BISHOP’S LETTER
My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As summer gently fades into the rich colors of fall, I find myself reflecting on a truly remarkable moment that I was blessed to experience in late June at Marywood University.
Each year, I am privileged to celebrate Mass on the final day of the Diocese of Scranton’s annual Quo Vadis Days/Fiat Days retreat for high school students. This year however, as I walked into the Marian Chapel inside the Swartz Center for Spiritual Life, I was greeted by something uniquely powerful.
Nearly every seat in the chapel was filled – more than fifty young adults in all – and they were not shy or bashful about singing! As these young adults loudly raised their voices together to glorify God throughout Mass, it was both inspiring and up-lifting.
The participation of young people in our liturgies is not only a beautiful expression of their own spiritual journey – it is also a profound testament to the vibrancy and continuity of our Church.
As we embark on the 2024 Diocesan Annual Appeal, I am moved to share experiences like this with you – because they highlight the profound impact of your past generosity.
I have seen firsthand the powerful ways in which our Catholic ministries and programs have touched lives, particularly through the recent Quo Vadis/Fiat Days retreat, where so many of our young people gathered to seek God’s guidance and purpose in their lives.
As we celebrate these blessings, we are also confronted with the stark reality that our resources are stretched thin. The success of our Catholic ministries depends entirely on the collective support of our parishioners. The need is urgent and that is why I am prayerfully asking for your help.
The programs funded by the Diocesan Annual Appeal are vital to the spiritual and social health of our diocese, yet they are too expansive for any single parish to sustain on its own.
Food pantries funded by the Appeal stand as beacons of hope and compassion, offering a lifeline to those who find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Donations support vocations to the priesthood and diaconate, ensuring that the Sacraments are celebrated, the Gospel is preached, and the spiritual needs of our community are met. Your support also transforms lives by making Catholic education accessible to families who might otherwise be unable to afford it, fostering a community where every child can thrive spiritually, academically, and personally.
I humbly ask you to open your heart once more and consider renewing your pledge, or increasing your gift, if circumstances allow. By renewing your pledge, you will once again be a vital part of our mission. Your continued support will ensure that our Catholic ministries can reach more people, transform lives, and bring the light of Christ where it is most needed.
Thank you for considering this important request. Your contribution will have a lasting impact – especially upon young people like those I met recently at Quo Vadis/Fiat Days. Just like their beautiful voices came together as one, let us come together as one diocesan family to support and uplift those most in need.
May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and generosity.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton