Category: Diocese of Scranton News

SCRANTON – In a significant step to provide lasting financial support for Diocesan ministries, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, has announced the inaugural officers of the newly established Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton.

The executive committee appointments set the stage to help build endowment funds to secure long-term funding for Diocesan religious, educational, and charitable ministries.

The Catholic Foundation, announced publicly in March 2024, will work with donors to contribute cash donations, estate gifts, IRA contributions, and gifts to endowment funds that will provide long-term support for the work of the Catholic Church in our 11-county Diocese.

Bishop Bambera, who has been a driving force behind the Foundation’s creation, emphasized the importance of selecting the first Foundation officers.

“Appointing the first Foundation board members is more than just a formality; it is a pivotal moment for laying the groundwork for the Foundation’s success,” Bishop Bambera said. “The diverse backgrounds and collective expertise of all of these individuals will be instrumental in guiding our efforts and ensuring that we remain true to our mission of fostering faith and charity.”

The Foundation’s first executive officers serving on the Executive/Nominating Committee of the Catholic Foundation Board are:

• Chairperson: Christopher DiMattio, Senior Vice President, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, and a parishioner of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish, Moscow.
• Vice Chairperson: Richard Mutchler, President, BioSpectra, Inc., and a parishioner of Saint Luke Parish, Stroudsburg.
• Secretary: Bryan J. Frantz, DMD, MS, Owner, Perio Health & Dental Implants, and a parishioner of Cathedral of Saint Peter Parish, Scranton.
• Treasurer: Nancy J. Marr, Founder/President Emerita, Marr Development Companies, and a parishioner of Resurrection Parish, Muncy.

In addition to these key positions, James Bebla, executive director of the Catholic Foundation, has announced the formation of two committees to address specific areas of need and opportunity within the community.

• Development/Stewardship Committee: Chaired by Attorney Jonathan Spohrer, this committee is responsible for developing and recommending fundraising strategies and will assist in fundraising efforts for the initial major gifts campaign. The committee will also assist in developing gift and donor agreement templates and policies. Other committee members include: Marianne Chester, Paula Minichello, and Mark J. Sobeck.
• Finance/Investment Committee: Chaired by Ralph H. Meyer, this committee will review investment policies, guidelines and performance and oversee management of the investment portfolio, financial reports, and audits, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding investment, financial and distribution policies and guidelines. Other committee members include: Michael W. Cavage, John Graham, and Kathleen Lambert.

Those individuals appointed to the Foundation’s Executive Committee are looking forward to serving the community with integrity and purpose.

“God has provided so many gifts throughout our lives and this Foundation provides an opportunity to share those gifts so that Catholic programs in the Diocese of Scranton will continue for generations,” Chris DiMattio, chairperson, said.

“I am looking forward to serving, with the team Bishop Bambera has assembled, to build a system that can provide support to these critical areas of ministry to our Diocese through future generations,” Richard Mutchler, vice chairperson, added. “I am proud to be a part of the first generation of the Board of Directors and I look forward to promoting the excellent opportunities, available to every member of the Diocese, by responding to God’s call to tithe by supporting this critical mission.”

“The creation of the Catholic Foundation truly marks a transformational moment for the Diocese. The Foundation will ensure the future financial stability of educational, spiritual, and service ministries, thus fulfilling the mission of the Diocese,” Dr. Bryan Frantz added. “I am truly honored to serve as an officer on the Foundation Board. It’s a privilege to work with the Bishop and experience his leadership and vision. It’s also wonderful to work with fellow board members from across the Diocese. These are truly committed individuals who are dedicated to ensuring the success of this critical initiative.”

“Being asked to take a leadership role for the new Foundation resulted in an easy answer – of course! Being given the opportunity to use my past career and volunteer experience in a new role as board treasurer, in service to the Diocese and the Foundation’s mission, is humbling,” Nancy J. Marr stated. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the Foundation during its formative years, working with Bishop Bambera and the rest of the board. There is so much potential to make a difference!”

For more information on the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Scranton, visit catholicfoundationscranton.org, or contact James Bebla, Executive Director, at (570) 207-2212 or JBebla@catholicfoundationscranton.org.

SCRANTON – With international priests now making up a fifth of its active clergy, the Diocese of Scranton recently held a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering better integration and communication.

From July 15-17, 2024, international priests serving throughout the Diocese came together to participate in a specialized Acculturation and Accent workshop at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Scranton.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, welcomed nearly 20 international priests to the gathering – beginning with sincere gratitude for the sacrifice that each man is making – being so far away from home.

“I want to say thank you for your willingness to do that,” Bishop Bambera said. “We can’t do it without you, so thank you.”

