Community Happenings

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Looking for a meaningful way to give back, even with a limited schedule? Catholic Social Services has volunteer opportunities that require as little as a couple of hours a month. For more information, please call 570-455-1521.

FRANCISCAN JUBILEE YEAR - THE YEAR OF SAINT FRANCIS

To commemorate the 800th anniversary of St. Francis’s death, Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed that from January 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027, Catholics will celebrate a Franciscan Jubilee Year – a Special Year of St. Francis of Assisi! The faithful have been granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence, provided that all conditions are met.

7 Things To Know About St. Francis of Assisi

1. He was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 and died on October 3, 1226.

2. He was known for his humility, vow of poverty, love of animals, and care for creation.

3. He had a strong devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

4. He received the stigmata.

5. He was a close friend of St. Clare.

6. He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228.

7. He established the Franciscan Rule and is the founder of the Franciscan Order.

2026 CRUISE VACATION NORWEGIAN ESCAPE CANADA and NEW ENGLAND

September 5 – September 12, 2026

Good Shepherd Church is running a cruise vacation in 2026. Brochures are available at the Church entrances with the schedule, pricing, reservation form, etc. (Current Passport required.)

Includes roundtrip from Drums to NYC Cruise Terminal and back.

Unlimited open bar package, specialty dining, onboard credit, and Tour Director, etc.

HOLY ANNUNCIATION MONASTERY

We are blessed to have a community of religious nuns living in our area. Their monastery is located at:

403 West County Road

Sugarloaf, PA 18249

Phone: (570) 788-1205

Email: mpoy25@ptd.net

Website: www.byzantinediscalcedcarmelites.com

The monastery is part of the Ruthenian Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey and offers a serene Chapel open for quiet prayer and meditation.

In addition to their religious mission, the monastery is also home to:

• Monastery Pantry & Gift Shop www.monasterypantry.com

• CMC Miniature Horses www.carmelitesminicorral.com

We encourage you to support and visit this peaceful and prayerful place in our community.

FREE BOOK FROM FR. ED MICHELINI

Fr. Ed Michelini has purchased the Book: Three Days – The Search for the Boy Messiah by Chris Stephen and published by Dynamic Catholic. It is a Biblical Novel for Adults telling the compelling tale about 12 year-old Jesus, based on the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel. Jesus was lost in the Temple for three days when he traveled to Jerusalem with his parents, Mary and Joseph, for the Jewish Passover. It’s a story for the child in all of us. Why did he stay behind? What did he do? Who did he meet? Where did he sleep? Was he ever in danger? If you are interested in a copy, simply stop by the parish office to pick up a copy or call the office at 570-788-1997, EXT 3 and we will reserve a copy for you to pick up. It is a good interesting and light read for the fall season.

MONTHLY COMMUNITY BREAKFAST – ALL ARE WELCOME – DINE-IN OR TAKEOUT!

459 Hazle Street, Weston, PA

First Sunday of Every Month

⏰ 8:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Menu Options Include:

 Eggs

 Homefries

 Pancakes or French Toast

 Sausage or Ham

 Orange Juice, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, or Chocolate Milk

 Variety of Cakes

Pricing: Large Platter: $8, Small Platter: $7

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Be a part of something that matters. Your community needs you!

Interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter or helping with fundraising events? We’d love to have you!

✅ Attend a meeting (Last Sunday of each month at 7:00 PM at the firehall)

✅ Contact any fire company member

✅ Message us on Facebook

✅ Visit our website for an application

✅ Or leave a message at 570-384-4411

FREE CLOTHING VAN

The Hazleton office of Catholic Social Services is partnering with St. Francis of Assisi’s Free Clothing Van to offer free clothing to adults in the area. Clothing donations can also be accepted when the van is here. The trailer will be in the parking lot of our Family Center, 106 S. Church St, the third Thursday of every month from 12:30 to 2:00 PM.

