In June 2018, the Diocese of Scranton issued the following statement in regards to the Saint Francis and Saint Clare Independent Roman Catholic Community:
“The Saint Francis and Saint Clare Independent Roman Catholic Community is in no way affiliated with the Diocese of Scranton nor in communion with the universal Catholic Church.”
His Excellency, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, announces the following appointments, effective as indicated:
PASTOR
Reverend Anthony J. Generose, J.V., to Pastor, Most Precious Blood Parish, Hazleton, effective August 1, 2018. Father Generose will continue to serve as Pastor, Queen of Heaven Parish, Hazleton, and as Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Scranton.
Reverend Joseph J. Manarchuck, from Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Wyalusing, and Pastor, Saint Joachim Parish, Meshoppen, to Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Matamoras, and Saint Patrick Parish, Milford, effective July 2, 2018.
PASTOR EMERITUS
Reverend Louis A. Grippi, from Pastor, Most Precious Blood Parish, Hazleton, to Pastor Emeritus, Most Precious Blood Parish, Hazleton, effective August 1, 2018.
ASSISTANT PASTOR
Reverend Edward J. Casey, to Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, effective June 25, 2018.
Reverend Ryan P. Glenn, to Assistant Pastor, Saint John Neumann Parish, Scranton, effective June 25, 2018.
Reverend Seth D. Wasnock, from Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, to Assistant Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Carbondale, effective June 25, 2018.
SENIOR PRIEST
Reverend John C. Ruth, from Senior Priest, Saint John Neumann Parish, Scranton, to Senior Priest, Saint Patrick Parish, Scranton. Father Ruth will continue to serve as Chaplain of the Lackawanna County Prison. Effective June 25, 2018.
Reverend Peter Tran, from Senior Priest, Church of the Epiphany Parish, Sayre, to Senior Priest, Christ the King Parish, Archbald. Effective June 25, 2018.
CHAPLAIN
Reverend Richard G. Ghezzi, to Chaplain, Saint Luke’s Villa, Wilkes-Barre, effective June 25, 2018. Father Ghezzi will continue to serve as Chaplain, Little Flower Manor, Saint Therese Residence, Wilkes-Barre.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Deacon Stephen B. Frye, from diaconal ministry Saint Ann Parish, Williamsport, and Master of Ceremonies for the Diocesan Bishop, to leave of absence for service at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, effective June 4, 2018.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT
Deacon Andrew A. Fazio, to Master of Ceremonies for the Diocesan Bishop, effective June 21, 2018. Deacon Fazio will continue his diaconal ministry at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Dunmore.
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton is sponsoring a “World Refugee Day” event on Sunday, June 24, 2018, from 2:00- 4:00 p.m. at Nay Aug Park in Scranton (Mulberry Street entrance).
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees established World Refugee Day to commemorate the strength, courage and resilience of millions of refugees throughout the world. In recognition of this special day, all are invited to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the refugee communities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The celebration will showcase cultural music, dance, art, ethnic dress, exhibits and community conversations with refugee families; will provide crafts and games for children, and resources from community partners. Ice cream and light refreshments will be available, and attendees can bring a picnic.
For more information on “World Refugee Day,” contact Sonya Sarner at Catholic Social Services, 570-207-2283.
In conjunction with the visit to Scranton by Attorney General Jeff Sessions and his recent statements about persons seeking asylum in the United States, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera has issued the following statement:
The development of a sound immigration policy that respects both the concerns of our nation and the needs of those individuals seeking asylum in our country for themselves and their children is a challenging task.
Sadly, current immigration policies have reached a critical point, with children and families with children who are seeking asylum being separated from one another.
These individuals are fleeing violence and chaos in their homelands, only to face policies that are destroying their families and unduly burdening their children.
While our borders must be protected and we must support the rule of law, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has asserted that “at its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life.” Separating children from their parents is an affront to the right to life. We must do all that we can to preserve and respect this right.
Peaceful Rally to Support Immigrants’ Rights
People of faith and concerned citizens will hold a peaceful rally in support of immigrant families and children. The rally is scheduled for Friday, June 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the corner of N. Washington Avenue and Vine Street in Scranton, (in front of the library).
On behalf of the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, we offer our prayers for all those affected by the terrible storms that recently struck our area. Several people were injured, and significant damage to properties and businesses is being reported. We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of so many emergency personnel, government officials and citizens who have been responding to this incident, and we commend the recovery efforts to God’s care.
“For more than 100 years, the Little Sisters of the Poor have provided compassionate, loving care to countless numbers of elderly and infirmed residents from throughout the Diocese of Scranton.
Although Holy Family Residence is not a Diocesan facility, the Little Sisters have tirelessly fulfilled the mission of the Church by providing for those in need of their care with a particular commitment to serving the poor in an atmosphere of respect, dignity, and love.
While there is sadness that the Sisters will no longer be able to continue their ministry in the Diocese of Scranton, we give thanks for their witness and dedicated service to the people of our region.”
Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton
Press Release from Little Sisters of the Poor Little Sisters of the Poor to withdraw from Holy Family Residence, Scranton, PA
(05/30/2018) – Today the Little Sisters of the Poor announced with sadness, that they will be withdrawing from the Holy Family Residence in Scranton, PA. This morning the Sisters met with the Residents, their families, lay Associates, staff and volunteers sharing their decision.
The Little Sisters have served in the Diocese of Scranton continuously since 1908 when they began their ministry at the Maloney Home, the first Catholic Home dedicated to the care of the elderly poor of Scranton. In September 1976 Holy Family Residence, built on the same property, replaced the Maloney Home.
In making the announcement, Mother Alice Marie, the Little Sisters’ provincial superior, explained: “As part of a strategic plan aimed at strengthening our ministry and bolstering the quality of our religious and community life, we Little Sisters of the Poor have recognized the need to withdraw from a certain number of homes in the United States, while at the same time dedicating our resources to much needed upgrades and reconstruction projects in several others.”
The Little Sisters of the Poor are actively seeking a buyer for the Home with the hope of finding another mission-driven sponsor. They announced that they will provide periodic updates as the transition process proceeds.
In letters to the Residents and their family members, Mother Theresa Louisa, Superior of Holy Family Residence, also offered the Residents the possibility of moving to another Home sponsored by the Little Sister of the Poor. “Know that if you wish to go to any of our other Homes so that you can continue to be part of the Little Sisters’ family, you will be welcomed with open arms.”
Mother Alice Marie concluded the announcement by thanking all those who have supported Holy Family Residence and the Little Sisters of the Poor for so many years. In a special way she thanked the Diocese of Scranton for its leadership in promoting and supporting the mission of the Little Sisters of the Poor for the last 110 years. She assured everyone of the Sisters’ prayers and support throughout the transition period.
For further information, please contact Father Mark Cregan, C.S.C., Esq. at 917.767.2772.
Pope Francis has offered another hopeful message that should inspire each one of us to strive to be the person God created us to be. The Holy Father calls all of us to bear witness to God in our everyday lives and in all that we do, in particular by treating everyone we encounter with dignity and respect, especially the most vulnerable and those in need of our compassion and assistance – the unborn, the poor and destitute, migrants and refugees.
Our Holy Father states, “Let the grace of your baptism bear fruit in a path of holiness. Let everything be open to God; turn to him in every situation. Do not be dismayed, for the power of the Holy Spirit enables you to do this, and holiness, in the end, is the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life.”
As we reflect with gratitude on this Apostolic Exhortation, Pope Francis reminds us that our identification with Christ and His will involves a commitment to build with Him a “kingdom of love, justice and universal peace.”
Read the Apostolic Exhortation here: Rejoice and Be Glad
On this date 50 years ago – April 4, 1968 – our nation and indeed the world were shocked by the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – a true apostle of peace, equality and non-violence. As we mark that tragic event, we also commemorate Dr. King’s great achievements to promote racial equality, dignity and justice for all people – ideals that are at the very core of our Christian faith. And we again commit ourselves to working, through prayer and action, for peaceful resolutions to the issues that still challenge us as a society. This is the mission that will truly honor Dr. King’s legacy.
On Friday, April 13th at 7:30 in the evening, the Cathedral will present a concert honoring the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese of Scranton. Titled “How Firm a Foundation: A Musical Celebration of Our First 150 Years”, the concert will feature the Choral Society of Northeast Pennsylvania. At the concert, a free will offering will be collected to support the work of the Cathedral and the Choral Society. Please set aside the evening of April 13th and join us as we journey through our rich history in song.
Because of technical issues at the broadcaster, the premiere of the documentary on the history of the Diocese produced by WVIA Public Media could not be shown last night. The premiere has been rescheduled for tonight, Friday, March 23 at 9:00pm on WVIA. WVIA regrets the delay and has expanded the broadcast schedule as follows:
WVIA:
Friday, March 23, 9:00pm
Monday, March 26, 9:00pm
Tuesday, March 27, 8:00pm
Wednesday, March 28, 9:00pm
Thursday, March 29, 10:00pm
Friday, March 30, 9:00pm
Saturday, March 31, 6:00pm & 8:00pm
Sunday, April 1, 3:00pm
CTV: Catholic Television:
Tuesday, April 3, 8:00pm
Wednesday, April 4, 10:00am
Monday, April 9, 9:00am
Thursday, April 12, 2:00pm
Friday, April 13, 8:00pm
The documentary will also be available for viewing on the Diocesan website (www.dioceseofscranton.org) beginning March 26.