Pope Francis meets with a delegation from the National Basketball Players Association during a private audience at the Vatican Nov. 23, 2020. The group included Marco Belinelli of the San Antonio Spurs; Sterling Brown of the Milwaukee Bucks; Jonathan Isaac of the Orlando Magic; Kyle Korver of the Milwaukee Bucks; and Anthony Tolliver, a free agent who most recently played for the Memphis Grizzlies. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A delegation representing the National Basketball Players Association, a union representing professional athletes from the NBA, met with Pope Francis and spoke with him about their work in promoting social justice.
The players association said the group meeting the pope Nov. 23 included: Marco Belinelli, a shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs; Sterling Brown and Kyle Korver, shooting guards for the Milwaukee Bucks; Jonathan Isaac, power forward for the Orlando Magic; and Anthony Tolliver, a 13-year power forward who is currently a free agent.
The NBPA said the meeting “provided an opportunity for the players to discuss their individual and collective efforts addressing social and economic injustice and inequality occurring in their communities.”
NBA players have been vocal on social justice issues throughout the year, especially after the shocking death of George Floyd by police officers in May sparked massive protests across the United States.
Before resuming the basketball season following its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the union and the NBA reached a deal to display social justice messages on their jerseys.
Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBPA, said in a statement Nov. 23 that the meeting with the pope “validates the power of our players’ voices.”
“That one of the most influential leaders in the world sought to have a conversation with them demonstrates the influence of their platforms,” said Roberts, who also was at the meeting. “I remain inspired by our players’ continued commitment to serve and support our community.”
According to ESPN, union officials said an “intermediary” for the pope reached out to the NBPA and informed them of Pope Francis’ interest in their efforts to bring attention to social justice issues and economic inequality.
Korver said in a statement that the association was “extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis” and that the pope’s “openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward.”
“Today’s meeting was an incredible experience,” Tolliver said. “With the pope’s support and blessing, we are excited to head into this next season reinvigorated to keep pushing for change and bringing our communities together.”
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The word “COVID-19” is reflected in a vaccine drop that dangles from a syringe needle in this illustration photo Nov. 9, 2020. (CNS photo/Dado Ruvic, Reuters)
WASHINGTON (CNS) — While confusion has arisen in recent days in the media over “the moral permissibility” of using the COVID-19 vaccines just announced by Pfizer Inc. and Moderna, it is not “immoral to be vaccinated with them,” the chairmen of the U.S. bishops’ doctrine and pro-life committees said Nov. 23.
Bishop Kevin J. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Kansas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, addressed the issue in a memo to their brother bishops.
A copy of the memo was obtained by Catholic News Service Nov. 24.
“Neither the Pfizer nor the Moderna vaccine involved the use of cell lines that originated in fetal tissue taken from the body of an aborted baby at any level of design, development or production,” the two prelates said. “They are not completely free from any connection to abortion, however, as both Pfizer and Moderna made use of a tainted cell line for one of the confirmatory lab tests of their products.
“There is thus a connection, but it is relatively remote,” they continued. “Some are asserting that if a vaccine is connected in any way with tainted cell lines, then it is immoral to be vaccinated with them. This is an inaccurate portrayal of Catholic moral teaching.”
Bishop Rhoades and Archbishop Naumann cited three Vatican documents that “treat the question of tainted vaccines”: the 2005 study by the Pontifical Academy for Life, “Moral Reflections on Vaccines Prepared from Cells Derived From Aborted Human Fetuses”; paragraphs nos. 34-35 in the 2008 “Instruction on Certain Bioethical Questions” (“Dignitatis Personae”) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith; and the 2017 “Note on Italian Vaccine Issue,” by the Pontifical Academy for Life.
“These documents all point to the immorality of using tissue taken from an aborted child for creating cell lines,” they explained. “They also make distinctions in terms of the moral responsibility of the various actors involved, from those involved in designing and producing a vaccine to those receiving the vaccine.
“Most importantly,” they added, “they all make it clear that, at the level of the recipient, it is morally permissible to accept vaccination when there are no alternatives and there is a serious risk to health.”
In a Nov. 21 statement, the president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, Mercy Sister Mary Haddad said CHA ethicists, “in collaboration with other Catholic bioethicists,” used the guidelines released by the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life in 2005 and 2017 on the origin of vaccines and “find nothing morally prohibitive with the vaccines developed by Pfizer and BioNTech (Pfizer’s German partner) and Moderna.”
She also said CHA “believes it is essential that any approved COVID-19 vaccine be distributed in a coordinated and equitable manner,” because COVID-19 “has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, low-income communities, persons with preexisting health conditions, and racial and ethnic minorities.”
CHA encouraged Catholic health organizations “to distribute the vaccines developed by these companies.”
Bishop Rhoades and Archbishop Naumann did not point to any specific media outlets claiming the moral unsuitability of the vaccines. However, after Pfizer and Moderna announced their vaccines, at least two Catholic bishops warned against using them, saying they are morally tainted.
On Nov. 11, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that results of a large ongoing study show its vaccine is 95% effective; the vaccine is already being manufactured and has been since October. Five days later, Moderna said preliminary data from its phase three trial shows its coronavirus vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19.
Pfizer and Moderna are applying to the U.S. Food and Drug administration for emergency approval of the vaccines, which would quickly pave the way for distribution of the vaccines. The FDA is to meet Dec. 10.
On Nov. 16, Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Tyler, Texas, tweeted the Moderna vaccine “is not morally produced. Unborn children died in abortions and their bodies were used as ‘laboratory specimens.’ I urge all who believe in the sanctity of life to reject a vaccine which has been produced immorally.”
In a Nov. 18 video posted on his diocesan website and subsequent interviews with local media, Bishop Joseph V. Brennan of Fresno, California, weighed in on the vaccines, saying: “We all want health for ourselves and for others. We want to promote that also … but never at the expense of the life of another.”
In May, the Trump administration launched Operation Warp Speed, the moniker of its initiative to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to Americans as quickly as possible. The program has funded the manufacturing of six promising vaccine candidates, two of which are the ones announced by Moderna and Pfizer.
As soon as the FDA approves their vaccines for distribution, Operation Warp Speed hopes to distribute 300 million doses around the country by January. Because Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines involve two shots per person, this would be enough to immunize 150 million Americans.
Other COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon include one being developed by AstraZeneca with Oxford University.
Like Bishop Rhoades and Archbishop Naumann, John Brehany, director of institutional relations at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, said a recent interview on the “Current News” show on NET TV, the cable channel of the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York, said the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were not themselves produced using cell lines derived from aborted fetal tissue.
He expressed “great respect for Bishop Strickland,” calling him “a bold courageous witness to the faith,” who is saying “some true things about issues that go back decades in pharmaceutical research and development,” in the production of vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox and other diseases.
But in the case of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, Brehany emphasized, any connection to aborted fetus cell lines is extremely remote.
For Dr. Robert Tiballi, an infectious disease specialist in Chicago and a member of the Catholic Medical Association, this indirect use raises an ethical issue for Catholics.
“The fetal cell lines were not directly used in the Moderna vaccine, but they were indirectly used several steps away from the actual development of the vaccine,” he told “Currents News” in a separate interview.
Any such cell lines were derived from tissue samples taken from fetuses aborted in the 1960s and 1970s and have been grown in laboratories all over the world since then.
In its 2005 study, the Pontifical Academy for Life said Catholics have a responsibility to push for the creation of morally just, alternative vaccines, but it also said they should not sacrifice the common good of public health because there is no substitute.
“Catholics can have confidence if there is a great need and there are no alternatives, they are not forbidden from using these new vaccines,” Brehany told “Current News,” but he added: “There is much the church calls us to do in seeking out alternatives and advocating for alternatives.”
Catholics “need to provide the urgency and advocacy” to get pharmaceutical companies to understand there are alternatives to using fetal cell lines to develop vaccines, “so they can see the need for this,” he added, echoing the Pontifical Academy for Life.
A case in point is the decision by Sanofi Pasteur to no longer use an aborted fetal cell line in producing its polio vaccines, a move recently approved by the FDA.
Sanofi is one of the companies currently developing a COVID-19 vaccine by utilizing “cell lines not connected to unethical procedures and methods.” Inovio Pharmaceuticals and the John Paul II Medical Research Institute are other such companies.
The word “COVID-19” is reflected in a vaccine drop that dangles from a syringe needle in this illustration photo Nov. 9, 2020. (CNS photo/Dado Ruvic, Reuters)
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WHAT
“Pints with Priests” is a monthly gathering for young adults in the Diocese of Scranton. Come and enjoy a pint of your favorite drink or ice cream and engage in light-hearted spiritual or theological conversations with your peers and some priests, right from the comfort of your own home!
This month’s guests are: Fr. Alex Roche, Fr. Jeff Tudgay, and Fr. Brian JT Clarke.
Each gathering will be hosted on Zoom. You will receive an email with details on how to join the Zoom meeting once you register. Must be between the ages of 21 and 40 to attend.
WHEN
Wednesday, December 16th from 7-8:15pm
Registration is required.
SCRANTON (November 19, 2020) – Parishioners from across the 11-counties of the Diocese of Scranton are invited to make a gift to the 2020 Diocesan Annual Appeal: Bound Together in Hope during Online Commitment Weekend, November 21 and 22. The Appeal Commitment Weekend online giving page can be found at https://annualappeal.org.
This two-day online event was developed to provide a safe opportunity to make an Appeal pledge since many parishes will not be conducting the traditional In-Pew Commitment Weekend collection at Mass this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are deeply grateful to the more than 10,000 parishioners who have generously made a gift commitment to this year’s Appeal and we expect that many more will join us with a gift this weekend,” Jim Bebla, Diocesan Secretary of Development, said. “Donations to the Appeal make a tremendous difference in the lives of those we serve and beautifully demonstrate that we are all ‘bound together in hope’ by virtue of our Catholic faith.”
During Appeal Online Commitment Weekend, parishioners can make a gift on their parish team page that will be credited immediately to their parish’s Annual Appeal goal.
Some of the features on the Appeal Online Commitment Weekend giving page are:
Parishioners who donate online will be listed on each parish’s “Donor Wall.” Donors have the option to be listed as anonymous.
Donations may be made in honor or in memory of a family or friend.
Prayer intentions may be submitted online and will be remembered at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Joseph Bambera on Sunday, Jan. 10, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.
The goal for the online giving weekend is $450,000, which is 10% of the overall Appeal goal of $4.5 million. Each parish’s goal for this two-day event is 10% of their parish Annual Appeal goal.
For more information on the Diocesan ministries supported by gifts to the Annual Appeal, to view one of the regional Annual Appeal videos or to make a donation online, visit https://annualappeal.org. Gifts may also be made by calling the Diocesan Development Office at (570) 207-2250 or by sending a donation to: Diocesan Annual Appeal, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA, 18503.
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SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP – Northeastern Pennsylvania will soon be losing one of its oldest religious communities. Saint Gabriel’s Monastery will close on Dec. 31, 2020, ending of a 94-year presence by the Passionist Nuns in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Passionist Nuns Community established its Scranton-area community in 1926 and then moved to Clarks Summit in 1970. Thirty-three nuns have been a part of the community since 1926, but the numbers have dwindled over the past decade due to an aging community and a lack of new vocations.
The Community produced altar-bread for parishes across the United States and offered retreats to groups and individuals and was also a welcome haven for community faith groups.
The closing of Saint Gabriel’s Monastery will affect the local community as it is one of the last remaining retreat centers in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since 1970, Saint Gabriel’s has welcomed thousands of retreatants from across the United States, providing a safe and spiritual haven for those in search of peace and strengthening of their faith.
Sister Teresita Kho has been part of the Passionist Community at Saint Gabriel’s for the past 26 years. She, along with Sister Olive Ann Schneider, are the two remaining nuns at the monastery. She believes that Saint Gabriel’s will be missed and has received communications to support her belief.
“I have received a lot of letters, emails and phone calls from people who are devastated by the closing of our facility,” Sister Teresita said. “People knew that they could come here to pray without judgment. We have accepted people who have been hurting and those who were looking for God. It is my hope that the right people will continue the ministry in the same way.”
