Bishop Bambera issues statement on death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Posted on January 4, 2023 by The Dunmorean

“On behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Scranton, I join people around the world in offering prayers and sympathy on the passing of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

“Pope Emeritus Benedict will always be remembered as a great theologian-pope, not just because of the three encyclicals he wrote, but because of the intellectual precision he brought to all of his work, helping us to encounter God’s love and truth. For example, in Spe Salvi, (In hope we were saved), he beautifully stated that God is our foundation of hope, and it is his love alone that gives us the possibility of soberly persevering day by day .

“In addition to being a strong supporter of the Church in America, Benedict truly believed in fostering Christian unity as a fundamental priority of the worldwide Church. From dialoging with Lutherans to his work with Anglicans, he made many efforts to see Christians fully united.

“We give thanks to the Father for the great gift of Benedict as a priest, bishop, cardinal and Successor to Saint Peter. While much has been written about his historic renunciation, Benedict’s actions showed great humility, selflessness and courage as he determined he no longer had the physical strength for the demands of the papacy.

“On a personal level, I thank Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI for the trust and confidence he had in me when appointing me the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Scranton in February 2010. I will always treasure the opportunity to witness his humanity and devotion to Christ the following year during my first ad limina visit to the Vatican.

“I ask the people of the Diocese of Scranton to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s soul. May God grant him the gift of eternal life and bring comfort to those who mourn his passing.”

The Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera
Bishop of Scranton

Diocese of Scranton Announces Gradual Reopening of Parishes Amid Crisis

Posted on June 3, 2020 by The Dunmorean

In a video message to parishioners, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera announced details regarding the gradual reopening of additional parishes in the Diocese of Scranton.

Starting on Monday, June 1, parishes in Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties resumed in-person Masses.

On Monday, June 8, parishes in Lackawanna County will also be able to resume in-person Masses. The exact timetable for an individual parish to reopen will be the decision of its pastor with regard to preparedness, especially in regards to maintaining proper social distancing and sanitizing.

Mass attendance at all parishes will be limited to no more than 25-percent of a church’s seating capacity. Parishioners will be required to wear face masks and remain a proper social distance of at least six feet away from other individuals/families.

“For the last 10 weeks, I know many of our faithful parishioners have been longing to return to church, participate in Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist,” Bishop Bambera said. “The Diocese has been working hard to resume in-person worship in a safe, comfortable and reverent manner.”

Masses in four counties, Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga counties, resumed on Monday, May 18. While initially limited to a capacity of 25 people, parishes in those four counties can now also increase their Mass capacity to no more than 25-percent of total church occupancy.

Additional guidance for all parishes includes:

Those who feel vulnerable because of their age or underlying medical conditions will be encouraged to stay home. •People who are feeling ill will be directed not to attend public Masses.
The Sunday Mass obligation remains suspended at this time.
Parishes are encouraged to continue live streaming Masses and a daily Mass will continue to be broadcast on CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.
Pews will be marked off or designated in order to maintain proper social distancing guidelines.
Holy Communion will be distributed at the end of Mass. Parishioners are strongly advised to receive the Body of Christ in the hand. Distribution of the Precious Blood remains suspended at this time.

“As the doors of our parishes reopen, everyone has an important role to play. The safety of our faithful people, our clergy and our community is the most important factor guiding any decisions that are made,” Bishop Bambera added.

Bishop Bambera encourages the faithful to visit the Diocese of Scranton’s website for the latest news and information regarding the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Diocese of Scranton to Host Annual Vocations Golf Classic

Posted on July 5, 2017 by The Dunmorean

The Diocese of Scranton will host the eighth annual Vocations Golf Classic will be held Monday, July 10, at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club, Mountain Top, to support the St. John Vianney Endowment, which helps foster vocations to the Diocesan priesthood and support seminarians in formation. St. John Vianney is the patron of parish priests.

The captain and crew tournament begins with lunch at 11 a.m. and shotgun start at noon. A reception and awards dinner follows play. To donate or register online, visit www.DioceseofScranton.org and click the “Giving” tab – Vocations Golf; or call the Diocesan Development Office at 570-207-2250.

Bishop Joseph C. Bambera is honorary chair and will be golfing in the captain and crew tournament on the 27-hole course. The day begins with lunch at 11 a.m., shotgun start at noon and reception and awards dinner immediately following play. Rev. Donald J. Williams, diocesan director of vocations and director of seminarians, is event chair.

“I am grateful for the faithful parishioners and friends throughout the 11 counties of the Diocese of Scranton who continue to attend and support this annual event which raises needed funds to foster vocations and assist future priests on their journey to serve our local Church,” said Bishop Bambera.

“As a Diocese, we are blessed with good men in seminarian formation today,” said Rev. Williams. “With the support of our priests, religious and parishioners, we’re identifying a significant number of potential candidates who may one day be of service to the Diocese.”

“I join with our Bishop and the golf committee in urging everyone to consider making a donation honoring a friend or loved one,” the vocations director added. “All gifts in support of our seminarians are appreciated. The tournament provides an opportunity for golfers, sponsors and seminarians to meet informally and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.”

Donations of any amount are welcome. Hole sponsorships are $100. Golfer packages are $250 and include cart and green fees, lunch, dinner and reception. Donations may be made by texting 51-555 and typing Priest. Information is available by calling the Diocesan development office at 570-207-2250 or on-line at DioceseofScranton.org (Giving tab).

Committee members planning the event in conjunction with the Diocesan Office of Development are, seated from left: Marilouise Agnone Ruane, Director of Stewardship, co-chair; Msgr. Donald McAndrews; Rev. Donald Williams, Director of Vocations and Seminarians, chair; and Msgr. David Bohr, Secretary for Clergy Formation. Standing: Christopher DiMattio, Tom Considine, Dominic Rinaldi, Rev. Jeffrey Walsh, Rev.d David Cappelloni, Michael P. Brown and Jim Bebla, Secretary for Development.

The committee also includes: John Callahan, Karen Clifford, Reverend Joseph Evanko, Deacon Frank Hine, Michele Long, Scott Lynett, Thomas Medico, Attorney Joseph O’Brien, Kathy Oven, Frank Orlando, and Mark Soprano.