Welcome to the Office for Parish Life Newsletter!  

Communicating important events and available resources

from the Office for Parish Life

New Clergy Assignments:

Get to Know Your Priest and Deacon

Each year, clergy assignments provide an opportunity to welcome priests, deacons, and pastoral leaders who are beginning new ministries in parish communities throughout the Diocese of Scranton.  

 As Bishop Bambera has announced several new appointments effective July 15, 2026, many parishioners will have the opportunity to get to know a new pastor, parochial vicar or deacon in the months ahead.

While these assignments reflect the changing pastoral needs of our diocese, they also offer a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the men who have answered God's call to serve His Church.  Every priest has a unique vocation story, personal interests, favorite saints, memorable ministry experiences, and insights that can inspire others to grow in faith. 

Whether your parish is welcoming a new pastor, receiving a new parochial vicar, or benefitting from the ministry of a newly assigned deacon, consider taking time to introduce yourself and learn more about their journey of faith.  

To help foster these connections, Vocation Ministry has created Get to Know your Clergy resources.  These resources include conversation question sheets, kids activity sheets, and prayers for priests, which can be used in parish bulletins, social media, faith formation programs, youth ministry gatherings, parish websites or even as part of a parish welcome event.  The questions invite priests to share their vocation stories, interests, experiences and advice for those discerning God's call in their own lives.  

As we pray for all those beginning new assignments and thank those whose ministries are changing, may we continue to support our clergy with gratitude, encouragement and prayer.  Taking the time to know the priests who serve us helps strengthen our parish communities and reminds us that the Church is built upon relationships rooted in Christ.  

July 13 | 7 PM

Temple Hesed, Scranton

The Diocese of Scranton invites you to be a part of an historic multi-faith event.

As America turns 250, let's talk to one another.

Join neighbors from across Northeastern Pennsylvania for an evening of meaningful conversation, fellowship and light refreshments as we explore America the Beautiful by Katharine Lee Bates and the values that unite us.

All faiths.  All backgrounds.  All are welcome. 

Temple Hesed 

1 Knox Road

Scranton

Free to attend!

Please Register Below

The Diocese of Scranton invites all who have experienced the loss of a loved one through tragedy to its annual Mass of Remembrance on Thursday, July 23rd at 7 pm at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton. 

This special liturgy offers comfort, hope and prayer for family members and friends of those who have died, especially through murder, suicide or accident.  

Those wishing to have the name of a loved one remembered during the liturgy are asked to contact the Office for Parish Life at (570) 207-2213 by Friday, July 10, 2026.

Heartfelt Congratulations to 

Faith Formation Grant Recipients 

The 2026-2027 Parish Based Faith Formation Grant Program once again gained strong interest from parishes across the Diocese of Scranton in forming missionary disciples.  

This year, 40 parishes applied for funding, with every eligible applicant receiving either full or partial grant support.  Of those applicants, 30 parishes chose to participate in at least one of three diocesan priority initiatives - the Hallow Parish Partnership, Catechetical Formation through Franciscan at Home and Conference and Retreat Fee Assistance -- reflecting a growing desire to provide innovative opportunities for faith formation and discipleship.  

In addition, 7 parishes collaborated on a joint application to expand their reach through shared ministry, 5 parishes participated in the grant program for the first time, and 8 others returned after not participating in last year's cycle.   Grant awards, ranging from $390 to $5,860, were made possible through the generosity of donors to the Catholic Ministries Appeal and will help strengthen parish efforts to accompany people of all ages in growing closer to Jesus. 

Join us in congratulating the recipient parishes of the 2026-2027 Parish Based Faith Formation Grants linked below. 

Save the Date

HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT 

September 19, 2026

National NFP Awareness Week

July 19-26, 2026

The Natural Family Planning Program of the USCCB develops a poster and basic supportive materials each year. 

The dates of Natural Family Planning Awareness Week highlight the anniversary of the papal encyclical Humanae Vitae (July 25) which articulates Catholic beliefs about human sexuality, conjugal love, and responsible parenthood. 

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 ad bring run in our local Cinemark movie theaters. 

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. 

Hit a Home Run with the Diocese of Scranton!

Gather your family and friends for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton Night at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Friday, July 17 at 7:05 PM.  Enjoy discounted tickets and an exciting matchup against the Worcester Red Sox.  

Fireworks follow the game! 

Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just looking for a great summer outing, this is a perfect opportunity to celebrate community, fellowship and America’s favorite pastime.

How a Golf Term Changed My Perspective

on Forgiveness

"I apologized to my almost-one-year-old. It was a particularly tender moment as I tried to put on his pants following a diaper change that had been completed over thirty minutes prior. I knelt down, looked at him, and said something to the extent of, 'I’m sorry for how I treated you last night. Mommy was tired and did not care for you like you deserve.'

He smiled at me in the sweetest way as if he understood what I said and was saying, 'I forgive you and I love you mom.' Then he swung his hand and swiped me in the face. Wham! ..."

Click below to continue the article from Catholic Mom at Holy Cross Family Ministries

Summer Giveaway Ends This Week!

Don't miss out on the USCCB's yearly summer promotion!  Select Respect Life items are entirely free from now through July 4 (just pay shipping).  Head over to the Respect Life Store to see what's available and claim your items today!

Act and God Will Act

The Genesis Mission equips ordinary Catholics with the confidence and practical skills to share their faith naturally in daily life. Through prayer, community, and action, discover how the gifts given to you at your baptism allow God to reach others. 

Be part of a Small Group this Summer!

 To Learn More Contact:

Regina Wright

(570) 207-2213 x1135

rwright@dioceseofscranton.org

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 Disiciple 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!

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

Pilgrims Prepare to Attend

Steubenville Summer Youth Conference

July 10-12

Nearly 120 young people from across the Diocese of Scranton are preparing for a life-changing weekend.  From July 10-12, they will travel to the Steubenville Youth Conference seeking a deeper encounter with Jesus through prayer, the Sacraments, and community.  As they prepare for this transformative experience, we invite you to learn more about their journey -- and to keep them in your prayers. 

Join Us in Seoul, South Korea

World Youth Day 2027

Priority Registration Ends Today!

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!

Motorcycle Rally Sponsored by 

Saint Michael's Catholic Church, Canton, PA 

August 29, 2026 | 8 AM

Check-In and Registration at 8 AM at St. Michael's

Breakfast provided at check-in.

80 mile paved route through the Northern Tier

Lunch and Bingo at Troy American Legion

Breakfast, Rally and Lunch included

$35 plus $10 / passenger for online registrations

$45 plus $15 / passenger on site registrations