Category: News

 

SCRANTON – With parishes across the Diocese of Scranton already planning the 2021-2022 faith formation year, the Diocese of Scranton released guidelines on Aug. 13 that parishes should follow to prioritize the safety and health of all students, parents, staff and volunteers.

Parishes continue to have flexibility in the approach to which they offer faith formation programs during upcoming school year. Parishes can hold either in-person faith formation classes, virtual classes or a hybrid approach which combines both virtual and in-person elements.

For any parishes planning to hold in-person faith formation classes, the Diocese of Scranton has put forth the following guidance:

Masks:  As Catholics, we are called to provide a Culture of Safety for our children and youth. Because most religious education students are not yet eligible for vaccinations – and in an effort to ensure in-person religious education is able to continue to the best extent possible – the Diocese of Scranton will require

masks for students involved in its parish faith formation programs at this time. Masks are an effective tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, particularly when there is a large population of unvaccinated individuals.

While indoors, masks must be worn consistently and correctly by all minors and adults, regardless of vaccination status, while attending any religious education classes.

If religious education classes are held outdoors, masks do not need to be worn in most settings. Masks must be worn in crowded outdoor settings or during any activities that involve sustained close contact with other people.

If a student/family is uncomfortable with returning to an onsite/in-person faith formation program for any reason, parishes have been urged to work directly with the student/family and make reasonable accommodations, which might include the possibility of online or individualized meetings and/or providing resource packets for pick-up.

This Diocesan guidance on masking for parish religious education programs is consistent with the protocols being implemented at all of the Diocese of Scranton’s Catholic Schools. These protocols will be re-evaluated on a consistent basis and are subject to change at any time and will be communicated to parishes if adjustments are made.

Mask requirements will be determined in accordance with the county transmission metrics and guidance from various sources, which may include, but are not limited to the CDC and PA Department of Health. The levels of transmission for a county are listed as Low, Moderate, Substantial and High. When counties are in moderate, substantial or high, all individuals will be required to wear masks indoors. When a county is in a low community transmission rate for at least two weeks, masking may be optional for all. Anyone that is not vaccinated at that time, will still be encouraged to continue to mask indoors if desired.

Vaccinations: It is highly recommended that everyone who is eligible be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, whether that be a catechist or student of eligible age.

Classroom Set-up: Classroom desks or tables should face in the same direction whenever possible and parishes should make every effort to maintain three feet of distancing while in a classroom setting.

Cleaning: Clean and disinfect classroom space and frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, sink handles and light switches with regularity. Parishes that utilize Catholic School buildings for space should work with the building principal to ensure sanitization.

Hand Hygiene: Encourage students to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Adequate healthy hygiene supplies/products should be available such as soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, tissues and disinfectant wipes.

Sickness: All parents, employees, catechists and other volunteers should be educated about the importance of staying home when sick.

COVID-19 Exposure: The pastor or his delegate should immediately report any on-site exposure to COVID-19. Call Father John Polednak, Vicar for Clergy, at (570) 591-5006 and Father Polednak will help the parish on any potential next steps that might be necessary.

Guidelines for Faith Formation Programs in the Diocese of Scranton (Published Aug. 13 2021)

 

 

 

LES CAYES, Haiti (CNS) — The magnitude 7.2 earthquake that struck Haiti collapsed the bishop’s residence in Les Cayes, killing one priest, leaving one missing and injuring Cardinal Chibly Langlois.

Father Emile Beldor died of his injuries after the Aug. 14 quake. Father Jean-Antoine Coulanges is reported missing. Cardinal Langlois sustained arm and leg injuries; church sources say his life is not in danger.

Voice of America reported that 18 people, assembled for a baptism, were killed in Immaculate Conception Parish church of Les Anglais.

The Haitian civil protection service reported late Aug. 15 that nearly 1,300 people had been killed, more than 5,700 were injured and more than 30,250 families needed shelter. Those numbers were expected to rise as a tropical depression headed toward the island. The civil protection agency warned people to expect strong winds, landslides and flooding in addition to heavy rain and rough seas.

At the Vatican Aug. 15, Pope Francis expressed his condolences and closeness to the Haitian people.

“While I lift up my prayer to the Lord for the victims, I extend my word of encouragement to the survivors, hoping that the interest of the international community to help might move toward them,” the pope said during his Angelus address. Leading pilgrims in praying a “Hail Mary” for Haiti, the pope prayed that the “solidarity of all alleviate the consequences of the tragedy.”

