Category: 2024 News

SCRANTON – “The family that prays together stays together” has been an international Catholic catchphrase for decades.

It owes its origin to the late Father Patrick Peyton, a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and longtime promoter of the family rosary.

This weekend, the Diocese of Scranton will celebrate Father Peyton’s legacy with a large-scale Rosary Rally in downtown Scranton on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.

The festivities will be spread throughout the 300- and 400-blocks of Wyoming Avenue beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The highlight of the Nov. 16 Rosary Rally in Scranton will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Together, families will recite the rosary, and there will be inspiring talks, music and Eucharistic Adoration.

The reason for this year’s celebration is 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Father Peyton’s first Rosary Rally in the United States, which was held in Scranton, and drew an estimated 50,000 people.

A display focusing on that event in 1949 will be set-up in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue. There will also be screenings of the movie “Pray,” which focuses on the story of Patrick Peyton.

Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Father Peyton was perhaps the best-known “media priest” because he hosted a nationally broadcast radio program for more than 22 years and produced more than 70 films and television programs through his Family Theater Productions, in addition to his numerous rosary rallies conducted around the globe.

At the age of 19, Patrick Peyton and his older brother, Thomas, immigrated to the United States from Ireland, joining their three older sisters who previously had made the move to Scranton.

Patrick Peyton got a job as a sexton (janitor) at the Cathedral of Saint Peter and a little more than a year later, answered the call to the priesthood and entered the seminary of the Congregation of the Holy Cross at Notre Dame, Indiana.

Two years from ordination, Patrick was stricken with tuberculosis and was given little hope for recovery. Inexplicably cured 15 months later, he credited the miracle to the intercession of Mary, to whom he had turned in prayer. By a special indult from the Vatican, Patrick was able to be ordained alongside his brother in 1941, despite the formation time lost because of the illness.

A mere seven months after his ordination, Father Patrick Peyton felt inspired by God to start the Family Rosary Crusade. He was motivated, in part, by his sincere belief that prayer was the answer to the breakdown of the American family, and, in part, by his eagerness to repay Mary for restoring his health.

Father Peyton died June 3, 1992, at the age of 83 and is buried in Easton, Massachusetts. Father Peyton’s cause for canonization to sainthood was opened in 2001. Pope Francis declared him venerable in December 2017.

Today, 32 years after his death, Father Peyton’s legacy of promoting prayer and the rosary continues through Holy Cross Family Ministries, which offers prayer events, formation ministries and family-focused media.

All individuals and families are invited to come out on Saturday to learn more about Father Peyton and participate in the events listed above.

For those unable to attend in person, CTV: Catholic Television will broadcast and livestream the 1:30 p.m. event at the Cathedral.

LARKSVILLE – A total of 328,250 rosaries and counting.

That is the astounding number of rosaries that a small group in Luzerne County has created over the last several decades.

Twice a month, the volunteers meet at Saint John the Baptist Parish to assemble each rosary by hand. Each is carefully crafted, using beads, wire, and clasps, and then sent to individuals in need – whether that be people facing illness, suffering, or those who simply seek to deepen their faith.

“I just love the Blessed Mother, and I’ll do anything for her. Making the rosaries just gives you such great satisfaction,” Barbara Morris said.

Morris began making rosaries more than thirty years ago at the former Saint Hedwig Church in Edwardsville. She says the rosary-making effort that has now moved to Saint John’s Church is a beautiful and peaceful way to serve others.

“The Blessed Mother needs us to do her work, and we just love doing it,” she added.

Maryann Suda still remembers joining the rosary makers group 21 years ago when she was looking for something to do in the evenings.

Suda considers each rosary she makes an offering of prayer, knowing it will find its way into the hands of someone who needs it.

“It just makes you feel good to know that you’re able to give (out) these rosaries, or have these rosaries sent to others, so they can also learn of our Blessed Mother and her goodness and the love she has for us,” Suda said.

