JUN

E 12

, 201

4 •

TH

E C

ATH

OLI

C L

IGH

T 10

Diocese of ScrantonDiocese of ScrantonCatholic High Schools --Class of 2014Catholic High Schools --Class of 2014

EAST STROUDSBURG –– Commencement exercises were held May 31 for Notre Dame High School, East Stroudsburg, during which 44 graduates received their diplomas from Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, who also offered the principal address and closing benediction.

The school theater provided the setting for the graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2014 at Notre Dame, where Jeffrey N. Lyons serves as principal.

The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 28 in the school theater by Monsignor John A. Bergamo, director of religious formation and chaplain at Notre Dame.

Notre Dame’s 2014 valedictorian is Lindsay Lacey, daughter of Brian and Rita Lacey of Kunkletown. Class salutatorian is Aaron Acosta, son of Alvin and Carmen Acosta of East Stroudsburg.

Nearly the entire 2014 Notre Dame graduating class will continue their education at the university/college level, including 12 students who will be attending Catholic institutions of higher learning. The class received a total of 112 scholarship awards valued at approximately $4.6 million.

LindsayLacey

AaronAcosta

Notre Dame High School

Michele Fromel

ElizabethDiGiovine

Holy Redeemer High SchoolWILKES-BARRE –– Holy

Redeemer High School was the fi rst Diocesan secondary school to hold spring commencement exercises when graduation ceremonies were staged on May 28 at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Wilkes-Barre.

A total of 157 Holy Redeemer seniors, led by Principal Anita M. Sirak, were conferred their diplo-mas by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, who also addressed the graduates and offered benediction.

The class’ Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 27 at St. Nicho-las Church in Wilkes-Barre. Serving as principal celebrant and homilist was Father Joseph P. Elston, school chaplain and dean of students.

The 2014 Holy Redeemer class valedictorian is Michele Fromel, daughter of William and Donna Fromel of Dallas.

This year’s Holy Redeemer salutatorian is Elizabeth DiGiovine, daughter of Carma and Stephen Flannery of Shavertown, and Robert DiGiovine of Dallas.

Of the total number of graduates, 154 will be enrolling in colleges or universities to further their education, including 58 who will be attending Catho-lic institutions of higher learning. The 2014 Holy Redeemer seniors merited nearly 460 scholarship awards worth more than $18.25 million.

THE C

ATHO

LIC LIG

HT • JU

NE 12, 2014

11

DUNMORE –– The Sette LaVerghetta Center on the cam-pus of Marywood University pro-vided the setting for the annual commencement of Holy Cross High School in Dunmore.

Graduation ceremonies for the 127 members of the 2014 Holy Cross senior class were held on May 30, led by school principal Benjamin D. Tolerico and Kathleen Gilmartin, assis-tant superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese.

Presiding over the com-mencement exercises and con-ferring the high school diplo-mas was Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, who addressed the Holy Cross graduates and gave the benediction.

The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 29 at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton, with Monsignor David Tressler, administrator of Holy Cross, serving as principal cel-ebrant. School chaplain Father Brian J.T. Clarke delivered the homily.

The 2014 Holy Cross vale- KelseyWiddick

StephanieStelmack

Holy Cross High School

he four Catholic high schools operated by the Diocese of Scranton graduated a total of 358 young men and women in spring commencement exercises conducted in late May and early June.

According to the Diocesan Offi ce for Catholic Schools, nearly 95 percent of the total number of graduates comprising the Class of 2014 will continue their education at the college or university level. Of that number, almost 34 percent will attend Catholic institutions of higher learning.

The 2014 graduate status report also shows that 32 students will at-tend two-year colleges; eight will pursue other post-secondary training; nine will join the United States armed services, including two appointments to the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy; and one gradu-ate –– from Holy Redeemer High School in Wilkes-Barre –– who will pursue a vocation in the religious life.

The four Diocesan Catholic high schools reported that, cumulatively, their graduates merited over 900 scholarship awards –– worth nearly $36 million.

T

dictorian is Stephanie Stelmack, daughter of Daniel and Barbara Stelmack of Old Forge.

Class salutatorian is Kelsey Widdick, daughter of Karen and Eugene Widdick of Taylor.

Ninety-three percent of the Holy Cross class will be attending institutions of higher learning, with 36 graduates planning to enroll at Catholic colleges or universities. As a whole, the class earned 320 post-secondary scholarship awards totaling more than $12.2 million.

