Category: News

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.

Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 which serves St Patrick’s and St Joseph’s joint parishes is dedicated to the gospel of life. 

Recently the council contributed over $2,750 to the Tri-State Family and Pregnancy Center through their Aid and Support After Pregnancy program.

In addition to their local support of this pro-life pregnancy resource center, they also hosted three vans down to Harrisburg for the 2024 Pennsylvania March for Life to lend their voices to the most vulnerable in out state’s capital. 

Saturday August 16, 2025 – Master Brian Hallock, and the Fourth Degree Knights of the Pennsylvania Central District including members from throughout the NEPA area, had the great honor of recognizing His Excellency Bishop Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown, during the Exemplification of Patriotism—a moving ceremony that welcomed 24 new Sir Knights into the Fourth Degree. 

District Friar Rev. Michael Boris took the new Sir Knights through a journey of faith during the ceremony. 

We were blessed to also be joined by Rev. Keith Mathur – Chancellor for the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania State Deputy Gary Damich, Vice Supreme Master Fritz Leach, Master Chris Powers of the Archdiocese of Washington, Master Ken Grugel of the Pennsylvania West District, and Pennsylvania State Secretary Jim Nardone whose presence brought honor, encouragement, and inspiration to the day’s events.

Following this powerful moment of unity and commitment, Bishop Schlert presided over a solemn Pontifical Mass concelebrated by Rev. Michael Boris – District Friar and Rev. James Paisley – Pastor (St. Anns Basilica Parish) at the majestic St. Ann’s Basilica in Scranton—a celebration that lifted hearts and deepened our devotion to both Faith and Patriotism.

The evening came to a joyful close with the Exemplification Banquet at Arcaro & Genell’s in Old Forge, where brotherhood, fellowship, and gratitude filled the room.

What a blessing it was to see families, clergy, and Knights come together in this 125th Anniversary Year of the Fourth Degree, carrying forward the vision of Blessed Michael McGivney—strengthening faith, serving Church and country, and inspiring future generations. 

Congratulations to the 24 new Sir Knights! Welcome to the ranks of the Fourth Degree—you are now a visible sign of Patriotism and Faith in action.

Vivat Jesus! 

Reverend E. Francis Kelly, 83 of Dunmore, PA, died on Friday, July 18, 2025 after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for 58 years.  

Reverend E. Francis Kelly, son of the late Edmund Francis Kelly and Mary M. (Kelley) Kelly, was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on December 10, 1941.  He was a graduate of South Scranton Catholic High School and attended St. Meinrad College of Liberal Arts, St. Meinrad Indiana earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in May 1963.  Father received his seminary education from St. Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Indiana and was ordained to the priesthood in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, on May 27, 1967 by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick, late Bishop of Scranton.

Father Kelly was appointed Assistant Pastor pro tem at St. Vincent, Plymouth on June 10, 1967 and on June 22, 1967 was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. Patrick, Scranton.  In September 1972 Father was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. Rose of Lima, Carbondale.  Father was appointed Assistant Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas, Archbald in September 1973 and Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Carbondale in September 1980. 

Father Kelly received his first pastorate at St. Ann’s, Freeland in September 1982.  In June 1991 he was appointed Pastor at St. Francis of Assisi, West Hazleton.  Father was appointed Pastor at Holy Savior, Wilkes Barre in July 1994 and served for eleven years until September 2005 when he was appointed Pastor at Our Lady of Victory, Harvey’s Lake.  In July 2009, Father Kelly was appointed to the Office of Chaplain of the Little Sisters of the Poor and Holy Family Residence, Scranton and served until his retirement in 2016.              

Father Kelly also served the Diocese of Scranton as Area Representative for the Commission on Ecumenism and Human Affairs in 1974 and Dean of the Freeland Deanery from 1989 to 1991.  He also served three terms as Dean of the Wilkes Barre/Plains Deanery from August 1997 to December 2003; Chaplain to Knights of Columbus Council #302 and Auxiliary Chaplain Ancient Order of Hibernians Upper Lackawanna Valley.

Reverend Kelly celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his Ordination with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, DD., J.C.L. on June 22, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edmund and Mary.

Father Kelly is survived by his brother Joseph Kelly and his wife Patricia, Pomona, CA, niece Melissa Shephard and nephew Matthew Berkley.

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 Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the chapel at Marywood Heights, 2500 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA.  Interment will be in St. Catherine Cemetery, Moscow.   Visitation will take place Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 6:45 pm followed by a Vesper Service to be celebrated at 7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to Mass. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Corcoran Funeral Home, 20 South Main Street, Plains, PA 18705.

For additional information or to leave Father Kelly’s family a message of condolence, please visit www.corcoranfuneralhome.com.

John Paul II Council 13935 in Milford hosted the entire district to the first ever district wide BBQ on July 5th at St Patrick’s Community Hall.

Brothers from Our Lady of the Mountain Council 9832, St John Neumann/Good Shepherd Council 12571, and St John Council 11935 were also in attendance.

It was a great time of fraternal camaraderie and communal bonding. District Deputy Lawrence Commisso spoke about his pride in our district being the 11th for Membership this year and the majority of councils earning star council.

Grand Knight Joseph Saski thanked everyone for comings out and looks forward to another amazing fraternal year.

OBITUARY – MONSIGNOR WILLIAM P. WARD

Reverend Monsignor William P. Ward, Pastor Emeritus of St. Vincent de Paul, Milford, died on the 27^th day of June, 2025, at Smith Health Care, Mountaintop, PA.                     

Monsignor Ward, son of the late Patrick J. Ward Sr. and Elizabeth Breslin Ward, was born in Hazleton on April 30, 1931.  He was a graduate of Saint Gabriel’s High School, Hazleton and attended Mount Saint Mary’s College, Emmitsburg, MD.  Monsignor received his seminary education at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD was ordained to the priesthood on June 15, 1957 at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, by the Most Reverend Jerome D. Hannan, late Bishop of Scranton.

Monsignor Ward served as Assistant Pastor at St. Patrick’s, Milford, St. Mary’s, Dunmore, St. Agnes, Forest City and St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg.    He was appointed Assistant Chaplain, at St. Francis, Eagles Mere in 1968 and Chaplain in 1970.

Monsignor Ward was appointed Spiritual Director at North American College, Vatican City in June 1970.  Upon his return to the Diocese, he was appointed Pastor at Sacred Heart of Mary, Jermyn in 1974.  In 1979 Monsignor was appointed Pastor at St. John the Evangelist, Pittston and served until 1984 when he was appointed Pastor at St. Jude’s Mountaintop.  In 1992, Monsignor was appointed Pastor at St. Vincent, Dingman Hills and served fourteen years until his retirement and appointment as Pastor Emeritus on July 6, 2006.  Monsignor also served as Chaplain at Mercy Center, Dallas from 2004 to his retirement in 2006 and post-retirement as Administrator at St. Mary’s Assumption, Wyalusing in 2007 and Administrator at St. Rita Gouldsboro in 2008.      

Monsignor Ward was named Prelate of Honor in March of 1983 by Saint Pope John Paul II. 

Monsignor also served the Diocese as Tribunal Defender of the Bond, Spiritual Director and Librarian at St. Pius X Seminary, Chairman of Region VI for the “Follow Christ!” Program, Chaplain at Marian Convent, Marywood and Dean of Pike County. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Patrick J. Ward Sr. and Elizabeth Breslin Ward.  He is survived by cousins.  The family is very appreciative of the excellent care and compassion shown to Monsignor by the staff of Smith Health Care over the past two years.

Viewing will take place on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.  at St. Gabriel Church, St.Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, 122 South Wyoming St., Hazleton. Vespers 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 Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel Church, St. Pius of Pietrelcina Parish, Hazleton, PA. Viewing will also take place at 9:30 a.m., prior to the 10:300 a.m. Funeral Mass.  Interment will be in St. Gabriel Cemetery, Hazleton.

All arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Conahan Funeral Home, Hazleton, Pa.