Category: 2024 News

Dear Friends,

On October 20, 2024, the Universal Church will celebrate World Mission Sunday. As we come together on this special day, I join Pope Francis in inviting each of you to embrace the Gospel’s call: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). This invitation to mission is at the heart of our faith, compelling us to share God’s love with all people.

World Mission Sunday is a reminder that our faith is not confined by borders but extends to the farthest reaches of our world. This day invites us to reflect on our shared vocation as baptized members of the Body of Christ – to be ambassadors of His love and to engage in the transformative work of His mission. Together, we can bring the light of Christ to those who have not yet heard His message.

More than a century ago, the Church in the United States was sustained by the generosity of Catholics worldwide, a generosity that will be reflected in our second collection on World Mission Sunday. We now can extend that same support to our brothers and sisters in over 1,150 mission territories across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East. Your gifts will help to fund seminaries, support the formation of future religious sisters, train catechists, and sustain Catholic schools and healthcare centers.

Moreover, let us commit to praying for missionaries and the people they serve. Our prayers are powerful and critically important for those who dedicate their lives to serving others in the name of Christ. They work in regions marked by extreme weather conditions, violence, disease, and socio-political upheaval. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire all those involved in mission work!

May our participation in World Mission Sunday reflect the depth of our faith and our commitment to making the world a place where the light of Christ shines brightly for all.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

 

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.

Bishop of Scranton

HONESDALE – When Father William Langan first appealed to his parishioners at Saint John the Evangelist Parish two year ago about providing financial assistance for a church building project in the Diocese of Sunyani, Ghana, the response was immediate and overwhelming.

Faithful members of the four churches comprising the Honesdale Catholic parish believed – and still believe – their generous support would be most fitting, given that their assistant pastor, Father Dominic Sabi, is a native of the West African republic and one of nearly ten priests from Sunyani who are currently providing much-needed ministry in the Diocese of Scranton.

Since that time, the Saint John’s parishioners have “adopted” the recently created Saint Anthony of Padua Rectorate (Parish) in Ghana as a “sister parish,” generously
raising $5,175 for the construction of their new church.

“They are really counting on our donations,” Father Langan said, as he proudly announced the first phase of the building project was completed early this year. “The superstructure is up and the roof is in place.”

He related that the funding drive is ongoing and continues to be very successful.

“Once we accumulate a considerable amount of funds, we send it over to them,” Father Langan noted, adding that he believes his parish hopes to make another sizable donation by next Lent.

The fundraising drive began with a simple request by Father Sabi, Saint John’s assistant pastor since 2021, who has close ties to the Ghana parish.

He explained that when Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the priest’s home Diocese of Sunyani, established the new rectorate, he named Father Samuel Takyi, a seminary classmate of Father Sabi, as the founding pastor.

Father Sabi related that the existing Saint Anthony Church was in a “deplorable state” and needed to be razed to the foundation.

“I realized there was a great need, and I approached Father Langan about the possibility of our parish lending a helping hand,” he said.

According to the African native priest, the second phase of the project is well underway, including extensive electrical work.“We look forward to the next phase when pews will be installed and interior painting begins,” Father Sabi shared.

Not surprisingly, expressions of gratitude from Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and the Sunyani Diocese have been most effusive. Letters of grateful appreciation have arrived in Honesdale from Bishop Gyamfi and Father Fosu Dibi Eric, the parish’s current rector.

“With deepest sense of appreciation, I write of behalf of Christ’s faithful of St. Anthony Rectorate at Kwadwokumikrom,” Father Fosu has communicated to Father Langan. “Our sincerest gratitude to you and your cherished and benevolent parishioners of St. John’s Parish, Honesdale, for your donation towards the renovation of our church building project.”

“My people cannot hide their joy for reaching out to support us,” he stated. “We continue to count on your… support to assist us (to) complete the project to the greater glory of God.”

STROUDSBBURG – With the beautiful colors of fall already making an appearance throughout the Poconos, all of the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are being invited to spend this coming weekend visiting the parishes of the Stroudsburg deanery.

The deanery is hosting the second annual ‘Living Water Trail,’ on the weekend of Oct. 19-20, 2024.

