Parishioners unite through food and fellowship

Aug. 15—SCRANTON — Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn smiled as he witnessed hundreds of parishioners gather Sunday afternoon on the grounds of the Waldorf Park German American Federation on East Mountain.

Quinn has aimed to connect members of the linked St. Paul of the Cross and St. John Neumann parishes since being appointed pastor in July 2021 and was thrilled by the turnout at the 2022 Unity Festival.

While Quinn hoped to attract about 400 people to the inaugural event, more than 800 tickets were sold.

"I think it expresses the desire of South Scranton and East Mountain to see itself as one community," he said. "It's very uplifting. One lady said it makes her heart jump to see all these people together. And I think today, more than ever, people long for a sense of connectiveness, a sense of togetherness and a sense of unity."

The parishes encompass three churches: St. John Neumann has the Nativity of Our Lord Church on Orchard Street and the Holy Name of Jesus Church on East Elm Street, and St. Paul of the Cross has Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Church on Prospect Avenue.

The parishes formed from six separate churches. St. Francis of Assisi, St. John the Evangelist and the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary parishes became St. Paul of the Cross; and The Nativity of Our Lord, St. Mary of the Assumption and Holy Name of Jesus parishes became St. John Neumann.

In addition to music and entertainment for children and adults, the festival featured an ethnic food buffet combining German, Irish, Italian, Polish and Spanish dishes.

Proceeds will be split between the two parishes and help sustain religious education and faith formation programs, and outreach to the poor in both communities, Quinn said.

Alejandra Marroquin of Dunmore, a parishioner at St. John Neumann since 2005, said she feels it's vital to bring people of different ethnicities together in the community.

"I think the more we talk to each other and share things, we will realize the similarities we have in common instead of the differences," she said. "We speak different languages and have different ways of eating food, but essentially we all want to be safe and to share our stories with other people."

Marroquin was encouraged by the conversation and fellowship during Sunday's event.

"I think it's a sign of how we can work together," she said.

Jim Kryzanowski and his wife, Joan, of South Scranton, have been parishioners at St. Paul of the Cross for 45 years and were happy to see the festival come together.

"It's a very nice event and it helps get everybody together," Jim Kryzanowski said. "You can meet people from different cultures and enjoy each other's company. We haven't had our church picnic for years, so this is like a rebirth and a new direction for us."

Contact the writer: rtomkavage@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9131; @rtomkavage on Twitter.