While initially sent all over the world, many of the rosaries that the group makes now stay in the United States. Rosaries have been donated to schools, pro-life efforts, soup kitchens and many other places, providing a tangible way for people to connect with their faith through prayer.

As the group continues its work over the decades, the commitment of its members remains unwavering. Gathering regularly, many of the volunteers have become friends, sharing a sense of purpose and connection.

“You feel the love and feel the devotion that everybody has,” Jessica Lee said.

“It is not just members of our parish. We have other parishes that come to help us. We all know each other somehow,” Rose Feddock added. “Everybody seems to know everybody.”

With each bead strung, and every rosary sent out into the community, those participating in the rosary-making effort know their work is a reminder that acts of faith, no matter how small they seem, can ripple out into the world in ways that are both profound and far-reaching.

“The rosary is our weapon of peace,” Morris said.

DUNMORE – After having watched his older brother attend Holy Cross High School, Christopher Rotell-Tierney always knew he wanted to attend the Dunmore school as well.

“I love the environment. Everyone cares about each other. The faculty genuinely cares about us, not just our academics,” he said.

Now in his senior year, Rotell-Tierney is thankful for scholarship money that has made his dream a reality.

“Our world today is very expensive wherever you turn and the scholarships I have received have helped me not only attend HCHS but has softened the financial blow of everyday life,” he added.

For many students, receiving a scholarship or financial aid makes a Catholic school education possible.

That is why the Diocese of Scranton recently partnered with RedefinED, a company that has proven success in maximizing Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) contributions.

The EITC program is a Pennsylvania initiative that allows both individuals and businesses to direct their state income tax money to benefit students instead of sending that funding to Harrisburg.

“Not only can it change the lives of students, but it can help make Catholic schools more financially sound, by having more dollars and funding the gap that exists between what they charge (in tuition) and what it actually costs,” Alyse Maslonik, founder and CEO of RedefinED, explained.

This mission is personal for Maslonik, who personally was able to attend a Catholic school because of someone else’s EITC contribution. Since founding her company in January 2022, RedefinED has already raised more than $28 million in tax credit scholarship funding.

“It’s really important for me to simplify the process for the everyday person because so many people don’t know about the program even though it has been around since 2001,” Maslonik said.

The new Diocesan partnership with RedefinED makes the process easy. The company oversees the work – including all the paperwork after a participant signs a pledge form.

“So often, parents say, ‘it’s too good to be true,’” Maslonik admitted. “The biggest push-back that we get is that people can’t believe that this exists.”

Getting Involved in the EITC Program in 3 Easy Steps

Anyone who is interested in supporting Catholic education, or students in one of the Diocese of Scranton’s 19 Catholic schools, can participate in the EITC program. People do not have to have a child or grandchild enrolled in a Catholic school to participate.

Maslonik said many people appreciate knowing the tangible impact their tax dollars can have on a student’s life.

“There’s not usually a human connection with the tax dollars that we pay but EITC provides that human connection,” she explained. “They can know, I helped Sally Smith through her education and look at her now.”

Following RedefinED’s program, the first thing a participant needs to do is determine what they’re currently paying in state taxes.

“Once you figure out what your taxes are, you sign up, write your check, and get your refund. That is how easy it is,” Maslonik added.

The impact is life changing.

For Rotell-Tierney, being immersed in theology classes and attending Masses regularly at Holy Cross High School has made him a better person.

“The everyday environment, where I am able to experience my Catholic faith, has definitely changed my view of life and myself and has made me realize that part of what we should be doing is helping in our community, giving back to others when we can,” he said.

For more information or to participate in the EITC tax credit program, contact Hayley Youngkin, donor relationship manager for RedefinED covering the Scranton area, at (814) 419-5505 or Hayley@redefiningeducation.org. For general information, you can visit RedefinED’s website at redefiningeducation.org.

ARCHBALD – When Amy Hassaj recently welcomed a man to Christ the King’s new clothing closet, she expected he might be looking for some new pants or a winter coat.

Instead, his request was much simpler.

“He looked through everything and said, ‘I just need two bars of soap,’” Hassaj recalled.

Touched by how deep his need was, and how something so simple can be a luxury for someone, Hassaj volunteers her time twice a month to be a part of her parish’s newest social justice outreach program.

“It is nice to be able to help out and give back to the community that I grew up in and was always so good to me,” she said. “I was baptized here and had all my sacraments here, so it just always has been a very special place and as an adult it’s nice to give back.”

Earlier this year, Christ the King Parish opened its new “Community Closet” to share new and gently used clothing items, toiletries, and household items with neighbors in need. The items have all been purchased or donated by parishioners and local community members.

“Most people don’t think there are needy people in this community, but when you work this, you can see it,” volunteer Judy Rudalavage explained. “We are open to anyone.”

Rudalavage was touched by a different story.

Her friend, Bunny Chorba, recently encountered a man who just got out of prison, secured a full-time job, but only had two sweat suits to wear. The man does not have a washer or dryer available to him.

“He was washing his outfits in his tub and rinsing them,” Rudalavage explained.

Just a few days before Halloween, Chorba visited the clothing closet to help the recently released inmate get back on his feet by providing him with some extra attire.

“He only wants a second chance,” Chorba said. “And we’re in a ministry here.”

The new “Community Closet” has two designated rooms on the second floor of the Christ the King Parish Center. The rooms are fully stocked with clothing of all sizes for women, men, and children. In addition, there are shoes, accessories, purses, toiletries, and other items.

“It is a great outreach program,” Rudalavage said.

Before opening its “Community Closet,” Christ the King Parish already has been feeding the hungry through its food pantry in collaboration with Bread Basket of NEPA and hosting a weekly community meal in conjunction with Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen.

At times, the food pantry serves up to 70 individuals and the community provides food for 40 people, both in person and the homebound, so providing clothing and hygiene projects was an extension of those efforts.

“When our parish formally inaugurated the Community Closet, I read the words of Jesus from Matthew 25, in which the Lord identifies himself with the poor, the hungry, and the naked,” Father Ryan Glenn, pastor, Christ the King Parish, said. “The Community Closet gives our faith community another opportunity to respond to the call to serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters.”

Christ the King Parish was aided in its efforts to get the new “Community Closet” established with the help of a Social Justice Grant from the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal. The grant helped fund new signage so that people can be directed to the services available and publicize all the parish’s ministries.

“Thanks in part to the support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal, our parish is living out the gospel through acts of charity and service,” Father Ryan added. “This grant helps us make an impact for good in the lives of our neighbors.”

Christ the King Parish has also invited parishioners and residents to support the ministry by donating new or gently used clothing, toiletries or other items that can be given out to the community.

The new “Community Closet” is open on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until noon and Thursday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Appointments can also be made by calling the parish at (570) 876-1701.

DUNMORE – In a classroom inside Saint Mary of Mount Carmel School, seventh graders listened attentively as Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary of Clergy Formation, shared stories of his journey to the priesthood.

When one student asked what the best part of being a priest was, Father Alex quickly responded it was being with them and being able to talk about God.

“Sometimes, the best thing that you can do for a kid is to remind them that God loves them, and he has a plan for them,” Father Alex later told The Catholic Light.

For many years, staff from the Diocesan Vocations Office has visited Catholic high schools to meet with students that might have an interest in the priesthood or religious life.

Father Alex is now also making it a priority to visit Catholic elementary schools to talk to younger students about prayer, discerning God’s call and recognizing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Father Alex’s visits to local Catholic elementary schools have become a cornerstone of his mission to plant seeds of vocation in the hearts of young students, particularly in second and seventh grades, “pivot point” ages when studies show children are developing a new sense of self, discovering their gifts, and open to listening to God in prayer in a more mature way.

The visits are not just an opportunity to speak with children about the priesthood or religious life, but to emphasize the importance of following God’s calling in whatever form it might take.

“They are moments in life when things are starting to shift. They’re thinking about God and themselves in different ways, so I’ve found they’re important moments to get in and have some of these conversations,” Father Alex explained.

