PD Matters of Faith

Oblate priests to attend International General Chapter - 01/22/2012
The worldwide Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph will gather for the International General Chapter from January 30-February 18 at the Motherhouse in Asti, Italy (Piedmont region, located in the northwestern part of the coun ...

Feast of Holy Spouses today at Oblates - 01/22/2012
The Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph will host the annual Feast of the Holy Spouses, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph, today, Sunday, Jan. 22, with a special Mass at noon at the Oblates of St. Joseph Semina ...

‘Night at the Races’ is planned for Feb. 11 - 01/22/2012
Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish is sponsoring a Night at the Races on Saturday, Feb. 11 in the parish hall. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with post time scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Cost of admission is $10 and includes a dinner of chicken, ...

Dupont friends share secrets of longevity - 01/22/2012
Neighbors and friends, Irene Orloski, left, age 92, Margaret Milewski, center, age 96, and Ann Paddock, age 90, who all grew up together on Lidy’s Road, Dupont, share their secrets for a very long life recently at the Sacred Heart ...

SJE Altar and Rosary officers are installed - 01/15/2012
Officers for St. John the Evangelist Parish Community Altar and Rosary Society were installed on Sunday, Jan. 8. First row, Rev. Richard Cirba, Msgr. John J. Bendik, Rev. Hugh McGroarty; second row, officers Nancy Roth, treasurer; ...

Children present Nativity at St. John’s - 01/15/2012
The children of St. John the Evangelist Parish Community presented the story of the Nativity on Christmas Eve at the 4:30 Mass. Pictured are:

Churches name a new spiritual leader - 01/08/2012
The Miner Congregational United Church of Christ/First Congregational UCC charge announced the appointment of Rev. Joan Mitchell as their new spiritual leader. She is replacing Rev. Wayne Shontz who after many years of dedicated s ...

Soup and salad Saturday at Mount Zion - 01/01/2012
The Mount Zion United Methodist Church on Mount Zion Road in Harding will offer an “all you can eat” soup and salad dinner on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Churches list Christmas Day services - 12/25/2011
The Care and Concern Pediatric Health Clinic will be open the first and third Thursday of each month. The clinic is located in the former Seton Catholic School Building on William Street, Pittston.

Advent concert next Sunday at Queen of Apostles - 11/27/2011
As part of a 63-year choral history of songs for the season, the Catholic Choral Society will present an Advent Concert at Our Lady, Queen of the Apostles Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. The group wil ...

Ecumenical Thanksgiving service today - 11/20/2011
The Greater Pittston Ministerium will be holding the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at St. Cecelia’s Church, Wyoming Ave, Exeter today at 3:00 p.m. It will be a service of prayer, scripture, Thanksgiving readings and hymns.

Feast day dinner today at St. Michael’s - 11/13/2011
St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston, 15th annual feast day dinner will be held today Sunday, Nov. 13, with servings from 1 to 3 p.m. in the church hall, 205 North Main Street.

Closing Mass celebrated at St. Mary’s - 11/13/2011
St. Mary’s Church, 715 Hawthorne St., Avoca, closed Sunday, Oct. 16.

Wimpie sale at St. Peters’ on Tuesday - 11/06/2011
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 100 Rock Street, Hughestown, will offer a take-out only sale of wimpies on Nov. 8 from 11 to 1 p.m. Donation is $1.50. Orders must be placed by Nov. 1. Bring your own containers.

Sausage and pasta dinner today - 11/06/2011
A homemade pasta and sausage dinner will be held at St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin Road, today, Sunday, Nov. 6, from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $9. Children 5 years and under are free for eat-in only.

Pork dinner Saturday at St. John’s Lutheran - 10/30/2011
St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 9 Wood Street, Pittston, will present its annual roast pork dinner on Saturday, Nov. 5. Take-outs begin at 4 p.m. and dinner seating is from 5-7 p.m.

Opening Mass next Sunday in Avoca - 10/30/2011
St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Parish will have a special Mass on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 715 Hawthorne St. The parish will open under its future name, Queen of the Apostles Parish, at this time.

St. Jude Novena continues through Friday - 10/23/2011
The 54th Annual Novena in honor of Saint Jude will be held at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish (St. Mary, Help of Christians Church), 535 North Main Street, Pittston, through Friday, October 28. There will be two services daily.

54th annual St. Jude Novena opens Wednesday - 10/16/2011
The 54th Annual Novena in honor of Saint Jude will be held at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish (St. Mary, Help of Christians Church), 535 North Main Street, Pittston, from Wednesday, October 19, through Friday, October 28. There w ...

Revival service at Perspective Church - 10/16/2011
A revival service presented by Harvest Revival Ministries Reverends Joanna Coe and Randy Herndon will be celebrated at the Perspective Church, 66 Broad Street, Pittston, on October 16, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. and October 17, 18 and ...

Final Mass at Saints Peter & Paul Church, Avoca - 10/09/2011
Saints Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church, Main Street, Avoca, closed its doors for the final time with a closing liturgy and ceremony on Sunday, October 2. Rev. Phillip Sladicka, pastor, celebrated the Mass and conducted the cere ...

Chicken barbecue today at Seton cafeteria - 10/09/2011
St. John the Evangelist Parish Community will hold their annual chicken BBQ today, Sunday, October 9, from noon until 3 p.m. in the Seton cafeteria, Church Street in Pittston. Takeouts from 11 a.m. to noon. Adult tickets are $8 an ...

Children’s clothing is sought - 10/09/2011
Woodforest National Bank is collecting children’s clothes in all sizes from newborn to children’s 14-16 for the Pittston Kid’s Clothes Closet.

54th annual St. Jude Novena Oct. 19-28 - 10/02/2011
The 54th Annual Novena in honor of Saint Jude will be held at Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish (St. Mary, Help of Christians Church), 535 North Main Street, Pittston, from Wednesday, October 19, through Friday, October 28. There w ...

Charity train ride to Jim Thorpe is next Sunday - 09/25/2011
The Greater Pittston Charity Train Ride will once again take patrons back in time on the newly restored Reading and Northern RR’s 1920 era open window coach pulled by a diesel locomotive to historic Jim Thorpe. The train will depa ...

Free food, clothing, and school supplies - 09/25/2011
The First Baptist Church, Water Street, Pittston, will hold a community food, clothing and school supply giveaway on Saturday, October 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone from the community who is in need of clothing and food are w ...

Prayer Vigil for flood victims Saturday - 09/18/2011
A Prayer Vigil for the needs of flood victims will be held Saturday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hughestown. All are invited to attend. The service will include scripture, psalms, hymns, and pray ...

Clothing donations for flood victims - 09/18/2011
The Greater Pittston Kids Closet, located in the former Seton Catholic High School on William Street, is currently soliciting donations of kids clothes to support the many families in need who were affected by the recent flood.

Dozynki/Harvest Festival today in Dupont - 09/11/2011
Holy Mother of Sorrows Polish National Catholic Church, Dupont, is having their Dozynki/Harvest Festival today Sunday, Sept. 11, 11:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. The Ceremony of the Blessing of the Harvest Wreath will be in the church at ...

Service today commemorates events of Sept. 11, 2001 - 09/11/2011
The community is invited to an Interfaith Service and Musical Tribute in commemoration of September 11, 2001 to be held at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Pittston today, Sunday, September 11 at 2:30 p.m.

‘Bargain Basement and Bake Sale’ set at Second Presbyterian - 09/11/2011
The Mission Committee of Second Presbyterian Church, Parsonage St., Pittston is planning a Bargain Basement and Bake Sale to be held on Saturday, September 17. Doors open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

All aboard for the Jim Thorpe charity train ride - 09/04/2011
Take a ride back in time. See Historic Jim Thorpe. And at the same time help the Pittston Library, Greater Pittston YMCA and the Care and Concern Free Clinic raise much needed funds.

Mass Monday honors St. Joseph the Worker - 09/04/2011
The Oblates of St. Joseph Fathers will host tomorrow, Monday. Sept. 5, their annual Labor Day Mass honoring Saint Joseph the Worker at 10:30 a.m. in their seminary chapel, located on Route 315, Laflin.

Sept. 11 Memorial Mass in Avoca - 09/04/2011
The parishioners of St. Mary’s/SS. Peter and Paul’s Parish, and the Avoca Fire Department will pay tribute to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks at their tenth annual September 11 Memorial Mass Sunday, Sept. 11, at ...

Farmer’s Market moves to original location - 08/28/2011
The Pittston Farmer’s Market will move back to its original site on Main Street located on the Robert Conroy, Sr. Festival Lot on Tuesday, August 30. The market opens at 10:00 a.m. closes at 3:00 p.m. and is open every Tuesday uni ...

Free pediatric clinic schedule change - 08/28/2011
The Care and Concern Pediatric Health Clinic, starting in September will be open the first and third Thursday of each month. The clinic is located in the former Seton Catholic School Building on William Street, Pittston.

Church pizza sale next Friday - 08/28/2011
The First United Methodist Church of West Pittston will hold a pizza sale on Friday, September 2. Pizzas can be ordered baked or unbaked with or without onions.

First Holy Communion celebrated at St. Maria Goretti - 08/28/2011
The Sacrament of First Holy Communion was celebrated at the Church of St. Maria Goretti, Laflin by Monsignor Neil J. VanLoon, pastor. Mrs. Michelle Pinto is the Director of Religious Education and the Second Grade Catechists are M ...

Christ’s Community Closet sets fall schedule - 08/21/2011
Christ’s Community Clothes Closet at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 317 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston has announced the fall 2011 schedule. The Clothes Closet will be open on Wednesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. and ...

St. Faustina Day pilgrimage listed - 08/21/2011
St. Faustina’s Feast Day will be celebrated at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy on Wednesday, October 5. A bus will depart at 7 a.m. from the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary, Highway 315, Pittston. Refreshments, breakfast snacks ...

First Holy Communion at SJE Parish Community - 08/14/2011
On Sunday, May 1, 30 children from St. John the Evangelist Parish Community, Pittston, received First Holy Communion. The class is pictured above.

Blessing of herbs, vegetables, flowers today - 08/14/2011
In honor of the Solemnity of the Dormition (Assumption) of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which will be observed on Monday, August 15, a blessing of herbs, vegetables and flowers will be held at both the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Masses tod ...

Flea market, ziti at St. Michael’s today - 08/07/2011
The Rev. Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. and the parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church invite the community to its 15th annual flea market which concludes today, Sunday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the chur ...

Flea market, ziti dinner at St. Michael’s - 07/31/2011
The Rev. Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. and the parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church invite the community to its 15th annual flea market Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 7, from 9 a.m. ...

St. John the Evangelist Parish Bazaar August 11-13 - 07/31/2011
The Parish Community of St. John the Evangelist will present its 12th Annual Bazaar August 11-13 at the Church and Broad St. Parking Lot and Seton Auditorium starting at 5 p.m. each night. The bazaar will feature a variety of boot ...

VBS this week at Christian & Missionary - 07/24/2011
“Hometown Nazareth, where Jesus was a Kid,” a Family Vacation Bible School by Group Publishers will be held at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 317 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, beginning Monday, July 25, and conclud ...

Oblates of St. Joseph to present first ever ‘Fun Fest’ - 07/24/2011
The Oblate Fathers of Greater Pittston and their Lay Associates are planning for the first time ever Fun Fest ‘11, on the grounds of the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary, Route 315, Laflin, on Saturday, August 13. The day-long event ...

Family Bible School at Alliance Church - 07/17/2011
“Hometown Nazareth, where Jesus was a Kid,” a Family Vacation Bible School by Group Publishers will be held at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 317 Luzerne Avenue, West Pittston, beginning Monday, July 25, and conclud ...

Free picnic today at First Baptist Church - 07/10/2011
The First Baptist Church of Pittston, located on Water Street, invites the entire community to its annual parking lot picnic. The picnic will be held July 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot along the side of the church a ...