CARING FOR THE HOMELESS IN THE HAZLETON AREA—CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS!!

Do you remember Jesus saying, “when I was hungry, you fed me…” and have you ever thought, I could do that? Well, you can! The Divine Providence Shelter, supported by Catholic Social Services, is open daily from 7 pm until 8 am and provides homeless people a dinner meal, a place to refresh their bodies, and a warm place to sleep. There are two sleep areas to serve 10 women and 10 men. In addition to providing shelter for the night, support staff provide counseling and assistance to help individuals find work and find a home.

Since the spring of 2016, volunteers from Sacred Heart Church have been providing monthly evening meals twice a month at the Divine Providence Shelter for homeless people in Hazleton on the first Monday and third or fourth Saturday. Judy Hall has been coordinating the Monday meals and Louisa and Patty Sinex have been coordinating the Saturday meals. A team from St. John Bosco, lead by Andrea Fendrick has been providing a meal every month since 2017 on the second Monday. As time has passed, many of our volunteers are no longer able to continue to support this work of mercy, and we are looking for others to participate in providing meals for those in need.

Those without a home or place to sleep need a nutritious meal as much as any us. A nutritious meal includes an entre e accompanied by a complementary starch and vegetable, a salad or fresh vegetables, bread and butter, fresh fruit, dessert and a beverage. The volunteer team lovingly decides what to provide in the way of a meal, prepares it, delivers it to the shelter and serves the hungry homeless people, who usually number between 12 and 20 per night. The volunteers contribute their time, their labor and the cost of the full meal.

We invite you to consider helping us to continue serving the meals at the shelter by joining those of us who continue doing so.

Join the Mission of Catholic Social Services!

Catholic Social Services is looking to update and expand our current "Auxiliary" group—and we’re also searching for a new name that welcomes both men and women! This dedicated group supports our work through two annual fundraisers: Racing to Raffles and A Night Under the Stars. Please email: dmatarella@cssdioceseofscranton.org or contact our office at 570-455-1521, if interested.

PARISH GRADUATES

Young parishioners graduating from High School or College this spring are asked to contact the parish office and give your full name, school that you are graduating from and degree plus any future plans (College, Military, Trade School or Work Force). We would like to acknowledge your achievement and place your name in our parish bulletin. You may contact our parish office at 570-788-1997, EXT 3 and leave the information along with your contact information. Congratulations and best wishes!

REMINDER

After you graduate and become employed, it is necessary for you to contact the parish office to set up an appointment with the Pastor to formally join. We have many individuals who are in their late 20's thru their 50's who never registered on their own and are listed as a child under their parents’ name. This is especially important if you are asked to be a Godparent at a Baptism or Sponsor at Confirmation or if you need a letter of recommendation. Don't put this off or you will be disappointed. Baptism in our parish does NOT mean that you are officially registered here.

XLT FOR VOCATIONS

Hosted at diocesan vocation centers: First Thursday of every Month: 7 pm, Maria Goretti Church, Laflin; Last Wednesday of every Month: 6:30 pm, Christ the King Parish, Archbald; Fourth Sunday of Every Month, 7 pm, St Matthew's Parish, East Stroudsburg.

For further information contact:

Fr. Alex Roche, Diocesan Vocation Director at 570-207-1452 or on Facebook: Diocese of Scranton Vocations.

Brochures are available at our parish office.

DO YOU HAVE RELIGIOUS ARTICLES YOU JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH?

For over 20 years, St. Mary Mission in Lancaster, PA, has been working to find new homes for religious items that are no long-er needed. The Mission gladly accepts just about anything of a religious nature, such as crucifixes, statues, rosaries (included broken and damaged), chalices, ciboria, relics, medals, even Holy Cards. Any size, age and condition, as the Mission does their best to repair anything that may be dented, rusted, chipped or broken. Donated items are placed in Churches, Con-vents Monasteries, and Catholic Hospice and Nursing Homes in need anywhere in the world. They do not accept books or furniture, however. In many cases, they may travel to your loca-tion to pick up large items or larger accumulations. Otherwise, articles can be sent through the mail or UPS/Fed Ex. For more iformation, contact: Kimberly walters, St. Mary Mission, 2505 Nolt Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601, (717) 381-5816, LancCatholic-Msn@aol.com.

