Diocese of Scranton Catholic High Schools -

JUNE 20, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC LIGHT
10
Diocese of Scranton
Catholic High Schools --Class of 2013
Holy Redeemer High School
Cassandra
Gill
WILKES-BARRE –– Holy
Redeemer High School was the first
Diocesan secondary school to hold
spring commencement exercises
when graduation ceremonies were
staged on May 29 at the F.M. Kirby
Center for the Performing Arts in
downtown Wilkes-Barre.
A total of 157 Holy Redeemer
seniors, led by Principal Anita M.
Sirak, were conferred their diplomas by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera,
who also addressed the graduates
and offered benediction.
The class’ Baccalaureate Mass
was celebrated May 28, presided
over by Father Joseph P. Elston,
school chaplain, who served as
principal celebrant and homilist.
The 2013 Holy Redeemer class
valedictorian is Cassandra Gill,
daughter of William and Rochelle
Gill of Wyoming.
This year’s Holy Redeemer salutatorian is Cody
Januszko, son of Gary and Michelle Januszko, who
reside in Wilkes-Barre.
Of the total number of graduates, 146 will be
enrolling in colleges or universities to further their
education, including 53 who will be attending Catholic institutions of higher learning. The 2013 Holy
Redeemer seniors merited nearly 300 scholarship
awards worth more than $11 million.
Cody
Januszko
Notre Dame High School
Daniel
Vilinsky
EAST STROUDSBURG –– Commencement exercises were held June 1 for Notre
Dame High School, East Stroudsburg, during which 47 graduates received their
diplomas from Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, who also offered the principal address
and closing benediction.
The school theater provided the setting for the graduation ceremonies for the
Class of 2013 at Notre Dame, where Jeffrey N. Lyons serves as principal.
The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 29 in the school theater by
Monsignor John A. Bergamo, director of religious formation and chaplain at Notre
Dame.
Notre Dame’s 2013 valedictorian is Daniel Vilinsky, son of Robert Vilinsky and
Maria Vilinsky of Stroudsburg. Class salutatorian is Jocelyn Packer, daughter of
Charles and Esther Packer, also of Stroudsburg.
The entire 2013 Notre Dame graduating class will continue their education at the
university/college level, including 11 students who will be attending Catholic institutions of higher learning. The class received a total of 103 scholarship awards valued
at more than $4.2 million.
Jocelyn
Packer
Holy Cross High School
Scott
Kearney
DUNMORE –– The Sette
LaVerghetta Center on the campus of Marywood University provided the setting for the annual
commencement of Holy Cross
High School in Dunmore.
Graduation ceremonies for
the 104 members of the 2013
Holy Cross senior class were
held on May 31, led by school
principal Benjamin Tolerico
and Kathleen Hanlon, Ed.D.,
Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Schools/Superintendent of
Schools.
Presiding over the commencement exercises and conferring the high school diplomas
was Bishop Joseph C. Bambera,
who addressed the Holy Cross
graduates and gave the benediction.
The Baccalaureate Mass
was celebrated May 30 at
the Cathedral of St. Peter in
Scranton, with Monsignor David
Tressler, administrator of Holy
Cross, serving as principal celebrant. School chaplain Father
Brian J.T. Clarke delivered the
homily.
T
he four Catholic high schools operated by the
Diocese of Scranton graduated a total of 323 young
men and women in spring commencement exercises
conducted in late May and early June.
According to Kathleen P. Hanlon, Ed.D., Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Schools/Superintendent
of Schools, nearly 95 percent of the total number of
graduates comprising the Class of 2013 will continue their education at the
college or university level. Of that number, almost 35 percent will attend
Catholic institutions of higher learning.
The 2013 graduate status report also shows that 42 students will attend two-year colleges; five will pursue other post-secondary training; and
six will join the United States armed services.
The four Diocesan Catholic high schools reported that, cumulatively,
their graduates merited approximately 690 scholarship awards –– worth
close to $24.5 million.
The 2013 Holy Cross valedictorian is Scott Kearney, son of Jack
and Cathy Kearney of Archbald.
Class salutatorian is Alexandra Antonio, daughter of Mark
Antonio and Debra Merrick, Old Forge.
Ninety-seven percent of the Holy Cross class will be attending
institutions of higher learning, with 41 graduates planning to enroll
at Catholic colleges or universities. As a whole, the class earned 275
post-secondary scholarship awards totaling nearly $8.7 million.
