From the Pastor

A MESSSAGE FROM FATHER MIKE…

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Over the past several years, I have been blessed to serve as pastor of Good Shepherd Parish, Drums, and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, Freeland, and as administrator of Saint Patrick Parish, White Haven. Together with Father Kenneth Seegar and Father Peter O’Routke, it has been our privilege to walk with you in faith – celebrating the Sacraments, preparing children for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, praying together week after week, and even burying loved ones.

Today, I write to you all – honestly and prayerfully – about the future of Saint Patrick Parish in White Haven, and how that future connects to all our parish communities.

TIME FOR AN HONEST CONVERSATION

Saint Patrick Parish has a beautiful history and a faithful community. For more than 150 years, the church has been a spiritual home where families have encountered Christ and supported one another.

At the same time, we must acknowledge some very real challenges.

In recent years, Mass attendance at Saint Patrick has steadily declined. While our most recent October Mass counts indicate an average of 233 people at the two weekend Masses, the lived reality is closer to an average of about 150 people each weekend throughout the year. Fewer people attending Mass has meant that collections have also decreased over the past two years.

While the parish remains current on its bills, the long-term financial outlook is concerning. In addition, there are substantial building needs, including work on the church roof and significant repairs required at the parish center, alongside a sizeable remaining debt.

We must also consider clergy availability. Father O’Rourke, who has served so faithfully as Sacramental Minister, will turn 85 this June. While he generously wishes to continue serving as long as he is able, we must realistically prepare for the day when he can no longer assist in the same capacity.

None of this is shared to alarm you – but to be proactive and ensure that every parishioner understands the reality we are facing together.

VISION 2030: PLANNING FOR MISSION

As many of you are aware, for the last six years, the Diocese of Scranton has been engaged in its Vision 2030 Pastoral Planning Process. This effort invites every parish to evaluate its strength and sustainability according to several key priority drivers: Availability of clergy, financial stability, condition of facilities and parish life and demographics.

Since the fall of last year, the Saint Patrick Parish Pastoral Council has been engaged in thoughtful and prayerful discussions about these realities. I am grateful for their honesty and love for their parish. On January 7th, and again on February 12th, we met to begin considering possible paths forward. On February 24th, we also brought the concerns to the attention of the Finance and Pastoral Council members from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish. Earlier this week, on March 4th, representatives from Good Shepherd joined the conversation.

The consensus of the Saint Patrick Pastoral Council is clear: they deeply desire to keep a Catholic presence in White Haven if possible. That is my desire as well.

WHAT MIGHT THAT LOOK LIKE?

One possible path – and the one currently being explored – would be a consolidation of Saint Patrick Parish with Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Freeland, effective July 1, 2026.

In this consolidation – Saint Patrick Church could remain open as a worship site of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish, likely with one weekend Mass. That would help to reduce administrative duplication and allow us to use our limited resources more wisely.

While not directly involved in the consolidation itself - Good Shepherd Parish in Drums would also need to be a part of the broader conversation as well – because we would seek better collaboration among our communities and some Mass time adjustments might be needed.

Over the next several weeks, we will share additional information – including Frequently Asked Questions about what a consolidation could look like and a deeper explanation of the priority drivers guiding this consideration – so that everyone may better understand the path before us.

No final decision has been made – but I felt it is important that you hear about this possibility directly from me, rather than through rumor or speculation.

Change is never easy. I understand that even the word “consolidation” can stir anxiety. Saint Patrick Parish is not merely a building – it has been home to generations of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and memories. But – we must remember that at its heart – the Church is not a structure. The Church is all of us – the Body of Christ.

Our mission is not simply to preserve what was – but to ensure that the Gospel is proclaimed and the Eucharist is celebrated for generations to come. I believe that if we work together – across White Haven, Freeland, and Drums – we can strengthen our Catholic presence in this region rather than diminish it.

I ask you to pray for wisdom. Pray for Father O’Rourke and Father Seegar as they continue to serve with generosity. Pray for our parish councils that they may look toward the future with open minds. Pray for me, that I may lead with courage and compassion. And above all, pray that the Holy Spirit guides us in every step.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Father Mike Kloton

FATHER MIKE’S DAILY MESSAGE

Every morning Father Mike sends out a spiritual message to everyone who signs up to receive it. Sometimes Father’s message inspires us, teaches us, consoles us or, more often, challenges us to put our faith into action. You can receive Father’s message by either email or text message. If you would like to receive Father's message, call the Immaculate Conception parish office at 570-636-3035 and give Janet your email address or your cell phone number. It’s a great way to start your morning!