CRS Rice Bowl 2023

CRS Rice Bowl 2023

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is known worldwide as the largest of more than 165 Caritas organizations and is the official outreach of American Catholics to the poor in over 117 countries.  This year, once again, CRS has been at the forefront of the assistance to families facing all kinds of difficulties, and more recently assisting Caritas Ukraine to provide shelters, meals and safe transport to those affected by the conflict.

Passing of Father Tony Youssef's Father, Mr Mansour Youssef

We have received the sad news that Mr. Mansour Youssef, the father of Father Tony Youssef, passed away recently away in Syria.

Mr Youssef is survived by his first wife Aziza and his present wife Georgette, along with his children to Aziza : Sawssan, Fadi, Kamil, Elham, Father Tony, Father Jihad and Élie.

We ask your prayers and extend our heartfelt condolences to Father Tony and his family. May Mansour’s soul Rest in Peace.

Maronite Rite featured on EWTN's Women of Grace television series

Maronite Rite featured on EWTN's Women of Grace television series

EWTN “WOMEN OF GRACE” AIRING

The Eastern Churches, and in particular, our Maronite Church has been featured in four shows on the Catholic cable channel EWTN on Women of Grace, hosted by Johnnette Williams. Chorbishop Michael was her guest for those four-half hour shows which aired Monday October 24 – Thursday October 27 at 1:00 pm. Click “Read more” for links to the shows.

Passing of Subdeacon Oliver Crosby Sparks III

Reverend and Dear Monsignors and Fathers, Deacons and Subdeacons, Brothers, and Sisters;  

I am sorry that I have more sad news to share with you today: Subdeacon Oliver Crosby Sparks III, 80, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away peacefully Friday, June 10, 2022. 

Crosby was born in Sikeston, Missouri, moving to Wilkes-Barre at age 5. He graduated from GAR Memorial High School in 1959, lettering in football, wrestling and track and field. He was a District II wrestling champion, student council president and Gentleman Scholar Athlete Award winner. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1958. After attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he transferred to King's College. He graduated in 1964, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. He began teaching biology later that year in New Castle, Delaware. In 1967, he returned home to Wilkes-Barre to teach biology and environmental sciences at GAR. Over the next 34 years, he taught, advised and coached thousands of students. He retired after the 2000-2001 school year, having spent 40 years at GAR as a student and teacher. He earned two Master of Science degrees. In 2006, he was ordained a subdeacon in our Maronite Church.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline; his son, Travis and his wife Jennifer, and their twin daughters. He is also survived by his brother and many other relatives.

His wake will be held at St. Anthony + St. George Church in Wilkes-Barre from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, with the interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Condolences may be sent by visiting Crosby's obituary at the following website:  www.natandgawlas.com.

On behalf of Bishop Gregory and all of our Eparchy, I extend sincere condolences to Jacqueline, and to all of Crosby’s family and friends. We also offer our sympathy to Father Adib and all of the parishioners of St. Anthony + St. George Church. May Crosby rest in peace!

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Chorbishop Michael G. Thomas,
Vicar General