Category: Diocese of Scranton News

 

Effective immediately, and until further notice, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Despite the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled Masses will remain open to the public for those who wish to attend.

Also, during a news conference Thursday afternoon (3/12/20), Governor Wolf encouraged religious leaders statewide to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and encouraged the suspension of large gatherings and events of 250 individuals or more. In the Diocese of Scranton, it is now strongly recommended that all non-essential parish and Diocesan events be temporarily cancelled or postponed.

Also, attached to this letter, is the latest updates regarding the Diocese of Scranton’s response to COVID-19.

Your careful adherence to these important matters is appreciated.  Let us continue to pray for one another.

Diocese of Scranton Coronavirus Update
March 12, 2020

This document reflects the most recent guidance from the Diocese of Scranton regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and steps our communities can take to help prevent its spread. The Diocese of Scranton will be updating this guidance in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pennsylvania Department of Health and local public health officials.

General Prevention and Preparedness

The health and safety of our parishioners, staff, students, families and clients that we serve are of paramount interest to the Diocese of Scranton. While there is much to learn about the coronavirus, based on what is currently known about the virus, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts (within about six feet). Current evidence suggests that the coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made of a variety of materials.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a pandemic, because of its severity and the rapid rates at which it has spread. However, the WHO stressed that deliberate preventative actions can stop the virus from spreading.

We ask that all members of our parishes, schools and human/social service agencies assist with the prevention of spreading viruses by following the following recommendations:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

 

Travel Considerations

The Centers for Disease Control continues to update the Risk Level for each country. The Diocese of Scranton will continue to monitor this information and work to prevent this virus from spreading in our community. With that in mind, the Diocese of Scranton may require employees, students and/or families and clients that we serve who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are returning from countries designated as Risk Level 3 to remain home for 14 days upon returning to the United States or after contact with someone known to have or someone who may have been exposed to COVID-19. Those individuals will also be required to provide a notice from a healthcare professional that they are free from flu-like symptoms in order to return to work or school.

As of March 12, 2020, the CDC indicated the following risk levels related to COVID-19:

Level 3: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea

If you have travelled or are planning to travel to countries indicated with Risk Level 3, please contact your supervisor or principal to discuss plans for return to work or school.

 

Parish Gatherings

During a news conference Thursday afternoon (3/12/20), Governor Tom Wolf encouraged religious leaders statewide to exercise discretion in order to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and encouraged the suspension of large gatherings and events of 250 individuals or more. In the Diocese of Scranton, it is now strongly recommended that all non-essential parish and Diocesan events be temporarily cancelled or postponed.

 

Parish/Liturgical Recommendations

Effective immediately (3/12/20), and until further notice, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass. Despite the suspension of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, all regularly scheduled Masses will remain open to the public for those who wish to attend.

Masses continue to be offered at parish churches across the Diocese of Scranton and churches remain open.

It is important that Catholics use vigilance when deciding to attend Mass. If you are sick, especially with flu-like symptoms, you should stay home for your own well-being and that of others. If parishioners are sick or suspect they are sick with a contagious illness, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation.

Elderly parishioners who are not sick, but are concerned about being in crowded spaces, are also not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation.

The faithful are strongly encouraged at this time to receive the Body of Christ (via the Sacred Host) in the hand, but the right of each individual to receive on the tongue, as guaranteed by the universal law of the Church, remains in place and is to be respected. This request is made in order to curtail the spread of germs to the communicant, the minister of Holy Communion and other communicants.

The faithful should refrain from the use of holy water upon entering and exiting our churches. Out of an abundance of caution, pastors should remove holy water from fonts in an effort to reduce the possible transmission of the virus.

Parishes should make proper provisions for persons with celiac disease who cannot digest the gluten in wheat hosts or have other sensitivities.

The distribution of the Precious Blood via the Chalice is temporarily suspended.

The Sign of Peace will now be exchanged without physical contact.

Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should practice good hygiene, washing their hands before Mass begins or even using an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion.

 

Catholic Education

(UPDATE 3/13/20) At the direction of Governor Tom Wolf, the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System will close for two weeks effective immediately.

The Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System will be moving to distance learning effective Monday, March 16, 2020. All teachers have prepared to deliver instruction to our students through the use of our email system. Administrators have been sending regular communication to parents/students through the use of our email system.

As a result of all K-12 school districts in the commonwealth closing, all faith formation classes in parishes should also be cancelled immediately. Programs are encouraged to offer remote or online learning if possible.

Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System to close schools and begin “distance learning” effective Monday
March 13, 2020 

Follow-up on COVID-19 March 12, 2020

COVID-19 March 12, 2020

At this time, all schools within the Diocese of Scranton remain open and under the most recent guidance from the Governor, we will not be holding mass gatherings – especially those with more than 250 attendees.

Plans for continued “distance learning” have been developed and teachers and administrators are prepared to distribute information to parents/students should the need arise.

The Diocesan School System is following the travel considerations listed above and may require students and families who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are returning from countries designated at Risk Level 3 to wait a full 14 days after arriving in the United States and have notice from a healthcare professional that they are free from flu-like symptoms in order to return to school and school functions.

The Diocesan School System continues to take additional precautions in an effort to protect our classrooms and shared areas from any viruses. Custodial staff from each school thoroughly clean our classrooms and common areas (including door handles, desks and cafeterias) daily with proper sanitary materials to minimize the spread of viruses. In order to support the prevention of viruses at all schools, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines, and keep your student home if they show any of the following:

• Fever‐greater than 100°F and your child should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever‐reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• Vomiting (even once)
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
• Frequent congested (wet) or croup cough
• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

In regards to parish faith formation programs, Catechists should remind students of proper handwashing techniques and coughing and sneezing etiquette.

If threat is moderate to severe, faith formation programs or other parish gatherings should be postponed or canceled.  Parishes should follow the lead of their Diocesan school or local public school districts in canceling Religious Education classes.

Parish Religious Education programs should plan on offering remote or online learning if possible.

 

Catholic Human/Social Services

(UPDATE 3/13/20) Due to the closure of local schools and the pressing need to help our community in regards to COVID-19, Catholic Human/Social Services will be offering two community food distributions to people in need. The events will take place at the following times/locations:

• Thursday, March 19 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at 640 Hemlock Street in Scranton
• Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Family Center Basement of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Carbondale

Catholic Human/Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton remains strongly committed to providing critical services to our brothers and sisters in need. In the midst of the coronavirus crisis, Catholic Human/Social Services is working to ensure the safety and well-being of both our staff and the members of the community that we serve.

At this time, Catholic Human/Social Services is following all guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control Prevention and other agencies.

Proper cleaning and disinfection procedures are being followed at all kitchens, shelters and pantries under the operation of Catholic Human/Social Services.

At the kitchens, specific procedures are being followed each morning, which include cleaning bathrooms with professional cleaner, wiping down all surfaces with an all-purpose disinfectant, sweeping all floors and using a designated bleach mix and wiping down tables and work surfaces with an all-purpose disinfectant. After lunch and/or dinner service, similar sweeping, mopping and cleaning procedures are also followed in the dining room, kitchen area and dish room.

All volunteers and staff are being reminded of proper precautionary protocols, including urging individuals to stay home and limit their contact with others if they are sick and the importance of proper hand washing, especially when it comes to food preparation.

Catholic Human/Social Services is also following the previously mentioned CDC guidelines and recommendations for any staff members or volunteers who have travelled to a Risk Level 3 country.

All ongoing programs and large public events/gatherings are also being evaluated at this time.

Catholic Human/Social Services also has ongoing communication with its housing and residential facilities in regards to best practices/procedures.

 

Catholic Youth Center

All state regulations are being strictly followed. Any child with a fever will be immediately sent home. In addition, any student with a fever will immediately be isolated from other children.

Parents have been provided information on the coronavirus and are instructed not to bring their child to the Catholic Youth Center if their child displays any of the symptoms.

Staff members have been told to stay home if they have any symptoms of the coronavirus or flu-like symptoms.

Toys and classroom items that children use during the day are normally cleaned/disinfected multiple times during the day. The importance of this procedure has been reinforced with staff and additional time has been given to each teacher’s schedule to stay after their shift to give the classroom a thorough cleaning and disinfection once the room is empty.

As per existing policy, all children and staff wash their hands multiple times during the day. All children must wash their hands upon arrival, prior to-and-after meals, after outdoor play time and before/after naps. Children typically wash their hands at a minimum of five times per day.

