Our Faith…Our Diocese

In the March 3^rd edition of Our Faith…Our Diocese: 

As Lent unfolds across the Diocese of Scranton, Bishop Bambera is once again travelling to each of our 12 deaneries to lead Lenten Holy Hours centered on this year’s theme: “Finding Peace in Challenging Times.”  We’ll share with you highlights of two recent services, including the one held at Divine Mercy Parish in in Scranton and the service held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Wyalusing. 

The parish communities of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dupont and Queen of the Apostles in Avoca recently hosted a Lenten retreat to help parishioners prepare their hearts for Lent through prayer, reflection, and fellowship. The three-day event, titled “Return to the Heart of the Father,” featured national speaker and author Allan Wright.

Every Friday during Lent, Saint Robert Bellarmine parish in Wilkes-Barre hosts a Lenten tradition known as Stations and Soup.  We’ll see how this  event brings people together to share a meal and fellowship, fostering a greater sense of belonging within the parish.

On Sunday, March 1^st, young Catholics from the Southern region of the Diocese gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter for the first of three Masses honoring recipients of the 2026 Bishop’s Youth Award.  We’ll see how this award is given to current 8^th and 12^th grade youth around the Diocese, who are active in their faith and are striving to be true disciples of Christ. 

On Fat Tuesday, the auditorium at the Diocesan Pastoral Center was packed as people from around the Diocese came together for the official launch of the 2026 Rectory, Set, Cook campaign. Now in its fifth year, Rectory, Set, Cook has grown into a signature fundraiser for Catholic Social Services, combining friendly competition, humor, and generosity. 

In celebration of National Marriage Week, the Diocese of Scranton hosted its very first Swing Dance on Saturday, February 7th at the Diocesan Pastoral Center. Featuring a 17-piece big band, the event provided a fun, social environment for couples to reconnect and celebrate the “vocation of marriage”.