Category: Diocese of Scranton News

SCRANTON – Parishioners and visitors are once again descending on Saint Ann Basilica Parish in West Scranton for the annual Solemn Novena to Saint Ann.

This year’s Novena, which begins today and runs through July 26, is a tradition that many faithful look forward to each summer. It is now in its 101st year.

“Saint Ann has touched my life, and I think the Novena is a great thing,” parishioner Ken Weiksner said.

Weiksner, who joined Saint Ann Basilica Parish in 2013, will attend several Novena Masses throughout the next nine days.

“I remember my mom and dad, they used to come and brought me here a few times when I was young,” he added. “People from all over come. They walk, they come by car, it’s a great thing to see all these people here praying together.”

The theme for this year’s Novena is ‘Hope Never Fails,’ echoing the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.

“I’ve been coming to the Novena since my 20s,” parishioner Doreen Didario explained. “You come to thank God; you come to find peace and tranquility.”

The preachers for this year’s Novena are Father Curtis Kiddy, C.P., of North Palm Beach, Fla., and Father Cristian Martinez, C.P., of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Each day, the preachers will provide encouragement for fostering hope in the everyday circumstances of life.

“It’s so great to come here and be able to pray and be with God,” parishioner Lisa Killino stated.

Responding to growth in the Hispanic community throughout the Diocese of Scranton, the Novena will once again hold a daily Mass and Novena in Spanish at 7:30 p.m. from July 17 through July 25.

The Novena will conclude with the Solemn Closing Mass on Saint Ann’s Feast Day, July 26, at 7:30 p.m., celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.

All faithful are welcome and encouraged to attend Novena Masses and devotions at the times that fit their schedule. Everyone in the community is also invited to visit the food stand located on the Basilica grounds. Proceeds from the sale of food and beverages benefit Saint Ann Basilica Parish.

“The food is very good, and I enjoy being with my family every year,” Tommy Killino added.

SCRANTON – The registration deadline for the Diocese of Scranton’s upcoming Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is quickly approaching in just about one month.

In order to ensure that all bus transportation can be arranged, a registration deadline of Aug. 18 has been established.

On Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will lead a Jubilee Year of Hope Pilgrimage to the Basilica in Washington, D.C.

The day will include opportunities for public as well as private prayer, confessions, touring the National Shrine as well as the campus of The Catholic University of America, and conclude with Mass.

There are two ways to register.

The first way is to visit the Diocese of Scranton website (dioceseofscranton.org) and click on the “Jubilee Year Pilgrimage” tab. You can then fill in your information and pay by debit or credit card or PayPal account.

The second way to register is to contact your local parish office. Many parishes are signing up pilgrims and will forward that information to the Diocese.

The cost of the bus trip is $80 per person. Once all of the registration information is received on Aug. 18, bus roster and arrival/depature locations will be finalized and communicated to attendees at the end of August.

Please note: There is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Pilgrimage on the Diocese of Scranton website.

Anyone with questions can email Father Andrew Hvozdovic, Diocesan Director of Pilgrimages, at ahvoz87@gmail.com or call (570) 639-1535.

 

SCRANTON – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”

These words, known as the Great Commission from the Gospel of Matthew, are more than a final command from Christ – they are a call to action for every Catholic to foster a culture of vocations.

That call is bearing fruit in the Diocese of Scranton.

This year, five new seminarians have been accepted into the Diocese’s Program for Priestly Formation – marking the highest number of new candidates in several years. They come from three different countries, four counties, and represent five unique parishes, reflecting the rich diversity and shared faith of the Church in northeastern Pennsylvania.

“This is a sign of great hope,” Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, said. “Their willingness to discern a priestly vocation is a witness to the Holy Spirit actively working among us.”

The candidates accepted this year for the Diocese of Scranton include: Liam Barry, Epiphany Parish, Sayre; Antonio Ingargiola, Saints Anthony & Rocco Parish, Dunmore; Leonel Ojo Gonzalez, Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke; Roberto Carlos Acevedo Ruiz, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton; and Michael Sullivan, Saint Luke Parish, Stroudsburg.

