OBITUARY
REVEREND EUGENE L. GUNNING

Reverend Eugene L. Gunning, Pastor Emeritus of  St. John the Evangelist, Scranton, died on the 18th day November, 2024 at Marywood Heights, Scranton, after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for fifty years.  

Father Gunning, son of the late James J. and Mary (O’Malley) Gunning, was born in Scranton on September 14, 1930.  He was a graduate of Scranton Preparatory High School and attended Saint Charles’ College, Md., Father Gunning graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md having received his Bachelor of Arts degree in June of 1952.  His studies for the priesthood were completed at Gregorian University, Rome and he received his Pontifical Bachelor of Sacred Theology in July of 1954.  Father Gunning was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on December 17, 1955 by Archbishop Martin J. O’Connor. 

Father Gunning served as an assistant pastor at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton; Our Lady of Sorrows, W. Wyoming; Nativity, Scranton; Annunciation, Williamsport and St. John the Evangelist, Pittston.  He was appointed Administrator at St. Aloysius, Ralston in 1969 and Administrator at St. Mary of the Assumption, Wyalusing in 1972.

Father received his first pastorate at St. Mary Assumption, Wyalusing in 1972 and served until his appointment as pastor at St. Patrick’s, Milford in 1973.  Father Gunning was appointed pastor at St. Ann, Tobyhanna in 1977 where he served for 6 years until his appointment as pastor at St. Mary, Avoca in 1983.  Father was appointed pastor at St. Vincent DePaul, Scranton where he served from 1991 until 2000.  In the year 2000 Father Gunning was appointed his final pastorate at St. John the Evangelist, Scranton where he remained until his retirement and appointment as Pastor Emeritus in 2005.

In addition to his parochial duties, Father also served as Principal of Bishop Neumann High School, Williamsport.  He served on the Diocesan School Board and as Dean of the North Scranton Deanery.

Father Gunning celebrated the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. in 2016.

After meeting the saint, he had a deep devotion to Padre Pio (now St. Pio of Pietrelcina), and he would share a relic of the saint for prayer and intercession.

Father is survived by nieces, Dr. Mary Lisa Gunning Meholick, West Chester, PA; Dr. Mary Jo Gunning MacGregor, Lake Waynewood, PA; and their families; and nephews Kevin J. Dempsey, Cape Coral, FL; Eugene L. Dempsey, Bedford, NH; Sean C. Dempsey, Marblehead, MA; Timothy O. Dempsey, Bonita Springs, FL; and their families; as well as cousins in the Charles Cleveland Family, Scranton.

In addition to his parents, Father was preceded in death by a sister, Agnes Dempsey and a brother, Michael J. Gunning.

Viewing will take place Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton  at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral.  

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton. Interment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Minooka. Arrangements, Neil W. Regan Funeral Home, Inc.

 

The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) is announcing the annual Retirement Fund for Religious collection, scheduled in parishes throughout the Diocese of Scranton on the weekend of Dec. 7-8.

In 2023, parishioners contributed $79,437.84 to the collection. From this collection, the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary received a total of $395,448.15 in financial support made possible by the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Mr. John Knutsen, NRRO director, expresses gratitude for the “profound generosity” of U.S. Catholics, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the “comfort and dignity” of those who have served tirelessly. “As we prepare for this year’s collection,” Knutsen stated, “we invite all Catholics to join us in honoring the legacy of these dedicated women and men by contributing to their well-deserved care.”

Escalating healthcare costs and a lack of traditional retirement plans have created financial challenges for many religious communities. The Retirement Fund for Religious addresses this need, supporting more than 20,000 religious over the age of 70. In 2023, the average annual cost for their care was roughly $59,700 per person. With skilled nursing care, the average cost was $90,700.

Since its establishment in 1988, the collection has raised over $1 billion, with nearly $870 million distributed for direct care and over $103.5 million allocated to self-help projects.

