A Western Region Celebration

Parishes throughout the Diocese of Scranton were encouraged to have celebrations last weekend for World Day of Prayer for Vocations. Handouts with parish bulletins, vocation-based homilies, vocation-themed youth ministry nights, lessons in religious education programs, recitation of the rosary for vocations, and holy hours were all ways parishes celebrated the occasion.

The Western Region came together to celebrate a special Mass on Sunday, April 17 at 5 p.m. at the parish of St. Joseph the Worker, Williamsport. Father Brian Van Fossen, Pastor at St. Joseph the Worker Parish and an Assistant Vocation Director, was the celebrant. Father Don Williams, Diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians, concelebrated and was the guest homilist. Father John Victoria, Pastor at St. Ann Parish, Williamsport and an Assistant Vocation Director, also concelebrated. Individuals from throughout the entire region attended and participated in this regional celebration.

Students from the Confirmation class and Religious Education program participated in the Mass by altar serving, greeting, lectoring, and bringing up the gifts of bread and wine during the offertory.

Altar Servers

Lector

Gift bearers 

A combined choir of 50 voices from parishes all over the region enhanced the liturgy. There were individuals who drove over two hours to sing in the choir for this special occasion! Some selections included Here I Am, Lord, The God of All Grace, You Are Mine, and We Are Called. The choir was under the direction of Jeffrey Johnson, Director of Music/Liturgy at St. Joseph the Worker Parish.

The combined Western Region choir

Jeffrey Johnson, Director of Music/Liturgy, conducts the Meditation Hymn.

A social was held after the Mass in the former school building. A wide variety of desserts, cheeses, and snacks were available. Individuals had the opportunity to socialize and meet others from all around the Western Region of the Diocese. The Diocesan Vocation Office had materials available for those who might be interested in learning more about a vocation to the priesthood or religious life.

The Diocesan World Day of Prayer for Vocations with Bishop Bambera will be held Sunday, May 1 at 7 p.m. in the church of St. Matthew, East Stroudsburg.

A concert by Countless Wonders, a student group from Marywood University, will be held prior to the Mass at 6:15p.m.

The parishes in Monroe Region will come together to form a combined choir.

Religious Education and Youth Ministry programs are encouraged to bring youth and young families.

A reception will follow after the Mass. The Diocesan Vocation Office will have materials for those interested in learning more about a vocation to Diocesan Priesthood. Religious Sisters will also be there with materials for those interested in learning about a vocation to religious life.

For more information, please call 570-207-1452.