Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

There was something quietly powerful about seeing Mark Wahlberg and Jonathan Roumie appear on national television this week with ashes boldly marked on their foreheads.  In a culture that often sidelines faith, their public witness to the beauty and depth of the Catholic faith felt like a moment of grace.

Through the Hallow Pray 40 Lent Challenge, they are inviting millions to enter more deeply into prayer during these forty days of Lent.  It's a beautiful example of evangelization in our time: using modern platforms to proclaim our faith.  

Click the link above to watch the 10 minute interview. 

Scranton Diocese Partners with Hallow

The Office for Parish Life is pleased to announce a continued partnership with Hallow, offering our parishes the opportunity to participate in a diocesan-wide parish program.  Through this partnership, parishes may opt in during a 60-day enrollment window at a specially reduced diocesan rate. 

Building on the success of last year's pilot program, our diocesan partnership with Hallow continues to expand and strengthen support for parish communities.  As  part of this collaboration, Hallow will host a live informational webinar on March 4 at 1:00 PM to review the details of the diocesan package, associated pricing, and implementation support available to participating parishes.  

Through our diocesan partnership, parishes will benefit from:

Extended onboarding support

Fiscal year contract alignment with an official rollout in the Fall

COMPLIMENTARY Lent & Easter Prayer Challenge soft launch 

A formal parish engagement strategy

Enhanced giving campaign support

and more

We encourage interested parishes to register using the link below to learn how this diocesan partnership can support your parish community. 

Call for Nominations - Everyday Disciples

An Everyday Disciple is someone who does ordinary things with extraordinary love for God and neighbor.  These faithful individuals may not seek recognition, yet their quiet witness strengthens our parishes, ministries and communities in meaningful ways.  

 Do you know someone who makes an impact in the life and ministry of the local Church?  Someone whose generosity, service, compassion. or steadfast faith inspires others? 

We invite you to nominate them to be featured in our Everyday Disciples column.  Help us celebrate the people who embody Christ's love in simple, powerful, and faithful ways each day.  

Submit your nomination today and share the story of an Everyday Disiciple in our midst. 

Solemnity of the Annunciation of Our Lord

March 25, 2026

Action Guide

Your parish, school or ministry can celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation with adaptable resources from the USCCB.  The link below provides resources such as sample timelines, homily helps, bulletin/pulpit announcements, and a sample prayer activity for expectant parents and unborn children.  The ideas offered in these simple steps can be adapted to suit your needs. 

World Youth Day Sneak Peek!

World Youth Day is a life-changing gathering uniting more than a million young Catholics from around the globe on pilgrimage with  Pope Leo XIV.  

The Diocese of Scranton is holding a "Sneak Peek" Zoom info. session to learn more about sending your young adults to World Youth Day with Bishop Bambera. 

Bishop's Youth Awards

Presented Over 3 Sundays in March

The Bishop's Youth Awards are an annual tradition in the Diocese of Scranton, recognizing and celebrating 8th and 12th-grade students who embody the spirit of the early Church through service to their parishes, schools, and communities.  Every parish was invited to nominate students for the award.  Students from 89 of our 102 parishes in the Diocese received nominations.

The youth will be celebrated at 3 Masses this March by region.  Each Mass begins at 2:30 pm and is televised on CTV and Live on the Diocese of Scranton Facebook page:  

March 1st (Southern Region), 

March15th (Northern Region) and 

March 22nd (Eastern and Western Regions)

Be sure to congratulate the 8th and 12th-grade students receiving the award from YOUR parish!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of thrilling hockey action and PA rivalry at the Diocese of Scranton Group Night with the WBS Penguins!  

Friday, March 13^th, 2026, come out with the Diocese of Scranton to cheer on the Penguins as they take on the Hershey Bears! This night is open to people of all ages, so bring your family, friends and neighbors as we come together as a diocesan family. Gates Open at 6:00pm, Puck drops at 7:05pm. Discounted food vouchers are available for purchase until 3/6/26.

Register today ... @150 registrants we will be invited to go out on the ice for a chance to hit the puck! 

To purchase discounted tickets visit www.dioceseofscranton.org or visit the link below or call Tyler Rothman at (570) 208-5407 to purchase tickets over the phone

Pre-Cana is a meaningful opportunity to strengthen your relationship, deepen your faith, and prepare for a lifelong commitment in the company of other couples preparing for marriage.

 Click the link below to view the 2026 schedule and register you and your fiancé for a Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation session.

"The forty days of Lent can seem like a long time, especially if one is giving up a favorite food or video game. It’s helpful to have a friend to keep us going. He or she can encourage us, challenge us, and pick us up if we falter. And if that friend happens to be our spouse, so much the better!

This year, consider approaching Lent as a team. That doesn’t mean you have to give up—or do—the same things as your spouse, although that’s a possibility. It does mean sharing your Lenten resolution(s) and asking for each other’s prayers and active support ..."

Reserva la Fecha 

Misa Y Celebracion De La Herencia Hispana 

September 19, 2026

Save the Date

Hispanic Heritage Mass & Celebration

September 19, 2026

 People are entering the Catholic Church in record numbers around the world and we are blessed to see that same spirit alive here at home!  

The Diocese of Scranton reported a remarkable 67% increase from last year of those desiring to be received into the Church.  In 2025, 209 individuals began this journey.  In 2026, that number has risen to 343, a powerful sign that the Holy Spirit continues to draw hearts to Christ and His Church.

Having just celebrated the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion, these catechumens and candidates now enter a period of purification and enlightenment which lasts through the season of Lent. Their journey will culminate at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, April 4th, when they will be joyfully received by their respective parish communities. 

Leadership Retreat for High School Students

March 20 - 22

This Lent, Scranton Youth Ministry is hosting Lead Like Jesus, a diocesan leadership retreat for high school students in

grades 9-12.  

The retreat includes time for small group discussion, leadership building exercises, prayer, sacraments, recreation and community.

Skills learned at the retreat will enable students to answer these fundamental questions:

What does it mean to be a leader grounded in the Person of Jesus Christ?

What does a personal relationship with Jesus Christ look like?

How is God inviting me to serve Him based on the gifts and abilities that He has give to me personally?

Cost is $210 for the weekend.

For more information, please contact Scranton Youth Ministry at youthmin@dioceseofscranton.org

or by calling the office at 570-207-2213 x 1155.

Steubenville Summer Youth Conference

The Diocese of Scranton is sponsoring a trip to the Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences, located at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.

The Steubenville Summer Youth Conferences are a series of Youth Conferences held throughout the United States each summer. Each conference weekend is an opportunity to encounter Christ in a deeper way through session talks, prayer, the sacraments, Eucharistic Adoration and community.

Many young people speak about the positive impact that this conference has on their relationship with Christ.  This year, we will be attending Main Campus 3 (July 10-12, 2026).

We are still accepting attendees for this trip!

For information on how to sign up, please contact Scranton Youth Ministry at youthmin@dioceseofscranton.org

or by calling the office at 570-207-2213 x 1155.

Theology on Tap

A standing room-only crowd of more than 40 young adults gathered in February for Theology on Tap, "God's Plan for Life & Love," presented by Megan Murphy. 

The Young Adult Community will again gather on Thursday, March 12th at 7pm for the next Theology on Tap at Sabatini's Bottleshop in Exeter.  Our guest speaker will be Fr. Paul McDonnell, OSJ, an Oblate of Saint Joseph and Pastor of Divine Mercy Parish in Scranton.  Fr. Paul will present "Saint Joseph: The Saint of Silent Strength," exploring the quiet courage and faithful witness of St. Joseph. 

Theology on Tap meets at Sabatini’s Bottleshop in Exeter, PA at 7pm,  A $5 cash cover will be collected at the door. RSVPs are encouraged but not required.

Pope Leo XIV has released his message for Lent 2026

"Listening and Fasting: Lent as a Time of Conversion"

Click the link below to read more from Vatican News.  

Taize Prayer Offered during the Lenten Season 

This ecumenical prayer service is a meditative style of communal prayer.  Simple refrains are sung with time for silent meditation.  

During the March 31st prayer there will also be time to venerate 

the cross.  In the event there is inclement weather and the college

is closed, the prayer service will be cancelled for that evening.

Join Saint Carlo Acutis Parish, Olyphant 

for a 3-Day Lenten Parish Mission

"Paschal Supper" at Saint Martha's Church

260 Bonnieville Road, Fairmount Springs

Roast lamb, rice, vegetables and unleavened bread served. 

Scripture readings, prayers and songs explaining 

the Christian significance of the Passover.

A donation of $10 is suggested. 

Reservations must be made in advance and by March 22nd deadline.

Call Janet (570) 864-2494 or Michael/Rebecca (570) 256-7329

Join Providence Pregnancy Center for their Annual Spring Dinner

Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM

St. Mary’s Center, 320 Mifflin Avenue, Scranton

The event is complimentary

Save the Date!

Catholic Women's Conference

June 5 & 6, 2026

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!

The Good News Notes is published bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Included events have a broad appeal, promoting fellowship and community.  

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

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