SCRANTON – Calling all teenagers! Are you looking for a highly energetic and engaging opportunity to celebrate the richness of our Catholic faith?
If so, the 2023 Diocese of Scranton Youth Rally is for you!
Students in grades 7-12 are invited to join together on Saturday, Oct. 7 for the Youth Rally which will revolve around the theme, “Be an Original.”
Inspired by our first Millennial Saint, Blessed Carlo Acutis, students will have the opportunity to deepen their faith, make new friends and experience a day of fellowship and fun.
“The goal of the Diocesan Youth Rally is to provide an experience of the Universal Church for the young church of the Diocese of Scranton,” Shannon Kowalski, Diocesan Director of Service and Mission, said. “Many parishes and programs are looking for a way to jump start youth ministry or create excitement in their young people and that is what we are aiming to do.”
The Youth Rally will begin at 10 a.m. at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, and end at approximately 6:30 p.m. following the celebration of Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in fun and engaging workshops, experience Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as enjoy praise and worship opportunities with Steve Angrisano, a nationally known Catholic musician and speaker.
“Many of our students and adults know Steve from events such as Steubenville conferences, the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis and parish missions. Steve has come to our diocese for others events and has always left us with a great experience so we are happy to have him back!” Kowalski explained. Singer/songwriter Thomas Muglia is also expected to participate in the Diocese of Scranton Youth Rally.
“We are very excited to have Thomas as our house musician. Thomas is a young singer/songwriter from Arizona. His passion for worship and community makes him an excellent addition to our event. He is also a part of the house band for this year’s NCYC,” Kowalski added.
The cost of the full day of events is $20 per student/$25 per adult.
Events like the Diocesan Youth Rally are supported by gifts to the Diocesan Annual Appeal, which fund the work of the Diocesan Office for Parish Life.
“Between the workshops, the live music and the general excitement of gathering together as a community, our intent is to show our young people that the church is grateful for them and welcomes their involvement,” Kowalski said.
For more information or to register for the Diocese of Scranton Youth Rally on Oct. 7, visit dioceseofscranton.org or contact Shannon Kowalski at SKowalski@dioceseofscranton.org.
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SCRANTON – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and to offer healing and to increase awareness about the Church’s mercy and care for those who have died by suicide, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate a Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, at 12:15 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter.
During the Mass, those attending will be invited to bring forward a flower in remembrance of those lost to suicide. No registration is necessary and all are welcome.
Those who attended the 2022 Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance found it moving and meaningful.
“I look forward to the beautiful Mass for Suicide Healing and Remembrance each year,” Ann Marie McCrone said. “For me, sharing my grief with others who have endured similar losses is therapeutic.”
Deacon Ed Shoener, one of those instrumental in bringing this Mass to our Diocese, shared, “The Mass was profoundly healing for those who are grieving the suicide death of a loved one. Many people said that coming forward with a flower and placing it before the altar and the image of Mary holding Christ was like turning their own grief over to Christ. In a visible way they were able to show that in faith they were entrusting their loved ones to the mercy of Christ.”
Jack O’Malley lost the youngest of his six adult children, his beloved son, Ryan, who died from suicide on Aug. 21, 2011, at the age of 31.
“Our entire family was devastated, crushed,” O’Malley said. “We are a close, loving family and there was tremendous mutual support during that terrible time. We loved as a family and we grieved as a family. Yet, each of us had to cope in our own, unique, personal manner to the cross of suicide.”
While it initially seemed to be a mountain that could not be climbed, O’Malley said each of his family members has developed resources and resilience enabling them to fill the hole in their heart.
“My wife, Helene, and I have been gifted with strong faith and the practice of our Catholic faith has helped us immeasurably in our journey together,” he added. “The Mass is the most wonderful aspect of our faith and the reception of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest gift. We are deeply grateful for the Mass and this Mass in particular is very dear to us.”
To learn more about grieving a loss to Suicide from a Catholic perspective, consider accessing the “When a Loved One Dies by Suicide” film resource at: https://catholicmhm.org/whenalovedonediesbysuicide.
Other related worship and liturgy resources to help you observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Month can also be found on the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers website at catholicmhm.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.
Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
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SCRANTON – When Bobby Wolliver returned to Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen on July 31, the first thing he noticed was how bright the inside of the facility looked.
“It is wonderful. It’s brighter,” he said. “I’m happy to be home and back here again.”
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, leads a short prayer service prior to Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen reopening on Monday, July 31, 2023.
For ten weeks, the kitchen was closed for a “once-in-a-generation” renovation project. The nearly $2 million project involved replacing most kitchen equipment, expanding freezer space, creating handicap accessible bathrooms, creating a new front entrance along with painting and making the facility energy efficient.
“Every single ceiling has been replaced. Every light has been turned into an LED light, every wall has been painted,” Executive Director Rob Williams said. “It is exciting to look around the room and see our people where they are most comfortable.”
Albert Vosberg of West Scranton comes to Saint Francis Kitchen for a meal several times a week.
“I was blown away. It is amazing. It is like night and day. I just thank God that we have this place because without it a lot of people would go hungry,” he said. “It is not only the food, it is the comradery. Everybody that works here is like my family.”
Tania Durmiaki of Carbondale agreed.
“Some people live alone or they need to talk to people other than their family. It puts a smile on people’s faces,” she explained. “This is open to anyone.”
Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen serves 10 hot meals every week. They include a daily meal at 11 a.m. every day of the week (including weekends and holidays) and evening meals at 5 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Head chef Selena Hitchens stands in the newly renovated kitchen area.
Each meal includes a garden salad, fruit salad, protein, starch, vegetables, dessert and beverages.
The kitchen also provides hundreds of weekly meals that are distributed at parishes in Carbondale, Olyphant and Roaring Brook Township.
“It is a wonderful mission we have here,” volunteer Jane Roberts said.
Roberts, who was born and raised in Scranton, waited until the official grand reopening to see the completed renovation work.
“It is magnificent. It was needed. It is beyond what I expected. I love it,” she said.
Head chef Selena Hitchens was excited to get back into the kitchen and prepare the first meal for the community.
“It’s like feeling like a kid in a candy store, you know when you walk in and you see everything and your eyes just light up, that’s how it felt walking in here and seeing everything,” she said.
Monsignor Constantine V. Siconolfi founded Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen in 1978. In those 45 years, officials believe there has only been four missed meals.
None of those missed meals occurred during this latest renovation project.
Lackawanna College allowed the kitchen to utilize its facility to prepare meals in its commercial kitchen. Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Pennsylvania let the kitchen serve its weekday meals out of its facility in the 500-block of Wyoming Avenue.
“They did a lot for us to have the meals at the other location,” Durmiaki noted. “It was smaller but they did a lot.”
The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, led a short prayer service before blessing the renovated facility ahead of its first meal.
“This is a great day for all of us. It is really beautiful and we’re very happy to be able to provide this to all of you,” Bishop Bambera said.
The bishop read a short Gospel passage and prayed for all those who helped make the renovations possible as well as all those who will benefit from the project.
“We ask you, Lord, to bless us and all who use this building. May all who come here know the presence of Christ, experience His compassion and grow in His love,” Bishop Bambera said.
Williams stressed that the mission of Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen continues to be providing a space for people to have a warm, nutritious meal, no matter their circumstances in life.
“By taking good care of them and loving them, we emphasize that our brothers and sisters in need have dignity and are deserving of a dignified meal,” Williams said.
With the renovation project now complete, Williams said Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen can now focus on possible future expansion.
“We have a really strong staff. We must discern God’s will for the future of this organization … I’m excited to see what God has in store for us,” he added.
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SCRANTON – Recent renovations to Saint Anthony’s Haven, Scranton’s only year-round emergency shelter for both men and women, will not only improve the comfort of guests but will allow the facility to continue serving people with disabilities.