Staff members have also been instructed to wash their hands often during the day.

All hand rails and door handles will be disinfected after high traffic periods. Approximate times for this disinfection each day is 9:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Hand sanitizer stations will be placed at both entrances and at the entrance to every classroom as soon as possible. Staff members are working with Cintas to provide the dispensers and sanitizer.

 

Resources

 

Center for Disease Control

Pennsylvania Department of Health

Catholic Response to Outbreak of Coronavirus

 

 

Passionist Father Lee Havey, C.P., will be the homilist for a two night Lenten Mission to be offered at Saint Mary of the Lake Church, 1872 Dalton Road, Lake Winola, on Tuesday, March 31, and Wednesday, April 1.  Father Havey conducts parish missions, Eucharistic devotions, novenas, and retreats throughout the country while residing in the Passionist Community located at St. Ann’s Monastery, Scranton, PA.

“Discovering Holiness in the Stories of Life” has been chosen as the theme for the mission.  According to Father Patrick Albert, pastor of Saint Mary of the Lake, “We are hoping that this Mission will provide all people of faith with the opportunity to add to their Lenten journey through worship, prayer, and service.” Each evening will include a vespers service, the mission message, and benediction.

In addition, Tuesday, March 31 will be “Reconciliation Night”, with confessions offered from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM, and the Mission Service at 7:00 PM.  Wednesday’s schedule will include Eucharistic Adoration from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the Mission service at 7:00PM.  Wednesday’s service will also be “Ministry Night”.  A special invitation is extended to all who contribute to the life of their church through involvement in any ministry.

An additional component of the Wednesday service will be the collection of nonperishable food items for the Lower Wyoming County Food Pantry and St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen.  Each participant is asked to bring an item which will be donated.  According to Mary Lou Franko, chair of the Service Committee at Saint Mary’s, “We have recently doubled the hours of operation of the Food Pantry because of the need”.

All people of faith from throughout the area invited to join the parishioners of Saint Mary’s for the mission.  For more information, see www.nativitystmary.org or call 570 – 836 – 3275.

 

As public health officials in Pennsylvania and beyond continue to track the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and widespread flu activity, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton is announcing new precautions for the celebration of Mass in the 11 counties of the Diocese of Scranton.

Effective immediately, Bishop Bambera has implemented the following directives:

• The distribution of the Precious Blood via the Chalice is temporarily suspended
• The Sign of Peace will now be exchanged without physical contact

“As of today, it is important to emphasize that there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, but the situation across the country is changing rapidly,” Bishop Bambera said. “The safety and health of our local faith community and all of northeastern and north central Pennsylvania is a priority for me.”

At this time, the Diocese is monitoring all information and updates being provided by federal, state and local government officials.

In addition to the temporary changes that are taking effect immediately, Bishop Bambera also issues the following reminders:

• Priests, deacons and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion should practice good hygiene, washing their hands before Mass begins or even using an alcohol based anti-bacterial solution before and after distributing Holy Communion
• Parishioners are also reminded that if they are sick, especially with flu-like symptoms, they should stay home for their own well-being and that of others. If parishioners are sick or suspect they are sick with a contagious illness, they are not bound by the Sunday Mass obligation

In addition to the new directives being implemented today, Bishop Bambera reminds everyone of basic personal hygiene practices which are outlined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They include:

• Covering coughs or sneezes with your elbow instead of hands
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Clean surfaces frequently, including countertops, light switches, cell phones, remotes and other frequently touched items

The new precautions will continue as long as deemed necessary by the Bishop.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and be ready to make any updates as needed,” Bishop Bambera added.

 

 

Six parishes in Lycoming County are joining forces for a special event during Lent and people from north central and northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond are invited to attend.

Saint Boniface Catholic Church, 326 Washington Boulevard, Williamsport, will host Made for More: Visions from the Promised Land on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The event will feature Christopher West, best-selling author, speaker and teacher, along with folk/Americana musician Mike Mangione.

“Where do we come from and where are we going? If we don’t have compelling answers to these questions, we have no orientation in our lives,” West said.

West is known around the world for his teaching of Saint John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body.” He is co-founder of the Theology of the Body Institute. Written by the late Pope John Paul II, the Theology of the Body offers an in-depth biblical exploration of the meaning of our creation as male and female in the divine image.