Sister Teresita said that there are some special bonds that she will miss.
“Every corner of this monastery has contributed to my personal growth. The nuns we have lost and the experiences we have had were a great impact on my life. The people of the monastery and those who I have met in the Scranton Diocese have meant a lot to me. I am hoping that wherever God is taking me, I can use the experiences I have had here to continue to grow in my faith and as a person,” she added.
Carol Burti has been a part of Saint Gabriel’s for nearly 45 years. Her involvement started as a volunteer with music ministry, providing music for weekend retreatants and various community retreat weekends. Even though the community was contemplative, Burti’s involvement with Saint Gabriel’s was providing care to the ailing nuns in need of hospice services.
Her involvement also opened the door for college interns to help with providing care to the sisters in need. Through this interaction, a local butterfly memorial service was held each year for friends of the community that have died. She feels that the closing of the monastery will greatly affect the local community and that the memorial service could continue.
“This was truly a place where people could come together to feel safe and rest awhile. The closing will create more isolation for people who look for areas to interact with others that they may not have opportunity to otherwise,” Burti explained.
Charlie Augustine of Clarks Summit has been providing maintenance services to Saint Gabriel’s for 15 years. He feels that the monastery will be missed.
“People depend on this place to go to Mass and practice their faith,” Augustine said. “It is a shame and will be missed. I will miss the current friendships that I made here, especially with the nuns who are still living and with those who are deceased. It was wonderful.”
The closing Mass will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2020, with the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L, Bishop of Scranton, presiding.
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the monastery will be unable to open the ceremony to the public.
Anyone who wishes to express their sentiments can contact the monastery at (570) 586-2791.
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SCRANTON — The Diocese of Scranton will hold the Retirement Fund for Religious collection during all weekend Masses Dec. 12-13. The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) coordinates this annual appeal and distributes the proceeds to assist eligible U.S. religious communities with their retirement needs. Nearly 30,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests benefit.
Last year, the Diocese of Scranton donated $74,491.78 to the collection.
“The generosity of U.S. Catholics enables us to continue our ministry for aging women and men religious,” said Presentation Sister Stephanie Still, the NRRO’s executive director.
In 1988, Catholic bishops of the United States initiated the Retirement Fund for Religious collection to help address the deficit in retirement funding among U.S. religious congregations. Each congregation is responsible for the care and support of its members. Financial distributions from the collection are sent to a congregation’s central house and may be applied toward immediate expenses — such as medications or nursing care — or invested for future eldercare needs.
Historically, Catholic sisters, brothers and religious order priests served for little to no pay. Today, many religious communities lack sufficient retirement savings. Of 531 communities providing data to the NRRO, only 29 are adequately funded for retirement. Rising health care costs and a growing number of senior members compound the challenge to meet retirement expenses.
The 2019 collection raised $26.2 million, and in June, the NRRO disbursed $25 million in financial assistance to 341 religious communities. Throughout the year, additional funding is allocated for resources and services that help communities improve eldercare delivery and plan for long-term retirement needs. A new online webinar offers professional guidance on adapting care protocols to address issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic.
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This 2016 file photo shows the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Through the intercession of “Virgen de Guadalupe,” plans for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe are proceeding with the hopes of providing as much celebration as possible amid a global pandemic and a world of social unrest.
Particularly in the areas of large Latino populations in the Diocese of Scranton, the annual observance commemorates the appearance of the Virgin Mary to a Mexican Indian peasant — now venerated as Saint Juan Diego — in December 1531 in Tepeyac, near present-day Mexico City.
The Blessed Mother’s appearance is believed to have resulted in millions of conversions to Catholicism, and her message of hope continues to inspire those of Hispanic descent, especially natives of Mexico.
In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared Our Lady of Guadalupe as Patroness of the Americas.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe feast on Dec. 12 will culminate a host of celebrations being planned throughout the Diocese, especially in those parishes made up of significant Hispanic/Latino communities.
Bishop Joseph C. Bambera will celebrate the feast day Mass on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. at Saint John Neumann Parish at Nativity of Our Lord Church, 633 Orchard St., in South Scranton.