The facility, at 409 Olive St., recently created a new handicap entrance/exit, renovated both the men’s and women’s restrooms and the common areas and installed new cabinets and flooring in the shelter’s kitchen area. In the next phase of the project, which will be partially supported by American Rescue Plan Act grant funding from Lackawanna County, the building’s roof will be replaced.
A $30,000 grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supported recent renovations at Saint Anthony’s Haven, Scranton’s only year-round emergency shelter for both men and women. Pictured at the check presentation are, from left: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants & Scholarship Manager, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Community Foundation; Sandra Snyder, Diocesan Director of Foundation Relations and Special Events; and Laura Ducceschi, President/CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Administrator of Robert H. Spitz Foundation.
The most recent work was completed with the help of the city of Scranton, local charitable foundations, including The Moses Taylor Foundation and the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, and a national funder, The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation.
Harry Lyons, program supervisor of Saint Anthony’s Haven, said the new handicap entrance was a critical need after a sale of half the building that resulted in renovations by the new owner removed access to a previous point of entry.
“It was really important for us to establish this new handicap entrance so we can serve everybody. We have a number of people who use walkers and wheelchairs,” Lyons explained. “I recently got a call from the VA about a gentleman with no legs who uses a motorized wheelchair, so having this project finished will now ensure we have the ability to accommodate him.”
Saint Anthony’s Haven can safely accommodate 20 men and six women each night.
In addition to overnight shelter, the facility provides two meals per day, shower and laundry facilities and supportive services.
The number of individuals experiencing homelessness who rely on Saint Anthony’s Haven has returned to levels previously experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2020, Saint Anthony’s Haven provided 4,371 individual nights of shelter to clients. In 2021, the number rose to 5,658, and in 2022 6,410 individual nights of shelter were provided.
“The Robert H. Spitz Foundation is focused on supporting programs that aim to break the cycle of poverty,” said Laura Ducceschi, president of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which administers the Robert H. Spitz Foundation. “Supporting the renovation work at Saint Anthony’s Haven will help to better serve those populations in need of the facility’s services, and the Robert H. Spitz Foundation is proud to be able to help the community in this way.”
Robert H. Spitz Foundation funding also was used to replace the Olive Street entrance roof and help remove nine deteriorated and dangerous balconies from Saint James Manor, the building that houses Saint Anthony’s Haven.
The mission of Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, which operates Saint Anthony’s Haven, is to serve individuals and families in poverty and advocate for dignity and self-sufficiency.
“We don’t want anyone left out in the street or left out in the cold,” Lyons added.
“We’re incredibly thankful for the grant funding we have received for this project,” Lyons stated. “Without the support of the community we would not be able to continue serving our brothers and sisters in the way that we do.”
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SCRANTON – Born and raised just one street over from the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Ann, Kathy Dennebaum feels a deep connection to the annual Solemn Novena. She makes it a priority to attend services each year.
“I’ve had three major intentions that I’ve brought to the Novena and all three of them came to fruition so I’m a firm believer,” she explained.
Crowds gather on the lawn of the Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Ann on July 26, 2023.
An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people attended Novena services each day this year. “This has been a very sacred place since I was a little kid. My grandmother and grandfather had nine children that came here and were all members of this parish until they died,” Dennebaum added. “I just like to come and listen to the priests when they speak. A lot of times it’s very meaningful.”
The West Scranton native, who has been married to her husband Mark for 45 years, now bring their own grandson to experience the peace that comes from the prayerful place.
“I think it goes back to the fact that we grew up here and we’d like to have him be part of what we were part of when we were young,” Mark Dennebaum said.
This year marked the 99th year for the annual Novena that began July 17, 2023. The Novena concluded July 26, the Feast of Saint Ann.
“We never miss it, my whole family of eight sisters and brothers,” Patricia DeNapoli, a parishioner of Saints Anthony and Rocco Parish in Dunmore, said. “No matter what I ask, somehow, someway, it gets answered. You have to believe. If you don’t have faith there is nothing else!”
Very Rev. Richard W. Burke, C.P., rector of Saint Ann’s Shrine Basilica, said the annual Novena remains popular because Saint Ann is such a powerful intercessor.