“We’re taking people on a journey through some particular words of Christ. We start with: ‘They look but do not see.’ So we’ve been trained to look at the world, but not see it; to look at the human body, for instance, but not see it. All of creation has a message, and Jesus says, ‘Come and become one who sees.’ He’s in the business of giving sight to the blind,” West added.

Makenzie Conner, director of youth ministry for Saint Joseph the Worker Parish, says the program will include live music, videos, images and the spoken word.

“It will give you a greater understanding of what we are celebrating as Easter people and what we’re looking for in the resurrection of Christ,” Conner said about the timing of the program, which will be right before Holy Week.

Organizers are hoping for several hundred people to attend.

“My hope and goal personally for this event is that people attend, are open minded about it, gain something from it and then use that later in their everyday life or parish life,” Conner added.

The evening is being hosted by Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Williamsport and co-hosted by Saint Ann, Saint Boniface/Saint Lawrence and Immaculate Conception/Saint Luke parishes in Williamsport; The Church of the Resurrection Parish in Muncy; and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Montoursville.

“Every pastor is fully committed and fully involved in the process of bringing Christopher West and Mike Mangione and the Made for More project here to Williamsport,” Conner said. “We wanted to be able to bring an experience, not just a speaker or workshop, but an actual experience!”

The event is open to everyone in the community, not just Catholic parishioners.

“This event is for married, single, celibate, Catholic, non-Catholic, devout, skeptic, youth and experienced,” Mangione said.

When asked to describe the Made for More program, Mangione called it a special and unique opportunity.

“It’s a presentation meant to meet you where you are and bring you to a place of communion. It is the culmination of Christopher’s 25 years in this work, my 15 in music and our friendship. It is a conversation through sight and sound about how God reveals himself through creation and how our desires are meant to draw us closer to Him,” he said.

Made for More: Visions of the Promised Land is a ticketed event. The cost to attend is $25 and tickets may be purchased at corproject.com/Williamsport.

Tickets may also be purchased by contacting any of the sponsoring parishes – or by contacting Makenzie Conner at (570) 323-9456 or emailing youthmin@sjwparish.com.

 

Ash Wednesday, February 26, will mark the start of the solemn 40-day season of Lent. Parishes throughout the 11-county Diocese of Scranton will distribute ashes to remind individuals of their mortality. A comprehensive listing of parish Mass times for Ash Wednesday can be found at https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/ash-wednesday-2020-services/

At the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, the Mother Church of the Diocese, ashes will be distributed during the 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Masses. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera will be the principal celebrant of the 12:10 p.m. Pontifical Mass.

“Lent challenges us to consider the gift and blessing of the Sacrament of Baptism. On the First Sunday of Lent, we will welcome catechumens into the ranks of the elect; those from our midst who have begun the journey of conversion and who will soon experience the saving power of Jesus in the Easter mysteries of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Their ‘yes’ to the Lord’s call gives us hope and should encourage us to recommit ourselves to the vows that were made at our own baptisms,” Bishop Bambera said.

During Lent, the Cathedral of Saint Peter will offer several ways in which the faithful can deepen their relationship with Jesus and come to know him in a more intimate way.

On Fridays, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed following the 12:10 p.m. Mass and Novena to Saint John Neumann. The Stations will air on CTV: Catholic Television live on February 28 after the 12:10 p.m. Mass, and then on succeeding Fridays at 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Lent is a time of prayer, penance and sacrifice leading to the most sacred time of the Church year, Holy Week, when the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commemorated. The solemn observance culminates in the greatest celebration of the Church, Easter Sunday, which will be observed on April 12.

Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of universal fast and abstinence in the Church. Catholics between 18 years old and the beginning of their 60^th year must fast by consuming only one full meal and two partial meals on those sacred days. Catholics who have completed their 14^th year must also abstain from eating any meat or meat products on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent.

Ash Wednesday Retreat

The Office for Parish Life will offer a retreat on Ash Wednesday, Feb.26, at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton. The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. All faithful of the Diocese are welcome.

Catherine Butel, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life, will lead the retreat with the theme “Radiate Christ.”

