Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton
Encyclopedia
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, of which St. Peter's Cathedral
in Scranton, Pennsylvania
, is the mother church
, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania
, United States
.
On February 23, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI
appointed Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera
the tenth Bishop of Scranton. Bishop Bambera was ordained and installed as bishop on April 26 at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, served as principal consecrator and James C. Timlin, Bishop Emeritus of Scranton, and John M. Dougherty
, Former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, served as co-consecrators. Archbishop Pietro Sambi
, the Apostolic Nuncio (papal ambassador) to the United States
, read the papal appointment letter.
, Luzerne
, Bradford
, Susquehanna
, Wayne
, Tioga
, Sullivan
, Wyoming
, Lycoming
, Pike
, and Monroe
counties, all in the northeast part of Pennsylvania
. The area of the diocese is 8487 square miles (21,981.2 km²).
Scranton, the episcopal see, is in the heart of the Lackawanna River
valley and is a city of 72,485 inhabitants (2007 estimate). Other large cities in the diocese are Wilkes-Barre
, Williamsport
, Hazleton
, Carbondale
, and Pittston
.
The first Catholic settlers in the area were principally of Irish
and German
descent. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Slavic and Italian
populations attracted by the coal-mining industry came to comprise one-half of the Catholic population.
up the Susquehanna River
as far as Elmira, New York
, ministering to the Catholics scattered through this region. A few years later, the famous French settlement of Asylum
or "Azilum" was founded (1793–94). Planned as a retreat for French nobility, the site chosen was on the banks of the Susquehanna River, opposite the present village of Standing Stone
in Bradford County. Today scarcely a trace of this unique settlement remains.
The earliest permanent Catholic settlements were at Friendsville
and Silver Lake
in Susquehanna County. These, as well as the other Catholic settlers scattered throughout this district, were attended occasionally by priests sent from Philadelphia. In 1825, largely due to the solicitations of Patrick Griffin, father of Gerald Griffin
, Bishop Kenrick, of Philadelphia, sent the Rev. John O'Flynn as the first resident pastor. His work, however, was similar to that of a missionary, as his field of labor comprised thirteen counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and five counties in New York
state.
The first church in the diocese was built in 1825 near Silver Lake. Father O'Flynn died at Danville
in 1829, and was succeeded by Father Clancy. On February 1, 1836, the Rev. Henry Fitzsimmons was sent to take charge of this territory and took up his residence in Carbondale, where a church had been built in 1832. In 1838 the Rev. John Vincent O'Reilly was sent by Bishop Kenrick to assist in administering to the Catholics of this extensive territory. He took up his residence at Silver Lake and his charge comprised Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter and Sullivan counties in Pennsylvania and the five adjoining counties in New York. The early history of the diocese is intimately bound to the labors of Father O'Reilly and the foundations of many present parishes were the results of his missionary zeal.
, the first bishop in the diocese, was born in Dungiven
, County Londonderry
, Ireland
on April 14, 1816. His philosophical and theological studies were made at the Urban College of the Propaganda, Rome, where he was ordained on December 21, 1842. His first appointment was as assistant at St. Patrick's Church, Philadelphia. He spent several years in Philadelphia until his consecration as Bishop of Scranton on July 12, 1868. The diocese then numbered 50 churches and 25 priests. He died on February 3, 1899, and is buried under the main altar of St. Peter's Cathedral
.
The Rt. Rev. Michael John Hoban
, the second bishop, was born in Waterloo, New Jersey
on June 6, 1853. He attended the College of St. Francis Xavier (now called Xavier High School), College of the Holy Cross
and St. John's College (now Fordham University
). After one year of seminary, he entered the American College in Rome in 1875, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1880. Prior to organizing St. Leo's Parish in Ashley, Pennsylvania
in 1887, he worked in Towanda
, Pittston and Troy
. He was consecrated as Bishop of Alalis
and coadjutor Bishop of Scranton on March 22, 1896. During his administration, he enacted important legislation with regard to the internal affairs of the diocese and under his inspiration the present St. Joseph's Infant Asylum and the Maloney Home for the Aged, were added to the equipment of the diocese. By 1911, the diocese had grown to 265 priests, 232 churches, and a Catholic population of 265,000.
of the Diocese of Scranton.