Bishop Joseph Gontrand Décoste of Jérémie also called on the international Catholic community for help to rebuild. The diocesan cathedral’s roof was ripped off for the second time in less than five years.

“The population is desperate and beleaguered. They are sleeping outside under the trees, in open public spaces, to protect themselves from aftershocks arriving every few hours,” Bishop Décoste told Vatican News a few hours after the earthquake struck, damaging road infrastructure and effectively cutting off the area from the rest of the country.

“We are in distress. We are counting on your solidarity, your proximity.”

“On this day when we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we ask her to sow hope in the heart of a people so harshly tried by this powerful earthquake,” Bishop Décoste said.

Shortly after the news of the quake, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged people to help by contributing to Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ relief and development agency. CRS works in Haiti and partners with Caritas, the international umbrella organization for the church’s charitable agencies. He also offered prayers for those who had lost loved ones.

“We offer our prayers to Archbishop Launay Saturné, president of the bishops’ conference of Haiti, and to all those who tirelessly serve the faith communities in Haiti. We stand in solidarity with the church in Haiti,” Archbishop Gomez said.

In just the Diocese of Jérémie, the Catholic charitable agency Caritas reported the total destruction of the parish church in Corail.

In Les Cayes, next door to the bishop’s residence, the Catholic radio station was unharmed, but the Sacred Heart Parish Church, also in Les Cayes, was destroyed.

Further south, on the dusty road that leads toward the westernmost point of the island at Anse d’Hainault, a deep fissure in the road at Port-à-Piment cut off the remote region from the rest of the country. Other church structures were reported damaged, including Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Port-à-Piment and a dispensary in the neighboring town of Roche-à-Bateau.

In Cavaillon, northeast of Les Cayes, the parish church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help was destroyed, as were the town hall and the police station.

St. Anne’s Church in Anse-à-Veau was also severely damaged, and St. Peter’s Church in Barraderes collapsed.

Here’s where to donate to help agencies respond to the Haiti earthquake

Numerous organizations, including Catholic agencies, are accepting donations to assist with their emergency response to the Haiti earthquake.

— Catholic Relief Services: online: crs.org; by phone: 877-435-7277 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern; by mail: P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland, 21297-0303.

— Catholic Medical Mission Board: cmmb.org/campaign/hearts-broken-for-haiti-august-2021.

— CAFOD, the Catholic aid agency for England and Wales: cafod.org.uk/News/Emergencies-news/Haiti-earthquake.

— Caritas Internationalis: www.caritas.org/donate-now/haiti-earthquake-2021.

— AVSI, the Italian humanitarian relief and development organization: https://donorbox.org/haiti-earthquake-emergency.

— Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami: www.ccadm.org.

— Cross Catholic Outreach: www.crosscatholic.org.

— Food for the Poor: www.foodforthepoor.org.

— Development and Peace/Caritas Canada: https://bit.ly/3klgjXB.

 

SCRANTON – The annual Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5, at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. All are welcome to attend.

The liturgy is celebrated in conjunction with La Festa Italiana, which occurs over the Labor Day weekend, Friday through Monday, Sept. 3-6, on Courthouse Square, one block away.

Father David Cappelloni, V.F., La Festa chaplain, has announced that the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will preside and the homilist will be Oblates of Saint Joseph Father Paul A. McDonnell.

Concelebrants will be priests from the Diocese of Scranton. Deacons from the Diocese will also participate.

The Mass will be broadcast live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton and will be rebroadcast on Tuesday, Sept. 7, at 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. It will be available for viewing later in the week on the Diocesan website at  www.dioceseofscranton.org.

Father McDonnell, OSJ, a member of the Congregation of the Oblates of Saint Joseph, was ordained a priest on Aug. 10, 1991, by the late Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo. He is a native of West Pittston and a graduate of Wyoming Area High School, immediately afterwards entering the Oblates of Saint Joseph

Seminary, Laflin, where he obtained a bachelor of arts degree in Philosophy at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. He then left for Italy for five years, first completing the novitiate year in Padua and then in Rome for theological studies at the Angelicum & Lateran Universities.

Father McDonnell has served in various roles throughout his 30 years of priesthood, namely as pastor of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Saint Joseph Marello), Pittston, rector of the Oblates Seminary and the first provincial superior of the newly united USA Province of the Oblates of Saint Joseph, residing at their headquarters in Santa Cruz, Calif. from 2013 – 2020.