According to Father Jonathan Kuhar, who is serving as assistant pastor at Saint John Neumann following his ordination in June, traditional plans that normally mark the celebration have been scaled back due to safety concerns.
“Although it is unfortunate we are unable to have so many traditional aspects of our celebration,” Father Kuhar said, “the silver lining for us must be that more of our attention will be directed toward the Mass, which will be celebrated in Spanish. We hope all people will discover the beauty of the Spanish language and find value in celebrating this special feast day.”
To maintain proper social distancing, reservations are required to attend the Mass — the first 150 reserving a place will be seated in the upper church of the Nativity worship site; the following 140 will view the livestream video of the feast day liturgy. The Mass will also be livestream on their Facebook page.
Registration may be found on the parish website at www.stjnparish.org or on Facebook @stjnparish.
Later in the day on Dec. 12, Bishop Bambera will preside at the Eucharistic liturgy for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe at 6 p.m. at Saint Nicholas Parish in Wilkes-Barre. The Mass will be livestream on Facebook and YouTube.
With social distancing guidelines in effect, seating is limited and reservations are required to attend. Registration can be made by visiting the parish website: www.stnicholasrc.com.
For the past ten years, Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg has received the “Virgen de Guadalupe Torch,” a burning symbol marking the annual Marian feast and originating from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
As it passes through the United States, accompanied by images of Our Lady and Saint Juan Diego, Saint Matthew’s has been the only church in Pennsylvania which actively participates along the torch’s celebratory route.
A Mass heralding the Guadalupe Torch’s arrival will be hosted at Saint Matthew Church on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m.
On Friday, Dec. 11, the Vigil liturgy for Our Lady of Guadalupe will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m., followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary recitation, and a teaching. The Virgin of Guadalupe will be venerated in music with “Serenata” (serenade) and “Mañanitas” — traditional singing to honor a loved one — at 8:30 p.m.
Saint Matthew’s will host the Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 1 p.m.
Holy Annunciation Parish in Hazleton will host their traditional Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe, leading up to the feast, from Dec. 3-11. The Novena is customarily hosted each evening at nine different homes during the devotion; however, the tradition has been suspended this year due to the pandemic.
On Saturday, Dec. 12, Annunciation Parish will host Very Rev. Matthew Spencer, OSJ, provincial superior of the Oblates of Saint Joseph in America, who will preside at the Feast Mass at 7 p.m. The celebration will be highlighted by Mariachi singers.
Father John Ruth, pastor of Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Parish in Jermyn, will be principal celebrant for the Spanish Mass commemorating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 6 p.m. in Sacred Heart of Mary Church, 624 Madison Ave. Father Ruth will also preach the homily in Spanish.
“I love the Hispanic culture, traditions and language, praying and reading each day in Spanish,” the pastor said, noting he has enjoyed a sizable following of Latino faithful since actively serving in Hispanic ministry during his Scranton assignments at Saint John Neumann and Saint Patrick parishes.
Father Ruth further shared that a parish pilgrimage to Lady of Guadalupe Basilica in Mexico a few years ago returned with replicas of the miraculous image that now adorn Nativity Church (in Scranton) and the parish church in Jermyn.
“Every time I look at Mary’s image (as Our Lady of Guadalupe), I am very moved,” he remarked.
Father Ruth added that the feast day celebration will be complete with Mariachi accompaniment for the procession with the Marian image of Guadalupe, which will be presented by a young parishioner portraying Juan Diego. Fiesta with a light dinner will follow the Mass, with social distancing and masks required.
Leydi Rodriguez of Scranton, a member of Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary, said, “We know that Mary, as the Mother of Jesus and also our Mother, is a great intercessor. It is an honor to call her ‘Mother.’”
Fellow parishioner Danielle Muñoz Heras of Carbondale concurred.
“Our Lady of Guadalupe came to Mexico where there had been worship of pagan gods,” she remarked. “You can see in her miraculous image the darkened moon at her feet and the rays of the sun and stars around her mantle. This clearly said to the people that she was from the One True God. She helps us, as well, to believe in Jesus and to abandon false gods in own lives.”
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WILKES-BARRE – Best known for offering recreational and child care opportunities to kids in the Wyoming Valley for decades, the Catholic Youth Center has taken on another critical mission in 2020.
Due to COVID-19, the CYC is now making sure at least 115 students get an education through its cyber-school program.
“I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for my school-aged staff that have really transformed their duties,” Francesco Pesce, CYC Cyber School Specialist, said. “Prior to being counselors for the cyber program, they were school aged counselors who would facilitate activities for the children but now they too have a role in making sure the children are attending their classes.”
At the start of the school year, only 35 students were enrolled in the program but as various school districts began offering online-only classes, many parents needing to work went in search of a safe place for their children to stay during the day.
“Our number one priority is the safety and welfare of any child here and also our staff. Luckily, we haven’t had any (COVID-19) cases to date,” Ryan Smith, CYC Program Executive, said.
Guinivere, a fifth grade student, spends weekdays at the CYC attending classes on her Chromebook. While missing her traditional school environment, the 10 year old enjoys having the ability to spend time with her friends at the CYC.
“When we get in, we get our temperatures taken and then we go to the other gym and then we have tables with our name tags on them. We sit and I usually talk with my friends before I have school and then I go in my classes,” she said.
McKenzie, another fifth grader learning five days a week at the CYC, likes having the opportunity to play games in between her online classes.
“You get to play with your friends and I’d rather come here instead of staying home,” she said.
With students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade enrolled in the cyber-school program, CYC employees have had to overcome challenges for each age group based on their abilities. Some of the challenges involve making sure students stay engaged, complete their assignments and do not interrupt other children because of varying schedules.
Pesce says helping kindergarten students has been particularly difficult because most are only five years old.
“They’ve never been in school before. This is their first time in ‘school,’ in the CYC, in our library downstairs,” he explained.
In addition to the cyber-school program, the CYC continues to offer its Respite and Youth Drop-In Center Programs. The Respite Program allows parents and grandparents of children in the mental health system, ages 5-13, supervised recreational and socialization opportunities while their caregivers are able to receive a short break. The Youth Drop-In Center Program offers a safe place for young adults ages 14 and over.
Help the CYC on #GivingTuesday!
You can help the mission of the CYC on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. The CYC is one of several organizations taking part in AllOne Charities Giving Tuesday event. AllOne Charities will match the first $1,000 raised for the CYC and is offering other matching-gift challenges to organizations that raise the most money and have the most donors.
The money raised on Giving Tuesday will support the CYC’s effort to purchase desperately needed replacement vans used to pick-up and drop-off children at the Wilkes-Barre facility. For many families in the Wilkes-Barre area, transportation is an issue.
“We don’t only serve the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, we have children here from Hanover Township, Wyoming Valley West, Pittston Area, Nanticoke and some of the parochial schools,” Ryan Smith, CYC Program Executive, said.
The vans mean many students, like Miguel, a seventh grader, can participate in CYC programs.
“When I come in, a lot of people say hi, some people ask me if I want to play games or basketball,” the 12 year old said. “When I come here, I feel very welcome.”
Gifts in support of the CYC’s campaign can also be mailed to 300 Wyoming Avenue, c/o Development Office. Checks should be made out to AllOne Charities with CYC Giving Tuesday in the memo line.
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BLOOMING GROVE TOWNSHIP – During the COVID-19 pandemic, food pantries operated by parishes across the Diocese of Scranton have continued to respond to an increasing need.
The Blooming Grove Food Pantry in Pike County, operated by Saint John Neumann Parish, is one of the many facilities meeting the needs of its community.
“This is one of the few places that will make sure that you have toilet paper and paper towels and things that are really necessary,” recipient Adista Wightman said.
Wightman, who lives near the parish in the Hemlock Farms development, says the food she receives has helped immensely during the coronavirus.
“The one gentleman that volunteers here also makes sure I get a packet of kitty food so it means the world to me,” Wightman added.
Peggy Shekailo, Blooming Grove Food Pantry Director, says the parish has helped an average of 60-70 families each month during the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the number was roughly 48 families.
In order to keep volunteers and recipients safe, the food pantry transitioned to a drive-thru operation for several months.
