OBITUARY
REVEREND CARMEN JOSEPH PERRY, JR.

Reverend Carmen Joseph Perry, Jr., Chaplain, Mercy Center, Dallas, PA, died on the 18th day of April 2026, after having faithfully served the Diocese for forty-nine years.

Reverend Perry, son of the late Carmen Joseph Perry, Sr. and Rose (Salerno) Perry, was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1952.  He was a graduate St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Grade School and West Scranton Senior High School Class of 1969, Scranton, and attended the University of Scranton where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in theology. Father received his seminary education at Saint Pius X Seminary, Dalton, and St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained to the priesthood by the late J. Carroll McCormick., former Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton, in the Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton on May 7, 1977.  

Father Perry served as assistant pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Carbondale, Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Scranton and St. Thomas Aquinas, Archbald.

Father received his first pastorate on July 9, 1990, at Saints Peter and Paul, Hazleton.  In 1993, Father was next assigned Pastor of the linkage of St. Brigid, St. John the Baptist and St. Anthony churches, Throop.  In 1994, Father was appointed Assistant Pastor, St. Luke, Stroudsburg and in 2015 was appointed Pastor.  In 2021, Father Perry was appointed Chaplain at Mercy Center Dallas where he continued to serve until his death.

Father Perry also served the Diocese of Scranton as Religious Educator at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Carbondale, Sacred Heart, High School, Carbondale and St. Thomas Aquinas School, Archbald.

Father is survived by his brother, Louis Perry, Dunmore, and sister, Mary Ellen Perry Cisek, Dunmore, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends, with special gratitude being extended to Sister Mary Frances at the Mercy Center in Dallas. 

A visitation will take place at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, on Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. with a Vesper Service to be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. An additional period of visitation will be held on Thursday morning from 9-9:45 a.m.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 10 a.m. Interment will be in the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

In lieu of flowers, it is kindly asked that memorial contributions be made to the Cathedral of St. Peter, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503; or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements, Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, West Scranton.  To offer a condolence, visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com.

 

SCRANTON (April 13, 2026) – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, is issuing the following statement on President Trump’s social media post on Pope Leo XIV:

“War divides; hope unites. 
Arrogance tramples upon others; love lifts up.
Idolatry blinds us; the living God enlightens.”

When Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, spoke those words Saturday at a Prayer Vigil for Peace, he was speaking from the heart of the Gospel.

I was deeply saddened to read comments posted by the President about the Holy Father, and likewise dismayed when seeing an AI-generated image, also posted by the President but then later deleted, that seemingly portrays him in the place of Jesus Christ.

I am praying for the President, that he may be guided by wisdom, humility and a sincere pursuit of peace. I am also praying for Pope Leo that he may be strengthened to continue speaking boldly for peace and justice, even in the face of criticism.

Blessed are the peacemakers!

 

 

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton is hosting an online art auction through May 1, 2026, featuring more than 20 original paintings of local Catholic churches and sacred spaces. Shown, from left: Mark DiPippa, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, and Austin Burke, artist/philanthropist and former President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, showcase a painting of Saint Thomas quinas Church in Archbald.

The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton is hosting an online art auction beginning Monday, April 13, through May 1, featuring more than 20 original paintings of local Catholic churches and sacred spaces.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit the “Founders Fund” of the Catholic Foundation and support the long-term pastoral, educational, and service ministries of the Diocese of Scranton.

The online auction will showcase a collection of artwork generously donated by artist and philanthropist Austin Burke of Archbald.

Burke, a longtime community leader and former President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, has spent the past year painting some of the most iconic church buildings in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania.

“I feel blessed. God has given me some talent, and I feel privileged to be able to use it in this way,” Burke said.

Each piece reflects not only architectural beauty but the deeper role of parish life.

“A church is where humanity encounters God,” Burke noted. “Not only do you encounter God there, but you meet your community there.”

A preview of several paintings was displayed earlier this year during a Bishop’s reception, drawing admiration from parishioners and benefactors alike.

