to launch the new partnership.

“Nothing happens in a vacuum,” he said. “We were able to come together and get this done.”

Representing the Diocese of Scranton, Father Gerald W. Shantillo, Vicar General, thanked the City and partner agencies for their cooperation.

“We are just so grateful that we could all work together to address this issue,” Father Shantillo said. “We are going to do our best to let people who are vulnerable and in need know that we love them as a community, and we’re going to help them get through the difficult times that they have.”

Jessica Spangenberg, Program Supervisor for Saint Anthony’s Haven, who will help organize the Code Blue shelter for Catholic Social Services, said the Weston Field location is well-suited for individuals who typically travel on foot.

“Most of our population is on foot. It’s not far from Saint Anthony’s Haven. It is also in a similar vicinity to the Community Intervention Center,” she noted.

Code Blue guests will have access to restroom facilities, hot beverages, as well as meals prepared by Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen.

Spangenberg said volunteers will play a vital role in evening setup, morning cleanup, meal distribution, and laundry support. CSS personnel will oversee overnight staffing.

“We can use all the help we can get,” Spangenberg said. “Nothing is too small. An hour or two of volunteer time makes a difference.”

She also addressed common misconceptions about those experiencing homelessness.

“Anybody can be in this position. Most working-class people are one emergency, one crisis, one paycheck away,” she said. “Shelter, warmth, and food are not luxuries. They are basic human rights, and it takes a community effort to provide them.”

To volunteer to help with the Code Blue shelter, contact Spangenberg at JSpangenberg@cssdioceseofscranton.org or call (570) 342-1296, ext. 2715.

 

CARBONDALE – Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton reported a notable increase of new families and individuals visiting its food pantries this fall, mirroring a trend seen across Pennsylvania and the nation following recent disruptions to federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Even before the temporary freeze in SNAP disbursements, the CSS Carbondale food pantry was experiencing a steady rise in new households seeking help.

In August 2025, the pantry served 39 new families and 794 returning families. That number grew in September, when 51 new families and 783 returning families came through the doors. In October, the pantry assisted 46 new families and 972 returning families – the highest monthly total this year.

“We’ve seen an increase in families coming in for help with the food pantry and the clothing room,” Jolette Lyons, Catholic Social Services Director of Lackawanna County Offices, said. “It is not what people typically think of as ‘the poor.’ It is the working poor. They are families that are struggling to keep their children fed and their households running.”

Dominique Draper, manager of the Carbondale pantry, echoed that sentiment.

“With the SNAP benefits being put on halt and with just the holidays in general, people are finding less food coming into their household and so they need us more,” she said.

The rise in need is not limited to Carbondale. Other Catholic Social Services food pantries in Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton are also experiencing significant increases in requests for food assistance.

At Saint Joseph Food Pantry in Hazleton, 24 new families sought help during one week – the week of Nov. 3, 2025, contributing to a total of 169 families and 515 individuals served in just the span of the three days that pantry was open during that week.

Community advocates anticipate these increases will continue until the federal food assistance funds stabilize now that the federal government has reopened.

Despite the strain, Lyons said the local community has responded generously.

“The Upper Valley takes care of themselves. They take care of their community. They take care of their neighbors,” Lyons said.

Draper added that community support makes an immediate difference.

“I’ve had people come in and say, ‘What do you need, let me go and grab it,’” she explained. “We’ve had so much support.”

Catholic Social Services encourages those who are able to donate non-perishable food, winter clothing, or to simply volunteer time. To make an online donation specifically for CSS food pantries, visit dioceseofscranton.org/css/catholic-social-services and click on the “Donate Now” tab.

SCRANTON – Representatives from nearly a dozen parish communities across the Diocese of Scranton gathered on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, for a Hispanic Ministry Convocation that marked a key step in the process of creating a new Diocesan Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry.

