SCRANTON – Lawyers, judges, and elected officials from across the 11 counties of the Diocese of Scranton gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Oct. 6, 2023, to celebrate the 50th Diocesan Red Mass.

“We lift up all those in the legal profession to the mercy and love of God and the power of the Holy Spirit,” the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, said in welcoming everyone to the milestone Mass.

The six gift bearers at the Red Mass have each spent more than 50 years serving the legal profession. Those honored are Joseph F. Cimini, Esq., Honorable Vito P. Geroulo, Albert E. Nicholls, Jr., Esq., Sal Cognetti, Jr., Esq., John Krisa, Esq., and Anthony J. Piazza, Jr., Esq. (Photo/Mike Melisky)

The Red Mass is offered to invoke God’s blessing upon all members of the legal profession. Its name is derived from the color of the vestments worn by the presider and concelebrants, the scarlet robes of attending justices (which were bright scarlet in the Middle Ages) and the scarlet gowns of law professors.

During his homily, Bishop Bambera used the Gospel message, the familiar story from the Last Supper of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, to remind all those in attendance – whether they are a lawyer, judge, or public servant – that they must serve the most vulnerable among us.

“The gesture of Jesus washing the feet of His friends is recalled in the Gospel as a sign of His commitment to serve the suffering world in which He was immersed,” the bishop said.

Bishop Bambera also shared the words of Pope Francis, who recently spoke about those involved in the legal profession. The Holy Father said those whose vocation lies in law have the capacity to do great good but only if they use their authority “in a way that reflects a well-formed conscience and the use of that authority to serve others and the common good with prudence and responsibility.”

The first Red Mass was held in the Diocese of Scranton in 1971 but the tradition traces its origins to Rome, Paris, and London.

In closing his homily, Bishop Bambera acknowledged the difficulties and challenges people in the legal profession face, but offered some four pieces of advice as they face changing societal values and political pressure.

“First, never be too proud or self-inflated to pray for strength in the work that you do,” Bishop Bambera began. “We would also do well to recognize the need to acquire not only mere professional competence but wisdom and creativity in our exercise of the law … most of it comes with humility and a willingness to engage and learn from the experiences of others.”

Bishop Bambera also encouraged those in attendance to “be willing to serve beyond the bare minimum of what is required by your profession” and finally “always maintain a deep respect for the dignity of every person impacted by the work that you do.”

WILKES-BARRE — The Diocese of Scranton will fittingly share in the yearlong commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Christian Charity (SCC) when the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate a jubilee Eucharistic liturgy next month in Wilkes-Barre, where the religious Sisters began their venerable ministry in America.

Bishop Bambera will serve as principal celebrant of a Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, Nov. 4, at noon at Saint Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre.
In addition to marking 175 years since the SCC congregation was established in Germany, the liturgy will also celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Christian Charity Sisters in the Scranton Diocese and, thus, the United States.

Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt, foundress of the Sisters of Christian Charity, was born on June 3, 1817, in Minden, Germany, and at a young age was drawn to care for impoverished families in Paderborn — nursing their sick and providing them food.

In 1840, her charitable work extended to Catholic education with the opening of a kindergarten and school for blind children.

As Pauline’s burning love for God and care for the needy led her to consider a religious vocation, she was advised to begin her own community of women religious. On Aug. 21, 1849, Pauline, together with three other women founded the Sisters of Christian Charity, whose ministry soon spread rapidly throughout Germany and, eventually, North and South America.

At the request of Monsignor Peter Nagel, and with the blessing of Bishop William O’Hara, first Bishop of Scranton, Christian Charity Sisters arrived as Saint Nicholas Parish in Wilkes-Barre on Oct. 15, 1873, at the direction of Mother Pauline. The foundress graciously welcomed the request for SCC nuns to serve as teachers in Diocesan schools as Catholic education was suffering from military repression in her native Germany.

Upon welcoming Mother Pauline on her visit to the United States, Bishop O’Hara granted her permission to establish a permanent presence in Wilkes-Barre. By 1877, the new SCC Motherhouse – Mallinckrodt Convent — was ready for occupancy.

The residence also included Saint Ann’s Academy, a private school for girls.

Eventually, the Motherhouse headquarters was transferred to Wilmette, Ill., in 1916, and then to Mendham, N.J., in 1927.

German Catholic pastors throughout the Scranton Diocese soon requested the Christian Charity Sisters to teach in their parish schools, and the congregation grew quickly beyond diocesan borders and throughout the U.S.

Along with their ministry in Catholic education, the SCC religious community responded to the need for Catholic healthcare, which led the Sisters to purchase land in Williamsport and build Divine Providence Hospital, known today as UPMC.

Throughout the years, the charism and ministries of the Sisters of Christian Charity has adapted to the changing needs of the Catholic Church, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and social work of various kinds. Pauline von Mallinckrodt died April 30, 1881, was beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II on April 14, 1985.

Since their arrival in the United States 150 years ago, the Sisters of Christian Charity have served in nearly 20 states and at the following Catholic parishes and schools in the Diocese of Scranton:

Saint Nicholas, Saint Ann’s Academy, Saint Boniface and Bishop Hoban/Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre; Saint Mary Assumption and Seton Catholic High School, Pittston; Sacred Heart, Luzerne; Saint Mary Assumption and Saint John the Baptist, Scranton; Saint Boniface, Saint Mary High School, Saint Ann, Bishop Neumann High School, Saint Anthony Center and Divine Providence Hospital, Williamsport; Immaculate Conception, Bastress; Saint Mary Magdalen, Honesdale; Saint Basil, Dushore; Sacred Heart, Duryea; Central Catholic/Bishop O’Reilly High School, Kingston; and Holy Trinity and Bishop Hafey High School, Hazleton.

Currently, the Sisters serve in ministry at Saint Nicholas Parish, Wilkes-Barre; Saint Jude Parish, Mountain Top; NativityMiguel School, Scranton; and UPMC in Williamsport and Muncy.

Pictured after the Mass with the Rite of Institution of Lectors on Sept. 30, 2023, are, front row, from left: Deacon Walter G. Janoski, Coordinator of Candidate Advisor and Pastoral Formation Programs; Rev. Mark DeCelles, Associate Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Christian D. Saunders; Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton; Monsignor David Bohr, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation; and Rev. John V. Polednak, V.E., Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. Second row, from left: Joel Marte; Michaelangelo J. Colaneri; Ernesto A. Capo; Frank A. Fanelli; and Francisco Castelan. Third row, from left: Fernando B. Alves; Jorge A. Roca; and Rafael Sanchez.

 

SCRANTON – On the Memorial of Saint Jerome, Sept. 30, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, designated nine deacon candidates for the Diocese of Scranton as Lectors in the Rite of Institution of Lectors.

The candidates are Fernando B. Alves, Ernesto A. Capo, Jr., Francisco Castelan, Michaelangelo J. Colaneri, Frank A. Fanelli, Joel A. Marte, Jorge Roca, Rafael Sanchez Velasquez, and Christian D. Saunders.

The Rite is a major step on the path to becoming a permanent deacon, allowing the candidates to read the Word of God, except for the Gospel, at liturgical assemblies. The next step will be the Rite of Acolyte.

“How providential that we celebrate the conferral of the ministry of Lector on the Memorial of Saint Jerome, whose life was synonymous with devotion to the Sacred Scriptures and with a deep love for the written word of God,” Bishop Bambera said during his homily. “It is no surprise that Saint Jerome, who was equally known for never shying away from expressing his views on most subjects in a clear and decisive manner, would rightly claim, ‘Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ.’”

Bishop Bambera told the men receiving the ministry of Lector that this moment is not merely a stepping stone in their path to becoming a deacon.

“To the contrary, you are being called to a special recognition of the Word of God in your lives that is essential to the life of the Church,” the bishop noted. “What an awesome responsibility to walk with Jesus through your encounter of Him in the Word of God.”

Most importantly, Bishop Bambera explained to the candidates that the Word of God must be “living and vibrant” in their lives and never “reduced to mere symbols on a page.”

“Live with authenticity the Word of God that you will proclaim through love and service to the People of God,” Bishop Bambera said.

