DIOCESE OF SCRANTON. Every human life has value and worth BISHOP BAMBERA S MARCH FOR LIFE LETTER

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1 The Catholic Light DIOCESE OF SCRANTON VOLUME 115 NUMBER 1 ISSN THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2015 Every human life has value and worth BISHOP BAMBERA S MARCH FOR LIFE LETTER My dear friends, For just a few more days, the Church will continue to celebrate the Christmas season and the Incarnation of Jesus, the Son of God. Because of the Christmas event when the Word of God was made flesh, every human life has value and worth. That fact was made abundantly clear to me a week before Christmas when I received the annual calendar published by my good friends at Saint Joseph s Center, Scranton, who provide a variety of services to countless numbers of people on a daily basis and particularly care for children and adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. My cousin, Jason, who has been a resident at Saint Joseph s Center for approximately 24 of his 40+ years of life, was pictured on the cover of the calendar, along with two other residents. Blessed with an infectious smile, Jason has been an incredible gift to his mother and to my entire family. His life no doubt seen by some as a burden has had a profound impact on many through his ability to teach the simple lessons of what matters most in the lives that have been entrusted to us all. Pope Francis, in a recent address, explained that so many lives like that of Jason, are a blessing to our world for the simple fact that they like each of us are born from the love of the God of Life. A widespread mentality of the useful, the throwaway culture that today enslaves the hearts and minds of so many, comes at a very high cost: It asks for the elimination of human beings, especially if they are physically or socially weaker. Our response to this mentality is a decisive and unreserved yes to life. Things have a price and can be sold, but people have dignity because they are created in the image and likeness of God; they are worth more than things and are above price. Unfortunately, our world, and particularly our culture in the United States, so often reject the belief that every human life has infinite value. On January 22, 2015, we will observe the 42 nd anniversary of the Supreme Court s tragic abortion decision in Roe v. Wade that has led to virtually unlimited access to abortion. Since the time of that infamous decision, well over 55 million unborn children in our country have lost their lives before they had the chance to be born into the world, and nearly always for the sake of convenience, comfort and expediency. The scope of such disrespect for human life and its loss is staggering. While some wonder how our nation, founded on Christian principles, could have gone so far astray, many relegate such actions to a matter of mere personal choice, often denying the integrity and even the existence of the personhood of the unborn. In so many respects, we have been descending progressively into a valueless culture of death and violence. Yet these unsettling facts notwithstanding, it is a blessing to our world and to those lives yet to be born that tens of thousands of people will gather once again in Washington for the annual March for Life in order to witness to the belief that human life is precious and has profound value, having been made in the very image and likeness of God. Indeed, there are many signs of God s blessings that abound in the Diocese of Scranton through the good efforts of those who work with agencies such as Saint Joseph s Center, as well as Catholic Social Services, Rachel s Vineyard and organizations such as Pennsylvanians for Human Life. Thousands of March for Life participants make their way up Constitution Avenue to the Supreme Court building in Washington Jan. 22, Among them were many from the Diocese of Scranton who braved the bitter cold to make their voices heard, including at left, this group from Epiphany Parish in Sayre. Pro-life advocates are looking forward to the 2015 March for Life in two weeks. May the recognition of the presence of God within the lives of all who have been created in his image and likeness give us the courage and resolve to work and pray for an end to the culture of violence and death in our world and particularly in our country. May it once again become a land where all are truly free to be born and to live as sons and daughters of God heralds of the Gospel of Life. Despite the struggles that we face as a nation, many people of faith and good will continue to profess and exhibit a deep respect and appreciation for human life. May the recognition of the presence of God within the lives of all who have been created in his image and likeness give us the courage and resolve to work and pray for an end to the culture of violence and death in our world and particularly in our country. May it once again become a land where all are truly free to be born and to live as sons and daughters of God heralds of the Gospel of Life. Faithfully yours in Christ, Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L. Bishop of Scranton

2 2 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Assisted by The Annual Appeal Diocesan Catholic Schools Handing On Faith to Our Children Editor s Note: This is the fifth in a series on ministries and programs funded by the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Offering a Catholic school system that is spiritually sound and academically excellent remains an essential mission of the Diocese of Scranton, as expressed by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton. I am very excited about the future of Catholic education in our Diocese, said Monsignor David Tressler, recently appointed Diocesan Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Catholic Schools. I am indeed privileged to work with so many devoted and dedicated staff serving students in our 20 Catholic schools. We are also grateful to the parents who entrust their children to our care and pray that more families will accept our invitation to be a part of our learning communities rooted in faith, hope, and love. Fulfilling the mission of offering Catholic education to families in the Scranton Diocese depends considerably on donations made to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. The funds received through the Appeal help us to continue to provide educational excellence in a faith-based setting, added Monsignor Tressler. On behalf of the Catholic school community in the Diocese of Scranton, we are most grateful for the resources provided by the Appeal. To keep quality Catholic education affordable for families, annual tuition rates at Diocesan Catholic schools are well below the actual cost of educating a student. The difference between the tuition charged and the cost is funded through both Appeal funds and parish subsidies. Funds from the Appeal also enable the Diocese to retain professionally certified and committed teachers, provide outstanding support services, secure the latest educational technology and serve the various needs of individual students. These funds bolster our core subject areas and diversify our electives. The Diocese maintains four Regional School Systems: Holy Redeemer, serving Luzerne County; Holy Cross, serving Lackawanna and Bradford Counties; Notre Dame, Monroe County; and St. John Neumann, Lycoming County. Parents throughout the school systems support the Diocesan mission of Catholic education by making Catholic schools a valued choice in their daily lives. In Diocesan schools, Monsignor Tressler challenges principals to embrace three goals at the beginning of the school year: Modeling the role of Christ, the Master Teacher, in all that we do and say; establishing schools of hospitality, welcoming others and creating a climate of openness and kindness; and striving for academic excellence, being the best we can be and reaching further. Some parents reasons for choosing Diocesan schools may be based in part on family tradition. Parents surveyed representing the four school systems all reflect an appreciation for the emphasis on modeling Christ throughout the educational program. HOLY CROSS SYSTEM We send our children to Catholic schools because their faith is the most important aspect of their lives, explains Attorney James O Connor of Archbald. Catholic education puts the whole educational experience in the context of Jesus Christ. Truly the most important thing we can give our children is our faith, which our parents have given to us. Attorney O Connor was graduated from St. Thom- as Aquinas Elementary School, Bishop O Hara High School and the University of Scranton. His wife, April, graduated from St. Joseph s Parochial School, Berwick, and the U of S. O Connor twins Kaitlyn and Kateri are sophomores at Holy Cross High School. Twins Leslie and Leahy, seventh grade, and Rockne, second grade, are students at La Salle Academy. All of our children are doing very well in school, said Mrs. O Connor. Typically, freshman year can be tough, but when our twins entered Holy Cross High School last year, the transition was almost flawless. The teachers at La Salle prepared them to move on to high school. Every single one of their teachers is excellent. They look at the students as individuals and take a personal interest. Mrs. (Ellen) Murphy, La Salle principal, is also open to talking with you anytime about any of your concerns. Father (Christopher) Sahd, our pastor, is another reason our children do very well in school and in their faith, added Attorney O Connor. He has had a profound impact as a role model with all children in the parish, including those in parish religious education. Young people listen to him. He s a tremendous example of practicing what he preaches. Mrs. O Connor is a teacher aide in the parish s religious educational system and for children of Christ the King Parish, and her daughters are teacher aides. Left: Members of the Vergara family at Our Lady of Victory Church, Tannersville, are, seated in front, Selena and David. Second row, from left, Carlos, Antonio, parents Nancy and David Vergara, Anna, Elena, and Diana. The Vergara children attend Monsignor McHugh and Notre Dame High School in the Notre Dame System. Below: Members of the O Connor family pause after attending Mass at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Archbald. Standing from left, front row, Kateri, Rockne and Leslie. Second row, Kaitlyn, Leahy, parents Attorney James O Connor and April O Connor. The O Connor children attend Holy Cross High School and La Salle Academy, schools in the Holy Cross System. HOLY REDEEMER SYSTEM For the Josefowicz family of Mountaintop, choosing St. Jude School was not a hard decision, said mother, Nicole. Her daughter, Taylor, an eighth-grade student, will be continuing at Holy Redeemer High School. Daughter Melody is a second-grader. My husband, Mick, and I are completely committed to Catholic education. The number one reason is that God is there, said Mrs. Josefowicz. Faith is such a big part of our lives. Our children have developed their own relationships with God They remind us about Holy Day Mass. St. Jude s also offers our children a unique, unprecedented education though excellent teachers, small classes, extra help, she added. It s truly a sacrifice worth making to send them there, she adds. We also believe it takes a village to raise a child. Here, everyone is ready to assist faculty, families, fellow parents. I never feel we are on this journey alone. The school offers a priceless support system money can t buy. We also have the strength of our parish behind us. Our pastor, Father Joe Evanko, and (assistant pastor) Father Jerry Shantillo, are great priests and so important to the students faith education. ST. JOHN NEUMANN SYSTEM We love St. John Neumann, said Robert Pierce, of Muncy. As children growing up in Montoursville, he and his sisters graduated from St. John Neumann Academy, Williamsport. Now, his children also attend the school. Continued on next page

3 Editor s Note: In launching the 2014 Diocesan Annual Appeal, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera named six pastors and six couples from throughout the Diocese to serve as Regional Clergy Chairs and Lay Chairs, respectively. This is the next in a series featuring these individuals and their commitment to support the campaign. John and Nancy Severini Marr have been named lay chairs for the 2014 Diocesan Annual Appeal representing the Lycoming-Tioga Region. Father John Chmil, pastor of St. Peter Parish, Wellsboro, has been named Lycoming-Tioga clergy chair. The Marrs are parishioners of Resurrection Parish, Muncy. They reside on their family farm in Turbotville where Mr. Marr does crop farming of soybeans, wheat, oats, corn and hay, carrying on the legacy began by his great grandfather in He has also worked for Merck Pharmaceuticals as a chemical operator. Mrs. Marr is a certified public accountant, real estate developer, and owner of Marr Development, based in Bloomsburg. Their firm specializes in working with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, building and leasing veterans outpatient clinics. The couple are grandparents to five children. Mr. Marr s son, Brian, and his wife, Ashley, have their home on the family farm with their four sons. His daughter, Kristin, and her daughter, live near Harrisburg. Mrs. Marr was raised in Murrysville, near Pittsburgh, and was graduated from Mother of Sorrows School, where I received a wonderful foundation in our Catholic faith, and developed values and a moral code, she noted. Mr. Marr grew up as a Lutheran outside Limestoneville, near Milton. He converted to Catholicism through the RCIA six years ago. Active members of Resurrection Parish, the Marrs assist with the annual summer festival. She is responsible for the festival accounting and assists with collection counting throughout the year. Mr. Marr helps with festival setup and the food tent. John is also an honorary member Father John Chmil, John and Nancy Severini Marr Clergy & Lay Co-Chairs for Lycoming-Tioga Region of the Women s Organization, said Mrs. Marr. He helps make pierogi and bakes paska, the traditional Easter bread, each spring. It takes a lot of hands to make these fundraisers work, said Mr. Marr, and while we re all volunteering to help our parish we re also getting to know each other better in our Catholic community. Mrs. Marr is also a member of the Catawissa Military Band since 1999, where she plays the clarinet. Mr. Marr is a member of the Warrior Run Heritage Society, the PA Grange and the Montour DeLong Fair Association. We re very happy to be named lay chairs for the Diocesan Appeal and to publicly promote the Appeal, said Mrs. Marr, most of all because it benefits what I consider our local community. We get so many requests for donations from around the country and around the world. The Appeal is one way we have to help people here in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. Some people get lucky breaks in life and some get bad breaks, through no fault of their own, she continued. Through Catholic Social Services we can reach out to people that need help, people who aren t as lucky as we are. I appreciate that the Appeal supports Catholic schools, such as St. John Neumann Academy in our area, and also our parishes, said Mr. Marr. As a convert especially, it is so good to be part of Resurrection Parish. At Mass, we see lots of young people in the congregation, and we know in part that is a credit to our pastor, Father Glenn McCreary. We want to encourage people who haven t yet supported the Appeal, to make a donation, no matter how small or large, said Mrs. Marr. As an accountant, I also think it s worth reminding people that 75 per cent of every dollar a parish raises above its Annual Appeal goal is returned to the parish to use as needed. Explains Father Chmil, When I introduce the Annual Appeal to my congregation each year, I begin with the story of how the Appeal touched my life as a college seminarian. I tell them, In 1984, we didn t know one another. Here it is, 30 years later, and I am your pastor. You supported me through all those years! My mother and dad paid for my college; however, the Appeal paid for my room and board at St. Pius X Seminary, which I deeply appreciated, said Father Chmil, who was raised in Ashley, and was a parishioner of St. Leo Parish. Father Chmil studied at St. Pius for two years before he transferred to King s College, Wilkes Barre, where he finished with a degree in theology and philosophy. He was then graduated from Immaculate Conception Seminary, at Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J., with a master s degree in pastoral ministry. Continued on page 13 3 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015 Many people assume we chose Neumann for the excellent academics, but that s not the main reason, said Mr. Pierce. We re practicing Catholics. That s the world view we promote at home and we didn t want to send our kids to a place with a contradictory view. Faith has value in our family. He and his wife, Maria, are the parents of Olivia, a high school junior, and Michelle, grade five. Their son, Joey, graduated from St. John Neumann and is now a college sophomore at Susquehanna University on academic scholarship and rowing for the crew team. Their education is reflected in the discussions we have at the table. They bring it home. Father David Bechtel, (St. John Neumann Chaplain and Director of Religious Formation), challenges them. And they re also well-prepared for college. That s where the academics come in, Mr. Pierce said. We re very pleased with the education program, the administration, the excellent teachers, said Mrs. Pierce, who is a school psychologist. I m concerned about reading, writing and faith formation. I can tell you the teachers are great to work with. They know when the children are struggling and when to refer them for evaluation. They put in the extra effort. The families of St. John Neumann are committed to having their kids graduate from that school. Parents do what they can. Our Bishop has been supportive. Our local parishes have been supportive. We are very grateful. NOTRE DAME SYSTEM David and Nancy Vergara of Tannersville are proud that six of their children are attending Diocesan Catholic schools in Monroe County. We have five in Monsignor McHugh and one at Notre Dame High School, said Mr. Vergara. Their youngest son is not yet in preschool. Our faith is very important to us, said Mrs. Vergara, who was graduated from Monsignor McHugh and Notre Dame schools. And a Catholic education reinforces the faith within our children each day. The Vergara children also assist regularly at Mass as altar servers for their pastor, Father Richard Czachor. Our children are excellent students and they re often praised for their manners and good behavior. A lot of that comes from the atmosphere at Catholic schools, said Mr. Vergara, where they stress morals and ethics and knowing right from wrong. Every year it s a challenge to send them to Catholic school. It is a big sacrifice financially but through the generous contributions of the Diocese and the parish we re able to do it. And we re so grateful for that. Monsignor Tressler concludes, For all the many wonderful reasons parents choose our Diocesan schools, none of these opportunities would be available without the supplemental funding of the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Catholic education for our children needs the support of generous gifts to the Annual Appeal. Diocesan Catholic schools are currently accepting applications for the academic year. To learn more about the benefits of a Catholic education, call your local Catholic school to speak with the principal and arrange a visit. Our schools welcome the opportunity to show you our outstanding facilities, committed faculty, and engaged students. For a directory of diocesan Catholic schools, visit: org/catholicschools/locate-a-school/. (Editor s Note: In addition to the children enrolled at Diocesan Catholic schools, students throughout the Diocese attending other institutions benefit from comprehensive religious education programs at the parish level. The next issue of The Catholic Light will feature Parish Religious Education Programs.) Highlights of Diocesan Catholic Schools The Individualized Instruction (II) Program currently serves students with exceptionalities in the Holy Redeemer System at Good Shepherd Academy, Kingston, and Holy Redeemer High School, Wilkes-Barre; and in the Holy Cross System at All Saints Academy, Scranton, and Holy Cross High School, Dunmore. In addition to a comprehensive academic program, high school juniors and seniors are offered Advanced Placement classes as well as college-level courses at The University of Scranton, Marywood University, Misericordia University and King s College, through the Diocesan Young Scholars Program. Recognizing that the arts contribute to children s intellectual and emotional well-being, Diocesan schools provide and encourage study in art, music and cultural enrichment. Our educators help students explore their abilities in a variety of genres. Integral to offering a well-rounded education, Diocesan high schools also include individual and team competitive sports. Catholic school coaches stress individual responsibility for the collective good, team-building and fair play, all in the context of a faith community. Extra-curricular activities include a large number of clubs, both traditional and innovative, reflecting students myriad interests.

