Month: September 2024

NANTICOKE – The Diocesan Vocations Office is hosting its annual Men’s Discernment Retreat, Ezra 10:4, on the weekend of Oct. 11-12, 2024, at Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center in Nanticoke.

Ezra 10:4 is open to adult men who are interested in learning more about discerning the vocation to priesthood. The Vocations Office began 2024 with Ezra 10:4 as its guiding Scripture passage for the year. The verse states, “Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you; be courageous and act.”

For a man discerning the call to priesthood, fear, anxiety, and doubt can quiet the Lord’s voice and cause him to instead focus on the distractions of busy schedules and monotonous routines. With these distractions comes the false assumption that one can discern his vocation alone without the help of trusted spiritual advisors or the support of others who are discerning the same vocation.

By coming on retreat to spend time in the Word of God and before the Blessed Sacrament, a man discerning his vocation can escape from these distractions, gain wisdom from priests and other discerning men, and find rest under the stained-glass ceiling of Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at Holy Family Spiritual Renewal Center.

This preached retreat, led by Vocation Director Fr. Alex Roche, includes time spent in personal prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, fellowship with other men discerning God’s call, and both group and one-on-one discussion.

Ezra 10:4 is free to attend. To register or to find more information, visit dioceseofscranton.org/vocations.

HARRISBURG – With less than two weeks until the Pennsylvania March for Life, organizers have released information on who will be speaking at the event.

On Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, thousands of pro-life advocates are expected to visit the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex to serve as a voice for life. The Pennsylvania March for Life is a public event and registration is not required.

Prior to attendees walking around the State Capitol beginning at noon, there is a rally which begins at 11:00 a.m. Toni McFadden, a pro-life advocate, will serve as the emcee.

Dr. Barry Whitworth, executive director, Baptist Resource Network, will give the opening prayer and Archbishop Nelson Perez of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will give the closing prayer.

Speakers during the rally will include Mark Houck, pro-life activist and co-founder and president of the King’s Men; Michael Geer, president of Pennsylvania Family Institute; Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life Education and Defense Fund; Dr. Eric Hussar, Pennsylvania State Director of the American Academy of Medical Ethics; Wendy Burpee, executive director of Genesis Women’s Clinic; along with several state legislative leaders.

Pennsylvania March for Life activities will kick-off on Sunday, Sept. 22 with Mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, 212 State Street, Harrisburg, at 7:00 p.m. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will continue overnight until Benediction at 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 23. Two additional Masses for Life will be held at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Diocese of Scranton is once again inviting all people of good will to participate in the Pennsylvania March for Life.

The Diocese will be sponsoring a bus that will have pick-up locations in Scranton (8:30 a.m.) and Wilkes-Barre (9:15 a.m.) on the morning of the rally.

Following the March for Life, participants who travel to Harrisburg on the Diocesan bus will also be invited to celebrate Mass at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Harrisburg and the bus will depart for home at the conclusion of Mass.

The cost of the trip is $15/per adult/$10 per student. Space on the bus is limited. Those interested are encouraged to contact Shannon Kowalski at (570) 207-2238 or SKowalski@dioceseofscranton.org to reserve a spot.

HAZLETON – Across northeastern Pennsylvania, there are countless individuals who face the daily challenge of putting food on the table.

The crisis is one that many in our community may not fully realize.

Around the beginning of the year, Nancy Craig became one of the people needing assistance and turned to Saint Joseph Food Pantry in Hazleton for a helping hand.

“They care about you. They care about your needs. They care about what your family needs,” Craig said.

Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton operates Saint Joseph Food Pantry. Craig was so impressed by the pantry operations that she is now volunteering her time to help others who are struggling.

Pointing to the rising cost of gas and groceries, she is shocked to see the rising number of people needing assistance.

“There is not one person that I have seen yet come through these doors that is just looking for handouts,” Craig explained. “It is a need.”

The food pantries operated by Catholic Social Services are a lifeline for many people, providing not just food, but hope, dignity, and support.

With a dramatic increase in the number of individuals and families seeking assistance, Catholic Social Services is facing unprecedented demand. As the Catholic Ministries Appeal kicks off this month, the call for donations has never been more urgent.

“Every month, we see 50 new families that we have never seen before,” LeeAnn Lywiski, Hazleton Material Assistance Supervisor, said.

Lywiski has been helping the less fortunate for more than 22 years. During 2023, she says the Hazleton office of Catholic Social Services served 5,350 families, which equates to roughly 12,000 people.

“We try to give everybody dignity, respect, and confidentiality. We serve them and make them feel like they’re welcome here to receive the food,” she added.

It is a similar story at the Catholic Social Services food pantry in Carbondale. The office in Lackawanna County’s Up Valley helps an average of 300 families with food every week. On average, five to ten new families reach out for assistance on any given week.

“They know that they’re going to be respected, and they know, that if they’re here, they’re family to us while they’re here,” volunteer Richard Ward said.

Ward became a volunteer after falling on challenging times himself.

“I was homeless for a while and was at the shelter in Scranton and Catholic Social Services helped me get up here in one of the programs, so the least I could do was come down and help,” Ward added.

In addition to non-perishable food items, the Catholic Social Services Carbondale office also distributes milk, juice, fresh produce, and frozen meats.

“Nutrition is a huge factor for us. We want people to have well-balanced meals and that is something we really focus on here,” Dominique Jordan, Catholic Social Services Carbondale Office Supervisor, stated.

Parishioners are encouraged to contribute in any way they can. Donations to the Catholic Ministries Appeal can be made online at AnnualAppeal.org, by mail or by calling (570) 207-2250. Additionally, volunteers are always needed to help with the distribution of food and other essential services.

As the Appeal unfolds this year, the hope is that the community will come together to support this critical initiative. In a time of growing need, the strength of Catholic Social Services efforts lie in the organization’s ability to respond to community needs with compassion and solidarity.

PITTSTON – As the Catholic Ministries Appeal launches its crucial fundraising campaign this month, the spotlight is shining on the parish-based faith formation programs it supports.

In the 2024-2025 grant cycle, a total of $111,369.80 was distributed to 43 parishes. This funding directly assists with faith formation initiatives that aim to promote life-long discipleship; invite and welcome home Catholics and non-Catholics into a parish; provide spiritual support to families, singles, youth and young adults; and can be used to update technology and media to grow faith formation events.

Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston has used faith formation grant money to help its children dive deeper into their faith through fun and interactive programs like Vacation Bible School.

In July, the parish joined together with two others – Saint Joseph Marello in Pittston and Saint Maria Goretti in Laflin – to hold a regional event.

“Most of our students are in the same school district, so they already know each other,” Tommy Flynn, Director of Religious Education at Saint John the Evangelist Parish, said. “We thought it was a great opportunity for them to intermingle, to have fun, and for us also to have a really big, fun week for them.”

Through interactive activities, creative crafts and heartfelt lessons, Vacation Bible School brings the Gospel message to life in ways that resonate deeply with young people.

In Pittston, this year’s theme was ‘Camping with Christ.’

“We’re learning some new prayers. We’re learning about the Holy Spirit. We’re learning about kindness and we’re learning songs,” student Elle Troynacki said.

“I like the church a lot. We’ve been learning about Jesus, crafts, all that fun stuff. It’s nice,” student Cooper Quick added.

Through the administration of faith formation grants to parishes, the Appeal plays a critical role in making these transformative experiences possible.

Generous gifts from parishioners to the 2024 Appeal campaign will help ensure parish programs continue to thrive and reach more children each year.

“Probably my favorite part was the music,” student Della Rostock said of Vacation Bible School in Pittston.

Parishioners are encouraged to contribute to the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal in any way they can. Donations can be made online at AnnualAppeal.org, by mail, or by calling (570) 207-2250. Every gift, regardless of size, helps ensure that vital faith formation programs continue to nurture the faith of our future generations.

“As someone who works closely with a lot of different programs in our parish, many are supported through the grants that we get through the Diocesan Annual Appeal, both the Social Justice Trust Fund Grant, and the Faith Formation Grant, which helps us to program, educate, and really just create opportunities for all of our parishioners,” Flynn explained.

