Category: News

 

POCONO PINES—The call went out at all masses in early November that St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish would again participate in the “Giving Tree” gift program annually sponsored by the Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Council (TOMEC) headquartered at the Five Loaf House in Pocono Pines. And St. Maximilian’s parishioners answered.

A “Giving Tree” was set up in the church’s narthex to attract the attention of worshipers attending the three weekend masses. Instead of traditional tree decorations, 85 index cards with a child’s first name, age (17 or younger), type of clothing and size, gender, and tracking number were tied with ribbon to the tree’s branches.

By the Sunday, Dec. 1 deadline, all 85 cards had been replaced with more than 85 gifts wrapped in a blaze of color strewn at the foot of the tree and around the narthex. The gifts, each tagged with one of those 85 index cards, were delivered by the parish’s “Giving Tree” Coordinator Dorota Nowak to the Five Loaf House on Tuesday morning, Dec. 3. The gifts were part of TOMEC’s six-congregation effort to reach 263 children in 115 families in Tobyhanna Township and surrounding communities.

“Each congregation sets its own quota,” explained Kim Bray, “Giving Tree” coordinator at TOMEC, who was busy checking in the gifts from St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. “St. Max does twice as much as any of the congregations,” Bray added.

“‘Giving Tree’ is a great opportunity for the parish to get together for a community outreach especially at this time of year,” said Juli Reese, parish office manager at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. “It gets our families, children, grandparents and people who don’t have children involved in the spirit of giving.”

“It’s very important that parishioners are aware that their gifts are not going to a business but rather directly to kids,” added Nowak.

She further explained that the “Giving Tree” is just what it is. “It is an ideal way to give a child a gift and we are thrilled to help our community along with the churches in TOMEC at a time when giving means so much.”

After all the gifts from the congregations have been dropped off and checked in at Five Loaf House, distribution takes place during Food Pantry days December 9 and 10. The Food Pantry program is run by TOMEC. Tracking numbers on each of the index cards tagged to the gifts make sure that the right family gets the right gift.

“Families in the Food Pantry program register for the “Giving Tree” between August and October and are given their tracking number,” Bray said, “in addition to listing their child’s first name, age, type of clothing and size, and gender.”

Chuck Lawrence, director of the Food Pantry, emphasized an important aspect of “Giving Tree.”

“The names of people giving the gifts are not put on the gifts,” Lawrence said, “so that the kids see that they are receiving the gifts from their parents.”

He added that the total of 263 kids receiving gifts “makes this our highest year in terms of numbers.”

When family members pull into the parking lot at the Five Loaf House on the mornings of Dec. 9 and 10, volunteers will direct them to their food pick up and then to a drive-thru window where they will receive their gift from the “Giving Tree,” “just in time for Christmas,” added Bray. “It’s what Christmas is all about, helping those who need help and spreading the love.”

Just ask the parishioners at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.

 

Milford, PA — December 4, 2024 — The Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 is proud to announce the donation of 72 brand-new coats to the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center as part of the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, which are the cornerstone of our Catholic fraternity.

The Coats for Kids program is a vital part of our mission to serve the community by addressing the essential needs of children. With winter fast approaching, these coats will ensure that local children are kept warm and safe during the cold months.

The Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center, a valued community partner, plays a critical role in supporting families and mothers facing unexpected pregnancies. Through comprehensive services such as parenting classes, material assistance, pregnancy counseling, and resources for young children, the center is a beacon of hope and compassion in the region.

“As Knights, we are called to put our faith into action through the principals of Faith, Family, Community, and Life,” said Joe Saski, Grand Knight of Council 13935. “By partnering with organizations like the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center, we are living out the principle of Charity and making a tangible difference in the lives of families in our community.”

The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternity founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. With faith as our foundation, we carry out numerous initiatives to support our communities, families, and those in need.

For more information about the Coats for Kids program or the Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935, please contact the council program director, Antonio Perito, at St. Patrick’s Parish in Milford PA.

About the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center

The Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center is dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals and families in need. Their services include free pregnancy tests, parenting classes, counseling, material assistance such as diapers and clothing, and educational resources for parents. By empowering families with resources and guidance, the center fosters a culture of life and hope in the tri-state area.

