Diocese of Scranton

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The Diocese of Scranton, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the United States serving northeastern Pennsylvania. Established on February 14, 1868, by Pope Pius IX, it is led by Bishop Joseph Bambera since January 26, 2010. A member of the Ecclesiastical Province of Philadelphia, the diocese encompasses 11 counties with 87 parishes and is noted for its strong commitment to Catholic education, operating 17 elementary schools and 6 high schools as of 2023.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Scranton

Diocese: Diocese of Scranton
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Philadelphia
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Country:United States
Region:Pennsylvania
Bishop:Joseph Charles Bambera
Website:https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/
Newspaper:https://catholiclight.org/
Catholic %:28.0%
Elementary Schools:17
High Schools:6
Deaneries:11
Priests:217
Existence:1868–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Philadelphia
Catholic Hospitals:4
Rating:4.2
Chancery Address:300 Wyoming Avenue

Scranton, PA 18503-1402

United States

Establishment

The Diocese of Scranton was canonically erected on February 14, 1868, by Pope Pius IX through the apostolic brief Ex supra as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, carved from its territory to serve the Catholic population in northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly Irish immigrants working in anthracite coal mines.[3][4]

History

The diocese was founded amid rapid industrialization and immigration, with early growth driven by mining communities. Bishop William O'Hara, its first ordinary, oversaw the construction of numerous churches and schools.

Boundary changes occurred minimally, but the diocese adapted to deindustrialization in the 20th century, focusing on pastoral renewal. In 2010, under Bishop Bambera, it launched initiatives for evangelization and clergy formation.[5]

Geography

The Diocese of Scranton covers 6,182 square miles (16,011 km²) across 11 counties in northeastern Pennsylvania:

It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Philadelphia.[6]

Mother church

The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton serves as the mother church. Completed in 1868 in Romanesque Revival style, it was elevated to cathedral status upon the diocese's erection and renovated in 2001.[7]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Joseph Bambera, installed on January 26, 2010, previously served as vicar general and judicial vicar. He has emphasized priestly formation, synodality, and pro-life advocacy.[8]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
William O'Hara 1868–1896 First bishop; founded numerous institutions.
Michael J. Hoban 1896–1931 Expanded schools and charities; died in office.
Thomas O. Reilly 1931–1940 Focused on Depression-era relief; died in office.
William J. Hafey 1940–1954 Transferred to Diocese of Raleigh.
Jerome D. Hanley 1956–1966 Promoted Catholic education; retired.
Joseph McShea 1966–1987 Implemented Vatican II reforms; retired.
James Timlin 1987–2003 Emphasized vocations; retired.
John Dougherty 2003–2009 Dealt with clergy abuse crisis; retired.
Joseph Bambera 2010– Current bishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese rates as slightly conservative (4.2), with weekly Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) available in over 10% of parishes, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life and marriage (over 60% of programs), alongside social outreach, and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity under Bishop Bambera.[10][11]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese covers 6,182 square miles (16,011 km²), serves 292,747 registered Catholics (28% of 1,048,000 total population) across 87 parishes and 11 deaneries, with 217 priests, 124 religious sisters, and 41 permanent deacons.[12][13]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Jesuits staff University of Scranton and parishes like St. Ignatius in Kingston. Address: 800 Linden St, Scranton, PA 18510.[14] Jesuits

Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary conduct education and retreats at Villa Maria. Address: 501 Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18510.[15]

Oblates of St. Joseph

The Oblates of St. Joseph manage St. Joseph’s Center for special needs. Address: 2010 Spaceplex Dr, Harleysville, PA (regional).[16]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Diocese of Scranton
Diocese of Scranton

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No results The diocese comprises 87 parishes organized into 11 deaneries, reflecting diverse ethnic heritages including Irish, Polish, Italian, and Hispanic communities.[17]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 17 elementary/middle schools and 6 high schools serving over 5,000 students:

School Name City Type Website
All Saints Academy Scranton Elementary https://allsaintsacad.org/
Bishop Hafey High School Hazleton High School https://www.hafey.org/
Bishop Hennessy Catholic High School Scranton High School https://holyghostlyceum.org/
Holy Redeemer High School Wilkes-Barre High School https://www.hrchs.org/
Holy Redeemer School Wilkes-Barre Elementary https://holyredeemerwilkesbarre.com/
Maternity BVM School Wilkes-Barre Elementary https://maternitybvmschool.org/
Notre Dame High School East Stroudsburg High School https://www.ndhs.org/
Our Lady of the Snows School Clarks Summit Elementary https://olsclarkssummit.org/
Sacred Heart High School Wilkes-Barre High School https://shshs.org/
St. Aloysius Academy Wilkes-Barre Elementary https://staloysiuswb.org/
St. Clare/St. Paul School Scranton Elementary https://scspchool.com/
St. Gregory the Great Academy Elmhurst Elementary https://stgregoryselmhurst.org/
St. John Neumann School Sunbury Elementary
St. Mary of the Mount School Dunmore Elementary https://smmschool.org/
St. Rose of Lima School Carbondale Elementary https://stroseschool.net/
Seton Catholic High School Pittston High School https://setoncatholic.net/
St. Ann School Lansford Elementary

Sources vary; full list at diocesan directory.[18]

Community Outreach

Catholic Social Services serves over 20,000 annually with food, housing, counseling, and adoption services across 11 counties. St. Joseph's Center aids individuals with disabilities.[19]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Bishop William O'Hara founded St. Thomas College (now University of Scranton) in 1888, the first Catholic college in Pennsylvania.[20]
  • The diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Conference regionally in 1999, drawing thousands.[21]
  • Servant of God Michael McGivney had connections through Knights of Columbus councils established early in the diocese.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Scranton:


  • Did you know? The Diocese of Scranton was born in 1868 amid the "Black Diamond" coal boom, with its first bishop, William O'Hara, building over 60 churches for hardworking immigrant miners!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of Saint Peter in Scranton, started the same year as the diocese, boasts stunning stained glass windows depicting local saints and was renovated to shine like new in 2001.
  • Here's something cool: The University of Scranton, founded by Bishop O'Hara in 1888 as St. Thomas College, is the oldest Catholic university in Pennsylvania and home to the Jesuit Royals basketball team.
  • Wow moment: Scranton's 11 counties include the Pocono Mountains, where Catholics enjoy retreats at the popular Marywood Retreat Center amid beautiful waterfalls and forests.
  • Little-known gem: The diocese's newspaper, The Catholic Light, has been lighting up homes since 1909, sharing stories of faith from coal towns to mountain parishes.
  • Fun fact: Bishop Joseph Bambera, a Scranton native, was ordained right there in 1983 and loves cheering on the local pro-life marches that draw thousands each year.
  • Did you know? Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre has produced pro athletes and even a NASA engineer, blending faith with excellence since 1908!
  • Surprise! The IHM Sisters from Scranton have taught in the diocese for over 150 years, running schools that emphasize music and the arts inspired by their foundress.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Scranton". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dscranton.html. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of Scranton". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Scranton". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dscranton.html. 
    4. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Scranton". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Scranton. 
    5. ↑ "Diocesan History". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/about/history/. 
    6. ↑ "Deaneries and Parishes". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/parishes/deaneries/. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Peter". https://www.stpetercathedral.org/. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop Joseph Charles Bambera". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bamberaj.html. 
    9. ↑ "Diocese of Scranton". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dscranton.html. 
    10. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass/. 
    11. ↑ "The Catholic Light". https://catholiclight.org/. 
    12. ↑ "Diocese of Scranton". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dscranton.html. 
    13. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/offices/tribunal/statistics/. 
    14. ↑ "University of Scranton". https://www.scranton.edu/. 
    15. ↑ "Sisters of the IHM". https://www.ihmimmaculata.org/. 
    16. ↑ "Oblates of St. Joseph". https://osjusa.org/. 
    17. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/parishes/. 
    18. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/catholic-schools/. 
    19. ↑ "Catholic Social Services". https://cssscranton.org/. 
    20. ↑ "History". https://www.scranton.edu/about/history/. 
    21. ↑ "Events". https://www.dioceseofscranton.org/. 

    External Links

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