† = deceased
† = deceased
. The Society of Jesus
took charge of its governance in 1942. Marywood University
, also in Scranton, was founded and is operated by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. King's College in Wilkes-Barre is operated by the Congregation of the Holy Cross. And, in Dallas
, Misericordia University was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy
in 1924.
Due to rapidly declining enrollment and mounting financial obligations, the Most Reverend Joseph Martino employed the Meitler Consultants to assess the catholic schools and provide recommendations to restructure the education system. The final decisions, made in January 2007, resulted in the consolidation of all schools as under direct diocesan control. It created four regional systems (as shown below), and closed many individual schools. All of the secondary education centers in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties were closed and replaced by two regional schools: Holy Cross High School to serve Lackawanna County and Holy Redeemer High School to serve Luzerne County. The curriculum of the diocese was standardized to promote continuity and uniformity in the education of the students, and improvements have been visible in the results of college attendance and standardized test results, which consistently rank well above the area's public schools. In April 2010, the Most Revered Joseph Bambera announced an adjustment of the diocesan school system, which dealt with financial contributions, marketing and promotion of the schools, and the closure of four elementary school sites.
As of the 2011-2012 school year, the Diocese of Scranton operates six early childhood centers, sixteen elementary schools and four high schools, as shown below (in alphabetical order of the municipality in which they occur). Regional Systems are delineated and high school centers are in boldface.
St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton
St. Peter's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral at 315 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. The entire St. Peter's Cathedral Complex is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.The church was built in...
in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton is a city in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, United States. It is the county seat of Lackawanna County and the largest principal city in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area. Scranton had a population of 76,089 in 2010, according to the U.S...
, is the mother church
Mother Church
In Christianity, the term mother church or Mother Church may have one of the following meanings:# The first mission church in an area, or a pioneer cathedral# A basilica or cathedral# The main chapel of a province of a religious order...
, consists of 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
On February 23, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
appointed Monsignor Joseph C. Bambera
Joseph Bambera
Joseph Charles Bambera is an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the tenth and current Bishop of Scranton, serving since April 26, 2010.-Early life and education:...
the tenth Bishop of Scranton. Bishop Bambera was ordained and installed as bishop on April 26 at St. Peter’s Cathedral. Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, served as principal consecrator and James C. Timlin, Bishop Emeritus of Scranton, and John M. Dougherty
John M. Dougherty
John Martin Dougherty is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is currently the Former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton when his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on August 31, 2009.-Early life:...
, Former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton, served as co-consecrators. Archbishop Pietro Sambi
Pietro Sambi
Pietro Sambi was an Italian Roman Catholic prelate who served in the Vatican's Secretariat of State. At the time of his death, he was the Titular Archbishop of Bellicastrum and the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States....
, the Apostolic Nuncio (papal ambassador) to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, read the papal appointment letter.
Major churches
- CathedralCathedralA cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
: St. Peter's CathedralSt. Peter's Cathedral, ScrantonSt. Peter's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral at 315 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. The entire St. Peter's Cathedral Complex is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.The church was built in...
, Scranton, Pennsylvania - Minor BasilicaMinor basilicaMinor basilica is a title given to some Roman Catholic churches. By canon law no Catholic church can be honoured with the title of basilica unless by apostolic grant or from immemorial custom....
, National Shrine: Basilica of the National Shrine of St. AnnBasilica of the National Shrine of St. AnnThe Basilica of the National Shrine of St. Ann is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The first temporary chapel on this site, founded by the Passionist order as a monastery church, was erected in 1902; the present building was dedicated on April 2, 1929, and on...
