PD News

His Eminence Justin Cardinal Rigali, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Scranton, celebrated Mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, Pittston, on Saturday, Feb. 27. Concelebrating were Msgr. Joseph C. Bambera, named just days before as the candidate for Bishop of Scranton, and Msgr. John Bendik, pastor of the Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist.

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The choir made up of members of the Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist and of other parishes in the Deanery.

Photos by Bill Tarutis

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Judge Thomas Burke gives the first reading.

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Other concelebrants were Rev. John Polednek, Episcopal Vicar, Southern Pastoral Region; Rev. Brian Clarke, Vice Chancellor, Diocese of Scranton; Very Rev. Paul McDonnell, OSJ, Provincial Vicar, Oblates of St. Joseph; Rev. James Dougher, Parochial Vicar, St. John the Evangelist; and Rev. Hugh McGroarty. Senior Priest, St. John the Evangelist.

Also attending at the Mass were Deacons David Marx, Santo Agolino, and James Cortegerone.

Judge Thomas Burke and Janet Delaney offered readings. Karen Melvin served as cantor and psalmist and Joseph Holden was choir director and organist.

Altar Servers were Molly and Shane Farrell; Andrew and Lucas Mark; Michael and Jeffrey Bantell; and Jeffrey and Megan Dowd.

Gift Bearers were Leonard Arbacheski, Elaine Clarke, George Hizny, Cpt. TJ Hromisin, Mary Ellen Hromisin, Anna Jacobs, Josephine Lazzari, Julie Musto, Ann Tencha and Connor Yencha.

Msgr. John McIntyre and Rev. Dougher served as masters of ceremonies.