SUNYANI, GHANA – During a four and a-half hour Ordination Mass, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, ordained 14 men to the priesthood in the African nation of Ghana on July 8, 2023.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, anoints the hands of one of 14 newly ordained priests for the Diocese of Sunyani on July 8, 2023, on the lawn of Christ the King Cathedral in Ghana.

The Mass, which was celebrated on the lawn of Christ the King Cathedral in Sunyani, was filled with joyful music, singing, dancing and devotion to Jesus Christ.

At the beginning of the Eucharistic celebration, the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani, welcomed Bishop Bambera, noting this year is the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Sunyani.

“For us to celebrate this, I invited a brother bishop, a friend bishop, a bishop who loves this Diocese, a bishop who is already helping many of our priests who have gone to his diocese to study and come back to help us,” Bishop Gyamfi said.

During his homily, Bishop Bambera returned the warm and gracious welcome he received, indicating it is an honor, privilege and joy to celebrate the Ordination Mass.

“For some years, the Diocese of Sunyani and the Diocese of Scranton have grown in our relationship as sister dioceses in service to the Universal Church. It is a privilege to share with you our faith in the Lord Jesus,” Bishop Bambera said. “My diocese is richer because of the presence of so many of your priests and sisters who are ministering to the faithful of our parishes. I can only hope and pray that your diocese, in turn, has also experienced God’s blessings because of our relationship with you.”

Seminarians Thomas Dzwonczyk, second from left, and Andrew McCarroll, fourth from left, attended the first Mass of Rev. Eric Agyei Febiri at Saint Teresa of Avila Chuch in Berekum, Ghana, on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Rev. Febiri was ordained to the priesthood one day earlier by Bishop Bambera.

The bishop took a few moments to introduce seminarians Andrew McCarroll and Tom Dzwonczyk who have accompanied him on his return trip to Ghana this summer. Bishop Bambera first visited the Diocese of Sunyani last August for ten days.

“They are wonderful young men who are excited about their visit and anxious to experience the church in Ghana which I know will have a lasting impression upon them as they continue their priestly formation,” Bishop Bambera noted.

Before celebrating the Rite of Ordination, Bishop Bambera also spoke directly to the 14 men who were becoming priests. He urged them to make the mission of Jesus their own, serve generously and be merciful.

“Never tire of being merciful. You have the capacity of forgiveness that the Lord had,” Bishop Bambera said.

On Sunday, July 9, Bishop Bambera also confirmed 37 people at Holy Spirit Parish, located in Nkwabeng in Sunyani, where Father Clement Amankwah Yeboah is currently serving as pastor. Father Clement is beloved by many in the Diocese of Scranton, having generously served the faithful of Christ the King Parish in Archbald.

That same day, McCarroll and Dzwonczyk attended the first Mass of Rev. Eric Agyei Febiri who was ordained by Bishop Bambera the previous day. They shared photos and videos of the liturgy which took place at Saint Teresa of Avila Church in Berekum.

During their travels, unexpected tire problems turned into a blessing for Andrew McCarroll and Thomas Dzwonczyk because they had the opportunity to meet several children and families.

On July 10, Bishop Bambera and the seminarians also had the opportunity to visit Mole National Park to see the wildlife.

Some unexpected car trouble that stranded the group on the side of the road for roughly an hour was actually a blessing because they had the opportunity to visit with several children and families who came out to assist them.

Both seminarians remain in Sunyani and are sharing their journey with the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton on social media. Visit the Diocese of Scranton website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Threads to see highlights of their experiences.

SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton’s annual Mass of Remembrance will take place on Thursday, July 25, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

This Mass is offered for family and friends of those who have died in tragedy, especially through murder, suicide and accident. 

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will serve as principal celebrant of the Mass.

To register the name of your loved one for this liturgy by July 19, please contact the Office for Parish Life at (570) 207-2213, or use the online registration form on the Diocese of Scranton website.

CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will provide live coverage of the Mass of Remembrance. The Mass will also be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel and across all social media platforms.