The Convocation, held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Scranton, brought together parish leaders, pastors, and the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, to review months of consultation and discern concrete goals and action steps for the growing Hispanic community.

“The purpose of the Convocation is the last, final step in the consultative process for our Hispanic Ministry Pastoral Plan that we are working on,” Felix Martinez, Diocesan Director of Hispanic Ministry, said.

Over the last year, parish “consultative assemblies” have been held in each community where Hispanic ministry is present, allowing parishioners to identify their most pressing needs and priorities.

The consultations consistently highlighted themes such as spiritual growth, cultural integrity, family life, leadership development, and parish integration.

“We wanted to hear from them to see what are the most important objectives and needs of the Hispanic community,” Martinez added. “Most of the goals that were proposed, many agreed that they should be included in the pastoral plan. We’re really happy that we’ve made it to this point and are looking forward to the outcome.”

In between morning and afternoon work sessions, participants gathered for Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Bishop Bambera preached on the vital role that Hispanic Catholics play in the life of our local Church.

Calling the gathering “a day of great pride,” the Bishop thanked participants for their “hard work and effort” in shaping the pastoral plan and emphasized that the Hispanic community is “a vital part of our Diocese.”

“The depth of your faith both encourages and challenges all believers,” he said in his homily.

The Bishop reflected on the Church’s long-standing commitment to migrants and, drawing on the recent Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi te of Pope Leo XIV, reminded attendees that migrants and refugees are “brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected, and loved.”

While addressing Convocation participants outside of Mass, Bishop Bambera highlighted a recently released special message on immigration from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“We rarely, as bishops, issue special messages,” he said, explaining that the last such statement was issued 13 years ago.

“We understand what so many of our brothers and sisters are going through in our land today,” Bishop Bambera said. “You need to know that we stand with you and for you.”

Throughout the day, parish representatives had conversation and discussion to assess proposed goals and identify practical steps that can better serve Hispanic Catholics and strengthen parish life.

For Evelyn Bodden of Saint Matthew Parish, East Stroudsburg, the convocation was both informative and encouraging.

“The warmth and the love that they’re showing for the Hispanics was very impressive, very touching, and we’re all on board,” she said. “It has been a great day here. All the parishes together, getting to know all the deacons and priests. It is an amazing experience to see the love of Christ among us.”

Irene Rodriguez from Most Holy Trinity Parish, Cresco, said her discussions focused especially on children, catechesis, and better connections among parishes.

“We’re deciding what is best for our churches, for the sake of our children and the Hispanic community,” Rodriguez said. “We need the smaller parishes to come together, especially those that do not have Spanish speaking pastors or Mass. We need to have them come with us and keep us in communication.”

Martinez said the pastoral plan will incorporate the goals affirmed at the Convocation.

“The Pastoral Plan that we’re working on is very important,” he said.

Once finalized, the Hispanic Ministry Pastoral Plan will guide Diocesan and parish efforts to accompany Hispanic Catholics, foster greater integration in parish life, support families and youth, and promote leadership and service throughout the Diocese of Scranton.

KINGSTON – Parishioners of two parishes in Luzerne County recently came together in a unique way – participating in various service projects to honor the 40th anniversary of their pastor.

Between Sept. 15 – Oct. 24, the parishes of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Kingston, and Holy Family, Luzerne, held a ’40 Days of Service’ effort to recognize the 40th anniversary of Monsignor David L. Tressler.

The effort started with a simple idea, which led to conversations among parishioners, and eventually led to a joint committee being formed with people from both parishes.

“Our first committee meeting was in July, as this effort required the bulk of planning early on,” committee member Debbie Lyons said. “People responded very graciously knowing that this would honor Monsignor in a thoughtful and unique way.”

With no pressure on anyone to participate, parishioners were provided a list of 18 ideas and opportunities that they could consider – including planned service dates at Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre or the Weinberg Food Bank in Jenkins Township.

Individuals were also invited to perform any service project that was particularly meaningful to them.