The three-day workshop was led by Dr. Kevin Spence, who is associated with the Saint Meinrad Institute for Priests and Presbyterates. He held numerous hands-on sessions that included information on U.S. speech patterns, pronunciations, cultural differences and communication techniques.

“The workshop was very fruitful,” Father Neftali Feliz-Sena, Assistant Pastor at Annunciation Parish in Hazleton, said. “As international priests, we have our own culture and it is hard to deny what we are, but as we work in another culture, we need to have a better understanding of the other (American) culture.”

A native of Kerala, India, Father Jose Kuriappilly has been ministering in the Diocese of Scranton for five years. Currently serving as Pastor of Saints Peter & Paul Parish in Towanda and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Wyalusing, he said the workshop sessions helped him understand the American language on a deeper level, especially the pronunciation of some words.

“When I became a pastor, I talked to my people openly saying, ‘I am in a different world and everything is different for me – my language, culture, climate, food, everything is different – so you have to adjust with me and if you have any good opinions or corrections, please just come to me and correct me,’” Father Jose explained. “As I continue to practice, I grow in my language and the culture class
did help me a lot.”

Father Stephen Bosomafi, Pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish in Lake Ariel, found the discussion on differences in pastoral ministry in the United States fascinating.

“Some of the things were eye opening. There are things that sometimes we take for granted and now we are exposed and we know this is not what Americans expect from you,” Father Bosomafi explained. “The tendency is for anyone to say, ‘I want to do things my way,’ but you are here serving the needs of the people … you should meet them at a certain point.”

The three-day course also allowed the international priests to reflect on some of the biggest differences they have experienced between American culture and their homeland.

Expanding on the concept of freedom, Father Neftali said he is always shocked by how Americans leave Mass after the distribution of Holy Communion.

“We don’t do that in our culture. The Mass doesn’t end until the priest or deacon says, ‘The Mass is ended, go in peace,’” he said. “After communion, you might see half the church empty. That was shocking for me, seeing that reality.”

For Father Jose, socialization with parishioners – especially children – has caused him a little tension.

“Sometimes I notice, some kids after the Mass, they come and hug us, but I am afraid at times,” Father Jose explained, noting the importance of safe environment policies instituted in the United States. “You have to be careful.”

Feedback from the participating priests was overwhelmingly positive, many expressing appreciation for the program’s comprehensive approach.

The priests said the sessions show the Diocese of Scranton is committed to helping international priests fully engage with and serve their communities.

“I think that is something to be commended and we appreciate what the
Bishop is doing,” Father Stephen said.

“We appreciate the closeness, as well, from the priests of the Diocese and also from the Curia – the Bishop, Vicar General and Vicar for Clergy – they are so close and they show us respect and they are so grateful that we are here. That is very meaningful,” Father Neftali ended by saying.

SHAVERTOWN – In advance of the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which is held annually on July 30, Saint Therese Parish in Luzerne County raised awareness about the millions of victims of human trafficking around the world.

After each Mass on the weekend of July 27-28, the parish held a ‘Red Sand Project Ceremony.’

As parishioners exited the church in silence, they were invited to pour red sand into the cracks of a “sidewalk” setup on the church plaza. By doing so, they remembered those in our society who fall between the cracks.

The project was put together by the Social Concerns Committee of the parish.

Globally, one in three victims of human trafficking is a child, and the majority of those trafficked children are girls.

The reasons for child trafficking are numerous. Some of the most prominent are: poverty, armed conflicts, dysfunctional families, lack of parental care, and unaccompanied minors fleeing their homes.

HONESDALE – The Honesdale Knights of Columbus generously donated towards new flooring for the Saint John the Evangelist Parish Catholic Family Community Center.

Many events are held in this location including the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast, Honesdale Head Start, Saint Dominic’s Academy, Saint John the Evangelist’s Faith Formation Program, and the local boy scouts also will benefit from having this new flooring installed.

Members of the Honesdale Knights of Columbus Chapter recently participated in a check presentation to Father William Langan. Pictured, from left, are: David Swendsen, Louis Johannes, Joe Poltanis, Matt Smith, Don Vivacqua, Jennifer Suhosky, and Mike Jones.

SCRANTON – A new community garden, built on Catholic Social Services property in the 600-block of Wyoming Avenue, is not only adding beauty to the neighborhood, but it will also provide food to those in need.

On June 4, 2024, as part of Scranton City Pride, Catholic Social Services joined forces with United Neighborhood Centers and Scranton Tomorrow to install Pine Brook’s first community garden outside of Saint James Manor.

“United Neighborhood Centers offered assistance, including soil, tools, help with planting, and they even have the master gardeners coming out to do a skills class with us,” Shannon Caufield, Director of Residential Programs with Catholic Social Services, said.