Mark DiPippa, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, said the auction is both a celebration of faith and an investment in the future.

“We are deeply grateful to Austin for sharing his extraordinary talent in such a meaningful way,” DiPippa said. “His commitment to his faith and his dedication to the mission of the Catholic

Foundation are clearly reflected in each of these works. Through this generous gift, he is helping to strengthen the future of the Church of Scranton while celebrating the beauty and heritage of our parishes.”

The full list of paintings up for auction are:

  • Annunciation Church, Williamsport
  • Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton
  • Epiphany Church, Sayre
  • Resurrection Church, Muncy
  • Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Mayfield
  • Sacred Heart of Mary Church, Jermyn
  • Saint Ann Basilica and Grotto, Scranton
  • Saint Catherine of Siena Church, Moscow
  • Saint John the Evangelist Church, Honesdale
  • Saint John the Evangelist Church, Pittston
  • Saint Jude Church, Mountain Top
  • Saint Luke Church, Stroudsburg
  • Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Eynon
  • Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Church, Dunmore
  • Saint Mary of Vilna Church, Eynon
  • Saint Matthew Church, East Stroudsburg
  • Saint Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre
  • Saint Patrick Church, Scranton
  • Saint Rose of Lima Church, Carbondale
  • Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Archbald
  • Basilica of Padre Pio, Italy
  • Cathedral Prayer Garden, Scranton
  • Marian Chapel at Marywood University
  • The Angel of Agonies Statue, Scranton

The online auction, which will be available via both the Diocese of Scranton website (dioceseofscranton.org) and the Catholic Foundation website (catholicfoundationscranton.org) will begin accepting bids on April 13. Bidding information and a full gallery of the available artwork will also be available on the auction site.

The winner of each piece of artwork will be invited to a reception at the Cathedral Rectory with the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, on an evening in May.

 

 

The Lenten Fish Dinner hosted by the Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Wyalusing was a huge success on Friday evening, March 20th.  All proceeds will be donated to Helping Hands Food Pantry, and Special Olympics of Bradford & Sullivan County. 

Volunteers from left to right: Ron Whren, Connie Whren, John Armitage, Carol Hatton, Eva Weaver, Cathie Frost, Michael Murray, Deb Mapes, Anne Roof, Frank Socha, Becky Roof, Jeff Ross, Karen Ross, Tina Pickett and Peggy Loomis.  

 

Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston, celebrated the feast of St. Casimir with a Mass held on Sunday, March 1st at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston. Third and Fourth degrees were also conferred at the Mass held by Reverend Joseph Elston. A luncheon and Amber District meeting in the Monsignor Bendik Center followed the service.

Pictured are Council members and Amber District members.

Front row, from left to right Evelyn Parra, Marilyn Fitzgerald, Judy Stodolny, Rob Kiska, Eileen Kelly, Tom Miller – Supreme Ritual Chair and Amber District Secretary, Barbara Miller-Amber District President, Dennis Palladino – 4 th Degree recipient, Janet Palladino – 4 th Degree recipient, Yvonne Branas – 4 th Degree recipient, Mary Claire Voveris and June Supey.

Second row, from left to right, Les Distin, Donna Albright, Anne Marie Distin, Lainey Mentrikoski, Joe Francik, Mary Portelli, Elaine Elko, Bill Sodnik, Tom Wierbowski – Amber District Vice President, Sylvia Waxmonsky, Tom Vaxmonsky, Don Waxmonsky, Irene Kovaleski, John Kovaleski, and Larry Domalakes. – Amber District Treasurer. Absent from photo was Beverly Harnen.

 

 

Group photo: 
Nick Carr, Alfredo Pisa, Fr. Tom Dzwonczyk, Assistant Pastor, Fr. David Cappelloni, Pastor, and Martha Gervasi.

SS. Anthony and Rocco and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parishes Holy Name Society and Altar and Rosary Society, Dunmore held its Annual Combined Communion Breakfast on Sunday, March 1st at La Buona Vita. The day began with 8:30am Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church. Mass was celebrated by the Reverend David P. Cappelloni, Pastor. 

Principal Speaker was Mr. Nick Carr. Toastmaster was Father Thomas Dzwonczyk. Mr. Alfredo Pisa offered remarks on behalf of both parish societies. Father Cappelloni offered the invocation, remarks and final blessing.

 

 

 

First row pictured, from left to right, Judy Stodolny, Lainey Mentrikoski, Rob Kiska, Elaine Elko, Janet Palladino, Dennis Palladino, Brian Doughton
from State Senator Marty Flynn’s staff, George Brown – Mayor of Wilkes-Barre, Mary Claire Voveris, Beverly Harnen, June Supey, Mike Loncoski,
Irene Kovaleski and John Kovaleski.
Second row pictured, from left to right, Mary Ladish, Yvonne Branas, Marilyn Fitzgerald, Joe Francik, State Representative Jim Haddock, Tom
Wierbowski, Mike Lombardo – Mayor of Pittston, Tyler McAlpine from Senator Dave McCormick’s staff, Bill Sodnik, Ruth Wnuk, Don Waxmonsky,
Sylvia Waxmonsky, Mary Policare and Stanley Holko.

 

 

 

Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston, celebrated the 108th anniversary of the independence of Lithuania by holding a ceremony on February 19th at the Pittston Memorial Library. Federal, state and city officials were present and presented citations and proclamations recognizing the event.

 

 

SAVE THE DATES

 

The Diocese of Scranton’s 11th Annual Quo Vadis Days and 3rd Annual Fiat Days will take place June 29th – July 1st at Marywood University.

Quo Vadis and Fiat are vocation-themed summer camps open to rising sophomores through graduating seniors in high school. These camps include 3 days of fellowship, talks, prayer, worship, sports, art, music, great food, and more! Be sure to save the date and stay tuned to find out when registration officially opens! Email vocations@dioceseofscranton.org for more information.

 

 

Pictured are Mark Peterson, Joni Mazzi Troyanoski, Sue Farley, Christine Michel, Kathleen Trishman, Bob Trishman, Jessica Spare, and Danielle Matarella.

Greater Hazleton Catholic Social Services and the Hazleton Art League are partnering for a fun and creative evening at a Sip and Paint fundraiser benefiting both organizations.

The event will be held on Friday, March 13th at 6:00 PM at the Hazleton Art League, 31 W. Broad Street, Hazleton.

The cost is $50.00 per person, which includes all painting supplies and your decorative door hanger to take home. Guests will also enjoy light refreshments, and the event is BYOB.

To purchase tickets, please visit the Diocese of Scranton website or call 570-455-1521. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

All are welcome.

 

February 17, 2026 — Scranton, PA
Mark DiPippa, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, addressed the Diocese’s Presbyteral Council during its February meeting, offering an update on opportunities to strengthen long‑term parish support through endowments and to promote the Foundation’s upcoming online art auction.

During the presentation, DiPippa highlighted the growing importance of parish‑based endowments as a sustainable way to support ministry, operations, and the future needs of local faith communities. He invited priests to partner with the Foundation in encouraging parishioners to consider legacy gifts that strengthen their individual parishes for generations to come.

A major portion of the presentation focused on the Foundation’s next online auction benefiting the Founders Campaign, an initiative designed to expand the Foundation’s capacity to serve parishes, schools, and diocesan ministries. This year’s auction features a generous and unique contribution from Austin Burke, former President of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and a renowned regional artist. Burke has donated 26 original paintings to support the campaign.

The auction will open shortly after Easter and run through May 8, 2026.

“We are deeply grateful to Austin Burke for his extraordinary generosity and his longstanding commitment to the Diocese of Scranton,” said DiPippa. “His artwork will not only inspire bidders but will also make a meaningful impact on the parishes and ministries we serve.”

For additional information about the online auction or to learn how your parish can benefit from establishing an endowment, please contact:

Mark DiPippa
Executive Director, Catholic Foundation
Phone: 570‑575‑8813