From now through the end of October, the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of prayer and action to STOP the spread of abortion pills. 
 
Please take action below to send a message to pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies that are involved.
 

Take Action!

 
Thank you for your prayers and actions to protect innocent children and their vulnerable mothers from the evil of abortion. St. Joseph, Defender of Life, pray for us!
 
Please share this invitation with others!
 
Learn more about the abortion pill, this nationwide invitation to prayer and how you can share the message with your parish by visiting respectlife.org/abortion-pills.
 
 
Join Us in Prayer!
 
A Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life
 
Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home.
As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed 
Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the 
safety of both Mother and Child. 
 
We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you. May your example inspire us also to 
welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life. 
 
Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life — especially where it is vulnerable or threatened. 
Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things. 
Amen.
 
  
 
Photo by Philippe Oursel on Unsplash

 

Catholic Social Services of Greater Hazleton is excited to announce the return of “Racing to Raffles,” a fun-filled two-day fundraising event benefiting the programs and services of Catholic Social Services.

The festivities kick off with Preview Night on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Guests can stop by to purchase horses for $10 each and get an early start on raffle tickets for gift cards, lottery boards, themed baskets and more. Light snacks will be available for purchase

Race Night takes place Saturday, October 10, 2026. Doors open at 4:00 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy an evening of horse racing, food and fun, with raffle drawings held between the races.

Admission for Race Night is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Both events will be held at the Catholic Social Services Family Center, 106 S. Church St., Hazleton.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call Catholic Social Services at 570-455-1521.

All proceeds benefit the programs of Catholic Social Services of Greater Hazleton, a member of the United Way of Greater Hazleton.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD RACE FORM

 

Dear Eric,

At the start of the 119th Congress, the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 1589) was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill has passed in the House on a bipartisan basis on multiple occasions during previous congresses and has long enjoyed support from a wide cross-section of the American public. Up to this point, it has not passed in both the House and Senate, but it continues to have bipartisan support.

The bill would essentially provide a fair, just, and long-term legal solution for Dreamers (people brought to the United States as children who lack legal status but know only this country as their home) and those who have been lawfully relying on temporary protected status (TPS) or deferred enforced departure (DED) for several years. Under current law, there is no direct pathway to permanent legal status for these populations, including for people who have protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). In many cases, even those with U.S.-citizen spouses and children do not have access to permanent status. This bill would fix that.

For both groups, eligibility to apply for permanent legal status under H.R. 1589 would be subject to several limitations (such as, for Dreamers, being physically present in the United States since at least January 1, 2021), while also requiring applicants to pay fees, present certain identifying information, and submit to background checks/security vetting.

In 2021, the most recent year this bill was passed by the House, Bishop Mario Dorsonville, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration at the time, submitted written testimony for a hearing on the American Dream and Promise Act. He stated: “Dreamers and TPS/DED holders are our neighbors, parishioners, and—most importantly—fellow children of God. We as a Church have long advocated for their legal protection and full inclusion in the life of our country.” In that same testimony, Bishop Dorsonville quoted the late Pope Francis, who said, “Immigrants, if they are helped to integrate, are a blessing, a source of enrichment and new gift that encourages a society to grow.”

The American Dream and Promise Act would provide such an opportunity for integration, recognizing the positive contributions to American communities already made each day by many Dreamers and longtime residents relying on TPS/DED. Through the procedural mechanism known as a “discharge petition”, the House could be required to vote on H.R. 1589 in the coming days.

Please join in expressing support for this bill with your congressional representative at this pivotal moment in time.

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TODAY

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, as follows:

DEACONS:

Deacon William F. Behm, from diaconal ministry, Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, to Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary Parish, Wilkes-Barre, effective September 15, 2026.

Deacon Albert V. Giacometti, from diaconal ministry, Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Scranton, to retirement, effective September 24, 2026. 

Deacon Walter G. Janoski, from diaconal ministry, Corpus Christi Parish, West Pittston, to retirement, effective July 26, 2026. 

