GREAT BEND – Hundreds of people took to the streets of Susquehanna County this month to celebrate their faith and heritage.

Members of the local Ecuadorian community held a procession throughout Great Bend Sept. 2 with an image of Our Lady of El Cisne, ending with the celebration of Mass at Saint Lawrence Church.

Faithful of the Ecuadorian community hold a procession throughout the streets of Great Bend Sept. 2 with an image of Our Lady of El Cisne, which was later dedicated at Saint Lawrence Church.

“Latin Americans are very devoted to Our Lady. She has been such a role model for our faith,” Jose Flores, Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic Ministry, explained. “They have a really strong love of God, our faith and to Our Lady of El Cisne.”

During the Mass, an image of Our Lady of El Cisne, which was brought from Ecuador to be permanently placed in the church, was formally dedicated.

Throughout Ecuador, the faithful have figurines, shrines, pendants and other trinkets dedicated to Our Lady of El Cisne.

“Today’s liturgy was very special. It was a long process of more than a year to get the image here and to see it happening is very, very special,” Flores added. “The main purpose was, for the Ecuadorian community, to find a space in the church and this church is welcoming them.”

In addition to the procession and Mass, the Ecuadorian community also celebrated with music, dancing and food outside of the church.

“It is a way for everyone to get together in the community. It’s just exciting for everyone to celebrate,” Ashlee Sanchez, a parishioner of Saint Lawrence Church said. “Our Lady of El Cisne is very special to us. She brings us hope when we need it.”

Rosa Mishell Loja’s father and uncles worked for months to make the celebration a success.

“I’m so excited because while I was here in America, I have never seen anyone doing this for Our Lady of El Cisne. It is our first time and it’s going good so far,” she said.

Melisa Loja Pulla agrees. She reiterated how important it is to honor Our Blessed Mother in this way.

“She is magic for us. She is always there for us. She takes care of us,” Pulla said.

In his role as Diocesan Coordinator for Hispanic Ministry, Flores has helped to grow the Spanish-speaking faith community in Susquehanna County over the last two years. Your gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal help the Diocesan Office for Parish Life fund its Hispanic ministry efforts in several different communities.

 

 

 

WILKES-BARRE – Planning for the new, permanent home of Mother Teresa’s Haven, a shelter for homeless men operated by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, is now underway.

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023, agency leaders toured the space above Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen at 39 E. Jackson Street, which will soon be transformed into space that will be available for 20-24 men experiencing homelessness.

Harry Lyons, program director for Mother Teresa’s Haven shelter, center, leads a tour of the second floor of the Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen building in Wilkes-Barre. This space will soon be transformed into the new, permanent location for the emergency shelter serving men experiencing homelessness. (Photos/Eric Deabill)

“I couldn’t be more excited about being here, seeing the space and getting in,” Harry Lyons, program director for Mother Teresa’s Haven, said. “There is a lot of potential here.”

In late April, the Wilkes-Barre zoning hearing board unanimously approved an application for a special exception to establish the shelter above the Kitchen.

“We have a very supportive community,” Joe Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Social Services, explained. “We met with the mayor. We met with the neighbors and met with King’s College. We have got all of this support but we need to make sure we keep talking to them.”

The second floor space that will be converted into the shelter was most recently occupied by a health clinic. The space, which is currently divided into several exam rooms, will need to be reconfigured to accommodate the needs of the shelter.

“We’re excited about opening up the walls so we can get some line of sight. We’re excited about having adequate bathroom space with showers. We don’t currently have showers or laundry facilities but both are a basic need, a dignity issue,” Lyons said.

For the last several years, Mother Teresa’s Haven has been utilizing space in the basement of Saint Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception at 134 S. Washington Street. Prior to that, the shelter had rotated between several churches in Wilkes-Barre.

Catholic Social Services leaders say having a permanent home for the shelter located directly above Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen will also lead to better coordination of services for our brothers and sisters in need.