The ‘Living Water Trail’ is designed to provide an immersive experience, highlighting the spiritual and communal aspects of the Eucharist. Over the course of this special weekend, participating parishes will open their doors to offer a variety of special events, including talks, Masses, and opportunities for fellowship.

Given that the third-year of the National Eucharistic Revival is now underway, each parish will showcase its approach to celebrating the Eucharist, allowing attendees to share their experiences and deepen their connections within the community.

Organizers are encouraging everyone to come and be a part of the journey – whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or simply curious about other parishes and learning more about the faith.

The ‘Living Water Trail’ is not only an opportunity to learn more about the Eucharist, but also to foster community bonds among parishes within the Stroudsburg deanery. Participants will be encouraged to share their reflections and experiences, enriching the collective faith journey.

Participants can begin their journey at any parish and travel from site to site at their own pace. People can visit as few, or as many churches as desired. A schedule of events, by date and parish, is located at the right.

For more information on any of the particular parish events for this enriching weekend, you can contact the parish directly. To view the full schedule, please consult the chart below:

SCRANTON – The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton was filled with vibrant energy and beautiful music Oct. 12, 2024, as nearly 700 people gathered to celebrate a special Mass for Hispanic Heritage month.

The Mass, celebrated in Spanish by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, highlighted the many contributions of the Hispanic community within the church and the broader society, making it a significant occasion for reflection and cultural appreciation.

A notable highlight of the Mass was Bishop Bambera commissioning nearly 20 individuals to embark on a vital initiative for the Diocese of Scranton.

The newly commissioned individuals will engage – and most importantly listen – to parish communities to formulate a comprehensive Hispanic ministry plan for the Diocese of Scranton over the next year aimed at addressing the unique needs of Hispanic parishioners.

“I’m really excited,” Pilar Cueva from Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg said. “It is definitely an opportunity for us all.”

Cueva was born and raised in New York. Her parents came to the United States from Ecuador more than 45 years ago. She considers her parish to be her second home and is looking forward to helping others discover the beauty of God’s love.

“This is an opportunity for us to be heard and also to understand our different devotional and traditional practices,” she added. “It is definitely a great opportunity for all of us to feel included as one.”

The Diocese of Scranton currently has 13 parishes that regularly celebrate Masses in Spanish for members of the Hispanic community. In all, parishioners come from at least 20 countries including Mexico, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Cuba.

“We all come from different places, and we are all different, but when we all come together, we can make something really good and we can grow,” commission member Aris Torres, parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Archbald, added.

Torres was born in the Dominican Republic but came to the United States at 13, where he attended both high school and college. He moved to the Scranton area in 2015 and enjoys serving the church.

“The Spanish community is growing. This is a way to grow the community and help each other come together,” Torres said. “I see this as an opportunity to serve.”

By actively seeking input from the Hispanic community, the Diocese of Scranton aims to enhance spiritual engagement and understand community-specific concerns, ensuring that the voices of all people can be heard.

As the Diocese develops a strategic plan for Hispanic ministry it also seeks to cultivate an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in faith.

That goal echoes the theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage month in the United States, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,’ which Bishop Bambera emphasized during his homily at the Hispanic Heritage Month Mass.

“As the Hispanic community takes its rightful place in the great tapestry of life that has been created in our country by its people who immigrated to this land from every corner and country of the world, we celebrate the gifts that you bring to our lives, to our Church and to our future,” Bishop Bambera said. “How blessed we are to begin this celebration at the table of the Eucharist, to be nourished for our shared mission and bound together in unity by nothing less than the power and presence of Almighty God.”

SCRANTON – In a world filled with noise and distractions, Nancy Layo finds peace and comfort in praying the rosary.

“I feel like I’m holding onto Mary’s hand when I’m praying the rosary,” Layo said. “It keeps me connected to God through Mary.”

The same is true for Ann Laird.

“For me, it has provided a sense of calm, a sense of purpose, and I feel much closer to our Lord through the Blessed Mother,” Laird added.

Both Layo and Laird, who are parishioners and members of the worship team at Mary, Mother of God Parish in North Scranton, have dedicated their Friday mornings this month to praying the rosary with fellow parishioners in their church.

“It is good for us to say our own prayers but for us to get together and pray is also powerful,” Layo said.

The Catholic Church dedicates the month of October to the Holy Rosary. This year, this month takes on added significance because parishes in the Diocese of Scranton are participating in a Rosary Crusade, leading up to a large Rosary Rally that will take place on Nov. 16, 2024, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Rosary Crusade, which is now underway, will look different in each parish. Some will celebrate Mass or schedule a special Holy Hour for the intention of an increase in family prayer. Others will have parishioners gather more often to recite the rosary – or ask families to sign a pledge card to recite the rosary as a family.

“We’re excited because there are so many beautiful things about the rosary. It is such a common, uniting element that we have in our faith,” Mary Hallman, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life, explained. “The whole purpose of the (Rosary) Crusade is for families to pray more.”

The Rosary Rally planned for Nov. 16 is being held to commemorate the first Rosary Rally held by Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., in the United States seventy-five years ago. That 1949 rally was held in Scranton and brought together 50,000 people.

Father Peyton devoted his priestly life to spreading devotion to Mary and encouraging family prayer, especially the rosary. He used radio, television, and film, and 540 Rosary Rallies worldwide to accomplish his mission.

“He harnessed the media and look at where we are today. We have ways to pray the rosary that he could have never imagined. There are apps for it. You can go online. One of my personal favorite things is I go on YouTube, and I can hear the voice of Father Peyton and pray the rosary along with him, just like people did all those years ago,” Hallman said.

Father Peyton, whose cause for sainthood was officially opened in 2001, has a connection to Scranton. After immigrating to the United States, a young Peyton served as the janitor for the Cathedral of Saint Peter before answering the call to the priesthood.

The Rosary Rally planned for Nov. 16 is open to everyone. There will be a special emphasis on getting families to attend together. There will be many special events taking place, including book signings, a screening of the movie ‘Pray,’ Eucharistic Adoration and a reflection on Mary using the artwork of the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

The centerpiece of the Rosary Rally will take place at 1:30 p.m. when all in attendance will recite the rosary together.

“We’re asking people to come together in the same spirit as they did with Father Peyton,” Hallman excitedly stated.

Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or have never picked up a rosary, Father Cyril Edwards, pastor, Mary, Mother of God Parish in Scranton, believes the Rosary Rally will be an opportunity for people to learn, grow, and experience the beauty of communal prayer. Together, he believes participants will lift their voices to heaven and draw closer to God.

“There is plenty to pray for,” the longtime pastor said.

For more information on the Rosary Rally that will take place on Nov. 16, visit the Diocese of Scranton website at dioceseofscranton.org.

WILKES-BARRE – With colder nights on the horizon, construction is now underway on the new, permanent location for Mother Teresa’s Haven, an emergency shelter for men experiencing homelessness, which is operated by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton.

Located at 39 East Jackson Street, directly above Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, the new facility will provide stability and essential services for those in need.

“I’m like a little kid as Christmas is approaching,” Joe Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, said while touring the facility Oct. 10. “I’m so ready to have our people move into this space. Panzitta Enterprises, our construction contractor, has been wonderful to work with on this whole project.”

For several decades, Mother Teresa’s Haven has been ‘nomadic’ in nature, operating out of various churches in Wilkes-Barre. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been housed in the basement of Saint Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Having a permanent site will not only enhance the quality of services offered but will also enable better coordination with other local providers.

“CareerLink is right behind us. There are health services and mental health services within walking distance,” Mahoney added.

The shelter will also be able to coordinate services with Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, along with its food and clothing pantries.

“If somebody comes in without a pair of shoes, we’re going to be able to go downstairs and immediately solve that problem,” Harry Lyons, program director for Mother Teresa’s Haven, said.

The new shelter will have space for 20 beds and will also feature showers and laundry facilities for the first time.

“To be able to wake up in the morning and take a shower is not only a matter of hygiene and health, but basic human dignity,” Lyons added.

Construction is expected to be completely around Thanksgiving, just in time for the winter months, when the need for support is often most noticeable. The new shelter will be handicap accessible with access available via elevator.

Since Catholic Social Services owns the building, managers will also have flexibility to extend hours as weather conditions warrant.

“If there is a foot of snow on the ground, or if it is four degrees out, I’m going to be able to make the decision that we are going to stay open that day and not put people out into the cold,” Lyons explained.

