Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

Join Bishop Bambera for a Jubilee Year Pilgrimage  

Wednesday, October 1

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Save the Date!  

Annual Diocesan Women's Retreat Coming this January!

Inspired by the teaching of

St. Hildegard of Bingen

Canonized a saint in 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI, Hildegard had mystical experiences throughout her life whose brilliance and accuracy made it clear that they came from God.  She called them "Reflection of the Living Light," and is known for having the courage to stop hiding her light and let it shine!  

Diocesan Directors of Religious Education

Attend St. John Bosco Conference in Steubenville 

Seven Directors of Religious Education attended the Saint John Bosco Conference at Franciscan University last week along with Marianne Guarnieri, Diocesan Director of Discipleship.  

The Conference is a nationally recognized formation opportunity providing catechists, teachers, youth ministers and diocesan and parish leaders the opportunity to learn from catechetical experts.  The catechetical leaders who attended from our diocese will be integral in developing a diocesan plan for catechetical formation, using the resources offered by the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University.

Learn more in the reflection below.

NFP Awareness Week 

July 20-26, 2025

As we continue to celebrate NFP Week, please take the time to read this reflection from the USCCB which considers how love is a gift from God and that the methods of NFP are a support to God's gift of married love.

2025 Pre Cana Schedule

Pre Cana classes are offered once per month in areas throughout the diocese and online.  

Classes cover a wide range of topics, from the theological and spiritual aspects of the sacrament to practical considerations like finances, communication, and conflict resolution.  

Couples not only gain a deeper understanding of their faith and the meaning of marriage but also develop the skills and resilience necessary to build a strong, lasting partnership.

Being Intentional about our Time as Newlyweds

Navigating the early days of marriage is a beautiful journey of discovery and growth. Every couple finds their unique rhythm, learning to communicate, compromise, and cherish one another.

The key is to approach each day with intentionality, patience, and a sense of wonder. God's grace flows through marriage, offering opportunities for mutual understanding, forgiveness, and deepening love. For more on being intentional as newlyweds, click the link to read the article from "For Your Marriage"

ICSC Annual Stewardship Conference September 21-24

Chicago, IL

The 63rd Annual Catholic Stewardship Conference is coming this September to Chicago, IL. 

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

Genesis Mission

Forming missionary disciples to build up the Church in Pennsylvania.

The Genesis Mission fosters a deeper sense of discipleship and a greater desire to connect and evangelize while confidently sharing the Gospel message. Genesis teaches a relational approach of encountering and connecting with others.  

The seven week course is experiential in nature and focuses on practical skills such as listening and learning to rely on the Holy Spirit.

For More Information Contact:

Regina Wright

(570) 207-2213 x 1135 

rwright@dioceseofscranton.org

Mass of Remembrance 

Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 7:00 PM 

Cathedral of Saint Peter 

for Victims of Tragic or Violent Death

All are invited to attend Bishop Bambera's Annual Mass of Remembrance for victims of tragic or violent death. The Mass is offered for those who have died in tragic circumstances, especially those lost through accident, suicide or murder.

The Mass offers family and friends a tangible way to find comfort within the Church by honoring the memory of their loved one.

The Mass will be televised on CTV: Catholic Television and can also be found by livestream on the diocesan website at  www.dioceseofscranton.org.

National Catholic Youth Conference 2025

Over 90 high school students and adult chaperones from 8 parishes in the Diocese of Scranton will be attending the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis, Indiana from Wednesday, November 19th to Sunday, November 23rd, 2025.  

Parishes committed to attending this 3-day conference:

Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Hanover Township

Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit

Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Brodheadsville

Saint Catherine of Siena, Moscow

Saint Eulalia, Elmhurst

Saint Luke, Stroudsburg

Saint Matthew, East Stroudsburg

Saints Peter and Paul, Towanda

The theme of this years conference is

I AM/YO SOY,

which is the revelation of God's Name to Moses as found in the Book of Exodus.

Questions concerning NCYC can be sent to youthmin@dioceseofscranton.org

or by calling the Youth Ministry Office at 

(570) 207-2213 x 1155.

Pilgrims to Make Traditional Trek 

to St. Ann's Basilica to Close Novena

For over 100 years, people have pilgrimaged on the last day of the St. Ann novena to the very first Mass (4:30 AM) on the Feast Day of St. Ann.  

St. Ann is Jesus’ grandmother, the mother of our Blessed Mother.  She is an extremely powerful intercessor, and many miracles have been attributed to her intercession through this devotion.

Join this pilgrimage walk to conclude the 2025 St. Ann’s Novena. 

XLT at Christ the King Parish, Archbald

July 30th | 6:30 PM

Join the Diocesan Vocations Office for:

Eucharistic Adoration

Speaker: Fr. Ryan Glenn, Pastor

Live Music by Michael Corsini

& Social 

Catholic Charismatic Renewal Conference

August 1-3, 2025

Celebrating the Scranton Conference’s 43rd year serving the Church,  “the Charismatic Renewal is a current of grace, a renewing breath of the Spirit for all members of the Church” 

- Pope Francis

Mental Health Awareness Series

Coming in September

Cathedral Parish is sponsoring a Mental Health Series on Thursdays this September.  Sessions will be offered from 7-8 pm at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 330 Wyoming Ave, Scranton.  

All are welcome to participate or attend. 

"She Shall Be Called Woman"

Coming in September 

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Pocono Pines is hosting 

the 9-week series, "She Shall Be Called Woman," from Paradisus Dei.  Beginning September 10th with "Masterpiece of Creation" the series will run through November 12th and includes Fellowship, Presentation and Small Group Discussion.

Contact Tracy Stodnick to learn more -  

See flyer for details. 

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