“We will be a one-stop shop, hopefully making our clients lives just a little bit easier,” Mahoney said. “Having a permanent home is going to be a big relief to our staff and the people we serve.”

“Mike Cianciotta, who runs Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen, has been providing meals for us for several years. I work closely with Mike. The Kitchen is an amazing operation and we want people to be able to say that about us. We want that same feeling about what they do at the Kitchen to apply to us,” Lyons added.

The timeline needed for renovations is still being determined so there is no expected completion date. While hoping to get the work done quickly, Lyons says it can’t be rushed.

Your gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal each year help to support all of the work done by Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton.

“This is something we’ve been waiting for a long, long time,” he said. “Ten years ago, on my very first day we started talking about it. This has been a goal forever.”

BALTIMORE, Md. – After a busy summer for many of our Diocesan seminarians – in which several attended World Youth Day in Portugal and two visited the Diocese of Sunyani in Ghana – a new semester of classes has just gotten underway.

Five seminarians are attending classes this fall at Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore. Three are attending Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, one will be studying at Saint Andrew’s College Seminary in S. Orange, N.J., and the final seminarian is serving his pastoral year at Saint Boniface and Saint Lawrence Parishes in Lycoming County.

For more than 200 years, Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore has been supporting the formation of Holy men.

At Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Harrison Rapp of Dunmore has just entered his second year studying theology.

Since its founding in 1791, Saint Mary’s Seminary has been supporting the formation of Holy men, including many from the Diocese of Scranton.

“It is really an intentional time to be with God and to just open your heart to the ways in which God wants to lead us,” Rapp said.

At Saint Mary’s Seminary, men begin their day with Morning Prayer as a community. There is also Adoration, Mass during the day and Evening Prayer in addition to academic classes.

Saint Mary’s currently serves 13 dioceses in the United States and Canada but also welcomes men from Africa, China and Vietnam.

“It’s good because you do get to see a lot of different perspectives in the way the church operates in their own respective locations in the United States and abroad,” Rapp added.

Harrison Rapp, a seminarian for the Diocese of Scranton, prays in the chapel of Saint Mary’s Seminary. (Photos/Eric Deabill)

Seminarian Jeremy Barket of Dupont studied theology at Saint Mary’s during the last academic year.

“The whole environment, inside and outside, is very conducive to having a very spiritual and prayerful atmosphere. There are so many times where I’ll just walk around the whole seminary and just pray a rosary,” he said.

Barket describes seminary as a community of men who want to grow closer to Christ.

“We’re normal guys. We just happen to pray a lot,” he said with a smile.

Before being ordained a priest in June, Father Michael Boris spent four years at Saint Mary’s Seminary.

“It was just a wonderful place of prayer and discernment,” Father Boris said.

Father Boris benefited from many mentors and spiritual directors as well as the classes he took.

He knows it is only because of the generous financial support from parishioners that his seminary experience was possible.

“To give somebody an education, to feed somebody, to house somebody, requires money,” Father Boris noted.

Your gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal go directly to supporting our future priests who will faithfully lead our parishes in the decades ahead.

The Diocese of Scranton currently has ten highly talented men in priestly formation.

You help pay for their education, helping to form each man intellectually, pastorally and spiritually – so in return – they can share the love of the Gospel with all people.

“You’re investing in us, but you’re also investing in your own diocese and the future of the diocese as well,” Barket said.

“You can really recognize and be grateful for the importance of the gifts that have been given to us, from our housing to our food to our classes. All of that means a great deal,” Rapp added. “I’ve really benefited from my experience here so far. It has been blessed. I love the community life and I do look forward to continuing the journey!”

“Arise! For this matter is your responsibility, but we will be with you: be courageous and act!”

Whether you’re talking about our individual lives or the global and national situation, the world can seem like a confusing place. It is undoubtedly so for young people attempting to find their path in life, trying to figure out where God is leading them, especially if they feel called to the priesthood or religious life.

That’s why the theme for the Diocesan Vocation Office this year comes from the 10th chapter of the Book of Ezra. The Book of Ezra tells the story of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after almost a century of exile. After being away from their homeland and Temple for so long, they were confused, frightened, and unsure where to go next. At that moment, God called upon a priest, Ezra, to guide them on their path. It was his responsibility to lead, but God provided him with other people to assist him along the way.

At every moment in the life of the Church, we need Catholics to arise and live out their vocation. No one can tell someone else where God is calling them, but all of us are responsible for assisting one another in listening to the call.

There are many ways in which the Vocation Office, along with our parishes, can offer this help. From high school groups, to retreats for men and women, to the Project Andrew Dinner and Leave a Mark Mass, the Vocations Office offers something for everyone.

The rectory of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg now serves as a Regional Vocation Center for the Diocese of Scranton. It has several rooms where men considering the priesthood can stay and participate in weekend retreats or other spiritual opportunities.

One of the most exciting new initiatives is the formation of Regional Vocation Centers. Four have been set up so far, with more to come. Annunciation Parish in Hazleton, Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg, Christ the King Parish in Archbald, and Saint Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin offer a variety of resources for young men considering priesthood – regular discernment dinners where men join with others considering the same call, opportunities to shadow a priest for a day, spiritual direction, Eucharistic Adoration, and private weekend retreats are just some of the possibilities.

In addition to our Vocation Centers, the Diocese has invited Rhonda Gruenewald of Vocation Ministry to offer workshops for priests and parishioners here in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania. Vocation Ministry focuses on building up vocations right in our parishes. You, the Catholic faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, can help our young men and women courageously listen to God’s voice and arise to follow him.

Thank you for listening to God’s voice in your own lives and for all the work you do in helping others discern their vocation. It is time for us in the Diocese to arise, be courageous, and act – the Holy Spirit is calling.

SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton proudly welcomed two new seminarians over the summer months. The addition of the two men means the Diocese now has ten men actively discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, and members of the Seminary Admissions Committee accepted Esteban Marengo and Daniel O’Brien as seminarians.

Marengo, of Scranton, is a parishioner of Saint Paul of the Cross Parish in South Scranton. He is currently attending classes at Saint Andrew’s College Seminary in S. Orange, N.J.

Esteban Marengo

When asked what metaphor for Christ speaks to him most powerfully, Marengo responded “Christ the Good Shepherd.”

“Despite the many troubles of life, Jesus continues to love, protect and guide us, as a shepherd would his own sheep,” he said.

As he begins his seminarian experience, the Scranton native said he often reflects on the crucifix and its importance to our salvation.

“In it, we see the immense love that God has for all of us,” Marengo noted.

O’Brien, who just began his Pre-Theology I semester at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, actually credits Marengo for part of the reason why he decided to become a seminarian candidate.

Daniel O’Brien

“Seeing him (Marengo) in his cassock a week before (the) Chrism Mass pushed my calling to the forefront of my mind,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien is a parishioner of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston. He is also a licensed commercial pilot for single-engine aircraft.

He says the Book of Psalms is the Book of the Bible that has had the greatest impact on his spiritual life and often reflects on the image of The Holy Mother Theotokos.

Even though he is just beginning the seminarian discernment process, when asked if he had any advice to give someone else at this point, O’Brien quoted Father Clarence Cerwonka, Pastor Emeritus at Most Holy Rosary Church in Maine, N.Y., who told him, “Strive for what the Holy Spirit wants you to do.”

Please keep Esteban Marengo, Daniel O’Brien, as well as their families, all our seminarians, and all those discerning diocesan priesthood in your prayers!

If you have thought about the possibility of the priesthood, you are encouraged to talk to your parish priest or Father Alex Roche, Diocesan Director of Vocations & Seminarians, to help you further discern your vocation.

SCRANTON – With the cost of groceries, fuel and other household expenses continuing to rise, Christine Ward has often found herself in need of a helping hand.

She is very thankful for the dedicated volunteers of Saint Paul Parish in Scranton’s Green Ridge section, who operate a parish food pantry every Friday from the basement of Saint Clare Church.

“It is very important. We come twice a month and there is a lot of stuff that you can choose. They have a lot of choices,” Ward said.

Christine Ward of Scranton expresses her gratitude to the volunteers who operate the Saint Paul Parish food pantry on a weekly basis. The parish received a $5,000 Social Justice Grant this year from the Diocesan Annual Appeal to serve its community. (Photo/Dan Gallagher)

The pantry has seen its numbers skyrocket in recent years.

“People fall through the cracks every day that never thought they would fall between the cracks and sometimes we don’t recognize, just in the general public around us, who those people are,” food pantry volunteer Noreen Rowland said.

Ward says the volunteers are courteous and respectful and really want to help their community.

“It’s actually good to come here because you get there and they ask you what you want. You can choose what you want – like Corn Flakes or any kind of cereal – and then you can choose your coffee, hot chocolate, tea, fruits and all different things,” Ward added.

In just the last year, Saint Paul Parish food pantry volunteers distributed more than 22,500 pounds of food.

Barbara Burkhouse, who has helped coordinate distribution efforts for the last 16 years, says the food pantry might have helped only five families a week in the past.

Now, the number of families helped each week is usually upwards of 25 families.

“They have increased significantly this year. We could see that as some of the benefits that were being given to people were cut back,” Burkhouse explained.

While supported by parishioner donations and area businesses, gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal also play a critical role in helping the Saint Paul Parish food pantry fulfill its mission.

The parish is one of 24 parishes that has received a Social Justice Grant from the Diocesan Annual Appeal this year. The parish also received a grant for its food pantry in 2022.

The $5,000 grant that the parish requested directly helps people in their local community.

“It is amazing. We use every penny we get our hands on. With the grant, we do a lot of meat and seafood coupons. We actually give people a $20 meat/seafood coupon once a month so they can go to Gerrity’s and pick out their own choice. That is really appreciated,” Jody Maloney, co-coordinator of the Saint Paul Parish food pantry, said.

“The Diocesan grant, the $5,000, is extremely important to us and we’re delighted to receive it,” Burkhouse added.

As you consider how you are called to serve others, think about your brothers and sisters who receive a helping hand from the dedicated volunteers at the Saint Paul Parish food pantry.

“There are many clients that really rely on this and we see so many people that are raising grandchildren,” food pantry volunteer Kathleen Manley said. “Some of them are very outspoken as to just how grateful they are!”

MOUNTAIN TOP – A new academic year is underway for thousands of Catholic school students across the Diocese of Scranton.

As children and young adults return to their studies, they are returning to 19 schools that prioritize strong academic programs, a commitment to faith and a family-centered community where love and respect abound.

Students from Saint Jude School in Mountain Top walk through the halls of their school.

At Saint Jude School in Mountain Top, students, faculty and families work together to create a special environment.

“The kids that are in my class, that have been here since kindergarten, are all very close,” seventh grader Hannah Fauerbach said.

Dedicated teachers play an important role in the success of each school.

They plan interactive STREAM activities, connecting science, technology, religion, engineering, arts and math, in lessons for all grade levels.

“We have a lot of activities in social studies, literature, English and science,” seventh grader Leah Smith said.

“I feel like they know each kid individually and they get to know their kids and they care about their children and my kids see that and they connect with the teachers and they have a special bond,” parent Rebecca Cabrera explained.

It is clear Christ is the reason for Saint Jude School.

Through artwork on display in the hallways, He is the unseen – but ever present – teacher in each classroom. Students are invited to become His disciples by praying daily and celebrating Mass weekly in neighboring Saint Jude Church.

“In the morning and in the afternoons we have prayers and then after lunch we have prayers,” seventh grader Elizabeth Bilbow said. “They really emphasize just how much religion means to us.”

“During Lent, every Friday, we do the Stations of the Cross and not many schools do that kind of stuff anymore so that just sets us apart,” fifth grader Robert Marcalus added.

Parents are also actively involved in the school.

Take for instance Saint Jude’s Field Day at the end of the 2022-23 academic year.

More than 70 parents volunteered to participate. There is never a project too big or too small that parents will not tackle.

“Things get done. Things come together. People want to make things happen and make a great place for our kids,” parent Jill Carone said.

The Diocesan Annual Appeal directly benefits all 19 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton, including Saint Jude School.

Your gifts help each student learn that God is present and active in their lives.

With enrollment growing at Saint Jude School, Sister Ellen Fischer, school principal, says so do requests for tuition assistance.

“The (Diocesan Annual) Appeal is so important because the reality is, there are other families who want a Catholic education for their children, and the reality is sometimes they can’t quite afford it,” Sister Ellen said. “Donations to the school in various ways assists with making that a reality. We have to serve all God’s people.”

By your financial support of the Diocesan Annual Appeal, Saint Jude School can continue to be that warm, welcoming environment where even more students can come together to learn about and glorify God.

“We’ve got Saint Jude Spirit and we’re not afraid to show it and no one else can copy it!” sixth grader Rachel Atwal said.

HARVEYS LAKE – Exactly 100 years to the day of the first Mass celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Church on Sept. 3, 1923, parishioners filled the pews for a special centennial celebration.

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was the principal celebrant and homilist for the church’s 100th anniversary Mass on Sept. 3, 2023.

“There is a lot to give thanks for this day, most especially thanks and gratitude to God for the blessing of faith and for the gift of one another in and through whom the Lord is present and all of whom are truly the Church of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Bambera said in welcoming the faithful to the liturgy.

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, celebrates Mass for the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Victory Church in Harveys Lake on Sept. 3, 2023. (Photo/Dan Gallagher)

Dorothy Lutinski, 97, is the oldest living parishioner of the Harveys Lake parish. She was thrilled to attend the special Mass.

“I can’t believe it that I’m here to celebrate this special occasion. Everything turned out so beautiful,” Lutinski said. “I was a member of the choir for 35 years.”

Many of those in attendance for the anniversary Mass have deep connections to the church building itself – including the descendants of those who helped to dig the foundation of the building who presented Bishop Bambera a special basket as the Mass began.

“Every gathering of God’s people has special meaning,” Bishop Bambera noted in his homily. “We give thanks today for the living presence of God here in our midst on this altar as countless other individuals have done in this church for 100 years.”

Bishop Bambera thanked all of the people in attendance for helping to build up the Luzerne County church in his/her own way.

“It was just a beautiful celebration. Bishop Bambera said this is just a real treasure here and we are just blessed to be a part of this faith and this community,” parishioner Sara McGrath said.

“What is overwhelming to me is the vitality of the parish. There are a lot of young people here, there is life here, they’re willing to be active in the ways of the faith,” Rev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic, pastor, Our Lady of Victory Parish, said.

During his homily, Bishop Bambera also gave parishioners a little history lesson. He asked if they were aware of the reason by the Most Rev. Michael Hoban, Second Bishop of Scranton, named the church Our Lady of Victory. He answered his own question – saying it was to honor soldiers from Harveys Lake (and the Diocese of Scranton) who served during World War I.

“What a wonderful way to commemorate the lives of those veterans who served and most of the recruits from this area, interestingly enough, served in Spain during the War. Hence, the reason for the architecture of your church which has a little bit of Spanish flavor to it,” Bishop Bambera noted.

While parishioners know the church is truly the People of God, many say the building itself is a critical piece of infrastructure for the lakeside community.

“One of the reasons that my husband and I bought the house that we did, is that when we sit on our porch we can see this beautiful church and everything that means to us. Our faith is here,” parishioner Merry Ann Edwards said. “Everybody here is just so loving and giving. We all enjoy working together to do what we can for the church and our community. I’m honored and blessed to be part of this parish.”

“I think everyone in the community carries on the work of Christ as we see them around the lake and on the lake and in church,” McGrath added. “Every one just has such a loving and welcoming spirit here.”

ROCK LAKE – With a celebration as big as a 185th anniversary – the joy simply could not be contained to just one weekend!

Parishioners of Saint Juliana Church came together on two consecutive weekends in August to mark the dedication of their beloved house of worship in northern Wayne County.

The first – and largest celebration – was held on Saturday, Aug. 19 as part of the church’s annual “Rock Lake Picnic.” The church picnic, originating as early as 1838, has been held annually to financially support the church’s construction and upkeep.

Festivities included a traditional turkey and ham dinner, along with other food, children’s games and art, live music throughout the day, a huge finder’s market, homemade bake sale and raffles.

Participating in the Aug. 19, 2023 anniversary Mass at Saint Juliana Church are, Rev. Joseph Mosley, Deacon Carl Albright, Rev. Arun Lakra, pastor, Rev. Patrick Albert and Rev. Seth Wasnock.

Reverend Arun Lakra, pastor of Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, celebrated Mass at 5:30 p.m. in the church.

Concelebrating the liturgy were Rev. Patrick Albert, pastor of the parish from 2005-2015, as well as Rev. Seth Wasnock and Rev. Joseph Mosley, pastor and senior priest from Saint Rose of Lima Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Carbondale.

In his homily, Father Arun quoted Psalm 118:24, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Father spoke of rejoicing with gladness for the beautiful day that was provided along with the blessing of past priests, friends, relatives and neighbors. He stressed that as individuals, families, a parish and community, “we are one.”

Reminding those in attendance of the unconditional love that God has for each of us, Father Arun said we are called to share the joy and blessings we receive.

His final question to parishioners – “Do I recognize the blessings of God in my life and am I grateful to Him?” – challenged those in the crowd to reflect on the many gifts they are given.

Parishioner Jim Biondo expressed gratitude for the presence of the priests and Deacon Carl Albright and provided a warm welcome to all attending the picnic Mass.

Biondo let those present know of how the picnic team and parishioners are mindful of, grateful for, and in awe of the sacrifices of those who came before them. He honored the pride and dedication of all the picnic volunteers and thanked the parishioners and friends of Saint Juliana Church who helped to make her “shine again.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, was present at Saint Juliana Church on Sunday, Aug. 27, to celebrate the church’s 185th anniversary.

He recalled visiting Saint Juliana’s for the Sacrament of Confirmation and commented that his father hunted in nearby Rileyville and had probably attended Mass at Saint Juliana’s as a young boy.

The bishop’s homily reflected on 185 years of faith being proclaimed and professed in this little corner of God’s kingdom, which was established 30 years before the Diocese of Scranton itself. He urged people to reflect less upon the building and more upon the celebration of the very presence of Jesus.

Bishop Bambera commented upon the fact that the Sacrament of the Eucharist has been celebrated in this area for nearly 200 years and asked parishioners to recall the people who once journeyed with them in faith and those who continue to walk the same journey.

The bishop invited parishioners to give thanks for the opportunity to share in Christ’s work by building up the Body of Christ, in living and proclaiming the Gospel message, reminding those in attendance, that as people of faith, they have cared for, consoled and celebrated with each other and have reason to be thankful.

“If we look carefully, we will see the result of Jesus in our hearts when we see people serving others by becoming the hands, hearts and voice of Christ,” Bishop Bambera said. “This church is a blessed opportunity for mercy and forgiveness. The power of Christ is in the church. This celebration reminds us that we gather for a mission. We gather to be fortified and to go forth to proclaim the Gospel and live in peace. The light of Christ has shown brightly in this community for 185 years. The power and presence of God is at the heart of who we are as Christians. We must have gratitude and hope for all that has been and all that will continue to be, in the grace of God present in our midst.”

After Mass, Bishop Bambera was warmly received by parishioners at a reception within the walls of the original horse and buggy barn, build in 1855. He graciously visited with all present and in departing, left them with smiles and fond memories.