Category: Diocese of Scranton News

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world rose in 2022, while the number of seminarians, priests, men and women in religious orders, and baptisms declined, according to Vatican statistics.

At the end of 2022, the number of Catholics in the world reached 1.389 billion, up 0.79% from 1.378 billion Catholics at the end of 2021, according to the Vatican’s Central Office of Church Statistics.

By contrast, the United Nations estimated the world’s population increased by 0.83% over the same period to a total of just over 8 billion people at the end of 2022, marking the first time it passed that milestone.

The Vatican agency, Fides, published a brief overview of the global numbers Oct. 17.

The Vatican’s statistical yearbook cautioned that its numbers were based on the information it received back from its surveys and that not all jurisdictions sent information. Mainland China, for example, had missing data throughout the yearbook. The number of Catholics “does not include those in countries that because of their present situation have not been included in the survey,” it said, adding that it estimated that number to be about an additional 5 million Catholics.

While Catholics remained about 17.7% of the global population, their numbers grew in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, said the summary, which was based on numbers reported Dec. 31, 2022. Only Europe saw a drop with 474,000 fewer Catholics.

Catholics make up 64% of the total population in the Americas followed by Europe and Oceania in which 39.5% and 26% of the population are baptized Catholic respectively. In Africa 19.7% of the population is Catholic and in Asia 3.3% of the population is Catholic.

While the number of Catholics is increasing, the administration of the sacrament of baptism has decreased worldwide. It fell from 17,932,891 baptisms administered in 1998 to 13,327,037 in 2022, according to Fides’ summary report. A peak was reported during the Holy Year 2000 when 18,408,076 baptisms were administered worldwide.

The Catholic Church had 5,353 bishops at the end of 2022, a slight increase of 13 bishops at the end of 2021. The majority of them are serving in the Americas and Europe.

The total number of diocesan and religious order priests decreased slightly by 142 men to a total of 407,730, the Vatican office said. The bulk of the decrease was in Europe with 2,745 fewer priests, which could not be offset even by the increases in Africa and Asia. However, while the number of diocesan priests decreased globally, the number of religious-order priests increased by 297 men.

The number of Catholics per priest increased slightly to 3,408 Catholics per priest.

The number of religious brothers decreased in 2022 from 49,774 to 49,414 with the only places of growth being in Asia and the Americas.

The total number of religious women, it said, was 599,228 at the end of 2022 — a decrease of 9,730 women or 1.59% from 608,958 at the end of 2021.

The number of permanent deacons — 50,159 — saw a 1.99% increase over the previous year, with the most growth in Europe.

The number of seminarians decreased globally by 1.28% to 108,481 from 109,895 at the end of 2021, with the only significant growth in Africa.

The number of Catholic weddings celebrated around the world in 2022 was up from more than 1.8 million in 2021 to 1.97 million in 2022; of those, only 9.6% involved a Catholic marrying a non-Catholic.

The yearbook for 1991 reported more than 3.8 million Catholic weddings with 8.9% of them involving a Catholic marrying a non-Catholic.

In 2022, the yearbook said, 8.68 million people received their first Communion, up from 8.5 million people the previous year, and 7.4 million people were confirmed, up from 7.3 million people in 2021.

SCRANTON – World Mission Sunday is a special day that unites Catholics worldwide in prayer, solidarity, and support for the Church’s mission efforts.

This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Francis, is rooted in the Gospel of Matthew: “Go and Invite Everyone to the Banquet,” reflecting the inclusive and urgent call to bring God’s love to everyone.

A Pontifical Mass in honor of World Mission Sunday will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, 315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at 12:15 p.m. The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will be the principal celebrant.

Father Stephen Bosomafi, a native of the Diocese of Sunyani, Ghana, and pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish in Lake Ariel, will be the homilist. All are invited to attend.

Father Bosomafi was born in February 1975 in Amisano, near Elmina and Cape Coast, in the Central Region of Ghana. He is the son of Paul Kweku Bosomafi and Beatrice Esi Baaba Bosomafi.

At the age of 15, Father Bosomafi’s path to becoming a Catholic priest began when he had the opportunity to write an entrance examination for Saint James Minor Seminary for his high school education from 1990-1993. After high school, Father Bosomafi decided to continue his priestly formation, and in 1995, entered Saint Paul’s Major Seminary, Sowutuom-Accra for a spiritual year and philosophical studies. He continued to Saint Peter’s Regional Seminary, Pedu-Cape Coast for Theological Studies from 1998-2002. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in sociology and the study of religions from the University of Ghana, Legon-Accra. He also has a post graduate diploma in education (PGDE) from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

Father Bosomafi was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Sunyani on Dec. 7, 2002.
In Sept. 2004, his Bishop, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, asked him to go for further studies in the United States.

While working as an assistant pastor at a parish in New York, he received a master’s degree in Business Administration from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Father Bosomafi returned to Ghana in 2008 and served as Diocesan Financial Administrator and on numerous boards and commissions.

In Feb. 2022, Bishop Matthew requested Father Bosomafi to return to the United States, specifically in the Diocese of Scranton to help raise money for Diocesan missions. After serving as assistant pastor at Christ the King Parish, Archbald, he was appointed pastor of Saint Thomas More Parish, Lake Ariel, on July 26, 2022. He is also currently a member of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council.

Father Bosomafi enjoys reading, walking, biking, cooking and traveling.

Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will provide a live broadcast of the Mass. The Mass will also be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel and across all Diocesan social media platforms.

Dear Friends,

On October 20, 2024, the Universal Church will celebrate World Mission Sunday. As we come together on this special day, I join Pope Francis in inviting each of you to embrace the Gospel’s call: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19). This invitation to mission is at the heart of our faith, compelling us to share God’s love with all people.

World Mission Sunday is a reminder that our faith is not confined by borders but extends to the farthest reaches of our world. This day invites us to reflect on our shared vocation as baptized members of the Body of Christ – to be ambassadors of His love and to engage in the transformative work of His mission. Together, we can bring the light of Christ to those who have not yet heard His message.

More than a century ago, the Church in the United States was sustained by the generosity of Catholics worldwide, a generosity that will be reflected in our second collection on World Mission Sunday. We now can extend that same support to our brothers and sisters in over 1,150 mission territories across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Pacific Islands, and the Middle East. Your gifts will help to fund seminaries, support the formation of future religious sisters, train catechists, and sustain Catholic schools and healthcare centers.

Moreover, let us commit to praying for missionaries and the people they serve. Our prayers are powerful and critically important for those who dedicate their lives to serving others in the name of Christ. They work in regions marked by extreme weather conditions, violence, disease, and socio-political upheaval. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to guide and inspire all those involved in mission work!

May our participation in World Mission Sunday reflect the depth of our faith and our commitment to making the world a place where the light of Christ shines brightly for all.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

 

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.

Bishop of Scranton

HONESDALE – When Father William Langan first appealed to his parishioners at Saint John the Evangelist Parish two year ago about providing financial assistance for a church building project in the Diocese of Sunyani, Ghana, the response was immediate and overwhelming.

Faithful members of the four churches comprising the Honesdale Catholic parish believed – and still believe – their generous support would be most fitting, given that their assistant pastor, Father Dominic Sabi, is a native of the West African republic and one of nearly ten priests from Sunyani who are currently providing much-needed ministry in the Diocese of Scranton.

Since that time, the Saint John’s parishioners have “adopted” the recently created Saint Anthony of Padua Rectorate (Parish) in Ghana as a “sister parish,” generously
raising $5,175 for the construction of their new church.

“They are really counting on our donations,” Father Langan said, as he proudly announced the first phase of the building project was completed early this year. “The superstructure is up and the roof is in place.”

He related that the funding drive is ongoing and continues to be very successful.

“Once we accumulate a considerable amount of funds, we send it over to them,” Father Langan noted, adding that he believes his parish hopes to make another sizable donation by next Lent.

The fundraising drive began with a simple request by Father Sabi, Saint John’s assistant pastor since 2021, who has close ties to the Ghana parish.

He explained that when Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of the priest’s home Diocese of Sunyani, established the new rectorate, he named Father Samuel Takyi, a seminary classmate of Father Sabi, as the founding pastor.

Father Sabi related that the existing Saint Anthony Church was in a “deplorable state” and needed to be razed to the foundation.

“I realized there was a great need, and I approached Father Langan about the possibility of our parish lending a helping hand,” he said.

According to the African native priest, the second phase of the project is well underway, including extensive electrical work.“We look forward to the next phase when pews will be installed and interior painting begins,” Father Sabi shared.

Not surprisingly, expressions of gratitude from Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and the Sunyani Diocese have been most effusive. Letters of grateful appreciation have arrived in Honesdale from Bishop Gyamfi and Father Fosu Dibi Eric, the parish’s current rector.

“With deepest sense of appreciation, I write of behalf of Christ’s faithful of St. Anthony Rectorate at Kwadwokumikrom,” Father Fosu has communicated to Father Langan. “Our sincerest gratitude to you and your cherished and benevolent parishioners of St. John’s Parish, Honesdale, for your donation towards the renovation of our church building project.”

“My people cannot hide their joy for reaching out to support us,” he stated. “We continue to count on your… support to assist us (to) complete the project to the greater glory of God.”

STROUDSBBURG – With the beautiful colors of fall already making an appearance throughout the Poconos, all of the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton are being invited to spend this coming weekend visiting the parishes of the Stroudsburg deanery.

The deanery is hosting the second annual ‘Living Water Trail,’ on the weekend of Oct. 19-20, 2024.

The ‘Living Water Trail’ is designed to provide an immersive experience, highlighting the spiritual and communal aspects of the Eucharist. Over the course of this special weekend, participating parishes will open their doors to offer a variety of special events, including talks, Masses, and opportunities for fellowship.

Given that the third-year of the National Eucharistic Revival is now underway, each parish will showcase its approach to celebrating the Eucharist, allowing attendees to share their experiences and deepen their connections within the community.

Organizers are encouraging everyone to come and be a part of the journey – whether you’re a lifelong Catholic or simply curious about other parishes and learning more about the faith.

The ‘Living Water Trail’ is not only an opportunity to learn more about the Eucharist, but also to foster community bonds among parishes within the Stroudsburg deanery. Participants will be encouraged to share their reflections and experiences, enriching the collective faith journey.

Participants can begin their journey at any parish and travel from site to site at their own pace. People can visit as few, or as many churches as desired. A schedule of events, by date and parish, is located at the right.

For more information on any of the particular parish events for this enriching weekend, you can contact the parish directly. To view the full schedule, please consult the chart below:

SCRANTON – The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton was filled with vibrant energy and beautiful music Oct. 12, 2024, as nearly 700 people gathered to celebrate a special Mass for Hispanic Heritage month.

The Mass, celebrated in Spanish by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, highlighted the many contributions of the Hispanic community within the church and the broader society, making it a significant occasion for reflection and cultural appreciation.

A notable highlight of the Mass was Bishop Bambera commissioning nearly 20 individuals to embark on a vital initiative for the Diocese of Scranton.

The newly commissioned individuals will engage – and most importantly listen – to parish communities to formulate a comprehensive Hispanic ministry plan for the Diocese of Scranton over the next year aimed at addressing the unique needs of Hispanic parishioners.

“I’m really excited,” Pilar Cueva from Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg said. “It is definitely an opportunity for us all.”

Cueva was born and raised in New York. Her parents came to the United States from Ecuador more than 45 years ago. She considers her parish to be her second home and is looking forward to helping others discover the beauty of God’s love.

“This is an opportunity for us to be heard and also to understand our different devotional and traditional practices,” she added. “It is definitely a great opportunity for all of us to feel included as one.”

The Diocese of Scranton currently has 13 parishes that regularly celebrate Masses in Spanish for members of the Hispanic community. In all, parishioners come from at least 20 countries including Mexico, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Cuba.

“We all come from different places, and we are all different, but when we all come together, we can make something really good and we can grow,” commission member Aris Torres, parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Archbald, added.

Torres was born in the Dominican Republic but came to the United States at 13, where he attended both high school and college. He moved to the Scranton area in 2015 and enjoys serving the church.

“The Spanish community is growing. This is a way to grow the community and help each other come together,” Torres said. “I see this as an opportunity to serve.”

By actively seeking input from the Hispanic community, the Diocese of Scranton aims to enhance spiritual engagement and understand community-specific concerns, ensuring that the voices of all people can be heard.

As the Diocese develops a strategic plan for Hispanic ministry it also seeks to cultivate an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in faith.

That goal echoes the theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage month in the United States, ‘Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,’ which Bishop Bambera emphasized during his homily at the Hispanic Heritage Month Mass.

“As the Hispanic community takes its rightful place in the great tapestry of life that has been created in our country by its people who immigrated to this land from every corner and country of the world, we celebrate the gifts that you bring to our lives, to our Church and to our future,” Bishop Bambera said. “How blessed we are to begin this celebration at the table of the Eucharist, to be nourished for our shared mission and bound together in unity by nothing less than the power and presence of Almighty God.”

SCRANTON – In a world filled with noise and distractions, Nancy Layo finds peace and comfort in praying the rosary.

“I feel like I’m holding onto Mary’s hand when I’m praying the rosary,” Layo said. “It keeps me connected to God through Mary.”

The same is true for Ann Laird.

“For me, it has provided a sense of calm, a sense of purpose, and I feel much closer to our Lord through the Blessed Mother,” Laird added.

Both Layo and Laird, who are parishioners and members of the worship team at Mary, Mother of God Parish in North Scranton, have dedicated their Friday mornings this month to praying the rosary with fellow parishioners in their church.

“It is good for us to say our own prayers but for us to get together and pray is also powerful,” Layo said.

The Catholic Church dedicates the month of October to the Holy Rosary. This year, this month takes on added significance because parishes in the Diocese of Scranton are participating in a Rosary Crusade, leading up to a large Rosary Rally that will take place on Nov. 16, 2024, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.

The Rosary Crusade, which is now underway, will look different in each parish. Some will celebrate Mass or schedule a special Holy Hour for the intention of an increase in family prayer. Others will have parishioners gather more often to recite the rosary – or ask families to sign a pledge card to recite the rosary as a family.

“We’re excited because there are so many beautiful things about the rosary. It is such a common, uniting element that we have in our faith,” Mary Hallman, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life, explained. “The whole purpose of the (Rosary) Crusade is for families to pray more.”

The Rosary Rally planned for Nov. 16 is being held to commemorate the first Rosary Rally held by Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., in the United States seventy-five years ago. That 1949 rally was held in Scranton and brought together 50,000 people.

Father Peyton devoted his priestly life to spreading devotion to Mary and encouraging family prayer, especially the rosary. He used radio, television, and film, and 540 Rosary Rallies worldwide to accomplish his mission.

“He harnessed the media and look at where we are today. We have ways to pray the rosary that he could have never imagined. There are apps for it. You can go online. One of my personal favorite things is I go on YouTube, and I can hear the voice of Father Peyton and pray the rosary along with him, just like people did all those years ago,” Hallman said.

Father Peyton, whose cause for sainthood was officially opened in 2001, has a connection to Scranton. After immigrating to the United States, a young Peyton served as the janitor for the Cathedral of Saint Peter before answering the call to the priesthood.

The Rosary Rally planned for Nov. 16 is open to everyone. There will be a special emphasis on getting families to attend together. There will be many special events taking place, including book signings, a screening of the movie ‘Pray,’ Eucharistic Adoration and a reflection on Mary using the artwork of the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

The centerpiece of the Rosary Rally will take place at 1:30 p.m. when all in attendance will recite the rosary together.

“We’re asking people to come together in the same spirit as they did with Father Peyton,” Hallman excitedly stated.

Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or have never picked up a rosary, Father Cyril Edwards, pastor, Mary, Mother of God Parish in Scranton, believes the Rosary Rally will be an opportunity for people to learn, grow, and experience the beauty of communal prayer. Together, he believes participants will lift their voices to heaven and draw closer to God.

“There is plenty to pray for,” the longtime pastor said.

For more information on the Rosary Rally that will take place on Nov. 16, visit the Diocese of Scranton website at dioceseofscranton.org.

WILKES-BARRE – With colder nights on the horizon, construction is now underway on the new, permanent location for Mother Teresa’s Haven, an emergency shelter for men experiencing homelessness, which is operated by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton.

Located at 39 East Jackson Street, directly above Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, the new facility will provide stability and essential services for those in need.

“I’m like a little kid as Christmas is approaching,” Joe Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, said while touring the facility Oct. 10. “I’m so ready to have our people move into this space. Panzitta Enterprises, our construction contractor, has been wonderful to work with on this whole project.”

For several decades, Mother Teresa’s Haven has been ‘nomadic’ in nature, operating out of various churches in Wilkes-Barre. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been housed in the basement of Saint Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Having a permanent site will not only enhance the quality of services offered but will also enable better coordination with other local providers.

“CareerLink is right behind us. There are health services and mental health services within walking distance,” Mahoney added.

The shelter will also be able to coordinate services with Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, along with its food and clothing pantries.

“If somebody comes in without a pair of shoes, we’re going to be able to go downstairs and immediately solve that problem,” Harry Lyons, program director for Mother Teresa’s Haven, said.

The new shelter will have space for 20 beds and will also feature showers and laundry facilities for the first time.

“To be able to wake up in the morning and take a shower is not only a matter of hygiene and health, but basic human dignity,” Lyons added.

Construction is expected to be completely around Thanksgiving, just in time for the winter months, when the need for support is often most noticeable. The new shelter will be handicap accessible with access available via elevator.

Since Catholic Social Services owns the building, managers will also have flexibility to extend hours as weather conditions warrant.

“If there is a foot of snow on the ground, or if it is four degrees out, I’m going to be able to make the decision that we are going to stay open that day and not put people out into the cold,” Lyons explained.

Community members – from county and city leaders to Bishop Bambera and local parishes – have been extremely supportive of the project. Funding from the ongoing Catholic Ministries Appeal will help the new shelter operate.

“This is really a community project,” Mahoney said. “This is where we need to be.”

PITTSTON –– Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish will host its 67th 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.

The well-known and time-honored Saint Jude Novena begins Saturday, Oct. 19, and concludes on the Feast of Saint Jude, Monday, Oct. 28.

Mass, homily, Novena prayers and veneration of the relic of Saint Jude will be held Monday through Friday at noon & 7 p.m.

Saturday devotions are offered at noon & 4 p.m., and the Sunday Novena is held at 11 a.m. & 5 p.m.

Recitation of the Rosary and Sacramental confessions (except Sunday) precede all Novena devotions.

This year’s scheduled celebrants/homilists for the Saint Jude Novena include: Saint Joseph Oblate Father Gregory Finn, Monsignor Joseph Quinn, Monsignor John Bendik, Father Sam Ferretti, Father Michael Boris, Monsignor John Jordan, Saint Joseph Oblate Father Paul McDonnell and Father Joseph Elston.

Novena prayer cards are provided. For more information, contact the parish office at (570) 654-0263.

WILKES-BARRE – While they each had diverse stories and styles, the three main speakers at the 2024 ‘Be A Catholic Man’ Conference all had a similar message.

Each speaker challenged the men attending this year’s conference to be proactive in embracing their Catholic faith and to become spiritual leaders in their homes and communities.

“Strong men, strong families,” Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers told thecrowd. “Strong families, strong church.”

Burke-Sivers is the author of five books and hosts several shows on EWTN. He explained that leadership is rooted in service.

“You’re not the ‘boss’ of your house,” he told the crowd. “You’re the head of the house because you are the chief servant.”

Father Bill Casey, who is also a frequent guest on EWTN and a nationally renowned speaker, explained that every person is created for heaven, that nothing is impossible with God, God has a plan for each life and is always faithful to his promises.

“Make the most of the gift of life and the gift of the time that God has given to you,” Father Casey said. “History has proven that time and time again, God always raises up the greatest saints in times of crisis in his church and the present age will be no different.”

John Edwards, founder and executive director of Pew Ministries, a Catholic apostolate with the mission of bringing Jesus Christ to all people, told a very personal story about how his addiction to drugs and alcohol landed him in prison.

Edwards said it was at that lowest point in his struggle with addiction that he realized Jesus came to him with love and mercy.

“God doesn’t care about what you’ve done. He cares about what you have the potential to do,” Edwards said. “Every one of the Apostles was broken … I met Jesus and Jesus did something for me that I could not do for myself, and he can do it in every one of our lives.”

Approximately 370 men attended this year’s conference, which was held Oct. 5 at Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre. This year was the ninth annual ‘Be A Catholic Man’ Conference.

“The speakers are unbelievable. They are national speakers, and I have never been disappointed,” Mike McFadden, a parishioner of Saint Lawrence Parish in South Williamsport, said. “I learned a lot about humility.”

Jack Walsh, who lives in Hershey, made the 90-minute trip to participate in this year’s conference.

“When you get in a group like this at a men’s conference, where you’re surrounded by guys that believe the same things and feel strongly in their faith, it’s very moving and important,” Walsh said.

Walsh brought his son, Mark, who is a junior at Messiah University, to this year’s conference for the first time. Mark, 22, was particularly inspired by Edwards’ personal story of putting his life back together after his arrest – and took away an important message.

“No matter what I’m going through, you can always have faith in the Lord, and if you believe, you can get back up,” Mark Walsh explained.

The conference concluded with Mass, celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who reflected on this year’s conference theme, ‘Come, follow me.’

“Following Jesus demands that for those of us who say ‘yes’ to his invitation, we’re willing to allow him to reshape our priorities, our actions and our very identity,” Bishop Bambera explained. “Authentically following Jesus requires a realignment of our lives with his teachings and example, embracing his values and making them our own.”