Community members – from county and city leaders to Bishop Bambera and local parishes – have been extremely supportive of the project. Funding from the ongoing Catholic Ministries Appeal will help the new shelter operate.

“This is really a community project,” Mahoney said. “This is where we need to be.”

PITTSTON –– Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish will host its 67th annual Novena to Saint Jude, patron saint of hopeless cases and things despaired of, at Saint Mary, Help of Christians Church, 535 North Main St., Pittston.

The well-known and time-honored Saint Jude Novena begins Saturday, Oct. 19, and concludes on the Feast of Saint Jude, Monday, Oct. 28.

Mass, homily, Novena prayers and veneration of the relic of Saint Jude will be held Monday through Friday at noon & 7 p.m.

Saturday devotions are offered at noon & 4 p.m., and the Sunday Novena is held at 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Recitation of the Rosary and Sacramental confessions (except Sunday) precede all Novena devotions.

This year’s scheduled celebrants/homilists for the Saint Jude Novena include: Saint Joseph Oblate Father Gregory Finn, Monsignor Joseph Quinn, Monsignor John Bendik, Father Sam Ferretti, Father Michael Boris, Monsignor John Jordan, Saint Joseph Oblate Father Paul McDonnell and Father Joseph Elston.

Novena prayer cards are provided. For more information, contact the parish office at (570) 654-0263.

WILKES-BARRE – While they each had diverse stories and styles, the three main speakers at the 2024 ‘Be A Catholic Man’ Conference all had a similar message.

Each speaker challenged the men attending this year’s conference to be proactive in embracing their Catholic faith and to become spiritual leaders in their homes and communities.

“Strong men, strong families,” Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers told thecrowd. “Strong families, strong church.”

Burke-Sivers is the author of five books and hosts several shows on EWTN. He explained that leadership is rooted in service.

“You’re not the ‘boss’ of your house,” he told the crowd. “You’re the head of the house because you are the chief servant.”

Father Bill Casey, who is also a frequent guest on EWTN and a nationally renowned speaker, explained that every person is created for heaven, that nothing is impossible with God, God has a plan for each life and is always faithful to his promises.

“Make the most of the gift of life and the gift of the time that God has given to you,” Father Casey said. “History has proven that time and time again, God always raises up the greatest saints in times of crisis in his church and the present age will be no different.”

John Edwards, founder and executive director of Pew Ministries, a Catholic apostolate with the mission of bringing Jesus Christ to all people, told a very personal story about how his addiction to drugs and alcohol landed him in prison.

Edwards said it was at that lowest point in his struggle with addiction that he realized Jesus came to him with love and mercy.

“God doesn’t care about what you’ve done. He cares about what you have the potential to do,” Edwards said. “Every one of the Apostles was broken … I met Jesus and Jesus did something for me that I could not do for myself, and he can do it in every one of our lives.”

Approximately 370 men attended this year’s conference, which was held Oct. 5 at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre. This year was the ninth annual ‘Be A Catholic Man’ Conference.

“The speakers are unbelievable. They are national speakers, and I have never been disappointed,” Mike McFadden, a parishioner of Saint Lawrence Parish in South Williamsport, said. “I learned a lot about humility.”

Jack Walsh, who lives in Hershey, made the 90-minute trip to participate in this year’s conference.

“When you get in a group like this at a men’s conference, where you’re surrounded by guys that believe the same things and feel strongly in their faith, it’s very moving and important,” Walsh said.

Walsh brought his son, Mark, who is a junior at Messiah University, to this year’s conference for the first time. Mark, 22, was particularly inspired by Edwards’ personal story of putting his life back together after his arrest – and took away an important message.

“No matter what I’m going through, you can always have faith in the Lord, and if you believe, you can get back up,” Mark Walsh explained.

The conference concluded with Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who reflected on this year’s conference theme, ‘Come, follow me.’

“Following Jesus demands that for those of us who say ‘yes’ to his invitation, we’re willing to allow him to reshape our priorities, our actions and our very identity,” Bishop Bambera explained. “Authentically following Jesus requires a realignment of our lives with his teachings and example, embracing his values and making them our own.”

SCRANTON – Over the course of nine nights, hundreds of people filled the pews of Divine Mercy Parish for what has become a popular tradition in Lackawanna County.