The retreat day will include Mass celebrated at 12:10 p.m. in the Cathedral with distribution of ashes. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available prior to Mass. Lunch will be served following the noon-time Ash Wednesday liturgy.

The fee for the day is $30, which includes lunch. To register, call Jacki Douglas at the Office for Parish Life, (570) 207-2213, ext. 1100, or e-mail jdouglas@dioceseofscranton.org. Registration is also available at www.dioceseofscranton.org.

Parishes Extend Opportunities for Sacrament of Reconciliation

The Church encourages us to make confession a regular part of our spiritual life, especially during the holy season of Lent, as we reflect on our baptism and repentance. Again this year, parishes are participating in a Lenten initiative called The Light Is On for You. Every Monday evening during the Lenten season, beginning March 2 and continuing through Monday of the last full week of Lent, March 30, confessions are heard in every parish from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. so that Catholics can come to or return to this incredible source of God’s grace, mercy and healing.

 

February 19, 2020

Following the Wednesday, February 19, announcement by the Diocese of Harrisburg to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton released the following statement:

“The Diocese of Scranton launched the Independent Survivors Compensation Program (“ISCP”) in January 2019 to provide support to, and promote healing for, survivors of sexual abuse. An independent, third party administrator is processing claims submitted to the ISCP. Many claims have already been fully resolved, while others remain in process. The Diocese anticipates funding all claims and associated costs from the proceeds of its September 2019 sale of three long-term care facilities: Little Flower Manor, Saint Luke’s Villa and Saint Therese Residence. The Diocese of Scranton is not considering bankruptcy.”

 

Formalizing a decades-old relationship, officials from King’s College and the Diocese of Scranton recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will guarantee admission and a renewable four-year scholarship up to a potential maximum four-year value of between $56,000 and $88,000 to seniors who attend any of the diocese’s four Catholic high schools and who meet academic eligibility criteria.  The agreement will take effect for students applying for admission starting with the 2020-21 academic year.

Under the agreement, King’s College will guarantee admission to a vast majority of the College’s academic programs and a four-year renewable scholarship to senior students from Holy Cross, Holy Redeemer, Notre Dame, and St. John Neumann high schools.  Eligible students must have required minimum standardized test scores and a 2.75 or higher grade point average.  Students meeting the GPA requirement have the option of applying to King’s as test optional applicants.

Students who meet the criteria will receive a scholarship ranging from $14,000 and to $22,000 per year which is renewable each year for up to four years. The student must maintain an appropriate, pre-determined GPA based on the value of the scholarship in order to renew annually

Different grade-point-average and standardized test score requirements will apply to students applying for the King’s Physician Assistant program and the College’s engineering and nursing majors.

“This agreement recognizes students from schools within the Scranton Diocese who have worked hard to achieve in their academic studies,” said Robert Reese, vice president for enrollment management at King’s.  “With this scholarship, a quality education at King’s College will be more affordable for these excellent students.”

“Since its founding, King’s College has been a leader in higher education, challenging students not only in the classroom but inspiring them to become the faith-filled leaders of tomorrow. This partnership that we have signed today is a tremendous opportunity for the students of our four Diocesan high schools to build upon the values and traditions they have already learned and experienced with us,” said Jason W.S. Morrison, Diocesan Secretary of Catholic Education and Chief Executive Officer.

For more information about the memorandum of understanding, contact Diocese of Scranton Catholic Schools Office at 570-207-2251, or Michelle Oliva, director of undergraduate admissions at King’s at michelleoliva@kings.edu or 570)208-8390.

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In his Lenten message to the Church this year, Pope Francis invokes Saint Paul’s words in his second letter to the Church at Corinth, “We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”  In quoting Paul, the Holy Father reminds us all to reflect upon the urgency of this great season of grace and its invitation to conversion.  “Keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ crucified, let yourself be saved over and over again.  When you confess your sins, believe firmly in his mercy which frees you of your guilt.  Contemplate his blood poured out with such great love, and let yourself be cleanse by it.  In this way, you can be reborn ever anew,” (Christus Vivit, 123).

Essentially, Pope Francis reminds us all to make as our own the words of the Old Testament prophet Joel, who proclaims each year on Ash Wednesday, “Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.”  Joel calls us to change our lives – to set aside all that keeps us from reflecting the life of God within our own lives.  But he boldly challenges us to do so, not merely through gestures and religious practices – but by peering intensely into our hearts to insure that our spirit – the core of our being – is honest and pure and open to the transforming power and presence of God.

It’s our honesty with ourselves – and ultimately with God – that will enable us to come to terms not only with our own need for conversion but also, through the great mystery of the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, to understand God’s unwavering desire to engage us in his dialogue of salvation.

Indeed, Pope Francis reminds us that “the dialogue God wishes to establish with each of us through the paschal mystery of his Son has nothing to do with empty chatter” and meaningless rituals.  No, the dialogue that we are beckoned to engage should find us “feeling compassion towards the wounds of the crucified Christ present in the many innocent victims of wars, in attacks on life, from that of the unborn to the elderly, and various forms of violence.  They are likewise present in environmental disasters, the unequal distribution of the earth’s goods, human trafficking in all its forms, and the unbridled thirst for profit.”

The Holy Father’s words are reinforced by those of Saint Matthew, also proclaimed annually on Ash Wednesday, as he calls us to embrace a lifestyle rooted less in exterior show and far more in a true relationship with God.  Pray, fast, give alms in support of the poor – not because such behavior will make us righteous but because such acts for the true follower of Jesus are simply the consequence of faithful lives rooted in Jesus, who teaches us how best to live – not only during this sacred season – but throughout our lives.

More than anything else, my brothers and sisters, Lent challenges us to consider the gift and blessing of the Sacrament of Baptism.  On the First Sunday of Lent, we will welcome catechumens into the ranks of the elect; those from our midst who have begun the journey of conversion and who will soon experience the saving power of Jesus in the Easter mysteries of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.  Their “yes” to the Lord’s call gives us hope and should encourage us to recommit ourselves to the vows that were made at our own baptisms.  Their “yes” reminds us that we too are called to look beyond ourselves to something more in life.

Finally, one of the great gifts given to us by the Church to assist us in our response to the Lord’s invitation to renewal is found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To provide for the celebration of this Sacrament in a generous manner, once again, all of the parishes of the Diocese of Scranton will participate in The Light Is On For You. Every Monday evening during the Lenten season, beginning on the first Monday of Lent, March 2, and continuing through Monday of the last full week of Lent, March 30, confessions will be heard in every parish from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

My friends, Lent calls us to “be reconciled to God.”  May we not only embrace these words of Saint Paul but do so with a sense of urgency, heeding his reminder to us in that same passage from II Corinthians, “Now is the acceptable time.  Now is the day of salvation!”

Let us support one another during this wonderful season of renewal and come to discover the true blessing of our reconciliation with God as we journey together to Easter joy.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

MENSAJE DE CUARESMA DEL OBISPO BAMBERA

Queridos hermanos y hermanas:

En su mensaje de Cuaresma a la Iglesia este año, el Papa Francisco invoca las palabras de San Pablo en su segunda carta a la Iglesia en Corinto: “Les imploramos en nombre de Cristo, reconcíliense con Dios”. Al citar a Pablo, el Santo Padre nos recuerda, a cada uno de nosotros, que reflexionemos sobre la urgencia de este gran Tiempo de Gracia y su invitación a la conversión. “Mantén tus ojos fijos en los brazos extendidos de Cristo crucificado, déjate salvar una y otra vez. Y cuando vayas a confesar tus pecados, cree firmemente en su misericordia que te libera de tu culpa. Contempla su sangre derramada con tanto amor y déjate purificar por ella. De esta manera, puedes renacer de nuevo” (Christus Vivit, 123).

Esencialmente, el Papa Francisco nos insta a que hagamos nuestras las palabras del profeta Joel del Antiguo Testamento, quien proclama cada año en el Miércoles de Ceniza: “Rasguen sus corazones, no sus vestiduras, y regresen al Señor su Dios”. Joel nos llama a cambiar nuestras vidas, a dejar de lado todo lo que nos impide reflejar la vida de Dios en nuestras propias vidas. Pero nos desafía audazmente a hacerlo, no solo a través de gestos y prácticas religiosas, sino al mirar intensamente en nuestros corazones para asegurar que nuestro espíritu, el núcleo de nuestro ser, sea honesto y puro y esté abierto al poder transformador y la presencia de Dios.