FREE ADULT CLOTHING

The Hazleton office of Catholic Social Services is partnering with St. Francis of Assisi Free Clothing Van to offer free clothing to adults in the area. The trailer will be in the parking lot of the CSS Family Center – 106 S. Church St, the third Tuesday of every month from 12:30 to 2:30 pm.

GETTING MARRIED IN 2025 OR 2026?

Congratulations on your engagement. Before you set any dates for your wedding at St. John's Parish or a commitment with a venue for your reception you must contact the Pastor. Weddings are usually held on Saturdays at 1 pm. Weekday Weddings are also permitted.

In addition to meeting with the Pastor for pre-marital preparation and planning for the actual Nuptial Mass or Wedding Ceremony, Saint John Bosco Parish requires that you participate in an in-person Diocesan Pre-Cana Session. The Pre-Cana schedule for 2025 has been released and is posted on the bulletin boards in both of our Churches. If you contact the Parish Office a schedule will be sent to you or you may simply go online at our Scranton Diocesan web site, Office of Parish Life. You are encouraged to participate in the Pre-Cana Conference.

If you have any questions/concerns regarding our Church policies for Weddings, please contact the Pastor at 570-788-1997, EXT 4.

REGIONAL CATHOLIC SCHOOL: Grades Pre-K through Grade 8

HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY on Laurel Street in Hazleton, has openings in all its classes. We offer small class size with exceptional learning in a faith-based environment. Check us out, call the school office at (570-455-9431).

MAINTENANCE POSITION AVAILABLE

HOLY FAMILY ACADEMY is looking for a maintenance/janitor. Monday through Friday - 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Benefits included. Call (570-455-9431).

NEW NICHE BUILDING AT CALVARY CEMETERY

The new Niche Building is now on site and there are still some spaces available. If interested, call the Calvary Cemetery Office at 570-788-2150 for an appointment.

LOCAL EUCHARISTIC ADORATION CHAPEL

Here in the Greater Hazleton area we are blessed to have a special chapel that you are invited to use for private prayer and adoration. It is located in the Holy Rosary Church in Hazleton, 240 S. Poplar Street. The new hours for their chapel are now 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Anyone wishing to use the chapel will need to call their office and register your name, after which you will receive a key fob assigned to you so you can enter the chapel as before. The previous code will not work. It is a secure location. The phone number for Holy Rosary is (570) 454-6693.

EMMAUS ROAD DRIVERS NEEDED!

We are in need more drivers to help transport travelers to grocery stores, the Valley Food Pantry, and medical appointments. Our ministry has grown significantly over the past nine years, and we require a large group of drivers to meet the needs of those we assist without overburdening our team. If we don’t increase driver availability, this outreach ministry could be at risk. Even a few volunteers driving once a month would help. Interested individuals can learn more or request a driver application by contacting Brother Fred at 570-956-5991 or f3jaxheimer@gmail.com.

DOWNSIZING? MINIMALIZING? SPRING CLEANING?

Kindly consider donating your extra items to the Historic Brainerd Church, Sybertsville, for the “Attic Treasures” during their annual October Festival, October 6. All proceeds are used for the continuing maintenance and restoration of the Brainerd Church and Cemetery Grounds and the adjacent Historic Cedar Grove Schoolhouse. Please contact Nannette at (570) 814-6443 to arrange a time to accept your generous donation.

PARISH BOOKS AVAILABLE 

Years ago, during the pastorate of the late Father John K. Manno, two books were written and published by one of our parishioners, DR. JOHN R. LEASE and illustrated by Robin Antolick Marchetti. It is based on Cecil, oneof the large camels that figure in the St. John Bosco Outdoor Nativity. One of the books, entitled: “CECIL” (1992) is a Christmas Story and the other one is entitled: “CECIL’S JOURNEY,” (1994) is an Easter Story. Both of the popular books are family friendly and wonderful books that teach a valuable lesson for your children and may be read to your grandchildren and great grandchildren. A limited number of these hardbound edition books, which are listed with the Library of Congress, are still available. The donation is only $20 ea. If you are interested in securing a copy for yourself or to give as a gift to your children or grandchildren, please contact the parish office at 570-788-1997, EXT. 3. A copy of each of the books is available to view at the parish office. The proceeds of this sale will be given to St. John Bosco Church for our parish youth ministry 

NUREMBERG-WESTON FIRE COMPANY

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?

Come to a meeting, contact any current member of the fire company, message the fire company on FACEBOOK or visit their web page for an application. You may also call and leave a message (name and phone number) at 570-384-4411 and someone will get back in touch with you. Meetings are on the last Sunday of the month at 7 pm at the Firehall, 459 Hazle Street, Weston. Website: https://nwvfc.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Catholic Social Services is in need of volunteers for weekly food pickups and deliveries. Pickups/deliveries will take no longer than 1 hour to complete. Please call 570-455-1521.

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL-HOSTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Marian Catholic High School is looking for families willing to host International Students. 24/7 Support, Monthly Stipend, and students come with their own health insurance and spending money. If interested, please contact Nicole Dunn at 570-467-3335 ext. 113, or ndunn@mariancatholichs.org.

NEW ROOTS - ROAD TO RECOVERY

Providing Peer-Based Recovery Support Services

100 South Wyoming Street, Hazleton

Contact: 570-455-7000, Open: 8 am until 6 pm daily.

http://www.newrootspa.org

Email: information@newrootspa.org

Assisting those with a substance use disorder

and their families.

Certified Recovery Specialist

HEARTWOOD CENTER: Willow Foundation

Providing services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and/or food insecurity.

Breakfast and Lunch served daily, computer lab, etc.

SLOVAK PUBLICATION

The Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union's publication ZORNICKA is available for anyone who desires a copy at the main entrance of St. John Bosco Church.

Adult Prayer Group

"One in Christ Prayer Group" Meets at 12:45 PM on every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month unless other-wise announced. We meet in the basement of Holy Annunciation Church (St. Gabriel's). Do come and join us sometime for Rosary or Divine Mercy Chaplet, praise, song, scripture sharing, intercessory prayer, and sharing of how the Lord is working in our lives. Any questions, please call George Gunzerath at 570-455-1951 or Arlene Stagg 570-788-3643.

TUESDAY NIGHT BINGO AT GOOD SHEPHERD

You are invited to attend our neighboring parish for bingo at Good Shepherd Church in Drums on Tuesday evenings. Lot of fun and good cash prizes. The kitchen opens at 5:00 PM with special soups, sandwiches, beverages, ethnic foods and a variety of other goodies. The Early Bird game begins at 6:00 PM. 

EMMAUS MINISTRY

Christ Lutheran Church, Conyngham, sponsors the Emmaus Ministry. They provide transportation to church events, medical appointments, and Food Pantry. If you have a need for this service or would like to be a driver, please contact Br. Fred Jaxheimer, OEF, 570 956-5991, (cell phone), or the Christ Lutheran Church in Conyngham.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICES - “TO GO DINNER” PROGRAM

Catholic Social Services is in the preliminary planning stage of a “To Go Dinner” program, which will allow us to serve a hot meal in our community two days a week. We are looking for volunteers to pick up the prepared meals at St. Vincent Kitchen in Wilkes Barre and deliver it the CSS Family Center, 106 S. Church St. Hazleton, PA 18201. Pick up time would be between noon and one. This would require use of a personal van or vehicle that could carry multiple chafing dishes. Please call the office at (570) 455-1521 for more information.