, Scranton, Pennsylvania - National Shrine: National Shrine of the Sacred Heart, Harleigh, PennsylvaniaPennsylvaniaThe Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
Current leadership
- The Most ReverendMost ReverendThe Most Reverend is a style applied to certain religious figures.*In the Roman Catholic Church , all bishops are styled "The Most Reverend", as well as monsignors of the rank of protonotary apostolic de numero.*In the Roman Catholic Church , archbishops are styled "The...
Joseph C. BamberaJoseph BamberaJoseph Charles Bambera is an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the tenth and current Bishop of Scranton, serving since April 26, 2010.-Early life and education:...
, Bishop of Scranton - The Most Reverend Joseph F. MartinoJoseph Francis MartinoJoseph Francis Martino is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and the Retired Bishop of Scranton. He served as bishop of Scranton until his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on 31 August 2009....
, Retired Bishop - The Most Reverend James C. Timlin, Bishop Emeritus
- The Most Reverend John M. DoughertyJohn M. DoughertyJohn Martin Dougherty is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is currently the Former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton when his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on August 31, 2009.-Early life:...
, Retired Auxiliary Bishop
Additional information
A suffragan see of Philadelphia, established on March 3, 1868, the diocese comprises LackawannaLackawanna County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 213,295 people, 86,218 households, and 55,783 families residing in the county. The population density was 465 people per square mile . There were 95,362 housing units at an average density of 208 per square mile...
, Luzerne
Luzerne County, Pennsylvania
- Demographics :As of the 2010 census, the county was 90.7% White, 3.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.3% were of some other race, and 1.5% were two or more races. 6.7% of the population was of Hispanic or Latino ancestry...
, Bradford
Bradford County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 62,761 people, 24,453 households, and 17,312 families residing in the county. The population density was 54 people per square mile . There were 28,664 housing units at an average density of 25 per square mile...
, Susquehanna
Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 42,238 people, 16,529 households, and 11,785 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 21,829 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile...
, Wayne
Wayne County, Pennsylvania
As of the census of 2000, there were 47,722 people, 18,350 households, and 12,936 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 people per square mile . There were 30,593 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile...
, Tioga
Tioga County, Pennsylvania
Tioga County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 41,981. Tioga County was created on March 26, 1804, from part of Lycoming County and named for the Tioga River. Its county seat is Wellsboro....
, Sullivan
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania
Sullivan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of 2010, the population is 6,428. Sullivan County was created on March 15, 1847, from part of Lycoming County and named for Charles Sullivan, leader of the Pennsylvania Senate...
, Wyoming
Wyoming County, Pennsylvania
Wyoming County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. It was created in 1842 from part of Luzerne County. Its county seat is Tunkhannock.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, Lycoming
Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
-Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Plateau:Lycoming County is divided between the Appalachian Mountains in the south, the dissected Allegheny Plateau in the north and east, and the valley of the West Branch Susquehanna River between these.-West Branch Susquehanna River:The West Branch of the...
, Pike
Pike County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River * Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River -Demographics:...
, and Monroe
Monroe County, Pennsylvania
-National protected areas:* Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area * Middle Delaware National Scenic River -Demographics:As of the census of 2010, there are 176,567 people, 49,454 households, and 36,447 families residing in the county. The population density was 228 people per square mile...
counties, all in the northeast part of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
. The area of the diocese is 8487 square miles (21,981.2 km²).
Scranton, the episcopal see, is in the heart of the Lackawanna River
Lackawanna River
The Lackawanna River is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania in the United States. It flows through a region of the northern Pocono Mountains that was once a center of anthracite coal mining in the United States...
valley and is a city of 72,485 inhabitants (2007 estimate). Other large cities in the diocese are Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Wilkes-Barre is a city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, the county seat of Luzerne County. It is at the center of the Wyoming Valley area and is one of the principal cities in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metropolitan area, which had a population of 563,631 as of the 2010 Census...
, Williamsport
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Williamsport is a city in and the county seat of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania in the United States. In 2009, the population was estimated at 29,304...
, Hazleton
Hazleton, Pennsylvania
Hazleton is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 25,340 at the 2010 census, an increase of 8.6% from the 2000 census count .-Greater Hazleton:...
, Carbondale
Carbondale, Pennsylvania
Carbondale is a city in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. Carbondale is located approximately 15 miles due northeast of the city of Scranton in Northeastern Pennsylvania...
, and Pittston
Pittston, Pennsylvania
Pittston is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. It gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as an active anthracite coal mining city, drawing a large portion of its labor force from European immigrants. The population was...
.
The first Catholic settlers in the area were principally of Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
descent. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Slavic and Italian
Italian people
The Italian people are an ethnic group that share a common Italian culture, ancestry and speak the Italian language as a mother tongue. Within Italy, Italians are defined by citizenship, regardless of ancestry or country of residence , and are distinguished from people...
populations attracted by the coal-mining industry came to comprise one-half of the Catholic population.
Early history
Although many of the early settlers were Catholic immigrants, the first official visit of a priest to this territory of which there is any authentic record was not until 1787. In that year the Rev. James Pellentz traveled from BaltimoreBaltimore
Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...
up the Susquehanna River
Susquehanna River
The Susquehanna River is a river located in the northeastern United States. At long, it is the longest river on the American east coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean, and with its watershed it is the 16th largest river in the United States, and the longest river in the continental United...
as far as Elmira, New York
Elmira, New York
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, New York, USA. It is the principal city of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.The City of Elmira is located in...
, ministering to the Catholics scattered through this region. A few years later, the famous French settlement of Asylum
Asylum Township, Pennsylvania
Asylum Township is a township in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,097 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.Asylum Township is bordered by Wysox...
or "Azilum" was founded (1793–94). Planned as a retreat for French nobility, the site chosen was on the banks of the Susquehanna River, opposite the present village of Standing Stone
Standing Stone Township, Pennsylvania
Standing Stone Township is a township in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 596 at the 2000 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 16.3 square miles , of which, 15.8 square miles of it is land and...
in Bradford County. Today scarcely a trace of this unique settlement remains.
The earliest permanent Catholic settlements were at Friendsville
Friendsville, Pennsylvania
Friendsville is a borough in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 91 at the 2000 census. The community was named for the colony of Quakers settling here.-Geography:Friendsville is located at ....
and Silver Lake
Silver Lake Township, Pennsylvania
Silver Lake Township is a township in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,729 at the 2000 census.-Geography:...
in Susquehanna County. These, as well as the other Catholic settlers scattered throughout this district, were attended occasionally by priests sent from Philadelphia. In 1825, largely due to the solicitations of Patrick Griffin, father of Gerald Griffin
Gerald Griffin
Gerald Griffin was an Irish novelist, poet and playwright.-Biography:He was born in Limerick, Ireland, the son of a brewer. He went to London in 1823 and became a reporter for one of the daily papers, and later turned to writing fiction...
, Bishop Kenrick, of Philadelphia, sent the Rev. John O'Flynn as the first resident pastor. His work, however, was similar to that of a missionary, as his field of labor comprised thirteen counties in northeastern Pennsylvania and five counties in New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
state.
The first church in the diocese was built in 1825 near Silver Lake. Father O'Flynn died at Danville
Danville, Pennsylvania
Danville is a borough in Montour County, Pennsylvania, USA, of which it is the county seat, on the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. Danville was home to 8,042 people in 1900, 7,517 people in 1910, and 7,122 people in 1940. The population was 4,897 at the 2000 census...
in 1829, and was succeeded by Father Clancy. On February 1, 1836, the Rev. Henry Fitzsimmons was sent to take charge of this territory and took up his residence in Carbondale, where a church had been built in 1832. In 1838 the Rev. John Vincent O'Reilly was sent by Bishop Kenrick to assist in administering to the Catholics of this extensive territory. He took up his residence at Silver Lake and his charge comprised Susquehanna, Bradford, Tioga, Potter and Sullivan counties in Pennsylvania and the five adjoining counties in New York. The early history of the diocese is intimately bound to the labors of Father O'Reilly and the foundations of many present parishes were the results of his missionary zeal.
