Category: Diocese of Scranton News

SCRANTON – In a time when communities are more interconnected than ever, the Diocese of Scranton is calling upon its faithful to unite in a transformative effort to support essential Catholic ministries across northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

The 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (Diocesan Annual Appeal) is now underway and comes with a pressing need for donations, vital to sustaining and expanding the life-changing work carried out by the Church.

This year’s Appeal, under the theme ‘Our Call to Service,’ emphasizes the profound impact that every contribution can make. The Diocese of Scranton relies on the generosity of its parishioners to fund essential programs and services that touch tens of thousands of lives and no one parish can do on its own.

“In the Gospel of John, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, reminds us that He came so that we may have life, and have it more abundantly,” Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, said. “These are challenging economic times and there are many people in need who are relying on the Church of Scranton.”

For example, every night, individuals in our local community face the harsh reality of homelessness.

For many years, the search for a safe place to sleep in the city of Wilkes-Barre meant bouncing around from church to church – but hope is on the horizon.

Work on a new, permanent home for Mother Teresa’s Haven, Catholic Social Services’ emergency shelter in Luzerne County, is now underway.

The location will be directly above the Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen on East Jackson Street.

Donations to the 2024 Appeal will help to ensure the shelter opens and operates – possibly even being able to expand its hours when the winter weather arrives.

“I see us here, being able to provide more services than we can ever imagine right now, because we’re going to have office space here, we’re going to be able to provide more case management,” Joseph Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, explained.

The need for a permanent shelter has never been more urgent.
Last year, Mother Teresa’s Haven provided nearly 5,400 individual nights of shelter to men in the community.

Harry Lyons has overseen the shelter for the last decade.

“More and more every year, it is regular working people who just can’t make ends meet and lose their housing,” Lyons stated.

Donations to the 2024 Diocesan Annual Appeal help to fund the important work of Catholic Social Services – and along with other funding sources – are helping to turn the new vision for Mother Teresa’s Haven into a reality.

Together, we can end the cycle of uncertainty and hopefully get those experiencing homelessness into permanent apartments.

“When I can keep somebody within Catholic Social Services and get them into a program where I know they’re going to be taken care of, it means the world to me,” Lyons added.

In the past year, Catholic ministries have been at the forefront of addressing critical needs. From providing food and shelter to those in need, to offering educational programs that uplift young people and adults alike, the Church’s outreach is vast.

The goal for the 2024 Appeal is set at $4.5 million, a figure that reflects the growing demand for diocesan programs and the urgent need to address emerging challenges. The funds raised will support vital Catholic ministries, including:

• Catholic Social Services
• Catholic Education
• Catholic Communications
• Vocations, Clergy Care and Support of Seminarians
• Parish Life Initiatives
• Faith Formation and Social Justice Grants to Parishes

Most parishes will celebrate the important work of the Diocesan Annual Appeal on the weekend of Sept. 21 & 22, with pastors showing one of eight videos that have been prepared to highlight the specific programs supported by donations.

Bishop Bambera is asking all faithful to consider how God is calling them to participate.

“Your donations ensure that the light of Christ shines brightly in our midst,” Bishop Bambera said. “By making a sacrificial gift, which can be spread out over the course of several months or done as a one-time payment, we will not just meet people’s immediate needs. We will be building a community of compassion and support, where everyone feels valued and cared for.”

To learn more about the many Catholic ministry programs supported by your donations, or to make a safe and secure online gift, please visit annualappeal.org.

Contributions to the 2024 Diocesan Annual Appeal can also be made by calling the Diocesan Development Office at (570) 207-2250 or mailing a check to: 2024 Diocesan Annual Appeal, c/o Development Office, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503. Please include the name of your parish in the memo line.

SCRANTON – As part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Diocese of Scranton will celebrate its 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Mass on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at noon.

National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15 each year. It celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of those who come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”

The Diocese of Scranton’s annual Hispanic Heritage Mass is being organized by 13 parishes who represent 15 different nationalities and is a collaborative effort which integrates the piety and devotions unique to the many cultures that comprise our Hispanic Community.

This year’s celebration will focus on the Eucharist and its unifying power, as well as display the faith and culture of our vibrant Hispanic Community.

The day will begin with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, followed by a Eucharistic Procession throughout the Cathedral.

Fellowship will continue after Mass in the Diocesan Pastoral Center where attendees will enjoy food, entertainment and community building. All are invited to attend this cultural event and experience the vibrant liturgy and celebration.