St. John Neumann Regional AcademyWILLIAMSPORT –– Graduation ceremonies were conducted for the St. John

Neumann Regional Academy Class of 2014 on June 3 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport.

St. John Neumann Principal Denise M. Tobin presided over the presentation of diplo-mas to the 30 members of this year’s graduating class, which were conferred by Bishop Joseph C. Bambera, who also offered remarks and the closing benediction.

The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated June 2 at St. Boniface Church in Williamsport, with Father David Bechtel, school chaplain and director of religious forma-tion, serving as principal celebrant.

This year’s St. John Neumann valedictorian is Benjamin Facey, son of Peter and Minette Facey of Williamsport. Salutatorian honors were bestowed upon Geoffrey Kist, son of Kevin and Kimberly Kist of Williamsport.

Nearly all of the 2014 St. John Neumann graduates will be pursuing further educa-tion on the university/college level. As a class, the St. John Neumann graduates amassed 18 academic scholarships worth more than $750,000.

BenjaminFacey

GeoffreyKist

Diocese of ScrantonDiocese of ScrantonCatholic High Schools --Class of 2014Catholic High Schools --Class of 2014

JUN

E 12

, 201

4 •

TH

E C

ATH

OLI

C L

IGH

T 12

The Catholic Light Photos/Ken Schurman

Graduation Day 2014With pomp, circumstance and pride, the four Diocesan Catholic

high schools celebrated their commencements and offered to the world another group of faith-filled, committed and talented young people.

In his remarks at each of the ceremonies, Bishop Joseph C. Bambera acknowledged the many contributions of our schools to the fabric of life in this portion of northeastern Pennsylvania, and he cited the faculties and staff, families, the generous contributions of pastors and parishioners, and the contributions of so many others who have served to make each institu-tion a shining example of all that a Catholic high school should be.

Yet, he said, “you, its graduates have been and always will be the primary source of its greatness. For this reason: You have been given all that you need to go forth to build a better world – a world grounded in the values of the Gospel of Jesus – values that set you apart and values that make you who we are as Christians.”

Presented here are scenes from the four commencements.

Students lead the singing at the ceremony.

The class executes the traditional cap toss after

the graduation ceremony.

Students stride across the stage at the Kirby Centerto receive their diplomas from the Bishop.

Displaying their diplomas – and their joy – are, from left: Melanie Kusakavitch, Jonathan Laccalde and Anna Layaou.

NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL

Jared J. Mallette’s enthusiasm is evident as he accepts his diploma from Bishop Bambera.

HOLY REDEEMER HIGH SCHOOL

Graduates applaud the achievements of their peers and the support they have received

from teachers, family and friends.

The Catholic Light Photos/John Levandoski

THE C

ATHO

LIC LIG

HT • JU

NE 12, 2014

13

The Catholic Light Photos/Karin Dorman

Another symbol of graduation – turning of the tassels.

Above: Monsignor David Tressler, school administrator, accepts

offertory gifts from Rachel Mackrell and Christian Anderson

during the Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral of

Saint Peter.

Right: Some of the newest Holy Cross alumni gather after the commencement

ceremony.

Benjamin Facey, class valedictorian, receives his diploma from Bishop Bambera.

Graduates are greeted with hugs and handshakes from family and friends.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN REGIONAL ACADEMY

HOLY CROSS HIGH SCHOOL

The Catholic Light Photos/Ralph Wilson

Above: Charlie Buzad, who is retiring, was

saluted for his 42 years of service as an educator,

administrator and coach at Bishop O’Hara

and now Holy Cross High School.

JUN

E 12

, 201

4 •

TH

E C

ATH

OLI

C L

IGH

T 14

Congratulations Catholic High School Graduates!Congratulations Catholic High School Graduates!Class of 2014Class of 2014

Salutatorians Valedictorians

HOLY REDEEMERDeangelo Badih AboutanosJillian Marie AmbroseNathaniel Nelson AndersonElizabeth Mary ArensmeyerBrian Nicholas BanasCaitlin Anne BaratLaura Joanna BautZachariah William BellasMichaela Lynn BenczkowskiMichael Vincent C. BerbanoJusti ne Paige BieleckiJames Justi n Blewitt Brandon F. BojanowskiMichael Nicholas BolandNoelle Bonitati sMichael Joseph BorisMichael BoutanosThomas Joseph Caff reyRachel Marilyn CallahanLeah Marie CantwellCasey America CartyBrandon Hunter ChackanMarti n Joseph Cirelli IIIDevon Erin ClahertyAlyssa Mariah ClockerLaura Marie CornellJoseph Anthony Corridoni, Jr.Andrew Richard CrossinErik Joseph CudoMegan Marie DevaneyJoseph William DeversElizabeth Marie DiGiovine Joseph James DillonBlane Christi an DongasMichael Joseph DubinskiTaylor Anna EngelAlec Francis Eusti ceAlexia Marie EvansDominique Alexandria FalzoneRyan K. FassariRachel Alexandra FinneganMichele Emily Fromel Ying Ting FuMatt hew Gary GardnerBrian Michael GeraghtyPatrick Edward GilhooleyAshley Louise Gribble

Carl William Gross IIIThomas Edward GrundowskiTyler Jacob GuilfordAmanda Margaret HalchakShawna Elizabeth HannonJason Michael HauzeSamantha M.P. HilenskiKenny HoKorey Andrew HolbyBrianne Alexis JendrzejewskiKatherine JensenHyunju JeonCaroline Marie Sophia JonesEmily Ann KabalkaKaitlyn Anne KaluznyJohn KaneKellan Adele KatraHunter Maria KelleyEric Alexander Edward Klauss KerrGayle Anna KilgoreLucas John KlimuszkaAndria Catherine KlingesBailey Madison KlockoJeff rey Theodore KloekerJulie KosikKonnor Tess KrackenfelsMargarete KukoskyTyler Austi n KukoskyKaila Ann KurashFrank Richard KurlandskiJacqueline Anne KurovskyMallory KusakavitchMelanie KusakavitchJonathan Julio LarraldeAnna Rose LayaouTram Tuyet LeBrian John LeightonEric Andrew LigotskiGary John Loughney, Jr.Emily Rose MakarRachel Lynn MakarChase MakowskiVito MalacariElizabeth Hope MasiIan Christopher McGraneDorsey Michael McKeonMariano Gian MedicoTess Alesia MeehanAlisson Leigh MeluskeySara Beth MirraFrank Robert Mrozowski, Jr.

HOLY CROSSAlyssa Leigh AdamoJoseph Niko AmityChristi an James AndersonEmily Caitlyn AntoshKelly Ann ArnoldRobert AzzarelliMadison Rose BarcolaJohn Joseph BartleyKyle Matt hew BeekmanJacqueline Marie BennieTyler Matt hew BielinskiMary BogdanoviczJohn Anthony Borgia IIIToni Alyssa BrodenConnor James CallejasMegan Taylor CareyBrandon CastellanoAnn M. CeccoliGianna Emily ChaseMichael Dominick CiccoGrace K. CosgrovePeter K. CosgroveShauna Leigh CummingsNicole Theresa DeFluriAlexander Robert DemianConnor Thomas DohertyRyan Michael DolanCaroline Elizabeth DowdellRachael Ann FerenchickMolly Elizabeth Kathleen FlanneryCasey Michael FosterChristopher David GasperEric John Gatt o

Kyle J. Giff ordSydney Marie GilmanMegan Elizabeth GilroyAlexandra Elizabeth Ann Goff erEmily Elizabeth GranvilleGabrielle Jean GregoryStephanie Ann Theresa HaefeleJohn Nicholas Heff ernanChristopher M. HenehanAshley E. HenselHanna Bernadett e HenshawJohn Henry HeyenMatt hew William HrinkoSarah Elizabeth HughesConnor E. JonesJulie Marie JonesAlexander Michael KalembaMelissa KapuscinskiKeith Patrick KearneyJonathan Thomas KelleyKerrigan Mara KincelSteven John Klassner Jr.Robert J. KleinYaroslav KobyzyevKyler James KovaleskiKate KozelKelsey Marie LandsiedelGiana Elizabeth Lati merAriana Mary LiplesStanley LoJohn Joseph Luczkovich Jr.Erika Lauren MackieRachel Jane MackrellDominick MancinelliAlexis Marie MarmoMichael Thomas MaroniAlesia MatylewiczOlivia Ann MayorowskiKaitlyn Mary Therese McDonnellKaitlyn Ashley McVicarAllyson Michaele MeredickJoseph Andrew Mies IIIBrianna V. MuirBrandi Rose MurphyShannon Oleksy MurrayErik R. NelsonEmily Pavlick Okrepkie

