Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 19, 2022. (CNS photo/Yara Nardi, Reuters)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Reviewing one’s life is an essential step in discerning God’s call because it helps one see places where God was at work, even in small things, and also helps one recognize “toxic” thoughts of self-doubt, Pope Francis said.

A daily review of one’s actions and feelings is not mainly about acknowledging one’s sins — “we sin a lot, don’t we,” the pope said. Instead, regularly reviewing the day educates one’s perspective and helps one recognize “the small miracles that the good God works for us every day.”

At his weekly general audience Oct. 19 in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis continued his series of audience talks explaining the key steps in spiritual discernment, focusing on how a daily practice of review and introspection trains a person how to look at the bigger picture of his or her life in order to discern God’s call.

Learning to see that God was at work even in small things, “we notice other possible directions” that can be taken and that “strengthen our inner enthusiasm, peace and creativity,” the pope said. “Above all, it makes us freer from toxic stereotypes,” such as thinking, “I am worthless” or “I will never achieve anything worthwhile.”

Pope Francis said he once knew a person who others described as being worthy of receiving “the Nobel Prize for Negativity,” but finally he encountered someone who forced him to say something positive about himself every time he voiced a self-criticism. “Little by little, it helped him to move forward, to read his own life well, both the bad things and the good things.”

“We need to read our lives,” the pope said, and “see the things that are not good but also the good things that God sows in us.”

So many things that happen in one’s life seem unimportant at first, the pope said, but when put together and examined for how they bring one peace and joy, or sadness and agitation, they turn out to be important clues about the direction God is calling one to follow.

“Stopping and acknowledging this is essential to discernment,” he said, because discernment involves “gathering those precious and hidden pearls that the Lord has scattered in our soil.”

Discernment, Pope Francis said, “is the narrative reading of the consolations and desolations we experience in the course of our lives. It is the heart that speaks to us about God, and we must learn to understand its language.”

Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he leads the Angelus from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Oct. 16, 2022. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Saying he did not want to rush the process of discerning how the Holy Spirit is calling the church to grow in “synodality,” Pope Francis announced that the next assembly of the Synod of Bishops would take place in two sessions.

The synod assembly, with mostly bishops as voting members, will meet Oct. 4-29, 2023, as previously announced, the pope said, but the assembly will have a second session in October 2024 as well.

Pope Francis made the announcement Oct. 16 at the end of his Angelus address. He had met Oct. 14 with the synod leadership.

The pope and local bishops kicked off the listening and discernment process for the “synod on synodality” in October 2021, and by November the synod secretariat is expected to release a working document for continental assemblies.

With 112 of the 114 bishops’ conference in the world having sent in a synthesis of what emerged in the listening sessions in their countries, Pope Francis said that “the fruits of the synodal process underway are many, but so that they might come to full maturity, it is necessary not to be in a rush.”

“To have a more relaxed period of discernment,” the pope announced, “I have established that this synodal assembly will take place in two sessions” rather than the one originally planned.

“I trust that this decision will promote the understanding of synodality as a constitutive dimension of the church and help everyone to live it as the journey of brothers and sisters who proclaim the joy of the Gospel,” Pope Francis told thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Sunday Angelus prayer.

The website of the synod secretariat describes synodality as a style seen in the church’s life and mission that reflects its nature as “the people of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel.”

While it does not imply everyone has a vote on issues facing the church, it does mean that all the members of the church — ordained or lay — have a responsibility to contribute to the church’s mission and to pray, offer suggestions and join in discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit.

A statement from the synod secretariat Oct. 16 said Pope Francis’ decision to add a second assembly “stems from the desire that the theme of a ‘synodal church,’ because of its breadth and importance, might be the subject of prolonged discernment not only by the members of the synodal assembly, but by the whole church.”

Although it did not feature the same widespread, grassroots listening sessions, the deliberations of the Synod of Bishops on challenges and joys facing families also met in two sessions. First, Pope Francis convoked in 2014 an “extraordinary general assembly” on “the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.” Then, using the 2014 gathering’s final report as an outline, the ordinary general assembly of the Synod of Bishops met in 2015 to look at “the vocation and mission of the family in the church and contemporary world.”

Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, then secretary-general of the synod, wrote to bishops’ conferences at the time explaining that, “the two synodal assemblies, sharing the same topic of the family, become part of a single synodal process, which includes not only the two celebrative phases but also the intervening time between synods, a time to reflect on the reaction to the first synod and to make a thorough theological examination of the church’s pastoral activity in light of the succeeding one.”

 

In accord with Canon 553 of the Code of Canon Law, Bishop Bambera has appointed the following priests to serve as deans in the twelve Deaneries of the Diocese of Scranton for a term of three years, effective October 6, 2022:

  • Scranton Deanery                  –           Monsignor Neil J. Van Loon, V.F.
  • Dunmore Deanery                 –           Reverend David P. Cappelloni, V.F.
  • Clarks Summit Deanery       –           Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, V.F.
  • Carbondale Deanery             –           Reverend Seth Wasnock, V.F.
  • Pittston Deanery                    –           Reverend Joseph P. Elston, V.F.
  • Wilkes-Barre Deanery           –           Reverend Richard J. Cirba, V.F.
  • Kingston Deanery                  –           Reverend Brian VanFossen, V.F.
  • Hazleton Deanery                  –           Reverend Michael J. Piccola, V.F.
  • Honesdale Deanery               –           Reverend Joseph J. Manarchuck, V.F.
  • Stroudsburg Deanery           –           Reverend Brian J. W. Clarke, V.F.
  • Sayre Deanery                         –           Reverend Kevin M. Miller, V.F.
  • Williamsport Deanery           –           Reverend Bert S. Kozen, V.F.
Jessica poses with her infant son, Jaylin, who was born on July 28, 2022. Both are currently being assisted by Catholic Social Services.

EAST STROUDSBURG – When she was just 20 weeks pregnant, Jessica found herself in need of a place to live. Not knowing where to turn, she was encouraged to contact Shepherd’s Maternity House in East Stroudsburg.

Within days, Jessica was staying in a safe, comfortable home where she was able to prepare for the birth of her son.

“I am so grateful for the fact that I found this, just for the simple fact of being here while I was pregnant. I got to get comfortable,” Jessica said. “I worked almost my entire pregnancy. They took me to and from work and took me to my doctor appointments.”

Operated by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, Shepherd’s Maternity House is a transitional housing facility for women who are single and pregnant, or who have just given birth.

“The staff here is wonderful. This is one of the greatest opportunities that I’ve ever experienced,” she explained.

On July 28, 2022, the world was blessed by the birth of Jessica’s son, Jaylin.

“He is fantastic. He sleeps four to five hours and eats every four hours when he’s not sleeping,” Jessica said. “I am so happy to have him.”

Without Shepherd’s Maternity House, Jessica does not know where she would have ended up.

“Without this place, I have no idea what I would have done. It was scary as far as being pregnant and just having no answers and then coming here and actually being able to have somewhere comfortable to stay,” she added.

Christie, who has been staying at Shepherd’s Maternity House in East Stroudsburg since Oct. 2021, plays with her daughter Abigail.

Christie’s story is very similar.

She came to Shepherd’s Maternity House in October 2021 and gave birth to her daughter, Abigail, six months later in April 2022.

“Abigail is a very happy baby. She’s very sweet. Her name means ‘joy’ so it’s very suiting for her. She’s very joyful and she loves it here. She loves everyone here, all of the staff,” Christie said.

Christie was referred to Shepherd’s Maternity House by a local pregnancy resource center. Staff members quickly helped to get her settled and comfortable.

“I’ve gotten donations, even maternity clothes, things for the baby and other resources,” she explained. “They have pointed me in the right direction so I can get on my feet.”

From the minute she walked into Shepherd’s Maternity House, Christie said she was given a warm welcome.

“I was surprised to see it was such a home-like atmosphere,” Christie said. “All of the moms staying here are here for one another. We support one another. We have our own challenges but we’ve been able to learn from one another.”

Every mother and baby who comes through the door of Shepherd’s Maternity House is loved beyond measure. As many as eight women and eight infants at a time are able to stay at the facility for up to 18 months.

Shepherd’s Maternity House, which is operated by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, is located in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County.

More than just a roof over their heads and safe place to sleep, Shepherd’s Maternity House staff provide resources and support for the women to become self-reliant.

From parenting classes, rides to doctor’s appointments, and providing donated clothing, diapers, bottles and toys – every need of both mothers and babies is met.

“It is a blessing and it is so needed. I’m so grateful because I didn’t know where I was going to go when I first got pregnant and I wasn’t aware that there were even maternity shelters so it was a relief,” Christie explained. “There are so many women, like me, who don’t know where to go. They may be afraid and they need a safe place.”

Donations to the 2022 Diocesan Annual Appeal benefit Catholic Social Services and help to keep the doors of Shepherd’s Maternity House open.

“We are so grateful for all the donations from all the local parishes and parishes in our diocese who have given Shepherd’s Maternity (House) so much. The girls and the infants have no need,” Kathy Chelednik said.

For the last five years, Chelednik has served as supervisor of Shepherd’s Maternity House.

“Shepherd’s Maternity House is not your typical shelter. It becomes a home and it gives the women a home to be in,” she explained.

Chelednik has seen first-hand how gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal directly benefit mothers like Jessica and Christie. She has also seen how little miracles, like Jaylin and Abigail, are provided a loving and nurturing place to call home for the first months of their lives.

“A lot of women come in with nothing and leave with a lot of dignity,” Chelednik said.

The downtown and waterfront areas of Fort Myers, Fla., show damage from the wind and storm surge Oct. 5, 2022, following Hurricane Ian. (CNS photo/Tom Tracy)

SCRANTON – As residents of Florida begin the process of rebuilding their homes and livelihoods after devastation from Hurricane Ian, they will be getting assistance from the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has asked all parishes in the diocese to take up a special collection to donate to the victims of recent hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Many will hold that special collection on the weekend of Oct. 15 and 16, 2022.

“In view of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Ian and Fiona in the southeast United States starting in Florida, but also Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, many lives have been lost along with severe damage and destruction to properties,” Bishop Bambera wrote in a letter to priests of the diocese asking them to organize a special collection.

Hurricane Fiona brought winds up to 85 mph and more than 20 inches of rain to Puerto Rico on Sept. 18, knocking out water and power on the island.

Over 1,000 people were rescued as the storm flooded streets, caused mudslides and destroyed infrastructure.

On Sept. 23, five days before Fiona dissipated, Hurricane Ian formed, first striking Cuba, and then making landfall in the Ft. Myers, Florida area on Sept. 28, as a Category 4 storm. When Ian plowed into southwest Florida, the top gust recorded by a National Weather Service station was 155 mph at the Punta Gorda airport north of Fort Myers.

 

Though Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm, it regained strength and regrouped as a hurricane before heading toward South Carolina.

The funds collected in the Diocese of Scranton’s special collection will become part of the USCCB Bishops Emergency Disaster Fund. The money will support the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in the pastoral and reconstruction needs of the Church as well as the efforts of Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services, the official relief agencies of the U.S. Catholic Church.

Both Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services are already on the ground, assisting local agencies in providing humanitarian relief, supplying food, water and sanitation assistance. Repair and rebuilding of homes will take place as soon as possible.

As he concluded his letter, Bishop Bambera stated, “I thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response to those in need.”

SCRANTON — Catholics throughout the Diocese of Scranton will unite with faith communities around the nation on Saturday, Oct. 15, to lend their prayerful pleas to the chorus of intercessions of supplication and reparation as part of this year’s “America Needs Fatima” Rosary Crusade.

Each year since 1985, when the “America Needs Fatima” campaign was founded, faithful gather at noontime on a Saturday in October to send their Rosary prayers and petitions heavenward, seeking the Blessed Mother’s intercession on behalf of the United States.

The unified, simultaneous prayer effort coincides with October’s designation by the Catholic Church as the Month of the Holy Rosary — with the Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary celebrated on Oct. 7 — and Respect Life Month.

Prayerful recitation of the Rosary as a visible sign of the power of prayer in public arenas pays homage to the Blessed Mother’s final apparition to the shepherd children of Fatima in Portugal on Oct. 13, 1917, culminating her messages of the need to offer the Holy Rosary as an essential tool for world peace and spiritual conversion.

The “America Needs Fatima” Rosary rallies include reparatory prayers for the country, particularly regarding the evil of abortion and offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Joining tens of thousands of similar “public square” prayer gatherings across America, the following outdoor Rosary events will be held during the coming days in the Scranton Diocese:

Harveys Lake (Thursday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.) — Our Lady of Victory Church. All will receive a blessed rose during this final Fatima devotion of the year.

Mountain Top (Saturday, noon) — Weis Parking Lot, 237 South Mountain Boulevard, Mountain Top. For information, call Marie (570) 574-0849.

Scranton (Sunday, 1 p.m.) — Prayer Garden on the grounds of Saint Lucy Church, West Scranton.

Laflin (Sunday, 6 p.m.) — Grotto of the Blessed Mother on the grounds of the Oblates of Saint Joseph Chapel, Route 315, Laflin., followed by the celebration of Mass in the Oblates Chapel.

Wilkes-Barre (Sunday, 7 p.m.) — Our Lady of Fatima Blessed Grotto, North Street, Wilkes-Barre (near King’s College). Area parking available.

Honesdale (Saturday, Oct. 22, noon) — Honesdale Central Park at Church and 9th streets. Sponsored by Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale.

Towanda (Saturday, Oct. 22, 3:30 p.m. before the 4 p.m. Mass) – Rosary procession and dinner. Rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m. before that 4 p.m. Mass at Saints Peter & Paul Parish.

PITTSTON –– Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish will host its 65th 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, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 19, and concluding on the Feast of Saint Jude, Friday, Oct. 28.

Mass, homily, Novena prayers and veneration of the relic of Saint Jude will be held Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. Saturday devotions are offered at noon and 4 p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Recitation of the Rosary and Confessions precede all Novena devotions, except on Sunday.

Scheduled Novena homilists are as follows:

Wednesday, Oct. 19, noon and 7 p.m., Saint Joseph Oblate Father Paul McDonnell, Sacramental Minister for Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish

Thursday, Oct. 20, noon and 7 p.m., Father Thomas Petro

Friday, Oct. 21, noon and 7 p.m., Father Joseph Verespy

Saturday, Oct. 22, noon and 4 p.m., Father Seth Wasnock

Sunday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Father Phillip Sladicka

Monday, Oct. 24, noon, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, and 7 p.m., Father McDonnell

Tuesday, Oct. 25, noon, Father James Alco, and 7 p.m., Father McDonnell

Wednesday, Oct. 26, noon and 7 p.m., Father Gerald Shantillo, V.G.

Thursday, Oct. 27, noon and 7 p.m., Monsignor Dale Rupert

On the Feast of Saint Jude, Friday, Oct. 28, Father Richard Polmounter will celebrate the noon liturgy, and Father Paul McDonnell will celebrate the Novena’s closing Mass at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the parish office at (570) 654-0263.

ASHLEY — In response to the United States Catholic Bishops’ call for a National Eucharistic Revival, Saint Leo Parish will host a “Eucharistic Miracle Exhibition” in its parish hall, 33 Manhattan St., Ashley, on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 6, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Presented to bolster the U.S. bishops’ effort to enkindle belief and a living relationship with Jesus — truly present in the Blessed Sacrament — the exhibit will feature some of the principal Eucharistic miracles authenticated throughout the ages around the world that have been recognized by the Catholic Church.

The event is open to the public free of charge.

SCRANTON — As certain as falling leaves, pumpkin spice or any other rite of autumn, Friends of the Poor of Scranton announces the 46th Annual Thanksgiving Community Program is right on schedule to serve those in need during the upcoming holiday.

The program’s three-pronged service events — Thanksgiving Dinner for Adults & Elderly, Family to Family Thanksgiving Food Basket Program and Interfaith Prayer Service — are poised once again to minister to anyone in the community seeking assistance at Thanksgiving, according to Meghan Loftus, Friends of the Poor president and CEO.

The Thanksgiving Dinner will be served take-out style on Tuesday, Nov. 22, outside the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 North Washington Ave., Scranton, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

“Anyone in need of a cooked Thanksgiving meal can drive-by or walk-up for a meal,” Loftus said. “We will have the 400 and 500 blocks of North Washington Avenue and Vine Street closed for the event.”

Noting that 3,500 holiday meals will continue to be distributed while they last, Loftus requested that anyone planning to attend arrive no earlier than 2 p.m.

“We will also provide meals to those adults and elderly who live in low-income high rises through our continued partnership with the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging and the Junior League of Scranton,” she added.

The Family to Family Thanksgiving Food Basket Program, under the direction of the Robeson family, takes over the Scranton Cultural Center the next morning on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Beginning at 9 a.m. outside the center, families will be provided with all the grocery items needed to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the comfort of their homes.

“We will be there until 5 p.m. or until our supplies run out,” Linda Robeson said. “We are thrilled to be back at the Scranton Cultural Center, as we had been for so many years prior, even if we cannot hold the distribution indoors yet.”

According to Robeson, volunteers will be plentiful to help load meals into drive-up vehicles or provide Thanksgiving baskets to those walking through.
Pre-registration is not required for the event. Those picking up are asked to simply provide their zip code and the number of family members in their household.

“Based on the number of requests for assistance we are seeing at our daily programming, we expect to serve more individuals and families than ever before at each Thanksgiving event,” Loftus stated. “We are doing our best to prepare for this increase. However, supply chain issues and inflation are impacting us just as strongly as they are the rest of the country.”

Loftus indicated that the total Thanksgiving food bill for this year’s programs exceeds $200,000.

“We humbly ask for your continued support as we work to continue this longstanding, valued and desperately needed Scranton tradition,” she said. “Any amount helps as we come together as a community to fill the gap.”