In 2023, the appeal raised $29.3 million, providing financial assistance for the retirement needs of 286 U.S. religious communities. Beyond financial aid, the collection supports educational programs, empowering religious communities to plan for their long-term needs.

About the NRRO

The NRRO coordinates the annual national appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious and distributes financial assistance to eligible religious communities. It is sponsored by the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

 

Photo: left Antonio Perito, right Elvia Toombs Director of Tri-State Family Pregnancy Center

Milford, PA — The St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee held a successful “Pierogis for Life” fundraiser, selling over 450 pierogis and raising $527 for the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center (TSF&PC). The event was met with overwhelming support from the community, whose contributions will directly assist TSF&PC in providing essential resources and compassionate support to families in need.

The Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center, a local pregnancy resource center, plays a vital role in supporting children, mothers, and families across the tri-state area. TSF&PC provides a variety of material services, including diapers, wipes, baby formula, clothing, and furniture to families facing financial hardships. The center also offers peer counseling and referral services to other supportive organizations and agencies, helping to ensure families receive holistic, continuous care through all stages of pregnancy and early parenthood.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s generosity and enthusiasm for this event,” said a representative of the Respect Life Committee. “The funds raised will allow the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center to continue its crucial work of supporting mothers, children, and families with dignity and respect.”

The St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee would like to thank everyone who supported this fundraiser by purchasing pierogis, volunteering, and spreading the word. Your support has made a meaningful impact on the lives of families within our community.

For more information on the Tri-State Family & Pregnancy Center and its services, or to learn how to get involved with the St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee, please contact the parish office.

About the St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee
The St. Patrick’s Respect Life Committee is dedicated to promoting the sanctity of life through prayer, advocacy, and community outreach. Through events like “Pierogis for Life,” the committee raises awareness and support for local organizations that serve mothers, children, and families in need.

 

Shown, from left: Mary Carroll Donahoe, chief program officer AllOne Charities, Rob Williams, executive director, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Atty. PJ LaBelle, SFK advisory board member and sponsorship co-chair; Matthew Byrne, race director and co-founder, Scranton Running Company.

Arrangements are well underway for the 12th annual “Run Against Hunger,” which benefits the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen. This will take place on November 9, 2024. The Scranton Running Company and AllOne Charities are hosting the weekend’s events.

For information about sponsorships, participating and to pre-register for the event, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Scranton/RunAgainstHunger5K10KRun2miwalk

For online sponsorship payments, visit:
https://formstack.io/BD418

 

OBITUARY
REVEREND MICHAEL JOSEPH RAFFERTY

Reverend Michael Joseph Rafferty, Pastor Emeritus of Our Lady of Sorrows, West Wyoming, died on the 24th day of September 2024 after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for sixty-seven years.  

Father Rafferty, son of the late Joseph M. Rafferty and Helen L. Fursha Rafferty, was born in Scranton on October 15, 1930.  He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School and attended the University of Scranton where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.  Father studied for the priesthood at St. Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania and was ordained to the priesthood on July 15, 1957 in St. Peter’s Cathedral by the Most Reverend Jerome D. Hannan D.D., late Bishop of Scranton.

Father Rafferty received a summer assignment as Assistant pro tem at St. Mary of the Mount, Mt. Pocono in June 1957.  In October 1957 Father was appointed Assistant pastor at Gate of Heaven, Dallas and served until his appointment as Assistant Pastor at Sacred Heart, Plains in September 1966.  In September 1968, Father was appointed Professor at College Misericordia and Chaplain in September 1971.

Father Rafferty was appointed Pastor at Our Lady of Sorrows, West Wyoming in September 1975 and served for thirty-one years until his retirement and appointment as Pastor Emeritus in July 2006.

Father Rafferty is survived by a brother, Philip Rafferty, Dunmore, PA, a niece Karen Rafferty MD, JD, Cocoa Beach, Florida, and a nephew, Kevin Rafferty and niece, Erin Rafferty Cole, both of Columbus, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald J. Rafferty of Columbus, Ohio and Sister Mariel Rafferty MHSH of Baltimore, Maryland.                                         

Viewing will take place on Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Saint Monica Parish, West Wyoming.   A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Saint Monica Parish, West Wyoming, at 10:00 a.m.

Interment will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.

 

Father Thomas Sarnecki died Sept. 14, 2024.

He graduated from Plains High School in 1949, where he played varsity football and basketball. He served in the U.S.C.G. from 1949 to 1952. He graduated from King’s College in 1957. He worked as a teacher and psychologist in Detroit from 1957 to 1986. His advanced degrees included: M.Ed., 1969; Ed. Sp., 1975; Ed. D., 1992; M. Div., 2002.

Tom married Christine Serafin in 1956, and they had four children: Karen, Kristine, Nancy and John; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He retired from Detroit in 1986 and moved to Florida, where he worked for an additional 10 years. His wife, Christine, died in 1998, and Tom entered the seminary to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in 2002 for the Scranton Diocese.

Father Tom was made pastor of St. David’s in Scranton and St. Stanislaus in Old Forge, following a year at St. Mary’s in Dickson City. In 2005, he left Scranton to become a VA chaplain in Cleveland, Ohio. After one year he was transferred to the VA Bay Pines Hospital in Florida, where he served until 2014.

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective as indicated:

Reverend Sudhir Toppo, from Parochial Vicar, Saint Ann Parish, Shohola; Saint John Neumann Parish, Hawley; and Saint Vincent DePaul Parish, Milford; to Administrator, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Susquehanna, effective September 11, 2024. 

Reverend John C. Ruth, from Pastor, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Susquehanna, to Administrative Leave of Absence, effective September 5, 2024.

 

 

Young adults are invited to join the Diocesan Vocations Office at the ninth annual Leave a Mark Mass on Nov. 3 to kick off National Vocation Awareness Week.

The Mass, which will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton at 5p.m., is an opportunity for young Catholics to worship the Lord, listen a bit more intentionally to his voice, and discern how they can leave a mark on the world.

Young adults discerning their vocation are encouraged to reflect upon Pope Francis’s words spoken at the 2016 World Youth Day in Poland, “Dear young people, we didn’t come into this world to ‘vegetate,’ to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: to leave a mark. It is very sad to pass through life without leaving a mark.”

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will be the principal celebrant of this Mass, and Father Alex Roche, Director of Vocations and Seminarians and Pastor at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Laflin, will deliver the homily.

There will be a reception following the Mass at the Diocesan Pastoral Center across the street from the Cathedral of Saint Peter.

 

His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointment, effective as indicated:

Reverend Scott P. Sterowski, to Diocesan Coordinator for Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, effective September 1, 2024.  Father Sterowski will continue to serve as Pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Throop, and Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant.

 

 

 

 

August 28, 2024

WASHINGTON – “Our faith calls us to pray, work, and advocate for protections that allow all laborers to thrive,” said Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Mark J. Seitz in a joint reflection for Labor Day (Sept. 2). The bishop chairmen called for a more just economy that honors the human dignity of all who labor, inclusive of those who have newly arrived in the country, as well as those whose families have been here for generations. The bishops also addressed affronts to the dignity of children, who have been identified by some as supplemental sources of labor amid widespread worker shortages.

“The Church offers a vision for the future that does not require our society to choose between a thriving economy, economic justice, dignified conditions for all workers, and safeguarding the most vulnerable among us,” the bishops state, calling attention to the plight of those who work in industries without protections due to their immigration status.

Archbishop Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Bishop Seitz of El Paso is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration.

The full Labor Day statement is available here (Spanish).

Read more about the Church’s teaching and advocacy on immigration and how the Catholic Campaign for Human Development has been supporting immigrant communities for over 50 years.