Alyssa Lee Olivetti Gianna Maria PadulaJohn Ryan ParchinskiDaniel Philip PastoreCari Theresa Patt ersonJan Leon Pavlowski Jr.Liliana Alexis PivovarnickMelissa C. PtakowskiCassandra Ann PurcellMarcus William PurdySarah Cecilia RaineyMeghan Mary RatchfordKajari Nitara RecuperoDominick Joseph Rocco IIIMichael Anthony RoccoMitchell James RookAnna Christi na SalernoMollie Lolita SalmonThomas Marti n Shaff ernEmily Anne Sheaff erJeff rey T. SiemionAngelique Elizabeth SillcocksThomas Christopher Skrutski Jr.Amy Elizabeth SokolMia Rose SpostoStephanie Danielle Stelmack Parker StevensCourtney Taylor SussmanKerissa Lynn SveczBrian James TalipanAlexandra Maria TelechLee TerreriAnn Elizabeth TolanRichard Joseph TomaselloMonica Ellen VeraSarah WagnerCorinne Catherine WalkerDaniel Thomas WardJoshua Stephen WargoTiff any Rose WarnetskyChristi ne WeihbrechtSarah Nicole WheelerKelsey Ann Widdick Corey Mark YablonskiBrianna Solange ZawackiVictoria Winnie ZawackiKyle Edward Zindell

THE C

ATHO

LIC LIG

HT • JU

NE 12, 2014

15

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton

Mrs. Mary Tigue • Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Ms. Kathleen A. Gilmartin • Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Mr. Patrick G. Cawley • Assistant Superintendent for Government Programs

OFFICE OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

DIOCESE OF SCRANTON

Connor MulveyVinay MurthyChristopher NardoneMichael F. NardoneVictoria Antoinett e NealonMatt hew Carl NicholasMichael F. NkamjeuHailey Victoria NossNicholas I. OleyNicola Donato PalermoNina Marie PaoloniBryce Jordan PartlowTaylor Maria PavlickChristopher Alan PawlenokMatt hew Walter PawlowskiYardley Marie PhillipsAlyssa Cecilia PlatkoStefani T. PovalacBrianna Rae PowisMichael Joseph ProciakRikki Kathryn PurcellJoseph James ReillyLucille Anorah ReillyDominick Anthony RendinaMiranda Kay RobaskyAnneliese Marie Theresa RomaniCharles G. Ross IIISydney Alexis RothAlison Taylor RowskiBrandon Michael SandrowiczEmily Elizabeth SavidgeSamantha ScalzoNikki Therese Scaranti noChristi ne ScavonePatrick Anthony Thomas SerinoEric Conner ShortsAmanda Elizabeth SiejakRachel Kristi na SkiroNicole SlavoskiSarah Ann SnyderKelsey Marie StaskoDonald Jacob Stephens, Jr.Anastasia Christi ne StevensNicholas StrellishJames Henry Elijah StricklandDavid Phillip TomaszewskiAna Sophia TuroskyVincent James VillaniLloyd Sterling Wagner, Jr.Kelly Marie Ward

Alexa WebbyTaylor Elizabeth WheelerHeather Kristi ne WilliamsKrista Marie WilliamsJeremy Thomas WorlinskyJohn Andrew YurkoskiAllison L. ZablockyZoë Carlyon ZarolaAudrey Michele Zavada

MARIAN CATHOLICAnthony Agosti Olivia Agosti Peter BaddickTaylor BaileyErick BarinasEmily Bett erlyGrace BoyleSamantha BrownSamuel BuduskyGabrielle CannMichael CannonArianna ChulockRebecca CullenLukas DamianRyan DarroughCassidy DeCosmoPhilip DeSanti sRobert DevigiliChristy DigiandomencioMichael Dino Casimir DitkoskyAndrew Dott erDavid DresslerMadyson DyerAmanda EspositoBreanna EspositoEmily FannickMichael FollweilerAshton GalassoNicholas Gett enGabrielle GreenAmanda Greenfi eldMary GregaMichael GregaChristi na GuzinskiKristi n HallStephen Hall, Jr.Ericha Holman

Nicholas HopeckDevon HornKaili HornKelsey HurstTyler JohnCodie KaszmetskieDiana KetuskyTara Koskulitz Brianna KubishinChristi an LegathJoseph LetcherJoshua LexAlexis MakowiecKassandra MantzTravis MartzNicholas MayernikMary Susan McAndrewChristi ne McCordMichael McHaleJames McHughJennifer McKinleyLogan MehalshickNicholas MenighanSophie MyersLindsay NemethMargaret NicholsonFrank NietzPaige NilssonJames OstergaardAusti n PaisleyRebecca PaulshockMark PostupackStephanie Quatt roneJusti n SchmidtLeo SkotekGabrielle SmithEmily SofrankoOlivia SposatoAmanda SrinivasanArianna SrinivasanKyle StanekLuke StawickMackenzie SugrueJohn SwierczekSamuel TomlinAlyssa WagnerMonica WasikStephen WhitekoLuke Williams

Mason WilliamsGraham WolkScott ZelonisKatarina Zurawa

NOTRE DAMEDerek C.J. Abimana Marianna Elisa Acevedo Aaron James Acosta Angelica C. Bertola Danielle Lynn Biancardi Kati e Jean Blaine Desti na Brantley Daniel Robert Brown Peter Thomas Carney Patrick Joseph Coyle Shannon Marie DeAceti s Victoria Chelsea DeLande Madeline Marie Dolan Dylan Duplechin Robert David Farley Joseph Michael Grober Joseph Adam Gulston Therese Rose Hetzer Katelyn M. Klein Jonathan Matt hew Kraemer Brian Francis Kramer RenaJo Elizabeth Krogulski Lindsay Mae Lacey Nathaniel R. Leies Jared J. Mallett e Jessica Elizabeth McKeown Allyson Magdalen McMaster Paige C. Miceli Charlene Elisa Roy-Moliere Bryne Clark Mumbauer II Elizabeth Catherine Nordstrom Stephanie Louise Ranzan Jaccob Conner Regenye Laura Patricia Riehman Alyssa Marie Romano John A. Ross V Angelo Romeo Sagheddu Nathan Patrick Schmid Annabella Enza Sti gliano John Joseph Villandre Kevin John Walsh Taylor Brooke Weirich Leslie M. Wubbel Shun Zhang

ST. JOHN NEUMANNREGIONAL ACADEMYRichard Anthony Allen IIIKatherine Hope BahrNoah Edward BeiterKaamal Corey BurkholderBenjamin Joseph CavistonSarah Elizabeth CheatleJanaya Rose DanieleRachel Elizabeth DannekerMadeline Elizabeth DincherBenjamin Peter Facey Stephanie Barlaan FernandezHayden Thaddeus ForquerCody Richard ForsburgAnastasia Panayota GeorgesAlyssa Leanne GregoryErin Elizabeth HeckmanStephen Matt hew HelminiakLuke Francis IarkowskiAlize Deshawn JohnsonGeoff rey Thomas Kist Olivia Marie LabateNathan Raymond McFaddenJohn Daniel MoranLucas Jon NelsonEmily Elizabeth SholderKurt William StrobleAlecia Marie ThalerMeghan Ashley TrenholmJohn Michael WrightMorgan Danielle Yearick

JUN

E 12

, 201

4 •

TH

E C

ATH

OLI

C L

IGH

T 16

THE C

ATHO

LIC LIG

HT • JU

NE 12, 2014

17

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton ScholarsSaint Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholars

Matthew CerepAll Saints Academy

Claudia HatefEpiphany

Elementary School

Ireland DaviesGood Shepherd

Academy

Shane FlahertyGood Shepherd

Academy

Lindsey HooverGood Shepherd

Academy

Scott WilliamsGood Shepherd

Academy

Ryan ChapmanHoly Family

Academy

Henry KreislHoly Family

Academy

Claudia StroiaHoly Family

Academy

Alyssa KornishHoly Rosary School

Jillian WarabakHoly Rosary School

Victoria BoothLa Salle Academy

Juliana InnocentiLa Salle Academy

Kayla ChamberlainMsgr. McHugh

Elementary School

Hailey SheridanMsgr. McHugh

Elementary School

The Seton Scholars are recognized by the Catholic Schools’ Offi ce for their achievement on the high school entrance examinati on and their

enrollment in a Diocesan high school for the 2014-2015 school year. Parents of these individuals are commended for their commitment to Catholic

educati on, and the students are congratulated for this disti nguished honor. For these students and for young people in our Catholic schools,

Catholic educati on impacts their formati on by incorporati ng a strong emphasis on the spiritual that is evident in all components of the learning

process. Our vision for these students is to provide for them an educati onal experience that provides a lifelong learning in the faith, and one that

prepares them to be responsible, competent, and confi dent persons as citi zens of our country and world. In additi on, our schools are dedicated to

providing a loving, safe and nurturing environment where the young learn respect for themselves and for all persons.