About the Knights of Columbus

Founded in 1882, the Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization committed to serving the Church, communities, and families. With over 2 million members worldwide, the Knights strive to make a meaningful impact through faith in action, rooted in the core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

Annual Day of Solemn Exposition

Sunday, December 1 following the 12:15 p.m. Mass
By tradition, the Cathedral has led the Diocese in each new liturgical year with solemn Eucharistic exposition. We invite you to spend an hour or more in prayer with our Lord.

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament with Evening Prayer and Benediction

Every Sunday in Advent at 6:15 p.m. in the Cathedral Church

Live-streamed across our social media channels

Broadcast on CTV: Catholic Television following the airing of the Mass on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Evening Prayer is part of the Liturgy of the Hours, also known as the Divine Office. In the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church fulfills Jesus’ command to “pray always”. Through this prayer, the people of God sanctify the day with continual praise of God and prayers of intercession for the needs of the world.

 

The children of the Gate of Heaven Parish, Dallas and Our Lady of Victory Parish, Harvey’s Lake, collected new pjs for the Luzerne County Head Start children as their 2024 local mission project and donated $435.00 to the Missionary Childhood Association as their global mission project to help the poorest children of the world. 

 

OBITUARY
REVEREND EUGENE L. GUNNING

Reverend Eugene L. Gunning, Pastor Emeritus of  St. John the Evangelist, Scranton, died on the 18^th day November, 2024 at Marywood Heights, Scranton, after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for fifty years.  

Father Gunning, son of the late James J. and Mary (O’Malley) Gunning, was born in Scranton on September 14, 1930.  He was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory High School and attended Saint Charles’ College, Md., Father Gunning graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md having received his Bachelor of Arts degree in June of 1952.  His studies for the priesthood were completed at Gregorian University, Rome and he received his Pontifical Bachelor of Sacred Theology in July of 1954.  Father Gunning was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on December 17, 1955 by Archbishop Martin J. O’Connor. 

Father Gunning served as an assistant pastor at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton; Our Lady of Sorrows, W. Wyoming; Nativity, Scranton; Annunciation, Williamsport and St. John the Evangelist, Pittston.  He was appointed Administrator at St. Aloysius, Ralston in 1969 and Administrator at St. Mary of the Assumption, Wyalusing in 1972.

Father received his first pastorate at St. Mary Assumption, Wyalusing in 1972 and served until his appointment as pastor at St. Patrick’s, Milford in 1973.  Father Gunning was appointed pastor at St. Ann, Tobyhanna in 1977 where he served for 6 years until his appointment as pastor at St. Mary, Avoca in 1983.  Father was appointed pastor at St. Vincent DePaul, Scranton where he served from 1991 until 2000.  In the year 2000 Father Gunning was appointed his final pastorate at St. John the Evangelist, Scranton where he remained until his retirement and appointment as Pastor Emeritus in 2005.

In addition to his parochial duties, Father also served as Principal of Bishop Neumann High School, Williamsport.  He served on the Diocesan School Board and as Dean of the North Scranton Deanery.

Father Gunning celebrated the 60^th Anniversary of his Ordination with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. in 2016.

After meeting the saint, he had a deep devotion to Padre Pio (now St. Pio of Pietrelcina), and he would share a relic of the saint for prayer and intercession.

Father is survived by nieces, Dr. Mary Lisa Gunning Meholick, West Chester, PA; Dr. Mary Jo Gunning MacGregor, Lake Waynewood, PA; and their families; and nephews Kevin J. Dempsey, Cape Coral, FL; Eugene L. Dempsey, Bedford, NH; Sean C. Dempsey, Marblehead, MA; Timothy O. Dempsey, Bonita Springs, FL; and their families; as well as cousins in the Charles Cleveland Family, Scranton.

In addition to his parents, Father was preceded in death by a sister, Agnes Dempsey and a brother, Michael J. Gunning.

Viewing will take place Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton  at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral.  

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 Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Minooka. Arrangements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, Inc.

 

The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of Scranton on the weekend of Dec. 7-8.

In 2023, parishioners contributed $79,437.84 to the collection. From this collection, the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary received a total of $395,448.15 in financial support made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Mr. John Knutsen, NRRO director, expresses gratitude for the “profound generosity” of U.S. Catholics, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the “comfort and dignity” of those who have served tirelessly. “As we prepare for this year’s collection,” Knutsen stated, “we invite all Catholics to join us in honoring the legacy of these dedicated women and men by contributing to their well-deserved care.”