Alexandra
Antonio
St. John Neumann Regional Academy
James
Gibbons Jr.
WILLIAMSPORT –– Graduation ceremonies were conducted for the St. John
Neumann Regional Academy Class of 2013 on June 3 at the Community Arts Center in
Williamsport.
St. John Neumann Principal Denise M. Tobin presided over the presentation of diplomas to the 15 members of this year’s graduating class, which were conferred by Bishop
Joseph C. Bambera, who also offered remarks and the closing benediction.
Delivering the main commencement address was guest speaker Stephen Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League International.
The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 31 at St. Lawrence Church in South
Williamsport, with Father David Bechtel, school chaplain and director of religious formation, serving as principal celebrant.
This year’s St. John Neumann valedictorian is James Gibbons Jr., son of James and
Linda Gibbons of Williamsport. Salutatorian honors were bestowed upon Joseph Pierce,
son of Robert and Maria Pierce of Muncy.
Nearly all of the 2013 St. John Neumann graduates will be pursuing further education on the university/college level. As a class, the St. John Neumann graduates amassed
11 academic scholarships worth $500,000.
Joseph
Pierce
THE CATHOLIC LIGHT • JUNE 20, 2013
Diocese of Scranton
Catholic High Schools --Class of 2013
11
JUNE 20, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC LIGHT
12
Scenes from Commencements
Exhibiting pride and poise, the Diocesan Catholic High
Schools Class of 2013 participated in commencement exercises.
Joined by family and friends, the graduates celebrated their
achievements and the many experiences they enjoyed. Bishop
Joseph C. Bambera praised the graduates, their families, school
faculties and parish communities. He reminded the graduates that
they have been given values that define their identity as Christians,
and he urged them to live their faith and build a better world
grounded in the values of the Gospel of Jesus.
Presented here are scenes from the four commencements.
Twilight Toss: The
class executes
the traditional
cap toss after
the graduation
ceremony.
ST. JOHN NEUMANN REGIONAL ACADEMY
Left: Wendy
Hunter
receives her
diploma
from Bishop
Bambera.
Right:
Students on
the stage.
HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL
Students at the
Baccalaureate
Mass
at St. Peter’s
Cathedral.
Photo by Chris Dolan
Bishop Bambera greets graduates
prior to the commencement.
Celebrating
graduation and
friendship.
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Bishop Bambera presents diploma to Mallory Walsh.
Graduates pose with their principal, Jeff Lyons, after the ceremony.
A group of smiling grads.
HOLY REDEEMER HIGH SCHOOL
Left: Classmates share the joy of graduation.
Below: The cap toss puts a celebratory
conclusion on the commencement ceremony.
ROYAL FAMILY – Holy Redeemer’s Class of 2013
featured five sets of twins! From bottom to top
of stairs: Cornelia and Bethany Chmil, Louis
and John Jablowski III, John and Jacob Kozak,
Ryan and Leanne Tabit, Nicholas and Matthew
Kotulak.
THE CATHOLIC LIGHT • JUNE 20, 2013
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
JUNE 20, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC LIGHT
14
Congratulations Catholic High School Graduates!
Class of 20
2013
13
Daniel J.C. Gushanas
HOLY CROSS
Emily Elise Angerson
✱ Valedictorians
Alexandra Marie Antonio ✝
✝ Salutatorians
Tricia Jacqueline Harenza
Jeremy M. Heiser
Candice Marie Baumher
Morgan L. Evans
Emily Anne Mineo
Jeremy Jacob AstolĮ
Krista Ann Heller
Andrew Robert Behrens
Joseph P. Faltynowicz
Patrick Bailey Mizok
Emily Jeanne Becker
Autumn Rose Henrie
Nicholas James Bennie
John Walter Ferraro
Joseph Montaro
Fallyn Marie Boich
Richard Joshua Hoggarth
Bryan Marcel Bilbao
Enrico Christopher Galassi
Gina Maria Morgese
James R. Bond
Dakota Leigh Hollock-Sinclair
Alicia Quinn Bird
Kaitlin Rose Gardier
Jason Anthony Costa Mota
Amy Nicole Boris
MaƩhew Jason DelBalso Isely
Anna Claire Boginski
Casey James Gaughan
Christopher Tyler Murphy
Krzysztof Michael Bozentka
John Joseph Jablowski III
Daniel Gregory Kelley Bormes
Brooke GilleƩe
Leandra Janet Nash
Abigail Ann Bruno
Louis Alexander Jablowski
Ryan James Brannon
Sabrina Lynn Graham
Jared Michael Nicholoī
Meghan Ann Burns
Cody James Januszko ✝
Catharine Margaret Brennan
Patrick Simon Hagan
Natalie Ann Osborne
Taylor Lynne ChrisƟna Burwell
Robert William Jones
Mary Helen Brennan
Emily Theresa Hanna
Jacquelyn Alena Pavlikowski
Nadine Marie Carlo
John Joseph Jurta
Guy M. Cali Jr.
Angelo Mario Vincenzo HasƟe
Nicole Ann Pesota
John Cecere
Anna ChrisƟne Kachmarski
Alex Capozzi
Andrew James Hicks
Samantha Lynn Piwowarski
Bethany Veronica Chmil
Tyler Michael Kastendieck
Angela Maria QuinƟna Cardona
Emma Maria Holmes
Elizabeth Gloria Polishan
Cornelia Catherine Chmil
GeeƟka Khanna
Angeline Marie Cerra
Shawn Alexander Iezzi
KaƟe Elizabeth Purcell
Rachael Catherine Coassolo
Eamon David Theodore Klinges
Selena Rose Cerra
Dana Elizabeth Jenkins
Sydney Lee Read
MaƩhew Timothy Collins
Mary Kathryn Kolojejchick
Wei-Ting Chang
Connor Jacob Joseph Joyce
Emily Ann Roche
Thomas Shea Cosgrove
Maria Sara Kopczynski
Yu-Chien Chen
Corey Francis Xavier Joyce
Charles Patrick Rogers
MaƩhew Robert Michael Crofchick
Kellie Marie Ann Kopko
Maura Ann Chiumento
Michael T. Kanavy
Antonio Sacco
Kelsey Lynn Crossin
Michael Kosik
Grace Frances Clark
Shawn Jude Kane
Stephen Michael SalƟsiak
Melissa R. Cruz
Ann Olivia Kotch
BriƩany Ann Cole
Kerry Vincent Kearney
Mary Ann Seamon
Elizabeth Erin DeMichele
Sydney Leah Kotch
Liam Michael Comerford
ScoƩ Andrew Kearney ✱
John Michael Sempa
Kaitlyn Nichole Donnelly
MaƩhew Bernard Kotulak
Duncan Coolican
Madeline Henry Keegan
ChrisƟan Daniel Simrell
Tyler Edward Daniel Dougherty
Nicholas Bernard Kotulak
Amber Lynn Craven
Anne Mara BridgeƩ Keib
Jeīrey Paul Solimine
Marissa Ann Durako
Jacob Walter Kozak
Zachary Joseph Cwikla
Ryan Hugh Kelly
Hali Autumn Somers
Elizabeth Marie Eaton
John Edward Kozak
Kenneth Thomas Czyzyk
Morgan H. Kneier
Colin Joseph Sposto
Tyler Michael Elias
Marnie Kusakavitch
John Daryl Paul Derenick
Stephanie Jean Knorr
Kayla Ann Sposto
Callie Evans
Katelyn Ann Laskowski
Alicia Lynn Duszak
Carrie Kathyrn Kobrynich
Lauren Elizabeth Strony
George Patrick Evans
Amanda Catherine Latoski
Christopher James Esposito
Joshua Raymond Kosin
Nicole Elizabeth Tanana
Michael Joseph Faux
Brendan MaƩhias Leahigh
Victoria Theresa LaRussa
Tyler Daniel Walsh
Shane Thomas Flannery
Ashley Marie Leighton
Elizabeth Melanie Legg
Thomas John Warden
Mitchell W. Ford
Patrick Hoban LoŌus
Ian Michael Lewis
Kristen Patricia Waznak
Joshua Allen Foust
Michael Charles LoGrande
India Isabelle Marrazzo
Joshua Michael Wombacker
Brianne Elizabeth Frascella
Thomas Daniel Madigan