JESSUP – After dedicating 94 years to Catholic school students in the Diocese of Scranton, two long-time principals retired at the end of June.

Jeffrey Lyons, principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School in East Stroudsburg and Ellen Murphy, principal of La Salle Academy in Jessup, each ended a distinguished career in education on June 30, 2023.

“I have always believed that I was blessed with the best job in the world while working in three wonderful Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton,” Murphy said. “There is nothing more important in our world than our beautiful children and the time I spent with them enjoying their laughter and happiness are moments I will cherish forever.”

Mrs. Ellen Murphy

Murphy dedicated 42 years to Catholic education. She started her career as a teacher at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Carbondale where she later served as principal. She continued her administrative role as principal at Sacred Heart Primary/Elementary School in Carbondale and for the last 13 years served as principal of La Salle Academy.

“I knew each day walking through the doors of our school, filled with so much love and happiness, that it would be a great day,” she added. “Watching the excitement and pride in the eyes of our children while reaching that moment of understanding and working through their unique challenges were the moments I knew, that, together with my faculty and staff, we were doing great things for our children.”

Mrs. Shaina Aquilina

Shaina Aquilina assumed the role of principal of La Salle Academy beginning July 1.

“La Salle Academy is comprised of faith-filled, hardworking and dedicated faculty and staff, students and families, and I am honored to be able to serve this incredible school community in a new capacity,” Aquilina said. “I have certainly been blessed with the opportunity to continue building upon the successes of the school that occurred under the direction of Mrs. Ellen Murphy and Mrs. Maryanne DeMark.”

Aquilina most recently served as the junior high math teacher at La Salle Academy but has also served in various capacities throughout the Diocese since 2016. She has led numerous professional development sessions focused on training teachers in technology, data analysis and STREAM instruction. She also revised the Teacher Induction Plan for the Diocese, which is used for all first year teachers and those new to the Diocese.

“As a former math teacher, I have always valued the ability to analyze data and use it to inform my instructional approach. As a Diocese, we are fortunate to have access to NWEA Map Growth Data to assist our educators in driving our instruction, differentiating our lessons and communicating with the families of our students,” she added. “I am eager to work closely with our faculty to utilize this data in a way that targets individual students’ areas for growth and assists in urging every student to attain his or her fullest potential.”

Mr. Jeffrey Lyons

After more than a half-century serving the Notre Dame School System, Lyons has also decided to move onto the next phase of his life.

“It is almost impossible to think of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School and not think of Mr. Lyons as he has dedicated 52 years as a teacher, dean of students, and principal,” Kristen Donohue, Diocesan Secretary of Catholic Education/Superintendent of Catholic Schools, said in announcing his retirement. “Mr. Lyons not only shared his love of Catholic education, but sparked that same excitement in his students, teachers, staff and school community.”

Lyons started his career as an English teacher and then Dean of Students at Notre Dame High School. After 19 years in the classroom, he was appointed as principal of Notre Dame High School, a position he held for the last 33 years. Lyons never truly left the classroom, as he managed to teach one high school class each year.

“It is not often that an individual has the opportunity to impact generations of families but Mr. Lyons has done just that,” Donohue said. “Mr. Lyons prioritized time for students to pray and give thanks to God for the many blessings they have in their lives, while also balancing a rigorous academic schedule. This inseparable combination not only set Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School apart from any other schools but also emphasized Mr. Lyons’ true servant leadership.”

Bryan Scotton assumed the role of principal of Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School beginning July 1.

“I’m very excited to embrace this new role as principal,” Scotton said. “It has been a joy teaching at Notre Dame and I look forward to supporting my current coworkers and helping to provide the best Catholic education possible for our students. I know there will be challenges but knowing there are such great teachers and students makes those challenges manageable.”

Prior to being appointed principal, Scotton served as music teacher and coach of cross-country and track at Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School. Prior to joining the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System, he was a religion teacher, curriculum coordinator for the religion and history departments and head of campus ministry at Mater Dei Prep High School in Middletown, N.J.