Deacon Gerard P. Pernot, from diaconal ministry, Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, and Saint Ignatius Loyola Parish, Kingston, to Leave of Absence for personal reasons, effective August 11, 2026. 

 

OBITUARY
REVEREND WILLIAM R. CULNANE

Reverend William R. Culnane, Pastor Emeritus of St. Dominic, Wilkes-Barre, PA, died on the 13th day of July, 2026, at Allied Services Skilled Nursing Center in Scranton, PA.

Father Culnane, son of the late Charles Henry Culnane Sr. and Mary Jane Moran Culnane, was born in Susquehanna, PA, on August 3, 1934.  He was a graduate of Laurel Hill Academy, Susquehanna, and attended Mount Saint Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, MD.  Father received his seminary education at Saint Charles Seminary, Philadelphia, PA, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1960, in St. Peter’s Cathedral by the Most Reverend Jerome D. Hannan, D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

Father Culnane received a summer assignment as Assistant Pastor pro tem at St. Matthew’s, East Stroudsburg, in June 1960.  In October 1960, Father was appointed Assistant Pastor at Annunciation, Williamsport. Father was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. Rose, Carbondale, in September 1966 and Assistant Pastor at St. Dominic, Wilkes Barre, and at St. Dominic, Wilkes-Barre, in September 1968.  In September 1971, Father was appointed Director of Religious Formation at Dunmore Central Catholic High School and lived in residence at St. Paul’s, Scranton.

Father Culnane pursued further studies and received a Master’s degree from Marywood College, Scranton, in June 1974, and a Ph.D. from Boston College, MA, in September 1978.

Father Culnane was appointed Pastor at St. Francis Xavier, Friendsville, in June 1978.  He was appointed Chaplain at College Misericordia in August 1980 and Pastor at St. Dominic, Wilkes-Barre in September 1981.  Father served as Pastor of St. Dominic’s for twenty-eight years until his retirement and was appointed as Pastor Emeritus in July 2009. 

Father Culnane is survived by his nieces and nephews: Chuck, Mare, Bill (Nancy), Tom (Kay), Jane (Tony), Mary (Tig), John (Lori), Cathy (Randy), and numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mary Jane, and his two brothers, Thomas and Charles (Jane).

During the little free time he had, Father Culnane enjoyed fishing and sailing. When sailing, he possessed an innate ability to harness the wind when there was none observed.  He loved to spend time with family, have philosophical debates, repeat the same jokes, and watch college basketball (especially Boston College).      

Viewing will take place at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 East Church St., Susquehanna, PA, on Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm and Monday, August 3, 2026, from 10:00am to 10:45am. A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 6:30pm.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Monday, August 3, 2026, at 11:00a.m. at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.

Interment will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Susquehanna, PA.

Please join the family for a luncheon reception in the parish hall immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John’s Women’s Club, 15 East Church Street, Susquehanna, PA 18847, or to a charity of your choice.

 

June 29, 2026 

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments:

PASTORS:

Reverend David P. Cappelloni, from Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore, and Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore, to Pastor, newly consolidated parish, Saint John Paul II Parish, Dunmore, effective July 1, 2026.  Father Cappelloni will continue to serve as Director of Continuing Formation for Clergy.

Reverend Joseph P. Elston, V.F., from Pastor, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, and Saint Joseph Marello Parish, all located in Pittston, to Pastor, newly consolidated parish, Communion of Saints Parish, Pittston, effective July 1, 2026. Father Elston will continue to serve as Dean of the Pittston Deanery. 

Reverend Michael J. Kloton, from Pastor, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, and Administrator pro tem, Saint Patrick Parish, White Haven, to Pastor, newly consolidated parish, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, effective July 1, 2026. Father Kloton will continue to serve as Pastor, Good Shepherd Parish, Drums.

Reverend Edgar Ramirez, FSSP, from ministry within the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, to Pastor, Saint Michael Parish, Scranton, effective July 1, 2026.

