Category: Diocese of Scranton News

SCRANTON – At her home parish, Gina Morgese recognizes that she is one of the youngest people in the pews.

While attending the Diocese of Scranton’s annual ‘Leave a Mark’ Mass on Nov. 3, the Carbondale native found herself surrounded by many other young Catholics her age, all gathered to joyfully celebrate their shared faith.

“It gives me so much hope that the Church is alive, and God is present,” Morgese said. “I look forward to it every year.”

Held at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, this year marked the ninth annual ‘Leave a Mark’ Mass, which kicks off National Vocation Awareness Week. The name of the Mass originates from Pope Francis’ words to young people during the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland.

“I just always feel like I can be myself at these gatherings and connect with other people who have similar beliefs,” Morgese added. “It can be hard in our secular world, but I love moments like this, where I can connect with other young Catholics.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant of the Mass, and Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation, delivered the homily.

From the moment the opening hymn, “Lift Up Your Hearts,” filled the Cathedral, it was clear that this was no ordinary Mass – it was a celebration of youth, hope, and the power of the Church to unite.

“We are reminded that if we seek to know where we’re going in life, our vocation, our calling, if we want a sense of peace and purpose and joy, we must build our lives on the rock that is Jesus,” Father Roche said during his homily.

Speaking directly to his young audience, Father Roche reminded the young Catholics that each one of them is created in God’s image and has a unique purpose.

He also challenged them to be witnesses of Christ in our world – using examples of Christ the Good Shepherd, Christ the Healer, and Christ the Teacher.

“Your calling is to make Jesus Christ present in this world, and you’re all called to do that in a different way,” he explained.

Following the Mass, the celebration continued with a lively social at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, which featured food trucks, seasonal treats and more. Young adults from different parishes and universities mingled, shared stories, and made new connections.

“I really enjoy seeing how many young adults and people are interested in proclaiming their faith and not hiding it behind anything,” Chloe McDougall of Marywood University said. “It’s exciting to meet new people and connect the universities and churches that have people here today.”

Michael Garcia attended the ‘Leave a Mark’ Mass with several other young adults from his young group at Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg.

“I love it over here,” he said.

For Garcia and many others who attended, the night was filled with faith, fun, and fellowship, and was a reminder of the importance of providing opportunities for young adults to connect, grow in their faith, and experience the love of Christ in meaningful ways.

“My message for everyone is to go to your parish and see if there is a youth group. If not, see if a neighboring parish has a youth group because youth group is awesome. It’s very fun and you definitely have to experience it,” Garcia said.

SCRANTON – The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrated an Inauguration Liturgy on Nov. 8, 2024, as Marywood University officially installed its 13th President, Lisa A. Lori, J.D.

The Mass took place at the Sette LaVerghetta Center for Performing Arts on campus. During his homily, Bishop Bambera said that, as a Catholic university, Marywood must continue to fulfill the mission of Jesus in an authentic manner.

“It is hardly by accident that the values and attitudes that are so integral to Jesus’ mission reflect both the mission and core values of Marywood University,” Bishop Bambera said. “As a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary 109 years ago, Marywood is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and promotes not only academic excellence but leadership in service to others. It prepares women and men to live responsibly in and for our world And Marywood seeks to achieve this noble end as a result of those values that are integral to its very existence: its Catholic identity; its respect for the dignity of the human person and for the blessings of creation; its commitment to the empowerment of students to achieve their full potential; its belief in the value of service and social responsibility; and its enduring pursuit of excellence.”

WYALUSING – Parishioners from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bradford County have seen first-hand the need that exists in their community.

Many currently volunteer at the Helping Hands Food Pantry, located at 137 Main Street, Wyalusing.

Currently, the pantry is distributing 240 food bags every weekend throughout the school year in its backpack program. In addition to the backpack program, the agency also serves 80 families every week by distributing bags of pre-packaged groceries – including eggs, milk, meat, canned goods, bread and other staples.

The Ministry of Mercy Committee at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish received a Social Justice Grant from the 2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal to help the food pantry continue its efforts.

Helping Hands is not government funded and continues to serve the Wyalusing Area only by the generosity of the community.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the backpack program, it is $25/student and your donation can either be dropped off at the food pantry in Wyalusing or can be mailed to: Helping Hands Food Pantry, PO Box 233, Wyalusing, PA 18853.

SCRANTON – Eight men in formation to become permanent deacons of the Diocese of Scranton were instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte during a special Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Oct. 19, 2024.

The Ministry of Acolyte includes assisting the priest and deacon at the altar during Mass. Acolytes serve during liturgies, help distribute Holy Communion and purify sacred vessels. Installation to this ministry marks the final step before ordination to the permanent diaconate, which will take place for this class Nov. 29, 2025.

“With each year, it gets more and more serious,” Fernando Alves of Saint Luke Parish in Stroudsburg, said. “We feel blessed to be here. It is a great responsibility to be able to serve the Church and our community.”

In addition to Alves, the seven others instituted as acolytes included: Francisco Castelan of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Scranton; Michaelangelo Colaneri of the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton; Frank Fanelli of Saint Ann Parish, Shohola; Joel Marte, Jorge Roca and Rafael Sánchez Velásquez, all of Saint Matthew Parish, East Stroudsburg; and Christian Saunders of Saint Paul Parish, Scranton.

“It’s a real honor to be able to walk in this path,” Saunders stated. “I’ve found it really fulfilling and I’m really excited about serving.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, who served as principal celebrant and homilist at the Rite of Acolyte Mass, discussed the importance of walking with Jesus as they continue their final preparation in the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program.

“Walk with Jesus through these challenging and polarizing days in which we find ourselves and know that you do not journey alone,” Bishop Bambera said. “Share the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist generously and so become Christ for one another in the sharing.”

After retiring as a detective in the New York City Police Department, Fanelli found himself called to serve the Church in a greater way after settling in the Pocono Mountains. He has been humbled to be able to help the three parishes in his community serve hundreds of free meals each month.

“I just want to continue helping people,” Fanelli said about his preparation to become a deacon. “It is a lot of work, but the rewards are incredible.”

This permanent diaconate class is historic because it will mark the first time the program has both English and Spanish-speaking candidates learning together at the same time.

Using technology, the men have spent several years of discernment and study together despite language differences.

“I’m very happy and overwhelmed and joyful about the Institution of Acolyte,” Roca said in Spanish. “I know that it comes with a big responsibility, and I am trusting in the Lord that I am prepared.”

SCRANTON – In a gathering filled with gratitude, more than 20 religious sisters were recognized earlier this month for their remarkable milestones in consecrated life, marking anniversaries of 50, 60, 70, 75, and even 80 years of faithful service to the Church.

The Diocese of Scranton held its annual Jubilee Mass for Women & Men Religious on Nov. 3 at the Cathedral of Saint Peter. The celebration was a deeply moving tribute to those religious whose lives have been defined by their love of Christ, dedication to the community, and tireless commitment to education and service.

The Sisters, who this year collectively represent an astounding 1,390 years of service, were celebrated for their unwavering devotion to the Catholic faith and their openness to listening to the needs of God’s people.

“Quite honestly, as I look at all of you who gather today in our Cathedral, you are amazing! You are living testimony of the power of faith and its ability to carry us through life with peace at our center, despite the ups and downs that we all endure,” the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, said during his homily. “Thank you for reminding us of the treasure that is ours when we live not so much for ourselves, but for Christ, in service of our sisters and brothers.”

Many of the jubilarians have spent decades teaching in schools, from elementary classrooms to universities, imparting not just academic knowledge, but the values of compassion and kindness.

“It was wonderful, wonderful work,” Sister M. Alphonsa Concilio, I.H.M., explained.
Sister Alphonsa, who is now in her nineties, is celebrating 70 years of service this year.

“For the first half of my life, I was a piano teacher. Later in life, the community asked me to go to Marywood to teach voice. I never slowed down,” she said with a smile.

Sister Richard Mary Peters, I.H.M., who professed her vows 60 years ago, decided to become a religious sister after seeing how joyful her formators were at a Catholic school in New York.

“For most of my teaching years, which would amount to about 28 years, I taught second grade, and I had the joy of preparing the children for First Penance and First Eucharist, and I really did like that,” she said.

In addition to their work as educators, the sisters have served in countless other ministries – including caring for the sick, visiting the elderly, leading retreats, and providing spiritual direction.

Sister Miriam Francis Stadulis, R.S.M., who is celebrating 70 years in religious life, joked that she entered religious life because she “couldn’t get away from it.”

“When I tried not to become a Sister, the Lord was speaking to me, and I felt I have a call and I need to answer that call,” Sister explained. “I did, and here I am, 70 years later, I’ve answered the call!”

Following the Jubilee Mass, the Sisters enjoyed a meal together at the Diocesan Pastoral Center which was filled with many memories.

For many, the day was not just a celebration of years passed, but a reaffirmation of their ongoing commitment to the Lord’s work. While most of the jubilarians are now retired, they admit there is no retirement in religious life – they are always called to serve, and always called to love.

“I have met so many people and I hope I have affected them for the good,” Sister Marylin Grosselfinger, I.H.M., said.

 

2024 JUBILARIANS

SISTERS, SERVANTS OF THE IMMACULATE
HEART OF MARY (I.H.M.)

80 Years
Sister M. Melissa Hester, I.H.M.

75 Years
Sister Catherine Anne Mullaly, I.H.M.

70 Years
Sister Joan M. Bastress, I.H.M.
Sister M. de Montfort Babb, I.H.M.
Sister M. Alphonsa Concilio, I.H.M.
Sister M. Annellen Kelly, I.H.M.

60 Years
Sister Beatrice Caulson, I.H.M.
Sister Marylin Grosselfinger, I.H.M.
Sister Agnes Panik, I.H.M.
Sister Richard Mary Peters, I.H.M.
Sister Mary Reap, I.H.M.

50 Years
Sister Kathleen Mary Burns, I.H.M.
Sister Sandra Grieco, I.H.M.

SISTERS OF MERCY OF THE AMERICAS (R.S.M.)

80 Years
Sister Timothy Galbraith, R.S.M.

75 Years
Sister Marise Fabie, R.S.M.
Sister Aileen Purvey, R.S.M.
Sister Ellen Kelly, R.S.M.

70 Years
Sister Elizabeth Gaynor, R.S.M.
Sister Miriam Francis Stadulis, R.S.M.

60 Years
Sister Mary Ann Dillon, R.S.M.

50 Years
Sister Mayon Sylvain, R.S.M.

ELMHURST TOWNSHIP – Residents, staff, and administrators of Saint Mary’s Villa gathered Oct. 23, 2024, to celebrate a significant milestone – one hundred years of compassionate care and service to the community.

The Founder’s Day celebration began with a special Mass celebrated by Monsignor William J. Feldcamp, followed by a luncheon and mission ceremony for staff.

“It is an unbelievable time. It’s a time to be invigorated with our mission and our ministry but also to be reminded of the beautiful love that we share here at the Villa,” Adeline Rocco, Director of Mission and Spiritual Care for Saint Mary’s Villa, said.

Saint Mary’s Villa was founded in 1924 by a Passionist priest, Rev. Alphonsus Maria, who came to the United States from Lithuania. Father Alphonsus and the religious order he founded, the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother, established an orphanage and a home for the elderly, in what is now considered Lackawanna County’s North Pocono region.

“At that time there was no Medicare, there was no health insurance,” Rocco added. “Father Alphonsus saw men dying in the mines and their wives, the widowers, had no place to go. Their homes were owned by the coal company. They had no revenue, and they were given 24 hours to bury their husband and get out if they died … so we took in their children and the motherhouse was on the hill right above the personal care home.”

Saint Mary’s Villa now consists of a skilling nursing and rehabilitation center and personal care home. Currently a member of Covenant Health, its mission statement still refers to continuing “the healing ministry of Christ” in the tradition of its founders.

In an ever-changing healthcare landscape of mandates and regulations, Saint Mary’s Villa President, Nancy Newcomb, says the inspiration of the facility’s first Sisters continues.

“It’s in every room. It’s in every hallway. Everywhere we can hang something to remind us of why we’re here, we do that. It is throughout the building all the time. That is what makes us different, I think, than a lot of other facilities in the area, our mission,” Newcomb said.

During his homily at Mass, Monsignor Feldcamp, who serves as chaplain for Saint Mary’s Villa, echoed those sentiments. As he reflected on the last century and looked ahead to the future, he focused on the key word of “accompaniment.”

“Sometimes we forget about the goodness that happens here,” Monsignor Feldcamp said. “The mission that the Sisters had in the past is still being carried on to this day and for that we are thankful, and we bless the Lord.”

While the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother no longer have a daily presence at the facility, Sister Mary Valliere, CJC, Superior General, traveled from their convent in Brockton, Mass., to attend the Founder’s Day activities.

“This is where our whole foundation began. It’s just unbelievable that it has been one hundred years,” she said. “The staff has carried our mission all the way though … You can’t deny it. It’s here as soon as you walk through the building.”

Over the last century, thousands of people have passed through the doors of Saint Mary’s Villa receiving dedicated care. For those currently there, they are thankful for the staff who still serve as witnesses to what Jesus taught in the Gospels.

“The aides are wonderful to the patients,” resident Helen Siconolfi, who has been at the facility for 20 months, said. “We have Mass twice a week and the chapel is filled with people. It’s really wonderful.”

GOULDSBORO – With the leaves in the Poconos a mixture of reds, oranges, and golds, the faithful were recently invited to not only enjoy the vibrant colors, but immerse themselves in a weekend of faith, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.

On the weekend of Oct. 19-20, 2024, the eight parishes of the Stroudsburg deanery joined together to host the second annual ‘Living Water Trail.’ On both days, each parish opened its doors to parishioners and visitors by hosting special events and activities.

“It is nice to have people travel around to see the different churches that are near them that they never get to,” Amanda Proch, business manager of Saint Rita Parish in Gouldsboro, said. “This way, we get to meet people from all the churches around us.”

Saint Rita Church hosted several events during the ‘Living Water Trail’ weekend. Throughout the weekend, parishioners recited the rosary together, hosted tours of the church and its 104-year-old stained glass windows and showcased its traveling statute of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

“We’re such a small little parish and we’re on the outside of the deanery so we don’t get a lot of traffic,” parishioner Diane Negri said. “Being Catholic is about sharing your faith with the community and what better way to get to meet other people from other churches.”

As the weekend unfolded, each parish contributed unique elements to the trail, allowing for a variety of experiences.

From presentations on church architecture and the Eucharist by clergy, to prayer rock painting, sing-a-longs, campfires, Visio Divina (Praying through art), Lectio Divina (Praying through Scripture), there were plenty to participate in throughout the weekend.

One of the favorites of young people quickly became a faith-based soccer clinic hosted by Father Paschal Mbagwu at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish in Pocono Pines.

“Our eight parishes always have something great going on,” Desiree Schulz, who helped to develop the idea and organize the ‘Living Water Trail,’ explained.

Schulz believes getting parishes familiar with one another only strengthens our faith collectively and allows for greater collaboration.

“To have us work together as one deanery family, instead of eight separate parishes, is a comfort,” she added.

BALTIMORE (OSV News) – The U.S. bishops wrapped up the second day of public sessions for their annual fall assembly in Baltimore with a focus on three major issues: migration, the dignity of the human person and care for creation in light of the church’s evangelizing mission.

One of the most significant discussions Nov. 13 took place just before the bishops concluded that afternoon, as Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, encouraged his brother bishops and their priests to speak loudly and as one on the issue of migration, especially in light of the recent rhetoric from public figures.

The lay faithful have a “real hunger … for leadership from their priests and bishops alike on this issue,” Bishop Seitz said, citing recent focus groups administered by the USCCB.

“The clergy continues to have a strong moral voice to which the laity listens, and consistent and intentional teaching from church leaders can significantly impact public opinion,” he said. “It is thus imperative that we bishops speak in one voice on this issue consistently and intentionally, and proceed in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters, especially given the experience of so many Catholic immigrants in generations gone by.”

The bishops also heard a presentation offered by the committees on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, Pro-Life Activities and Catholic Education in relation to implementing the Vatican declaration on human dignity, “Dignitas Infinita,” released in April.

Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minn., chair of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, said the committees “agreed on the need to highlight the teachings of the declaration in our respective resources” with “the goal of applying the lessons of ‘Dignitas Infinita’ to our American society so that the church can more effectively proclaim” that “the person created in the image of God is a being at once corporeal and spiritual and is fulfilled in its vocation to divine beatitude in Jesus Christ.”

The bishops also discussed caring for creation ahead of the 10th anniversary of the release of “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on integral ecology. Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak, chair of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, suggested in his presentation that the encyclical could be “integrated into our core mission of evangelization.”

The archbishop, who heads the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, said that returning to the practice of abstaining from eating meat on Fridays “would be good for the soul and for the planet,” and he added that the practice of fasting “could be an opportunity for synodal engagement,” through “exploring ancient practices in the Latin rite, such as Ember Days or Advent fasts, and other rich Eastern Christian practices among Catholics and others.”

The day also saw the bishops address mission priorities, especially in light of the recent Synod on Synodality, and other liturgical priorities affecting the celebration of Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and Marian devotion.

The bishops voted 225-7, with two abstentions, to approve the new “mission directive” for 2025-2028, which commits the committees and staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to “prioritize the work of the Conference to help equip bishops, clergy, religious and the laity in evangelizing those who are religiously unaffiliated or disaffiliated from the Church, with special focus on young adults and the youth.”

Bishop Barron also presented his committee’s proposal to draft a succession document to the bishops’ 2005 document on developing lay ecclesial ministry in the U.S., “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” citing “the experience of co-responsibility in the church, the evolving nature of parish and diocesan workplaces and above all the call to greater synodality.”

The floor discussion saw some bishops voice the importance that the document avoid the twin pitfalls of clericalizing the laity or restricting lay ministry to professionals, and also to take steps to make sure the document did not end up on the shelf, generally unread and unheard of, after so much effort.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, updated his fellow bishops Nov. 13 on his committee’s plans to implement the ministry of the lay catechist, a ministry set forward by Pope Francis in his May 2021 apostolic letter “Antiquum Ministerium.” He said the guide they are developing will be informed by “the call for ongoing missionary conversion from the recent Synod on Synodality.”

The Latin Church bishops of the conference voted 220-2, with one abstention, to approve the final draft of “The Order of Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The text now heads to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments for confirmation.

The Latin bishops also approved Spanish texts for the Liturgy of the Hours, in a 213-1 vote, with nine abstentions, for use in U.S. dioceses. The Liturgy of the Hours is the public prayer of the church that complements the Mass or Divine Liturgy and consists of an ongoing, daily sequence of psalms, Scripture, canticles and reflections intended to sanctify the day.

Latin Church bishops also approved the revised New American Bible for liturgical use in 216-4 vote, with three abstentions.

In a short update on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, chair of the relevant USCCB subcommittee, announced that after a thorough application and approval process to ensure conformity with church teaching, the CCHD Nov. 9 had approved 93 grants totaling “nearly 2.3 million dollars” to be distributed to community and economic development organizations around the United States.

In addition, he said, the subcommittee approved three internal grants for the USCCB for a total of $277,000 in support of the conference’s work on educating Catholics on the root causes of poverty and its work combatting racism.

The announcement was made after grant-giving activity for the campaign was put on hold earlier this year when the CCHD ran into financial difficulties, which resulted in the layoffs of several employees after a reorganization of the conference.

Bishop James F. Checcio of Metuchen, New Jersey, the conference’s treasurer and chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance, presented the proposed 2025 budget for the conference. While he acknowledged the “high rate of inflation,” he said the conference remains in a good financial position, with the 2025 operating budget reduced by $2.4 million from the current operating budget — and no increase in diocesan assessment to support the conference for the fifth year running.

The bishops voted to approve the budget in a 226-3 vote, with four abstentions.

Outside the hotel where the conference took place on the Baltimore waterfront, Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was removed by the Vatican from governance of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, held a press conference attended by a couple dozen people, some of whom held flags and placards. He accused Pope Francis of making “unambiguous denials of the Catholic faith,” called the Synod on Synodality “an abomination constructed not to guard the Deposit of Faith but to dismantle it,” and lambasted his fellow bishops as “silent shepherds.”

Bishop Strickland’s accusations of heresy against Pope Francis appeared to have a similar tenor to those made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, former papal nuncio to the United States, who was excommunicated after being found guilty of schism July 5.

Bishop Strickland did not participate in the bishops’ assembly, a conference official confirmed.

Within the hotel, during a lunchtime discussion with reporters regarding the Synod on Synodality, OSV News asked Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore what next steps they had in mind for taking their experience of the synod in Rome to the diocesan and parish level.

Archbishop Lori noted that after meeting with synod participants from all over the world in Rome, he realized that the church in the United States already has long-standing participatory and consultative bodies in place. He said synodality is mainly “about culture change, not necessarily structure change or not necessarily canonical changes or any other kind of changes, but first and foremost the change in how we relate one to another in the body of Christ.”

Bishop Flores said that, while the church in the U.S. has developed many consultative bodies since the Second Vatican Council, “without humility, the structure won’t really help us.”

He said the U.S. is in a “post-village world” where the village is a “small community.” In light of this, “there are places in the world we can learn from” and “places in this country that are perhaps poorer, have less resources,” but “can teach us a lot about the basic way we talk to each other and listen to each other and I think in this country.”

“We need to hear the Holy Father when he says we really do have something to learn from the poor,” he concluded.

The bishops’ fall assembly began Nov. 11, concluding with an executive session closed to the public Nov. 14.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Before Pope Francis presides over Mass Nov. 17 for the World Day of the Poor, he will bless 13 keys to represent the 13 new houses he has pledged to pay for in Syria during the Holy Year 2025, the Vatican said.

The Famvin Homeless Alliance, a network of religious orders and charitable organizations inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, said the 13 keys also represent the 13 countries where they will build houses for the homeless. The countries are: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Tonga, Senegal, Syria, Tanzania, United Kingdom and Ukraine.

The “13 Houses Campaign” is an homage to St. Vincent de Paul and his decision in 1643 to use an endowment from French King Louis XIII to build 13 small houses near the Vincentian headquarters in Paris to care for abandoned children.

Pope Francis began the annual celebration of the World Day of the Poor in 2017. Traditionally, it has included Mass, lunch with Pope Francis and more medical care for the poor at the clinic run by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.

Usually, the Mother of Mercy Clinic under the colonnade in the square is open four mornings a week. But with the help of volunteer doctors, nurses and lab technicians, it opens 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11-16.

Flu shots and other vaccines, blood tests and visits with general practitioners, internal medicine specialists and dentists are regularly offered at the clinic. The extra volunteers also include specialists in cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, gynecology, oncology, urology, psychiatry, gastroenterology and podiatry.

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity also said Pope Francis will have lunch with 1,300 people in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall after Mass. The Italian Red Cross is the 2024 sponsor of the meal, and the national Red Cross marching band will provide entertainment.

The Vincentian Fathers will provide each of the pope’s guests with a backpack containing food and hygiene items to take home.

MESHOPPEN – Parishioners of Saint Joachim Church gathered on Oct. 13, 2024, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving to mark the 150th anniversary of their house of worship.

Father Patrick L. Albert, Pastor, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock, served as principal celebrant of the anniversary Mass. Saint Joachim Church is currently a worship site of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.

Parishioner Fran Storey Stretch compiled a history of Saint Joachim Church for its 150th anniversary with the help of the following:

The Susquehanna County Historical Society;  The Wyoming County Historical Society;  Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming County History (1880);  Meshoppen Bicentennial Book (1976);  Susquehanna County Sesquicentennial Book 1910-1960;  Rocket-Courier 100^th Anniversary Edition (1987) and Rocket-Courier (1992);  Wyoming County Democrat (1874, 1930), Tunkhannock Republican (1873), Tunkhannock New Age (1906) articles contributed by Marjorie Walters; Gail James Loomis House photo;   RootsWeb.com collection “Catholic Churches of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties” which included the Parish’s Centennial Celebration Commemoration Booklet (1973) and “Reminiscences” by first Pastor Rev. P. J. Murphy.

               

     The celebration of the 150^th year mark for St. Joachim’s Church, in Meshoppen, is really an affirmation of the Catholic faith from its earliest beginnings in northeastern Pennsylvania.   St. Joachim’s is comprised of members from southwestern Susquehanna County, northeastern Wyoming County and southeastern Bradford County, an area the Philadelphia Diocese considered missionary territory in the 1820’s.   It wasn’t until 1868 that the Diocese of Scranton was formed.

       When hearing the story of Rev. Jeremiah Francis O’Flynn, the first Catholic priest (missionary) who came to northeastern Pennsylvania, it just seems like it was all meant to be.   When Rev.  O’Flynn had returned from missionary work in the West Indies for health reasons, he met a man in Philadelphia, who had just purchased land in Susquehanna County.   This priest wanted to see this rugged land, where a few Irish Catholic families had moved, and a match was made.   In 1825, he bought 100 acres near Silver Lake, built a cabin, and added a room where daily masses were held and Sacraments were conferred, by the end of that year.    Being a true missionary, Father O’Flynn was soon saying mass in other areas of Susquehanna County.   In 1828, he requested, and was granted, (through the Philadelphia Diocese) the pastorate for northeastern Pennsylvania.  In 1830 he died in Danville, and, according to reports, 200 Irishmen came to escort his body to Susquehanna County.  

       The Catholic histories of Auburn and Meshoppen have been interwoven from the very beginning.   Ultimately, they were combined into a parish.   

     It is documented in the history of Wyoming County, printed in 1880, that Meshoppen had masses in homes beginning in 1835, at regular intervals with Rev. Henry Fitzsimmons visiting from Carbondale.   Father Fitzsimmons was covering the Friendsville-Silver Lake charge from his Carbondale parish residence.  He did four tours a year, covering the Meshoppen/Auburn area.   By 1869, masses were being said in Meshoppen monthly.  By 1880, thirty-five families were coming to Catholic masses in Meshoppen, according to the Wyoming County History.   

      The first mass that can officially be documented in Auburn, was said by Rev. John V. O’Reilly, in 1841, in the home of Cornelius Degnan (very close to the current church structure).   The home of Felix Reynolds was also utilized for home masses.   Father O’Reilly had been assigned to the Friendsville-Silver Lake charge in Susquehanna County in 1838 and stayed with the O’Neill family near Friendsville.    Later he moved closer to St Joseph. His appointment in Susquehanna County lasted 35 years, and his missionary work would have included our area, due to its proximity. 

      There are several indicators that the area around the current St. Bonaventure Church was being utilized during the 1840s and 1850s for Catholic functions, even though the deed for the land, where the current structure sits, wasn’t transferred until 1873.  The gravestone for the earliest grave in St. Bonaventure Cemetery is dated 1845.  More than one local history says a church was built in 1846 in Auburn Township, and two side wings were added in 1860.  The report from the first pastor, Rev. Patrick J. Murphy, who arrived at Auburn in 1873, talks about a church existing there upon his arrival.  Notes say, that “Historical data concerning Auburn parish attended first by priests from Friendsville.  All records previous to 1874 can be found at Friendsville PA”.   

      There is a lot of speculation about what happened to the first church in Auburn, and a fire has been suggested through popular recollections.   However, there is no doubt that the current St. Bonaventure building was dedicated in 1892. 

    Two events contributed to the large numbers of Irish immigrants who came to our area during the 1830s-1850s.  One was the potato famine in Ireland and the other was the building of the North Branch Canal along the Susquehanna River.   These strong Catholic groups within the Meshoppen Auburn area, became the roots of our parish.

      So, the stage was set for a new parish to be born.  In 1873, the rectory building was completed in Auburn Township.   And in 1874, the cornerstone was laid for the St. Joachim’s Church, in Meshoppen.  A lot had been purchased from D.T. Sterling, in the back of the Sterling House.  At one point, Meshoppen was called Sterlingville, in honor of the successful Meshoppen businessman.  The name reverted back to Meshoppen, however, and stayed that way.  It is derived from the Native American word “Mashapi” (meaning glass beads), named for special stones/ trinkets that accumulated somewhere on the stream or where the creek meets the Susquehanna River.  This location where the creek meets the river was an important location for both the Native Americans and the settlers.

     The new church was to be built by T. J.  Sherwood, in the orchard between the Depot and the Sterling House, according to a “Wyoming County Democrat” newspaper clipping from 1874.  Land was also secured from the Allen Jayne family on Myo Beach Road for a St. Joachim’s Cemetery.   The Church was finished in 1875, and the beautiful stained-glass windows were added in 1906, according to a note in the Tunkhannock New Age newspaper.

       The first pastor, Rev. P.  J.  Murphy was assigned to Auburn, which was the main church, and his residence was located next to St. Bonaventure’s Church.  Three mission Churches were assigned to Auburn including Meshoppen, Montrose and Tunkhannock.   As the years went on and populations grew in the other towns, parishes were formed in Montrose and Tunkhannock.   St. Bonaventure and St. Joachim Churches remained linked in a parish, but the rectory was moved to Meshoppen in 1930.

       The Loomis House, along with its surrounding grounds, was purchased in 1930, from a descendent of the family for $6,000 to become the Catholic residence.  Included was a large carriage house, which was destined to become the parish hall.  Under the direction of Rev. Norman J. Monahan and Rev. Francis H. Irwin, the hall was renovated and became known as the “Casino”, a longstanding social gathering place for both the Church and the community of Meshoppen.  Father Irwin’s project included enlarging the Casino.  The cellar was dug out by hand by the men of the parish and a large addition was added to the back. 

      At the time of the purchase, Rev. Joseph Reilly, also noted the grounds around the house would provide a lovely spot for parish picnics.  That was indeed the case for many years, with the lawn filled with tents for Bingo and other games for the Summer Picnic, and homemade dinners and pies served inside.  The St. Patrick’s Day Dinners were also great hits for many years.  Monday nights were for Bingo in the Casino in the 1980s for church fundraising.  For thirty-three year, roast beef was cooked at the Casino to be sold at the Wyoming County Fair as a major fundraiser.   The Casino still holds many parish events, including the annual parish Christmas party, and fundraisers such as the Elimination Party, and the “Taste of the Fair” each year. 

     The rectory (Loomis House) was sold in the early 1980s, and a smaller home was placed on the St. Joachim’s Church lot, to serve as a rectory for the priest. 

      St. Joachim’s Church almost seems to have a protective cloak around it, as it has survived three major floods and several major fires in Meshoppen.  The closest fires were the four mill fires across the street.   The heat from the 1923 fire threatened the church and the last fire in 1930 was so intense that it scorched the St. Joachim’s Church building.  A 1943 fire in the center of Meshoppen took out 14 businesses, including a few on Route 6, and the rest being on the north and south sides of Bridge St. (toward Route 6).  But again, the Church was safe and sound, a little away from that section of town. 

     The Casino being lower and closer to the Meshoppen Creek and Susquehanna River, sustained serious flooding in 1936, 1972, and 2011, taking on water onto the main floor.   However, St. Joachim’s Church just being slightly higher and away, has never flooded onto the main floor of the church.  The water has come close to the building, and some basement water was received, but the church remained unscathed. 

     The Casino needed extensive renovations after the 1972 flood, and parishioners also helped to fund those needed repairs.  The last major project completed at the Casino, was an addition to the main floor for a beautiful kitchen and new bathrooms. 

     In the 1980s, St. Joachim’s Church also underwent a major construction project with additions of a brighter bigger altar area, a balcony and additional seating.    

     With the influx of Eastern European immigrants from 1900-1925, the ranks of this parish expanded and diversified from its original Irish roots.  Polish, Italian, Lithuanian, and other Slavic nationalities joined the Irish with their same strong faith, as well as others. 

     With the 1960s, came the building of the one of the largest Procter & Gamble plants in the U.S., just over the hill in Mehoopany.  A general boost to the economy came along with P & G, but only a slight increase to church membership.   Still a growing parish, at the time of the St. Bonaventure Church Building Anniversary in 1992, there were 330 families in the parish. 

     Over the last decade, St. Joachim’s has welcomed many new members of the Hispanic nationality.  Their devout faith and presence are great blessings.    On the first and third Sundays of each month, Rev. Kevin Miller says mass in Spanish at 3 pm.  These masses are in addition to the 9 am services every Sunday morning.         

     In 2009, St. Bonaventure Church was closed, and St. Joachim’s parish was merged with St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish in Wyalusing.  The two parishes were joined into a new parish named “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”.  At that time, St. Anthony’s Church in Stowell, the mission church of Wyalusing, was also closed, which brought some additional members to Meshoppen.    Since 2009, there has not been a priest in residence, or a church office, in Meshoppen.  But St. Joachim’s has retained weekly masses and all of the benefits of the Catholic faith, through the Sacraments and help of the priests who attend to its families.  The previous rectory is now used as an education building for CCD.  The “hallmark” coffee and donuts social time is still held after Sunday mass in the basement of that building, as it has been since the 1980s. 

     In 2022, a change was made and St. Joachim’s Church is now joined to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock, PA.   Again, new folks are welcomed to St. Joachim’s masses in Meshoppen.   In addition to Sunday services, St. Joachim’s Church still has a weekday mass on Thursday morning at 9 am, and Holy Day masses.  The congregation is faithfully served by Rev. Patrick L. Albert, Deacon Raymond Pieretti, Rev. Dennis Bajkowski, and Rev. Kevin Miller.