In general
The Rt. Rev. William O'HaraWilliam O'Hara
William O'Hara was an Irish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania . O'Hara is credited as the founder of St...
, the first bishop in the diocese, was born in Dungiven
Dungiven
Dungiven is a small town and townland in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is on the main A6 Belfast to Derry road. It lies where the rivers Roe, Owenreagh and Owenbeg meet at the foot of the Benbradagh. Nearby is the Glenshane Pass, where the road rises to over...
, County Londonderry
County Londonderry
The place name Derry is an anglicisation of the old Irish Daire meaning oak-grove or oak-wood. As with the city, its name is subject to the Derry/Londonderry name dispute, with the form Derry preferred by nationalists and Londonderry preferred by unionists...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
on April 14, 1816. His philosophical and theological studies were made at the Urban College of the Propaganda, Rome, where he was ordained on December 21, 1842. His first appointment was as assistant at St. Patrick's Church, Philadelphia. He spent several years in Philadelphia until his consecration as Bishop of Scranton on July 12, 1868. The diocese then numbered 50 churches and 25 priests. He died on February 3, 1899, and is buried under the main altar of St. Peter's Cathedral
St. Peter's Cathedral, Scranton
St. Peter's Cathedral is the Roman Catholic cathedral at 315 Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton. The entire St. Peter's Cathedral Complex is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.The church was built in...
.
The Rt. Rev. Michael John Hoban
Michael John Hoban
Michael John Hoban was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Scranton from 1899 until his death in 1926.-Biography:...
, the second bishop, was born in Waterloo, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
on June 6, 1853. He attended the College of St. Francis Xavier (now called Xavier High School), College of the Holy Cross
College of the Holy Cross
The College of the Holy Cross is an undergraduate Roman Catholic liberal arts college located in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA...
and St. John's College (now Fordham University
Fordham University
Fordham University is a private, nonprofit, coeducational research university in the United States, with three campuses in and around New York City. It was founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of New York in 1841 as St...
). After one year of seminary, he entered the American College in Rome in 1875, where he was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1880. Prior to organizing St. Leo's Parish in Ashley, Pennsylvania
Ashley, Pennsylvania
Ashley is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, one mile from Wilkes Barre. It was a productive coal-mining area at the start of the twentieth century. Population in 1900, 4,046; in 1910, 5,601; and in 1940, 6,371...
in 1887, he worked in Towanda
Towanda, Pennsylvania
Towanda is a borough in and the county seat of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, United States, northwest of Wilkes Barre, on the Susquehanna River. The name means "burial ground" in the Algonquian language...
, Pittston and Troy
Troy, Pennsylvania
Troy is a borough in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,508 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Troy is located at ....
. He was consecrated as Bishop of Alalis
Alalis
Alalis was a titular see of Phoenicia , whose episcopal list is known from 325 to 451. It was located near the Euphrates, and was a suffragan of Damascus....
and coadjutor Bishop of Scranton on March 22, 1896. During his administration, he enacted important legislation with regard to the internal affairs of the diocese and under his inspiration the present St. Joseph's Infant Asylum and the Maloney Home for the Aged, were added to the equipment of the diocese. By 1911, the diocese had grown to 265 priests, 232 churches, and a Catholic population of 265,000.
Diocesan bishops
The following bishops have served as the diocesan bishopDiocesan bishop
A diocesan bishop — in general — is a bishop in charge of a diocese. These are to be distinguished from suffragan bishops, assistant bishops, coadjutor bishops, auxiliary bishops, metropolitans, and primates....
of the Diocese of Scranton.
