July 11, 2025

As a part of our Year of Transition to become the Diocese of the Susquehanna, we are sharing weekly videos from Bishop Nichols, Bishop Scanlan, and ministry leaders from the Dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania. These videos aim to help us get to know one another better and highlight ministries across our dioceses.

In this week's video, Bishop Nichols goes to new heights — literally. He comes to us from the four-story bell tower at Trinity, Williamsport, the highest point in the city. In our very first "bishop swap," Bishop Scanlan visited St. Stephen's in Whitehall while Bishop Nichols confirmed five new confirmands at Trinity, including Ace Gair. Since Ace had the courage to sing in front of the whole congregation, Bishop Nichols took up the challenge to face his fear of heights!

As we work towards reunification, the Constitution and Canons working group has created three draft documents to help govern our work as a diocese: the Transitional Canons and the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of the Susquehanna. The Transitional Canons will be in effect from Annual Convention in October through Reunification on January 1, 2026. The Constitution and Canons will become the official set of governing rules for the Diocese of the Susquehanna beginning January 1, 2026. The committee has also prepared a summary document with some key pieces of information for added clarity. Additional information about these documents are available on the reunification website.

Feedback is being collected through an online form. The deadline to submit feedback is July 23. To view the slide presentation from the listening sessions click here.

As our two dioceses prepare for reunification, the Transitional Canons will direct how each of our elected bodies will merge with the corresponding committee in the other diocese. The Transitional Canons indicate elections are needed in two of our bodies for the year 2026: Diocesan Council and General Convention Deputies 

Elections will be held for the following: 

The Diocesan Council

• Three (3) Clergy
• Three (3) Laypersons

Deputies to General Convention

• Four (4) Clergy
• Four (4) Laypersons

More information about positions to be elected and the nomination form can be found on the diocesan website or download the form. All applications are due by July 18th.

The 154th and final convention of the Diocese of Bethlehem along with the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania will take place on October 17 and 18, 2025 at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center. Room blocks are now open and can be reserved at the following locations:

Hilton Scranton - 100 Adams Ave. Scranton, $165/night click here to book.

Courtyard Scranton Montage Mtn - 16 Glenmaura National Blvd. Scranton, $125/night

TownePlace Suites Scranton Wilkes-Barre - 19 Radcliffe Dr. Moosic, $129/night

Springhill Suites Scranton Montage Mtn - 19 Radcliffe Dr. Moosic, $129/night

To book Courtyard, TownPlace Suites, or Springhill Suites click here.

All room blocks will close on September 16, or when reservations are full.

Information pertaining to the Annual Convention can be found on the diocesan website. Be sure all lay delegates, alternates, and clergy sign up to receive the diocesan newsletter for regular updates.

At the 2025 convention, we will feature a video presentation highlighting children, youth, young adults and families, and we need your contributions! We are collecting short videos that we will compile into this longer presentation. Your videos should be no longer than 60 seconds and can address the following questions:

• What are your hopes for the new Diocese of the Susquehanna?
• What does this reunification mean to you?
• What ideas do you have to offer the new diocese?
• What do you want the people gathered at convention to know?

You can also send us videos of Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, youth group, or other exciting programs at your parish, and we welcome videos in Spanish, French, or other languages. Please ensure you collect signed parental permission for all children under 18 that appear in your video. Submit horizontal videos here. Contact Micah Roldan or Canon Micalagh Moritz with any questions.

We will also have a youth panel and childcare available at convention. More details will be coming soon. If you are interested in helping with the children and youth, please reach out to Canon Micalagh Moritz.

In preparation for convention Bishop Kevin will be hosting fall convocation meetings to prepare us for convention and reunification with the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania. Be sure to mark the date on your calendar!

Convocation I ....... Sun, Sept 21 @ 3pm ..... Christ Church, Towanda

Convocation VII ... Mon, Sept 22 @ 6pm ..... St. Anne's, Trexlertown

Convocation V ..... Wed, Sept 24 @ 6pm ..... Holy Apostles, St. Clair

Convocation IV .... Thur, Sept 25 @ 6pm ..... Christ Church, Stroudsburg

Convocation VI .... Mon, Sept 29 @6pm ...... St. Gabriel's, Douglassville

Convocation III .... Fri, Oct 3 @ 3pm ............ St. Mark's, Moscow

Convocation II ..... Sat, Oct 4 @ 10am ......... St. Clement & St. Peter, Wilkes-Barre

Convocation VIII .. Tues, Oct 7 @ 3pm ........ Nativity Cathedral, Bethlehem