4 4 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT The Congregation of Holy Cross The Cross Our Only Hope. Congregatio a Sancta Cruce (C.S.C.) It is Sainte Crois, the small French town outside LeMans, where Blessed Basil Moreau founded the Community in So the Congregation identifies itself as Holy Cross from its foundation. On the seal of the Congregation is the image of the Cross and anchors with the words Spes Unica. As the Constitutions state, We are men with hope to bring. Such is the charism that marks all of the apostolates of the religious community of Holy Cross. In the troubled period following the French Revolution, Basil Anthony Moreau, a priest of the Diocese of LeMans, responded to the needs of the devastated church throughout the countryside. He planned to organize some clerics as auxiliary priests. By August of 1835, he had recruited priests for this purpose. They were few in number and assisted the diocesan clergy by preaching parish missions. He intended also that they would be educators and prepared them for this apostolate. Only days after this group was first assembled, at the request of his bishop, Father Moreau accepted responsibility for the Brothers of Saint Joseph who had been founded 15 years earlier by another priest of the same diocese, Father James Francis Dujarie, pastor. The Brothers were zealous laymen who had been meeting the need for elementary education in villages of the region. Father Moreau decided to unite these two groups. On March 1, 1837 the priests and brothers were united within a single association to minister to the pastoral and education needs of the French church. Father Moreau was like- Blessed Basil Moreau founded the Congregation of Holy Cross in wise the founder of the Sisters of Holy Cross. Priests, brothers and sisters have as their principal feast, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. The specific charism of Holy Cross is centered on creating a family spirit within our respective ministries-missionary work, classroom, parishes, and social services. We are to bring hope to all, based on God s gift of love as seen by the cross. Father Moreau died on January 20, 1873, surrounded by the Marianite Sisters who stood loyally by him in his later years. He ever trusted in Divine Providence as guide for his work and maintained an unfailing commitment to preach the cross as our one, true hope. He was beatified on September 15, From the outset, Father Moreau s religious order of Holy Cross was an apostolic religious community at the service of the Church well beyond the frontiers of France. Holy Cross ministries are found in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Chile, Peru, Haiti, Ghana, Uganda, Brazil, Tanzania, Philippines, and Bangladesh. The Holy Cross Congregations of priests, brothers, and sisters have founded nine colleges and universities in the United States: Holy Cross College at Notre Dame, Ind.; King s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.; Our Lady of Holy Cross, New Orleans, La.; St. Mary s College, Notre Dame, Ind.; St. Pope Francis has proclaimed 2015 a Year of Consecrated Life, asking the Church s religious sisters, brothers and priests to wake up the world with their testimony of faith, holiness and hope. The Diocese of Scranton is blessed by the congregations of religious women and men who serve in our schools, colleges and universities, in our hospitals and nursing facilities, in our parishes and in agencies that serve the poor and neediest in our midst. During this special year The Catholic Light is publishing a series of articles highlighting these religious congregations. Edward s University, Austin, Texas; Stonehill College, North Easton, Mass.; University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.; and the University of Portland, Portland, Ore. In our Diocese of Scranton, the Congregation of Holy Cross serves the Church in the ministry of education and in parishes. King s College in Wilkes-Barre was established in 1946 by the Community to enable the sons of coal miners to have a college education. As events developed, the College saw the need to be co-educational In our Diocese of Scranton, the Congregation of Holy Cross serves the Church in the ministry of education and in parishes. King s College in Wilkes-Barre was established in 1946 by the Community. and now offers the opportunity for educational advancement to all. King s and the local Holy Cross Community are entering their 68 th year of service to the Diocese. Fourteen Holy Cross religious (11 priests, 2 brothers, 1 deacon) serve the needs of the Diocese. Thirteen of these men minister on King s campus. Father Robert Lozinski, csc, is the pastor of St. Michael s Byzantine Catholic Church in Dunmore. Father Richard Hockman, csc, is involved in parish-based special religious education programs. In addition to their roles at the college, the Holy Cross community members who are priests assist at area parishes with sacramental ministry, especially on weekends. See Holy Cross Saint next page.

5 First Holy Cross Saint Canonized in 2010 Alfred Bessette was born August 9, 1845 in the town of St. Gregoire, southeast of Montreal, Canada. He was one of 10 children. Because of ill health, he was unable to go to school on a regular basis. Both parents died before he was 12. Alfred was largely illiterate and spent 13 years wandering and working in various jobs working even for a short time in textile mills in the northeast of the United States. In 1870, Alfred entered the Holy Cross Novitiate and it was here that he was given the name, Andre. As a Holy Cross religious brother, Andre served as a porter of the boarding school, Colege du Notre Dame, run by the Holy Cross Community at Montreal. For 40 years, this humble and holy religious greeted the many people who came to the door. To the many who came with illnesses, Brother Andre would encourage prayer to Saint Joseph. He would often go to the homes of the sick to pray with them. His great devotion to Saint Joseph and the throngs of people who came to him for prayer eventually led him, with the permission of his superiors, to begin a small chapel where he could Saint Brother Andre Bessette, csc meet the people. Eventually, the Oratory of Saint Joseph of Mount Royal was begun in 1914 and completed 50 years later. This humble and saintly Brother who loved Saint Joseph, the Eucharist and the Stations of the Cross died in 1937 at the age of 91. Over a million people came to bid their affectionate goodbye to this miracle man of Montreal. Brother Andre is buried in the crypt of the Oratory and it now is a place of pilgrimage. Pope John Paul II beatified Brother Andre in May, Twenty-eight years later, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Andre as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in October His feast day on the Church calendar of saints is January 6. He is the first canonized saint of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Reverend Thomas Anthony Yaszcz Dies on January 2 Reverend Thomas Anthony Yaszcz died on Friday, January 2, 2015 at his residence. Father Yaszcz, son of the late Leonard S. and Helen Rita Beresh Yaszcz, was born in Nanticoke on October 14, He received his early education at Most Holy Trinity School, Nanticoke, and graduated from Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre. Father attended the University of Scranton, receiving his B.A. in sociology on August 27, He completed his studies for the priesthood at Mount Saint Mary s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., and was ordained to the priesthood on May 3, 1975, in Saint Peter s Cathedral, Scranton, by the Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick, D.D., late Bishop of Scranton. Father Yaszcz first assign- Reverend Thomas Anthony Yaszcz ment was as assistant pastor at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, Dunmore. He then served as assistant pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Plains; Sacred Heart Church, Wilkes-Barre; Saint Ann s Church, Shohola; Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Dickson City; Saint Stanislaus Church, Hazleton; Holy Trinity Church, Nanticoke; Saint Gabriel s Church, Hazleton and Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Nanticoke. He also served as chaplain at Retreat State Correctional Institution in Hunlock Creek. Father Yaszcz is survived by cousins. He was preceded in death by his brother Michael. A Vigil Service was celebrated on January 7, 2015, at Most Holy Trinity Church, 520 South Hanover Street, Nanticoke, by Reverend James R. Nash, pastor. A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing will also take place Thursday morning, prior to the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Parish Cemetery, Nanticoke. 5 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015 Holy Cross Office of Vocations United States Province of Priests and Brothers P.O. Box 541 Notre Dame, Indiana Phone: (574) Fax: (574) vocation@holycrossusa.org The specific charism of the Congregation of Holy Cross is centered on creating a family spirit within its ministries-missionary work, classroom, parishes, and social services. We are to bring hope to all, based on God s gift of love as seen by the cross. Fourteen Holy Cross religious (11 priests, 2 brothers, 1 deacon) currently serve in the Diocese of Scranton.

6 6 Year-long Parish Celebration of Marriage and the Family Begins JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Office for Parish Life Offering Resources In union with Pope Francis, who has called us to reflect on the gifts of marriage and the family, the Diocese of Scranton is promoting a year-long celebration of how important family life is to God s plan and His Church. The Holy Father declared the theme of the 2015 Synod of Bishops in Rome to be about marriage and the family and called for an Extraordinary Synod on married life and the family in 2014 to prepare. Since the domestic church is the place where we first learn about God and experience God s love for us, Pope Francis wisely calls us to ask throughout the year: What do families and marriages need? How can we better support them? How can the Church s teaching on marriage and the family be Good News? What can we learn from married couples and from families? In addition, the World Meeting of Families that occurs every three years will be held in Philadelphia September 22-27, Pope Francis has confirmed he will attend, likely for the last three days. The theme is Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive. As is customary, a catechesis or explanation of Church teaching about marriage and the family has been approved by Rome and published for the faithful to use to enhance their understanding in preparation for the World Meeting of Families. Visit for all kinds of information regarding this event. Planning is underway for a Diocesan pilgrimage for the pope s visit and other opportunities to participate in the meeting. Information will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, the Office for Parish Life team is offering resources and suggesting opportunities to assist parishes in their support of marriages and families. Parishes are encouraged to consider and choose what best fits their needs. The Office for Parish Life monthly Good News Notes will provide in advance more direction monthly on each opportunity. For those who don t already get the Good News Notes, call Jennifer at to subscribe. The yearlong opportunities began with the November Convocation for Becoming a Marriage Building Parish, the December Catholic Parent Revival, and now still include: January 2015 Helping Families Choose Life, part 1: The first 10-minute video in a series teaching parenting skills. Part 1 is about infancy. Produced in collaboration with Catholic Social Services. View on Our Faith, Our Diocese on CTV or the Family Support and Enrichment page on www. dioceseofscranton.org (see Parish Life menu tab-> Marriage and Family -> Family Support and Enrichment on the submenu) or on the Parish Life Facebook page (www. facebook.com/dioceseofscrantonofficeforparishlife). Intergenerational Lesson Plan: do some catechesis with all age groups that focuses on the Holy Family. February 2015 World Marriage Week, Feb World Day of Prayer for the Sick, Feb. 11 (Pontifical Mass, Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, 12:10 p.m.) Helping Families Choose Life, part 2: The second 10-minute video in a series teaching parenting skills. Part 2 addresses key issues of safety, bonding and discipline. Produced in collaboration with Catholic Social Services. View on Our Faith, Our Diocese on CTV or the Family Support and Enrichment page on org (see Parish Life menu tab-> Marriage and Family -> Family Support and Enrichment on the submenu) or on the Parish Life Facebook page ( Intergenerational Lesson Plan: do some catechesis with all age groups that focuses on Lent. March 2015 Family: God Is in the Mix of It All: Three workshops for parents that can be held during Religious Education classes for children. Watch brief video by Father Joseph Kempf on the spirituality of family life and help the group discuss the video with the guidance of some reflection questions. Helping Families Choose Life, part 3: The third 10-minute video in a series teaching parenting skills. Part 3 discusses effective communication. Produced in collaboration with Catholic Social Services. View on Our Faith, Our Diocese on CTV or the Family Support and Enrichment page on www. dioceseofscranton.org (see Parish Life menu tab-> Marriage and Family -> Family Support and Enrichment on the submenu) or on the Parish Life Facebook page ( com/dioceseofscrantonofficeforparishlife). April 2015 Helping Families Choose Life, part 4: The final 10-minute video in a series teaching parenting skills. Part 4 looks at parent/ child conflict and troubled children. Produced in collaboration with Catholic Social Services. View on Our Faith, Our Diocese on CTV or the Family Support and Enrichment page on www. dioceseofscranton.org (see Parish Life menu tab-> Marriage and Family -> Family Support and Enrichment on the submenu) or on the Parish Life Facebook page ( Family-oriented Mystagogia: Spring is filled with sacraments of initiation! Gather families to reflect on how they continue to be saved by Jesus and grow spiritually after the ceremonies are done. Intergenerational Lesson Plan: do some catechesis with all age groups that focuses on Easter. May 2015 Mother s Day Adoption Mass, May 10, 10 a.m., Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton June 2015 Wedding Anniversary Mass, June 21, 2:30 p.m., Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton July 2015 Family Fun Night/Day: Parish-based event that gives a family a chance to have time doing tech-free activities (games & faith sharing) individually as well as enjoy being with other families for a sing-a-long, group games, food and fun. August 2015 Service Project: Parish-based event where families do service together and have picnic/social with those they serve. September 2015 World Meeting of Families Philadelphia, Sept Intergenerational Lesson Plan: do some catechesis with all age groups that focuses on Ordinary Time in the Church s liturgical year. New Calendar Resource for Parishes The Office for Parish Life has published a very rich resource to assist parish marriage and family support endeavors. Based on the theme for the World Meeting of Families, Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, the 2015 Office for Parish Life Calendar includes: Monthly opportunities to celebrate and support families in your parish up to and including the World Meeting of Families next September (as described above); A list of marriage and family enrichment resources; Directions to locate free lesson plans for catechists based on the World Meeting of Families catechesis; A prayer service for each month that can be used privately or at a parish meeting: the prayer service features selected readings from the World Meeting of Families catechesis on marriage and the family, questions for reflection/ discussion and Pope Francis prayer for families. While marriage and the family are the themes, the readings and questions are broad enough for anyone and for any parish meeting because they help us reflect on our fundamental roles and values. Each of the 12 months also features a link to a reflective activity you can do alone or with the rest of your household (no matter in what stage of family life you find yourself!) from The calendar of events and programming sponsored by the Office for Parish Life for the liturgical year 2015; and, A prayer for families (back cover, suitable for many uses and occasions). Continued next page

