St. Monica Parish NEPA

The St. Monica Parish Photo Gallery is now available for viewing!

Click here to view the Photo Gallery

****************

On the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the CCD students and teachers of St. Monica Parish observed a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks. Classes gathered in front of the Grotto, where a recording of "Taps" was played, followed by "God Bless America" which was played on the new Carillon Bell System. The observance ended with Fr. McKernan leading the group in prayer.
**********

Anti-abortion Silent Protest

On August 13th, some members of local Parishes took a stand against abortion by holding a silent protest along 8th Street in West Wyoming.

Click here to read The Times Leader article.

**********

Pictured left to right: Father Leo McKernan, Sherry Pudim, Anthony Magni and Father Dan Dougherty.

It all began in February of 2011 when the Special Olympics hosted their annual Local State Competition for Bowling in Chacko's in Wilkes-Barre, PA. 110 Special Bowlers participated including two from St. Monica Parish – Sherry Pudim and Anthony Magni. Bowling with them to complete the foursome were James Bonchonsky and Patrick Cleary. Their team won the gold medal, which qualified them for Eastern PA Bowling Sectional in Allentown, PA. The team won a gold medal again and qualified them for State competition which was held at Penn State College on June 9-11. Yes, they won the State Title Gold Medal and our Congratulations!

**********

Shown (L-R): Bernice Napkora and Phyllis Warakomski.

Recently Mary Ann Yorina and Maureen Carey, volunteers from Ladies of Charity who are members of St. Monica Parish, visited the Pro-Life Office located at 31 Hanover Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa. The photo was taken in one of many rooms where baby clothes are sorted and prepared for distribution to expectant mothers in need. Moms need to show an Access Card or a referral from a Social Service Agency. All of the baby clothes are donated along with diapers and maternity clothes. The volunteers who staff the Pro-Life Office have a great respect for women who sometimes find themselves in a difficult situation. Remembering - “Children are a gift from God! They open not only their doors but also especially their hearts.

Living Rosary 10/25/11

Thank you to all who attended the Living Rosary...

it was a beautiful tribute to our Blessed Mother!

St. Monica Parish Youth Orchestra New Members

St. Monica’s Parish is pleased to announce the addition of two new members, Sara Tomsak and Ariel Vikara to the Youth Orchestra. After only four months of instruction and practice these two young musicians were accepted to the Youth Orchestra. In light of this accomplishment, any degree of proficiency is acceptable for the Choir Director to write music to suit the ability of the student. Shown in the photo are: Sara Tomsak (with flute) and Ariel Vikara (with violin).

Should any student in music be interested in joining the St. Monica Orchestra or the Junior Choir, please contact Ninarose Lewko through the contact page.

**********

“He who sings, prays twice”

is a quote from St. Augustine who was the son of St. Monica, the patron Saint of our Parish. Perhaps that is why music is an integral part of all our worship services and especially the Mass. Our Music Director is Ninarose Lewko who teaches, directs and plays for all Church events. Not only is Organ music so beautiful but also the newly donated Grand Piano is the musical accompaniment for many liturgical pieces. Our youth orchestra consists of 4 flutes, 2 clarinets, 4 trumpets, 4 guitarists, 2 percussionists and mallets, a violin and a cellist. We have a youth schola cantorum, junior choir and adult choir.

Shown in the above photo taken at the Thanksgiving Liturgy are:

1st row, l-r: Morgan Coolbaugh, Maria Marianacci, Grace Washney, Elizabeth Sheeder, Sara Tomsak, Alyssa Vikara, Isabella Romani

2nd row, l-r: Olivia Dekmar, Morgan Chesna, Maryssa Lewko, Brittany Bubblo, Brittany Thomas, Danielle Confletti,

Ashley Vikara, Juliana Buonsante, Amanda Dekmar,

Ninarose Lewko, Music Director

3rd row, l-r: Blaise Erzar, Joshua Kopcza, Jackie Stash, Lauren Stash, Doug Jones, Father Leo McKernan, Pastor, Gaetano Buonsante, Nick Granteed, Nick Dominic, Matthew Blom

During the Mass of Thanksgiving the C.C.D. students from 7^th and 8^th grades participated in the readings, songs, and presentation of gifts. The children attending the Parish Christian Doctrine Classes donated all the gifts of food for distribution that were presented at the Offertory.