Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

5 Ways to Welcome New Clergy to Your Parish

Many parishes across the Diocese of Scranton are welcoming new pastors, deacons and parochial vicars this summer as clergy assignments take effect.  While transitions can be exciting, they also bring challenges for priests and deacons who are learning new communities, ministries, and faces – often hundreds of them at once. 

This practical reflection offers five simple but meaningful ways parishioners can help their new clergy feel at home, from extending patience and understanding to offering prayers and encouragement.  A little grace can go a long way in building strong relationships and fostering a vibrant parish family.  

Who Inspires You?

Every parish has someone who quietly lives their faith through service, kindness, and love for God and neighbor.  Our Everyday Disciples column celebrates these ordinary people whose actions make an extraordinary difference.  

Do you know someone whose compassion, generosity, leadership or simple acts of kindness inspire others? Someone who reflects Christ's love in daily life?  

Nominate an Everyday Disciple today and help us share the stories of faithful men and women throughout the Diocese of Scranton who are making a difference, one act of love at a time.  

The Diocese of Scranton invites all who have experienced the loss of a loved one through tragedy to its annual Mass of Remembrance on Thursday, July 23rd at 7 pm at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. 

This special liturgy offers comfort, hope and prayer for family members and friends of those who have died, especially through murder, suicide or accident.  

St. John Bosco Conference

Registration Still Open

Looking to grow in your faith and become better equipped for ministry?  

The St. John Bosco Conference, hosted by the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University, will be held July 20-23. This inspiring conference offers practical formation, dynamic workshops, prayer and fellowship for catechists, teachers, youth ministers, parish leaders, parents and anyone involved in sharing the faith.

There's still time to join this enriching opportunity to be renewed and strengthened for mission.  

Catechetical Leaders Retreat & Conference

July 31 - August 1, 2026

Join catechetical leaders from across the Diocese of Scranton for a retreat and conference to renew your spirit, strengthen your ministry, and connect you with others.

The event begins Friday evening with dinner. followed by adoration, a featured talk and fellowship. 

Saturday includes prayer, inspiring presentations, lunch and concludes with the Saturday Vigil Mass.

Register Below by July 20th 

Cost $150 per person - Scholarship Funding Available

Reach out to Marianne Guarnieri with Questions:

(570) 207-2238 x 1100

Misa Y Celebracion de la Herencia Hispana

19 de Septiembre 2026

Esperamos verte en la parroquia de Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz, en Brodheadsville, para la Celebración de la Herencia Hispana de 2026.  

Tras la misa tendrá lugar una gran fiesta familiar:

Camiones de comida

Música

Torneo de fútbol

¡y mucho más! 

¡El evento es GRATIS!

¡Apúntate hoy mismo! 

Catholic Night with the Railriders 

This Friday, July 17

Join the Diocese of Scranton for an evening of fun, fellowship and baseball as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders take on the Worcester Red Sox on Friday, July 17 at PNC Field. 

Last year, more than 200 people gathered to enjoy a memorable night together as a diocesan family.  We invite you to be part of this year's event by bringing your family, friends, neighbors and fellow parishioners.  Discounted tickets are available below. 

Gates open at 6:05 pm with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. Be sure to stay after the game for Friday Night Fireworks and Kids Run the Bases, where children ages 12 and under can take a lap around the diamond following the final out!

We look forward to seeing you there!

172 married couples from 69 parishes across the Diocese of Scranton gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Peter on Sunday, June 28, for the annual Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass honoring couples marking milestone anniversaries.

The joyful liturgy, celebrated by Bishop Bambera included couples celebrating 10, 25, 40 50, and 50+ years of marriage. Those attending the Mass signified 6,580 years of married life! 

Check out the YouTube clip above to witness some special moments from the beautiful celebration.

Get Ready for NFP Week

July 19-25, 2026

Natural Family Planning Week is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to begin planning how your parish can celebrate and promote the beauty of God's design for marriage & family life.

Whether your parish is hosting an event, offering NFP classes, or simply wants to raise awareness, MyParishNFP has made it easy! 

Click the links below to access a complete collection of FREE parish resources, including: 

Bulletin Announcements

Social Media Graphics

Flerys and Posters

Digital Signs and Website Banners

Pew Cards and Bookmarks

Videos and Educational Resources

A simple bulletin announcement or social media post can introduce couples to life-changing resources that strengthen marriages, deepen communication, and help families discover the gift of Natural Family Planning.

This year's NFP Week is and excellent opportunity to remind couples that they are not alone on their journey.  Your parish can play an important role in connecting them with trusted education and support.  Together, you'll make this year's' Natural Family Planning Week the most impactful yet! 

Pre-Cana offers engaged couples a meaningful opportunity to deepen their relationship, grow together in faith, and prepare for a lifelong vocation of love and commitment alongside other couples preparing for marriage.

Use the link below to view the 2026 schedule and register for a Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation session. 

Save the Date!

Pennsylvania March for Life

Monday, September 21st 

Stay tuned to the Good News Notes for more details on transportation and registration!

You Can Have a Better Marriage

The Retrouvaille marriage program helps couples to rediscover love and rebuild communication.

Click the link below for a video clip being run in our local Cinemark movie theaters. 

A Simple Question Can Change A Life

"I remember being told of a lady who had not been seen at church for many months. She burst into tears of gratitude when a fellow parishioner ran into her on the street and, after some general chatting, politely and lovingly asked her why she had not been to Mass for so long. Her reply was, 'Thank you so much for asking me. I have bumped into so many people I used to know from the church, but not one of them has asked why I don't come anymore. I thought nobody cared'."

Evangelization often begins with something as ordinary as a sincere conversation. When our love is outward-looking, generous, and offered without expecting anything in return, we become more attentive to those around us. We begin to meet people where they are, accompany them in their journey, and create opportunities to share the love of God through our words, our presence, and our genuine concern for others. These are the foundational tools of mission, and they are available to every one of us. 

Join a Genesis Mission small group this summer and explore how each of us can share God's love in everyday life. 

Contact:

Regina Wright

(570) 207-2213 x1135

rwright@dioceseofscranton.org

Gen Z and Faith:  

Why a New Generation is Seeking God

The Today Show's Carson Daly explores what's drawing a new generation of young people back to the Catholic faith and why Gen Z is experiencing a renewed hunger for God, community and purpose.   

The 64th Annual Catholic Stewardship Conference is coming this September to New Orleans. 

The conference gathers Catholic stewardship leaders and fund development professionals to learn, network, and share best practices in stewardship and philanthropy.

Attendees can expect insightful presentations, opportunities for prayer and reflection, and networking with peers and exhibitors.

The conference aims to inspire and equip participants with tools and strategies to advance stewardship within their respective dioceses, parishes, and schools.

For More Information Contact:

Dominick Costantino 

Director of Parish Renewal

(570) 207-2213 or 

dcostantino@dioceseofscranton.org

Promote Your Event to Catholics throughout the Diocese!

We'd love to help you get the word out about your event in the Office for Parish Life's Good News Notes Newsletter!

To submit your event for inclusion in the Good News Notes, click the link below and complete the form at least 2 weeks in advance of your event.  Specific events can be promoted up to two months in advance of the event date or registration deadline.  We do our best to include all submissions but can't guarantee inclusion and may edit for length.  

Questions? 

Contact Regina Wright at

(570) 207-2213 x 1135

or rwright@dioceseofscranton.org

155 Pilgrims Attend

Steubenville Summer Youth Conference 

July 10-12

Young people from parishes across the Diocese of Scranton have just returned from a powerful and faith-filled weekend at the Steubenville Summer Youth Conference.  There, they joined thousands of other teens in seeking a deeper encounter with Jesus thorugh prayer, the Sacraments, inspiring speakers, and Christian community.  

Click below to see which parishes sent students to this transformative experience. 

Be sure to watch for the next issue of the Good News Notes, where we'll share highlights, reflections, and stories from thier journey.

Join Us in Seoul, South Korea

World Youth Day 2027

Registration Deadline Extended! 

Join more than 1 million young Catholics from around the globe on pilgrimage with Pope Leo XIV in Seoul, South Korea!

World Youth Day is a life-changing gathering.  Start planning your trip today!

Save the Date!

Diocesan Youth Rally

Saturday, November 7, 2026

More than 50 Young Discerners

Attend Fiat & Quo Vadis Days

"From June 29 through July 1, over 50 high school students participated in the third annual Fiat Days and the eleventh annual Quo Vadis Days hosted by the Diocesan Vocations Office. These camps are geared toward helping young discerners in the diocese discover new ways of praying, grow in their love of the Lord, and build community with other high schoolers passionate about their Catholic faith..."

Linked below is a recap of the weekend from Kyra Krzywicki, Vocation Program Coordinator.  You'll also find Quotes from some of the participants about their experience.

Motorcycle Rally Sponsored by 

Saint Michael's Catholic Church, Canton, PA 

August 29, 2026 | 8 AM

Follow an 80 mile paved route through the Northern Tier

with Lunch and Bingo at the Troy American Legion.

Breakfast, Rally and Lunch included

$35 plus $10 / passenger for online registrations

$45 plus $15 / passenger on site registrations