Diocese of Scranton Catholic Social Services officials accept a $5,000 grant award from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support St. Anthony’s Haven, an emergency shelter in Scranton that serves homeless men and women.
From left: Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Foundation Grants Administrator; Stephen Nocilla, Diocesan Director of Housing/Residential Services and Bridget M. Haggerty, Assistant Director; and Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Foundation President/CEO.
In recognition and appreciation of Monsignor Joseph P. Kelly’s service to those in need in our community, all are invited to join the Diocese of Scranton for a celebration to benefit Catholic Social Services on Sunday, May 22. A Mass of Thanksgiving will be held at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Scranton, followed by a gala reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 310 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton.
Monsignor Kelly served as Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Human Services and Executive Director of Catholic Social Services for 10 years before retiring in December, 2015. Monsignor Kelly continues to serve as Executive Director of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton.
“I can think of no better way to honor the good work of Monsignor Kelly than to support the ministries of Catholic Social Services to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and provide for those most in need – works for which Monsignor tirelessly labored throughout his priestly ministry,” said the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton.
All are invited to attend the Mass of Thanksgiving. Tickets to the reception are $100. A table of 10 at the reception may be reserved with a gift of $1,000. Individuals and businesses may also become a Gala sponsor or may wish to place a congratulatory ad in the CSS Gala commemorative program. For details on sponsorships, program ads or for more information, please contact a member of the Gala Planning Committee or the Diocese of Scranton Development Office at 570-207-2250 or Development@dioceseofscranton.org. Gala tickets, program ads and sponsorships may also be reserved online at CSSGala.org.
Proceeds from the gala will support the many programs and services provided to area residents by Catholic Social Services. The mission of Catholic Social Services is to serve individuals and families in poverty and hardship, and to respond compassionately to their needs. As a Catholic agency of the Diocese of Scranton, Catholic Social Services advocates for individual dignity and self-sufficiency and seeks to actively give of ourselves to replace despair with hope.
Members of the Catholic Social Services Gala Planning Committee represent various Catholic Social Services and Diocesan regional and program advisory boards. Shown, front row, left to right: Sue Farley, Hazleton; Chris Bedwick, Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Jim Brogna, Lackawanna County; Vince Splendido, Wilkes-Barre; Atty. Michal Rogers, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen; Mary Theresa Vautrinot, Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Human Services and Executive Director of Catholic Social Services; and Michele McDade, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen.
Back row, same order: Jim Bebla, Diocesan Secretary for Development; Conrad Schintz, St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen; Donna Farrell, Wilkes-Barre; Deacon J. Patrick McDonald, Catholic Social Services Board of Directors; Dr. William Shergalis, Catholic Social Services Board of Directors; Peter Lamont, Hazleton; and Tim Holmes, Lackawanna County.
Committee members who could not be present for photo are Marianne Chester, Monroe County; and Atty. Julia Munley, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen.