University to Host Diocese of Scranton Congress October 5

Oct 1, 2013

The Diocese of Scranton will hold a day-long Congress at The University of Scranton Saturday, Oct. 5, as part of its response to the Church’s worldwide call to observe a special “Year of Faith.” The Congress is intended to give participants the opportunity to appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with Jesus, and strengthen their commitment to serve Him while sharing their faith with others.

The Congress is open to the campus community as well as parishioners from throughout the Diocese and anyone interested in enhancing their faith through a day of prayer, celebration, learning, exploring and dialogue. Registration is required to attend. Participants can choose from more than 40 workshops centered on topics that are essential to vibrant parish life and living the Catholic faith. Many of the presenters are nationally acclaimed for their expertise.

The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, said the Diocesan Congress is central to the observance of the Year of Faith and the continued implementation of his Pastoral Vision for the Church of Scranton: Wounded and Loved, Regathering the Scattered.

“In offering my vision for the Diocese, I noted that a parish is a people empowered by the Spirit to make increasingly true and obvious their response to God in Christ,” Bishop Bambera said. “Our response to Christ’s invitation is expressed most vibrantly in our parish communities as we worship and work together to live out our faith as servant-leaders. Our Diocesan Congress will provide even greater opportunities for us to experience a deepened relationship with Christ and a more profound recognition of our co-responsibility for the mission of the Church.”

The Diocesan Congress, which is being coordinated by the Office for Parish Life, has been designed so that it will benefit anyone who desires to grow in their faith.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a Welcome, Opening Prayer and Gathering Experience. Then the workshops will be presented in four time periods, giving participants many options to select from multiple topics. Lunch will be provided, with special interest groups gathering at designated tables for peer support and conversation. There will be an exhibit hall of service and resource vendors, as well as a “Parish Fair” where individual parishes or clusters can demonstrate “what works” in their particular parish community.

 The concluding Eucharistic Liturgy will be celebrated at 4 p.m.

In addition, the Diocesan Congress will hold a concert prelude on Friday evening, Oct. 4, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton. Presented in partnership with Oregon Catholic Press, the concert will provide an evening of prayerful inspirational music, spanning the life of the Church across the 50 years since the opening of the Second Vatican Council.

Registration for the Saturday Congress will include this Friday Concert. Tickets will also be sold for “Concert only” participation.

For complete information, including fees, the workshop schedule and registration, \visit www.dioceseofscranton.org and see the link for the Diocesan Congress on the homepage, or call the Diocese of Scranton Office for Parish Life at 570-207-2213.

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