During each visit, Father Alex takes time to engage with students, answering their questions and helping them explore the idea of a ‘vocation’ in a way that is relatable to their age.

“I thought his talk was very informative,” seventh grader Molly Fox said after a recent presentation. “I learned there is more than one way to pray, and everybody has their own style.”

“I’m actually thinking about high school and college and what I want to do,” her classmate Sophia Triano admitted.

Triano said a vocation to religious life has crossed her mind, but she currently wants to be an actress.

“I always know that God is with me, and he’ll take care of me,” she added.

Traigh Sottile, who also participated in the presentation has also thought about the possibility of being a priest – mostly at the encouragement of his mother – but recognizes whatever his future holds, he will always need God’s guidance and assistance.

“You have to pray, and you have to ask for forgiveness,” he said.

All of Father Alex’s efforts are already inspiring young people to think about their own faith journeys and be open to the possibility of serving the Church.

Antonio Ingargiola, a former student from Saint Mary of Mount Carmel School, accompanied Father Alex on his recent trip. He has been discerning a call to the priesthood for more than a year.

“It’s really been a continuation of many different things, little comments that people would say, the external confirmation, people saying, ‘you’d be a great priest,’ and the internal stuff, really feeling that desire for God and feeling that this is something I could see myself doing,” Ingargiola stated.

Ingargiola says his Catholic faith is the center of his life. Despite all the challenges young people face in today’s world, he hopes when they listen to Father Alex, they will be reminded of Christ’s love for them.

“Before anything, we need to remember that we are God’s children. I think people become indifferent to God’s love and that is something we can’t allow to happen,” he added.

SCRANTON – At her home parish, Gina Morgese recognizes that she is one of the youngest people in the pews.

While attending the Diocese of Scranton’s annual ‘Leave a Mark’ Mass on Nov. 3, the Carbondale native found herself surrounded by many other young Catholics her age, all gathered to joyfully celebrate their shared faith.

“It gives me so much hope that the Church is alive, and God is present,” Morgese said. “I look forward to it every year.”

Held at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, this year marked the ninth annual ‘Leave a Mark’ Mass, which kicks off National Vocation Awareness Week. The name of the Mass originates from Pope Francis’ words to young people during the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland.

“I just always feel like I can be myself at these gatherings and connect with other people who have similar beliefs,” Morgese added. “It can be hard in our secular world, but I love moments like this, where I can connect with other young Catholics.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant of the Mass, and Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, delivered the homily.

From the moment the opening hymn, “Lift Up Your Hearts,” filled the Cathedral, it was clear that this was no ordinary Mass – it was a celebration of youth, hope, and the power of the Church to unite.

“We are reminded that if we seek to know where we’re going in life, our vocation, our calling, if we want a sense of peace and purpose and joy, we must build our lives on the rock that is Jesus,” Father Roche said during his homily.

Speaking directly to his young audience, Father Roche reminded the young Catholics that each one of them is created in God’s image and has a unique purpose.

He also challenged them to be witnesses of Christ in our world – using examples of Christ the Good Shepherd, Christ the Healer, and Christ the Teacher.

“Your calling is to make Jesus Christ present in this world, and you’re all called to do that in a different way,” he explained.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued with a lively social at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, which featured food trucks, seasonal treats and more. Young adults from different parishes and universities mingled, shared stories, and made new connections.

“I really enjoy seeing how many young adults and people are interested in proclaiming their faith and not hiding it behind anything,” Chloe McDougall of Marywood University said. “It’s exciting to meet new people and connect the universities and churches that have people here today.”

Michael Garcia attended the ‘Leave a Mark’ Mass with several other young adults from his young group at Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg.

“I love it over here,” he said.

For Garcia and many others who attended, the night was filled with faith, fun, and fellowship, and was a reminder of the importance of providing opportunities for young adults to connect, grow in their faith, and experience the love of Christ in meaningful ways.