“My biggest concern is children and seniors. I try to make sure I have food for them,” Shekailo said.
A social justice grant provided by the Diocesan Annual Appeal helps the parish purchase meat to distribute to recipients. Reverend Ed Casey, pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish, is very thankful that the Annual Appeal helps recipients get a good protein along with canned goods and non-perishable items.
“The Annual Appeal has helped us greatly with keeping the food pantry open,” he explained.
The Blooming Grove Food Pantry has been at Saint John Neumann Parish since the early 2000s. Shekailo has spent the last decade personally making sure its operation has been successful.
“I was there when I was a kid, there was no food on the table at my house. My family was one of those that was extremely poor and I ate at different people’s houses or the diner would fix something and give it to my dad. That is how I ate so to do this for me makes me feel unbelievably good. I enjoy it,” she explained.
The Blooming Grove Food Pantry is open to anyone in the community. Recipients do not need to belong to the parish to receive assistance.
“There aren’t that many services in Pike County. I know that from my days as a social worker with Catholic Social Services and this really fills a need,” Father Casey said.
Donations to the 2020 Diocesan Annual Appeal are currently being accepted. To make a gift, visit AnnualAppeal.org.
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Serving the 2020 Diocesan Annual Appeal as Regional lay and clergy chairs on behalf of Monroe County are Linda Fangio McDonald and Attorney Joseph McDonald, Jr., Stroudsburg, and Father Carmen Perry, pastor of The Church of Saint Luke, Stroudsburg.
“For me, all aspects of the Appeal are important because there is need in each area,” Father Perry said. “As I reflect on the final judgment standing before Christ, I will render an account of how I gave of myself for the good of others. I can’t afford to ignore the cry of the poor who need to be fed and clothed, or the need to help educate the young, or show gratitude by caring for the retired priests who spent their lives in service to others, and have been a wonderful example to me.
“Jesus commands us to give to those who ask, and not turn our backs on our own,” the pastor continued. “May God bless us in our giving.”
Father Perry has served The Church of Saint Luke as assistant pastor for 21 years and pastor for the past five.
Raised in Scranton as a member of Saint Lucy’s Church, he graduated from Saint Frances X. Cabrini School.
The McDonalds are active members of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Brodheadsville. Joe is a lector, and former Eucharistic minister and CCD instructor. Linda is member of the Finance and Pastoral Councils. Both are marriage Pre-Cana ministers.
Joe is sole attorney in his general civil law practice. Linda, a former information technology and financial manager, is a part-time financial coach and instructor for Northampton Community College.
The McDonald family includes daughter, Alysea; her husband, Pary and their baby, Lina; son, Patrick, and daughter, Megan.
Joe grew up in Carbondale and graduated from Saint Rose Elementary and High schools.Linda was raised in Dunmore.
Both credit their parents, Alice and the late Victor Fangio, and Joe and Margaret McDonald, for inspiring their faith and empathy for others.
“The Annual Appeal funds several ministries with an economy of scale beyond the reach of most individual parishes,” Joe said.
“Appeal contributions can help relieve moments of stress in the lives of our brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese,” Linda added. “We must go beyond ourselves, our family, our parish and community to serve God, to help others in need and to keep our Christian Faith strong and inclusive.”
During Appeal Online Commitment Weekend, parishioners can make a gift on their parish team page that will be credited immediately to their parish’s Annual Appeal goal.
SOUTH ABINGTON TOWNSHIP – Northeastern Pennsylvania will soon be losing one of its oldest religious communities. Saint Gabriel’s Monastery will close on Dec. 31, 2020, ending of a 94-year presence by the Passionist Nuns in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sister Teresita Kho has been part of the Passionist Community at Saint Gabriel’s for the past 26 years. She, along with Sister Olive Ann Schneider, are the two remaining nuns at the monastery. She believes that Saint Gabriel’s will be missed and has received communications to support her belief.
Peggy Shekailo, Blooming Grove Food Pantry Director, says the parish has helped an average of 60-70 families each month during the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, the number was roughly 48 families.
Eucharistic minister and CCD instructor. Linda is member of the Finance and Pastoral Councils. Both are marriage Pre-Cana ministers.