Throughout the 40 days, countless acts of kindness were carried out – including daily prayers, rosaries, novenas – to honor Monsignor Tressler. People documented their plans and turned them in, so they could be shared with Monsignor Tressler.

“People obviously have great love and appreciation for their pastor, who has shown them his sincere pastoral approach either in their time of need or throughout daily life in the parishes,” Lyons explained. “I personally heard many stories of their gratitude and having a way to ‘give back’ in a unique way as parish communities.”

At the beginning of November, Monsignor Tressler published a page-long reflection in the parish bulletin, expressing his “profound humility and heartfelt gratitude” for all those who participated in the 40 Days of Service project.

“The response from our parish communities was overwhelming – a radiant testament to the generosity, compassion, and deep faith that dwell within our hearts,” Monsignor Tressler wrote. “Your prayers, acts of kindness, and generous offerings of time, talent, and treasure reflect the living faith of our parishes.”

Some of the material generosity and service given to the community as part of the ’40 Days of Service’ project included:

• Donations to Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, Holy Family Food Pantry, Weinberg Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Fork Over Love

• Collections of school supplies, backpacks, and books, along with monetary and book donations to the Hoyt Library supporting students and lifelong learners

• Contributions to the Butcher Scholarship Fund and sponsorships for religious education students ensuring that the light of faith continues to shine in the next generation

• Blood donations at Holy Redeemer High School

• 400 meals were donated through Fork Over Love to children at Head Start and the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre to feed children in Msgr. Tressler’s name

• Personal care items delivered to veterans at Saint Hedwig’s Veterans Village, as well as other veterans in the local community

• Donations of money and gift cards which were provided to the parishes to assist those in greatest need in the community

Organizers of the ’40 Days of Service’ effort found that many parishioners of the two linked parishes were able to deepen their relationships while serving side-by-side.

“New friendships were made, parishioners joined in and worked well together, people took ownership in many different ways, all with a common mission of service and love. The campaign to honor one special person became a vehicle for serving many others in our local community,” Lyons stated.

Because of the huge outpouring of love and support through this volunteer effort, parish leaders have already started conversations about how to keep the momentum going.

“Our ministries have always provided donations to those in need, and because people felt so good going into the community to give their time and energy with this effort, our initial plan is to select one location to start, perhaps yearly. Both parishes would come together in service, youth and adults,” Lyons added.

Overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, Monsignor Tressler also encouraged parishioners to continue their gestures of mercy and love, which he called the “true heartbeat of our faith.”

“Each (act of kindness) – whether seen or unseen – has helped ensure that the Gospel message of Jesus Christ remains alive and active in our parishes,” Monsignor Tressler wrote.

EAST STROUDSBURG – On a recent Saturday afternoon, the smell of meatballs and sauce filled the air inside the church hall at Saint Matthew Parish. Conversation and laughter were also heard as people from all walks of life shared a meal together – neighbors, families, and even those experiencing homelessness.

With a similar scene playing out on every Thursday and Saturday – the importance of the parish’s community meal is clear and more important than ever.

For some guests, the meals are a refuge from the streets. For others, they are a cure for loneliness or provide a way to stretch limited budgets as food prices rise.

“I’m 81 years old now, and I thought my life would be getting easier as I got older, but it’s not,” Irene Shields, a longtime East Stroudsburg resident who comes to the parish for meals each week, said. “Between the high rent and high food costs, there is no money left for anything.”

Living only a block and a half away from the church, Shields feels loved and cared for by its parishioners.

“It is a great relief to just get out of the house sometimes and then to be fed, I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to clean,” she said.

Saint Matthew Parish has offered a community meal for more than a decade, beginning with a single Saturday dinner, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has expanded to three meals a week, serving more than 14,000 meals each year.

Guests can currently enjoy lunch and dinner on Saturday, as well as a Thursday evening meal.

For Charlie C., who once experienced homelessness, the meal program became a place of stability and even healing.

