Category: News

A bus Pilgrimage was organized May 14, 2025 from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Basilica, and the nearby Mount St. Mary’s Grotto, Emmitsburg, Maryland. The group prayed at the many Grotto Shrines, attended Mass at the Basilica, prayed at the tomb of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Mother Seton), and toured a newly constructed museum in honor of the Saint. 

The pilgrims consisted of Swoyersville Parish Staff, leaders of: the Knights of Columbus, the local Pro-Life, the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, St. Anthony/ George Maronite Parish, members of an area Ukrainian Church, students from King’s College and Marywood University, and devotees of Mother Seton. Shown are:

Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen celebrated the successful culmination of its 2025 Host‑for‑a‑Day campaign with a special event at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on April 30. Contributors to the 47^th annual campaign gathered for food, fellowship and to hear how their support enables the Kitchen to feed and clothe those in need.

Also two members of the Kitchen’s Advisory Board were recognized for their service, and three institutions – Empower Financial Services Company, The University of Scranton and Scranton Running Company – were honored for continued support of the Kitchen’s mission. 

Donations of $100 or more to the Host‑for‑a‑Day campaign can still be made by calling the Kitchen at 570-342‑5556, sending a check to Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Avenue, Scranton PA 18509, online at: www.stfranciskitchen.org or text SFAK to 26989. 

Members of ‘Be a Catholic Man’ recently gathered to plan for its tenth annual Catholic Men’s Conference. This year’s theme will be “Christ Is King”.

The event will be held from 8am to 3 pm, Saturday, October 4^th, 2025 at Holy Redeemer High School, 159 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre. The Conference features nationally known speakers, and concludes with Mass offered by Bishop Joseph Bambera. Tickets are $30 if ordered by Sept. 15^th and $40 if ordered after Sept. 15^th and $15. for students. Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians are free. To order tickets, mail a check to “Be A Catholic Man,” P.O. Box 669, Wyalusing, Pa., 18853. Write “Men’s Conference” on the check memo and include one’s contact information, e-mail, and parish.

Register online at www.BeACatholicMan.com. For more information call 570-721-0872.

Shown left to right, (1^st row) Jerome Smith, Walt Blejwas, Dr. Chris Carr, Dr. Louis Guarnieri, Kevin Burleigh, Raphael Micca, John Leskosky.

(2^nd row) Rev. Brian VanFossen Conference Chaplain, Mike Kilmer Conference Chairperson, Jim Gerichten, Joe Alinoski, Ralph Marino, John Witkosky.

(3^rd row) Paul Binner, Alex Piechoki, Jim Biondo, Gerard Schmidt, Tim Pawlik, and Christopher Calore was photographer.

Parishioners from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Towanda processed on Palm Sunday, April 13, carrying palms from the Grotto of Our Blessed Mother to the Church. 

They were led by Altar Servers and the Pastor of the Church, Fr. Jose Joseph Kuriappilly.  This event was to commemorate the triumphant entrance of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem before His Passion and Death.

Students in the Children’s Faith Formation Program at the Church of Saint Patrick in Milford recently enacted the Passion and Death of Jesus in a presentation featuring narration, song and prayers led by Father Joseph Manarchuck, Pastor. The presentation, entitled “Living Stations”, was directed by catechist Laurie Barcia, assisted by Christine Sell, also a catechist in the Children’s Faith Formation Program.

Participants included: Tessa Marotta, Sofia Rizzo, Roger Lake, Kaitlin Murphy, PJ Barcia, Adele Kahmar, Emersyn Delrio, Angelina Giovane, Cassidy Lentoni and Jeremy Gesualdo. Narrators were: Angelica Barcia and Clare Barcia.

Mrs. Michele Baron designed the costumes for the presentation, with lighting provided by Kevin Riker of Riker Services, assisted by catechist Charles Kratochwill. Micah Sweeney, known for his  popular radio dramas, was production consultant. Accompanying  music was provided by the Music Ministry under the direction of   Rich Gherardi.

On the evening of St. Joseph’s Day, the Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 participated in a moving celebration at the 7:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Matamoras, Pennsylvania. In a powerful display of faith and fraternity, the Council processed into the church carrying their newly acquired statue of St. Joseph, elevated on a handcrafted litter.

The statue, which made its public debut that evening, is a traditional depiction of St. Joseph the Worker, holding a carpenter’s square and lilies—symbols of his vocation, his purity, and his role as a humble, steadfast guardian of the Holy Family. The litter, which had been used just three days earlier in the local St. Patrick’s Day Parade, was designed and built by members of the Council to support processions throughout the liturgical year. Its elegant, sturdy frame added a solemn beauty to the moment as the Knights brought St. Joseph into his namesake parish.

“This was a beautiful way to honor St. Joseph,” said Ed Gutierrez, who helped lead the effort to organize the procession. “We’ve talked for years about doing something like this, and to see it finally come together on his feast day — at St. Joseph’s Church no less — it just felt right. The statue and the litter aren’t just for display. They’re tools of devotion, meant to inspire and bring our parish family closer to the saints and to Christ.”

The Mass, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Manarchuck, included a homily reflecting on the silent strength of St. Joseph, his obedience to God, and the vital role he plays as patron of the Church. Father also expressed gratitude to the Knights for enhancing the celebration with their visible witness of devotion.

The Council plans to incorporate the statue and litter into future parish events and feast days, including Corpus Christi and the Assumption, helping to foster a renewed sense of beauty, reverence, and tradition in the liturgical life of the parish.

As the Knights of Columbus continue their mission of service, prayer, and brotherhood, their participation in the St. Joseph’s Day Mass stands as a testament to their devotion to the saints and their deep commitment to the spiritual life of the Church.

St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us.

The Knights of Columbus of St. Michael’s Parish, Canton, Pa., JFK Council #5517 conducted a Food for Families Thanksgiving Food Drive and were able to give the Canton Area Food Pantry a monetary donation of $780.00 which qualified us for a $100.00 rebate from the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus. Presenting the rebate check to the Canton Area Food Pantry is Grand Knight Ralph Lepper.

Accepting the check is The CAFP Treasurer Charlotte Moses, along with the CAFP Director, Cathy Cole. The food pantry appreciates all the Knights do for them throughout the year and the Knights are grateful to serve.