Last summer, he returned to his native area to resume his duties as rector of the religious community in Laflin and most recently has been appointed by Bishop Bambera to serve as Sacramental Minister of Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Pittston.

This year’s Italian Mass is being offered in memory of all those members and friends of La Festa Italiana who passed away since the last Mass was celebrated, including Ray Alberigi, John “Jack” Brunetti, Christina Caprio, Father Andrew Gallia, Patrick A. Luongo, Joseph “Chef” Schiavone, Kevin Shaughnessy and Father Joseph Sica.

Music ministry for the Italian Mass will be provided by the choir of Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish, Dunmore; accompanied by a brass quartet, all directed by Joseph Moffitt. Dominick DeNaples, mandolin; Patrick Loungo, Nicholas Luongo, Lou Cossa, guitar, and Monica Spishock, timpani, will also accompany.

Ashley Yando-DeFlice is the cantor and leader of prayer. The guest vocalist will be Olivia DiMattio.

The lectors are Heather Luciani and Sister Catherine Iacouzze, MPF. The Prayer of the Faithful will be led by Diane Alberigi, Frank Castellano and Karen Clifford.

The Offertory gifts will be presented by La Festa President Chris and Ann Celli DiMattio, Grace Castellano, Honorable Robert Mazzoni, UNICO National President Steve Pelonero and Robert W. Pettinato, founding member of La Festa.

James Baress, Patrick Caramanno, Joshua Cillo, Stephen Eboli, Jonathan Eboli, Richard Garofalo and Joseph Wentline are the ushers.

 

SCRANTON – Father Gerald W. Shantillo has been appointed Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, announced on July 15, 2021.

A Vicar General is a priest who assists the Bishop in the governance of a diocese, and has authority to act on behalf of the Bishop.

Ordained a priest in 2009, Father Shantillo had previously been serving as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy since July 2020. He also served five years as pastor at Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg as well as Assistant Pastor at Saint Jude in Mountain Top, Our Lady Help of Christians in Dorrance and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock.

“I have a great love for the Diocese and serving as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy for the last year has given me a better understanding just how large and comprehensive the Diocese really is and the good it does for so many people in all 11 counties we serve,” Father Shantillo said.

In making his announcement to the Diocese, Bishop Bambera said Father Shantillo brings to his new position a wealth of experience, credentials and proven dedication of service to the People of God.

“More than just being an excellent priest and a dedicated pastor, Father Shantillo brings strong organizational skills to his new role, having served as a former healthcare finance and operations executive prior to ordination. This knowledge will help in his handling of the many personnel and financial matters necessary in his new role,” Bishop Bambera stated.

Even though his title may have changed, Father Shantillo believes his mission has not. He plans to continue serving the community and spreading the Gospel message.

“The bishop has an incredible responsibility to run a diocese and the Vicar General is appointed to help him behind the scenes. He works diligently to implement the bishop’s directives and priorities and allows the bishop to be available to all the people,” Father Shantillo explained. “Our focus must always be – how do we use our diocesan resources to better support our parishes and schools, Catholic Social Services and our mission.”

Father Shantillo started his new role as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia on Aug. 9, 2021. He succeeds Monsignor Thomas M. Muldowney who requested to return to parish ministry following 11 years of service in diocesan leadership positions.

On Aug. 9, now-Father Muldowney became pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow.

“I am grateful for the experience that I had working in the Diocesan administrative offices. During that time, I had the privilege of allowing my faith to be strengthened by the parishioners and friends of the Mother Church of the Diocese of Scranton. I am leaving with a heart that is full of gratitude and excitement because I get to continue my journey of serving the Lord in parish ministry once again,” Father Muldowney said.

Father Muldowney said he had been discerning a possible transition back to parish ministry for a while. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he says the necessity and importance of parish priests became even more critical – as they needed to reach out to people in so many different ways over the past year.

“When I was ordained a priest in the Cathedral in 2003, I never envisioned myself working in the Diocesan administrative offices. I’ve always lived by a philosophy that God places you where you need to be, when you need to be there. I’ve lived that philosophy prior to ordination and I try to live that out each and every moment of my life,” he added.

“I am excited that Bishop Bambera has appointed me as Pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish. I feel blessed to be able to serve the vibrant faith community that has been nurtured there over the years,” he continued.

Bishop Bambera expressed his deep gratitude for Rev. Muldowney’s willingness to share so generously of his strong faith and many talents, having dutifully and faithfully devoted over a decade to the mission of the entire Diocese.

