Following Most. Rev. Joseph F. Martino, DD., History, ED directive, Our Lady of Sorrows was to work toward consolidation with St. Joseph’s Church. Our Lady of Sorrows was named as the primary worship site. Our Lady of Sorrows parishioners have always been committed to the responsible use of the God given resources of the parish. The facilities have been well maintained for large robust assemblies of Liturgy. Furthermore, the parish has always been motivated to be grateful stewards of their God given gifts by constantly maintaining vibrant parish life with quality parochial activities and opportunities for the greater good of the parish community.
2010 – The implementation teams of both parishes worked together toward conforming to the Bishop’s directive. In April 2010, Most. Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, DD was appointed Bishop of Scranton. After seeking suggestions from both parishes for a name for the new parish, the Implementation Teams submitted three names for consideration from over 100 submitted by the parishioners. The Bishop selected the name, St. Monica and he approved November 14,2010 as the final liturgies for both parishes. The Bishop also approved November 21, 2010 as the inaugural liturgy of the new parish of St. Monica.
Pope John Paul II was the Holy Father; Most Rev. James C. Timlin was the Bishop of Scranton and Rev. Walter F. Skiba was Pastor when St. Joseph’s Church celebrated its Diamond Jubilee (75 Years.) The year was 1989.
Eight Pastors, Seven Assistant Pastors had served the Community of St. Joseph’s and Four Vocations came from the Parish.
What began in the year 1913 was a small group of Christians dedicated to the guidance of St. Joseph the Worker. In 1914 land was acquired and excavation for a Church building was begun. Construction was finally completed in 1916. Pastors during this period were Re. Father Narcissus Sosnowski 1914-1915 and 1916-1917 and also Rev. Father Dominic C. Tomkiewicz 1915-1916. By 1917 the church began to expand when the congregation purchased land for a Parish Cemetery in West Wyoming.
A Rectory was added in 1918. Rev. Father Anthony Dudkiewicz was Pastor (1917-1919Rev. Father Joseph J. Losieniecki was appointed Pastor and was the second longest serving Pastor from (1919-1942.) The congregation erected a combination garage and meeting hall but the fear of mine subsidence put the new church on hold.
During the height of World War II Rev. Father Stanislaus P. Gajewski was assigned to St. Joseph’s. During his term the Confraternity of Christian Mothers was formed. Father Gajewski served briefly and was succeeded by Msgr. Edward S. Manikowski. It was during his leadership that hope of a new Church was revived. The Diocese advised waiting ten years for construction and almost 10 years later on April 18, 1955 permission was granted by the Diocese of Scranton. The culmination of a long-standing dream occurred with the dedication of the new Church on October 5, 1958 by his Excellency Most Rev. Jerome D. Hannon D.D., Bishop of the Scranton Diocese.
Msgr. Anthony B. Grauzlis was Pastor when the new Rectory was completed in 1967. Maintaining the colonial style décor established with the church construction its elegant presence contributed significantly to the restoration and beautification of the parish property. The most expensive addition to the church was the acquisition of a new pipe organ. St. Joseph’s choir took the initiative and assumed the responsibility for the funding of the organ. $27,480.99 was raised. Msgr. Grauzlis committed $35,000.00 from the general parish fund. On December 2,1979, the new organ was dedicated with a blessing and organ recital.
In November of 1981 the parish was deeply saddened by the death of Msgr. Grauzlis, who had served the parish faithfully for 19 years. He was the only priest to die in residence. After a brief time Rev. Walter F. Skiba was appointed Pastor. Father Skiba initiated the Harvest Festival; he encouraged the continuation of The Altar and Rosary Society and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine teachers and well as many organizations within the parish structure. The success of St. Joseph’s can be attributed to a deep seeded belief in Almighty God- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
St. Joseph’s Church has undergone extensive internal refurbishing during the autumn of 1988 under the direction of Father Skiba to prepare for the Diamond Anniversary. The most important was the installation of a genuine marble altar for the celebration of the Holy Mass. Extraneous materials were removed from the back altar and focus centered on the Tabernacle.
Father Skiba retired as Pastor in 2006 after serving his faithful for 25 years, thus becoming the longest Pastor to serve at St. Joseph’s Church.
The following Priests served the years from 2006 – 2010:
Rev. Father James Walsh
Rev. Father Michael H. Marchetti
Rev. Father John V. Polednak, V.E., Administrator
Rev. Father Leonard M. Butcavage, Senior Priest
Current Pastor: Rev. Father Leo J. McKernan
The success of St. Joseph’s Parish can be attributed to the shepherding by good, holy, dedicated pastors and to the strong faith, trust, and devotion of the faithful to Almighty God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
The parishioners of St. Joseph’s throughout the years have supported the parish by the use of their time, talents and treasures serving the parish they so loved
The amazing history of Our Lady of Sorrows Church began its premier journey on September 2,1941 when a Catholic Chapel was organized in affiliation with St. Anthony’s of Exeter under the supervision of the Oblates of St. Joseph. The first Mass was conducted at Our Lady of Sorrow s in December 1941. During the years 1950-1953 various organizations were formed within the Parish – Christian Mothers, Sacred Heart Society, Holy Name Society and the Little Choir.
In September 1953 Most Rev. William J. Hafey appointed Rev. Paschal J. Trozzolillo as Pastor. Over the years Our Lady of Sorrows enjoyed the leadership of several wonderful Pastors including:
1953-55 Rev. Father Pat Trozzolillo
1955-67 Rev. Father Gildea
1956-1960 Rev. Father Eugene Gunning
1960-67 Msgr. Francis Castellano
1967-68 Rev. Father Gerald Hughes
Rev. Father Andrew Gali
1968-75 Rev. Father Thomas Obaza
1975 Rev. Father Stanley J. Kurash
1975-2006 Rev. Father Michael Rafferty (retired after serving parishioners for 31 yrs.)
2006-2009 Rev. Father James Walsh
2009 Rev. Father Michael H. Marchetti
2010 Rev. Father John V. Polednak, V.E., Administrator
Rev. Father Leonard M. Butcavage, Senior Priest
Rev. Father Leo McKernan (Current Pastor)
One of the most significant events in the history of Our Lady of Sorrows took place on October 28, 1956 when the Most Rev. Jerome A. Hannon, DD, Bishop of Scranton broke ground for the new Church and Community Center. The dedication and consecration took place on December 1, 1957 with approximately 1000 persons attending.
In 1967 the Rectory and Grotto were built. In 1973 the Catechetical Center Was built, which has 11 classrooms. During the years 1982-83 the Church went through some renovations, which included kneelers, upgraded lighting and sound systems. In 2001-03 chandeliers, air conditioning and a new front door were added. Additional land adjacent to the Church was also purchased to accommodate additional parking.
None of the above could have been accomplished without the generous support of its parishioners. Our Lady of Sorrows grew from a group of faithful families meeting in a house to a beautiful parish. The parish Community has always shown a great spirit of cooperation and support because of a strong living faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.