Scotton says he has many goals as he takes on his new leadership role.

“I think I will look forward the most to collaborating with teachers and staff to build upon the traditions that make Notre Dame unique, continue to grow the initiatives that we have already begun, and begin new journeys to make Notre Dame even better than it is. There is so much support and creative energy already at Notre Dame and I am looking forward to being a part of that.”

DUNMORE – Seminarian Thomas Dzwonczyk has taken a step closer to the sacred priesthood after receiving Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders from the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.

A Mass with the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders took place on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, during the annual Quo Vadis Days summer camp.

Seminarian Thomas Dzwonczyk, left, stands before the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, during the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders on June 28, 2023, at Marywood University. (Photo/Dan Gallagher)

“This was a privilege to celebrate the Rite of Candidacy today with Bishop Bambera and a bunch of priests who have been influential in my formation,” Dzwonczyk said.

“Having my family – my mom, dad and sister there – just made it all the more special.”

The Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders is celebrated when a man has reached a maturity or purpose in his formation and demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination to the diaconate. In the presence of the bishop, Dzwonczyk publicly expressed his intention to complete his preparation for Holy Orders and also his resolve to fully invest himself to that end, so as to best serve Jesus Christ and His Holy Church.

“It was very powerful. I was fighting back tears during the service,” the North Abington Township native said. “I know that on my own I could never do it. I’m a broken and sinful man but He has led me to this point and I trust that He will continue to guide me through the next years of formation.”

Dzwonczyk, a parishioner of Saint John Vianney Parish, never took part in Quo Vadis Days while he was in high school but was happy the Rite of Admission took place during the annual event.

“I was too shy and timid to actually do it when I was in high school but I’m amazed by the young men who are willing to give themselves to these three days. We’ve had some wonderful conversations, some great liturgies, Holy Hours and having them come up and say ‘Congrats, I’m praying for you,’ makes all the difference,” he added.

Dzwonczyk, who has most recently been serving a pastoral year at Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top and Saint Mary’s Parish in Dorrance, credits his family for being by his side every step of the way.

“My mom texted me late last night and said, ‘I’m offering my nightly rosary for you.’ To have them present just makes it all the more special. I can’t really put it into words. They have been so supportive along the way,” he said. “I still remember the day I called them from school saying I want to enter seminary and now to think that they were here and to know that they’ll be here for the rest of the way is incredible.”

SCRANTON – As he stood in the first pew of the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Joseph Boris, Sr., fought back tears as his son, Michael, gave him his first blessing just moments after his ordination to the priesthood.

“It meant so much. It was just an overwhelming feeling,” Joseph Boris said.
Five years after entering Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Michael J. Boris was ordained a priest on Saturday, June 24, 2023, before hundreds of family, friends, fellow parishioners and clergy.

During the Rite of Ordination, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, lays his hands upon the head of Michael J. Boris. Following the Bishop, all of the priests present also laid hands on the Dallas native.

“I loved seeing friends and family, some friends which I haven’t seen in a very long time, and most especially brother seminarians, and now brother priests, who have, in various ways, been part of my journey and have helped me try to surrender to Christ for this moment,” Father Boris said shortly after the Ordination Mass ended.

During the Ordination Rite, Boris prostrated himself before the Cathedral altar as the congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints. The Rite also included the Laying on of Hands, Anointing of Hands and the Fraternal Kiss — ancient rituals that signify his incorporation into the presbyterate.

Boris said the Laying on of Hands was particularly moving.

“I was moved and trying to reflect when the Bishop and then the other priests came and were laying their hands on my head. I was trying to picture how each and every one of them is Christ laying his hands on my head and trying to soothe my anxieties and heart, ultimately saying, ‘I’ve called you to this and I will be with you always,’” the newly ordained priest said.

Boris, 27, is the son of Joseph and Susan Boris. The Dallas native is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School and King’s College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy. Boris entered Saint Mary’s Seminary in the fall of 2018. In 2019, he served a summer assignment in the parish communities of Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Throop. Boris also served a pastoral year (2020-2021) in the parish communities of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, both in Carbondale.

“Two of the greatest things I’ve been thinking about recently were looking out at the crowd both at Adoration last night and here today and seeing all the people who have been part of my journey and their Christian witness and how they’ve helped me discern in various ways,” Father Boris added. “Everybody from my parishes, schools, King’s College, seminary at Saint Mary’s in Baltimore. They have all been spectacular and I’m very grateful.”

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Ordination Mass.

Bishop Bambera began his homily by thanking Boris for saying “yes” to the Lord’s Call to serve the church.

“Your consent to God’s will, that has brought you to this day in your life and the life of this local church, affirms that the power of God continues to move among us and affect God’s plan for salvation,” the bishop said.

The Ordination Mass was held on the Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist and provided context, as Bishop Bambera noted, for a person’s response to the call of the Lord.

“John was the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the prophet whose entire purpose in life was to point the way to Christ,” Bishop Bambera explained. “He understood and accepted God’s will for himself and he embraced it with humility and resolve.”

Being a priest demands the same response and more.

“While very much aware of our human weakness and frailty, God will use you, even with your imperfections to speak on His behalf and serve in His name for the sake of His people,” Bishop Bambera added.

As he ended his homily, the Bishop told Boris to always trust in the grace of God, be faithful to the teachings of the church and to remember he is appointed to serve on behalf of the Christian faithful but will always be in need of God’s presence, life and saving grace.

“God’s people are looking for meaning, purpose and peace in their lives. Today, here in this Cathedral and beyond, they will celebrate your response to the Lord’s call.

They will encourage you and embrace you with pride,” Bishop Bambera said.

“Tomorrow, they will look to you for answers to their questions and they will look to you to find Jesus in your words of forgiveness, in your service to the poor and the simplicity of your life and in the depth of your love.”

Throughout the Ordination Mass, Joseph Boris was filled with pride for his son.

“I just wish my mom and dad could be here and Sue’s mom and dad. This is something my mom prayed for a long time,” the new priest’s father said. “I have seven brothers and sisters and I think she was disappointed when none of us went into the priesthood. She was thrilled. She lived until a couple years ago and got to see Michael at the seminary. She was so proud of that.”

Over the last five years, Father Boris’ father said his son has grown in many ways.

“He is a totally different person. We know him as the goofball kid growing up, having fun, playing basketball,” his dad said. “He has really blossomed into somebody that I know will do great things. He will be a great priest.”

Father Boris’ first priestly appointment is historic. He has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at both Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and Saint Gregory Parish, Clarks Green. While the two neighboring parishes are currently independent, they will be working towards coming together in a linkage next year, and being appointed to both parishes now will help towards that goal.

“I am excited. I’ve never been up there so I really am going in with a clean slate,” Father Boris said. “It feels good to have a fresh start, go to a place where I can serve God’s people and try to discern God’s voice every day.”

PLAINS – Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish celebrated a century of faith and service on Sunday, June 25, 2023, as they welcomed the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, for a special 100th anniversary celebration Mass.

Hundreds of people attended the 10:30 a.m. liturgy that was followed by a reception in Bernardine Hall.

Parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Plains gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church building on Sunday, June 25, 2023.

“It’s a real privilege for me to join with this community of believers, this great community of faith, here at Saints Peter and Paul Parish,” Bishop Bambera said as he began the Eucharistic celebration.

During his homily, Bishop Bambera reminded the people that while it is fitting to mark the 100-year anniversary of the grand edifice of Saints Peter and Paul Church, it is much more important to treasure what has been done inside the walls of the church for the last century.

“We will celebrate not simply a sign or a symbol but the power and presence and reality of God here in our midst through this incredible Sacrament of Jesus’ Body and Blood,” the bishop said.

Like everyone in attendance, Bishop Bambera has many memories in the church.

His great uncle, Msgr. Joseph Pilny, served as pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Church for 47 years before retiring in 1973. As a young man he attended baptisms, weddings and even the funeral of his great grandmother in the church.