With help from students at the Career Technology Center of L a c k a w a n n a County – in addition to some grant funding – several new garden beds were built and set up adjacent to the building’s parking lot.

“W e received some funding that permitted us to get some garden beds. We worked with the CTC, where they were able to build the garden beds for us as part of their senior project, and we just paid for the cost of the lumber and they came and installed them,” Caufield explained.

Residents, staff and even community members got their hands dirty – spreading out soil and putting the first plants in place.

Prior to the garden beds being installed, residents of Saint James Manor had been planting vegetables right in a dirt patch that existed.

Saint James Manor houses critical social service programs that support Scranton’s disenfranchised populations – including Saint Anthony’s Haven Emergency Shelter for those experiencing homelessness, a Mental Health Counseling Program which
provides transitional housing for individuals who are experiencing homelessness as a result of mental health issues, and the Citizens’ Re-Entry Program for the formerly incarcerated.

“They really did take ownership of it. They took care of it. It gave them something to do, some pride as well,” Caufield added. “When this opportunity came up to expand, we obviously said yes, immediately. The residents love it. Because many of them are experiencing homelessness, they need something to give them ownership and pride and this offers them that opportunity.”

In addition to regular garden beds, the CTC students also created several raised garden beds for anyone who might be in a wheelchair or have trouble bending down. When not growing vegetables, Catholic Social Services officials might add flowers to keep the area looking nice.

“We’re very excited … We’re looking forward to providing some fresh produce to our residents who can’t afford it as well as the local community,” Caufield said.

 

Diocese of Scranton

EAST STROUDSBURG– A Lay Carmelite community that was founded in February 1999 in the Poconos by four parishioners of Saint Matthew Parish is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary this year.

Named ‘Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament Lay Carmelite Community,’ the group has had enthusiastic and robust participation from the start.

Now numbering fifty members, more than forty of whom are active participants, the Community includes individuals from every parish in the Stroudsburg deanery.

Community founders were Ed Lawler, Harriett Eitzenberger and her deceased husband, Herm, and Marge Cantalupo.

In addition to the Lay Carmelite community in East Stroudsburg, the Diocese of Scranton has another one in Pittston.

The East Stroudsburg Chapter meets on the third Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Saint Matthew Parish, 78 Ridgeway Street, East Stroudsburg. For additional information, contact Eileen at (570) 977-8796 or Gerry at (570) 424-2879.

The Pittston community, named ‘Our Lady of the Mountains Lay Carmelite Community,’ meets on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Oblates of Saint Joseph Seminary, 1880 Highway 315, Pittston.
For additional i n f o r m a t i o n, contact Linda at (570) 862-2940 or Chris at (570)
239-8094.

L a y C a r m e l i t e s are lay people who share in the mission of the Carmelite Order. The call to Carmel is a call to seek God’s will in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. This roots a Lay Carmelite in a love of those with whom they live and work.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The annual celebration of the World Day of Peace during the Holy Year 2025 will be inspired by “the concepts of hope and forgiveness” — including the forgiveness of foreign debt — “which are at the heart of the Jubilee,” the Vatican said.

Pope Francis has chosen “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace” as the theme for the celebration Jan. 1, 2025, said an announcement Aug. 8 from the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

The Holy Year, which the pope will open Dec. 24, is “a time for conversion that calls us not to condemn, but instead to bring about reconciliation and peace,” the dicastery said.

“When considering the reality of conflicts and social sins afflicting humanity today in light of the hope inherent in the Jubilee tradition of the forgiveness of sins and the cancellation of debts, together with the reflections of the Fathers of the Church in this regard, concrete principles emerge that can lead to a much needed spiritual, social, economic, ecological and cultural change,” it continued.

“Only from a genuine conversion on all levels — personal, local and international -– will true peace be able to flourish,” the announcement said. Conversion is needed “not only in the cessation of conflicts but also in a new reality in which wounds are healed and each person’s dignity is recognized.”

The pope’s message for the World Day of Peace usually is released in early December and shared with heads of state around the world by Vatican ambassadors.

In “Spes non Confundit” (“Hope Does Not Disappoint”), his bull proclaiming the Holy Year 2025, Pope Francis appealed to the world’s wealthiest nations to “acknowledge the gravity of so many of their past decisions and determine to forgive the debts of countries that will never be able to repay them.”

“If we really wish to prepare a path to peace in our world, let us commit ourselves to remedying the remote causes of injustice, settling unjust and unpayable debts, and feeding the hungry,” the pope wrote.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, God commanded his people to observe a jubilee as a time to restore their relationships with God, with other people and with the land, including by forgiving the debts of the poor.