“Monsignor Muldowney has helped our local Church in immeasurable ways to proclaim the Good News of Jesus and to continue to grow vibrant parishes and ministries. Our Diocese is most grateful to Monsignor for the tireless service that he has provided and the numerous gifts he has brought to the position of Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia. While his presence in our administrative offices will be missed, it is most gratifying to know that Monsignor’s pastoral sensitivity has prompted him to return to parish ministry in his continuing service of the People of God, a calling that lies at the heart of every diocesan priest,” the bishop said.

Father John V. Polednak has been appointed to succeed Father Shantillo as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy. Ordained in 1976 by Bishop J. Carroll McCormick, Father Polednak has been an outstanding servant leader who has garnered the respect of his brother priests as well as the lay faithful.

Prior to his current assignment, Father served as Pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Duryea, since 2015. He brings more than 40 years of experience in priestly ministry – having previously served as pastor for parishes in Kingston, Roaring Brook Township, Nicholson, Wilkes-Barre and Olyphant. In addition to his pastorate, Father Polednak has also served as Episcopal Vicar, Southern Pastoral Region; Diocesan Secretary for Clergy Formation; Director of the Permanent Diaconate and Director of Seminarians; Dean of the Dunmore Deanery; and Director of the Fatima Center among numerous roles as Director of Religious Formation in various schools.

“The clergy of the Diocese of Scranton are blessed to have such a highly respected and capable priest to serve their needs as they, in turn, work to build up the Church in the Diocese of Scranton,” Bishop Bambera stated in making the appointment.

 

 

SCRANTON – As the 2021-2022 academic year gets underway, the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System is welcoming two new Assistant Superintendents after a nationwide search.

In addition to bringing extensive credentials to their new positions, both Charlene Krushinsky and Michael Slesinski are personally vested in Catholic education and are unwavering in their dedication to the transformative nature of all that Catholic schools offer spiritually and academically.

Krushinsky comes to the Diocese of Scranton with more than 30 years experience in education and a vast knowledge of the Catholic school environment as both an educator and administrator. Beginning her educational career as a fourth grade teacher, she spent the last nine years as a principal in Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix.

The mother of three has a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a certificate in Effective Catholic School Administration from the University of Notre Dame and her principal certification from the state of Arizona. She has also been a principal mentor and presenter with the

Latino Enrollment Institute at the University of Notre Dame since 2014. The Institute focuses on creating a welcome environment in Catholic schools for Latino families.

“I’m blessed to be here,” Krushinsky told The Catholic Light.

Having never experienced snow or winter in the northeast, she believes God led her to this point in her career on the East Coast.

“God opened a door and here I am. I trust in God. It’s God’s will, not our will,” she said.

In just her first few weeks in the diocese, Krushinsky already visited all 19 Catholic schools and met with each principal. She will primarily be responsible for curriculum development and principal mentoring.

“I’m anxious and excited to meet the teachers and I can’t wait to go back and visit and meet the children,” Krushinsky said. “What I love is the history and the deep roots of Catholicism that are here in the Diocese of Scranton.”

As an instructional leader, Krushinsky is committed to a growth mindset and has worked with NWEA Map Growth to improve educational outcomes. She also has a proven record of accomplishment in enrollment and fundraising.

Having put three daughters through the Catholic education system, Krushinsky wants parents and families to know that she is always available to them.

“I would love for parents to know that my door is always open. Feel free to call or email with questions or concerns. We’re here to support parents in this journey in providing a Catholic education for their child. They are making the right choice, the best choice, they’re investing in their child’s future,” she added.

Michael Slesinski says he is “tremendously excited” to join the Diocese of Scranton’s Catholic Schools team.

After beginning his career as an educator more than 15 years ago, Slesinski most recently worked as an administrator at the district and Intermediate Unit level as a Supervisor for Special Education and Director of Special Services.

Slesinski previously worked in the Luzerne Intermediate Unit, East Stroudsburg Area School District, Mountain View School District and the New York City Department of Education. He attended Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York his entire life growing up.

As the Diocese of Scranton works to enhance our offerings for students with exceptionalities, Slesinski hopes his knowledge will help all levels of learners in the diocese.

“The idea of being able to bring those tools to schools in our system, so that students who want to be a part of our system can succeed to the greatest extent possible is incredibly exciting for me,” Slesinski said.

Slesinski has a Masters in Educational Leadership from Lehman College in New York and anticipates completion of a doctoral degree in Administration and Leadership Studies from East Stroudsburg University this year. He also has obtained a PA Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.

“During the course of the past 15 years of work in education, one of the highlights for me has been working collaboratively with parents and allowing parents to feel comfortable with the different schools where I worked,” he added.

In his new role, Slesinski will also focus on technology and school safety initiatives.

“My goal is to take the wonderful things we’re already doing in both of those areas and continue to grow them,” he said.

 

Jeremy Barket and Cody Yarnall have been accepted as seminarians for the Diocese of Scranton and will begin the Program for Priestly Formation this fall.

Jeremy is a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dupont. Cody is a member of Saint Matthew Parish in East Stroudsburg. They will attend Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md.

Let us pray for them, all of our seminarians and those who are discerning a call to serve our local Church as a Diocesan Priest.

 

PHILADELPHIA – Several teenagers from Mary, Mother of God Parish recently got what they call an “eye-opening experience” as they spent a week volunteering to serve the poor in Philadelphia.

The students, who are all involved in the Scranton parish’s youth group, spent the week of July 26-30 preparing and serving meals at Saint Francis Inn in the Kensington-section of Philadelphia.

“What I got out of it is an appreciation for what I have,” Ryan Legg, 17, said after returning from the service trip. “I have a new-found appreciation for what I have and what I’m given on a daily basis.”

Emma Woody, 14, was the youngest volunteer of the group. The incoming freshman at Holy Cross High School admits she was nervous about the trip until she arrived.

“I really enjoyed it. Going there, I didn’t really know what to expect. When I got there I was really surprised,” Woody explained. “Once I met the people, I found out they are really nice and we have common interests.”

Saint Francis Inn has been serving meals to the neediest individuals and families in Philadelphia since 1979. The facility serves a sit-down meal in its dining room every day. The meals are unique because they are served restaurant-style. Instead of walking through a line to get food, volunteers serve them right at their tables.

“While serving them, we have the opportunity to talk to them and get to know them a little bit,” Sean Kennedy, 17, a senior at Holy Cross High School, said. “Throughout the week, it is most of the same guests so you really get to have a good understanding of them and have a nice experience with them.”

Volunteer Julia Lidle, 17, was especially touched by a seven-year-old boy who relied on Saint Francis Inn for his meals.

“He liked to play tag with us. He is seven and he’s homeless and it brings him so much joy when we play tag with him around the soup kitchen,” Lidle explained.

All of the students say they felt the love and appreciation of the dinner guests – and that made their volunteer efforts worth it.

“One thing that stuck out was how grateful everybody was and how they all came up and thanked every one of us after their meal,” Madison Kranson, 17, a senior at Holy Cross High School, said.

“For dinner, there were usually around 170 people,” Ryan Burda, 16, a junior at Holy Cross High School, said. “Even though the people may have been down on their luck, they were just so appreciative of every little thing they have.”

Rev. Cyril D. Edwards, V.E., pastor, Mary, Mother of God Parish, leads the annual service trip. He is always touched by the stories of kindness, love and charity that the students experience.

Many of the students say they were so inspired by the service trip – they plan to continue volunteer efforts locally.

“I will try to volunteer more at local soup kitchens and try to get my friends involved,” Woody said.

“I feel like getting more people involved and getting more people to go on this trip so they can see how life is really different for some people,” Kranson added.

 

MOUNTAIN TOP – When you consider spending a week volunteering during the middle of July, young adults might think they are “giving up” part of their summer vacation.

That wasn’t the feeling of dozens of young people from Saint Jude Parish who took part in a “Week of Service” in their community from July 19-22, 2021.

During the first day, the students started by serving their parish by sprucing up the church grounds but then their ministry mission went on the move to non-profit organizations across the Wyoming Valley.

Volunteering at the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre had a profound impact on Juliet Biscotti, a junior at Crestwood High School.

“I realized just helping out for a few hours can make a big impact. The children were so happy to have us there. It meant a lot to me to know that I helped add fun and happiness to their day,” she said.

Jack Scanlan, a Crestwood senior, agreed.

“The CYC had the most impact on me because I was directly interacting with the kids and it had an impact on their day,” he explained.

This was Scanlan’s sixth year taking part in Saint Jude’s “Week of Service.” He says he continues to serve because he wants to help people and have an impact in his community in a positive way.

“I will use the lessons I learned to benefit others by serving the community more. I plan on continuing to help the community through service in whatever ways become available to me,” he added.

Thomas Dugan, a freshman at Holy Redeemer High School, spent part of his week volunteering at Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre and the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO).

