Category: News

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.

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 48^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 – 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. 

The Blessing of the Swords Mass at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines offered a powerful witness to faith, tradition, and unity within the Pennsylvania Central District. Led by District Master Brian Hallock and celebrated by District Friar Rev. Michael J. Boris, the ceremony brought together Knights from across generations those who continue to carry swords in the current uniform and those who had not done so since the conclusion of legacy regalia in 2019.

In a deeply symbolic moment, each Knight presented his sword to Master Hallock who placed each one upon a prepared table before the altar for blessing, while families honored the memory of loved ones by bringing their swords as well. 

In his homily, Fr. Boris drew from the writings of St. Paul, emphasizing that the physical sword carried by each Knight reflects the “Sword of the Spirit,” the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). He reminded those present that just as a sword is a tool of strength and defense, so too is Sacred Scripture sharpening the mind, strengthening the soul, and equipping the faithful to stand firm in truth. This powerful connection between symbol and scripture invited every man present to not only carry the sword, but to live the Word it represents.

The evening stood as a meaningful restoration of tradition and a renewed expression of brotherhood, uniting past and present in a shared commitment to faith and service.

It is with gratitude that the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA, formally announce the election of our new IHM leadership team. Following a thoughtful and prayerful discernment process, the IHM Congregation elected (pictured L-R) Sister Annmarie Sanders as President, Sister Kathleen Lunsmann as Vice-President and Councilor, and Sisters Mary Elaine Anderson and Lisa Perkowski as Councilors.

As these dedicated women step into their new roles, we celebrate their commitment to our mission and offer them our full support. We look forward to the vision, wisdom, and compassionate guidance they will bring to our community as we continue to serve with faith and purpose in the years ahead. The Sisters of IHM of have served in NEPA since 1858.

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 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.