Category: News

STATEMENT OF BISHOP JOSEPH C BAMBERA ON ABORTION EXPANSION

“The legislation that was signed into law in New York State is abhorrent. Similar legislation that was proposed in Virginia comes frighteningly close to infanticide.

While some lawmakers dispute that fact, what abortion advocates have said in the past would be “safe, legal and rare” now comes close to allowing abortion up to the point of birth.

We can’t let this moment pass in silence.

These bills should be a wake-up call to the faithful and call to action.

Our very existence is in jeopardy when injustices like this are allowed.

In addition to our prayers, advocacy efforts and the ability that we are given to express our values through the right to vote, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton pledges the resources of our charitable agencies to any woman experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, to support her in bearing her infant. There are life-affirming choices available.

All of life is precious and disrespect for any human life, especially the most vulnerable, is intolerable.”

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D.., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton

• Originally posted on 8-18-2018

The Grand Jury today released findings following its investigation into child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania. As the community copes with the findings in this report, Bishop Bambera offers his deepest apologies to the victims who have suffered because of past actions and decisions made by trusted clergymen, to victims’ families, to the faithful of the Church, and to the community at large. No one deserves to be confronted with the behaviors described in the report. Although painful to acknowledge, it is necessary to address such abuse in order to foster a time when no child is abused and no abuser is protected.

The Diocese of Scranton cooperated fully with the Grand Jury because of its firm belief that child sexual abuse cannot be tolerated and must be eradicated from the Church. Now that the report has been made public, Bishop Bambera has released today the list of all of the accused clergy, staff and volunteers within the Diocese of Scranton. The Diocese shared the list of abusers with all 11 district attorneys within the Diocese in 2016 before it knew of the investigation, and then with the Grand Jury as part of the investigation. This is the complete list of names supplied to the Attorney General. It is posted on the Diocese of Scranton website: www.www.dioceseofscranton.org (Child Protection/Safe Environment Page).

For well over a decade, ongoing improvements have been made to the manner in which abuse allegations are addressed. The Diocese of Scranton adheres to a strict zero tolerance policy, immediately informing law enforcement and removing the accused from the community when allegations are brought forth. And while properly handling allegations is critical, the ultimate goal of such efforts is to stop abuse altogether. While the past cannot be changed, the Diocese of Scranton remains dedicated to keeping our children safe from abuse moving forward.

In response to the report, Bishop Bambera recorded a video message that has been provided to all parishes to be shown at all Masses in the Diocese this weekend. The video can also be viewed on the Diocesan website, and it has been posted to Bishop Bambera’s Twitter page and the Diocesan Facebook and Twitter pages.

Bishop Bambera’s Message

Bishop Bambera’s Message with Spanish subtitles

February 10 – Mass – Jewish Home, Scranton, 2:00 p.m.

February 11 – World Day of Prayer for the Sick Mass, St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton, 12:10 p.m.

February 24 – Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Mass, St. Peter’s  Cathedral, Scranton, 10:00 a.m.

 

Diocese of Scranton

Superintendent of Schools

The Diocese of Scranton encompasses the 11 counties of Northeastern and North Central PA and serves approximately 350,000 in 118 parishes.  Since 2010, the Diocese has been led by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera.

In 2008, the Catholic schools in the Diocese were restructured and separately incorporated as a unique school system with 4 geographic regions.  There are 20 schools (16 elementary and 4 high schools) serving approximately 4,500 students.  In addition, we have an Individualized Instruction Program serving students with exceptionalities.  Based on total student population, the Diocese of Scranton School System is the 8^th largest within the 11 counties of Northeastern and North Central Pennsylvania.

The Search:

At the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year, Bishop Bambera implemented a new, innovative model for Catholic Education to better position the schools for the future in what has become an increasingly demanding educational environment.  The position of Secretary of Education/Chief Operating Officer was created to oversee Catholic Education, and a new vision for Catholic education is unfolding.  The Superintendent of Catholic Schools will report directly to the Secretary of Education/COO.

This is an exciting opportunity for an innovative educator to transform the educational landscape for Catholic schools across the diocese.  The diocese is seeking a dynamic Catholic leader with the experience and entrepreneurial spirit to partner with the Secretary of Education/COO in reimagining excellence in our schools. The Superintendent will manage expectations and be accountable for the overall academic quality of the system.