Golf tournament to benefit free health clinic - 07/03/2011
The Fourth Annual John Viercinski Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Friday, August 5, at noon at Edgewood in the Pines Golf Course in Drums. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Care and Concern Free Health Clinic in P ...

First Baptist parking lot picnic July 10 - 07/03/2011
The First Baptist Church of Pittston, located on Water Street, invites the entire community to its annual parking lot picnic. The picnic will be held July 10 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot along the side of the church a ...

Father Dan honored on 25th anniversary - 06/26/2011
Father Dan Schwebs, OSJ, celebrated on Sunday, May 22, at St. Rocco’s Church, Pittston, his 25th anniversary of priesthood. A reception followed the Mass at St. Anthony’s Parish Center, Exeter.

Churches combine services for summer - 06/26/2011
The Members of the Langcliffe Presbyterian Church announced their schedule for the month of July. As has been the custom for the last several years, Langcliffe will be combine worship services with the members of the Moosic Presby ...

Corpus Christi outdoor procession Thursday - 06/19/2011
The Annual Outdoor Procession for Corpus Christi sponsored by the Scranton Seniorate of the Central Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church, will be held this Thursday, June 23, at St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church ...

Final Mass last Sunday at St. John the Baptist, Exeter - 06/12/2011
Today, June 12, the parishioners of the former St. Anthony’s, St. Cecilia’s and St. John the Baptist churches of Exeter will come together to celebrate a Mass at 10:30 a.m. to inaugurate the new parish of St. Barbara. After the ce ...

Pastor Bob concert today at St. Peter’s - 06/12/2011
Members of Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hughestown know of Pastor Bob Mitchell as their spiritual leader – who delivers inspiring sermons, oversees the work of the church’s committees, ministers to the elderly and hospitalized ...

St. Peter’s pastor an accomplished singer - 06/05/2011
Members of Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Hughestown know of Pastor Bob Mitchell as their spiritual leader – who delivers inspiring sermons, oversees the work of the church’s committees, ministers to the elderly and hospitalized ...

Strawberry social June 15 at St. Peter’s - 06/05/2011
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 100 Rock Street, Hughestown, will present their Strawberry Social on June 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Shortcake, beverage donation is $5.

First Holy Communion Class at St. Monica’s Parish - 05/29/2011
On May 1, 2011 the children of St. Monica’s Parish, West Wyoming, received their First Holy Communion. Parents, family and friends attended the 11:00 a.m. Liturgy.

Mass Monday on St. Marello’s Feast Day - 05/29/2011
Most Reverend John M. Dougherty, D.D., retired auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, will be the principal celebrant and homilist for Monday evening’s Mass on the occasion of the Feast of St. Joseph Marello, Founder of the Congregation of ...

St. Mary’s Assumption School closing Mass Thursday - 05/29/2011
The year 2011 will be the last for Saint Mary’s Assumption School in Pittston. The school has been a center of learning for youth in the Greater Pittston area since 1868.

Divine Mercy Celebration at Oblates Seminary Chapel - 05/22/2011
Sunday, May 1, the Feast of Divine Mercy was celebrated at the Oblates of St. Joseph Seminary Chapel, Laflin, with a standing room only crowd on hand for the event. Serving as principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass and devo ...

Father Hitchko to be remembered today - 05/22/2011
A memorial dinner in honor of the late Rev. Daniel D. Hitchko will be held at St. Cecilia’s Church, 1700 Wyoming Avenue, Exeter, in the church hall today, Sunday, May 22, at 1 p.m.

Little Sisters to honor Vince Vanston - 05/22/2011
The Little Sisters of the Poor, Scranton, will honor local funeral director Vince Vanston at their fifth annual golf tournament Saturday, June 11, at the Scranton Municipal Golf Course, Lake Ariel.

Oblates to honor founder’s feast day with triduum - 05/15/2011
The Oblates of St. Joseph religious community will honor their Founder, St. Joseph Marello, with a Triduum on Memorial Day weekend, May 27-28-29, in their seminary chapel, located on Route 315, Laflin. Masses will be held each eve ...