“As we recall events that have taken place within our lives in relationship to this church building, we recall certain people far more than a building, don’t we?” the bishop said. “Perhaps a pastor, a sister, a relative, a friend, and at the heart of such memories are likely to be found the deepest mystery of our faith – what we will do today in celebrating the Eucharist – the presence of Jesus among us.”

Bishop Bambera also rededicated the church’s altar as part of the Mass.

The parish community of Saints Peter and Paul wanted to celebrate the twelve churches that have come together over the last few decades that now make up its community of believers.

The churches include Saints Peter and Paul, Sacred Heart, Saint Joseph, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Dominic, Saint Christopher, Holy Saviour, Saint Stanislaus Kostka, Saint John the Baptist, Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint John the Evangelist.

In addition to remembering, Bishop Bambera challenged those in attendance to go forth and continue serving.

“Jesus commands us to use what we have been given in service of our brothers and sisters as He has given us an example. So go, at the end of this Mass, to do the work of God, as faithful parishioners of Saints Peter & Paul Parish have done as they left this church for 100 years,” he said.

Father John C. Lambert, pastor, thanked Bishop Bambera for helping the parish celebrate its important milestone.

“I just really want to thank you bishop for joining us today, it meant a great deal to all of us,” Father Lambert said.

DICKSON CITY – ‘Camping in God’s Creation’ was the theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.

Nearly two dozen young adults spent the week of June 26-30 learning different Bible stories, participating in crafts and having fun.

“On Monday, we did the Creation Story to start our week. On Tuesday, we did Jesus is the Light of the World and we made lanterns to go with that. On Wednesday, we did the Ten Commandments and we talked about finding our way and following rules,” Linda Skierski, Director of Religious Education, explained. “On Thursday, we did Simon the Fisherman and we made boats which we floated outside and we talked about Jesus helping the disciples get their fish. We rounded out the week on Friday with the story of the Ascension.”

Isabella Barilka volunteered at this year’s Vacation Bible School because she enjoys learning and spreading God’s message of love.

“You teach them and you encourage them to go home and talk about it with their family and make it a chain reaction so that their family goes and talks about it with other people,” Barilka said.

The young students took many things away from the weeklong experience.

“We’re learning about how Christ is the Light of the World,” camper Ivy Kadoubowski said.

“I liked making new friends and learning more about Jesus and God, especially the Ten Commandments,” camper Camia Hurst added.

Whether the kids were using chalk to fill the church sidewalks with images of God’s creation or getting a special blessing from Monsignor Patrick Pratico, pastor of Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, everyone had a wonderful time.

“We spend hours and hours and hours preparing for it but each day, at the end of the day, we say ‘We think it went really well’ and we’re happy that we did it,” Skierski said with a smile.

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EAST STROUDSBURG – There were only good vibes and positive energy at the Church of Saint John June 19-23 as dozens of youngsters participated in the parish’s Vacation Bible School.

“We are running a mega sports camp. Our theme is Good VIBES Only. Each letter in VIBES stands for something we want them to remember about themselves,” Marybel Sigler, Director of Faith Formation, explained. “V for valuable, I for influential, B for brave, E for encouraging and S for selfless.”

While the kids had plenty of time for basketball, football and water balloon tosses, they also learned about different stories from the bible. The goal of organizers was to have each camper form a relationship with Jesus.

“If we can get them to have a desire to have a relationship with Him, to get to know Him a little better, to make Him their friend, then we have succeeded. Then the fun and everything else is icing on the cake,” Sigler added.

Ayva McKelown, a third grade student, thought Vacation Bible School is so much fun she wants to do it every year. She took away many valuable lessons.

“God made us and He believes in us,” she said. “He loves us very much.”

Liam Flaherty, an eighth grade student, volunteered for this year’s Vacation Bible School to share his love of Jesus.

“It’s a lot of fun but at the same time it’s for the kids to understand what Jesus did for us and why He died for us.”

Not all of the students who participated are parishioners of the Church of Saint John.