“In 2015, I lost somebody. She died and I lost my mind for a little while,” he explained. “Being homeless around here, and having places like this to come, it is really great. You can stay here all day. It is really great to have.”

Others, like Patty Hill of East Stroudsburg, relied on the meals as food assistance became harder to access at the beginning of November when SNAP benefit funding issues grabbed headlines.

“We have to rely on the churches and the food pantries for food if we want to survive,” she said.

At the heart of the ministry is Lisa Hoey, the parish’s community meal director, and a team of volunteers who have led the program for years.

“The need for this program continues to grow within the community. It’s not just about the homeless. It’s about families, it’s about the elderly. We see quite a mix here at Saint Matthew’s and we’re very blessed with every one of them,” Hoey said.

On Saturdays, guests are invited to stay the whole afternoon in the church hall – to rest, share fellowship, and even watch a movie between meals.

“They’re able to come in, drop their stuff and sit and socialize,” she added. “They’re not being chased out after they finish a cup of coffee.”

Under Hoey’s direction, teams of volunteers take turns preparing and serving meals each week. Some people cook or bake, while others simply spend time playing cards or talking to guests.

“It’s an incredible group of people. They’re very, very giving of their time and talent,” she explained.

For Father Don Williams, pastor of Saint Matthew Parish, the community meal program is a direct expression of the Gospel in action.

“Nothing that we do upstairs in our beautiful church would make any sense unless we’re connecting it with a life of service,” Father Don said. “Opening our doors to invite the homeless in and members of our community to serve the poor and those who are struggling really gives substance to the Eucharist that we celebrate.”

Father Don said one of the most beautiful parts of the program is seeing both parishioners and those in need come together at the same tables.

“It is a blessing to the parish,” he added. “It’s messy and hard and it’s not always perfect … but everyone is treated with dignity. We welcome each other as Christ.”

Father Brian J.T. Clarke, assistant pastor, added that at the end of the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we hear how God will look at each of us – whether we fed the hungry, clothed the naked and cared for those in need. He said the parishioners of Saint Matthew Parish consistently strive to do that.

“We recognize that times are tough for so many people economically and in their families,” Father Clarke said. “We hope that everyone knows that they can find refuge, warmth, and a nutritious meal here.”

SCRANTON – The Cathedral of Saint Peter was filled with youthful energy Nov. 2, 2025, as young adults from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered for the tenth annual Leave a Mark Mass.

This year’s liturgy, celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, also held special significance because it not only marked the beginning of National Vocation Awareness Week, but also coincided with the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day).

Launched in 2016 in response to Pope Francis’ challenge at World Youth Day in Poland – urging young people not to “vegetate” through life but to “leave a mark” on the world – the annual Mass has quickly become popular with teenagers as they think about how God is calling them to serve the Church.

“Open your hearts to the power and presence of God, to reflect upon the ways in which the Lord is calling you to serve the Church and to walk as His disciples,” Bishop Bambera said in his greeting at the beginning of Mass.

Jian Carlo Capellan, a young adult from Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, attended the Leave a Mark Mass for the first time this year and called the experience “awesome.”

“It was beautiful to be able to go in the Cathedral,” Capellan said. “I think it’s very important that youth come together and congregate together to learn more about God and his teachings.”

This was also the first Leave a Mark Mass that Alexandra Villarreal, a parishioner of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton, attended.

“Connecting with teens my age really opens new ground to connecting with God and how we can build on the church,” she said.

Sophia Petrus, a university sophomore, said returning to the Leave a Mark Mass for a second year felt like coming home.

“I came here for the first time last year and I met so many great people. I met the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth and I decided in a week to go on a retreat with them,” Petrus said.

Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation and Diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians served as homilist for the Leave a Mark Mass.

Reflecting on both All Souls’ Day and the call to discipleship, Father Roche offered a reflection on the ancient phrase memento mori, which means “remember your death.”

He challenged all people attending the Mass to keep their focus on what truly endures.

“So many of the things that we spend so much of our time worrying about and obsessing over, simply don’t matter in the end,” Father Roche said. “What matters is how we follow our call, how each, in our own unique way, brought God’s peace, beauty, hope and love into the world.”

Following Mass, young adults gathered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center for a reception featuring food trucks from The Greek Shack and All Belgium. As they ate, those in attendance also got to learn more about vocations to religious life or the priesthood if they were interested.

Liam Barry, who just entered Saint Andrew’s College Seminary in South Orange, N.J., believes the Leave a Mark Mass is an important event to build up vocations to the priesthood.

“I think it’s very important for young people to take an active role in the church because we are the future of the church,” Barry stated.

SCRANTON – The faithful of Mary, Mother of God Parish gathered on Sunday, Nov. 9, for a special Mass honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Patriotic touches throughout the 11 a.m. Mass celebration created a celebration not only rooted in faith – but also in gratitude.

While many parishes throughout the Diocese of Scranton commemorate Veterans Day with special liturgies, this community goes above and beyond, not only recognizing veterans during Mass but also reaching out with gifts, visits to the homebound, and a home-cooked meal for residents of the nearby Saint Francis Commons veterans facility.

“We have the freedom to worship, or not worship, because of those who sacrificed so much. They gave so much of their lives and many never came home. It is the least we can do. We’ll do this every year,” Father Cyril D. Edwards, pastor of Mary, Mother of God Parish, said. “It’s a way to teach patriotism, to teach gratitude in the context of worship. It was really beautiful. We had a huge crowd at the Mass.”

Before the liturgy began, there was a moving procession that featured eight parish veterans carrying flags representing each branch of the military.

Seeing one of the veterans, Adam Ambrogi, who was accompanied by his granddaughter, Victoria Siess, brought many in the crowd to tears.

“I was crying like a baby,” Donna Zupp, a member of the parish’s Service and Coordinating Team, admitted. “Some of these gentlemen have been doing it for a couple of years. Sadly, we have had a couple who have done it that are no longer with us or weren’t able to carry the flag.”

Other parish veterans who participated in the procession were Larry Butler, Bob Jones, Vince Carden, Joe O’Connor, Mike Gavin, Jerry Walsh, and Joe Fadden.

In the pews, even the youngest parishioners joined in the celebration, waving small American flags.

“The service and community teams were looking for a special event that would have a powerful impact on all different ages. We owe our veterans an infinite amount of gratitude,” Father Edwards explained. “Seeing people crying as I walked down the aisle at the end of Mass, you can see that they were touched.”

Jerry Walsh, a parishioner and veteran of the Army Reserves’ Signal Corps 305, said he was “very honored” to participate.

“I really appreciated everybody that was in the church,” he said. “I know they were very pleased to see the flags and the way we presented them.”

The celebration didn’t end with Mass. Parish volunteers prepared gift bags for local veterans who attended. They also delivered 20 bags to parish veterans who are homebound or in nursing homes. Each bag included a homemade scarf, a grocery store gift card, and chocolate – small tokens meant to remind recipients that their service is never forgotten.

At the back of the church, a “Table of Thanks” offered parishioners a chance to write messages of gratitude, which will remain on the altar throughout November.

“My son is a captain in the United States Army Reserves, so this is something that is very dear to my heart,” Jennifer Pitts, a parish volunteer who helped lead the committee that organized the event, said. “It was very emotional today. It was beautiful.”

The parish’s outreach also extends to Saint Francis Commons, a Scranton veterans’ facility operated by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton.

While parish volunteers regularly visit the facility with coffee and donuts, the Marian Society of the parish prepared and served a “Thanksgiving-style” dinner there on Nov. 12 – one more way to express gratitude.

“It is a blessing to take care of them and to be able to honor them,” Zupp said.