VOCATIONS ROOTED IN ENCOUNTER

The path to the seminary for each of the men is as varied as their backgrounds.
For Antonio Ingargiola, the call began during a Holy Thursday Mass during his sophomore year of high school.

“I watched my pastor wash the feet of the twelve. As I watched this, something came over me and I felt that I could see myself doing that,” he said.

As a sacristan and altar server at his parish, Ingargiola is excited to begin seminary life.

“Being around other guys discerning God’s calling in their life while striving to grow in their faith is very exciting for me,” he added.

Liam Barry, one of the youngest of the group, traces his calling back to his Catholic elementary school and the influence of religious sisters and priests.

“I think altar serving and Quo Vadis (Days) were both really important and meaningful to me because of your ability to be close to priests, deacons, and seminarians,” Barry said.

Barry is particularly drawn to the liturgical prayer life of seminary formation and finds inspiration in Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and Venerable Fulton Sheen.

Michael Sullivan found his call while serving as youth minister for Saint Luke Parish.

“I taught the Confirmation class and was their leader for service hours. We visited the nursing homes, fed the underprivileged at community meals, and evangelized with our participation in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade,” he said.

Through the encouragement of his pastor, Father Michael Quinnan, and programs like Quo Vadis Days and the Ezra 10:4 Men’s Discernment Retreat, Sullivan said his desire to serve grew stronger.

“I look forward to meeting young men on the same journey as me, as we live together, learn together, and follow our call to the priestly vocation together.”

A native of the Dominican Republic, Roberto Carlos Acevedo Ruiz brings with him a wealth of ministry experience – from catechesis and youth missions to Charismatic Renewal and Emmaus retreats.

“I have been motivated by the call that God has made me through my pastoral services in the community where I worked,” he shared.

Leonel Ojo Gonzalez has been discerning for more than a decade.

Hailing from Panama in Latin America, his involvement in adoration, Hispanic Emmaus retreats, and parish ministry has steadily drawn him closer to the priesthood.

“I am motivated because I love the way they (priests) give themselves completely to the service of God and the community,” he said.Inspired by Saint Paul the Apostle, Leonel added, “He is a great model because no matter what you did in the past, if God calls you, you have to be able to change your life.”

BROADER PICTURE OF GROWTH

The increasing number of seminarians for the Diocese of Scranton correlates to national trends noted in the 2025 CARA Report, which surveyed more than 300 men preparing for priestly ordination across the United States.

This year’s findings reaffirm the central role of family life, parish priests, and Catholic schools as key influences in vocational discernment.

Notably, 78-percent of respondents reported regular participation in Eucharistic Adoration, a practice that has been emphasized in Scranton through monthly Holy Hours for Vocations in three different counties.

The Vocations Office also continues to invest in programs like Quo Vadis Days, Fiat Days, Leave a Mark Mass, and Ezra 10:4 Retreats to help men and women discern their call in an atmosphere of prayer, fellowship, and guidance. Adult and youth discernment groups also meet regularly throughout the year.

HOPE, NOT HESITATION

While concern over declining vocations is real, the work of the Holy Spirit in the Diocese of Scranton is providing hope for the future.

“We often hear about the challenges,” Father Roche said. “But when young men give their lives to Christ in this way, it’s a powerful sign that the Church is alive and moving forward.”

If you or someone you know is discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, visit dioceseofscranton.org/vocations for more information. You can also email vocations@dioceseofscranton.org or call (570) 207-1452.

WILKES-BARRE – All families are invited to join Catholic School Services and its Parents as Teachers program for an afternoon of indoor fun and education on Aug. 2, 2025.

The free event, with a back to school focus, will be held from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the King’s College Scandlon Gymnasium, 150 N. Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, 18711. (Free parking available at 133 S. Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, 18711)

There will be face painting, free haircuts and eye exams, along with performances and demonstrations by community groups. Several dozen local organizations have committed to participating in the event.

The first 100 children will get free water bottles and dental hygiene kits. There will also be an interactive scavenger hunt to be turned in for prizes, and interactive demonstrations.

The Parents as Teachers program of Catholic Social Services will also be highlighting its program. The program is open for participation from conception until a child reaches kindergarten. A child must be enrolled at least one year prior to kindergarten. There are no income qualifications to participate but families must live within Luzerne County to participate in the Catholic Social Services program.

For more information on the event, or to register your community group to participate, please contact Montie Ford at MFord@cssdioceseofscranton.org.

SCRANTON – Just before He ascends to heaven, Jesus leaves His disciples with final directions: “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).

The Diocesan Office for Parish Life invites you to two different events next month focused on discipleship.

A registration link for both events is available on the Diocese of Scranton website (dioceseofscranton.org) or you can call the Diocesan Office for Parish Life at (570) 207-2213.

The first workshop on Wednesday, Aug. 6, is “The Characteristics of a Disciple.”

What does it mean to be a disciple? What does a disciple look like, think like, act like? How can we know if we are making disciples?

This evening workshop with Fr. Jon Bielawski and Michele Thompson, Genesis Mission founders, will answer these questions and more.

Join us for an evening of inspiration whether you are a new disciple, a disciple-in-progress, or someone who wants to be a disciple maker.

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton
Cost: $10, payable at door.

The second workshop on Thursday, Aug. 7, is “How to Evangelize.”

We know we are supposed to share our faith, but how comfortable do we feel? What if we don’t use the right words, or say the right thing? Even the word “evangelization” makes most of us cringe!

This workshop with Fr. Jon Bielawski and Michele Thompson, Genesis Mission founders, will show you how to build a culture of encounter. Throughout the day, they will illustrate methods to introduce our faith into everyday conversations.

This workshop is perfect for parish staff, catechetical leaders, catechists, youth ministers, adult formation leaders, and disciples of all ages and stages!

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton
Cost: $30, payable at the door. Includes lunch and materials.

SCRANTON – The Diocesan Pastoral Center was alive with music and heartfelt praise as several hundred people gathered for the Second Diocesan Hispanic Charismatic Congress on Saturday, July 12, 2025.

The event brought together Spanish-speaking Charismatic prayer groups from different parishes around the Diocese of Scranton for a powerful day of worship, learning, and renewal.

Attendees came from many corners of the diocese– Stroudsburg, Hazleton and beyond – united with the purpose of experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit. The day was marked by vibrant music, animated preaching, and spontaneous expressions of faith, a hallmark of the Charismatic Renewal.

“This one is magnificent,” Consuelo Corrales, a parishioner of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg, said. “It is life changing. People are being touched by the Holy Spirit very deep in their hearts.”

For Corrales, the day was more than just a gathering, it was a spiritual encounter.

“This joy, I cannot withstand in my heart. It is so amazing. I would love for everyone to feel and recognize that the Holy Spirit is within us. It just needs to be awakened.”

The conference built on the success of last year’s inaugural event and reflects a growing movement within Hispanic communities in the Diocese.

“We’re trying to bring all the people from within our communities here to enjoy and grow in faith,” Brenda Bonilla, who coordinates the Charismatic prayer group at Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton, said. “We just share our faith; we live our faith and enjoy our faith together.”

The lively atmosphere included music provided by members of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Hazleton, and featured guest speakers, including one from Albany, N.Y.
But the focus remained firmly on spiritual renewal and community.

“We praise the Lord a lot,” Angeles Youells, coordinator for the Hispanic Charismatic groups, explained. “We ask for the Holy Spirit to come and heal any bad feelings in the hearts of people.”

For Youells, who has been in the movement for 18 years, the Charismatic Renewal has brought her deeper into her faith.

“I’ve been Catholic my whole life, but I never knew the love of God until I found this group.”

Whether you speak English or Spanish, all are welcome to experience the power of the Holy Spirit at the 43rd annual Catholic Charismatic Conference, taking place Aug. 1-3 at The University of Scranton. For more information, visit CCRScranton.org.

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has appointed Adeline (Addie) Rocco as the new Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton.

She began serving in this new role on July 7, 2025.

As Safe Environment Coordinator, Rocco will assist the Diocese of Scranton in maintaining safe environments for the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton – especially our children and the most vulnerable among us.

Rocco will oversee child protection training programs, background checks, and compliance efforts across all parishes, schools, and diocesan institutions.

Bishop Bambera said Rocco brings a depth of experience to this important role. Her career spans law enforcement, education, healthcare, pastoral care, and public service.

Rocco has previously served as a police officer in Roaring Brook Township and Scranton. While working in the Scranton Police Department, she held the position of patrol corporal and was also a crisis negotiator. She has also served as the Director of Public Safety and was an adjunct professor at Keystone College.

The Bishop noted Addie also brings a strong pastoral dimension to her work, having most recently served as Director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at St. Mary’s Villa in Elmhurst.

“I am so excited and honored to be able to serve in the Diocese of Scranton in this capacity,” Rocco stated. “This role encompasses both my service and dedication to ensure the safety of others in my church community and my pastoral experience of walking with others through the safe environment process.”

Rocco has served as a certified VIRTUS facilitator for 13 years, further demonstrating her deep commitment to child protection and safe environment education.

“The Lord has always asked me to be part of the solution to challenges and to get involved. Over the past 13 years, providing VIRTUS education has allowed me to help others be more aware of their surroundings and be a better reporter. Continuing education in VIRTUS allows us all not to be complacent. When we become unaware, we allow things to happen under our watch,” she explained.

Rocco is no stranger to the Diocese of Scranton. Her husband, Nick, is currently a Permanent Deacon at Saint Eulalia Parish in Roaring Brook Township. Addie also currently serves as Coordinator for Deacon Wives and Families, accompanying women whose husbands are discerning and preparing for the diaconate.

In announcing her role as the new Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Scranton, Bishop Bambera noted that Rocco’s broad experience, coupled with her civil service and Catholic ministry experience, make her “uniquely qualified” to lead and support our safe environment efforts with professionalism and compassion.

“She is eager to work collaboratively with pastors, principals, parish staff members and our Diocesan offices to ensure we uphold our responsibility to protect all God’s children,” Bishop Bambera stated.

“I cannot wait to work with, and for all, the members of the Diocesan family. This is a ministry to me, and I look forward to working alongside every member to ensure the safety of all. With four teenage daughters and my experience as a Chaplain, I hope to bring an element of compassionate awareness to ensure the protection of all in our Diocese and community. This opportunity is such a blessing,” Rocco added.

SCRANTON – Three seminarians for the Diocese of Scranton took another significant step on their path to the priesthood during a special Mass with the Rite of Candidacy at Marywood University on June 25, 2025.

Taking place on the final day of this year’s Quo Vadis and Fiat Days, each man pledged his intention to continue formation for the priesthood.

During the Mass, Esteban Marengo from Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton, along with Daniel O’Brien from Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston, and Nicholas Wasko from Saint Ann Basilica Parish, were formally accepted as candidates for Holy Orders through the Rite of Candidacy.

“All that was going through my mind was thank you Lord for putting me here,” O’Brien said. “Thank you for surrounding me with these wonderful young men who are on the same track as me.”

The Rite of Candidacy is an important milestone in seminary formation. It marks the Church’s formal recognition that a seminarian is progressing in his discernment and is considered suitable to be admitted to the next stages of preparation for the priesthood.

During the Rite, the candidates were questioned publicly by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton. They were asked whether they are prepared to “form your mind and heart in such a way that you will be able to faithfully serve Christ the Lord and his Body, the Church.”

Each man then responded with “I do.”

“Leading up to Candidacy, the main focus has been growing in my relationship with Christ, just growing as a Christian man, growing in virtue, growing in faith – but there comes a point where you have to start becoming more intentional in your preparations,” Marengo said. “It is a public sign that I really am trying my best to discern properly, to discern seriously.”

Marengo said he was inspired to consider the priesthood after seeing his previous pastor, Father Scott Sterowski, always filled with joy when he was amongst the faithful. That helped him recognize the priesthood is about service.

“There is just something about giving the full gift of yourself, almost pouring yourself out for others,” he explained. “I would say that is what is most appealing to me. It would be an absolute honor to one day be able to give the gift of myself to these wonderful, faithful people.”

The Rite of Candidacy taking place during Quo Vadis and Fiat Days, the Diocese’s annual vocations camps for high school students, was no coincidence. It allowed young people discerning their own paths in life to witness the beauty of vocational commitment.

“I’m a later vocation. There is no real set timeline for God’s call,” Wasko said. “Some people pursue it right out of high school when they’re young. Others wait a few years and say, ‘maybe I should be going down this path.’”

As the three men continue their formation, they expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported them with their prayers and encouragement.

“I am here because God has a plan for me,” O’Brien said. “I am so excited to be able to call Scranton home and serve the people of God.”

 

SCRANTON – In a world that often demands quick answers, dozens of high school students from across the Diocese of Scranton took a bold step in the opposite direction this June.

They paused. They prayed. And they listened.

For many of the 66 young men and women who attended the Diocese’s annual Quo Vadis and Fiat Days camps, one message rose to the top of their experience: Trust in God.

Whether it came during quiet moments of Eucharistic Adoration, small group conversations or simply time with their peers, the call to trust – deeply and freely – left a lasting impression.

“No matter how hard the storm is, no matter how hard life will get, just trust in Him and everything will go well,” Emily Lopez, a young adult from Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Scranton, said.

“Be humble and don’t say, ‘this is what I want,’ just listen to him and ask God ‘what do you want for me,’” Jacob Bryk, a young adult from Saint Therese Parish in Shavertown, added.

Held June 23-25, 2025, at Marywood University, Quo Vadis Days (for high school boys) and Fiat Days (for high school girls) provided a space for teens to reflect on how God is calling them – not just in the future – but right now in their daily lives.

Through various activities, which included prayer, talks, Mass, and interactive games, the camps offered participants the opportunity to step away from the ‘noise’ of everyday life and be reminded of who they are as children of God.

“I really enjoyed it. I met a lot of new people, and everyone was just so nice,” Jade Quijandria, a young adult from Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish in Hazleton, said.

“Being together here as one unit, helping each other find faith, find that full trust in the Lord and trying to find what He’s calling them for was important.”

“You get to spend time with other guys your age who are in the same position,” Daniel Bordas, a young adult from Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, added. “None of us really know what we’re going to do (with our lives yet).”

The camps invited students to learn more about the many vocations available to them, including marriage, priesthood, and religious life.

Angelo Ramos, a young adult from Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow, is considering a call to the Diocesan priesthood or religious life. He was thankful for the many opportunities he had to interact with seminarians and priests throughout the three-day experience.

“You can ask questions and get good answers that you don’t just type on Google,” Ramos explained.

Throughout the three-day camp, 38 young men took part in Quo Vadis Days, which translates from Latin to “Where are you going?” The name comes from the famous encounter between Saint Peter and Christ and invites campers to reflect on that same question in their own lives.

Fiat Days, which welcomed 28 young women in only its second year, draws its name from Mary’s “yes” to God – and encourages participants to open their hearts to how God may be calling them to serve and love others.

While both camps provided ample time for spiritual growth, the students also had plenty of time for sports, music, and icebreakers to help them build long term friendships.

“I really enjoyed it,” first time participant Johanna Davison of Scranton said. “Coming here has helped me learn to listen and just be willing and open to whatever God wants me to do.”