Yard sale today at Our Lady of Sorrows - 05/15/2011
The Youth Group of St. Monica’s Parish of the Wyomings will hold a yard sale on the grounds of Our Lady of Sorrows, 8th Street, Wyoming (behind the parking lot) today, Sunday, May 15, starting immediately after 11 a.m. Mass. The s ...

Father Dan Schwebs to be honored - 05/15/2011
Father Dan Schwebs, O.S.J. will be celebrating his 25th anniversary of priesthood on Sunday, May 22, with a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Rocco’s Church at 2 p.m.

Communion breakfast next Sunday - 05/08/2011
The Altar and Rosary Society of the Parish Community of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Rocco will hold it’s 59th annual Mother’s Communion Breakfast on Sunday, May 15, with an 8:00 a.m. Mass followed by the breakfast and program i ...

Clothing and food giveaway at First Baptist - 05/08/2011
The First Baptist Church, Water Street, Pittston, will hold a Community Clothing and Food Giveaway on Saturday May 14, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Anyone from the community who is in need of clothing and food are invited to attend.

Penny auction today at St. Peter’s Lutheran - 05/01/2011
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Annual Sunday School Penny Auction, will be held at the church on Rock Street, Hughestown, at 2 p.m. today, May 1.

Father Dan Schwebs to be honored on 25th anniversary - 05/01/2011
Father Daniel Schwebs, OSJ will be celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, May 22, with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 2 p.m. in St. Rocco’s Church, Pittston. Reception will immediately follow in St. ...

Penny auction next Sunday at St. Peter’s - 04/24/2011
Plans are being completed for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Annual Sunday School Penny Auction, to be held at the church on Rock Street, Hughestown, at 2 p.m. May 1. Sunday school teachers organize the auction. Several theme baskets ...

Unique jazz concert next Sunday - 04/24/2011
The First United Presbyterian Church of West Pittston invites the public to a concert by Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet to debut their latest CD release, “Interior Window.” The concert will be Sunday evening, May 1, at 7 p. ...

St. Monica’s Youth Group participates in bowling event - 04/24/2011
On March 26, the youth group of St. Monica’s of the Wyomings participated in the Bowl for Big Brothers/Big Sisters event held at Stanton Lanes in Wilkes-Barre. The youth group raised over $200 for the charity.

Mt. Carmel/St/ Rocco’s Golf Tournament set for June 12 - 04/24/2011
Fr. Phil Massetti is pleased to announce that the 17th Annual Mt.Carmel/St.Rocco’s Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday June 12 at the Wilkes-Barre Municipal golf course in Bear Creek. This year’s outing Tournament sponsor is Ch ...

Back Mountain Police Assoc. donates to Kids Closet - 04/24/2011
The Back Mountain Police Association held a coat drive for their Warm Coats for Kids Program and donated a portion of the coats received to the Greater Pittston Kids Closet. The Kids Closet is part of the Care and Concern Ministry ...

‘Cookie Walk’ today to benefit clinic - 04/17/2011
Stephanie Bartz, a Pittston Area senior, met with Gloria Blandina, Director of the Care and Concern Free Health Clinic of Pittston, to create a unique fundraiser. A Cookie Walk will be held today, April 17, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Fish dinner Friday at St. Michael’s Church Annual HNS smoker tonight - 04/10/2011
The St. Michael’s the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church Pittston 14th annual Lenten fish dinner will be served Friday, April 15 in the church hall, 205 N. Main Street. The price for the dinner will be adults - $9 and children un ...

Services at Second Presbyterian - 04/10/2011
The Worship Committee of the Second Presbyterian Church, Parsonage Street, Pittston announces their final service and services for Holy Week.

St. Rocco’s/Mount Carmel HNS Smoker next Sunday - 04/03/2011
Rev. Phillip Massetti O.S.J. pastor and assistant pastor Rev. Jackson Pinheiro O.S.J. of The Catholic Community of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Rocco and its Holy Name Society announce plans are set for its annual Holy Name Soc ...