“Working at the soup kitchen helped me learn how the soup kitchen operates from giving food, stocking shelves and cleaning dishes. At CEO food packing, we packed the boxes by using an assembly line that helped me learn how to be efficient so that we could pack the most possible boxes,” Dugan said.

The students filled 520 boxes of food at CEO, answering Jesus’ call to serve others.

“I think it’s important to help people in need and spread happiness,” Biscotti said.

This year, Saint Jude’s “Week of Service” was only four days because many community organizations are only starting to open up from the COVID-19 pandemic. Other places that benefited from the young people’s service include the MS Kirby Library, Brandon’s Forever Home and the residents of Mountain Top

Senior Care. The students sang Christmas carols (for Christmas in July) outside the facility and handed out handmade cards to all of the residents.

Each young adult vowed to take lessons learned from the “Week of Service” and continue to spread the love of Jesus to their neighbors.

“I can carry the lessons of this year’s ‘Week of Service’ by telling the people in the community and telling them to join next year for a first-hand experience,” Dugan explained. “I can tell this to people by continuing to do other service projects in my community that I intend to keep doing.”

“I can use the lessons that I learned to continue to do service in the community,” Biscotti added. “This year, I plan on teaching the kindergarten CCD class at Saint Jude’s. I love working with children and spreading the news about Jesus with them,” she said.

 

MOSCOW – From singing songs praising God to listening to bible stories and even learning composting – Saint Catherine of Siena Parish was buzzing with activity the week of July 19-23, 2021.

The weather cooperated as the Lackawanna County parish hosted its annual Vacation Bible School. The weeklong event was held outdoors for the first time to keep both students and volunteers safe.

“We’ve never been outside. It really worked out well,” Sandra Czyzyk, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish Director of Religious Education, said. “We could move from one session to another, getting some fresh air and the kids loved being outside.”

A total of 88 students attended the program. This year’s event was centered on the theme of “Earthkeepers.”

Czyzyk said it took 65 volunteers – many of them young adults – to make sure the program was a success.

“It means a lot to see the students grow throughout the week,” aide Samantha Bajor, 16, said. “At the start, the kids are always so shy and they don’t really want to talk to you but by the end of the week they all break out of their shell.”

After COVID-19 forced the parish to hold a virtual event last year, Bajor said she is glad everyone was able to gather in person this year. She helped to lead the fourth, fifth and sixth grade students during the week.

“I’m glad it’s back,” Bajor explained.

Fred Kloss, 15, agreed. The teenage youth group member also volunteered to help make this year’s vacation bible school a success.

“It was a great experience. I think it definitely brings younger kids closer to church,” he said.

Kloss believes the students he worked with learned a lot.

“Most of the kids liked the music a lot and the dancing. They learned songs and they sang the lyrics that teach them about their faith as well. A lot of them really liked the bible stories as well,” he added.

Czyzyk said vacation bible school is an important summer event to keep kids connected to the faith and let them see their pastor at their level having fun with them.

“Just coming out in the sunshine and being elbow-to-elbow with other young people, peers of their age, whether they’re 3 or 13 has just been so invigorating, physically and spiritually as well!” she said with a smile.

The reviews from the kids back up the week’s success.

“One little guy said to a teacher – this must be what heaven is like!” Czyzyk added.

Holy Rosary Parish in Hazleton also recently completed a successful weeklong vacation bible school program from Aug. 2-6, 2021.

With the theme “To Mars and Beyond,” 20 students participated in the nightly program at the parish.

“I wanted to start something that would get the kids into their faith, meet new kids and find other followers of Christ and that they could bond together with and spread the Gospel with,” Hailey Dudinyak said.

Dudinyak, a sophomore at Moravian College, put together Holy Rosary’s vacation bible school two years ago for a Girl Scout project and jumped at the chance to do it again this year.

“All the kids, they really put the energy in that we needed to have for it to be successful. I loved all the kids that came. They were just so energetic and they really enjoyed themselves. They all worked together beautifully,” she added.

Dudinyak, along with her brother and a few others, did most of the work for the event.

“Each day we started out with the kids seeing a skit between me and my brother. My brother was a robot called “EP3-20,” which stands of Ephesians 3:20, which was the key bible verse,” she added.

Each session also consisted of learning dances, bible stories and participating in craft projects.

“I actually just received a video from one of the parents of their kid doing the dances in their backyard by the campfire,” Hailey explained. “They’re continuing to praise the Lord and spread the Gospel, which is all we need, and that’s what the whole goal was!”