Between Oct. 5-13, the Minooka-based parish hosted the well-known Candlelight Rosary Novena each night to celebrate the Marian month of October.

With parishes in the Diocese of Scranton currently involved in a Rosary Crusade, parishioner Joe Moceyunas described this year’s services as “very moving.”

“Once you experience it, it puts a whole different spin on your life and you’re very gracious and thankful for everything that God does,” he said. “It’s just amazing to see the faith that brings everybody here to pray to God.”

While the Candlelight Rosary Novena has now been taking place for 45 years in various parishes, Kathy Moceyunas feels it brought the Divine Mercy parish community even closer together.

With the theme for this year’s Rosary Novena, “In God We Trust,” Moceyunas found herself praying for our world.

“It really is a very prayerful moment, and it takes away from our busy lives. We come together and pray to the Blessed Mother. It’s just beautiful from start to finish,” she said.

During each night of the event, people recited the rosary together, crowned the Blessed Mother, reflected on a Gospel passage, prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and used candlelight during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

“I think it touches their hearts,” Deacon Carmine Mendicino, the Candlelight Rosary Novena’s long-time director, said. “No one leaves the church, even after it is over, they want to stay until the last song is finished and then they stop and talk to one another and share their feelings. It’s beautiful.”

The candlelight ambiance, combined with heartfelt prayers and music, creates a moving experience for all attendees – including many men – which Mendicino says was very evident this year.

“Many men come to this, and they are touched in a very special way,” Mendicino added. “I think it’s something that Mary has brought to all of us that we might enjoy.”

Father Paul McDonnell, O.S.J., Pastor of Divine Mercy Parish, said the nightly event was a beautiful way to honor Jesus through his Blessed Mother.

“They’re bringing the gift of faith into this church and if that moves me as a mere human being, as a priest, imagine what it does to the heart of Christ and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” Father McDonnell said.

BEACH LAKE – In a special celebration that blended nostalgia with hope for the future, Catholics in rural Wayne County celebrated the 100th anniversary of Saint Bernard Church on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.

The day began with a joyous 10:30 a.m. Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who emphasized the church’s role as a cornerstone of the community.

“We are intimately connected with every soul who has worshiped in this place beginning with those that were here 100 years ago, and those of us today,” Bishop Bambera said. “We are bound together through the Eucharist that we celebrate on this altar and because of words of faith that we proclaim: ‘Christ has died, Christ is Risen, and Christ will come again.’”

Joseph Ehrenhardt has been attending Mass at Saint Bernard Church regularly since 1976. He calls the church a “close-knit community.”

“The church was built 100 years ago, before the (Great) Depression. When it was finished, they went through the depression. They went through World Wars and conflicts … yet the faithful were always here praying for peace and praying for the community,” he said.

Like many, Ehrenhardt discovered Saint Bernard Church because of the many resort communities in northern Wayne County. When he retired, his family moved to the community permanently and became more involved in his church community.

“We take in a lot of people from the resort areas every year and they’re part of our community here,” he added.

Over the years, Saint Bernard Church has become known for its welcoming spirit, drawing in people from all walks of life. Parishioners shared stories of how the church has been a refuge during times of need and a place of celebration during moments of joy.

“It is an anchor of the community,” parishioner Patrick La Tournous said. “There is a great amount of charity that comes out of here, whether it is through prayer or the practical sense.”

Gale Reers, who is an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and has taught faith formation classes for 25 years, was inspired by the anniversary celebration.

“I feel that this community at Saint Bernard’s is very friendly. It is like a second home. Everybody in the parish is welcoming,” Reers explained. “We’re celebrating the past, present and future and God has blessed us in many ways including all the wonderful priests that we’ve had over the years to guide us.”

Saint Bernard Church is currently a worship site of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale. As many parishioners reflected on the anniversary of their church community, they expressed gratitude not only for the building – but for the opportunity to be part of something greater.

“The church is a reflection of the community and in particular, the Catholic community. Some churches have to develop a fellowship, but it seems to be natural here and it’s great,” parishioner David Ford explained. “The faith of the Christian community is strongly embedded. It’s one of the reasons why we’re so happy and comfortable here and I can’t see that changing. I see it just getting better over time.”

Following Mass, the anniversary festivities concluded with a community gathering at Lukan’s Family Resort in Hawley.