7 Catholic Campaign for Human Development Helps Those Living on the Margins The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) annual collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) will be taken up in parishes in the Diocese of Scranton on the weekend of January 24-25, Echoing the teaching of Pope Francis, the collection focuses on the theme: CCHD: Working on the Margins. During World Youth Day in 2013, Pope Francis told us to never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity. CCHD puts these words into action by funding housing, education, and the development of job opportunities. This national collection is the primary source of funding for CCHD, the anti-poverty program of the Many resources for parishes Continued from page 6 The full calendar is available on the Diocesan website at: (collating the monthly date pages with the reflection pages) for wide distribution. Many parishes also find it valuable to publish it one month at a time, with the reflection and calendar inserted in their bulletin. The Office for Parish Life is also prepared to distribute bound copies for pastors, parish staff members, Parish Pastoral Council members. Call or stop by the Office, now located in the new Diocesan Pastoral Center (former Bishop Hannan High School Building) at 330 Wyoming Avenue, next to the Chancery. Also, a comprehensive listing of marriage resources is available on (see Parish Life menu tab-> Marriage and Family -> Marriage Enrichment and Support on the submenu). The page includes links to articles related to married life; information on marriage preparation; retreats for married and engaged couples, those who have lost a spouse through divorce or death, and those who are experiencing a troubled marriage; information on domestic violence; lesson plans for catechists; prayers and resources for enriching married and family life; and spiritual/reflective activities that can be done in a parish setting or at home. A Prayer for Families All-Loving God, we thank you for all your good gifts, especially the gift of family. For parents and grandparents who nurture our faith and lift us up in difficult times, we thank you God. For brothers and sisters who laugh and listen and celebrate with us in joyful times, we thank you God. For holidays and holy days when we join together around the table and remember the bond that unites us, we thank you, God. For all those who love and care for us and welcome us home again and again, we thank you, God. For the gift of eternal life and the promise that we will one day join all of the beloved who have gone before us, we thank you, God. With the guidance of the Holy Family, may we remain a strong and vibrant family of faith, now and forever. Amen. Heidi Busse bishops of the United States. CCHD s grants empower communities to build pathways out of poverty and isolation. More than 46.5 million Americans are living in poverty. For over 40 years, community organizations supported by CCHD have brought the joy and hope of the gospel to those on the margins of society men and women who have lost their jobs, those who suffer as a result of various illnesses and health complications, people without decent housing, and the children who go to bed hungry many nights. Our gifts to this collection offer new hope each year to those living in poverty throughout the United States. By supporting the campaign, we defend human dignity and show Christ s charity to those in need, said the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton. Twenty-five percent of the gifts collected here stay in our diocese to fight poverty in our communities and defend the dignity of our neighbors. In the Diocese of Scranton, a portion of the CCHD collection is used to assist immigrant families through services and programs that focus on family reunification, employment and self-sufficiency as they begin to overcome challenges associated with assimilating to different languages, traditions and religions in a culture that is unfamiliar. Bishop Bambera has reminded us that ethical treatment of immigrants is an important part of our faith tradition, and that our efforts to uphold the dignity of those seeking to live among us must continue. Those who have come to our country, like many of our ancestors before them, are seeking a better way of life, he said. We share a responsibility to be compassionate, understanding and supportive as we welcome them as children of God. Last year, CCHD provided 209 grants, totaling just over $12 million. As part of CCHD s new Strategic National Grants Program, five new grantees were awarded just over Lenten Preparation Sessions The Office for Parish Life will be holding regional Lenten Preparation Sessions for all those involved with the preparation of liturgical seasons, especially music ministers, liturgy committees, art and environment committees, or anyone wanting to deepen his or her appreciation of the Lenten season and the Paschal Triduum. The season of Lent developed as a period of spiritual preparation for those catechumens who were to be baptized at Easter, and over time was extended to the entire Church community so that all the faithful could prepare themselves internally and renew their baptismal commitment at Easter. This 40-day retreat experience of the Church continues today, and the liturgies of Lent offer a treasury of sacred stories, signs and symbols to help deepen our participation in the Paschal Mystery of Christ. This experience is enhanced through the time and talent of many parish volunteers and staff members who assist with the preparation of liturgical seasons. In an effort to help these liturgical leaders network with neighboring parishes, the Lenten Preparation Sessions will include faith sharing on the scripture readings for the season, a brief overview of some of the traditional practices of Lent, a discussion of different themes and music selections that parishes are using, and sharing ideas for the liturgical environment. These sessions will be held at these locations: Copyright 2014, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. Photo: Vetta Collection/iStock Photo. $2 million to work regionally on issues related to comprehensive immigration reform, affordable housing, poverty along the Mexico-U.S. border, support for farmworkers in the Northwest, and access to Catholic education for Latino and Hispanic students. The Catholic Campaign for Human Development continues to operate within the 2010 guidelines established by their governing bishops in The Review and Renewal of CCHD. This ensures that the recipients of these grants are providing programs and services which are in keeping with Catholic social and moral teaching. Monday, February 2 at St. Peter Parish, Wellsboro at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 4 at Ss. Peter & Paul Parish, Towanda at 6:30 p.m. Monday, February 9 at BVM Queen of Peace Parish, Hawley at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 10 at Gate of Heaven Parish, Dallas at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, February 12 at St. John Bosco Parish, Conyngham at 6:30 p.m. To register for any of these sessions, please contact the Office for Parish Life at THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015

8 8 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Baptism of the Lord January 11 The Church celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord commemorating Jesus baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist on January 11. The feast day, which marks the close of the Christmas season, is traditionally celebrated at the Vatican by the pope baptizing several babies in the Sistine Chapel. Father Thomas A. Yaszcz The Emmaus story in Saint Luke s Gospel reminds us that Jesus joined two of his disciples on the road as they left Jerusalem in sorrow after his death and burial. Into their grief and their loss of meaning, trying to make sense of their lives, after his death and burial, Jesus comes and engages them in conversation. Eventually they recognize him in the breaking of the bread. Every time we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we meet Jesus in a special way in the presence of the celebrating community, the presiding priest, in the power of the Word when the Scriptures are proclaimed and in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, when the Holy Spirit transforms bread and wine into the body and blood of the risen Christ. He is with us now at this funeral Mass for Father Yaszcz, offering wisdom and comfort. When Father Yaszcz said yes to his call as a deacon and priest, he did not know what challenges he would face. God calls people to serve with their gifts and personalities, as he did the first apostles, so different from one another, no two really alike. Father had his own style of ministry. Cooperating with the grace of God, through the strength and wisdom of God, Father would minister to the people of God with his strengths and weaknesses, as does everyone. He was a humble man. When God calls a person, he equips the person with the grace and gifts to live and minister in his name. Father knew that all was grace and all was gift. When the young man with a little bread and a few fish gave them to Jesus, the Lord was able to feed a multitude. When we share who we are and what we have, God can and does work through us. As a deacon, Father Yaszcz was called to serve as a minister of Justice and Charity, helping people to understand that the reign of God that Jesus spoke so much about was an invitation to men and women to a change of mind and life, to promote peace and justice, in a world that suffered because of sin and separation from God and from others. As a priest, he was called to be a leader by word and example of how the message of the Gospel and the grace of the sacraments could bring healing now into a world of suffering, into people s lives not only in times of joy, but in times of struggle and sorrow. He had a variety of parish assignments, but particularly found his ministry as a prison chaplain most meaningful. He could comfort Continued on Page 10 Making Sense Out of Bioethics Esteeming Our Elders and Fostering Solidarity Across Generations Occasionally we hear disturbing stories in the media about young people who perpetrate abuse against the elderly. In a widely reported 2009 story, for example, caretakers at the Quadrangle Assisted Living facility outside Philadelphia were charged in connection with the abuse of an elderly patient named Lois McCallister. Three employees, aged 19, 21 and 22, were caught on a surveillance camera as they taunted, mocked and assaulted the partially naked 78 year old woman. She had begun complaining to visiting family members several months prior that someone was hurting her and hitting her. There were also initial signs of bruising on her hand and wrist. After bringing the bruises to the attention of the nursing home s administrators, the family was informed that the allegations were unfounded, and were told the accusations were simply the result of the patient s By Father Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D. advancing dementia. Family members suspected there was more to it, and clandestinely installed the video camera, hidden in a clock in the victim s room. After capturing the assailants on tape, they concluded that the abuse suffered by their mother had been ongoing for some time. One of the young women charged in the case told investigators she was working on another floor the night the clock/camera captured the scene in the elderly woman s room. A family member later told news reporters, They called the third girl down from another floor and said, Come down, we re going to start. As a consequence of the abuse, the Department of Public Welfare eventually revoked the license for the facility, and the family filed a civil lawsuit against the parent company. Continued on Page 10 The Catholic Light (ISSN ) Official newspaper of the Diocese of Scranton. Published every third Thursday by the Catholic Light Publishing Co., 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA Offices: 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA Phone: (570) Periodicals postage paid at Scranton, Pa., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Catholic Light, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA Subscription rates: $10.00 per year; $12.00 foreign. Member of the Catholic Press Association, Subscriber to the Catholic News Service. William R. Genello, Editor-in-Chief. The Catholic Light is our official diocesan journal. The publication of notices, regulations and extra-synodical decrees in said paper constitute legal promulgation for all the faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, Clergy and Laity. Volume 115 Number 1 Thursday, January 8, 2015

9 Scranton PHL Plans Prayer Breakfast SCRANTON In commemoration of the upcoming 42nd anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court s decision legalizing abortion-on-demand in America, the Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life will sponsor their annual Respect Life Prayer Breakfast in Scranton and participate in the March for Life in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22. The Prayer Breakfast will be held on Saturday, Jan. 31, at 9 a.m. at St. Mary s Center, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children (age 6 to 12). Principal speaker for the breakfast program will be Bobby Schindler, executive director of the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, which endeavors to protect the lives of the medically vulnerable and Bobby Schindler disabled from the threat of euthanasia. After his sister Terri Schiavo slipped into a coma with a profound brain injury in February of 1990, Mr. Schindler was thrust into the public spotlight as an anti-euthanasia champion when her estranged husband sought the court s permission to starve and dehydrate her to death. Reservations for the annual Prayer Breakfast may be forwarded to Pennsylvanians for Human Life, 506 Broadway, Scranton, PA For more information, contact Joe Alinoski at ( ) or Scranton PHL at ( ). Charter bus reservations for the Jan. 22 March for Life in Washington are being accepted by Anthony DePaola ( or ). Cost is $40 for adults; $20 for students. Buses will leave for the march at 6:45 a.m. from the Keyser Oak Shopping Plaza in Scranton and return at approximately 11:45 p.m. The March for Life rally is scheduled to begin at noon on the Mall in Washington. At the conclusion of the program, marchers will proceed up Constitution Ave. to the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court buildings. SCRANTON Pro-life advocates throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania will join tens of thousands of their counterparts from across the nation for the 42nd annual March for Life on Thursday, Jan. 22, in Washington, D.C. Regional chapters of the Pennsylvanians for Human Life (PHL) will offer round-trip bus transportation. Bus reservations are requested as soon as possible. In Washington, participants will join together with other activists in a peaceful march to protest the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, which legalized abortion-on-demand in America and has caused the deaths of more than 55 million unborn children. Prior to the march, there will be a peaceful rally, beginning at noon, on the National Mall just west of the U.S. Capitol. Following the rally, the annual March for Life will proceed up Constitution Ave. toward the Capitol and conclude at the Supreme Court building. Afterward, marchers may visit their local congressional delegations and demonstrate their concern on behalf of legislative action for pro-life issues, including the continuing effort to overturn Roe v. Wade. The PHL will sponsor buses leaving from communities throughout the Scranton Diocese. Departure times and costs vary. Details on bus schedules and costs throughout the region can be obtained from the following contacts: January 22 How to Get to the March for Life Buses Scheduled for 42nd Anniversary Event in Washington When the U.S. Supreme Court made abortion legal in January 1973, many felt helpless at the thought of unborn babies no longer being protected in the womb. A group in Scranton, however, took up the challenge to defend life and have been fighting the battle for 40 years. Ordinarily, an anniversary is a time for celebrating a joyous and gallant event, said Helen Gohsler, president of the Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life since But sadly, the killing of over 56 million of unborn babies in our country is nothing to celebrate. However, tonight, we do celebrate. We celebrate the 40 years of dedication by the founders of this organization and the hundreds who have followed in their footsteps. We celebrate 40 years of defending the right to life and our dedication to carry on until the battle is won. CARBONDALE Call Dorothy Tedesco, (570) Fighting for Life for Four Decades MONROE COUNTY (POCONOS) The Pocono PHL Chapter bus will depart at 6 a.m. from the Bon Ton store in the Stroud Mall and is scheduled to return around 10 p.m. Call Patricia Murray, (570) , or Joan Berdela (570) SCRANTON The Scranton PHL Chapter buses will leave at 6:45 a.m. from Scranton s Keyser Oak Shopping Center. Cost is $40 for adults, $20 for students. For reservations or to sponsor a student for the trip, forward a check payable to Pennsylvanians for Human Life to: Anthony DePaola, 1310 Woodlawn St., Scranton, PA Phone: (570) or (570) WILLIAMSPORT Gathering for bus transportation at 5:30 a.m. at Beiter s. For more information and reservations, call Evelyn Rall, (570) Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life Marks 40th Year Principals of the recent 40th anniversary celebration of the Scranton Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life are, pictured seated from left: Dr. and Mrs. Frank Schell, Patrick Williams, Ernest Ohlhoff, principal speaker; Denise Neary, Anne Domin and Rev. J. Harry McElroy. Standing, from left: Richard Gohsler, Rev. Ben Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ciccocioppo, Helen Gohsler, Bishop Emeritus James C. Timlin and Frank Germain. The Scranton Chapter of PHL recently observed the anniversary with a special banquet at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. Among those in attendance were some of the founding members of the group, which started a year after the infamous Supreme Court decision. The Scranton Chapter is the oldest pro-life organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Mrs. Gohsler recalled attending one of the group s meetings in December 1973 at then-mercy Hospital. She commended the founders dedication, and said she would have not been as successful as president if it weren t for their groundwork. Mrs. Gohsler encouraged people not to be complacent and discouraged in fighting for the right to life. I want to assure you we are winning the battle. The number of abortions continues to fall annually, she said. We come together tonight to affirm our commitment to the unborn. I ask you to pray to remain strong. God is on our side. The fight is indeed ours to be won and we are here tonight to remain faithful to the cause and continue our effort until the battle is won. Among those also speaking were chapter founders Anne Domin and Frank Germain, who recalled the early years when members met at St. Mark s Lutheran Church in West Scranton, where another founding member, Continued on Page 10 9 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015

10 10 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Scranton PHL Chapter Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Founding Continued from Page 9 Stephen Yelovich, was pastor. Mr. Germain recalled showing a slide presentation featuring Dr. John C. Willke, founder of the National Right to Life Committee. More people became interested and the group started meeting at Mercy Hospital. The fourth founder was Monsignor Joseph Gilgallon. Essentially, this is God s work, Mr. Germain said. Babies are made in the image and likeness of God. The banquet s principal Continued from Page 8 and challenge and give support to those in need of the healing power of the mercy of God. Carl Jung and Henri Nouwen used the phrase wounded healer to remind people that healing comes through healers not from them. Every counselor, teacher, minister and priest can be compassionate when they know their own need for compassion, understanding, forgiveness and healing. Karl Rahner in a talk to prison chaplains, later published as The Continued from Page 8 A tragic event like this leads to intense questioning about how these young people, charged with the special care of the older generation, could end up becoming so callous, inhuman, and brutal. What can be done to prevent this kind of inter-generational disconnect from occurring in the future? And what can be done to build up unity and respect between generations? A nearly universal point of reference over the years, and a counsel of incalculable worth, has been the injunction enshrined in the Decalogue: Honor your father and mother. A decision to abide by this commandment invariably serves to strengthen the concern of children for their parents and elders, and helps forge a bond between the generations. The Book of Sirach offers similarly sage advice: My son, take care of your father when he is old; grieve him speaker was Ernie Ohlhoff, director of outreach for the National Right to Life Committee. He recalled working with the Scranton Chapter in the early days when he was trying to start a chapter in Stroudsburg. Throughout his history with the organization, Mr. Ohlhoff worked with others in expanding interest throughout the state, including the PA Pro-Life Federation. The pro-life cause has continued to grow not only in the state, but throughout the country. He said the recent mid-term elections throughout the country showed success for pro-life candidates with a 76.8 percent success rate. I wanted to clarify one point. I am a conservative Catholic, and because I m a conservative Catholic, people assume I am pro-life because of my religious convictions. Religion had nothing to do with my decision to be pro-life and to join the pro-life movement, he said. I became pro-life because of science and common sense. I truly believe that if you study human reproduction and follow it to its logical conclusion, you can only end up believing that a genetically unique human being begins at fertilization and that terminating a pregnancy is the deliberate killing of a human being. He said his work in outreach has developed relationships among people and groups of various religious denominations. One thing Mr. Ohlhoff said he learned early in the pro-life movement is that pro-lifers possess two characteristics they care and they love. Editorial Eulogy for Father Thomas Yaszcz Prison Pastorate, noted that the chaplains were to find Christ in the prisoners, and reflected on the parable of the last judgment in Matthew s Gospel. Rahner also told them that we find ourselves in the prisoners. His words help us to understand the phrase wounded healer much better. He notes: So, then, we meet ourselves when we meet prisoners in prison. They present our own image to us, that image which we must face continually, day after day, if we hope to find the grace of God for ourselves; for that grace is only given to those who acknowledge themselves as sinners and build their lives on one thing only, the incomprehensible grace of God who takes pity on the lost. We have no choice: either we are going to go through the prisons like Pharisees, saying, Lord, I thank thee that I am not as one of these, robbers, swindlers, adulterers, or like the publican in Luke s Gospel. He stood afar off, just as our unredeemed feelings find the prisons far off from God, beating his own breast and not someone else s (a thing we are apt to do when visiting in prison), and said, God, be merciful to me a sinner! (Luke 18, 9-14). Only if our attitude in the prisons is that of the publican in the Temple will the prison become for us poor sinners, a Temple from which we can return justified to our own homes. Otherwise we shall be going into the true prison of our own blindness, hypocrisy, and pride, against which God sets his face, while those inside, perhaps, may be the ones who are justified and free in God s sight. So, then, we find ourselves in the prisoners, seeing in them the Making Sense of Bioethics: Esteeming Our Elders not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him; revile him not all the days of his life; kindness to a father will not be forgotten, firmly planted against the debt of your sins In a sense, it is precisely the weakness and vulnerability of the elderly that beckons us to manifest a greater respect towards them, and never to mistreat them in the strength of youth. As Pope John Paul II beautifully summed it up in his 1999 Letter to the Elderly: the signs of human frailty which are clearly connected with advanced age become a summons to the mutual dependence and indispensable solidarity which link the different generations Compassionately attending to the needs of the elderly draws the generations together and builds solidarity. When the unique gifts of the elderly are invested and shared with the younger generation, this, too, builds up solidarity. Elderly people help us see human affairs with a sense of perspective tempered by experience, reflection and wisdom. Whenever grandparents contribute to the raising and formation of the grandchildren, even by doing something as simple as teaching them how to pray and think about God, they strengthen inter-generational ties, and build family unity. We can foster intergenerational care and support within our families and communities in other simple ways as well, for example, through conscientious parenting, including small but important steps such as insisting on meal time together as a family (which builds up mutual respect and concern for others in the family); teaching compassion by visiting sick or elderly neighbors together; teaching children to welcome all human life, even when weak or handicapped; praying together as a family; decreasing media time and AVOCA In celebration of the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the Four-Boro Ministerium of Avoca, Moosic, Duryea and Old Forge will sponsor a free ecumenical community cover-dish dinner and prayer program on Sunday, Jan. 18, at 2 p.m. at Queen of the Apostles Parish in the former St. Mary s School, 742 Spring St., Avoca. Under the theme The Woman at the Well, the event will include members of nine congregations representing five Christian de- Pro-lifers care unreservedly about the protection of innocent human life. Secondly, it is love that binds the movement together, he said. Care and love allow them to stand together in the face of an unsympathetic society and proudly proclaim we are pro-life. You are the only hope in restoring civility to our nation and to end the wanton killing of the unborn. Other speakers included Denise Neary; Bishop Emeritus James C. Timlin; and Michael Ciccocioppo, executive director, PA Pro-Life Federation. hidden truth of our own situation. We find meaning in our lives through what we experience, our attitudes and what we do. For a priest, his ministry helps him find meaning in life through his assignments. For Father Yaszcz, his ministry to prisoners was especially meaningful. Excerpted from the homily by Monsignor Vincent J. Grimalia at the Mass of Christian Burial celebrated for Father Thomas A. Yaszcz on Jan. 8 at Holy Trinity Church in Nanticoke. guarding against violent computer/ video games, pornography and other practices that dehumanize people and make them seem like objects to be manipulated. As we seek to build relational bridges across generations, and work to construct a society that esteems its elders, we simultaneously build up homes and communities that are liberated of the threat of abuse or neglect places of safety, mutual support and love, even as the hairs on our head turn gray and our strength wanes. Father Tadeusz Pacholczyk, Ph.D., is Director of Education at The National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia. Ministerium Christian Unity Program nominations and feature short reflections and prayers from area pastors. Church musicians will also lead hymns interspersed between Scripture readings and prayers for unity. The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated worldwide, officially begins on Jan. 18 and continues through Jan. 25. For more information, contact Father Phillip Sladicka, pastor of Queen of the Apostles Parish, Avoca, at ( ).

11 Area PHL Chapters Represented at Statewide Pro-Life Gathering 11 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015 Shown in the above photos are representatives from the Wyoming Valley and Scranton chapters of Pennsylvanians for Human Life who were among the approximately 600 in attendance at the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation Banquet held in Harrisburg this past fall. Keynote speaker for the event was the hosting prelate, Harrisburg Bishop Ronald Gainer, who addressed the crowd on the dignity and worth of every human life. Pictured at left are members of the Wyoming Valley PHL contingent. From left, Christopher Calore, Nancy Restaino, Kathryn Mitchell, Katherine Masalonis and Joseph Warakomski. Scranton PHL chapter reps shown in the photo at right are Dr. Frank Schell (seated) and, standing from left, Joseph Alinoski, Patrick Williams, Helen Gohsler, chapter president; Anthony DePaola and Eugene Litz. Our Global Family Heeding Pope Francis Call, Growing in Character Upon his return from Asian Youth Day, Pope Francis explained, The meaning of this apostolic visit can be summarized in three words: memory, hope and witness. The church is the custodian of memory and hope. It is a spiritual family in which the adults transmit to the young the flame of faith received from their ancestors; the memory of the witnesses of the past become a new witness in the present and hope for the future. I experienced what Pope Francis was talking about in my students at one of the courses I co-taught at the University of Notre Dame. The Character Project invited students to look at decisions, behavior, motivations, values and habits, and how these solidify into vices or virtues that eventually determine one s character. To grow in character, one must have a vision of what she or he wants to become. This vision, as articulated by about 150 students over six years, almost unanimously emanates from two sources: their faith and By Carolyn Y. Woo specific adult role models who love and believe in them. At one point, we asked the students whether having a spouse with the same faith or even one who belongs to no faith is negotiable. About a third answered affirmatively. To the question of whether they would bring up their children without any faith tradition, all responded with a look of horror and a definitive no. Their upbringing in the faith was their foundation and anchor. Unfortunately, my Notre Dame students are not the norm. Data indicate that 40 to 50 percent of young adults do not practice the faith in which they were brought up. Research based on a survey of 3,000 young people by Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton shows that most youth believe in a moral and benevolent God who wants us to be good, watches over us and solves our problems in our quest for personal happiness. God is not a part of their daily lives until needed. They profess to have no particular relationship with this diety. He is analogous to a kind uncle or, better still, as the authors termed, a Divine Butler. There is no sense of sin and grace, suffering and sacrifice, mercy and redemption. Understanding of the Christian tradition and the fundamentals of our faith is spotty: For example, many Catholic students on Catholic campuses cannot name all seven sacraments. Pope Francis message is urgent given the pervasive influences of a materialistic, individualistic and relativistic secular culture; it is profound because we help instill the desire for God in our young. His statement is a call to action to all of us as parents, families and communities. We are the most important transmitters of an active, genuine and integrated faith. If we smart at youth s sense of God as Divine Butler, note that this outcome telegraphs the deficiency of our collective work in faith formation. Adults, through our parishes and in the home, must engage to ensure that our children are taught properly the tenets of our faith. After all, how can they cherish what they do not know? But knowing intellectually is not enough. Knowing comes from doing. The commitment of the family to cultivate a joyful tone for and habits of worship through prayer, devotion, Mass and sacraments constitute the practices leading young people to internalize the ways by which they place God in the center of their lives, engage him, and trust in his love and mercy. Involving youth in works of charity helps them develop compassion and a sense of what they can do and eventually, what they must do to live their faith. Memory, hope and witness. Let us heed Pope Francis call. Carolyn Woo is president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services. Copyright (c) 2015 Catholic News Service

12 12 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Bishop Bambera celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord with members of our Filipino community at their monthly Mass on January 3 in the Cathedral of Saint Peter. The Catholic Light Photos/Terry Connors BISHOP BAMBERA S SCHEDULE January 11 Mass, Jewish Home, Scranton, 2:00 p.m. January 12 Mass, Lackawanna County Prison, Scranton, Noon January 17 Pro-Life Breakfast, Montrose, 8:30 a.m. January 21 Vigil Mass, March for Life, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., 6:30 p.m. January 22 March for Life, Washington, D.C. January 23 Christian Unity Week Prayer Service, St. Peter s Cathedral, Scranton, 12:10 p.m. January 25 Mass, Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, Annunciation Church, Hazleton, Noon Bishop Bambera and Father Thomas Muldowney, Vicar General, celebrated the Feast of St. John Neumann, who was our bishop in the 1850s, with the Capuchin Sisters of Nazareth.

13 Diocese to Observe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity The Diocese of Scranton will again participate in the worldwide Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which is celebrated each year in January. This observance, first organized by Father Paul Watson, S.A., in 1908 at Graymoor in Garrison, N.Y., seeks to gather together diverse communities of the Christian faith to express the degree of communion which the churches have already received, and to pray together for the full visible unity of the one Church of Jesus Christ. The Diocese of Scranton will host an Ecumenical Celebration of God s Word on Friday, January 23, 2015, at 12:10 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton. There will be no 12:10 p.m. Mass that day in the Cathedral. All are welcome to attend. In addition, CTV: Catholic Television will broadcast the service live. The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, will preside, and the Rev- Regional chairs encourage support for Appeal Continued from page 3 His first assignment was at St. Nicholas Church, Wilkes-Barre, with Monsignor Joseph Rauscher, where I really learned about the joys and struggles of the priesthood, said Father Chmil. His assignments included serving as then-bishop James C. Timlin s secretary, as assistant pastor to Monsignor Joseph Quinn at St. Peter s Cathedral, and as pastor at St. Lucy s in Scranton, and administrator of SS. Peter and Paul in West Scranton. Before becoming pastor in Wellsboro, he was pastor of SS. Peter and Paul, Towanda, and administrator of St. Michael, Canton. In many ways, charity begins at home, said Father Chmil. My parents gave to the Appeal, even in trying times. They always went beyond their own needs and concerns and they remembered the Church. That s the example they gave me. At our parish, St. Peter s, Wellsboro, Social Justice Grants from the Diocesan Annual Appeal support two important ministries. With a parish grant for the Prison Ministry, we re able to supply the Bibles, rosaries, and other Catholic religious books that prisoners request from our volunteer coordinator, Sue Singer. She conducts a erend William W. Fairchild of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will deliver the homily. Clergy and representatives from various Christian traditions and ecumenical agencies will be present. Liturgical music will be provided by the Junior Choir from Our Lady of Peace School in Clarks Green. Reverend Fairchild, a native of Reading, is a graduate of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He was ordained in 1974 and received his first assignment as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Freeland. From 1979 to 1986 he served as assistant to two bishops of the Northeastern PA Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He was deployed to the northern tier of the synod and had direct pastoral care responsibilities for 70 parishes, their pastors and families. He was also responsible for world missions and ecumenism, and was the primary ecumenical representative of the bish- Rev. William W. Fairchild op to area denominational jurisdictions, including the Diocese of Scranton. Reverend Fairchild then served for 16 years as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Conyngham, during which time he also served on many synodical and national church boards as well as many boards in the community. He retired from active service in 2012 and now presides over Masses at area Lutheran churches as needed and also at St. Peter s Episcopal Church in Hazleton. He serves on the boards of Catholic Social Services and the Hazleton Integration Project. He resides in Sugarloaf weekly Catholic Bible study for men and a separate one for women. Inmates will ask her to please send Father Chmil to visit me. These are young and middle-aged men, and women, who want to see a priest. This ministry is a direct reference to St. Matthew: Lord, when were you in prison? Another Annual Appeal parish grant is earmarked for the Tioga County food pantry, which allows us to purchase fresh vegetables for families who would go without, said Father Chmil. The need is so great. Our parishioners also appreciate The Catholic Light, funded by the Annual Appeal, said Father Chmil, and the Diocesan website. They love it because it s the major source of communication with our Diocese. Appeal gifts and pledges are welcome through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, Additional information may be obtained by calling the Appeal Office at or visiting Donations may also be sent directly to: Diocesan Annual Appeal, 300 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA, To discuss gifts of securities or planned giving, please call the Development Office at with his wife Sandy. They have two adult children. During the week leading up to the ecumenical service, Bishop Bambera will host dinner meetings for members of the local Polish National Catholic, Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Latin Rite clergy. The theme for the 2015 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is Jesus said to her, Give me a drink. (John:4:1-42). The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman invites us to try water from a different well and also to offer a little of our own. In diversity, we enrich each other. When Jesus says to her, Ecumenical Service Jan. 23 at Cathedral please give me a drink it implies an ethical action that recognizes the need for one another in living out the Church s mission. It compels us to change our attitude, to commit ourselves to seek unity in the midst of our diversity, through our openness to a variety of forms of prayer and Christian spirituality. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is a privileged moment for prayer, encounter and dialogue. It is an opportunity to recognize the richness and value that are present in the other, the different, and to ask God for the gift of unity. The traditional period in the northern hemisphere for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January Those dates were proposed in 1908 by Father Watson to cover the original days of the feasts of the Chair of St. Peter (January 18) and the Conversion of St. Paul (January 25), and therefore have a symbolic significance. For more information and resources for the 2015 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, visit the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute at: Catholic Men s Conference Set for April 25 The First Annual Catholic Men s Conference for the Diocese of Scranton will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at King s College in Wilkes-Barre. The event will feature two nationally known speakers: Father Larry Richards, author of Be A Man, and Damon Owens from the Theology of the Body Institute. There will be opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as devotional prayers. Additionally, exhibitors will be present with a full array of Catholic books and publications as well as CDs and ministry opportunities. Fathers, sons, grandsons and friends are all most welcome to register for the event. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera will join with participants throughout the day and celebrate a closing Mass. The idea for the event was initiated by laymen from various parishes, with the support of their pastors, in an effort to address challenging issues facing men in today s culture. Further information may be obtained by contacting: Glenn Yanik, (gmyanik@ epix.net or ); Michael Kilmer (michaelkilmer71@gmail.com or ); or by contacting Catherine Butel, Diocesan Secretary for Parish Life (Catherine-Butel@dioceseofscranton.org or ) Pictured are many of the conference leaders who came together at King s College to pray, attend Mass, and plan for the event. Front row from left: Tony Dalasio, Atty. Glenn Yanik, Father Leo McKernan, Mike Kilmer, Walt Blejwas. Second row: Paul Ciaccia, Dennis Shovlin, Joe Contardi, Jim Gialanella, Frank Negvesky, Larry Radel. Third row: Bill Leandri, Walt Babetski, Theodore Mike, Mike Buonsante, Chris Calore, Dr. Louis Guarnieri. Last row: Ted Mike, Dr. Dean Clerico, Ralph Marino, Dr. Chris Carr. 13 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2014

14 14 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Catch Our Spirit... Diocese of Scranton Wyoming Area Catholic Exeter SCHOOL SYSTEM FAITH ACADEMICS SERVICE Holy Redeemer H.S. Wilkes-Barre Holy Rosary Duryea Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open House 12pm - 2pm Grades 9-12 (570) Call for a private tour St. Jude School, Mountaintop Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open house 11am - 1pm Good Shepherd Academy, Kingston Grades Pre-K Open House 1pm - 3pm Holy Family Academy Hazleton St. Nicholas/St. Mary School, Wilkes-Barre Grades Pre-K - 8 & Individualized Instruction (570) Open house 1pm - 3pm Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open House 2pm - 4pm Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open house 1pm - 3pm Open Houses: Sunday, January 25, 2015

15 15 Celebrate Catholic Schools Week Open Houses on Sunday, January 25, 2015 All Saints Academy Scranton Holy Cross H. S. Dunmore St. Mary of Mount Carmel Dunmore THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015 Grades Pre-K - 8 & INdividualized Instruction (570) Open House 1pm - 3Pm LaSalle Academy, Jessup Grades 9-12 & Individualized Instruction (570) Call for a Private Tour Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open house 12:30pm - 2:30pm St. Clare/St. Paul, Scranton Dickson City Grades Pre-K - 3 (570) Open house 12:30pm - 2pm Jessup Campus Grades 4-8 (570) Open house 2pm - 3:30pm N. Washington Ave. Grades Pre-K - 2 (570) Open House 11am - 1pm Penn Ave. Grades 3-8 (570) Open house 1pm - 3pm Epiphany School Our Lady of Peace, Clarks G reen St. Agnes School Towanda Sayre Grades K - 8 (570) Open House 1pm - 3pm Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open house 12pm - 1pm Grades Pre-K - 6 (570) Open house 10am - 12pm For more information visit:

16 16 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Catch Our Spirit... Celebrate Catholic Schools Week Open Houses on Sunday, January 25, 2015 Diocese of Scranton Notre Dame Jr./Sr. H.S. SCHOOL SYSTEM FAITH ACADEMICS SERVICE Notre Dame Elementary Grades 7-12 (570) Open House 1pm - 3Pm East Stroudsburg Monsignor McHugh School Cresco Grades Pre-K - 6 (570) Open House 1pm - 3Pm East Stroudsburg Grades Pre-K - 8 (570) Open house 2pm - 4pm St. John Neumann H.S., Williamsport St. John Neumann elementary, Williamsport Grades 7-12 (570) Open House 12pm - 2pm Grades Pre-K - 6 (570) Open house 12pm - 2pm For more information visit:

17 Parishes Youth Remember Forebears To commemorate November as the month dedicated to remembering the faithfully departed, the CIA (Christian In Action) Youth Group of Holy Cross Parish in Olyphant and Blessed Sacrament Parish in Throop attended a special remembrance Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Cemetery in Dickson City one of six cemeteries under the care of the Mid Valley parishes. Led by Bill and Cheryl Kosydar, youth group members participated in the memorial liturgy, celebrated by their pastor, Monsignor Michael Delaney, after which they toured St. Anthony Cemetery for a unique historical perspective of their ancestors who came before them. Monsignor Delaney is shown above with the young participants, including Lily Gavalis, Felicia Saar, Maggie Giordano, Haley Clauss, Kali DiBileo, Gianna Giumento, Thomas Parise, Vanessa Mancuso, Brianna Kohut, Grace Murtagh, Adeline DiBella, Gianna Matassa, Rachael North-Mozda, Pat Murphy, David Deprato, Amanda Lavelle, Matt Matassa and Jacob Scott. Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest Filipino Mass Slated Feb. 7 at Cathedral The next Filipino Community Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 7, at 6 p.m. in the Cathedral of Saint Peter in downtown Scranton. Following Mass, a time of fellowship will be held in the lower level meeting room of the Cathedral Rectory. Karpentry by Keiper Specializing in windows, doors, decks, kitchens, bathrooms, siding, gutters, all phases of carpentry Licensed General Contractor - Call Quality over volume, one job at a time License #PA MULDOON WINDOW, DOOR & AWNING CO. Office Hours: 8:00 to 4:30 M-F 8:00 to 12:00 SAT Joe Bunevicius & Doug Kneiss - Over 40 Years Experience - Specializing in Awnings, Canopies, Carports, Patio and Porch Enclosures, Custom Storm Doors, Storm Windows, Replacement Windows, and Screen and Glass Repair Sanderson Ave., Scranton Fax: Bedwick s Religious Items for Everyday & Special Occasions Hours: Mon Fri: 9 a.m. 6 p.m. & Sat: 9 a.m. 2 p.m. 452 Hazle Street - Wilkes-Barre, PA THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015 Youth from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Honesdale, which includes the churches of St. Mary Magdalen, Honesdale; St. Joseph, Rileyville; and St. Bernard, Beach Lake, recently participated in a Christmas poster contest sponsored by the Honesdale Council of the Knights of Columbus. Keep Christ in Christmas was the theme of the contest that had youngsters from age 5 to 14 express their creativity while strengthening their faith. Contestants competed in one of three age groups, with winning entries advancing to the regional, state and international levels. The posters will be distributed in countries where the Knights are active in spreading their Keep Christ in Christmas message. Pictured above is Gina Carbo, the poster contest s first-place winner in the 5-7 age group, along with Honesdale K of C Grand Knight David Swendsen, left, and Father Gregory Reichlen, assistant pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish. They became part of our family is how our clients feel. We knew we were never alone is just the truth. This is why we are the most trusted choice. Lutheran Home Care & Hospice Saint John is the area s only not-for-profit, faith based home care agency providing home health and hospice care. When it comes to caring for you or a loved one, choose an agency that you can trust. Choose Lutheran Home Care & Hospice Saint John and ask for us by name! Call

18 18 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT CTV: CATHOLIC TELEVISION Diocese of Scranton, 400 Wyoming Ave., Scranton, PA (570) JANUARY SCHEDULE Mark Your Calendar JAN. 8 Soup, Bake & Book Sale, sponsored by Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church, Buttonwood section, Hanover Township; held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the church hall. Soup sale is take-out only; cost: $8 per quart. Featured soup of the month: vegetable beef. Pre-orders requested; call Sylvia ( ) or Barry ( ). JAN. 9 Friday Morning Eucharistic Adoration, hosted by St. Monica Parish at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 363 W. 8th St., West Wyoming; exposition & adoration of the Blessed Sacrament held every Friday following the celebration of Mass at 7 a.m.; adoration continues until 11 a.m. All faithful are welcome to attend; for more information, call the parish office ( ). JAN. 9 Weekly Holy Hour for Vocations, hosted by the Little Sisters of the Poor at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton; held every Friday at 4:30 p.m. in the residence chapel. Holy Hour includes recitation of the Rosary, evening prayer (vespers), and benediction. JAN. 9 Friday Eucharistic Adoration, hosted by Immaculate Conception Church in the Hill section of Scranton; exposition of the Blessed Sacrament held every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. in the church s adoration chapel. All are welcome to participate. JAN. 9 Weekly Divine Mercy Novena, hosted at the Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann in west Scranton; held every Friday at 6:30 p.m., prior to the 7 p.m. Mass at St. Ann s Basilica, 1239 St. Ann St. JAN. 10 Gathering of Helpers of God s Precious Infants, pro-life Rosary apostolate; meets from 9 to 10 a.m. to pray for an end to abortion on the second Saturday of every month at the Allentown Women s Center, 31 South Commerce Way, Bethlehem. Local transportation provided; rides available at 7:30 a.m. from Arby s restaurant, Route 315, Pittston Township. All faithful are welcome to participate. For more information, contact Passionist Father Ed Buchheit at ( ). JAN. 11 Respect Life Mass, sponsored by the Assumpta Council of the Knights of Columbus in Luzerne; Mass celebrated at 9 a.m. in Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave., Dallas. Fellowship with refreshments will follow in the church hall. All are welcome. JAN. 11 Weekly Bible Study Program: The Great Adventure A Journey Through the Bible, hosted by St. Monica Parish at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 363 West 8th St., West Wyoming; program offered every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the parish s lower chapel. Presentations include the history of Biblical stories as part of Continued on Page 19 DIOCESAN DATEBOOK Retrouvaille Weekend, Feb. 27-March 1 at The Ramada Inn in Clarks Summit. Sponsored by the Diocese of Scranton, Retrouvaille is a weekend program for married couples who may be experiencing tension, stress and loneliness in the marriage relationship. The program helps couples even those separated and divorced to communicate better and resolve conflicts in their relationships. Cost for the program is by donation and registration is required. For more information or to register, call ( ) or visit: www. helpourmarriage.org. All calls are confidential.

19 Mark Your Calendar Events Around the Diocese Continued from Page 18 God s plan of salvation; God s six covenants with humanity; 12 major time periods of the Bible; and a practical plan for reading the 14 narrative books of the Bible. All are welcome to attend. JAN. 11 Outdoor Rosary Devotion, sponsored by the Lay Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; held every Sunday evening at 7 p.m. at the Fatima Grotto, North Main St., Wilkes-Barre (across from the Holy Cross Retirement Center). Devotion includes recitation of 15 decades of the Holy Rosary. JAN. 11 & 25 Free Community Sunday Suppers, sponsored by Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Route 209, Gilbert (Brodheadsville), and offered to those in need in Monroe, Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties; meal is provided free of charge from 3 to 4 p.m. in the church s McCawley Hall. Reservations are requested in advance; call the parish office at ( ). JAN. 12 Catholic Charismatic Regional Prayer Meeting, sponsored by local Charismatic prayer groups; begins at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the St. Mary s School building in Avoca. Gathering includes songs, praise, spiritual gifts, personal witness and a teaching; fellowship with refreshments will conclude the meeting. All are welcome. JAN. 13 Weekly Eucharistic Adoration, hosted at Gate of Heaven Parish, Dallas; devotions held every Tuesday in Gate of Heaven Church, 40 Machell Ave. Silent adoration held from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by music meditation from 6 to 7 p.m. All faithful are welcome. Call the parish office ( ) for more information. JAN. 13 Holy Hour Adoration, hosted at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 1309 W. Locust St., west Scranton; weekly devotion held every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Eucharistic adoration of the Blessed Sacrament includes prayers for priests and recitation of the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet. JAN. 13 Weekly Eucharistic Adoration, hosted by Queen of the Apostles Parish, Avoca; adoration held every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at St. Mary Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca. All faithful are welcome to spend time in prayerful reflection/meditation with the Blessed Sacrament. For more information, call the parish rectory ( ). JAN. 13 Devotions to the Holy Face of Our Lord, hosted at Pro-Life Prayer Vigils Moved Inside during Winter Due to the possibility of inclement weather, the monthly First Friday prayer rallies and First Saturday prayer vigils sponsored by the Catholics Defending Life Prayer Team that are regularly held outside of St. Peter s Cathedral in Scranton have been suspended during the winter months. The weekly Pro-Life Prayer Vigils sponsored by the Prayer Team every Friday are being held inside of St. Peter s Cathedral from now until the Spring season. The Friday vigils, held from 1 to 1:30 p.m., include recitation of the Rosary and prayers for the respect and protection of all human life from conception to natural death. Prayers are especially offered for an end to abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide and the death penalty. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Bear Creek; weekly devotions held every Tuesday following the 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Elizabeth s. JAN Weekday Eucharistic Adoration, hosted by St. Matthew Parish, 200 Brodhead Ave., East Stroudsburg; daily exposition & adoration of the Holy Eucharist held Tuesday thru Friday from 12 noon to 6:30 p.m. Chaplet of the Divine Mercy is recited every Friday at 3 p.m. JAN. 14 Padre Pio Prayer Ministry, hosted by St. Faustina Parish in Nanticoke; begins with celebration of Mass at 6 p.m. in parish s Holy Trinity Church, 520 South Hanover St., Nanticoke, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, intercessory prayers to St. Padre Pio, recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and benediction. All are welcome. JAN. 14 Weekly Divine Mercy Devotion, hosted at St. Lawrence Church, 380 Franklin St., Great Bend; devotions held every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Service includes exposition of the Blessed Sacrament; sung Divine Mercy Chaplet and praises to the Divine Mercy, Rosary recitation, silent meditation, Divine Praises and veneration of the relic of St. Faustina. JAN. 14 Weekly Eucharistic Adoration, hosted by Holy Family Parish, 828 Main St., Sugar Notch; exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held every Wednesday following the celebration of the 7:30 a.m. Continued on Page 21 We Accept Geisinger Gold Save Hundreds HOME LAND INVESTMENT BUYING SELLING ROBERT RITTERBECK Church Painting and Decorating (570) Please visit our website at STATUES STENCILS GOLD LEAF MURAL RESTORATION 19 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015

20 20 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Looking for the Perfect Monument? SELECTION Tri-state area s largest Over 400 memorials on display More than 25 color choices QUALIFICATION Family owned and operated for over 130 years Recommended by more than 15 funeral homes Superior workmanship PRICE Buy direct from the manufacturer NO MIDDLEMAN! Serving All Catholic Cemeteries in NE PA The clear choice for all your memorial needs Martin Caufield Memorial Works 249 Sunrise Ave., Honesdale, PA PONTIFICAL MISSION SOCIETIES IN THE UNITED STATES The Society for the Propagation of the Faith The Society for the Propagation of the Faith Missionary Childhood Association The Society of St. Peter the Apostle Missionary Union of Priests and Religious This past Sunday was the Feast of the Epiphany the great missionary story of the Magi, the so-called Wise Men from the East, bringing gifts for the child Jesus. They were clearly outsiders, not 318 East Drinker St., Dunmore, PA Mission Message God s Surprises By Deacon Edward T. Kelly Diocesan Director, Pontifical Mission Societies Jews, not Christians, not Muslims. Yet somehow God was revealed to these strangers in profound and accurate ways. So much for the notion that only certain people can know God. It doesn t matter where you are from or who you are to experience the love of God. The story of the Wise Men begins in the starry heavens. God spoke to these Wise Men through the stars, and the stars shine for all people. But the Epiphany story that begins among the stars suddenly comes back to Earth and takes up residence in a little child in the small village of Bethlehem in a humble stable with his mother. Can you imagine the Magi s surprise when they were directed to a stable? The bright star had suggested a much different kind of destination. Have you ever been to a stable? They smell bad. They are dirty. They are crude shelters for protecting and feeding livestock. I have spent time in Haiti and Africa in the worst of slums that have smells you never forget. Think of the smells in that stable where the Savior was born the smells of goats, sheep, cattle, and dirt. The Magi were rich, educated, well dressed, coming from the East. Yet, in the midst of that scene, they humbly prostrated themselves on the ground and unfolded their gifts and were forever changed. What a sight that must have been! To their surprise, the Magi found what they were looking for. Their journey began in darkness but ended in the promised light. Their journey and what they found in Bethlehem have been a source of faith, hope, and love for all of us. Have you ever been to Bethlehem? It is a small city about five miles south of Jerusalem. Do you know what Bethlehem means? It means House of Bread. And it was Bethlehem that gave the world the Bread of Life. The Epiphany story tells us that anyone can come to Bethlehem; that there is room for us all because Christ has come to everyone native or foreigner, black or white, male or female, young or old, American, African, Asian or Hispanic. All are welcome to the grace and love found in Christ. We were promised a Savior, but we never dreamed God Himself would become one of us to save us. But that is the way God gives! His gifts are never quite what we expect, but always something better than what we hoped for. We can only dream of things too good to be true; God has a way of giving things too true to be false. That is why our faith is a faith of the unexpected, a religion of surprises. The story of the birth of Jesus and his first visitors reminds us of the way that God really turns things upside down. It is the wealthy Wise Men from the East who come and bow down in a simple stable before a child lying in a manger. It is the shepherds, the most ordinary of people, right alongside the wealthy foreigners, who are the first to recognize and to celebrate God s breaking through history. It is Herod, the guy who s supposed to be in charge, left in the dark, in fear, wondering how long he might maintain his power. Continued on Page 24

21 Mark Your Calendar Events Around the Diocese Continued from Page 19 Mass. Exposition/adoration of the Holy Eucharist continues throughout the day until 7 p.m. JAN. 14 Weekly Bible Study Program: The Acts of the Apostles, hosted by St. Monica Parish at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 363 West 8th St., West Wyoming; program offered every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the church hall. Presentations include Scripture study exploring the history of the early Church, following the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Those participating are asked to bring their own Bible, or one will be provided. All are welcome. JAN. 15 Evening of Prayer with the Sisters of IHM, sponsored by the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary; prayer service held each month at 7 p.m. in the IHM Center Chapel, 2300 Adams Ave., Scranton (top of University Ave., beyond Marywood University). For more information, call ( ). JAN. 17 NEPA s 11th Annual Ukrainian New Year Dinner Dance: Malanka 2015, hosted by St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 428 North Seventh Ave., Scranton; held in the parish center, following the celebration of Divine Liturgy at 4 p.m. in St. Vladimir Church. Music ministry for the Divine Liturgy provided by the choir of SS. Cyril & Methodius Ukainian Greek Catholic Church of Olyphant. New Year s gala includes both Monthly Charismatic Mass in Avoca SCRANTON Catholic Charismatic prayer groups in the Diocese of Scranton invite all faithful to participate in a Charismatic Mass and healing service on Sunday, Jan. 18, at St. Mary Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca. Fr. August Ricciardi The Eucharistic liturgy will Ukrainian and American foods and cash bar; door prizes will be awarded. Dance music provided by the renowned Ukrainian band Fata Morgana. Traditional Ukrainian wardrobe and costumes encouraged. Dinner Dance cost: $40 per person. Reservations required and may be made by contacting Michael Trusz at ( ). JAN. 18 Annual Pro- Life Prayer Rally, sponsored by the Pocono Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life; held from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at Courthouse Square in Stroudsburg. All are invited to join in prayerful support of protecting the lives of unborn children. For more information, contact Joan at ( ). JAN. 18 Monthly Meeting of the St. Joseph Secular Franciscan Fraternity; hosted at St. Joseph s Oblate Seminary, Route 315, Laflin. Liturgy of the Hours recited at 1:30 p.m. in the seminary chapel. Fraternity meets regularly on the third Sunday of every month; all professed members of the Secular Franciscans and interested men and women are welcome. Anyone interested in attending may contact Jim Gaffney at ( ). JAN. 18 Monthly Gathering of the Secular Discalced Carmelites, a canonically established group of the Diocese of Scranton; group meets on the third Sunday of every month at Holy Annunciation Monastery in Sugarloaf, Luzerne County. All are welcome, be preceded by recitation of the Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Serving as celebrant for the 7 p.m. Mass will be Father August Ricciardi, pastor of St. Lawrence O Toole Parish in Old Forge. A healing service will follow the Mass, with Father Ricciardi and leaders from Charismatic prayer groups ministering to those who desire prayers for healing. Fellowship and light refreshments will conclude the gathering of prayer and healing. especially those who feel called to a deeper consecration in life and wish to experience Carmelite spirituality and community. Call Carol Wojewodski ( ) for more information. JAN. 18 Bereavement Support Group Meeting, hosted at Our Lady of the Snows Church, 301 S. State St., Clarks Summit; group gathers on third Sunday of every month at 2 p.m. in the parish center. All are welcome; no registration required. For more information, call Nettie at ( ). JAN. 21 Free Community Lunch, sponsored by Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Route 209, Gilbert (Brodheadsville), and offered to those in need in Monroe, Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties; meal is provided free of charge at 12:30 p.m. in the church s McCawley Hall. Reservations are requested in advance; call the parish office at ( ). JAN. 21 Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Bingo, sponsored by Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Parish, Jermyn; games held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month in the parish center, 624 Madison Ave., Jermyn. Doors open at 5 p.m.; early-bird games start 6 p.m. Featuring cash prizes and jackpot. Continued on Page 22 DuchessOutlet.com MADAME ALEXANDER DOLLS HANSA TOYS We carry assorted Serving Lunch teas, tea accessories, Tuesday - Saturday cozy s and more. 11am to 3pm Evenings & Sundays Available for Private Parties 81 South exit 165-Mountaintop; Wilkes-Barre 81 North exit 164-Ashley; Sugar Notch Home Health, Hospice and Outpatient Therapy info@maylathhealth.com Skilled Nursing Nursing Aides Social Work Pastoral Care Registered Dietary Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy Training Provided in: CPR, First Aid and AED Outpatient Therapy in Two Locations: Sybertsville and The Laurels, Hazleton 21 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015

22 22 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT N J C INVESTMENTS Helping to take the mystery out of your financial future Nicholas J. Colarossi, CRC College Planning Retirement Planning Securities offered through Leigh Baldwin & Co., LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC Mark Your Calendar Around the Diocese Continued from Page 21 JAN. 22 Annual March for Life Pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., sponsored by St. Joseph Marello Parish in Pittston; round-trip bus excursion to Washington to participate in the march. Cost: $35 per person. Early reservations requested; for more information & reservations, contact the parish office at ( ). JAN. 25 Parish Breakfast, sponsored by Queen of the Apostles Parish in Avoca; breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parish hall in the former St. Mary s School, 742 Spring St., Avoca. Menu includes eggs, home fries, pancakes, sausage, toast, coffee, tea, juice and homemade baked goods. Cost: adults, $6; children (age 12 and under), $4. Tickets available at the door or by calling the parish office ( ). FEB. 3 Bible Study Series: Letters of St. Paul to the Galatians and the Romans, hosted at St. Ann s Shrine Basilica, west Scranton; weekly presentations held at 7 p.m. For more information, call ( ). Same program series will also be offered on Saturday mornings, beginning Feb. 7, at St. Gabriel s Retreat House, Clarks Summit. For more information, call ( ). Registration fee is $5 per session. FEB. 4 Monthly Pro-Life Rosary Gathering, led by Father John McHale; held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. on the corner of Chestnut & South Wyoming streets in Hazleton. Public recitation of the Rosary is offered for an end to abortion. For more information, call Annette at ( ). FEB. 4 Padre Pio Prayer Ministry, hosted by St. Faustina Parish in Nanticoke; begins with celebration of Mass at 6 p.m. in parish s Holy Trinity Church, 520 South Hanover St., Nanticoke, followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, intercessory prayers to St. Padre Pio, recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and benediction. FEB. 6 First Friday Rosary & Healing Mass, hosted by St. Lucy Church, 949 Scranton St., west Scranton; begins with recitation of the Rosary and devotional prayers at 6:30 p.m., followed by celebration of Healing Mass at 7 p.m. Music for the evening will be led by Sacred Heart Singers Ernie Pappa and Jennifer Michel. All faithful, especially those seeking healing through the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, are welcome to attend. Continued on Page 23 ADVERTISEMENT ADVER TISEMENT

23 Mark Your Calendar Around the Diocese Continued from Page 22 FEB. 6 First Friday Mass & Devotions to the Sacred Heart, hosted by Holy Name of Jesus Parish in West Hazleton; held on the first Friday of the month at the parish s Church of the Transfiguration, 213 W. Green St., West Hazleton. Holy Hour and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament held from 5 to 5:45 p.m., followed by celebration of Mass at 6 p.m. FEB. 6 First Friday Mass & Devotions, hosted at Sacred Heart Church, 554 Main St., Weston; First Friday Mass with Eucharistic procession celebrated at 6:30 p.m. (confessions heard prior). Mass followed by Litany of the Saints and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament until 8 p.m. Adoration Holy Hour includes recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and silent prayer with closing benediction. FEB. 6 First Friday Pro-Life Rosary Vigil, held outside the offices of Planned Parenthood, 63 N. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre; group gathers on the first Friday of every month at 9 a.m. Rosary prayers are offered to end abortion. FEB. 6 First Friday Eucharistic Adoration, sponsored by the Men of the Sacred Heart; hosted each month by Queen of Heaven Parish at Our Lady of Grace Church, Hazleton. Begins with Mass at 12:05 p.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. with the Rosary, Litany of the Sacred Heart, Communion service and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. FEB. 6 First Friday Healing Mass, hosted by Queen of the Apostles Parish, Avoca; celebrated at 7 p.m. in St. Mary Church, 715 Hawthorne St. All faithful are welcome to participate. For more information, call the parish rectory ( ). FEB. 6 First Friday Mass & Sacred Heart Devotions, sponsored by the Men of the Sacred Heart; held on the first Friday of every month at St. Stanislaus worship site, 666 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre. Confessions are heard beginning Blue Army Reparation Vigil The next monthly First Friday Reparation Vigil dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, sponsored by the Blue Army, will be held February 6 at St. Joseph s Oblates Seminary, 1880 Highway 315, Laflin (Pittston). Devotions begin Friday evening at 8 p.m. with recitation of the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, during which time confessions are heard. Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated at 8:55 p.m., followed by benediction, litany and consecration to the Sacred Heart. The vigil continues with the crowning of the Blue Army Pilgrim Virgin Statue, the Blue Army Pledge, Fatima prayers and Marian hymns, followed by litany and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The vigil concludes with scapular enrollment at 10:15 p.m. at 6 p.m., followed by recitation of the Rosary and Litany of the Sacred Heart at 6:30 p.m. Mass in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated at 7 p.m. FEB. 6 First Friday Eucharistic Adoration, offered for the special intention of vocations to the priesthood; hosted by St. Ann Basilica Parish, St. Ann s St., west Scranton. Adoration held every First Friday of the month Continued on Page 26 Tour Leader Rev. Joseph Sica price per person/double occupancy (570) (570) TOLL FREE Immaculate Conception Scranton Tour Leader Msgr. David Tressler Superindendent of Catholic Schools Tour Leader Rev.Brian Clarke St. Peter s Cathedral Scranton Tour Leader Rev. Thomas Muldowney St. Peter s Cathedral Scranton JUNE 22 THRU JUNE 30, 2015 Visit: Florence -Rome -Venice -Siena -Assisi -Pisa & Milan (Stay in Tuscany) From $ JUNE 25 THRU JULY 7, 2015 Visit: Rome -Cannes -Naples -Barcelona -Palma De Mallorca 7-Night Cruise + 4-Nights in Italy From $ Price per person/double occupancy JULY 12-20, 2015 Visit: Dublin -Galway -Killarney -Bunratty -Knock Shrine -Dingle Peninsula -Cruise on River Corrib $ Price per person/double occupancy October 12-21, 2015 Visit: Rothenburg -Rhine Cruise -Wurzburg -Romantic Road -Innsbruck -Salzburg & Munich From $ Price per person/double occupancy For All Your Printing & Copying Needs Deliver 27 Stauffer Industrial Park Taylor, PA or ALL-PRINT FOR RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION CALL: Att: John Madden, C.T.C., 435 Green Ridge Street, Scranton PA (570) (570) TOLL FREE THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015

24 24 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Mission Message: God s Surprises Continued from Page 20 We have much to learn from God s surprises. The Epiphany reminds us that we are all members of the same body, gifts to one another and sharers in the promise of Christ Jesus through the Gospel. We must learn how to live on this Earth together, understanding that our planet is a gift from God. We must also learn all the wonderful ways this Earth communicates to us. If the Magi had not been MARTZ TOURS BROOKLYN LIGHTS AT DYKER HEIGHTS DEC. 13 Guided Lights Drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn, Hot Refreshments, free time SOME OF WHAT S COMING TO OUR GOING IN 2015: BROADWAY: Aladdin, Gentleman s Guide to Love & Murder, The King and I PHILA. FLOWER SHOW DAILY MARCH 1 THRU 7 Classic Movies Theme PASSION PLAY & MEADOWLANDS FLEA MARKET MARCH 28 New Jersey LONGWOOD GARDENS & QVC STUDIO TOUR APRIL 25 SIGHT & SOUND DINNER THEATRE MAY 30 Joseph, Hershey Farm Dinner WASHINGTON CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL APRIL Cherry Blossom Dinner Cruise on the Potomac, Reserved Grandstand Seats for the Festival Parade, Day & Night Tours, Pentagon 9/11 Memorial Park, Arlington National Cemetery WINE & CHEESE WEEKEND APRIL Wine Tasting & Cheese Snacks along Seneca Lake and Keuka Lake, 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW JUNE Rosecliff Mansion, Blithewold Mansion, Newport Harbor Cruise, Bristol Tour, Rose Garden in Hartford, CT VIRGINIA BEACH JUNE Oceanfront Hotel at VA Beach, 5 Meals, Dolphin- Watching Boat Cruise, VA Aquarium & Marine Science Center CAPE COD & POPS BY THE SEA AUG Whalewatch Cruise, Lobster Roll Cruise, Boston Pops Concert in Hyannis, Driving Tours, Newport, 6 Meals NEW HAMPSHIRE TRAINS, MOOSE & BEAR TRAILS OCT. 5-9 Two Train Rides White Mountains & along Lake Winnipesauke with Turkey Dinner aboard, Boat Cruise, Kancamagus Highway Riding Tour, Castle in the Clouds, 8 Meals NASHVILLE MUSIC CITY NOV Grand Ole Opry, Driving Tour of Nashville, Johnny Cash Museum, Belle Meade Plantation, 10 Meals CURBSIDE EXPRESS SERVICE TO NYC Seat Assignments now available online! Buy & Print your E-Tickets at express.martztrailways.com MARTZ GIFT CERTIFICATES: Good for any service, any amount you like! Now you can purchase Martz Tours online! CALL or Visit us online at paying close attention to nature s signs and trusting in God s infinite wisdom, we might not have a gift-giving tradition to celebrate Christmas. But they were paying attention. And now it is our turn to stop long enough to look up at the stars and all of God s creation and be open to God s surprises. On behalf of the Pontifical Mission Societies, I hope that the star that led the Magi to Bethlehem resides in your heart. Happy New Year! Filippini Sisters Offering Discernment Retreat in NJ The Religious Teachers Filippini congregation of women religious announces the Sisters will host a Vocation Discernment Retreat this month at a seaside retreat in New Jersey. The weekend retreat is being offered to single women, age 17 to 33, from Friday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m. at the St. Joseph by the Sea Retreat House in South Mantoloking, N.J. The Discernment Retreat with the Filippini Sisters for those considering a vocation in the religious life will offer a peaceful, reflective atmosphere during the weekend, which will include Eucharistic Adoration, celebration of Mass, and communal prayer experiences. For more information, contact Sister Shirlee at ( ) or stbernadetteconvent@gmail.com. Prayer Requests for Priests The Daily Prayer Request for Priests schedule for the next three weeks is as follows: Jan. 8, Monsignor David Tressler; Jan. 9, Father Jeffrey Tudgay; Jan. 10, Father John Turi; Jan. 11, Jesuit Father Joseph Tylenda; Jan. 12, Father Anthony Urban; Jan. 13, Father Brian Van Fossen; Jan. 14, Monsignor Neil Van Loon; Jan. 15, Father Joseph Verespy; Jan. 16, Father John Victoria; Jan. 17, Father Gregory Villaescusa; Jan. 18, Father Alfred Vito; Jan. 19, Father James Walsh; Jan. 20, Father Jeffrey Walsh; Jan. 21, Monsignor William Ward; Jan. 22, Father Christopher Washington; Jan. 23, Father Marek Wasilewski; Jan. 24, Father Joseph Weber; Jan. 25, Father Donald Williams; Jan. 26, Father Bryan Wright; Jan. 27, Monsignor Bernard Yarrish; Jan. 28, Father Thomas Yaszcz (memorial) Good News on the air! Local, national programs to inform & inspire your faith Thinking about a will? Request a free Wills Kit from CRS. Learn what you need to know before you see an attorney CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES Giving hope to a world of need. *

25 Students Aid Parish Food Ministry West Scranton High School Art Club recently conducted a food drive and fundraiser collecting $200 for St. Ann Basilica s Food Pantry. The money was used to help create Thanksgiving food baskets for nearly 50 families in Scranton s West Side. Pictured with Food Pantry volunteers are WSHS Art Club officers. Front row from left: Louise Langan, Food Pantry Committee; Emily Gerrity, Art Club president; Passionist Father Joe Jones, St. Ann Basilica Parish; Dennis Yanchik, and Ed Ingoldsby, Food Pantry Committee members. Back row from left, Art Club officers Holly Stafursky, P.J. Hart, Candace Fox, Mianna Michaylo, and Austin Souryayvong. W-B Religious Ed Classes Hold Food Drive TABLE TALK Biagio A. Dente, CEC, AAC, HOF Blaise Alan Dente, CCC DENTE'S TENT & RENTAL CO THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015 Children attending CCD classes at St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Wilkes-Barre recently conducted a food drive for the Thanksgiving holiday to collect items for the St. Leo s Food Pantry and St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in the area. The parish youth decorated the collection bags and filled them with nonperishable food items for distribution. Food drive participants shown above include: Magenta Gerber, Barry Gerber, Katelyn Kavanagh, Tyler Ulitchney, Karlee Yuscavage, Tim Seriani, Stanley Shimko, Brandon Shay, John Matlock, Dylan Mislivets, Christian Padden, Mason Seriani and Kiera Thompson. Apostleship of Prayer Papal Intentions for January 2015 UNIVERSAL INTENTION Peace EVANGELIZATION INTENTION Consecrated Life

26 26 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Mark Your Calendar Events Around the Scranton Diocese Continued from Page 23 AAA BUYERS Buying Antiques and Estates, Furniture, Wicker, Toys, Linens, Quilts, Old Sewing Machines, Old Light Fixtures and Lamps, Railroad and Mining Items, Bookcases, Bedroom and Dining Rooms, French Doors, Radios, Books, Cedar Chests, Anything Old OUR 35th YEAR ANTIQUES & COLLECTABLES WANTED 1 ITEM OR COMPLETE ESTATES and friends at 6 p.m. in the Cathedral church, 315 Wyoming Ave. Fellowship and social time follow in the Bishops Hall, lower level of the Cathedral rectory. For more information, call Michael Fajardo ( ). FEB. 7 First Saturday Pro-Life Rosary Vigil, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus; held outside the offices of Planned at St. Ann s, beginning with 8:30 a.m. Mass and concluding with benediction at 4:45 p.m. FEB. 7 Filipino Community Monthly Mass, hosted at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Scranton; Mass celebrated on the first Saturday of each month for the Filipino community Sunday, January 25 9am to 3pm ST. MARY S CENTER 320 MIFFLIN AVE. SCRANTON, PA Please bring a non-perishable food item for St. Francis Kitchen Parenthood, located at 316 Penn Ave., Scranton. Rosary offered to end abortion is recited on the first Saturday of every month, beginning at 10:30 a.m. FEB. 7 16th Annual Northeast PA Brain Bee Academic Competition, for area high-school students, sponsored by the Scranton Neuroscience Society and the University of Scranton s Neuroscience Program; competition begins at 1:30 p.m. in the Loyola Science Center at the University of Scranton. Open free of charge to all students in grades 9-12; features live, question-answer competition. Overall winner qualifies for the National Brain Bee in Baltimore, Maryland. To register, contact Robert Waldeck, Ph.D., program director, at the University of Scranton: robert. waldeck@scranton.edu or ( ). Registration deadline: Jan. 31. FEB th Annual German Nite, sponsored by the Holy Name Society of St. Nicholas Church, South Washington St., Wilkes-Barre; held from 6 to 11 p.m. in the school auditorium. Germanstyle buffet served from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. Musical entertainment provided by the Walt Groller Orchestra from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Cost: $30 per person; advance reservations only. To obtain tickets, contact St. Nicholas Rectory at ( ). FEB. 15 Cathedral of Saint Peter Sacred Concert Series: Casavant Organ Concert, presented at St. Peter s Cathedral in downtown Scranton; begins at 2 p.m. Concert program: From Leipzig to Lubeck: Works of Bach and Buxtehude, featuring the sounds of the Cathedral s Casavant organ as performed by Sarah Davies, organist and musicologist, and accompanied by Elise Quagliata, nationally renowned mezzo soprano. Cost: $10 per person (children age 12 & under admitted free of charge). Tickets available at the door. Submit calendar items to Kevin-McDonnell@ dioceseofscranton.org. Notice Regarding Reporting Sexual Abuse of a Minor It is the policy of the Diocese of Scranton to report any allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. If you are a victim of sexual abuse committed by a priest, deacon, religious or lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton, you are encouraged to immediately report the matter to law enforcement. If any priest, deacon, religious, lay employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Scranton has cause or reason to suspect that a minor has been subjected to any form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, the matter will be reported to law enforcement. It is also the policy of the Diocese to adhere to all civil and state regulations. To this end, the Diocese is equally committed to adhering to the norms of the Code of Canon Law and to upholding the tenets of the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which includes supporting victims of sexual abuse in their pursuit of emotional and spiritual well-being. As such, information regarding an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor should also be reported to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, Joseph DeVizia at ( ) or to Diocesan officials, including the Vicar General, Reverend Thomas M. Muldowney, V.G., at ( ). Aviso al Respecto de Reportar el Abuso Sexual de Un Menor de Edad Es la norma de la Diócesis de Scranton reportar cualquier alegación de abuso sexual de un menor de edad a las autoridades. Si usted es una víctima de abuso sexual cometido por un sacerdote, diácono, religioso o empleado laico, o voluntario de la Diócesis de Scranton, usted está obligado a reportar el asunto inmediatamente a las autoridades de la ley. Si algún sacerdote, diácono, religioso, empleado laico o voluntario de la Diócesis de Scranton tiene sospecha de que un menor de edad ha sido sujeto a cualquier forma de abuso, incluyendo abuso sexual de menor de edad, el asunto será reportado a las autoridades de la ley. Es la norma de la Diócesis defender todas las regulaciones civiles y del estado. Al fin de que la Diócesis esté comprometida igualmente a defender las normas del Código de Derecho Canónico y defender los principios de la Carta Para la Protección de Niños y Jóvenes (Conferencia de los Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos), lo cual incluye apoyar a las víctimas de abuso sexual en pos del bienestar emocional y espiritual. Por eso, información respecto a una alegación del asunto sexual de un menor de edad, debe ser reportada a la Coordinadora Diocesana de Asistencia para Las Víctimas, Joseph DeVizia, a ( ) o a los oficiales diocesanos incluyendo El Vicario General de la Diócesis y Director de Los Clérigos, El Reverendo Thomas M. Muldowney, a ( ). Classifi eds Classifi eds Classifi eds Classifi eds Classifi eds

27 Bernardine Sister Aneveen Zielinski, Scranton Native, Dies in Reading READING A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Bernardine Franciscan Sister Aneveen Zielinski at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel in Reading. She died Dec. 28 at St. Joseph Villa, Mount Alvernia, Reading, at age 86. Born in Scranton, daughter of the late Ignatius and Eva Sz- SCRANTON A Mass of Christian Burial was offered for Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Mary Kathryn Dwyer on Oct. 18 in the chapel of Our Lady of Peace Residence. She died Oct. 15 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Scranton. Born May 24, 1948, in Scranton, daughter of the late John and Rosemary Stuckart Dwyer, Sister Mary Kathryn entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Sept. 1, 1968, and made her final profession of vows on June 27, She received her bachelor s degree in elementary education tubinski Zielinski, Sister Aneveen entered the Bernardine Sisters religious congregation on Feb. 2, 1950, and earned her bachelor s degree in English from Villanova University. During her religious life, she ministered in Catholic education as a teacher, principal and local superior at dioceses in Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Sister Aneveen most recently served in the Diocese of Scranton at Holy Rosary School, Duryea. Surviving are a brother, Joseph, Clarks Summit; two sisters, Sophie and Irene Zielinski, both of Scranton; and several nieces and IHM Sister Mary Kathryn Dwyer Buried and early childhood education and master s degrees in special education, reading education, and public administration from Marywood College. During her religious life, Sister Mary Kathryn served in education ministry, teaching in the Diocese of Scranton at St. Paul Elementary School and Bishop Hannan High School, both in Scranton. She also served on the faculties of the Scranton School District, NEIU in Scranton, and Friendship House, Scranton. During , Sister Mary Kathryn served as an administrative assistant at St. Joseph s Center, Scranton, and student teaching supervisor at Marywood from 1980 to She had been residing and serving in the prayer ministry at Our Lady of Peace Residence since Surviving are three sisters, Suzanne Dwyer Zaleski and husband, David, Blakely; Rosemary Kahler and husband, Mark, Cedar Park, Tex.; and Judy, Scranton; six brothers, Martin and wife, Loretta, Radnor; Marc, Scranton; Tony and wife Moira, Pittsburgh; John and wife, Mary Beth, Dalton; Christopher, Nicholson; and Joseph, Pittsburgh; and numerous nieces and nephews. Interment was held at St. Catherine s Cemetery, Moscow. Death Claims IHM Sister Marylyn Harding SCRANTON A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Marylyn Harding on Dec. 17 at Our Lady of Peace Residence. She died at the age of 99 on Dec. 13 at Our Lady of Peace, where she had been residing and serving in the prayer ministry since Born Nov. 30, 1915, in West Pittston, daughter of the late John and Ellen Earley Harding, Sister Marylyn entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on Sept. 8, 1933, and professed her final vows Aug. 1, She received her bachelor s degree in education from Marywood College, Scranton, and master s degree in Latin and Greek at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. During her religious life, Sister Marylyn served in Catholic education ministry as a teacher and administrator at numerous diocesan schools staffed by the IHM Sisters. In the Diocese of Scranton, she ministered as an elementary school teacher at the following schools: St. Leo, Ashley, and Nativity of Our Lord, Scranton, and on the faculties of Central Catholic High School, Kingston; and Marywood Seminary High School, Scranton, where she also served as principal. Sister Marylyn also taught at Catholic schools in Lock Haven; Baltimore, Md.; Goldsboro, N.C.; Oneida, Manhasset, Uniondale and Oyster Bay, N.Y. Following her career as a Catholic school educator, Sister Marylyn served as a nursing assistant at the Marian Convent and as a volunteer at the IHM Center, both in Scranton, after which she retired from active ministry to Our Lady of Peace Residence. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, John and James; and four sisters, Gertrude Ross, Dorothy Lynch, Helen Wynne and Agnes Mc- Dermott. Interment was held at St. Catherine s Cemetery in Moscow. nephews. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Stanley, Chester and Felix; and two sisters, Helen Kowaleski and Monica Wesolowski. Interment was held in the Bernardine Sisters Cemetery at Mount Alvernia. SOME THINGS GET BETTER WITH AGE! DOING IT ALL "We Do It All" FOR...For your home SEVENTY FIVE...For your car YEARS!...For your workplace MESKO GLASS HOME AUTO COMMERCIAL SCRANTON WILKES-BARRE HONESDALE ALLENTOWN Visiting Nurse Association of Lackawanna County MAIN OFFICE 301 Delaware Avenue Olyphant, PA VOLKSWAGENS SALES - SERVICE - PARTS S. Main at Elm, Scranton NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION INPATIENT UNIT Geisinger Community Medical Center 1800 Mulberry Street Scranton, PA KELLY MOTOR CO. AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER 27 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT JANUARY 8, 2015

28 28 JANUARY 8, 2015 THE CATHOLIC LIGHT Invest in a child s future... Become an Academic Angel! Why Support Catholic Education? Catholic schools in the Diocese of Scranton offer our youth and young adults an instructional environment that challenges the mind, while inspiring and strengthening the spirit. 98.5% of graduates pursue post-secondary education programs. Combined SAT and standardized test scores over the national average. Students learn in an environment focused on nurturing individual talents. Faith is incorporated into our curriculum. Students provide thousands of hours of service in their communities. Contributions to the Scholarship Foundation are an investment in a child s future the outcomes speak for themselves. Please consider supporting our efforts. All gifts are tax deductible. DIOCESE OF SCRANTON SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION Please return 300 Wyoming Avenue form with your Scranton, PA check payable to: Name Address City State Zip Address Phone: Day Evening Please use my gift for Indicate School or County Use my gift where most needed. Amount Enclosed $ Thank You on behalf of our children! Boy Scout Awards Meeting in W-B The annual meeting to discuss the boards of review and other issues regarding the Boy Scout religious emblems will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 410 S. River St., Wilkes-Barre. All current and former Catholic religious awards counselors are invited to attend the meeting, during which dates will be set for the boards of review. For more information, call Ky Lazzari at ( ). Maternity Home Valentine Gala Set STROUDSBURG Catholic Social Services of Monroe County will host its 13th Annual Valentine Celebration for Shepherd s Maternity Home on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg. The event, themed A Celebration of Life, raises community awareness each year of Catholic Social Services dedication and commitment to the respect for all human life. The Valentine celebration will begin at 2 p.m. with a social hour, including refreshments and a cash bar. Dinner, silent auction, and dancing with music by DJ Joe Franzo will follow from 3 to 6 p.m. Shepherd s Maternity Home is a non-denominational facility that provides shelter and caring for homeless pregnant women and their babies. Honorees for this year s celebration will be State Senator and Mrs. Mario Scavello. For more information or reservations for the event, call ( ext. 305). More information concerning Shepherd s Maternity Home can be obtained by calling ( ). MAILING LABEL - Please be sure to enclose this label with any address changes and mail to The Catholic Light, 300 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA Discover the Blessings of Faith-Based Care As the only senior care facilities owned and operated by the Diocese of Scranton, Little Flower Manor, Saint Therese Residence and St. Luke s Villa provide compassionate and expert care to improve the quality of life for our short and long-term residents. Offering a Full Continuum of Care Our professional caregivers offer a full range of services, from independent living, personal care and skilled nursing to physical, occupational and speech therapy plus a secure memory impairment program. A Healing Plan for Individual Needs We apply a multi-disciplinary approach that helps create a care plan that matches the individual needs of our residents. Our goal is always to provide an exceptional resident experience that promotes healing and recovery in a caring and compassionate environment. 200 South Meade St. Wilkes-Barre Ph: E Northampton St. Wilkes-Barre Ph: