Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. We celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose family ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Many of these countries celebrate the anniversary of their independence during this month.
The Spanish Community at St. John Neumann Parish in South Scranton has brought their heritage and cultural customs to this Catholic community for close to 40 years. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe in December brings to the parish hundreds of people from throughout the Diocese of Scranton. Another big event among many, is the Spanish Food Booth at the parish’s Summer Festival. This year, the COVID pandemic put the fun and delicious event on hold.
To assist the parish and keep our Spanish taste buds alive, St. John Neumann is offering, on Saturday, September 26, a Spanish Food Drive-by form 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Nativity Church Parking lot site.
Tickets are on sale now and these homemade Spanish foods are available: 2 Empanadas for $5.00, 2 Elote (Mexican corn-on-the-cob) for $5.00, 3 Tacos Dorados for $5.00.
Tickets can be reserved at the Parish Office (633 Orchard Street) or by calling (570-344-6159). Advanced Ticket Sales only and no tickets sold after Sept. 23rd.
Join St. John Neumann Parish and NEPA in celebrating our Spanish brothers and sisters who share their gifts and histories during this special time.
Parish leaders have the significant responsibility of curating the knowledge and practices of the Catholic Christian religion they provide their parishioners. Recall Jesus’ graphic message (Mt 18:6; Lk 17:2) about those who lead the little ones astray suffering a fate worse than drowning with a mill-stone tied about their necks? Jesus is so emphatic because at stake is people’s ability to have a healthy relationship with God and to live the gospel authentically. This responsibility has perhaps been made even more challenging by the sometimes overwhelming availability of information today, even in the area of faith. How can we acquire religious “information literacy?”
Faithful curation involves discerning a) relevance to the times and to the audience, b) opportunities for access, c) faithfulness to the gospel and to the Church and d) loads of humility. We will discuss useful yardsticks for measuring the appropriateness of information and practice applying them to typical choices parish leaders make, like deciding on programs and publications, Scriptural interpretations, news sources and prayer experiences.
Bernadette Rudolph, MA, MS, has worn many different hats in her lifetime, including teacher, pastoral associate, principal, retreat leader, daughter, sister, mother and wife. She endlessly explores how God is mixed-up in human lives and loves to help others see it as well. From 2012-2017, Bernadette was the Director for Family and Community Development for the Diocese of Scranton. She is currently an instructor in Villanova University’s Theology/Religious Studies Department and publishes a weekly podcast,www.GoodNews4You.net.
For more information on this upcoming workshop stay tuned on the Ministry Formation tab under “Parish Life,” or contact Kitty Scanlan at 570-207-2213.