Responsibilities:

Focus areas for the Superintendent will be:

• Serve as the academic leader for the Catholic schools;
• Establish short and long term educational objectives;
• Track and assess student academic performance;
• Strengthen the commitment to the shared mission of being Catholic schools as part of our value proposition;
• Inspire others, particularly principals, to define their vision and achieve the highest performance level in their schools;
• Work collaboratively to develop and implement consistent policies for the school system;
• Supervise the educational delivery team, including assistant superintendents and principals;
• Help set expectations for staff performance in collaboration with the Secretary of Catholic Education/COO and Secretary of Human Resources;
• Provide oversight for professional development of both administrators and faculty;
• Assist the Secretary of Catholic Education/COO in establishing goals and benchmarks.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in educational administration/school leadership/curriculum and instruction; a doctorate in education or related field preferred;
• Minimum of 10 year of successful school leadership;
• Contemporary knowledge of academics, including curriculum development, professional development and technology;
• A commitment to academic excellence across all aspects of curriculum;
• Track record of leading and effecting organizational change;
• Data-driven including the ability to establish success metrics;
• Relationship oriented leadership style with demonstrated ability to work with a variety of constituencies (principals, boards, priests, parents, etc.);
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic partnerships with universities, educational reform groups, educational organizations, etc;
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
• Superintendent Letter of Eligibility or equivalent preferred;
• A practicing Catholic with a commitment to Catholic identity in schools;
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with all constituencies.

Compensation and Benefits:

A highly competitive salary will be offered to the successful candidate.  A full benefit package including health, dental and vision insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan; vacation time, etc.

Application Process:

Applications should consist of a narrative letter of interest, a current curriculum vitae with required clearances and salary history.   All materials will remain confidential until finalists are identified.  Finalists will be required to provide at least 3 professional references. Submissions are due by no later than March 4, 2019 and should be sent to:

James Burke
Diocesan Secretary for Human Resources
300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton Pa. 18503
Or email Jim-Burke@dioceseofscranton.org

 

A MESSAGE FROM BISHOP BAMBERA:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/d31hibyaxpzw0ne/Compensation%20Program.mp4?dl=0

SCRANTON, PA (January 22, 2019) – The Diocese of Scranton today launched its Independent Survivors Compensation Program, an independent program designed to compensate survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Participation in the Program by survivors is entirely voluntary and the Program is run completely independent of the Diocese.

“Our first priorities are to provide support for survivors of child sexual abuse and to take every step necessary to eradicate abuse from the Church altogether,” said the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton. “This Program helps. While no financial compensation can change the past, it is my hope that this Program will help survivors in their healing and recovery process.”

The Diocese’s program includes all victims, whether the abuser was a priest from the Diocese of Scranton, from a religious order, or was a lay employee of the Diocese. The Diocese announced on November 8, 2018 that the Program would be administered by Kenneth Feinberg and Camille Biros, two leading experts in mediation and alternative dispute resolution who have overseen similar programs started by five Catholic Dioceses in New York. Mr. Feinberg and Ms. Biros will have absolute autonomy in determining compensation for survivors, and the Diocese of Scranton has agreed to abide by all of their decisions.

“Ken and I know how important it is to assist victims who have endured a personal tragedy,” said Biros. “We have worked with survivors of sexual abuse and other tragedies and we have developed a system that operates with one person in mind – the victim. Often, survivors are most concerned with having their abuse acknowledged by the Church so they can begin to heal, and this compensation program will help them do just that.”

Program administrators will reach out directly to those who have previously reported a claim of abuse to the Diocese of Scranton. Survivors who have not yet reported past abuse are also eligible to participate and can request a claim form online after reporting the abuse in writing to the District Attorney’s Office. New claims must be registered with the Program by July 22, 2019, while existing claims can be submitted until September 30, 2019. Administrators will process claims in the order in which they are received, and payments will be made on a rolling basis as claims are processed.

An Independent Oversight Committee comprised of three individuals with relevant experience across healthcare, law enforcement and social work will supervise the Program. The Committee members are:

• Robert Gillespie, Jr., the former District Attorney for Luzerne County
• Ralph H. Meyer, President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus with Guthrie Healthcare System, who has spent his entire career in healthcare administration
• Robin Engels, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker in private practice who provides counseling and therapy for individuals and families, regarding issues of anxiety, depression, care-giving, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder. She recently retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Middletown Vet Center where her work focused on the treatment of Veterans who served in combat zones and their families.

The Oversight Committee will oversee and periodically review the implementation and administration of the Program. The Committee will also report to the Diocese as to the implementation and administration of the Program.

Parish and school assets, as well as contributions and bequests from parishioners and donations to the Diocesan Annual Appeal will not be used to fund the program. Rather, the Program will be funded by existing Diocesan assets and available reserves. If necessary, the Diocese will sell assets and borrow money.

This Program is one of the many steps the Diocese has taken to assist survivors of abuse. Survivors can continue to receive assistance from the Diocese including counseling or spiritual direction and referrals to support groups. The Diocese strictly adheres to a zero tolerance policy and immediately notifies law enforcement, the District Attorney and child protective services when abuse is reported. When the allegation appears credible, the Diocese removes the priest from ministry pending an investigation. The Diocese fully cooperates with law enforcement for any necessary investigation.

For more information about the Diocese of Scranton’s Independent Survivors Compensation Program, please visit www.ScrantonDioceseISCP.com.

Pilgrims from the Diocese of Scranton are attending World Youth Day 2019 in Panama. Please keep them in your prayers as they join a million other young Catholics from around the world for this pilgrimage.