“Hopefully we’ll get them to come back and be a part of our Faith Formation group,” Sigler said.

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NANTICOKE – Six months of hard work and planning paid off during the week of June 12-16 as dozens of children gathered daily for Vacation Bible School at Saint Faustina Kowalska Parish.

This year’s theme was “STELLAR: Shine Jesus’ Light.”

“These activities all include Jesus’ light. We have a Bible station and they learn about Jesus at the Bible station. We also have an imagination station that is really phenomenal,” Char Golobek, Faith Formation Director, said.

Each day had a different theme. One of the days, for example, was ‘Shine Jesus’ Light when you’re feeling happy.’

The program relied on a number of volunteers to be successful.

“It allows me to re-energize. It allows me to connect with my daughter who is one of the crew leaders and it gives me a chance to spread God’s love to the children,” volunteer Maria Mera said.

“I love working with kids,” volunteer Elia Lowe added. “They’re learning about God and it’s a great way for them to learn. It’s good to see them interact with people they don’t know and make friends over the whole week that they’re here.”

The Vacation Bible School was open to students in preschool through six grade (ages 4-12) and was held at the Catholic Cultural Center of the parish.

“There are nice teachers, nice people here,” camper Michael Urbanski said. “You dance. There is singing. There is everything you need to have fun. You also learn about how Jesus helped people.”

“It is really fun. You play games and you have activities,” camper Addison Kivler said. “We’re learning to shine Jesus’ light!”

DUNMORE – When Jessica Castro first signed up to participate in the ISLI retreat this summer, the Scranton teen would be the first to admit it was a leap of faith.

“The first day I was nervous and scared but you get comfortable with these people,” she said. “You begin to talk and then you don’t care because you’re comfortable with them.”

Castro is one of 20 high school students from parishes and schools around the Diocese who participated in the International Student Leadership Institute from June 20-23 at Marywood University.

Bishop Bambera celebrates Mass with young adults involved in the International Student Leadership Institute (ILSI) in June.

“You learn a lot of new things. You learn communication, support and other things. You meet new people and you feel more confident,” Castro added.

ISLI is a peer-facilitated, faith-based leadership retreat designed by Father Thomas Chambers, C.S.C., at the University of Notre Dame. It is designed to help high school students excel in both leadership and membership roles of task-oriented groups.

During the retreat, participants improve their decision-making and problem solving skills through the teachings of the Catholic faith. The students also celebrate Mass together and participate in Eucharistic Adoration.

“The retreat is focused on the concept of leadership as a learned characteristic specifically rooted in our Catholic faith,” Shannon Kowalski, Director of Service and Mission in the Diocesan Office for Parish Life, explained. “The students experience small group activities that go along with five objectives to help them understand various aspects of themselves, what they have to give towards leadership and how they can improve their leadership potential.”

Zachary Schultz, a student at Holy Redeemer High School and parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Swoyersville, participated in ISLI for the first time this summer.

“I have enjoyed it … I definitely felt very welcomed and got to meet a lot of new people,” he said.

In his school and parish community, Schultz admitted he has mostly been a “follower” but after participating in the ISLI program he said, “I’m going to try and be a leader.”

Lauren Hayden, who also attends Holy Redeemer High School and is a parishioner at Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top, attended the ISLI program for a second time after having a great experience previously.

“It has definitely had a huge impact on my own life … I’m part of the Student Council at Holy Redeemer High School,” Hayden explained.

All of the participants got a chance to meet the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who celebrated Mass with them on the third full day of the retreat.

“Bishop Bambera has been great to us at ISLI. He comes every time we host the retreat to express his support for the kids and to get to know a little more about what we do,” Kowalski said. “He also comes to issue a challenge that we need them in our diocese. The students at ISLI are not the ‘future’ of the church. They are the church now. At the end of this, he expects them, and we expect them, to go back and use what they have learned.”

The ISLI retreat, which was first established in the 1980s, is traditionally offered twice a year in the Diocese of Scranton, once in the winter and once in the summer.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this summer’s event is the first in-person ISLI gathering in several years.

“We’re having a restart right now because we had to take a couple years off because of COVID,” facilitator Neil Albright explained. “We really want to see this program succeed. We want to bring it back and make it stronger because it meant so much to me in my life and I want nothing more than to share it with a new generation of kids.”

Albright, who first attended ISLI in 2015, made life-long friends as part of the program. He said the leadership behaviors and styles he learned have helped him in many ways.

“It has made me a stronger leader in so many ways. It has strengthened my faith. It has helped me bridge the gap between my experiences in the world and my experiences in the church so beautifully and fully. I’m just really thankful I can be a part of it,” he said.

“It is a pleasure of mine and the rest of the adult team to watch the students evolve over the time that they’re here,” Kowalski added. “Most of them come in unsure, uncertain, a little shy and nervous. By the end of the retreat they’re loud, they’re outgoing, and they’re breaking out of their shells.”

SCRANTON – Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton joined several community partners June 24 in organizing and sponsoring a World Refugee Day celebration at Nay Aug Park.

The event, attended by hundreds of people, included cultural songs and music, ethnic food, activities for children and information tables about local refugee communities.

Refugee groups proudly dance at Nay Aug Park in Scranton June 24 during the World Refugee Day celebration. (Photo/Eric Deabill)

“We welcome you to the greater Scranton area and beyond and hope that you find a home in this area where you feel welcome and loved,” the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, said while addressing the crowd.

Bishop Bambera shared recent words from Pope Francis, in which the Holy Father said we are all called to show “maximum respect” for the dignity of migrants and must “construct bridges and not walls.”

While acknowledging that nations have a right to control their borders, Bishop Bambera said the international community should protect refugees and asylum seekers. He highlighted the story of his own grandmother who came to northeastern Pennsylvania from Poland in 1912 in search of a better life.

“We are so privileged to have you here, to tap into your gifts and your talents and to find ourselves better and richer because of your presence,” Bishop Bambera added.

World Refugee Day was established by the United Nations to celebrate the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home countries to escape conflict or persecution. At the end of 2022, more than 100 million people were forcibly displaced globally – a record number propelled by the War in Ukraine and other conflicts around the world.

“We became refugees because of political situations,” Chandra Sitaula of the Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association, said. “We are here from Bhutan, Congo, Afghanistan and many other countries.”

Sitaula came to the Scranton area in 2012 after spending two years in the Bronx. He said there are roughly 7,000 Bhutanese people living in the greater Scranton area according to the 2020 census. He said the number is even larger – roughly 42,000 people – in the Harrisburg region.

“We want to introduce our culture, traditions, values and customs to the community and we need to learn other community’s cultures, communications and religions,” he explained.

Gulnar Siddiqi, a staff member with Catholic Social Services and refugee herself, said the agency works with hundreds of refugees each year.

“We are always here for refugees. Catholic Social Services has been working for many years with refugees as soon as they arrive in the country,” Siddiqi said. “We want to show our refugees how important they are. We want to show our refugees that we are all one.”

This year’s theme was ‘Hope Away from Home,’ which focused on the power of inclusion and solutions for refugees.

“As a community, we must promote empathy and compassion towards those who have been forced to leave their homes and seek safety in a new country,” Fikile Ryder, Director of Community for Catholic Social Services, added.

Since coming to the United States in 2017, Claudin Nyota of Congo says she has become a U.S. citizen and has found her neighbors to be very welcoming.

“I am happy. I love Scranton,” Nyota said. “I’m happy to see friends here that have helped me, have shown me something good. I’m so happy to see everybody.”

In addition to Catholic Social Services, World Refugee Day 2023 was sponsored by the Church of Saint Gregory in Clarks Green, The University of Scranton, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Ignatian Volunteer Corps, Islamic Center of Scranton, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, Congolese Community of Scranton, Bhutanese Cultural Foundation of Scranton Association, Saigon Corner Vietnamese Restaurant and the Pennsylvania Department of Education – Migrant Education Program.