Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

CHRISM MASS

Join Bishop Bambera 

March 31 | 4 PM

Cathedral of Saint Peter

  This liturgy is among the most significant celebrations of the liturgical year and ALL are warmly invited to take part. 

Priests from throughout the Diocese of Scranton gather to concelebrate the Mass and renew their promises of priestly service. 

During the celebration, the oils that will be used in parishes over the coming year are brought forward for the bishop's blessing. Click the link below to learn more about the oils that are blessed at the Chrism Mass.

As our bishop and priests renew their sacred promises during the Chrism Mass, you are invited in a special way to pray for them - that they may be strengthened in their vocation, remain faithful to their calling, and continue to serve God's people with generous and joyful hearts.  Click the links below from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for prayers for priests. 

Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday begins the sacred celebration of the Triduum, when we remember the Last Supper - Jesus' gift of the Eucharist and the priesthood and His humble act of washing the disciples' feet, calling us to serve one another in love.

At the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper, we enter into this moment in a special way.  After Communion, the Blessed Sacrament is carried in procession to a place of repose, and the altar is left bare, marking the beginning of Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.  The Church invites us to remain with Him in prayer, keeping watch as His disciples were asked to do. 

The Vocations Office of the Diocese of Scranton, through their "Get Up and Pray" initiative invites the faithful to join them in visiting the Altar of Repose in as many churches as possible to pray for vocations on Holy Thursday. 

This echoes a beautiful tradition connected with this night involving the custom of visiting seven churches. Moving quietly from church to church, the faithful spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, reflecting on Jesus' journey from the Last Supper to His Passion.  It is a simple but powerful way to accompany the Lord, offering Him our presence, gratitude and love.  

Whether you are able to visit one church or several, consider setting aside time this Holy Thursday to watch and pray with the Lord. 

A Catholic's Guide to Holy Week

Dynamic Catholic provides key insights into understanding the Liturgical Celebrations from Palm Sunday to Easter 

April Gatherings for Parish Catechetical Leaders

For Meeting Link and More Information Contact:

 Marianne Guarnieri at

(570) 207-2213 x 1100 or

mguarnieri@dioceseofscranton.org

Bishop's Youth Awards

The second of three celebrations of the Bishop's Youth Awards was held on March 15 at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton with Bishop Bambera presiding. This Mass honored young people from the Northern Region of the Diocese of Scranton.  

Youth from the Eastern and Western Regions of the diocese will be highlighted in our next issue. 

Wedding Anniversary Mass 2026

Every summer, the diocese holds a Wedding Anniversary Celebration for couples celebrating their 10^th, 25^th, 40^th, and 50^th years of marriage at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, where couples renew their wedding commitment.  This year’s Mass will be held on June 28, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Mark your calendar if you are celebrating your 10^th, 25^th, 40^th or 50^th Anniversary in 2026, or share this news with others who may be doing so

For more information, contact:

Bridget Maille, Program Coordinator, Family Life

570-207-2213 x 1133 or familylife@dioceseofscranton.org

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.

Scranton Diocese Group Night with the WBS Penguins!

A fun and memorable evening was had by all at our Diocese of Scranton Group Night with the WBS Penguins! From the excitement of the matchup against the Hershey Bears to the great energy in the arena, it was a fantastic night of hockey, community, and shared spirit.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a special event - your presence truly made the night! We look forward to gathering again soon for more opportunities to connect as a diocesan family!

14 Holy Week Traditions for Your Family

"Catholic kids everywhere are mentally on Easter break. There are lots of great Easter activities that celebrate the beauty of spring and the secular side of the season, but what about preparing the hearts and minds of our little ones for the immeasurable spiritual significance of our highest feast day?

Here are 14 activities and traditions designed to make the reality of Easter more tangible for your kids during Holy Week and beyond... "

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 Disciple in our midst.

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

Theology on Tap

After a packed house in March for Fr. Paul McDonnell's inspiring talk on St. Joseph, Theology on Tap is back with something completely different - and just as fun.

Join us on Thursday, April 9th for a special edition: Trivia Night with Fr. Brian Van Fossen! This month, we're switching things up with a new location at Breaker Brewing Outpost in Archbald, PA, kicking off at 6:30 PM.

There's no cover charge, trivia is free to play, and food and drinks are available for purchase.  Bring your friends, form a team, and put your knowledge to the test - there's even a prize for the winning team!

Whether you came out in March or missed the crowd, this is the prefect chance to jump in.  Don't miss it!

Join Saint Carlo Acutis Parish, Olyphant 

for a 3-Day Lenten Parish Mission

Wednesdays in April

April 8 - 29

See flyer for more details

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

Reserve Your Spot Now to Join

Bishop Bambera's Pilgrimage to Ireland

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