SACRAMENTAL MINISTER:

Reverend Peter J. O’Rourke, from Sacramental Minister, Saint Patrick Parish, White Haven, effective July 1, 2026.

 PAROCHIAL VICARS:

Reverend Anthony Dorsa, FSSP, from Pastor, Saint Michael Parish, Scranton, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael Parish, Scranton, effective July 1, 2026. Father Dorsa will continue as the Director of Fundraising Operations for the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter.

Reverend Thomas J. Dzwonczyk, S.T.L., from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Dunmore, and Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore, to Parochial Vicar, newly consolidated parish, Saint John Paul II Parish, Dunmore, effective July 1, 2026.

Reverend Matthew Kane, FSSP, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Michael Parish, Scranton, to ministry within the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, effective July 1, 2026.

Reverend Jackson Pinhero, O.S.J., from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, and Saint Joseph Marello Parish, all located in Pittston, to Parochial Vicar, newly consolidated parish, Communion of Saints Parish, Pittston, effective July 1, 2026.

Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar, to Senior Priest, newly consolidated parish, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, effective July 1, 2026. Father Seegar will continue to serve as Senior Priest, Good Shepherd Parish, Drums.

NEWLY ORDAINED:

Reverend Jan Carlo Perez, to Parochial Vicar, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Brodheadsville, effective July 15, 2026.

DEACONS: 

Deacon Andrew A. Fazio, from diaconal ministry, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish and Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore, to newly consolidated parish, Saint John Paul II Parish, Dunmore, effective July 1, 2026.

Deacon David E. Marx, from diaconal ministry, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Saint John the Evangelist Parish, and Saint Joseph Marello Parish, all located in Pittston, to diaconal ministry, newly consolidated parish, Communion of Saints Parish, Pittston, effective July 1, 2026.

Deacon James M. Rebarchick, to diaconal Ministry, newly consolidated parish, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, effective July 1, 2026. Deacon Rebarchick will continue to serve as Deacon, Good Shepherd Parish, Drums.

 

Sisters of IHM Foundation to Host Celebration
Benefitting Retired IHM Sisters on July 31st

Event will Recognize Spirit of IHM Award Recipients Dr. Jay Bannon, Tracy Bannon and Teddy Michel

Scranton, Pennsylvania — The Sisters of IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) invite the community to their 2026 Sisters Celebration on Friday, July 31 at Nazareth Hall, Marywood University. The Celebration will honor the IHM spirit and support the retired IHM Sisters who  continue to live the “IHM Spirit” with unwavering dedication — praying for those who need help.  They follow the Congregation’s Mission Statement, engaging in actions that reflect on God’s unconditional love for all creation and the transformation of the world.

The Celebration will begin with a reception at 5:30 pm, followed by the program. A key part of the program is the presentation of the Spirit of IHM Awards to several exceptional individuals: Dr. Jay Bannon, Tracy Bannon, and Teddy Michel.  Guests will also hear from IHM leaders and from the retired IHM Sisters.

Tickets to the event are $100 per person, with all proceeds helping with the care of the retired IHM Sisters. In addition to attending the event, individuals can honor a Sister, an award recipient, or a loved one by becoming an event sponsor.  Sponsorships start at $25.  “Many individuals choose to honor a Sister who taught them in school and made an impact on their life or the lives of their family members,” states Sister Ann Monica Bubser, IHM, Director of Development for the IHM Sisters. For further information on attendance or sponsorship, go to https://www.sistersofihm.org/2026-ihm-sisters-celebration/ or call 570-346-5431.

The event is hosted by the Sisters of IHM Foundation, established in 2013 to support retired IHM Sisters who require varied levels of care. “Costs are rising exponentially, and we rely on your generosity to help the Sisters care for the women who gave their lives in service, asking for nothing in return,” said Ann Rink, president of the Foundation Board. “This celebration is a chance to honor them and hear the stories of those who embody the IHM mission.”

