Diocese of Scranton News Briefing

Transcription

1 Diocese of Scranton News Briefing Vol. 9 #15 11/7/2013 In This Issue Year of Faith Drawing To A Close Diocesan Annual Appeal In-Pew Commitment Weekend USCCB President Calls for Immigration Reform Legislation MISSION STATEMENT We, the Catholic community of the Diocese of Scranton, are called through Baptism to imitate the servant leadership of Jesus Christ. In union with our Holy Father, the Pope, we proclaim the Gospel faithfully, celebrate the sacraments joyfully, and boldly promote life, justice and peace in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania. Subscribe to News Briefing Office for Parish Life Guild Building for Sale Real Estate Availability Mark Your Calendar Follow the Diocese on Facebook Year of Faith Drawing To A Close Bishop Bambera will celebrate concluding Mass on November 24 In union with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and the Universal Church, the Diocese of Scranton will conclude its observance of the Year of Faith on Sunday, November 24, On that day, the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, will celebrate the 10:00 a.m. Mass in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. All are welcome to participate. CTV: Catholic Television will broadcast the Mass live. All parishes in the Diocese are also encouraged to celebrate a Year of Faith Mass on that weekend, at a time most suitable to their worship schedule. The Diocesan Office for Parish Life is providing resources for such liturgical celebrations. Then-Pope Benedict XVI had declared that a "Year of Faith" would begin on October 11, 2012 and end on November 24, The starting date of October 11 was the 50 th anniversary of the opening of Vatican Council II and the 20 th anniversary of the publication of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a text promulgated by Blessed John Paul II, while the closing date of November 24, 2013 is the Feast of Christ the King. The Year of Faith was conceived as an opportunity for every Catholic to turn toward Jesus Christ, to encounter Him in the Sacraments and to rediscover the Faith and the Church. In his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei (The Door of Faith), Pope Benedict had explained that

2 the "door of faith" is opened at one's baptism, but during this year, Catholics are called to open it again, walk through it and rediscover and renew their relationship with Christ and His Church. Bishop Bambera opened the Diocesan observance with a Mass at the Cathedral on October 11, The Year of Faith has been the focus for Diocesan events, programs and activities throughout the year. Special events included a day-long Diocesan Congress featuring liturgy, dialogue and more than 40 workshops centeredon topics that areessential to vibrant parish life and living the Catholic faith; a pre- Congress concert with renowned Catholic musicians performing spiritual and liturgical music from the 50 years since Vatican II; a Mass celebrated by Bishop Bambera to honor the contributions of Sisters, Brothers and Priests in religious communities; participation in the worldwide Solemn Eucharistic Adoration on the Feast of Corpus Christi; a Diocesan-wide initiative called The Light Is On For You, whereby all parishes offered the Sacrament of Reconciliation every Monday evening during Lent to encourage all to partake of this source of God's grace; and the recent pilgrimage to Rome and holy sites in Italy led by Bishop Bambera joined by faithful from all 11 counties of the Diocese. In addition, parishes and Catholic institutions have been offering a variety of faith formation programs such as workshops, lectures, Bible study series, concerts, prayer gatherings and days of reflection. At the conclusion of the Year of Faith, Pope Francis will meet with those who, as adults, have decided to become Christians. This gathering will serve as a sign that as the Year of Faith has come to an end, what continues is the commitment of every Christian to respond daily to the Lord Jesus, who calls us to be his disciples, sent into the world to announce the Gospel and to bear witness to the joy of a life lived in faith. Pope Francis will catechize the Catechumens on the meaning of a new life in Christ and of discipleship taken from the Gospel of John 1: During this gathering, Pope Francis will celebrate the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens. With the graces obtained during this Year of Faith, each of us is called to embrace our mission as Christians with renewed vigor and fidelity. Diocesan Annual Appeal In-Pew Commitment Weekend The Diocesan Annual Appeal is underway and the In-Pew Commitment Weekend for diocesan parishes is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, November The In-Pew process is very important as it provides parishioners an additional opportunity to hear about the Appeal and to then take immediate action by making a personal pledge to support the campaign. To date, 19,684 donors have pledged nearly $3 million - 53 percent of the Appeal's $5.55 million goal. "The faithful throughout the Diocese of Scranton are being asked to "Serve with love" as Jesus did... by serving those in need, by helping to spread the Gospel, by caring for our priests and encouraging vocations, by ensuring vibrant parish communities, and by passing on the faith to future generations - all of which is achieved by supporting the Diocesan Annual Appeal," the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, explained. During In-Pew Commitment Weekend, pastors will make "in-pew" solicitations on behalf of the Appeal at Masses this weekend. For more information on the Diocesan programs supported by Appeal funds, to view Bishop Bambera's video message or to make a donation "on-line" with a credit card, visit In addition to pledging during "In-Pew Commitment" weekend, gifts and pledges may be made by calling the Appeal Office at

3 2250, or sending a donation directly to Diocesan Annual Appeal, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA For questions or to discuss gifts of securities or planned giving, please call the Development Office at USCCB President Calls Upon House of Representatives To Pass Immigration Reform Legislation In a November 7 letter addressed to Speaker of the House John Boehner, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, called upon members of the House of Representatives to address immigration reform legislation "as soon as possible, ideally prior to the end of the calendar year." In stating the case for action, Cardinal Dolan cited the ongoing suffering of immigrants and their families caused by a broken immigration system. "As pastors, we [the bishops] witness each day the human consequences of a broken immigration system," he wrote. "Families are separated through deportation, migrant workers are exploited in the workplace; and migrants die in the desert." Cardinal Dolan also wrote that keeping undocumented workers as a permanent underclass is a "stain on the soul of our nation." "As a moral matter, our nation cannot continue to receive the benefits of the work and contributions of undocumented immigrants without extending them the protection of the law. Keeping these human beings as a permanent underclass of workers who are unable to assert their rights or enjoy the fruits of their labor is a stain on the soul of the nation." Cardinal Dolan concluded that passage of immigration reform is a matter of "great moral urgency that cannot wait any longer for action." "The House has a responsibility to debate and attempt to resolve public policy issues that challenge the nation. Immigration is a challenge that has confounded our nation for years, with little action from our federally elected officials. It is a matter of great moral urgency that cannot wait any longer for action." The full text of the letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives is available online: Office for Parish Life Advent Evenings of Reflection for Liturgical Ministers Spend an evening of prayer and faith-sharing with parishioners in your area who are interested and involved in leading meaningful liturgy. Please invite those you know who are parish liturgy planners, those who serve as music ministers, lectors, hospitality ministers, extraordinary ministers of communion, leaders for Liturgy of the Word with children - all who make the liturgy special for others are invited to enjoy this gathering made special just for you! Choose your best date/location: Tuesday, December 10, 7-9 p.m.

4 St. Matthew's Parish, Stroudsburg Wednesday, December 11, 7-9 p.m. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Swoyersville Thursday, December 12, 7-9 p.m. St. Michael's Parish, Canton St. Cecilia's Hymn Sing The Diocese of Scranton Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) will be conducting a St. Cecilia's Hymn Sing on her feast day, November 22, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Church of the Immaculate Conception, 134 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre. St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music and musicians. Hymns and songs will be sung by all in attendance, and the theme of the evening will be based on recent teachings of Pope Francis. There is no admission charge, and all are welcome. A light reception will follow in the Parish Center Reception Hall. Parish Life Calendar Coming Soon The 2014 calendar for the Office for Parish Life will be sent this week. Watch in parish mail and for this valuable resource guide for faith-sharing groups, including many upcoming formation opportunities. For Sale: High Profile Commercial Building, Downtown Scranton The Diocese of Scranton is offering for sale The GUILD Building, located at 400 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA. The highly visible GUILD Building is located on one of the busiest routes in Downtown Scranton at the corner of Mulberry Street & Wyoming Avenue where the North Scranton Expressway enters the City. The GUILD Building is conveniently located just one block from the Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton City Hall and three blocks from the Federal and Lackawanna County Courthouses. The GUILD Building is a four-story facility zoned Downtown Commercial containing approximately 36,506 square feet of space. This well maintained building was home to a retail store encompassing the first floor, with the second and third floors being utilized as office space. The fourth floor, currently being used as an open storage area, has vast potential. The building is serviced by both a passenger elevator located at the front of the building as well as an over-sized freight elevator located at the rear. The rear elevator also services a first-floor service entrance, a second-floor level with the rear alley service entrance and a dock area. The building comes with an adjacent parking area with space for approximately 35 vehicles. Features of the Building include: Masonry foundation and exterior walls. HVAC System providing both heating and cooling. Dry sprinkler system throughout the entire building. Exterior renovations in 2006 which included:

5 1. Installation of a new rubber membrane roof. 2. All New exterior windows. 3. Masonry re-pointing and exterior painting. Asking Price of Only: $ 1,900, (1.9 million) For Additional Information or to Schedule a Building Tour, contact The Property & Risk Management Department of the Diocese of Scranton at Real Estate Availability The Property & Risk Management Division of the Diocese currently maintains a listing of real estate available for sale or use throughout the Diocese. If interested in learning about the available opportunities, please contact Ed Carlin, Property Assets Director, P&RM Division, at Mark Your Calendar Cursillo is a worldwide movement that focuses on the teachings of Jesus. The goal of the Cursillo Movement is to make Christ the prime influence in society. Through retreats and catechetical programs, participants are offered an experience of living in Christian community. The Cursillo Movement in the Diocese of Scranton is sponsoring the following programs. All are welcome. School of Leaders Saturday, December 7, Queen of the Apostles, Avoca (9:30-11:30 a.m.) Saturday, January 4, St. Gabriel Passionist Retreat Center, Clarks Summit (9:30-11:30 a.m.) Cursillo Retreat Weekends (St. Gabriel Passionist Retreat Center) Men's Cursillo #56 - February 20-23, 2014 Women's Cursillo #64 - March 20-23, 2014 Women's Cursillo #65 - October 2-5, 2014 For further information, please visit the Cursillo website: Follow the Diocese on Facebook Following the Diocese on Facebook is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Go to our page at:

6 2. Click on the "Like" button 3. Go to the adjacent Message bar and from the drop down menu, choose "Add to interest list." You will automatically get Facebook updates from the Diocese through your News Feed. You are also encouraged to visit the Facebook pages of other Diocesan departments. They are listed on our website at: Thank you for connecting with us!