Category: News

John Frank from Holy Rosary Church Hazleton, chairperson of the VOICE of JOHN annual Christmas Card Event has announced this year’s competition, open to all students grades 9-12.  

Artist for this year’s card prayerfully designed the cover.  Linda Ross, a native of Scranton, and graduate of Marywood University majoring in art, was the recipient of the prestigious St Luke Award for artists.  Linda now resides in East Stroudsburg and is a member of St Matthew’s Parish.   She serves as artist for the VOICE of JOHN Ministry.

The Christmas Card, the second in “the Lamb of God Series”, is rich in symbolism, featuring the Christ Child in a wooden cradle, our Blessed Mother by His side, clearly depicting the love of a Mother and Child.  The lamb, representing the lamb of God, looks out to the card holder, and the world, bringing them into the scene, so that all will share that same love.

The word above the scene reads “Blessed Is He Who Comes in The Name of the Lord” John 12:13.  Maryann Lawhon, the VOICE of JOHN CEO, stated that she paused when she read these “Palm Sunday Words on the Christmas Card”, but further contemplated the depth of the artist in choosing these words.

Students are challenged to meditate on the Card and its profound message, and then to write the verse for inside the card.  Deadline for entries is Tuesday 10/21 and should be sent to thevoiceofjohn1977@gmail.com or The VOICE of JOHN Ministry at 103 Johns Jog, Drums, PA 18222.

Winner will receive a prize of $250.

John Frank, who chairs this annual event, serves on the board of directors for the organization and is spokesperson for our Down Syndrome Education and Support program.  

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield recently served as the presenting sponsor of St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen’s “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.” Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s $3,000 donation covered the cost of the dinner, which served as a “thank you” to the many volunteers that help serve meals at the Kitchen throughout the year, as well as volunteers who assist at the Kitchen’s food pantry and free clothing store. 

For information on becoming a  “Sponsor for a Day” at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, or for information about volunteer opportunities, call (570) 829-7796.

Area members of our Hispanic population gathered at St. Lawrence Church in Great Bend, PA to celebrate Mass for our Blessed Mother, followed by a fellowship at local family’s home. Over 150 members attended this special event, similar to the one celebrated in Ecuador, from where many of our family have come.

We held our second annual Parish Family Picnic at Green Gables in New Milford, PA. We had a prepared dinner, a corn hold tournament, pie contest, basket raffle, and 50/50.

One hundred parishioners attended the event with Fr. Sudhir Toppo and Deacon Ron Maida. Dr. Christopher Lake mc’ed the event.

Three parishioners–Joe Bucci, Lorraine James, and Frank Supancik were recognized for the Life Time Dedication to our churches and newly formed parish (2019).

The Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 took part in the Pilgrim Silver Rose program. Eight silver roses travel from Canada through the United States to Mexico stopping at local councils and parishes. The councils become custodians of the silver rose where they hold a public ceremony in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The roses represent the gift the Blessed Mother gave Saint Juan Diego at Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City, to prove her presence to the Bishop. The ceremony revolves around Our Lady’s protection of expectant mothers and unborn children. The Knight of Columbus is an International Catholic Fraternal Organization and you can learn more at www.kofc.org. 

The Knights of Columbus #8613 Our Lady of Fatima Council graciously donated a $1,000 check to The Voice of John Ministry. All donations help the Voice of John continue to promote and educate the community about the value and dignity of all human life at all stages of development. The VOJ is in the process of producing its own curriculum which will further its mission to educate on life issues like abortion and its alternatives, euthanasia, unplanned pregnancy, living with disabilities, receiving negative prenatal diagnoses, caring for and respecting the elderly, and dying with dignity.

The ministry continues to speak at schools, churches, and community events and is running a bus trip to Harrisburg in September for the PA March for Life.

If anyone would like more information on The Voice of John’s Ministry, how to schedule a speaker, to go to the march and/or to donate please contact

MaryAnn Lawhon at 570-788-JOHN.  Check out the website as well: www.thevoiceofjohn2.org

The Pennsylvania State Council of the Knights of Columbus had the distinct honor of presenting two generous contributions to the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, in support of vocations and other vital diocesan needs. The funds were drawn from the Knights’ long-standing Labels Program and the Christopher Fund, both of which are dedicated to furthering the charitable and spiritual mission of the Church.

Bishop Bambera received the checks with sincere gratitude, noting that both contributions will be directed toward supporting vocations—helping to strengthen the mission of the Diocese and further enhance the programs that inspire and sustain men who are discerning the priesthood and religious life.

The Knights of Columbus, rooted in the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, remain deeply committed to supporting the work of the Church and ensuring that vocations are fostered and encouraged across Pennsylvania.

The Knights of Columbus in Pennsylvania continue to uphold their mission of service, faith, and fraternity—walking alongside the Church in strengthening vocations and building communities of hope, prayer, and discipleship.