WILLIAMSPORT – Two parishes in Lycoming County are working to become more welcoming to the community – especially young mothers and their infants.

In late August, Saint Boniface Parish in Williamsport and Saint Lawrence Parish in South Williamsport signed on to the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here Initiative.’ The move comes after Williamsport was one of two cities in the commonwealth designated a ‘Breastfeeding Family Friendly Community’ by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Rev. Glenn McCreary, V.E., stands with parishioners outside Saint Boniface Church in Williamsport after affixing a ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here’ sticker to the door of his church in August.

“We want to welcome young families. We want church to be a place where children are always part of the picture,” Rev. Glenn McCreary, pastor, explained. “I’ve often said that I don’t mind when a child is crying during Mass. We’re Catholic, we’re pro-life and crying children is what life sounds like. Now, we want to clearly extend that welcome to the breastfeeding individuals and families among us.”

Lisa McCloskey, RN, BSN, IBCLC, Lycoming/Clinton Breastfeeding Coalition Chair, and a parishioner at Saint Boniface, helped both parishes with the process.

“We are creating a welcoming environment to remove barriers to make it easier for all families to choose and to continue human milk feeding and to change a culture to normalize breastfeeding,” McCloskey said.

For the best health outcomes, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately six months followed by continued breastfeeding with complementary foods for at least two years and beyond as mutually desired.

“There are short-term and long-term health benefits for both children and the breastfeeding parent which improve the health of the community, reducing healthcare costs, higher productivity, and lower absenteeism from work and school,” McCloskey continued.

By signing onto the ‘Breastfeeding Welcome Here Initiative,’ the two parishes will allow a mother to freely feed her infants and young children in public, without ever being asked to cover up or move. If families request a private location to pump or feed, they will be directed to a comfortable space that is not a bathroom. Restrooms are not a hygienic place to prepare or eat a meal.

“We don’t want to send a mother off to a lavatory to feed,” Father McCreary said. “Nor do we want her to feel she doesn’t belong here because the Mass and feeding schedules overlap.”

Before affixing stickers to the doors of his parishes to let the community know of their support, Father McCreary also explained to his parishioners what this new ‘welcome’ will look like.

“If you’re comfortable feeding in your pew, do it. If you want to step out to a more private place, we will give you some options. Our confessional rooms in both churches are open and offer comfortable seating. Saint Boniface also gives the option to go to the lounge, where you can continue to hear the Liturgy while you care for that child.”

McCloskey said the more we see breastfeeding, the more natural it becomes. In addition to the two Roman Catholic parishes that have signed on, James V. Brown Library in Williamsport and the Lycoming County State Health Center have also signed onto the initiative.

“It’s through creating an environment of acceptance to make families feel more comfortable and by educating the community to learn why it’s important to accept breastfeeding that we are able to change our culture,” McCloskey said. “We need to sensitively provide options to meet families where they are at to make sure they are comfortable.”

For the two churches, it is all about being a part of the “welcoming church.”

“Let young families – visitors and members – find a home here,” Father McCreary said.

HAZLETON – More than 700 people filled the streets of Hazleton earlier this month participating in a large Eucharistic Procession. The goal was to bring people’s faith and love of Jesus out into the community.

On Sunday, Oct. 1, both Spanish and English-speaking parishioners of Annunciation Parish spent more than 90 minutes navigating the narrow streets of the city’s south side while singing and praying.

Father Kevin Miller, pastor, Annunciation Parish, leads a Eucharistic Procession of more than 700 people through the streets of South Hazleton on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023. (Photo/Eric Deabill)

“During this magnificent procession through the streets of the south side, I just felt the Lord, the Lord of the Miracles, El Señor de Los Milagros, our Eucharistic Lord, was touching hearts and touching lives in the way that only he can,” Father Kevin Miller, pastor, Annunciation Parish, said. “For my part, I am nothing but grateful to everyone who helped put this together and everyone who participated.”

The Eucharistic Procession was held as part of a three-day celebration at Annunciation Parish in honor of Saint Gabriel, patron of the parish church. Saint Gabriel is most well known as the angel chosen by God to be the messenger of the Annunciation.

The Procession was also held to honor El Señor de Los Milagros (The Lord of the Miracles), the Patron of Peruvian residents, which is celebrated during the entire month of October. El Señor de Los Milagros is traditionally one of the most popular religious celebrations in Latin America.

“The community of Saint Gabriel is a magnificent community. We are so happy to be part of this community. Everyone came here so joyful. We love doing things together,” Father Neftali Feliz-Sena, assistant pastor, Annunciation Parish, said.

Prior to the Eucharistic Procession, a bilingual Mass was held inside Saint Gabriel Church.

Mary Jane Thomas, who has attended Mass at Saint Gabriel Church all her life, found the Mass and procession to be very inspiring.

“I am so happy to see that we are all joining together as one, as we should be, because it is one church, one God, and it was just beautiful today,” Thomas said. “I walked just about all of it.”

Thomas has seen a lot of change in her parish over the last several decades, but she believes her faith has only been strengthened by the influx of Spanish-speaking parishioners.

“When I first started to go to the Hispanic Mass, it was a little challenging at first, but then I found myself moving along with everybody and clapping. I thought, they are praising the Lord and we can all praise the Lord in whatever form we can,” she added.

Veronica Mizenko of McAdoo recently returned to the Catholic faith and was pleased that the Eucharistic Procession was held so that Jesus could be shared with the entire community.

“Father is taking Jesus out into the streets and amongst the people. All languages, all creeds, anybody is welcome in this church and he makes you feel so warm and so welcome,” Mizenko said. “Father Kevin is bringing Him (Jesus) out for everyone to see and hear. It is so touching.”

Mizenko said she saw several people watch the procession from their porches and cars, with some even joining in.

“People were just walking up and saw the procession and just started walking behind the procession and it is all for God. It was wonderful. It really was,” she explained.

The procession was held as the Catholic Church in the United States has entered its second phase of the U.S. Bishops’ National Eucharistic Revival, a three-year initiative by the prelates to inspire belief in the Eucharist following a 2019 Pew Research study that suggested only about one-third of U.S. Catholics believe the Church’s teaching that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.

The second phase of the revival, the Year of Parish Revival, is meant to foster Eucharistic devotion at the parish level.

PECKVILLE – Hundreds of people gathered throughout the day on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, on the parish grounds of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Peckville, as well as in the church, for a day of Eucharistic Revival that renewed the faithful’s knowledge and love of Our Lord’s gift of the Eucharist to us. Immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, children gathered under a tent to learn about Eucharistic Adoration as they prayed and gave praise to God in the Eucharist and then went forth to share their light with the world.

Hundreds of people participated in a Eucharistic Tent Revival at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Peckville on Sept. 17, 2023.

After a period of quiet Adoration, all those gathered in the tent prayed a Rosary for Eucharistic Revival and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Soon after, a light rain prompted the remainder of the program to be moved inside. This did not dampen the spirit as the parish music ministry continued praising and worshipping God in song, as the Blessed Sacrament remained exposed inside the church. Then, a communal Anointing service provided a great number of individuals the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

The Eucharistic Revival Day culminated with a Mass of Thanksgiving with pastor, Rev. Andrew Kurovsky, and concelebrant and guest homilist, Msgr. Richard LaVerghetta, who challenged the community to continue to Adore, Receive and Become Jesus Christ, through the grace of the Eucharist. His challenge to expand our own “tents,” individually, and as a parish, is definitely in keeping with the parish motto: “the Round Church, where there’s room for everyone!”

The day concluded with a parish pasta dinner in the parish hall, enjoyed by nearly 250 people and provided with the help of Fiorelli’s Catering and volunteers from the parish and Cub Scouts Pack 34 Jessup.

“Eukharistos,” Greek for “Eucharist,” means “grateful.” What a perfect word, as the entire Sacred Heart of Jesus community is grateful for all the parishioners and friends who gathered under the tent and in the church for this most memorable day. Even the rain made the gathering memorable by blessing all with a special “sprinkling rite” during this day of Eucharistic Revival!

CLARKS SUMMIT – Two parish communities in Lackawanna County came together for one important mission on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.

Nearly 250 parishioners from Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and Saint Gregory Parish, Clarks Green, clad in orange shirts, joined forces fanning out across their community to participate in a special ‘Day of Service.’

A total of 242 volunteers from Saint Gregory Parish in Clarks Green and Our Lady of the Snows Parish in Clarks Summit participated in a Day of Service on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Volunteers prepared meals, held community clean-ups and spent time at two senior centers.

“We live, work and worship in the same area, so to come together to respond to the needs of the area just made sense,” Dan Marx, Director of Worship and Mission at Saint Gregory Parish, said.

The volunteers took part in projects at 11 different sites, including senior centers, public parks and streambeds, and even a local cemetery.

“The response that we had to this day of service has just been incredible,” Marx added. “People have donated both their time and treasure to create Refugee Welcome Boxes for the refugees of our area to bagging groceries at an area grocery store for tips that went to the Catherine McAuley Center.”

At Our Lady of Peace School, several teenagers volunteered to hold a car wash to raise money for the veterans at Saint Francis Commons in Scranton.

“I decided to do it because I thought it would be a nice thing to do for people,” Will Regan from Our Lady of the Snows Parish said.

“I’m young and still active and I feel like I can help people that don’t have the same abilities,” Callahan Moore from Our Lady of the Snows added. “I think more people should do service projects like this.”

At the end of the day, the students raised $717 from the car wash.

“It’s fun. It’s not like I’m sitting around playing the computer my entire day. It’s a fun way of passing time instead of being at home,” volunteer Jacob Krenitsky said.

While the students were busy washing cars, other volunteers packaged and delivered 126 meals to the Community Intervention Center in Scranton. The food was cooked by parishioners in their homes and put together by another team of volunteers.

Sue Burke, Faith Formation Director at Our Lady of the Snows Parish, said the ‘Day of Service’ is a powerful moment in teaching young people about the importance of volunteering.

“We’re so privileged and we have so much that we just need to share. We need to give to others and we need to teach our children to be able to give to others and that’s what we’re doing here today,” Burke said.

Next year, Our Lady of the Snows Parish and Saint Gregory Parish will come together in a linkage under one pastor. Events like the ‘Day of Service’ prove that parishioners can come together as one family with one purpose and mission.

“We know that together is in our future and so to come together in any opportunity, whether it’s to pray, worship, to serve or just gather as community, it is never a wasted effort,” Marx said.

DORRANCE – Parishioners of Saint Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Dorrance gathered on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of their church.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the centennial celebration.

Parishioners of Saint Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish in Dorrance celebrated the 100th anniversary of their church Sept. 23, 2023, with a special Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.

“As we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the power and presence of God that is the heart of our faith, may our prayer be one of gratitude and hope: gratitude for all that has been and hope for what will be through the grace and goodness of God,” Bishop Bambera said during his homily.

In celebration of its 100 years, The Catholic Light is looking back on the history of the parish.

Due to the growing number of Roman Catholic residents settling in and around the Dorrance area in the early 1920s, the Diocese of Scranton determined there was a need for a church to administer to the spiritual needs of the faithful. Prior to that time, residents traveled to Wilkes-Barre, Sugar Notch, Nanticoke, or Hazleton to practice their faith.

The original church was built on one acre of land donated by Andrew Kotulik. Later, he also donated the area that houses the picnic grounds.

The original church took just over one year to build and was dedicated on Sept. 27, 1925. At the time of its founding, Saint Mary’s was a mission church of Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre.

On Dec. 5, 1952, the original church was destroyed by fire. A faulty furnace was blamed for the destruction. After the fire, Sunday Mass was celebrated in the dining room of the Rustic Tavern until a new church could be built.

After a groundbreaking on April 26, 1953, the dedication of the new church was held on Feb. 14, 1954. The dedication and Mass were presided over by the Most Rev. Henry T. Klonowski, Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton.

Saint Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians Parish was linked with Saint Jude Parish in Mountain Top on July 7, 2010. Father Joseph Evanko has been serving as pastor since that time and has been assisted by several different assistant pastors.

In addition to its centennial celebration, which was marked on Sept. 23, 2023, the parish had previously celebrated its milestone anniversaries of 75 years on July 25, 1998; 50 years on June 10, 1973; and 25 years on Nov. 14, 1948.

SCRANTON – On Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, announced that Monsignor Dale R. Rupert will be assuming the duties of the Diocesan Director of Worship, effective immediately.

The appointment comes following the departure of David Baloga from the position in the Diocesan Office for Parish Life earlier in the month.

The Diocesan Director of Worship works directly with the Diocesan Bishop in his role as chief steward of the mysteries of God and the overseer, promoter, and guardian of the liturgical life of the Church in Scranton.

As a member of the Diocesan Curia, he will oversee the planning and execution of all pontifical Masses at the Cathedral of Saint Peter and review all liturgical forms for parish-based pontifical Masses. He will also serve as a resource person to diocesan parishes, institutions, staff, and offices, and will oversee details related to the celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival in the Diocese.

Monsignor Rupert will remain Senior Priest and Pastor Emeritus, Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, and Senior Priest, Immaculate Conception Parish, Scranton, Instructor in the Permanent Diaconate Program, and Diocesan Master of Ceremonies.

WILKES-BARRE – Three long-time educators in the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System were honored with the Saint John Paul II Award during the Diocesan Teachers’ Institute Mass on Sept. 25, 2023.

Kimberly Art, April Ayres, and Brenda Quattrini were each presented the award for 25 years of dedicated service to Catholic education in the Diocese of Scranton by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, at Saint Nicholas Church.

Three Catholic school educators received the Saint John Paul II Award for 25 years of dedicated service during the Diocesan Teachers’ Institute Mass at Saint Nicholas Parish on Sept. 25, 2023. Present for the award presentation were, from left: Michele Long, Assistant Superintendent; Kristen Donohue, Diocesean Secretary for Catholic Education/Superintendent of Catholic Schools; Brenda Quattrini, Epiphany School; Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton; Kimberly Art, Saint Mary of Mount Carmel School; April Ayres, La Salle Academy; and Charlene Krushinsky, Assistant Superintendent.

“I’m very excited and very proud,” Art said. “I know it is not easy to stick with something that long but I’m very proud and glad that I’m able to be in this school system.”

Art began her career as the computer teacher at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel School in Dunmore and then moved into the role of fourth grade teacher in 2001. She has been there ever since.

“I’m Catholic. I lead with my heart, and I lead with Jesus, and I love that I’m able to incorporate Jesus into my daily lesson plans and my daily teaching and I’m glad that I can have Jesus lead me in teaching the children,” she explained.

Quattrini attended Epiphany School in Sayre and in second grade decided she wanted to teach second grade.

“My second-grade teacher was my favorite teacher, and this was my dream, and I am living my dream,” she explained.

Quattrini says she would not trade her experience in Catholic education for anything.

“I love how we’re all family and we want to pass our religion onto the kids,” the long-time educator added. “I am just thrilled to be a part of it and that Sister Kathleen hired me many years ago!”

Catholic school educators impart a distinctive character to the education profession. They create an environment where the young grow and learn. They also direct the learning process, designing programs and developing ways to encourage success.

Most especially, they are witnesses to the faith, serving as sharers in the mission of Jesus Christ by leading young people to know, love, and serve God.

Ayres also grew up attending Catholic schools, including Saint Michael’s in Jessup and Bishop O’Hara High School in Dunmore.

“I knew from an early age that I wanted to become a teacher when my brother was born. I was captivated by how learning occurs. That was just my calling. I knew that is what I wanted to do,” Ayres said.

First hired at Saint Mary’s in Dickson City, Ayres now teaches at La Salle Academy in Jessup. She spent three years teaching third grade and has taught fifth grade for 22 years.

“I grew up with a Catholic education. It was fabulous, the teachers, the support, the family atmosphere. I stayed all the way through high school. I promote it, I agree with it, I support it, and I absolutely love it,” she added.

When asked what she would say to someone considering becoming a Catholic school educator, Ayres said it is a place where anyone can not only teach, but lead, inspire, challenge, and encourage.

“You will absolutely love it,” Ayres stated. “It’s family. It’s a second home.”