Author: Dan Gallagher

 

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) joined a long list of state lawmakers who expressed disappointment with Governor Wolf’s veto today of SB 906. The bill would create a moratorium on the closure of two state centers for individuals with severe disabilities.

The PCC remains concerned about the well-being of the residents of the Polk and White Haven Centers should those centers close.

“We support home- and community-based care for individuals in the environment of their choosing,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “But we are worried about whether that will happen in this case without proper safeguards in place.”

Several PA lawmakers spoke out against the veto immediately after the Governor announced it.

Sen. John Yudichak (I-Carbon, Luzerne), Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming), Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Butler, Clarion, Forest, Vengano, Warren) and Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Warren) released a statement, which read, in part, “the Administration’s decision to close White Haven and Polk State Centers ignores the voices of families and mounting data that underscores the shortcomings of limiting choices on how best to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

Rep. Gerald Mullery (D-Luzerne) has been fighting to keep the facilities open and also spoke out. “Governor Wolf’s cavalier dismissal of these residents’ desires, their family’s concerns, and their caregiver’s commitment is disheartening,” Mullery said in a statement. “To issue this callous veto in the face of the recent Office of Inspector General report is nothing more than repulsive.”

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.

 

SCRANTON, PA (February 6, 2020) – The University of Scranton and the Diocese of Scranton have signed a memorandum of understanding that will guarantee admission and minimum scholarships of $15,000 or more to the University for graduates of Catholic high schools in the Diocese who meet eligibility requirements.

The memorandum will grant admission to most majors at the University to graduates of Holy Cross High School, Holy Redeemer High School, Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High School and St. John Neumann Jr./Sr. High School, who have a minimum GPA 3.00 and either a 1080 SAT (EBRW and math) or a 21 ACT composite score, or higher, and meet other criteria. Students who meet the eligibility requirements will receive, at minimum, an annual $15,000 scholarship to the University with a total value of $60,000. The agreement will take effect for most majors beginning with the 2020-21 academic year.

Graduates of Diocese of Scranton high schools wishing to enroll in the University’s entry-level programs for occupational therapy (5-year master’s program), nursing (bachelor’s degree) and Doctor of Physical Therapy (guaranteed seat for 7-year program) must have a minimum GPA of 3.50 and either a 1270 SAT (EBRW and math) or a 27 ACT composite score, and meet other criteria. Students who meet the eligibility requirements will receive, at minimum, an annual $18,000 scholarship to the University with a total value of $72,000. The agreement for these majors will take effect beginning with the 2021-22 academic year.

“The Diocese of Scranton and The University of Scranton have a shared mission of educating young men and women in the Catholic tradition in an environment that is both academically excellent and grounded in service to others. This agreement is a tremendous opportunity for students in all four of our Diocesan high schools to seamlessly continue their education, becoming tomorrow’s faith-filled leaders,” said Jason W.S. Morrison, diocesan secretary of Catholic education and chief executive officer, Diocese of Scranton.

“The agreement we sign today guarantees admission into The University of Scranton for even our most competitive programs. In signing it, we honor and reward the sacrifice that families make to invest in a Catholic education and show our great respect for the preparation provided by the dedicated teachers, staff and administrators of the Diocese of Scranton,” said Gerry Zaboski, vice president for enrollment management and external affairs at the University. He added that the agreement “recognizes just how wonderful the students are, how hard they work and how consistently they thrive at the finest colleges in our nation, especially here at The University of Scranton.”

The University also has guaranteed admission agreements with Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg; Trinity High School, Camp Hill; York Catholic High School, York; and John S. Burke Catholic High School, Goshen, New York.

For more information about the memorandum of understanding, contact Diocese of Scranton Catholic Schools Office at 570-207-2251, or Rebekah Bernard, information and technology specialist for admissions and enrollment at The University of Scranton, at Rebekah.bernard@scranton.edu or 570-941-5918.

 

“It is with sincere joy and pleasure that I say ‘welcome home’ to Archbishop-designate Nelson J. Perez upon Pope Francis’ announcement today that he will succeed retiring Archbishop Charles J. Chaput in Philadelphia.

As a former parish priest in the Philadelphia-area, Archbishop-designate Perez has many gifts to share and will certainly be a welcoming presence to all people in the city and beyond.

With the Diocese of Scranton being within the province of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, I look forward to building upon my relationship with him. He has shown himself to be a dedicated leader who loves the church and its people.

On this day, I also offer sincere thanks to Archbishop Chaput for his steadfast leadership and service since 2011.

I encourage everyone to keep Archbishop-designate Perez and Archbishop Chaput in their prayers today.”

 

The Paul “Hook” O’Malley Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #4 will hold their “Man of the Year” dinner on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Fiorelli’s, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

This year’s recipient is Father Richard Fox.  $35.00 per person.

