Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

"In thinking about our visitors, remember that each person has a unique reason why they're coming to your parish.  What every one of them wants is to feel valued and welcomed ..." 

Click below to read more from Marcel LeJeune's,

"16 Tips to Improving Your Parish Hospitality"

February Gatherings for Parish Catechetical Leaders

For Meeting Link and More Information Contact:

 Marianne Guarnieri at

(570) 207-2213 x 1100

or mguarnieri@dioceseofscranton.org

Swing Dance Celebrates

National Marriage Week

In celebration of the vocation of marriage and National Marriage Week (Feb 7^th-14^th), the Diocese of Scranton is hosting a Swing Dance on Saturday, February 7^th at the Diocesan Pastoral Center Auditorium.

The dance features Swing Fever Dance Band from Limekiln, PA, a 17-piece traditional Big Band as well as swing dance instruction from local instructors, Philip Spinka and Jill Wetzel.

Join us from 4-5pm for dance instruction, and enjoy open dance from 5-8pm. 

Tickets are $20 in advance, and $25 at the door. Family and friends can enjoy the evening together by reserving a table of 8 in advance for $10. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the dance.

Questions?

Contact Bridget Maille

at (570) 207-2213 x1133

National Marriage Week 

February 7 - 14, 2026

The observances of National Marriage Week (February 7-14) and World Marriage Day (Sunday, February 8) are an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family.

The theme for 2026 is “Man and Woman He Created Them: Together With Purpose.” 

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.

Respect Life Monthly Prayer Guide

"The month of February has traditionally been dedicated to the Holy Family who provide for us a model of marriage and family life. Mary and Joseph perfectly witness to the gift of new life, welcoming the infant Jesus amidst difficult and challenging circumstances ..."

St. Valentines Day is about Sacrificial Love

"So, Valentine’s Day is here … and I hate making generalizations, but most of us fall into one of these two categories: ..."

Click the link below to read more from the Ascension Press article, "St. Valentine's Day is About Sacrificial Love"

It's a New Year!

To discuss a 2026 Stewardship Plan for your Parish

Contact:

Dominick Costantino 

Director of Parish Renewal

(570) 207-2213 x 1105

Reserva la Fecha 

Misa Y Celebracion De La Herencia Hispana 

September 19, 2026

Save the Date

Hispanic Heritage Mass and Celebration

September 19, 2026

In recognition of National Disability Awareness Month in March, Bishop Bambera will celebrate the annual Mass for Persons with Disabilities on Sunday, February 8th at 12:15 PM.  

The Diocese of Scranton recognizes that all people, including those with special abilities, share gifts that strengthen the life of the Church and warmly welcomes and values the contributions of every individual. 

Bishop Bambera will celebrate the Annual Mass for the World Day of Prayer for the Sick on Wednesday, February 11th.  

World Day of Prayer for the Sick was established by Pope John Paul II in 1992 as a time of prayer and reflection for those who are ill, as well as their caregivers and healthcare workers.  

This day invites the faithful to express solidarity with those who suffer, to pray for healing and to recognize the vital role of compassion and care for individuals facing physical, mental or spiritual challenges.  

Theology on Tap Returns February 12th

Join the Young Adult Community on Thursday, February 12^th as Theology on Tap returns with guest speaker, Megan Murphy!

 Megan, a Catholic speaker and NFP instructor, will be speaking on God’s Plan for Life & Love. 

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

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.

Pope Leo's February Prayer Intention

Pope Leo XIV has released his prayer intention for February, 

"For Children with Incurable Diseases" 

 "Let us pray that children suffering from incurable diseases and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope."

Scout Sunday Celebration

Sunday February 8

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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