Event Type: Parish Life

Up and Over Middle School Retreat The Up and Over Middle School Retreat will be held June 2-3 at Camp Orchard Hill in Dallas. This 24-hour retreat is centered around how students can use their God given talents in order to work together with others and overcome obstacles in their lives. The weekend involves fun group activities, mass, free time, a movie, and an outdoor obstacle course! It is a great opportunity for students currently in grades 6, 7, & 8, to meet new friends and grow in their faith! The registration fee is $120, and includes all meals, lodging, a t-shirt, and other retreat materials. Registration is now open on the Diocese of Scranton's website.

Every summer, the Diocese of Scranton holds a Wedding Anniversary Celebration for couples celebrating their 25th and 50th years of marriage at the Cathedral of Saint Peter where couples renew their wedding commitment. This year’s Mass will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 2:30PM. Please plan on joining us if you are celebrating your 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2023, or share this news with others who may be doing so. To register for the Wedding Anniversary Celebration, please call the Office for Parish Life at 570-207-2213.

Catholic Women’s Conference Saturday June 10, 2023 will be an exciting day for the Scranton area! Women from the Diocese and beyond will have the opportunity to attend the 5th Annual day-long Refresh Your Faith Catholic Women’s Conference. This year’s theme is “With the Holy Spirit”; it will beheld indoors at Marywood University. They are fortunate to have obtained two widely acclaimed speakers for the day:  Johnnette Benkovic Williams is an internationally known author, speaker, and EWTN host and founder of Living His Life Abundantly International and Women of Grace ministry. Johnnette will talk about gifts of the Holy Spirit through poignant and transforming stories.  Kathleen McCarthy is a published author, Catholic radio broadcaster and has been involved in healing ministry for over four decades. She will speak about God’s healing power through her inspiring testimony of the Father’s merciful love, the Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This extraordinary daylong event also includes:  Mary Clare Hallman as Emcee—Mary Clare has been with the Diocese of Scranton as the Secretary for the Office of Parish Life since Jan 2022. She brings her knowledge of discipleship, evangelism, and empowering laity to use their gifts. Her joyous nature and contagious love of Christ will inspire and motivate us all.  Music by Maria Salamida and accompanists  Mass with Bishop Joseph Bambera  Confessions available throughout the day  Adoration/healing service led by Kathleen McCarthy  Breakfast/ seated buffet lunch  Curated Vendor Marketplace offering one of a kind Catholic gifts, book, art and jewelry Cost for tickets is $55 per person, with scholarships available for those in need. For more information or to register, visit www.cwcnepa.com.

The Office for Parish Life will offer its annual virtual “crash” course day on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults on Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM. The goal of this offering for priests, deacons, parish life coordinators, RCIA coordinators, RCIA team members is to provide a overall sense of what the Church asks of parishes in responding to seekers and preparing them for Initiation. This course day would be ideal for anyone new to the RCIA as well as seasoned veterans who are looking to deepen their understanding of the process. Participants will receive a free copy of An Introduction to the RCIA: The Vision of Christian Initiation by Ronald J. Lewinski and published by Liturgy Training Publications. To register, please complete the online form by Monday, June 26. For more information, please contact David Baloga, Director for Worship, at 570-207-2213, ext. 1158 or at david-baloga@dioceseofscranton.org.