Parishioners from SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Towanda processed on Palm Sunday, April 13, carrying palms from the Grotto of Our Blessed Mother to the Church.
They were led by Altar Servers and the Pastor of the Church, Fr. Jose Joseph Kuriappilly. This event was to commemorate the triumphant entrance of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem before His Passion and Death.
Students in the Children’s Faith Formation Program at the Church of Saint Patrick in Milford recently enacted the Passion and Death of Jesus in a presentation featuring narration, song and prayers led by Father Joseph Manarchuck, Pastor. The presentation, entitled “Living Stations”, was directed by catechist Laurie Barcia, assisted by Christine Sell, also a catechist in the Children’s Faith Formation Program.
Participants included: Tessa Marotta, Sofia Rizzo, Roger Lake, Kaitlin Murphy, PJ Barcia, Adele Kahmar, Emersyn Delrio, Angelina Giovane, Cassidy Lentoni and Jeremy Gesualdo. Narrators were: Angelica Barcia and Clare Barcia.
Mrs. Michele Baron designed the
costumes for the presentation, with lighting provided by Kevin Riker of Riker Services, assisted by catechist Charles Kratochwill. Micah Sweeney, known for his popular radio dramas, was production consultant. Accompanying music was provided by the Music Ministry under the direction of Rich Gherardi.
On the evening of St. Joseph’s Day, the Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 participated in a moving celebration at the 7:00 PM Mass at St. Joseph’s Church in Matamoras, Pennsylvania. In a powerful display of faith and fraternity, the Council processed into the church carrying their newly acquired statue of St. Joseph, elevated on a handcrafted litter.
The statue, which made its public debut that evening, is a traditional depiction of St. Joseph the Worker, holding a carpenter’s square and lilies—symbols of his vocation, his purity, and his role as a humble, steadfast guardian of the Holy Family. The litter, which had been used just three days earlier in the local St. Patrick’s Day Parade, was designed and built by members of the Council to support processions throughout the liturgical year. Its elegant, sturdy frame added a solemn beauty to the moment as the Knights brought St. Joseph into his namesake parish.
“This was a beautiful way to honor St. Joseph,” said Ed Gutierrez, who helped lead the effort to organize the procession. “We’ve talked for years about doing something like this, and to see it finally come together on his feast day — at St. Joseph’s Church no less — it just felt right. The statue and the litter aren’t just for display. They’re tools of devotion, meant to inspire and bring our parish family closer to the saints and to Christ.”
The Mass, celebrated by Fr. Joseph Manarchuck, included a homily reflecting on the silent strength of St. Joseph, his obedience to God, and the vital role he plays as patron of the Church. Father also expressed gratitude to the Knights for enhancing the celebration with their visible witness of devotion.
The Council plans to incorporate the statue and litter into future parish events and
feast days, including Corpus Christi and the Assumption, helping to foster a renewed sense of beauty, reverence, and tradition in the liturgical life of the parish.
As the Knights of Columbus continue their mission of service, prayer, and brotherhood, their participation in the St. Joseph’s Day Mass stands as a testament to their devotion to the saints and their deep commitment to the spiritual life of the Church.
St. Joseph the Worker, pray for us.
The Knights of Columbus of St. Michael’s Parish, Canton, Pa., JFK Council #5517 conducted a Food for Families Thanksgiving Food Drive and were able to give the Canton Area Food Pantry a monetary donation of $780.00 which qualified us for a $100.00 rebate from the Supreme Council of the Knights of Columbus. Presenting the rebate check to the Canton Area Food Pantry is Grand Knight Ralph Lepper.
Accepting the check is The CAFP Treasurer Charlotte Moses, along with the CAFP Director, Cathy Cole. The food pantry appreciates all the Knights do for them throughout the year and the Knights are grateful to serve.
Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston, celebrated the feast of St. Casimir with a Mass held on Sunday, March 2nd at St. John the Evangelist Church in Pittston. Third degrees were also conferred at the Mass. A luncheon and Amber District meeting in the Monsignor Bendik Center followed the service. Pictured are Council members, Amber District members and guests.
Eighth-grade students in the Children’s Faith Formation Program at the Church of St. Patrick’s in Milford recently participated in a Retreat as part of their preparation for the receipt of the sacrament of Confirmation, to be held on Pentecost Sunday.
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. It is also one of the three sacraments of initiation, the other two being Baptism and First Holy Communion. In Confirmation, the individual is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”, deepening the commitment as missionary witnesses to Jesus Christ in daily life.
The Retreat, which featured prayer, group activities, videos, discussion, role playing, art and receipt of the sacrament of Reconciliation, was led by Kristin Travis of Saint John Vianney Parish in Scott Township.
His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2025:
Reverend John V. Polednak, V.E., from Episcopal Vicar for Clergy to retirement.
Reverend Seth D. Wasnock, V.F., to Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. Father Wasnock will remain Pastor, Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Carbondale.
We hope you’ll join us in praying for vocations before the Blessed Sacrament at XLT this Wednesday, February 26th, at Christ the King Parish in Archbald at 6:30pm!
There will be no XLT in March at Christ the King, St. Maria Goretti, or St. Matthew’s. We invite you to instead join Bishop Bambera for his Lenten Holy Hours throughout the Diocese of Scranton’s 12 deaneries. Each of these Lenten Holy Hours will take place at 7pm.
Please remember to pray for vocations throughout Lent!
His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments:
Reverend David W. Bechtel, to Chaplain, Saint John Neumann High School Williamsport. Father will remain Pastor, Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, Williamsport, effective February 17, 2025.
Reverend William D. Corcoran, from Retirement, to Administrator, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Williamsport, and Saint Luke’s Parish, Jersey Shore, effective February 17, 2025.
Reverend Bert S. Kozen, V.F., from Pastor, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Williamsport, and Saint Luke’s Parish, Jersey Shore, to Leave of Absence for Reasons of Health, effective February 17, 2025.
Saints Anthony and Rocco and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishes Holy and Altar and Rosary Societies of Dunmore held their Parish Communion Breakfast on Sunday, February 16th 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. Rob Williams, Director of St Francis Kitchen was Principal Speaker. Christian Witness Awards were presented by Father Cappelloni.
The Pio Ferrario, Pat Grady and Gene Loughney Award was presented to Rob Williams. The Bette Riccardo Award was presented to Ann Mellert. Mrs. Mary Vincent was Toastmaster.
The breakfast is a yearly tradition of the Holy Name Society in the parish drawing a large attendance. Mr. Alredo Pisa is President of the Holy Name Society. Ms. Marty Gervasi is President of the Altar and Rosary Society.
Father Cappelloni offered invocation and benediction. Rick Sabato was General Chairman.