About the Award Recipients

Dr. Joseph P. Bannon and Tracy Bannon exemplify the spirit of the IHM Sisters through their lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community. Dr. Bannon is a distinguished surgeon, educator, and leader whose career has advanced patient care and medical education throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania, while Tracy has devoted herself to serving children, families, and those most in need through her work with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. Together, their generous leadership, compassionate service, and dedication to helping others have made a lasting impact on the region and make them truly deserving recipients of the 2026 IHM Spirit Award.                                                                                 

Teddy Michel embodies the Spirit of the Sisters of IHM through a life dedicated to faith, service, and community. As Director of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeastern Pennsylvania, he inspires adults age 50 and older to put their faith into action through service with local nonprofits. A former legal aid attorney and law clerk for the late Judge James M. Munley, Teddy has spent his career advocating for those in need while serving in numerous leadership and volunteer roles throughout the region. Alongside his wife, Cindy, he continues a lifelong commitment to helping others, making a lasting impact on Northeastern Pennsylvania through compassion, generosity, and joyful service.

About the Sisters

The Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania, are a community of Catholic women religious dedicated to God and service to God’s people. Founded in 1845 and inspired by the spirit of Saint Alphonsus, we participate in the redeeming mission of Jesus by celebrating and proclaiming the Good News of God’s unconditional love for all people. While currently serving in the United States and Latin America, the Sisters live their commitment by engaging in and sponsoring a variety of ministries that meet contemporary needs and foster the full development of human potential. For more information on the Sisters of IHM, go to https://www.sistersofihm.org

About the Sisters of IHM Foundation

The Sisters of IHM Foundation was established in 2013 to help the Congregation care for aging Sisters who have reached retirement age.

 

June 3, 2026

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments: 

PASTORS EMERITI:

Reverend Gerald J. Gurka, from Pastor, All Saints Parish, Plymouth, and Saint John the Baptist Parish, Larksville, to Pastor Emeritus, Saint John the Baptist Parish, Larksville, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend John C. Lambert, from Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Plains, to Pastor Emeritus, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Plains, effective July 15, 2026.

PASTORS:

Reverend Thomas Augustine, from Administrator pro tem, Saint Brigid Parish, Friendsville, to Pastor, All Saints Parish, Plymouth, and Saint John the Baptist Parish, Larksville, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend David W. Cramer, from Pastor, Saint Eulalia Parish, Roaring Brook Township, to Pastor, Saint John Parish, East Stroudsburg, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Kevin M. Miller, from Pastor, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton, to Pastor, Saint Brigid Parish, Friendsville, and Holy Name of Mary Parish, Montrose, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Thomas M. Muldowney, to Pastor, Saint Eulalia Parish, Roaring Brook Township, effective July 15, 2026.  Father will continue to serve as Pastor, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Moscow.

Reverend Philip S. Rayappan, from Pastor, Holy Name of Mary Parish, Montrose, to Pastor, Holy Child Parish, Mansfield, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Gregory Reichlen, V.F., from Pastor, Saint John Parish, East Stroudsburg, to Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Brodheadsville, effective July 15, 2026. Father Reichlen will continue to serve as Dean of the Stroudsburg Deanery.

Reverend Robert J. Simon, from Pastor, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Brodheadsville, to Pastor, Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Plains, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Bryan B. Wright, from Pastor, Holy Child Parish, Mansfield, to Pastor, Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Hawley, effective July 15, 2026.

ADMINISTRATORS PRO TEM:

Reverend Richard W. Beck, from Administrator pro tem, Blessed Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Hawley, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Anthony J. Generose, J.C.L., to Administrator pro tem, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton, effective July 15, 2026. Father Generose will continue to serve as Pastor, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Hazleton.

SACRAMENTAL MINISTER:

Reverend Christian Ekeh, to Sacramental Minister, Holy Rosary Parish, Hazleton, effective July 15, 2026.  Father Ekeh will continue to serve as Parochial Vicar of Saint John Bosco Parish, Conyngham.

