The Gym at Prince of Peace Parish in Old Forge was recently remodeled with new electrical capacity, new lighting, signage, emergency lighting, exit signs, and a completely refurbished floor. The water damage issue was rectified prior to the upgrades. It is now open for approved youth groups within the community for basketball and other sports-related activities.
SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton is proud to announce that two men have been accepted into the Program for Priestly Formation for the Diocese of Scranton by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton.
Antonio Ingargiola of Saints Anthony & Rocco Parish in Dunmore and Liam Barry of Epiphany Parish in Sayre will now begin their formation programs.
Please keep Antonio, Liam, and their families in your prayers, and please pray for all our seminarians and those discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.
SCRANTON – A Mass for the Preservation of Peace and Justice will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 22, at 6:30 p.m. in the lower church of St. Ann’s Basilica, 1233 St. Ann St., Scranton, to prayerfully mark the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have called for all dioceses of the United States to observe “a day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion.”
All area faithful are invited to attend this Mass, which will conclude with a period of Eucharistic Adoration and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. A light social will follow.
This evening of prayer is sponsored by the Scranton Section of the Eastern Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and will be led by the Reverend Thomas J. Petro, KCHS, Section Prior. Sir Brian C. Hallock, KHS, serves as the Section Delegate.
The knights and dames of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre who are residing in the Diocese of Scranton are invited to vest in their regalia and assist at the Mass.
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem is a Public Association of faithful with a legal canonical and public personality having as its primary mission the support of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
It is a Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Holy See and is an internationally recognized order of chivalry.
The origins of the Order date back to 1099 during the First Crusade, when its leader, Godfrey de Bouillon, liberated Jerusalem.
For more information on the Order’s presence in the Diocese of Scranton, visit www.eohsjscranton.org
On Saturday, December 28th, the Pennsylvania Central District witnessed a truly inspiring and historic moment as The Most Reverend Jeffrey J. Walsh, Bishop of Gaylord, Michigan, was the Honoree for the Exemplification Ceremony of 16 new Sir Knights exemplified into the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus. Led by Master Brian Hallock, this significant event marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these men, who were officially welcomed into the proud ranks of Sir Knights in the Fourth Degree.
The day began at the magnificent St. Ann’s Basilica in Scranton,
Pennsylvania, where the Exemplification Ceremony filled the air with a sense of patriotism and love for our country. As the candidates took their Fourth Degree, they committed to live and promote patriotism, and honor—values that the Knights of Columbus hold sacred.
The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of State Deputy Gary Damich and State Chaplain, Father Pierre Bud Falkenhan, whose support and leadership added to the sense of unity and strength throughout the day.
The spirit of the day soared even higher as His Excellency, Bishop Walsh, celebrated a powerful 4:00 PM Mass, deepening the sense of unity and spiritual devotion that defined the entire occasion. The celebration then culminated in a heartfelt banquet at Arcaro & Genell in Old Forge, where brothers in Christ came together to reflect, share, and give thanks for the bonds forged that day.
This event was more than just a ceremony—it was a powerful reminder of the values that drive us to serve others, strengthen our faith, honor our country and build lasting brotherhood. We are deeply grateful to all who made this unforgettable day possible, and we look forward to the continued journey of these new Sir Knights as they live out their commitment to the principles of the Knights of Columbus.
The students in the Church of St. Patrick’s Children’s Faith Formation Program once again presented their Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve. The colorful and moving presentation, featuring scriptural narrative and carols of the season, was followed by the celebration of Christmas Eve Mass by Reverend Joseph Manarchuck, Pastor.
Directed by Laurie Barcia of Milford, the Pageant featured costumes by
Michelle Baron, Lighting Design by Micah Sweeney and Kevin Riker, and carols by St. Patrick’s Music Ministry, under the direction of Rich Gherardi,
accompanied by the congregation of St. Patrick’s.
Featured in the Pageant were: Angelica and Clare Barcia, Narrators, and cast members: Jillian Sell (Mary), Joseph Barcia (Joseph), Stephen Doyle, Colin Gaspar, Paul Barcia, Angelina Giovane, Charlotte Gregoire, Dominic Lake, Victoria Lake, Juliana Lentoni, Anya Nielsen, Joellen Nielsen, Audrianna O’Connell, Hailey O’Donnell, Charlotte Reynolds, Cora Reynolds, Camila Rizzo, Sofia Rizzo, Zachary Saccento, Jack Sell, Allison Sutton, Mya Terry, Jack Young and Matthew Zianio.
