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Unofficial Page of the Region 7 - Pittston Area Catholic Schools - Diocese of Scranton


Bishop Joseph F. Martion - Scranton Diocese
Statements - Letters - Press Releases

June 2nd, 2006

THE FOLLOWING LETTER WAS RECEIVED VIA EMAIL THIS WEEK AND WILL BE ADDRESSED THIS WEEKEND AT MASS.

 It only takes about  2 minutes to contact your State Representative via email using the web site of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference at www.pacatholic.org. 

 

AN IMPORTANT LETTER FROM

OUR BISHOP:

 

My Dear Friends in Christ,

 

As early as the week of June 5, the Pennsylvania General Assembly will consider House Bill 2381, which proposes that an amendment to the state constitution protecting marriage should be placed before the voters. This is an urgent matter for all Catholics since the amendment would define marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman, thus protecting the sacrament of matrimony and the foundation of the family. A similar amendment will also be introduced on the federal level.

 

The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania have issued the following pastoral appeal regarding the upcoming state and national legislative actions to support the protection of the institution of marriage through an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Constitution of the United States:

 

“Deeply concerned about preserving and protecting the divinely ordained institution of marriage, as reflected in the natural order of creation, we, the Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania, renew our call for the support of an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Constitution of the United States of America, defining marriage as the exclusive union of one man and one woman. Marriage, so understood by diverse cultures and peoples throughout millennia of history, is a natural and universal institution, the foundation of family life, and the bedrock of our society and civilization. The preservation and protection of the identity of marriage, as it has always been understood, is a moral imperative of the highest order, and a requirement of the common good. We urge our legislators, both on the state and national levels, to support the marriage protection amendment. We appeal to our Catholic faithful and indeed all the citizens of our Commonwealth to make their voices heard and to contact their elected state and federal representatives to support these amendments.”

 

All of the faithful are asked to contact their state and federal legislators concerning this important matter. In addition to letters and phone calls, legislators can also be e-mailed through the website of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference at www.pacatholic.org.

 

            Thanking you for your efforts to safeguard marriage, I am,

 

                                                                   Sincerely yours in Christ,

 

                                              Most Reverend Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D.

                                                                        Bishop of Scranton

 

 


Bishop Joseph F. Martino
March 14, 2005

The following statement was brought by Mr. James Marcks to Monday's meeting (with reporters) of the Region 7 Advisory Council. It was distributed to members of the press, but was not used in some of the articles written about the meeting.)

The Reorganization of Catholic Education in Region Seven

"When the reorganization of Region Seven was announced almost one year ago, the stated purpose of the plan was the preservation and strengthening of Catholic education in the Pittston area. As the anniversary of the announcement approaches, I am pleased with the real progress that has been made in achieving the stated objectives. Four elementary schools, Holy Rosary, Duryea; St. Mary's, Pittston; Wyoming Area Catholic, Exeter; and Sacred Heart, Dupont and the high school, Seton Catholic, are fully operational centers of learning."

"In these vibrant schools, the Catholic faith is being passed on to another generation of young people. We should be grateful for all who are partners in the Church's mission to educate the young in the Pittston area. These schools have the support of 23 parishes, which during the current school year will contribute $1,548,474 to the operation of the four elementary schools and one high school. Students - some 1,189 in number - are enrolled in five institutions of learning where Catholic teachings are promoted. These schools will remain in operation as long as parents continue to enroll their children in these centers where a quality education within the Catholic context is offered."

"Looking back on the efforts to implement the reorganization plan, I see that the commitment and vision of the Administrative Board of Region Seven was critical in achieving the positive results that are apparent today. My special gratitude is owed to Father Thomas J. Maloney, who serves as chairman of the Board, as well as his fellow members, Fathers Daniel D. Hitchko, Richard J. Polmounter, Charles W. Rokosz, and Joseph D. Verespy. They represented the other 18 pastors in giving important advice and direction regarding the implementation of the reorganization plan."
END OF STATEMENT

Bishop Joseph F. Martino
February 2, 2005

Bishop Martino Asks Faithful To Pray For Pope John Paul II
Most Rev. Joseph F. Martino, D.D., Hist. E.D., Bishop of Scranton, is asking all faithful in the Diocese of Scranton to pray for the health of the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The bishop asks specifically that everyone participate in the sacrifice of the Eucharist and devote time to periods of adoration in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, in light of this Year of the Eucharist which the Pope has called all Catholics to observe. Bishop Martino urges the faithful to entrust the intentions of the Pope and concerns for his health to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Eucharist, especially by praying the Rosary and reflecting on the Luminous Mysteries, which the Pope himself gave to the Church so that its members might know more fully God's providential love for all.



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