Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

May the light of Christ, who made his dwelling among us,

fill our hearts with grace, our homes with peace,

and our lives with love at Christmas and always. 

January Gatherings for Parish Catechetical Leaders

For Meeting Link and More Information Contact:

 Marianne Guarnieri at

(570) 207-2213 x 1100

or mguarnieri@dioceseofscranton.org

Almost Sold Out! 

Now is the time to register for the Bold & Beloved Women’s Retreat, a weekend full of fun, fellowship, learning and praise.  We have very few spots left – click the link below to register now. 

The weekend begins on Friday January 30th, 2026, with check-in starting as early as 4 pm and continuing until 6:45 pm.  This year we will host a dinner on Friday Night for people who arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 pm.  The Retreat will end on February 1st, 2026, with check-out between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.

Come be nourished in mind, body, and spirit as we explore Saint Hildegard’s rich legacy through prayer, reflection and fellowship. 

Bishop's Youth Award 2026 Deadline Approaching

Every parish in our diocese has been invited to nominate students for the 2026 Bishop's Youth Award.  The award celebrates current 8th and 12th grade youth who embody the spirit of the early Church through service to their parishes, schools, and communities.  

The nomination process is now drawing to a close. Nominations must be received by the Office for Parish Life no later than January 5, 2026.  

Nominations will not be accepted after January 5, 2026, nor will the names of nominees appear in the program if they are not received by January 5th.  

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.

New Year's Resolutions for Couples

"What can you do for your marriage in the new year? Try making a New Year’s resolution to improve your relationship. Here are some ideas to get started ..."

Respect Life Monthly Prayer Guide

"The Advent season is a time in which the Church invites us to prepare our hearts and minds for the second coming of Christ and the memorial of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. During this season of preparation, we can ponder the preparations Mary and Joseph were making to welcome the Infant Jesus ..."

9 Days For Life

9 Days for Life is an annual novena for the protection of human life. Each day’s intention is accompanied by a short reflection and suggested actions to help build a culture of life.

Sign up to receive the daily prayers via email or text message!

Resources are also available for promoting and sharing the novena in your parish, school, or ministry.  

Genesis Mission

 The Genesis Mission does not require complicated programs or heavy resources -- it can grow organically, one encounter at a time.  

For More Information Contact:

Regina Wright

Manager of Parish Renewal

(570) 207-2213 X 1135 or

rwright@dioceseofscranton.org

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 

and Ecumenical Prayer Service 

January 22nd | 12:10 PM

Each year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25) invites Christians from around the world to renew their commitment to prayer and to the work of fostering greater unity among all who follow Jesus Christ. In 2025, we joyfully marked the 61st anniversary of the promulgation of the Second Vatican Council's Decree on Ecumenism, bringing the Catholic Church into the modern ecumenical movement.  

Bishop Joseph Bambera will lead an Ecumenical Prayer Service on Thursday, January 22nd at 12:10 pm in Saint Peter's Cathedral, Scranton.  All are invited. 

Theology on Tap Will Return in February

Youth of the Electric Diocese Among Thousands 

Impacted by NCYC

The National Catholic Youth Conference recently brought thousands of young people and chaperones to Indianapolis for a powerful encounter with Christ, the Church, and one another.  

Click the link below to hear what some participants from our diocese had to say about their experiences.  

Young Adult Winter Meetup Planned

On Saturday, January 17^th,  join the Young Adult Community for a ski-in / ski-out Bible Study and Fellowship at Montage Mountain.

 Not a skier? Not a problem! Simply join us for the study and fellowship portion of the day! We will meet at 1:30 pm for our study and fellowship at the Midland Outdoor Experience.  Click the Link below or scan the QR code to register for this meetup and receive ongoing updates for this event.  

Feel free to stick around after to hit the slopes with friends or hang out in the lodge. We look forward to this special day with you!

Pope Leo's December Prayer Intention

Pope Leo XIV has released his prayer intention for the month of December, inviting the faithful to pray, "that Christians living in the midst of war may be seeds of peace."  

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO A FRIEND

TO SUBSCRIBE 

CLICK HERE FOR A WEB COPY OF THIS EMAIL