To the students who have benefitted from a Catholic education, and to those who To the students who have benefitted from a Catholic education, and to those who continue their educational journey in a Catholic environment, we continue their educational journey in a Catholic environment, we

salute you and pray that God, through the intercession ofsalute you and pray that God, through the intercession ofSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton, guide you in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, guide you in

Faith, Hope and Love.Faith, Hope and Love.

Allison RawsonNotre DameHigh School

Mary StretchSt. Agnes Elementary

School

Christina WildongerSt. Agnes Elementary

School

Carl Joseph Pettinato, IVSt. Clare/St. Paul

Elementary School

Adali MatzSt. John Neumann Regional Academy

Nicholas NovobilskiSt. Mary of Mt. Carmel

Austin SchimelfenigSt. Mary of Mt. Carmel

Colleen Cavanaugh St. Nicholas/St. Mary

Thalia Charles St. Nicholas/St. Mary

Casey McKimpsonSt. John Neumann Regional Academy

Makenzie SavnerSt. Jude School

Maria StrishSt. Jude School

Thomas NiemiecSt. Mary of Mt. Carmel

Bianca PigonNotre Dame

Elementary School

Adrian KudrykNotre DameHigh School

Nicholas Lutz St. Nicholas/St. Mary

Isabel Panganiban St. Nicholas/St. Mary

Ryan JanuszkoWyoming AreaCatholic School

Bryce YenchaWyoming AreaCatholic School

JUN

E 12

, 201

4 •

THE

CAT

HO

LIC

LIG

HT

18

The Diocese of Scranton Congratulates the 2014 High School

Graduates of Marian Catholic and Scranton Prep

Marian Catholic High School

TaraKoskulitz

MichaelDino

PaulChichura

CaitlinDermody

Scranton Preparatory School

TAMAQUA –– Commencement ceremo-nies were held recently for the 2014 Class of Marian Catholic High School in Schuylkill County, Diocese of Allentown, where a num-ber of students from the Scranton Diocese attend high school.

Marian’s graduation took place on May 31 at the Catholic high school in Tamaqua, with 91 seniors receiving their diplomas –– 36 of whom reside in lower Luzerne County in the Diocese of Scranton.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister M. Bernard Agnes, principal of Marian Catholic, also announced that Baccalaureate ceremo-nies were conducted on May 30 at the school. Serving as principal celebrant for the Mass was Father Eugene Ritz of the Allentown Dio-cese.

Both of the highest-ranking graduates of the Marian Catholic 2014 Class hail from the Diocese of Scranton.

Garnering top academic honors as this year’s Marian Catholic valedictorian is Tara Koskulitz, daughter of Bernard and Jamie Koskulitz of Hazleton. The class salutatorian is Michael Dino, son of James and Cheryl Dino, also of Hazleton.

SCRANTON –– The Jesuit-run Scranton Preparatory School in Scranton conferred diplomas to 198 seniors at commence-ment ceremonies June 1 in Scranton Prep’s St. Francis Xavier Center. The graduation exercises were led by principal Matthew R. Bernard.

The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated May 31 in the St. Francis Xavier Center. Serving as main celebrant was Jesuit Father Herbert B. Keller, school president.

Scranton Prep’s 2014 valedictorian is Caitlin Dermody, daughter of George and Ellen Dermody of Elmhurst. The salutatorian is Paul Chichura, son of Dr. Andrew Chichura and Dr. Elaine Chichura of Kingsley.

Peter’s Pence Collection SupportsPope’s Humanitarian Programs The Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in par-

ishes in the Diocese of Scranton on the weekend of June 28-29. This collection offers Catholics the opportunity to reach out to the poor and suffering by joining Pope Francis in his charitable works throughout the world.

The collection’s 2014 theme is “Be a Witness of Charity” and focuses on the need to show Christ’s love to others. This worldwide collection supports needs of the Church and humanitarian activities by caring for victims of war, oppression, religious persecution and natural disasters. Donations to the collection will also assist seminaries and institutes of Christian formation in developing countries.

Pope Francis has urged people to go out and encoun-ter others. “The Good News is no mere matter of words, but a testimony to unconditional and faithful love,” he said dur-ing his Urbi et Orbi message on Easter. “It is about leaving ourselves behind and encountering others, being close to those crushed by life’s troubles, sharing with the needy, standing at the side of the sick, elderly and the outcast.”

“The Peter’s Pence Collection enables us to unite with Pope Francis to provide assistance to those in need throughout the world,” said the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton. “Your prayers and generous contributions to this special collection are very much appreciated by me, our Holy Father and our brothers and sisters whose hardships are alleviated by our support.”