- † William O'HaraWilliam O'HaraWilliam O'Hara was an Irish-born prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He was the first Bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania . O'Hara is credited as the founder of St...
(Appointed March 3, 1868 - Died February 3, 1899) - † Michael John HobanMichael John HobanMichael John Hoban was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Scranton from 1899 until his death in 1926.-Biography:...
(Consecrated Coadjutor Bishop, March 22, 1896 - Succeeded February 3, 1899) - † Thomas Charles O'ReillyThomas Charles O'ReillyThomas Charles O'Reilly was a Roman Catholic bishop.O'Reilly was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to Patrick and Delia O'Reilly. After attending Spencerian Business College , he studied at St. Ignatius College and St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland...
(Appointed December 19, 1927 - Died March 25, 1938) - † William Joseph HafeyWilliam Joseph HafeyWilliam Joseph Hafey was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Raleigh and Bishop of Scranton .-Biography:...
(Succeeded March 25, 1938 - Died May 12, 1954) - † Jerome Daniel HannanJerome Daniel HannanJerome Daniel Hannan was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Scranton from 1954 until his death.-Biography:...
(Appointed August 17, 1954 - Died December 15, 1965) - † Joseph Carroll McCormickJoseph Carroll McCormickJoseph Carroll McCormick was a Roman Catholic bishop.He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and studied at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Overbrook and the Pontifical Roman Seminary in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood by his uncle, Cardinal Dennis Joseph Dougherty, on July 10, 1932...
(Appointed March 4, 1966 - Retired February 15, 1983) - † John Joseph O'Connor (Appointed May 6, 1983 - Appointed Archbishop of New York on January 26, 1984)
- James Clifford TimlinJames Clifford TimlinJames Clifford Timlin is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Scranton from 1984 to 2003.-Biography:...
(Installed April 24, 1984 - Resigned July 25, 2003) - Joseph Francis MartinoJoseph Francis MartinoJoseph Francis Martino is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church and the Retired Bishop of Scranton. He served as bishop of Scranton until his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on 31 August 2009....
(Installed July 25, 2003 - Resigned and Retired August 31, 2009) - Joseph Charles BamberaJoseph BamberaJoseph Charles Bambera is an American clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He is the tenth and current Bishop of Scranton, serving since April 26, 2010.-Early life and education:...
(Installed April 26, 2010–present)
† = deceased
Auxiliary bishops
- James Clifford TimlinJames Clifford TimlinJames Clifford Timlin is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Scranton from 1984 to 2003.-Biography:...
(Installed July 26, 1976 - Installed as Bishop of Scranton, April 24, 1984) - John M. DoughertyJohn M. DoughertyJohn Martin Dougherty is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He is currently the Former Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton when his resignation was accepted by Pope Benedict XVI on August 31, 2009.-Early life:...
(Appointed February 7, 1995 - Retired August 31, 2009)
† = deceased
Education
Catholic education in the diocese began with the pioneer Father O'Reilly. In the autumn of 1842, he opened a college at St. Joseph's, Susquehanna County. Under his supervision, it grew and flourished and in the 22 years of its existence, the college educated two bishops and over 20 priests. It was destroyed by fire on January 1, 1864 and was never rebuilt. St. Thomas College was established in 1888 and came under the direction of the Christian Brothers. In 1938, it was elevated to become the University of ScrantonUniversity of Scranton
The University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Catholic and Jesuit university, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the northeast region of the state. The school was founded in 1888 by Most Rev. William O'Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. It was elevated to a...
. The Society of Jesus
Society of Jesus
The Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
took charge of its governance in 1942. Marywood University
Marywood University
Marywood University is a selective, coeducational, Catholic liberal arts university located on a campus in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Established in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and currently enrolls approximately 3,500 students on a national award-winning campus...
, also in Scranton, was founded and is operated by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. King's College in Wilkes-Barre is operated by the Congregation of the Holy Cross. And, in Dallas
Dallas, Pennsylvania
Dallas is a borough in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,557 at the 2000 census. It was created by a charter granted April 21, 1879 from land entirely within Dallas Township. The township had been formed in 1817 and was named for Alexander J. Dallas, who was the 6th...