PAROCHIAL VICARS:

Reverend Michael Amo Gyau, from Parochial Vicar, Christ the King Parish, Archbald, to Parochial Vicar, Epiphany Parish, Sayre, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Michael Osei-Boateng, from Parochial Vicar pro tem, Saint Thomas More Parish, Lake Ariel, to Parochial Vicar, Christ the King Parish, Archbald, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Rafael Ofarril Bermúdez Gonzalez, from Parochial Vicar, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Hazleton, to Parochial Vicar, Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish, Hazleton, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Shawn M.  Simchock, from Senior Priest, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Hazleton, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton, effective July 15, 2026.

Reverend Shinu Vazhakkoottathil John, from Parochial Vicar, Epiphany Parish, Sayre, to Parochial Vicar, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Moscow, and Saint Eulalia Parish, Roaring Brook Township, effective July 15, 2026.

DEACONS:

Deacon Paul J. Brojack, to diaconal ministry, Holy Name of Mary Parish, Montrose, effective July 15, 2026.  Deacon Brojack will continue to serve as Deacon, Saint Brigid Parish, Friendsville.

Deacon Nicholas M. Rocco, to diaconal Ministry, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Moscow, effective July 15, 2026.  Deacon Rocco will continue to serve as Deacon, Saint Eulalia Parish, Roaring Brook Township.

Deacon Frank H. Zeranski, to diaconal ministry, Saint Eulalia Parish, Roaring Brook Township, effective July 15, 2026.  Deacon Zeranski will continue to serve as Deacon, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Moscow.

 

 

Seated from left: Donna Barbetti, Kitchen Advisory Board President; Anna Millett and Emilia Williams, Scranton Preparatory School; Teddy Michel, Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Standing: Rob Williams, Kitchen Executive Director; Michael J. Cummings, Host for a Day Campaign Chair; Rob Walls, Sysco Foods; Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton.

Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen celebrated the successful culmination of its 2026 Host‑for‑a‑Day campaign with a special event at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on April 29. Contributors to the 48th 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 – the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Sysco Foods and Scranton Preparatory School – received the Presidential Award 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, text SFAK to 26989 or via the buttons below. 

 

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, as follows:

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS: 

Reverend David P. Cappelloni, to Director of Continuing Formation for Clergy, effective May 1, 2026.  Father Cappelloni will continue to serve as Pastor, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Dunmore, and Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore.

Reverend Mark J. DeCelles, to Academic Dean, St. Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton, effective June 1, 2026.  Father DeCelles will continue as Sacramental Minister, Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, and Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation.  Father DeCelles will be in residence at Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton. 

Reverend Ryan P. Glenn, S.T.L., from Director of Continuing Formation for Clergy, effective May 1, 2026.  Father Glenn to Vocation Director, effective June 1, 2026. Father Glenn will continue to serve as Pastor, Christ the King Parish, Archbald.

Reverend Alex J. Roche, S.T.L., from Pastor, St. Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin and Vocation Director, to Rector, Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton, effective June 1, 2026.  Father Roche will continue as Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation and Director of Seminarians. Father Roche will be in residence at St. Pius X Propaedeutic House, Scranton.

Reverend Brian VanFossen, V.F., to Head Spiritual Director, Saint Pius X Propaedeutic House of Formation, Scranton, effective June 1, 2026.   Father Van Fossen will continue to serve as Pastor, Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish, Nanticoke.

PASTORS: 

Reverend Michael S.  Drevitch, from Assistant Pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, West Pittston, to Pastor, Saint Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin, effective June 1, 2026.

PAROCHIAL VICARS:

Reverend Benito Hierro Aquino, CSMA, from Parochial Vicar, St. Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton, to return to ministry with the Congregation of Saint Michael the Archangel, effective April 6, 2026.

Reverend Wojciech Jasionek, from ministry in the Diocese of Warsaw-Prague, Poland, to Parochial Vicar, St. Luke Parish, Stroudsburg, effective June 1, 2026.