“Every week we get letters and calls and have conversations with people who had their prayers answered one way or another through the intercession of Saint Ann,” Father Richard said.
With the centennial anniversary of the Solemn Novena quickly approaching, Father Richard believes its importance and relevance is just as important as when it started in 1924.
“Just think about all the major issues that we have to pray about. We can influence them through the gift of our prayers that God gives to us, we can influence the events of the world,” Father Richard stated. “The end of the hostility in Ukraine is a prayer that is on everybody’s mind. When they send in their petitions to put at the Altar of Saint Ann, nine out of ten of them have peace in Ukraine on those petitions.”
Jacob and Matthew Metzger, twins who grew up in West Scranton, began attending the Novena at a young age.
“This is the holiest ground I could be on,” Matthew said. “It is the greatest time of the year. It brings us a lot of peace and a lot of happiness to come down here.”
At 20 years old, the twins, who are both pre-med students, now volunteer every year at the food stand at the Solemn Novena to Saint Ann.
“It is such an amazing place to be. Everyone is kind and loving and filled with the Holy Spirit,” Jacob said. “It’s a family environment here. We all love what we do. We all love helping the people and putting a smile on people’s faces every day.”
With the 2023 Novena just having wrapped-up, coordinators say they will not waste any time in getting ready for next year.
“We’re going to get a committee going in August to begin planning what is going to happen next year. We already have some suggestions,” Father Richard hinted. “It will be very special.”
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SCRANTON – The annual Mass of the Anointing of the Sick during the Solemn Novena to Saint Ann brought out a large crowd on July 20, 2023, as hundreds chose to experience the healing presence of Jesus in their lives.
“It means everything to me. I love it,” Patricia Williams said.
During the Mass with the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, held during the Solemn Novena to Saint Ann on July 20, 2023, Very Rev. Richard W. Burke, rector, Saint Ann’s Monastery, administers the Sacrament.
Williams, a native of Scranton, made a special effort to attend this year’s Mass with her friend.
“I got my friend to come because she just had an operation and I came for my eyes,” she explained. “I might lose my eyesight because of macular degeneration in my family. I mainly came for that.”
During his homily, Very Rev. Richard W. Burke, C.P., rector of Saint Ann’s Shrine Basilica, described two precious moments he had recently celebrating the sacraments. One was with a 92-year-old nun and the other with a person in a coma who later recovered.
“The Sacrament of the Anointing is a very powerful moment of grace for everyone who wants to receive it, anyone who is sick, any of us who are elderly,” Father Richard explained. “It is a wonderful opportunity to look into the eyes of Jesus and discover His love, discover His healing presence and discover His guiding force in the heart of our lives.”
Elaine Jacklinski of Scranton believes attending the Mass of the Anointing of the Sick at last year’s Novena played a part in saving her life.
“Last year, it was very beneficial for me because my heart stopped a few days after the Novena when I was in the hospital and I was brought back and I feel it was because of the anointing Mass that God was with me,” the West Scranton resident explained.
While she admits it isn’t as easy getting to the special Mass because of mobility issues, Jacklinski is thankful she was able to attend.
“This Mass is very special. It’s very beneficial for me,” she said.
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SCRANTON – Benita Trently has been attending the Solemn Novena to Saint Ann for years and was thrilled this year’s annual devotion included a Mass in Spanish for the first time.
“There is a big Spanish community so hopefully they will start coming and start participating,” Trently said.
Father Luis Daniel Guivas, C.P., celebrated the first Mass in Spanish at the Solemn Novena to Saint Ann on July 23, 2023.
On Sunday, July 23, 2023, Father Luis Daniel Guivas, C.P., who is originally from Puerto Rico, but currently stationed in Queens, N.Y., celebrated the first Spanish Mass for the Novena at 1:30 p.m.
“The hope is to have this first step so we can promote it so we can have a bigger celebration next year during the whole Novena,” he said.
Jonathan Ramos, who is in formation for the Passionist community, said it is important to welcome people of all backgrounds and languages.
“Having this today is a great opportunity to get to know more people, our neighbors, and have the opportunity to serve them,” Ramos explained.
Very Rev. Richard W. Burke, C.P., rector of Saint Ann’s Shrine Basilica, said he is hopeful that for the Novena’s 100th anniversary next year they will be able to offer daily Masses in Spanish.
“I’m hoping that we’re going to be able to inaugurate a daily celebration in Spanish next year. We have so many members of Hispanic origin who are very devoted and dedicated people and I think it’s very important to make something available to them as part of the Novena,” Father Richard said.
That news is very exciting for Trently, who believes Saint Ann performs many miracles.
“My mother was very sick two months ago and I prayed to her (Saint Ann) to leave her here and she did, so I do believe she fulfills miracles,” Trently said. “My mother is healthy now. She is doing much better!”
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SCRANTON – The Diocese of Scranton’s annual Mass of Remembrance will take place on Thursday, July 25, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton.
This Mass is offered for family and friends of those who have died in tragedy, especially through murder, suicide and accident.
The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will serve as principal celebrant of the Mass.
To register the name of your loved one for this liturgy by July 19, please contact the Office for Parish Life at (570) 207-2213, or use the online registration form on the Diocese of Scranton website.
CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will provide live coverage of the Mass of Remembrance. The Mass will also be livestream on the Diocese of Scranton website, YouTube channel and across all social media platforms.
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SCRANTON – As he stood in the first pew of the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Joseph Boris, Sr., fought back tears as his son, Michael, gave him his first blessing just moments after his ordination to the priesthood.
“It meant so much. It was just an overwhelming feeling,” Joseph Boris said. Five years after entering Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Michael J. Boris was ordained a priest on Saturday, June 24, 2023, before hundreds of family, friends, fellow parishioners and clergy.
During the Rite of Ordination, the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, lays his hands upon the head of Michael J. Boris. Following the Bishop, all of the priests present also laid hands on the Dallas native.
“I loved seeing friends and family, some friends which I haven’t seen in a very long time, and most especially brother seminarians, and now brother priests, who have, in various ways, been part of my journey and have helped me try to surrender to Christ for this moment,” Father Boris said shortly after the Ordination Mass ended.
During the Ordination Rite, Boris prostrated himself before the Cathedral altar as the congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints. The Rite also included the Laying on of Hands, Anointing of Hands and the Fraternal Kiss — ancient rituals that signify his incorporation into the presbyterate.
Boris said the Laying on of Hands was particularly moving.
“I was moved and trying to reflect when the Bishop and then the other priests came and were laying their hands on my head. I was trying to picture how each and every one of them is Christ laying his hands on my head and trying to soothe my anxieties and heart, ultimately saying, ‘I’ve called you to this and I will be with you always,’” the newly ordained priest said.
Boris, 27, is the son of Joseph and Susan Boris. The Dallas native is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School and King’s College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy. Boris entered Saint Mary’s Seminary in the fall of 2018. In 2019, he served a summer assignment in the parish communities of Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Throop. Boris also served a pastoral year (2020-2021) in the parish communities of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, both in Carbondale.
“Two of the greatest things I’ve been thinking about recently were looking out at the crowd both at Adoration last night and here today and seeing all the people who have been part of my journey and their Christian witness and how they’ve helped me discern in various ways,” Father Boris added. “Everybody from my parishes, schools, King’s College, seminary at Saint Mary’s in Baltimore. They have all been spectacular and I’m very grateful.”
The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, served as principal celebrant and homilist of the Ordination Mass.
Bishop Bambera began his homily by thanking Boris for saying “yes” to the Lord’s Call to serve the church.
“Your consent to God’s will, that has brought you to this day in your life and the life of this local church, affirms that the power of God continues to move among us and affect God’s plan for salvation,” the bishop said.
The Ordination Mass was held on the Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist and provided context, as Bishop Bambera noted, for a person’s response to the call of the Lord.
“John was the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the prophet whose entire purpose in life was to point the way to Christ,” Bishop Bambera explained. “He understood and accepted God’s will for himself and he embraced it with humility and resolve.”
Being a priest demands the same response and more.
“While very much aware of our human weakness and frailty, God will use you, even with your imperfections to speak on His behalf and serve in His name for the sake of His people,” Bishop Bambera added.
As he ended his homily, the Bishop told Boris to always trust in the grace of God, be faithful to the teachings of the church and to remember he is appointed to serve on behalf of the Christian faithful but will always be in need of God’s presence, life and saving grace.
“God’s people are looking for meaning, purpose and peace in their lives. Today, here in this Cathedral and beyond, they will celebrate your response to the Lord’s call.
They will encourage you and embrace you with pride,” Bishop Bambera said.
“Tomorrow, they will look to you for answers to their questions and they will look to you to find Jesus in your words of forgiveness, in your service to the poor and the simplicity of your life and in the depth of your love.”
Throughout the Ordination Mass, Joseph Boris was filled with pride for his son.
“I just wish my mom and dad could be here and Sue’s mom and dad. This is something my mom prayed for a long time,” the new priest’s father said. “I have seven brothers and sisters and I think she was disappointed when none of us went into the priesthood. She was thrilled. She lived until a couple years ago and got to see Michael at the seminary. She was so proud of that.”
Over the last five years, Father Boris’ father said his son has grown in many ways.
“He is a totally different person. We know him as the goofball kid growing up, having fun, playing basketball,” his dad said. “He has really blossomed into somebody that I know will do great things. He will be a great priest.”
Father Boris’ first priestly appointment is historic. He has been appointed as Parochial Vicar at both Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and Saint Gregory Parish, Clarks Green. While the two neighboring parishes are currently independent, they will be working towards coming together in a linkage next year, and being appointed to both parishes now will help towards that goal.
“I am excited. I’ve never been up there so I really am going in with a clean slate,” Father Boris said. “It feels good to have a fresh start, go to a place where I can serve God’s people and try to discern God’s voice every day.”
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SCRANTON – The Cathedral of Saint Peter will be the setting on Saturday, June 24, 2023, as Reverend Mr. Michael J. Boris is ordained to the Order of the Priesthood for service in the Diocese of Scranton.
The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, will serve as ordaining prelate for the Mass that will be celebrated at 10 a.m.
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the Ordination Mass.
CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton will broadcast the Mass live and provide livestreaming on the Diocese of Scranton’s website, YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Boris, a native of Dallas, was ordained a transitional deacon in 2022 and is now ready to take his final steps toward priestly ordination.
“I’m very excited, a little nervous, of course, but that is natural,” Boris said. “I feel a lot of peace about my discernment and all of the great work that the Diocese has done for me.”
Boris, 27, is the son of Joseph and Susan Boris. He is a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School and King’s College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Philosophy. Boris entered Saint Mary’s Seminary and University in the fall of 2018 and completed his studies this May.
“Saint Mary’s is a wonderful place. They helped me to pray and discern what God is calling me to do,” Boris explained.
During his priestly formation, Boris served a summer assignment in 2019 in the parish communities of Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant, and Blessed Sacrament Parish, Throop. He also served a pastoral year (2020-2021) in the parish communities of Saint Rose of Lima Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, both in Carbondale.
Boris said he never seriously considered the priesthood until he was a senior in high school and Father Don Williams, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Scranton at the time, met with potential candidates recommended by teachers. Following that conversation, Boris began attending more discernment events, followed by a retreat and he ultimately made the decision to enter seminary.
As he prepares for this next step in his Christian journey, Boris has been thinking back to what one of his seminary professors said shortly before the end of classes.
“He said a lot of things are going to happen in the next few weeks and months, you’ll be ordained and it will be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle,” Boris said. “But he said don’t forget the amazing gift and power of the priesthood and that you’re being ordained to serve Christ and His Church.”
Boris adds he is thankful to all those who have supported him on this journey.
“Thank you for your prayers and support over the years,” he explained.
