Message of His Excellency Bishop Joseph Bambera regarding the Diocesan response to COVID-19
March 13, 2020
In an ongoing effort to keep you updated on the Diocese of Scranton’s response to COVID-19, I provide the following update this afternoon:
At the direction of Governor Tom Wolf, the Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System will close for two weeks effective immediately.
The Diocese of Scranton Catholic School System will be moving to distance learning effective Monday, March 16, 2020. All teachers have prepared to deliver instruction to our students through the use of our email system. Administrators have been sending regular communication to parents/students through the use of our email system.
As a result of all K-12 school districts in the commonwealth closing, all faith formation classes in parishes should also be cancelled immediately. Programs are encouraged to offer remote or online learning if possible.
Also, due to the closure of local schools and the pressing need to help our community in regards to COVID-19, Catholic Human/Social Services will be offering two community food distributions to people in need. The events will take place at the following times/locations:
•Thursday, March 19 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at 640 Hemlock Street in Scranton
•Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Family Center Basement of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Carbondale.
For the latest update on the Diocese of Scranton’s response to COVID-19, please visit www.dioceseofscranton.org.
Your careful adherence to these important matters is appreciated. Let us continue to pray for one another.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
+Joseph C. Bambera
Bishop of Scranton