Jordan J. Marsh
Bruce James YankeliƟs II
Kyle Patrick Gainard
Julie Ann Mahle
Eric Thomas Gdovin
Alexandria Marie Malacari
Victoria Ann MarƟn
Brian Patrick MarƟnes
HOLY REDEEMER
Sophţa Leanore Geiser
Selina Elizabeth Malacari
BriƩney Mary Mazur
Vito Thomas Aiello
Alexandra Adriana GenƟlesco
Gerald Maloney
Kerrianne Mazur
Sara Emily Altemose
Erica Marie Gernhart
Morgan Leigh Mancini
Jordan Robert Anthony McCormack
Vincent James Amarando
Cassandra Gill ✱
Ennio Mancuso
Devon Elyse McElroy
Nicholas Joseph Ambrulavage
Clarissa Caroline Gingell
Tyler Joseph Margalski
Erin Kimi McHale
Danielle Elizabeth Angle
Danielle Nicole Gorski
Andrew Alexander Mark
Kaitlyn Marie Michalek
Mathijs Arts
Margaret Mary Guarnieri
Brandon Joseph Marx
15
Sydney Anne Burke Smith
Michael GoƩstein
Joseph Turner
Nicholas Reilly McCarroll
Joanna Marie Sobeck
Joshua Green
Ricardo Velazquez
Stephanie Lorraine McCole
Rachel Mary Sowinski
Anthony Grega
Alden Whah
Patrick Walsh McHale
ChrisƟna Marie Springer
Tiīany-Lynn Grutza
Sarah Zurawa
Derek Thomas McManus
Alexander David Stashik
Dylan Hascher
Maria Sophia Elizabeth Mengak
Shawn William Stefanski
Jessica Herron
NOTRE DAME
Timothy Menta
Kristen Leah Stepanski
Abbey Hill
Robert William Allan
Edmund Francis Meszczynski
Alexander James Stevens
Cody Hocking
Rebecca Lea-Marie Bailey
Kasey Lynn Miller
Kaitlyn Marie Stochla
Derich Holman
Lauren Leah BartleƩ
Jason Michael Mitchell
Jacob Stone
Emily Honis
Erica A. Bell
Jessica Marie Mitchell
Frazee Cole Sutphen III
Jessica Horlacher
Aasmaaye Husna Bhuiyan
Michael Mocion
Joseph Francis Szczechowicz III
Alexandria HuƩa
Michael Peter Biīen
Michael Morrison
Leanne Theresa Tabit
John Julian
Fernando Xavier Cruz
Louis Albert Murray
Ryan Joseph Tabit
Ryan Karnish ✱
Emma Leigh Curran
Jeremy Edward Myslowski
Teresa Ann Toomey
Mary Rose Kassock
MaƩhew Patrick Duīy
Angeli Nause
Adam Tyler Turosky
Nathaniel Keer
Ksenia Farda
MaƩhew P. Rennekamp
Jenna Victoria Nitowski
Aaron James Urbanski
Andrew Kelly
Gabriella D. Gabriel
Donovan J. Sarango
Nadia AƩar Novak
Sarah Nicole Warnagiris
Jeremy Kistler
Kevin John Gonzalez
Janea S. Smith
Devon Alexandra Nowicky
Christopher Robert Welgosh
Sabrina Krupko
Jessica Anne Gregory
Gabrielle Truncali
Patrick F. O’Boyle, Jr.
David Allan Wert
Thomas Kupres
Emily Melissa Hetu
Kimberly Melissa VanCamp
Noah Orlandini-Sapack
Kelsey Margaret Williams
Nicholas Kweder
JusƟn Robert Klein-Dehaven
Daniel Angelo Vilinsky ✱
Daniel Thomas Ostrowski
Sarah Kathryn Williams
Isabella Macoviak
Jonathon W. Kulick-Cummings
Colleen Elisabeth Walsh
Michael Charles Pahler
Carleena Elizabeth Wozniak
Deane Marasiak
Lacey Lynne LaRezza
Mallory Patricia Walsh
Philip Marzen
MaƩhew Christopher Lasewicz
William Addis Worthington II
Amanda Lynne Wozniak
Megan Lynn Phillips
THE CATHOLIC LIGHT • JUNE 20, 2013
Violeta M. MaƩei
Samantha Mae Pierce
MARIAN CATHOLIC
Eric Mason
Kellie Louise Leming
Lauren Marie Pikul
Molly Balliet
Patrick McGeƫgan
Adrian Anthony Lemos
BriƩany Ann Pilch
Emilio BeckeƩ
Molly McMullen
Stevie-Rose Li Aquinas
Cameron Pinto
JusƟn Bilka
Mark Mlynek
Chenelle Mercedez-LyneƩe Lopez
ST. JOHN NEUMANN
REGIONAL ACADEMY
Victoria Lucille Reggie
Eugene Brady
Dominic Montero
Briana Nirmala Maharaj
Jordan Deshawn Cole
Kayla Marie Rhiel
Mia Casale
Zachary Mrochko
Joseph Paul Marino
Isis Sierra Alia Dent
Thérèse Anne Roughsedge
Michael Cataldo
John O’Connor
Kellianne Elizabeth McClain
James Joseph Gibbons Jr. ✱
Joseph E. Ruiz
Lea Chocolas
Joseph Orsulak
Dennis James McNamara
Wendy Lou Hunter
Grace Elizabeth Rychwalski
Ashley Cinicola
Taylor Paton
Kathleen Moore
Thomas Dakota James
ScoƩ Calvin SaŅa
Nicole Collevechio
Christopher Postupack
Steven Michael Mulcahy
Charles Andrew Keeler
Morgan Joseph Manuel Mark Santayana
Theresa DeFebo
Corey Quick
Tolulope Tennyola Oladugbewo
Katherine Lynne Mertes
Daniel James Seasock
Jessica DeLash
Dylan Quirk
Brian James O’Malley Jr.
Joseph Francis Orso IV
Alexis Morgan Shemanski
Emily DeSanƟs
Damian Richards
Joseph E. Orender
Joseph Robert Pierce ✝
Joshua Stephen Siecko
Rhiannyn Elam
Kasey Rossell
Jocelyn Nicole Packer ✝
Nicholas Richard Pinkerton
Andrea Rose Siejna
Marissa Ellis
Kara Sedlack
Patrick Pankowski
Henry Abraham Rainey
Grace M. Sipler
Sara Fatula
MaryKate Sherkness
Monica Zahira Perez
Chelsea Nicole Risley
MaƩhew Slavoski
Samantha Faust ✝
Amy Skotek
Virginia M. Pope
Elizabeth Grace Sheleman
Cody Jay Smith
Eric Fiorilla
Eric Swankoski
Laura Elizabeth Quain
Nathan Andrew Tempesco
Eva Marie Geneviève Smith
Derek Gaughan
Taylor Troyanoski
Linda Theresa Radu
Tyree Omar Anthony Vidal
Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton
Dr. Kathleen P. Hanlon • Diocesan Secretary for Catholic Schools/Superintendent of Schools
✧
Mrs. Mary Tigue • Assistant Superintendent of Schools
✧
Mr. Patrick G. Cawley • Assistant Superintendent for Government Programs
OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
DIOCESE OF SCRANTON
17
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholars
The Seton Scholars are recognized by the Catholic Schools’ Oĸce for their achievement on the high school entrance examinaƟon and their
Meghan Healey
All Saints Academy
enrollment in a Diocesan high school for the 2013-2014 school year. Parents of these individuals are commended for their commitment to Catholic
educaƟon, and the students are congratulated for this disƟnguished honor. For these students and for young people in our Catholic schools,
Jenna Jachimiak
St. Nicholas/St. Mary
Catholic educaƟon impacts their formaƟon by incorporaƟng a strong emphasis on the spiritual that is evident in all components of the learning
process. Our vision for these students is to provide for them an educaƟonal experience that provides a lifelong learning in the faith, and one that
prepares them to be responsible, competent, and conĮdent persons as ciƟzens of our country and world. In addiƟon, our schools are dedicated to
providing a loving, safe and nurturing environment where the young learn respect for themselves and for all persons.
Andrew Lacina
Good Shepherd
Academy
To the students who have benefitted from a Catholic education, and to those who
continue their educational journey in a Catholic environment, we
salute you and pray that God, through the intercession of
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, guide you in
Paul Marmo
All Saints Academy
Megan Ferello
Holy Family Academy
Francisco Rilloraza
Epiphany
Elementary School
Rachel Jones
St. Jude School
Kevin McDonald
St. Nicholas/St. Mary
Leah Georgiades
St. Clare/St. Paul
Elementary School
Faith, Hope and Love.
Charlotte Maria
Good Shepherd
Academy
James Hanna
St. Mary of
Mt. Carmel
Thaddeus Farrell
La Salle Academy
Mary Graff
Our Lady of Peace
Elementary School
Sebrina Zanolini
Holy Family Academy
Emily Easton
Good Shepherd
Academy
Alana Siock
La Salle Academy
Jonathan Rokosz
Good Shepherd
Academy
Daviane Laforme
St. Mary of
Mt. Carmel
Meghan Mendler
St. Agnes Elementary
School
Adam Chase
Holy Rosary School
Lia Fredericks
Good Shepherd
Academy
Brian Springer
Good Shepherd
Academy
Michael Roberts
La Salle Academy
Joshua Mies
Holy Rosary School
Bridget Foresman
St. John Neumann
Regional Academy
Brant Weirich
Msgr. McHugh
Elementary School
Rachel Mof¿tt
La Salle Academy
Nicolas Diolosa
Msgr. McHugh
Elementary School
Shelby Smith
St. Nicholas/St. Mary
Molly Holmes
Wyoming Area
Ryenn Yearick
St. John Neumann
Regional Academy
Erin Duffy
Notre Dame
Elementary School
Collin Gatrone
St. Nicholas/St. Mary
Hannah Tavani
St. Agnes Elementary
School
Adam Abad
St. Jude School
James Kosik
Wyoming Area
THE CATHOLIC LIGHT • JUNE 20, 2013
JUNE 20, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC LIGHT
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JUNE 20, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC LIGHT
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The Diocese of Scranton
Congratulates the 2013 High School
Graduates of Marian Catholic
and Scranton Prep
Marian Catholic High School
Ryan
Karnish
TAMAQUA –– Commencement ceremonies were held recently for the 2013 Class
of Marian Catholic High School in Schuylkill
County, Diocese of Allentown, where a number of students from the Scranton Diocese
attend high school.
Marian’s graduation took place on June 1
at the Catholic high school in Tamaqua, with
65 seniors receiving their diplomas –– 13 of
whom reside in lower Luzerne County in the
Diocese of Scranton.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister M.
Bernard Agnes, principal of Marian Catholic,
also announced that Baccalaureate ceremonies were conducted on May 31 at the school.
Serving as principal celebrant and homilist
for the Mass was Most Rev. John O. Barres,
Bishop of Allentown.
Garnering top academic honors as this
year’s Marian Catholic valedictorian is Ryan
Karnish, son of Gary and Kristen Karnish of
Nesquehoning.
The 2013 Class salutatorian is
Samantha Faust, daughter of James and
Mary Beth Faust, Barnesville.
Samantha
Faust
Scranton Preparatory School
John
Banas
SCRANTON –– The Jesuit-run Scranton
Preparatory School in Scranton conferred
diplomas on 197 seniors at commencement ceremonies June 2 in Scranton Prep’s
St. Francis Xavier Center. The graduation
exercises were led by principal Matthew
Bernard.
The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated
June 1 in the St. Francis Xavier Center.
Serving as main celebrant was Jesuit Father
Herbert B. Keller, school president.
The 2013 valedictorian is John Banas,
son of Mr. and Mrs. David Banas of West
Pittston. The salutatorian is Kevin Kelly, son
of Atty. and Mrs. Robert Kelly, Clarks Green.
Kevin
Kelly
Peter’s Pence Collection Supports
Holy Father’s Charitable Works
Catholics in the United States have the opportunity to
support Pope Francis in his charitable works throughout the
world by contributing to the Peter’s Pence Collection. The
Diocese of Scranton will conduct the collection at Masses
the weekend of June 29-30.
The 2013 Peter’s Pence Collection theme is “Be a Pilgrim of Charity” and emphasizes the role of Catholics in
allowing Christ’s love to reach others.
This worldwide collection supports church needs and
humanitarian activities, through support for victims of war,
oppression, religious persecution, natural disasters and
other human promotion projects around the world. It also
assists seminaries and institutes of Christian formation in
developing countries.
During his Urbi et Orbi message on Easter, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to serve others in need. “Let us be
renewed by God’s mercy … and let us become agents of this
mercy, channels through which God can water the earth, protect
all creation and make justice and peace flourish,” he said.
“In union with our Holy Father, the Peter’s Pence Collection gives us the opportunity to become ‘pilgrims of
charity,’ alleviating suffering around the world,” said the
Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop
of Scranton. “I thank you for standing in solidarity with the
Holy See with your generosity. Please continue to pray for
our brothers and sisters in faith who are facing adversity.”