Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

The Solemnity of the Assumption

August 15, 2026

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on August 15, reminds us of the hope we have in Christ’s promise of eternal life.  The Church teaches that when Mary’s earthly life was complete, she was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory, sharing in a unique way in her Son’s victory over sin and death.  As the first and greatest disciple, Mary points us toward heaven and encourages us to live lives of faithful trust in God, knowing that we, too, are called to share in the resurrection through Christ.  

The day is usually a holy day of obligation for Catholics, but for the United States, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted in 2026 because the feast day falls on a Saturday. 

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.  

Steubenville is known for Youth Conferences, 

but did you know that they also offer

6 Adult Catholic Conferences? 

Last week, a group of parish leaders traveled to the campus of Franciscan University, Steubenville for the St. John Bosco Conference for Evangelization & Catechesis to be personally uplifted, encouraged, and rejuvenated for mission! Diocesan Director of Discipleship, Marianne Guarnieri, a graduate of Franciscan University, organizes the trip and accompanies participants.

The Parish Based Faith Formation Grant helps with registration expenses. Thanks to the generous donors to the Catholic Ministries Appeal, which makes this opportunity possible.

For more information about the St. John Bosco Conference or grant opportunities, contact Marianne Guarnieri mguarnieri@dioceseofscranton.org.

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.

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! 

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. 

Respect Life August Prayer Guide

"The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary celebrates the Blessed Mother’s entrance into heavenly glory. Mary’s Assumption into heaven reminds us that life on earth is a pilgrimage to our ultimate destination. We prepare in hope for our own passage into eternal life by the choices we make today..."

A Simple Conversation, A Renewed Faith

While carrying a cross-stitch of The Last Supper to a charity shop, Michele followed the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit and stopped to speak with three women she met along the way.  What began as a casual conversation, became an opportunity for one woman to reconnect with the faith she thought she had left behind.  

The Holy Spirit still works through ordinary conversations and everyday encounters.  If you would like to grow in faith and community through a small group this fall, please contact: 

Regina Wright

Manager of Parish Renewal

(570) 207-2213 x1135

rwright@dioceseofscranton.org

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

Outstanding Showcase Available

from the 48th Annual NPM National Convention

Looking for fresh music for your parish?  An outstanding showcase from the 48th Annual National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) National Convention is now available to watch online.  The GIA Publications New Music Showcase in the video link above features inspiring choral, assembly, and instrumental music for the Church year in a variety of styles and the showcase booklet can be accessed at the link below.  

Whether you’re a music director, cantor, choir member, or instrumentalist, this showcase is an excellent opportunity to discover new repertoire that will enrich your parish’s worship and prayer. 

Williamsport Youth Share Glory Stories

From Steubenville Trip

 A Glory Story is a personal testimony that celebrates the ways God is at work in our lives. After the Steubenville Youth Conference, these stories come from our young people who experienced a powerful encounter with Jesus through prayer, worship, the Sacraments, and the support of a vibrant faith community. 

Whether it's a renewed commitment to their faith, healing from past struggles, a deeper understanding of God's love, or the courage to live as a disciple, each Glory Story is a reminder that God continues to transform hearts in extraordinary ways. 

By sharing these experiences, our young people realize they can inspire others to recognize God's presence in their own lives and encourage one another to live the Gospel with joy and confidence.

 Click the link below to read Glory Stories from Williamsport.

Join the Young Adult Community

for a Rosary Hike

Saturday, September 5, 2026

Save the Date!

Diocesan Youth Rally

Saturday, November 7, 2026

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!

Saturday, August 22 | 1 PM -7 PM

Sunday, August 23 | 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Saint Andrew Parish

316 Parrish Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Proceeds to benefit Saint Andrew Parish 

Charitable Projects & Church Maintenance

Cash Payment Required for All Purchases

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

Join us for an afternoon of friendly competition while supporting an important cause!

Toss To Save Lives Cornhole Tournament

Supporting Suicide Prevention Awareness 

& Mental Health Ministry 

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Divine Mercy Parish

312 Davis Street, Scranton

Check-In at 1:30PM-2:00PM
Bags Fly at 2:00PM.

Tournament Divisions: 

Youth Division (Ages 14 and Under)

$10/player | $20 per team of 2

Youth Division (Ages 15-18)

 $10/player | $20 per team of 2

Adult Division (18+)

$25/player | $50 per team of 2

Tournament Format:

Round Robin Play to Double Elimination Championship

Guaranteed Minimum of 4 games per team

Competitive Play for All Skill Levels

Division Winners Will Take Home $150 Cash Prize

Additional Info:

Complimentary food for all participants
Teams may pre-register through the Scoreholio app

Church of Our Lady of the Abingtons under Pastor, Rev. Arbogaste Satoun, holds their Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, September 19 (5PM -10PM) and Sunday, September 20 (Noon - 6PM) on the beautiful church grounds at 207 Seminary Road in Dalton, PA