TOWANDA – Several dozen people took to the steps of the Bradford County Courthouse Sept. 8 to advocate for the unborn and highlight the significance of preserving human life.

The annual ‘Pro Life Rally’ sponsored by the Bradford County Pennsylvanians for Human Life marked a significant milestone this year – 20 years of working to foster a culture that prioritizes the sanctity of life.

“The original idea came out of our parish, Saint Mary’s in Wyalusing. We had a pro-life committee and we started talking about how could we reach out a little more so that it was more than just our parish. We networked with some of the folks in Towanda and drew in more people,” chairman Mike Kilmer explained.

This year’s event brought attendees from across Bradford County, including Deborah Geise who lives in Troy.

“I truly believe that only God has the ability to give and take life and we feel that children are a precious gift from God,” Geise said.

Watching other attendees hold signs with messages such as ‘Every Life is Precious’ and ‘Choose Life,’ Geise felt inspired.

“It blesses me to see that there are people of like-minded faith and we need to have more of them that rise up,” she explained.

Alex Piechocki, a parishioner of Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Towanda, emphasized the value of life from conception to natural death.

“Like Saint John Paul II said, there is one issue that is so far superior above all other social issues, which is the issue of life, because if the life issue is done away with, all the other issues are non-existent,” Piechocki said.

Attendees at the event affirmed the dignity of every human being and expressed the need to advocate for policies that protect and value life. They also stressed the help that is available for mothers who are looking for alternatives to abortion.

“If only they knew that there was a lot of support out there, there are plenty of places that will help you,” Cathy Moliski, a parishioner of Epiphany Parish in Sayre, stated.

Following a short rally outside the courthouse, rally participants walked to Saints Peter & Paul Parish for a pro-life talk given by Rev. Martin Fuller from Meadville, Pa, followed by a social in Grotto Hall.

Many of those participating in the Sept. 8 rally will also be attending the Pennsylvania March for Life in Harrisburg on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. The Bradford County Pennsylvanians for Human Life and the Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a bus trip to Harrisburg that day. The bus will make several stops throughout Bradford County. There is no charge to ride the bus. To make a reservation, call Frank Socha at (570) 772-6524.

“It is a wonderful experience,” Kilmer said. “We march around the Capitol and try to impress our legislators to be pro-life.”

SCRANTON – Nearly one thousand students, faculty and staff from The University of Scranton gathered at the Byron Recreation Complex last week to participate in the school’s annual Mass of the Holy Spirit.

The Mass, celebrated on Sept. 5, 2024, is a tradition among Jesuit academic institutions dating back to the 16th century, in which the community gathers to thank God for the gifts of creation and salvation and to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in the coming year.

“As we begin this academic year, we are entering into it realizing that we can’t do this alone,” Father Joseph G. Marina, S.J., President of The University of Scranton, said. “We rely on the power of God’s help and grace, and we invoke that through the Holy Spirit at this Mass.”

Students say seeing so many attend the liturgy is a powerful reminder about the importance of faith.

“It reminds me that I’m not alone in this faith journey and it also reminds me that I’m not the only young one,” senior Maria Stephen explained. “They all want to get closer to God in some way, shape or form. I don’t know their stories and they don’t know mine, but at least I know we’re in it together in some way.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass of the Holy Spirit.

During his homily, the Bishop encouraged each student to nurture his/her relationship with Jesus, live with integrity, and give of themselves in service to others.

“You have the opportunity to respond to Jesus’ invitation to serve more than you might imagine,” Bishop Bambera said. “Continue to embrace the mission of this university and the many opportunities that are given to you to serve in the spirit of the Gospel and to work for justice and peace.”

Jenna Kotlar, a senior at The University of Scranton, has found the service opportunities on campus and in the greater Scranton community to be one of the most valuable parts of her education.

“For me personally, I find it to be such a joy because I really can see God working in all of those situations,” Kotlar explained. “It is just a really cool thing to see people coming together, who have all different backgrounds and interests, for a common cause.”

WESTFIELD – In the wake of historic flooding that devastated parts of Tioga County in August, parishioners in the communities of Westfield and Knoxville are finding solace in their faith.

On Aug. 9, 2024, flash flooding caused by the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby impacted thousands of people. Initial estimates indicate the flood water did damage to nearly 300 homes and businesses, in addition to damaging bridges, roadways and more.

“Westfield was almost the epicenter of the damage,” Ralph Wolstenholme, a parishioner of Saint Catherine of Siena Church in Westfield, explained. “A tremendous amount of homes have been lost. We had one life lost in Knoxville. He was a friend of mine and as of today he has not been found yet. He was washed away by the storm helping some elderly neighbors of his get out of their home.”

Even though unbelievable damage was left behind when the water receded, the community has not lost hope.

Neighbors have been rallying around one another to pick up the pieces.

“The hope that has come from this is incredible. Driving in here right after the damage, to come in and help, you saw people just coming in and saying, ‘How do I get to where the damage is,’ Mark Patrick Clements, another parishioner of Saint Catherine’s Church, added. “I met people from North Carolina that came all the way up here to help. They bring hope to this community.”

On Sunday, Aug. 17, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, visited the hardest hit communities.

Parishioners of Saint Catherine of Siena Church, which is located right in the heart of Westfield, took him around the community to see the damage first-hand.
With many roads reopen, Bishop Bambera was also able to celebrate the first Mass at Saint Catherine’s Church since the flooding.

During his homily, he reminded the faithful that while the flood water has taken so much, they cannot wash away the love and support that the community has for each other.

“You are living the Eucharist. You’re giving your life in faith by your service of your brothers and sisters. You’re not nailed to a cross physically, like Jesus at the heart of His sacrament, but you’re suffering,” Bishop Bambera said. “You’re suffering for and with your brothers and sisters – and you’re serving them out of love and I can’t think of a more incredible example of what it means to live the Gospel and to allow the Eucharist to take hold of you – than in what you’re doing right now. Thank you.”

The Bishop also pledged financial support to parishioners from the Diocese of Scranton Flood Recovery Fund that was initially established in 2011. The fund has been used primarily to provide outreach to victims who have sustained significant damage during flood emergencies. Because of the generosity of the faithful in 2011, the Diocese has been able to provide modest assistance to those confronted with the task of rebuilding their lives when flooding emergencies occur.

As Bishop Bambera ended his homily, he also assured the faithful of his prayers – and prayers of others around the Diocese of Scranton.

“A whole lot of your brothers and sisters already are keeping you in their prayers because they’ve gone through what you’re going through, but all of this local church is holding you in our hearts and lifting you up to the Lord,” Bishop Bambera stated.

The Mass was a moving service for many who attended.

“There’s nothing more powerful than the Bishop seeing how much one of his communities has been affected and to come out and that outreach,” Wolstenholme said.

“To have him physically drive three and a half hours to come here, to the most remote area of the Diocese brings an incredible warmth to you,” Clements added. “He’s not coming in here in a police escort with pomp and circumstance. He came in here humbly and he came in here and met us one-on-one and he rode around with us, getting to know the community. That affects us tremendously.”

Parishioners also say it is miraculous that Saint Catherine’s Church was spared damage. With homes destroyed all around it, the water only touched the bottom step since the church is built on a slab.

“When we found out that the water only touched the bottom step, when right across the road, it was up to my shoulders, just literally 400 yards down the road with houses off their foundation, Christ was preserved. His house was preserved and that is miraculous!”

WHITE HAVEN – When the faithful of Saint Patrick Parish were asked to describe their church – the word “community” came up frequently.

“We have a tremendous sense of community,” parishioner Audrey Wood-Karnatski said.
“We come together to do things,” parishioner Ed Gower added. “We’re a welcoming community.”

For 150 years, the Luzerne County parish which is home to roughly 300 parishioners has been growing that sense of “community” and on Aug. 18, 2024, many gathered to celebrate.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was principal celebrant and homilist for a Mass of Thanksgiving to mark the parish milestone of a century and a half of unwavering faith and devotion.

Several other priests – including Father Michael Kloton, who currently serves as Parish Administrator, and Father Peter J. O’Rourke, who currently serves as Sacramental Minister, concelebrated the liturgy.

“We’re all a community here and I think that is exactly what makes me so proud of being here,” Father O’Rourke explained.

Parishioner Edward J. Price has belonged to Saint Patrick Parish for 70 years and has been inspired by all the work that is done.

“The ministry in the church, the outreach that we give to the people outside the church, the people that volunteer to help run the church and go out to the people that can’t get here themselves are all very rewarding,” he explained.

As the parish looks to the future, Price is hopeful that even more parishioners will discover their faith community.

“With the closing of the White Haven Center there are rumors that something will be going in there, maybe townhouses or apartments, something that will make the community bigger and hopefully we will get more people if that happens,” Price added. “But we’re actually getting more people from outside the area, Weatherly, Freeland, Hazleton and even Mountain Top, there are more people coming all the time. We hope that continues.”

Saint Patrick Parish was incorporated in 1874. The first Catholic settlers in the White Haven area were Francis Lynch and Patrick Dolan and many of the first parishioners that followed were railroad workers.

Over the years, the parish experienced many changes but always focused on ecumenical projects and service-oriented opportunities.

“We’re the largest church in White Haven and because of that some of the other congregations look to us to take the lead,” Gower said. “We share in things like Vacation Bible School, the food pantry, the community lunch program, among many other things that happen in town. We do it well together.”

Wood-Karnatski grew up across the street from Saint Patrick Parish. While her family veered away from the church for a time, she has found her way back and is responsible for leading the parish choir.

“Any Sunday, you can come in and everyone is grateful to see you,” she said.

SCRANTON – As the 48th annual Italian Mass concluded on Sept. 1, 2024, a new tradition was born.

For the first time, a procession of faithful led a statue of Saint Lucy from the Cathedral of Saint Peter about a block away to Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton, to kick off the third day of La Festa Italiana.

“We’re all about tradition,” Chris DiMattio, La Festa Committee President, explained as the Mass concluded.

The procession was a way to publicly introduce the Scranton area to the ‘Italian Colony of Saint Lucy,’ a newly formed non-profit organization. Last year, members of Saint Lucy’s Church in Scranton came together to form the new group.

“We wanted to keep the name of Saint Lucy alive and well and strong, so we started this group to raise money for various charities that we want to give to,” Joe Guido, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Italian Colony of Saint Lucy, explained. “We hope to make it an annual tradition of carrying the statue of Saint Lucy from the Mass over to the festival.”

The Italian Colony of Saint Lucy currently has about 50 members. The new group is not directly affiliated with any parish and is open to both men and women.

“We’re called the ‘Italian Colony’ because in 1899, all the immigrants from Italy, when they settled in this area, the original parish they formed was called the ‘Italian colony,’ so we wanted to keep that name in conjunction with the name of Saint Lucy, so that is how we came up with the Italian Colony of Saint Lucy,” Guido added.

La Festa Italiana is much more than a four-day food festival. It is a celebration of heritage, culture and tradition – of which the Mass in Italian has become a significant milestone.

During his homily for the Italian Mass, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, emphasized that faith and action go “hand in hand.”

“Every one of us in this Cathedral is here today because somebody loved us and fed us and forgave us and passed onto us their faith in God,” Bishop Bambera said. “We will honor them best – and ultimately the Lord Jesus whom they loved – by embracing the faith passed onto us and giving it life through our love and service of one another.”

Father David P. Cappelloni, La Festa Chaplain, and pastor of Saints Anthony and Rocco and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishes in Dunmore, served as principal celebrant of the Mass.

This year’s Italian Mass was offered in memory of all those members and friends of La Festa Italiana who passed away since the last Mass was celebrated, including Rose Blasi, Ken Brader, Anna Brunetti, Mayor James P. Connors, Tom “Chick” DiPietro, Bill DelPrete, Joe Hoban, Joe Latona, James Mack, Sr., John Moffitt, Mariann Moran, Charles Morell, Angelo Rose, Billy Saar, Sheriff John Szymanski, Sarah Marie Vecchi-Barrese, and Bill Weber.

For more information on the new Italian Colony of Saint Lucy non-profit that has been formed, call (570) 955-7469 or email TICOSL@gmail.com.