“My message for everyone is to go to your parish and see if there is a youth group. If not, see if a neighboring parish has a youth group because youth group is awesome. It’s very fun and you definitely have to experience it,” Garcia said.

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrated an Inauguration Liturgy on Nov. 8, 2024, as Marywood University officially installed its 13th President, Lisa A. Lori, J.D.

The Mass took place at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts on campus. During his homily, Bishop Bambera said that, as a Catholic university, Marywood must continue to fulfill the mission of Jesus in an authentic manner.

“It is hardly by accident that the values and attitudes that are so integral to Jesus’ mission reflect both the mission and core values of Marywood University,” Bishop Bambera said. “As a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 109 years ago, Marywood is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and promotes not only academic excellence but leadership in service to others. It prepares women and men to live responsibly in and for our world And Marywood seeks to achieve this noble end as a result of those values that are integral to its very existence: its Catholic identity; its respect for the dignity of the human person and for the blessings of creation; its commitment to the empowerment of students to achieve their full potential; its belief in the value of service and social responsibility; and its enduring pursuit of excellence.”

WYALUSING – Parishioners from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bradford County have seen first-hand the need that exists in their community.

Many currently volunteer at the Helping Hands Food Pantry, located at 137 Main Street, Wyalusing.

Currently, the pantry is distributing 240 food bags every weekend throughout the school year in its backpack program. In addition to the backpack program, the agency also serves 80 families every week by distributing bags of pre-packaged groceries – including eggs, milk, meat, canned goods, bread and other staples.

The Ministry of Mercy Committee at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish received a Social Justice Grant from the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal to help the food pantry continue its efforts.

Helping Hands is not government funded and continues to serve the Wyalusing Area only by the generosity of the community.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the backpack program, it is $25/student and your donation can either be dropped off at the food pantry in Wyalusing or can be mailed to: Helping Hands Food Pantry, PO Box 233, Wyalusing, PA 18853.

SCRANTON – Eight men in formation to become permanent deacons of the Diocese of Scranton were instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte during a special Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Oct. 19, 2024.

The Ministry of Acolyte includes assisting the priest and deacon at the altar during Mass. Acolytes serve during liturgies, help distribute Holy Communion and purify sacred vessels. Installation to this ministry marks the final step before ordination to the permanent diaconate, which will take place for this class Nov. 29, 2025.

“With each year, it gets more and more serious,” Fernando Alves of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg, said. “We feel blessed to be here. It is a great responsibility to be able to serve the Church and our community.”

In addition to Alves, the seven others instituted as acolytes included: Francisco Castelan of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Scranton; Michaelangelo Colaneri of the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton; Frank Fanelli of Saint Ann Parish, Shohola; Joel Marte, Jorge Roca and Rafael Sánchez Velásquez, all of Saint Matthew Parish, East Stroudsburg; and Christian Saunders of Saint Paul Parish, Scranton.

“It’s a real honor to be able to walk in this path,” Saunders stated. “I’ve found it really fulfilling and I’m really excited about serving.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who served as principal celebrant and homilist at the Rite of Acolyte Mass, discussed the importance of walking with Jesus as they continue their final preparation in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program.

“Walk with Jesus through these challenging and polarizing days in which we find ourselves and know that you do not journey alone,” Bishop Bambera said. “Share the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist generously and so become Christ for one another in the sharing.”

After retiring as a detective in the New York City Police Department, Fanelli found himself called to serve the Church in a greater way after settling in the Pocono Mountains. He has been humbled to be able to help the three parishes in his community serve hundreds of free meals each month.

“I just want to continue helping people,” Fanelli said about his preparation to become a deacon. “It is a lot of work, but the rewards are incredible.”

This permanent diaconate class is historic because it will mark the first time the program has both English and Spanish-speaking candidates learning together at the same time.

Using technology, the men have spent several years of discernment and study together despite language differences.

“I’m very happy and overwhelmed and joyful about the Institution of Acolyte,” Roca said in Spanish. “I know that it comes with a big responsibility, and I am trusting in the Lord that I am prepared.”