His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective January 8, 2025:
SENIOR PRIEST
Reverend Binesh Joseph Kanjirakattu, from Parochial Vicar, Good Shepherd Parish Drums, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, to Senior Priest, St. Ann Parish, Shohola, St. John Neumann Parish, Hawley, and St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Milford.
Reverend Kenneth M. Seegar, from Sacramental Minister, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston, to Senior Priest, Good Shepherd Parish Drums, and Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland.
SACRAMENTAL MINISTER
Reverend Joseph P. Elston, V.F., to Sacramental Minister, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston. Fr. Elston will remain Pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pittston, and St. Joseph Marello Parish, Pittston.
Reverend Jackson Pinhero, O.S.J., to Sacramental Minister, Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston. Fr. Pinhero will remain Assistant Pastor, St. John the Evangelist Parish, Pittston, and St. Joseph Marello Parish, Pittston.
Dear Friends in Christ,
The very first spoken words recorded in Saint Luke’s gospel, as the evangelist chronicles the birth of Jesus, are words of hope shared with poor shepherds who represent the broken, suffering world Jesus was born to save. “Do not be afraid. … A savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord” (Luke 2:10,11).
This year, on Christmas Eve, that same message of hope will resound throughout our world. On that sacred night, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome to begin a Jubilee Year which the Church celebrates every twenty-five years in accordance with an ancient tradition. Rooted in Saint Paul’s words from his letter to the Romans, “Hope does not disappoint,” the Holy Father will invite the entire Church to begin a journey throughout the upcoming year during which we open our hearts to the life-giving message of Christmas and the presence of the living God in our midst.
Praying that “the light of Christian hope might illumine every man and woman, as a message of God’s love addressed to all,” and that “the Church might bear faithful witness to this message in every part of the world,” four days later, on the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, Pope Francis will open the Holy Door of the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome. On that day, by decree of the Holy Father, the Church of Scranton will join with bishops and faithful in every cathedral throughout the world to celebrate Mass and to mark the solemn opening of the great Jubilee Year.
Brothers and sisters, more than we realize, we need the hope promised through this Jubilee Year. We need to embrace like never before the life that has been won for us by Jesus and to allow its light to illumine our lives! And we need the assurance of knowing that we are forgiven and loved, that our lives matter, and that, like the shepherds of Bethlehem, we have nothing to fear.
Sadly, our world has become a frightening and disappointing place. Random acts of violence are all too common in our land. Wars are raging throughout our world in the Middle East, Ukraine, Africa and countless other places. Life is still sadly disregarded, especially in the unborn, the poor, disabled and elderly. And immigrants and refugees seeking a better life are forced to the margins of society by discrimination, bigotry and hatred.
Yet, for all of us who are humble enough to acknowledge the difficulties that we face and to look, to listen, and to open our hearts to the power and presence of God, the blessing of Christmas and the promise the great Jubilee Year are treasures steeped in hope for all believers. During the Jubilee Year, there will be countless opportunities both here in our Diocese, in Rome, and throughout our world, to grow in our faith and to celebrate our life as disciples of Jesus, reborn through Baptism and renewed in spirit through His redeeming grace.
In announcing the Jubilee Year some time ago, Pope Francis invited us all to “fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.” He went on to share that “the forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire” in our lives, in our families and in our world.
May the power of hope fill our lives as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus, and look forward with confidence and hope to the Jubilee Year of grace.
With gratitude for your presence within the Diocese of Scranton and with prayers for a blessed Christmas for you and your families, I am
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
POCONO PINES—The call went out at all masses in early November that St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish would again participate in the “Giving Tree” gift program annually sponsored by the Top of the Mountain Ecumenical Council (TOMEC) headquartered at the Five Loaf House in Pocono Pines. And St. Maximilian’s parishioners answered.
A “Giving Tree” was set up in the church’s narthex to attract the attention of worshipers attending the three weekend masses. Instead of traditional tree decorations, 85 index cards with a child’s first name, age (17 or younger), type of clothing and size, gender, and tracking number were tied with ribbon to the tree’s branches.
By the Sunday, Dec. 1 deadline, all 85 cards had been replaced with more than 85
gifts wrapped in a blaze of color strewn at the foot of the tree and around the narthex. The gifts, each tagged with one of those 85 index cards, were delivered by the parish’s “Giving Tree” Coordinator Dorota Nowak to the Five Loaf House on Tuesday morning, Dec. 3. The gifts were part of TOMEC’s six-congregation effort to reach 263 children in 115 families in Tobyhanna Township and surrounding communities.
“Each congregation sets its own quota,” explained Kim Bray, “Giving Tree” coordinator at TOMEC, who was busy checking in the gifts from St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. “St. Max does twice as much as any of the congregations,” Bray added.
“‘Giving Tree’ is a great opportunity for the parish to get together for a community outreach especially at this time of year,” said Juli Reese, parish office manager at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish. “It gets our families, children, grandparents and people who don’t have children involved in the spirit of giving.”
“It’s very important that parishioners are aware that their gifts are not going to a business but rather directly to kids,” added Nowak.
She further explained that the “Giving Tree” is just what it is. “It is an ideal way to give a child a gift and we are thrilled to help our community along with the churches in TOMEC at a time when giving means so much.”
After all the gifts from the congregations have been dropped off and checked in at
Five Loaf House, distribution takes place during Food Pantry days December 9 and 10. The Food Pantry program is run by TOMEC. Tracking numbers on each of the index cards tagged to the gifts make sure that the right family gets the right gift.
“Families in the Food Pantry program register for the “Giving Tree” between August and October and are given their tracking number,” Bray said, “in addition to listing their child’s first name, age, type of clothing and size, and gender.”
Chuck Lawrence, director of the Food Pantry, emphasized an important aspect of “Giving Tree.”
“The names of people giving the gifts are not put on the gifts,” Lawrence said, “so that the kids see that they are receiving the gifts from their parents.”
He added that the total of 263 kids receiving gifts “makes this our highest year in terms of numbers.”
When family members pull into the parking lot at the Five Loaf House on the mornings of Dec. 9 and 10, volunteers will direct them to their food pick up and then to a drive-thru window where they will receive their gift from the “Giving Tree,” “just in time for Christmas,” added Bray. “It’s what Christmas is all about, helping those who need help and spreading the love.”
Just ask the parishioners at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.
Milford, PA — December 4, 2024 — The Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935 is proud to announce the donation of 72 brand-new coats to the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center as part of the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, which are the cornerstone of our Catholic fraternity.
The Coats for Kids program is a vital part of our mission to serve the community by addressing the essential needs of children. With winter fast approaching, these coats will ensure that local children are kept warm and safe during the cold months.
The Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center, a valued community partner, plays a critical role in supporting families and mothers facing unexpected pregnancies. Through comprehensive services such as parenting classes, material assistance, pregnancy counseling, and resources for young children, the center is a beacon of hope and compassion in the region.
“As Knights, we are called to put our faith into action through the principals of Faith, Family, Community, and Life,” said Joe Saski, Grand Knight of Council 13935. “By partnering with organizations like the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center, we are living out the principle of Charity and making a tangible difference in the lives of families in our community.”
The Knights of Columbus is a global Catholic fraternity founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. With faith as our foundation, we carry out numerous initiatives to support our communities, families, and those in need.
For more information about the Coats for Kids program or the Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council 13935, please contact the council program director, Antonio Perito, at St. Patrick’s Parish in Milford PA.
The Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center is dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals and families in need. Their services include free pregnancy tests, parenting classes, counseling, material assistance such as diapers and clothing, and educational resources for parents. By empowering families with resources and guidance, the center fosters a culture of life and hope in the tri-state area.
Founded in 1882, the Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization committed to serving the Church, communities, and families. With over 2 million members worldwide, the Knights strive to make a meaningful impact through faith in action, rooted in the core principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.
December 3, 2024
His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective January 8, 2025:
Reverend Benito Hierro Aquino, CSMA, from Parochial Vicar, St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, Wilkes-Barre, to Parochial Vicar, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, West Hazleton and Holy Rosary Parish, Hazleton. Fr. Hierro Aquino will reside at Annunciation Rectory, Hazleton.
Reverend Sergio Leon Pamplona Henao, from Parochial Vicar, Holy Name of Jesus Parish, West Hazleton and Holy Rosary Parish, Hazleton to Parochial Vicar, St. Matthew Parish, East Stroudsburg and Most Holy Trinity Parish, Cresco. Fr. Pamplona Henao will reside at St. Matthew’s Rectory, East Stroudsburg.
Reverend Jaime Perez Restrepo, from Parochial Vicar, St. Matthew Parish, East Stroudsburg and Most Holy Trinity Parish, Cresco, to Senior Priest, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Scranton and Hispanic Ministry Coordinator for Northern Pastoral Region and Western Pastoral Region.