, Misericordia University was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy
Religious Sisters of Mercy
The Religious Sisters of Mercy is a Religious Institute of Pontifical Right dedicated to the Spiritual and Corporal works of Mercy.It was established in 1973 in response to the renewal called for in the Second Vatican Council....
in 1924.
Due to rapidly declining enrollment and mounting financial obligations, the Most Reverend Joseph Martino employed the Meitler Consultants to assess the catholic schools and provide recommendations to restructure the education system. The final decisions, made in January 2007, resulted in the consolidation of all schools as under direct diocesan control. It created four regional systems (as shown below), and closed many individual schools. All of the secondary education centers in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties were closed and replaced by two regional schools: Holy Cross High School to serve Lackawanna County and Holy Redeemer High School to serve Luzerne County. The curriculum of the diocese was standardized to promote continuity and uniformity in the education of the students, and improvements have been visible in the results of college attendance and standardized test results, which consistently rank well above the area's public schools. In April 2010, the Most Revered Joseph Bambera announced an adjustment of the diocesan school system, which dealt with financial contributions, marketing and promotion of the schools, and the closure of four elementary school sites.
As of the 2011-2012 school year, the Diocese of Scranton operates six early childhood centers, sixteen elementary schools and four high schools, as shown below (in alphabetical order of the municipality in which they occur). Regional Systems are delineated and high school centers are in boldface.
Early childhood centers
- Saint Gregory Early Childhood Center, Clarks Green
- Saint Vincent DePaul Pre-School, Milford
- Saint Catherine Pre-School, Moscow
- Saint John Neumann Early Childhood Center, Muncy
- Domiano Early Childhood Center, Scranton
- Immaculate Care Pre-School, Scranton
Holy Cross School System
- Holy Cross High SchoolHoly Cross High School (Pennsylvania)Holy Cross High School is a Roman Catholic secondary school located in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, and is the second largest of four diocesan high schools in Northeastern Pennsylvania...
, Dunmore - Our Lady of Peace, Clarks Summit
- Saint Mary of Mount Carmel
- LaSalle Academy, Dickson City & Jessup
- Epiphany Elementary, Sayre
- All Saints Academy, Scranton
- Saint Clare/Saint Paul, Scranton
- Saint Agnes Elementary, Towanda
Holy Redeemer School System
- Holy Redeemer High SchoolHoly Redeemer High SchoolHoly Redeemer High School is a high school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton, located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States. Holy Redeemer High School is located in Luzerne County.-Holy Redeemer:...
, Wilkes-Barre - Holy Rosary, Duryea
- Wyoming Area CatholicWyoming Area Catholic SchoolWyoming Area Catholic School is a Roman Catholic school located at 1690 Wyoming Avenue in Exeter, Pennsylvania. The school serves grades pre-K to 8. The school's campus consists of a rectory, convent, and church. There is a fenced-in grass field behind the school for recess, sports, and other...
, Exeter - Holy Family Academy, Hazleton
- Good Shepherd Academy, Kingston
- Saint Jude, Mountaintop
- Saint Nicholas/Saint Mary, Wilkes Barre
Notre Dame School System
- Notre Dame High SchoolNotre Dame High School (East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania)Notre Dame High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, USA. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton.-Background:...
, East Stroudsburg - Monsignor McHugh Elementary, Cresco
- Notre Dame (Elementary and Middle), East Stroudsburg
Saint John Neumann School System
- St. John Neumann Regional Academy High SchoolSt. John Neumann Regional Academy High SchoolSt. John Neumann Regional Academy High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton.-Background:...
, Williamsport - Saint John Neumann Regional Academy Elementary, Williamsport
Non-diocesan
- St. Gregory's AcademySt. Gregory's AcademySaint Gregory’s Academy is an all-male Roman Catholic boarding school located in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania. It is associated with the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter. The Academy offers a threefold education and formation: spiritual, intellectual, and physical...
, Elmhurst (Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter) - Scranton Preparatory SchoolScranton Preparatory SchoolScranton Preparatory School is a Catholic and Jesuit college preparatory day school for boys and girls. The current enrollment is 860 students. Prep is fully accredited by the Pennsylvania State Department of Public Instruction and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools...
, Scranton (Society of Jesus)
Religious orders
- Religious Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (RSM)
- Congregation of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), Marywood UniversityMarywood UniversityMarywood University is a selective, coeducational, Catholic liberal arts university located on a campus in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Established in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and currently enrolls approximately 3,500 students on a national award-winning campus...
- Sisters of Christian CharitySisters of Christian CharitySisters of Christian Charity, , officially called Sisters of Christian Charity, Daughters of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception, is a Roman Catholic papal congregation of consecrated religious sisters founded in Paderborn, Germany in 1849 by Blessed Pauline von Mallinckrodt for...
(SCC) - Sisters of Sts. Cyril and Methodius (ScCM)
- Congregation of Notre DameCongregation of Notre DameThe Congregation of Notre Dame was founded in 1653 by Marguerite Bourgeoys in Montreal, Canada. This was one of the first non-cloistered communities. The community's motherhouse has continued to be based in Montreal...
(CND) - Bernardine Sisters of St. Francis (OSF)
- Little Sisters of the PoorLittle Sisters of the PoorThe Little Sisters of the Poor is a Roman Catholic religious order for women. It was founded in the 19th century by Saint Jeanne Jugan near Rennes, France. Jugan felt the need to care for the many impoverished elderly who lined the streets of French towns and cities.This led her to welcome an...
- Society of JesusSociety of JesusThe Society of Jesus is a Catholic male religious order that follows the teachings of the Catholic Church. The members are called Jesuits, and are also known colloquially as "God's Army" and as "The Company," these being references to founder Ignatius of Loyola's military background and a...
(SJ, Jesuits), University of ScrantonUniversity of ScrantonThe University of Scranton is a private, co-educational Catholic and Jesuit university, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in the northeast region of the state. The school was founded in 1888 by Most Rev. William O'Hara, the first Bishop of Scranton, as St. Thomas College. It was elevated to a...
and Scranton Preparatory SchoolScranton Preparatory SchoolScranton Preparatory School is a Catholic and Jesuit college preparatory day school for boys and girls. The current enrollment is 860 students. Prep is fully accredited by the Pennsylvania State Department of Public Instruction and by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools... - Congregation of Holy CrossCongregation of Holy CrossThe Congregation of Holy Cross or Congregatio a Sancta Cruce is a Catholic congregation of priests and brothers founded in 1837 by Blessed Father Basil Anthony-Marie Moreau, CSC, in Le Mans, France....
(CSC), King's College - Congregation of the Passion (CP-Passionists), St. Ann's Basilica and Monastery
- Sisters of MercySisters of MercyThe Religious Order of the Sisters of Mercy is an order of Catholic women founded by Catherine McAuley in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831. , the order has about 10,000 members worldwide, organized into a number of independent congregations....
, Misericordia University - Oblates of St. JosephOblates of St. JosephThe Oblates of St. Joseph is a Catholic religious order founded in 1878 by St. Joseph Marello. In 1999 their Shrine of Saint Joseph the Guardian of the Redeemer was named after the Apostolic exhortation Redemptoris Custos.-External links:* *...
(OSJ-Italian) - Priestly Fraternity of St. PeterPriestly Fraternity of St. PeterThe Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter is a traditionalist Catholic Society of Apostolic Life of priests and seminarians in good standing with the Holy See.-Canonical status:...
(FSSP-North American District Headquarters) - Religious Teachers Fillippini (MPF), SS. Anthony and Rocco Convent, Dunmore