For those unable to attend the Mass in person, CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will broadcast the liturgy and provide a livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel, along with links on all Diocesan Social Media platforms.

SCRANTON – As the new school year begins, there are many new faces filling the classrooms and hallways of the 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton.

For the first time in more than seven years, enrollment has topped more than 4,500 students. As of Sept. 5, enrollment was at 4,565 students, a significant surge of nearly 150 more students compared to last year.

This robust increase underscores a renewed and enthusiastic embrace of Catholic values and academic excellence.

“While we are always focused on the spiritual, academic, and personal growth of our students, it is amazing to celebrate the growth of our enrollment too,” Kristen Donohue, Diocesan Secretary of Education/Superintendent, said. “As always, we are honored to provide a safe, nurturing, and welcoming Catholic school environment to our new and returning families.”

Donohue believes one of the key drivers behind this year’s enrollment increase is the emphasis on academic and spiritual excellence.

Catholic schools are well-known for a personalized approach to education, providing students with a strong academic foundation while instilling values of compassion and service.

“Our Catholic school educators are excited to teach our students to be the next generation of successful, faith-filled leaders in our world,” Donohue added.

At Epiphany School in Sayre, Bradford County, enrollment this year has gone up eight percent. Enrollment this year is 101 students compared to 93 at the start of last academic year.

“Epiphany is like my second family. It is really amazing,” sixth grader Evelyn Owen said.

Finn Heffron, who has just entered fourth grade, has been at Epiphany School since participating in its pre-kindergarten program.

“If I wasn’t at this school, I wouldn’t know a lot about all of God’s great adventures and miracles,” he said.

Heffron credits Epiphany’s teachers for the school’s positive reputation.

“They are so sweet and loving,” Heffron explained.

Recent graduates of Epiphany School have demonstrated outstanding success, showcasing a track record of excellence that helps attract new families eager for their children to benefit from such a well-rounded educational experience.

“It’s really amazing how you can build so many long-lasting friendships in this school,” Nicolo Rossettie Cabrera, who just recently graduated from sixth grade, said.

“Epiphany is smaller than public schools and you really get to bond with your classmates and teachers.”

Saint Agnes School in Towanda, which is the other Diocesan Catholic School located in Bradford County, has also seen an enrollment increase this academic year.

Will Eberlin, who just entered fourth grade at Saint Agnes School, enjoys math class and interacting with kids from all different grade levels.

“I think the teachers are great and there’s a lot of nice kids that go here,” Eberlin said. “I have a lot of friends in different grades.”

Saint Agnes prioritizes the importance of service to the community. Each month, students pick a different charity to support. They have visited local food pantries, sang to seniors at area nursing homes and collected clothing for those less fortunate.

“I feel this school teaches how to be really grateful for the things you have,” Madelyn Nash, who recently finished sixth grade, added.

As the new year begins, all 19 Catholic schools are preparing for a year filled with new opportunities, innovative programs, and rigorous academics with a strong moral foundation.

“It is a privilege to be a part of a community that values both academic and spiritual growth,” Donohue said. “We encourage any family who is interested in learning more about the benefits of a Catholic education to call their nearest school at any point during the year. Come join our growing Catholic school family, promising a bright and hopeful future for students and communities alike.”

NANTICOKE – The Diocesan Vocations Office is hosting its annual Men’s Discernment Retreat, Ezra 10:4, on the weekend of Oct. 11-12, 2024, at Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center in Nanticoke.

Ezra 10:4 is open to adult men who are interested in learning more about discerning the vocation to priesthood. The Vocations Office began 2024 with Ezra 10:4 as its guiding Scripture passage for the year. The verse states, “Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.”

For a man discerning the call to priesthood, fear, anxiety, and doubt can quiet the Lord’s voice and cause him to instead focus on the distractions of busy schedules and monotonous routines. With these distractions comes the false assumption that one can discern his vocation alone without the help of trusted spiritual advisors or the support of others who are discerning the same vocation.

By coming on retreat to spend time in the Word of God and before the Blessed Sacrament, a man discerning his vocation can escape from these distractions, gain wisdom from priests and other discerning men, and find rest under the stained-glass ceiling of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center.

This preached retreat, led by Vocation Director Fr. Alex Roche, includes time spent in personal prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, fellowship with other men discerning God’s call, and both group and one-on-one discussion.

Ezra 10:4 is free to attend. To register or to find more information, visit dioceseofscranton.org/vocations.

HARRISBURG – With less than two weeks until the Pennsylvania March for Life, organizers have released information on who will be speaking at the event.

On Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, thousands of pro-life advocates are expected to visit the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex to serve as a voice for life. The Pennsylvania March for Life is a public event and registration is not required.

Prior to attendees walking around the State Capitol beginning at noon, there is a rally which begins at 11:00 a.m. Toni McFadden, a pro-life advocate, will serve as the emcee.

Dr. Barry Whitworth, executive director, Baptist Resource Network, will give the opening prayer and Archbishop Nelson Perez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will give the closing prayer.

Speakers during the rally will include Mark Houck, pro-life activist and co-founder and president of the King’s Men; Michael Geer, president of Pennsylvania Family Institute; Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life Education and Defense Fund; Dr. Eric Hussar, Pennsylvania State Director of the American Academy of Medical Ethics; Wendy Burpee, executive director of Genesis Women’s Clinic; along with several state legislative leaders.

Pennsylvania March for Life activities will kick-off on Sunday, Sept. 22 with Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, at 7:00 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue overnight until Benediction at 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 23. Two additional Masses for Life will be held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Diocese of Scranton is once again inviting all people of good will to participate in the Pennsylvania March for Life.

The Diocese will be sponsoring a bus that will have pick-up locations in Scranton (8:30 a.m.) and Wilkes-Barre (9:15 a.m.) on the morning of the rally.

Following the March for Life, participants who travel to Harrisburg on the Diocesan bus will also be invited to celebrate Mass at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg and the bus will depart for home at the conclusion of Mass.

The cost of the trip is $15/per adult/$10 per student. Space on the bus is limited. Those interested are encouraged to contact Shannon Kowalski at (570) 207-2238 or SKowalski@dioceseofscranton.org to reserve a spot.

HAZLETON – Across northeastern Pennsylvania, there are countless individuals who face the daily challenge of putting food on the table.

The crisis is one that many in our community may not fully realize.

Around the beginning of the year, Nancy Craig became one of the people needing assistance and turned to Saint Joseph Food Pantry in Hazleton for a helping hand.

“They care about you. They care about your needs. They care about what your family needs,” Craig said.

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton operates Saint Joseph Food Pantry. Craig was so impressed by the pantry operations that she is now volunteering her time to help others who are struggling.

Pointing to the rising cost of gas and groceries, she is shocked to see the rising number of people needing assistance.

“There is not one person that I have seen yet come through these doors that is just looking for handouts,” Craig explained. “It is a need.”

The food pantries operated by Catholic Social Services are a lifeline for many people, providing not just food, but hope, dignity, and support.

With a dramatic increase in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance, Catholic Social Services is facing unprecedented demand. As the Catholic Ministries Appeal kicks off this month, the call for donations has never been more urgent.

“Every month, we see 50 new families that we have never seen before,” LeeAnn Lywiski, Hazleton Material Assistance Supervisor, said.

Lywiski has been helping the less fortunate for more than 22 years. During 2023, she says the Hazleton office of Catholic Social Services served 5,350 families, which equates to roughly 12,000 people.

“We try to give everybody dignity, respect, and confidentiality. We serve them and make them feel like they’re welcome here to receive the food,” she added.

It is a similar story at the Catholic Social Services food pantry in Carbondale. The office in Lackawanna County’s Up Valley helps an average of 300 families with food every week. On average, five to ten new families reach out for assistance on any given week.

“They know that they’re going to be respected, and they know, that if they’re here, they’re family to us while they’re here,” volunteer Richard Ward said.

Ward became a volunteer after falling on challenging times himself.

“I was homeless for a while and was at the shelter in Scranton and Catholic Social Services helped me get up here in one of the programs, so the least I could do was come down and help,” Ward added.

In addition to non-perishable food items, the Catholic Social Services Carbondale office also distributes milk, juice, fresh produce, and frozen meats.

“Nutrition is a huge factor for us. We want people to have well-balanced meals and that is something we really focus on here,” Dominique Jordan, Catholic Social Services Carbondale Office Supervisor, stated.

Parishioners are encouraged to contribute in any way they can. Donations to the Catholic Ministries Appeal can be made online at AnnualAppeal.org, by mail or by calling (570) 207-2250. Additionally, volunteers are always needed to help with the distribution of food and other essential services.

As the Appeal unfolds this year, the hope is that the community will come together to support this critical initiative. In a time of growing need, the strength of Catholic Social Services efforts lie in the organization’s ability to respond to community needs with compassion and solidarity.

PITTSTON – As the Catholic Ministries Appeal launches its crucial fundraising campaign this month, the spotlight is shining on the parish-based faith formation programs it supports.

In the 2024-2025 grant cycle, a total of $111,369.80 was distributed to 43 parishes. This funding directly assists with faith formation initiatives that aim to promote life-long discipleship; invite and welcome home Catholics and non-Catholics into a parish; provide spiritual support to families, singles, youth and young adults; and can be used to update technology and media to grow faith formation events.

Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston has used faith formation grant money to help its children dive deeper into their faith through fun and interactive programs like Vacation Bible School.

In July, the parish joined together with two others – Saint Joseph Marello in Pittston and Saint Maria Goretti in Laflin – to hold a regional event.

“Most of our students are in the same school district, so they already know each other,” Tommy Flynn, Director of Religious Education at Saint John the Evangelist Parish, said. “We thought it was a great opportunity for them to intermingle, to have fun, and for us also to have a really big, fun week for them.”

Through interactive activities, creative crafts and heartfelt lessons, Vacation Bible School brings the Gospel message to life in ways that resonate deeply with young people.

In Pittston, this year’s theme was ‘Camping with Christ.’

“We’re learning some new prayers. We’re learning about the Holy Spirit. We’re learning about kindness and we’re learning songs,” student Elle Troynacki said.

“I like the church a lot. We’ve been learning about Jesus, crafts, all that fun stuff. It’s nice,” student Cooper Quick added.

Through the administration of faith formation grants to parishes, the Appeal plays a critical role in making these transformative experiences possible.

Generous gifts from parishioners to the 2024 Appeal campaign will help ensure parish programs continue to thrive and reach more children each year.

“Probably my favorite part was the music,” student Della Rostock said of Vacation Bible School in Pittston.

Parishioners are encouraged to contribute to the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal in any way they can. Donations can be made online at AnnualAppeal.org, by mail, or by calling (570) 207-2250. Every gift, regardless of size, helps ensure that vital faith formation programs continue to nurture the faith of our future generations.

“As someone who works closely with a lot of different programs in our parish, many are supported through the grants that we get through the Diocesan Annual Appeal, both the Social Justice Trust Fund Grant, and the Faith Formation Grant, which helps us to program, educate, and really just create opportunities for all of our parishioners,” Flynn explained.

TOWANDA – Several dozen people took to the steps of the Bradford County Courthouse Sept. 8 to advocate for the unborn and highlight the significance of preserving human life.

The annual ‘Pro Life Rally’ sponsored by the Bradford County Pennsylvanians for Human Life marked a significant milestone this year – 20 years of working to foster a culture that prioritizes the sanctity of life.

“The original idea came out of our parish, Saint Mary’s in Wyalusing. We had a pro-life committee and we started talking about how could we reach out a little more so that it was more than just our parish. We networked with some of the folks in Towanda and drew in more people,” chairman Mike Kilmer explained.

This year’s event brought attendees from across Bradford County, including Deborah Geise who lives in Troy.

“I truly believe that only God has the ability to give and take life and we feel that children are a precious gift from God,” Geise said.

Watching other attendees hold signs with messages such as ‘Every Life is Precious’ and ‘Choose Life,’ Geise felt inspired.

“It blesses me to see that there are people of like-minded faith and we need to have more of them that rise up,” she explained.

Alex Piechocki, a parishioner of Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Towanda, emphasized the value of life from conception to natural death.

“Like Saint John Paul II said, there is one issue that is so far superior above all other social issues, which is the issue of life, because if the life issue is done away with, all the other issues are non-existent,” Piechocki said.

Attendees at the event affirmed the dignity of every human being and expressed the need to advocate for policies that protect and value life. They also stressed the help that is available for mothers who are looking for alternatives to abortion.

“If only they knew that there was a lot of support out there, there are plenty of places that will help you,” Cathy Moliski, a parishioner of Epiphany Parish in Sayre, stated.

Following a short rally outside the courthouse, rally participants walked to Saints Peter & Paul Parish for a pro-life talk given by Rev. Martin Fuller from Meadville, Pa, followed by a social in Grotto Hall.

Many of those participating in the Sept. 8 rally will also be attending the Pennsylvania March for Life in Harrisburg on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. The Bradford County Pennsylvanians for Human Life and the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a bus trip to Harrisburg that day. The bus will make several stops throughout Bradford County. There is no charge to ride the bus. To make a reservation, call Frank Socha at (570) 772-6524.

“It is a wonderful experience,” Kilmer said. “We march around the Capitol and try to impress our legislators to be pro-life.”