Escalating healthcare costs and a lack of traditional retirement plans have created financial challenges for many religious communities. The Retirement Fund for Religious addresses this need, supporting more than 20,000 religious over the age of 70. In 2023, the average annual cost for their care was roughly $59,700 per person. With skilled nursing care, the average cost was $90,700.

Since its establishment in 1988, the collection has raised over $1 billion, with nearly $870 million distributed for direct care and over $103.5 million allocated to self-help projects.

In 2023, the appeal raised $29.3 million, providing financial assistance for the retirement needs of 286 U.S. religious communities. Beyond financial aid, the collection supports educational programs, empowering religious communities to plan for their long-term needs.

About the NRRO

The NRRO coordinates the annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious and distributes financial assistance to eligible religious communities. It is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

Milford, PA — The St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee held a successful “Pierogis for Life” fundraiser, selling over 450 pierogis and raising $527 for the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center (TSF&PC). The event was met with overwhelming support from the community, whose contributions will directly assist TSF&PC in providing essential resources and compassionate support to families in need.

The Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center, a local pregnancy resource center, plays a vital role in supporting children, mothers, and families across the tri-state area. TSF&PC provides a variety of material services, including diapers, wipes, baby formula, clothing, and furniture to families facing financial hardships. The center also offers peer counseling and referral services to other supportive organizations and agencies, helping to ensure families receive holistic, continuous care through all stages of pregnancy and early parenthood.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generosity and enthusiasm for this event,” said a representative of the Respect Life Committee. “The funds raised will allow the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center to continue its crucial work of supporting mothers, children, and families with dignity and respect.”

The St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee would like to thank everyone who supported this fundraiser by purchasing pierogis, volunteering, and spreading the word. Your support has made a meaningful impact on the lives of families within our community.

For more information on the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center and its services, or to learn how to get involved with the St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee, please contact the parish office.

About the St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee
The St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee is dedicated to promoting the sanctity of life through prayer, advocacy, and community outreach. Through events like “Pierogis for Life,” the committee raises awareness and support for local organizations that serve mothers, children, and families in need.

 

Arrangements are well underway for the 12th annual “Run Against Hunger,” which benefits the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen. This will take place on November 9, 2024. The Scranton Running Company and AllOne Charities are hosting the weekend’s events.

For information about sponsorships, participating and to pre-register for the event, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Scranton/RunAgainstHunger5K10KRun2miwalk

For online sponsorship payments, visit:
https://formstack.io/BD418

 

OBITUARY
REVEREND MICHAEL JOSEPH RAFFERTY

Reverend Michael Joseph Rafferty, Pastor Emeritus of Our Lady of Sorrows, West Wyoming, died on the 24^th day of September 2024 after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for sixty-seven years.  

Father Rafferty, son of the late Joseph M. Rafferty and Helen L. Fursha Rafferty, was born in Scranton on October 15, 1930.  He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and attended the University of Scranton where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.  Father studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania and was ordained to the priesthood on July 15, 1957 in St. Peter’s Cathedral by the Most Reverend Jerome D. Hannan D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

Father Rafferty received a summer assignment as Assistant pro tem at St. Mary of the Mount, Mt. Pocono in June 1957.  In October 1957 Father was appointed Assistant pastor at Gate of Heaven, Dallas and served until his appointment as Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart, Plains in September 1966.  In September 1968, Father was appointed Professor at College Misericordia and Chaplain in September 1971.

Father Rafferty was appointed Pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows, West Wyoming in September 1975 and served for thirty-one years until his retirement and appointment as Pastor Emeritus in July 2006.

Father Rafferty is survived by a brother, Philip Rafferty, Dunmore, PA, a niece Karen Rafferty MD, JD, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and a nephew, Kevin Rafferty and niece, Erin Rafferty Cole, both of Columbus, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald J. Rafferty of Columbus, Ohio and Sister Mariel Rafferty MHSH of Baltimore, Maryland.                                         

Viewing will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Saint Monica Parish, West Wyoming.   A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.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, on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Saint Monica Parish, West Wyoming, at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.