Tables of 10 are $350.00.  Program ads are $100.00 per page and $50.00 for a half page.

For more information on the dinner, please contact Joe at 570-342-7596 or Kevin at 570-351-1478.

Any questions, please call 570-575-1184

 

The Annual Respect Life Mass was held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville, Sunday, January 12, 2020. Reverend Leo McKernan was Celebrant and Homilist. Knights of Columbus from area Councils, (Ashley, Dallas 8224, Pittston 372, Plymouth 984, Swoyersville and Wilkes-Barre 302), were in attendance along with Representatives from Pennsylvanians for Human Life. Prayer intentions during the Mass were offered by the Knights of Columbus and Pro-Life participants for a greater respect of all Human Life and to end abortion.

 

“Everyone has that giving side to their personality”

As they peeled potatoes and diced up peppers, two dozen students from Holy Redeemer High School got a lesson that can’t be found in a textbook.

“It’s really humbling because a lot of time we take for granted the food we have and how easy and accessible it is to us,” senior Rebecca Revitt said.

The Holy Redeemer Student Leadership Council volunteered to prepare, serve and clean-up the daily meal at Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Jan. 4.

“Holy Redeemer always talks about servant leadership so being able to come here and experience it and live out our faith, it is really cool to know we’re making a difference,” senior Marissa Jason said.

The students were joined by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera. After celebrating Mass at the school in September, the Student Leadership Council gifted the bishop a “Day of Service” in his name and the bishop made it a priority to join them for the entire morning.

“He’s such a down to earth guy. He’s really intrigued and interested in our lives,” Revitt said. “It makes us feel like we’re all just one because the bishop is cutting potatoes with us. It’s not a big deal for him.”

“It really demystifies the position of bishop having him here. He’s just a regular man who is serious about his faith,” junior Peter Khoudary said.

Khoudary admitted giving up a Saturday morning to volunteer may not have been an easy decision but he knows his efforts made a difference.

“We have a lot of people that are struggling, especially in Wilkes-Barre, so anything we can do to help is a blessing,” Khoudary said. “Everyone has that giving side to their personality, even teenagers, and doing stuff like this, the more you do it, the more you realize how nice it is!”

The students certainly took notice that the line of people needing a meal at Saint Vincent de Paul started forming more than an hour before the doors opened.

“You don’t really see this side of the community of Wilkes-Barre when you’re at school!” senior class president Carl Yastremski said.

The “Day of Service” is just one of many things that Holy Redeemer students do to help the kitchen.

“Over Thanksgiving, we do a Thanksgiving food drive and this year we helped bring all the stuff over here, we helped unload it out of the truck and there was a lot of it!” Yastremski said.

While volunteering, the students wore maroon t-shirts that displayed a quote from Pope Francis, “To change the world, we must be good to those who cannot repay us.”

The teens say those words have special meaning to them.

“It really inspires us all to keep going and keep doing more community work,” Revitt said.

“It’s honestly such a rewarding experience, especially coming here to see those who are less fortunate and to brighten their day,” senior Lauren Kozicki said.

Most of the students have volunteered at Saint Vincent de Paul before but they say each experience teaches them something.

“It’s so awesome knowing that we’re able to help the community,” Jason added. “When you see the amount of people in need and the children, it really just opens your eyes to the need in the world.”

“It really, truly is a great feeling to help others. Anyone that has ever helped someone out can attest to how well it makes them feel,” Khoudary said.

 

As the year 2019 came to a close, dozens of young men from across the Diocese of Scranton gathered on Monday, Dec. 30, looking toward the future.

The annual Project Andrew Dinner, sponsored by the Diocesan Vocation Office, gives priests from around the 11 counties of the Diocese the opportunity to invite individuals whom they think might have a priestly vocation – or the qualities needed in a good priest – to pray and have dinner with Bishop Joseph C. Bambera in a relaxed atmosphere.

The evening began in the Cathedral of Saint Peter with Evening Prayer. Bishop Bambera shared his vocation journey with attendees and gave an inspirational Christmas message. He also expressed the crucial need for diocesan priests to serve our local Church of Scranton.

After prayer, attendees had dinner in the Diocesan Pastoral Center. They were able to meet and have informal conversations with priests, deacons and seminarians from throughout the diocese.

In the Eastern Church, Saint Andrew is known as the Protokletos (“First Called”) as John the Baptist invited him to follow Jesus. After doing so, Andrew then brought his brother Simon Peter to the Lord. (John 1:38-41). Similarly, it is not enough for priests to be satisfied with their own priestly vocations. Like Andrew, the Lord is asking priests to bring others to Him so that they may discover their vocations as well.

After dinner, presentations were given to the different age demographics about ways to get involved with the Vocation Office in 2020.

For more information, visit vocations.dioceseofscranton.org or call (570) 207-1452.