Es nuestra honestidad con nosotros mismos, y en última instancia con Dios, lo que nos permitirá llegar a un acuerdo no solo con nuestra propia necesidad de conversión, sino también a través del gran misterio de la Pasión, Muerte y Resurrección de Jesús, para comprender el deseo inquebrantable de Dios de involucrarnos en su diálogo de salvación.

De hecho, el Papa Francisco nos recuerda que “el diálogo que Dios desea establecer con cada uno de nosotros a través del Misterio Pascual de su Hijo no tiene nada que ver con la charla vacía” y los rituales sin sentido. No, el diálogo que se nos invita a entablar debe encontrarnos “sintiendo compasión por las heridas del Cristo crucificado presente en las muchas víctimas inocentes de las guerras, en ataques a la vida, desde los no nacidos hasta los ancianos, y diversas formas de violencia. También están presentes en los desastres ambientales, la distribución desigual de los bienes de la tierra, el tráfico de personas en todas sus formas y la sed desenfrenada de riquezas.

Las palabras del Santo Padre se ven reforzadas por las de San Mateo, también proclamadas anualmente el Miércoles de Ceniza, cuando nos llama a adoptar un estilo de vida menos arraigado en el espectáculo exterior y mucho más en una verdadera relación con Dios. Ora, ayuna, y da limosna en beneficio de los pobres, no porque tal comportamiento nos haga justos, sino porque tales actos -para el verdadero seguidor de Jesús- son simplemente el resultado de mantener fielmente nuestras vidas arraigadas en Jesús, quien nos enseña cómo vivir mejor, no solo durante este tiempo sagrado, sino a lo largo de nuestras vidas.

Finalmente, uno de los grandes regalos que nos da la Iglesia para ayudarnos en nuestra respuesta a la invitación del Señor de renovarnos, se encuentra en el Sacramento de la Reconciliación. Para proporcionar la celebración de este Sacramento de manera generosa, una vez más, todas las parroquias de la Diócesis de Scranton participarán en The Light Is On For You (La Luz Está Encendida Para Ti). Todos los lunes por la noche, durante el tiempo de Cuaresma, comenzando el primer lunes de Cuaresma (2 de marzo), hasta el lunes de la última semana completa de Cuaresma (30 de marzo), se escucharán confesiones a partir de las 5:30 p.m. hasta las 7:00 p.m.

Mis amigos, la Cuaresma nos llama a “estar reconciliados con Dios”. Que no solo aceptemos estas palabras de San Pablo, sino que lo hagamos con urgencia, prestando atención a su recordatorio en el mismo pasaje de 2 Corintios: “Ahora es el tiempo favorable. ¡Ahora es el día de salvación!

Apoyémonos unos a otros durante este maravilloso tiempo de renovación y descubramos la verdadera bendición de nuestra reconciliación con Dios mientras viajamos juntos hacia la alegría de la Pascua.

Fielmente tuyo en Cristo,

Reverendísimo Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Obispo de Scranton

 

 

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) joined a long list of state lawmakers who expressed disappointment with Governor Wolf’s veto today of SB 906. The bill would create a moratorium on the closure of two state centers for individuals with severe disabilities.

The PCC remains concerned about the well-being of the residents of the Polk and White Haven Centers should those centers close.

“We support home- and community-based care for individuals in the environment of their choosing,” said Eric Failing, the Executive Director of the PCC. “But we are worried about whether that will happen in this case without proper safeguards in place.”

Several PA lawmakers spoke out against the veto immediately after the Governor announced it.

Sen. John Yudichak (I-Carbon, Luzerne), Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming), Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Butler, Clarion, Forest, Vengano, Warren) and Sen. Michele Brooks (R-Crawford, Erie, Mercer, Warren) released a statement, which read, in part, “the Administration’s decision to close White Haven and Polk State Centers ignores the voices of families and mounting data that underscores the shortcomings of limiting choices on how best to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities.”

Rep. Gerald Mullery (D-Luzerne) has been fighting to keep the facilities open and also spoke out. “Governor Wolf’s cavalier dismissal of these residents’ desires, their family’s concerns, and their caregiver’s commitment is disheartening,” Mullery said in a statement. “To issue this callous veto in the face of the recent Office of Inspector General report is nothing more than repulsive.”

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is based in Harrisburg and is the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops.