Father Vincent "Vinnie" Dang was born in Vietnam on October 8, 1961. His family lived next to the church where they would go to mass every day. In seventh grade, Father went to a seminary in Vietnam before the communist government closed it. The Diocese of Scranton’s Catholic Social Services sponsored Dang’s immigration to the area, beginning his life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Dang enrolled in St. Pius X Seminary in Dalton for three years, followed by four years at Immaculate Conception Seminary in New Jersey. Father Dang was ordained a priest on June 24, 1995.
Loving Christ,Loving Others
We are a welcoming Catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all people. Our parish mission is:
We, the people of Saint Andrew Parish in Wilkes-Barre, strive to encounter the God who loves us, to remain a community that welcomes strangers as warmly as we do our fellow parishioners, and to become the hands of God in a world in need of divine peace and love.
MEMORIAL OF ST. BLAISE BLESSING OF THROATS
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd is the Memorial of St. Blaise. The traditional blessing of throats will take place during the weekend Masses of Jan. 31st and Feb. 1st.
Please come to receive your blessing.
WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
In observance of the World Day of the Sick, anointing of the sick will take place after all Masses the weekend of Feb. 7th & 8th.
WORLD MARRIAGE DAY
In observance of World Marriage Day, there will be a renewal of marriage vows during all week-end Masses, Feb. 14th & 15th. Couples should attend Mass together so you can renew your marriage vows and receive your blessing.
ASH WEDNESDAY MASS
Distribution of ashes will be during and after Mass on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5:15 p.m. at St. Andrew. Ashes also will be distributed at St. Andrew rectory from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can access the rectory through the back door to avoid the front steps. You also can take ashes home for your loved ones.
CALLING ALL KNITTERS & CROCHETERS
We would like to start a St. Andrew/St. Leo knitting & crocheting group. Would you be interested in meeting to make items for those in need (homeless, nursing home residents, homebound, etc.)? We will meet regularly on Thursdays in the rectory from 7pm to 9pm.
Contact Kathy Smith at (570) 954-0605 or St. Andrew rectory (570) 823-1948 if interested.
ST. ANDREW OUTSIDE FOOD PANTRY
Please help us keep our outside food pantry filled. With cuts in the federal and state budgets, people need food more than ever. Our parish can help by filling our outside food pantry located on the parking lot side of the church. If the pantry box is full, food can be left at the back door of the rectory. You can make a difference in a family's life. Thank you for your help.
TAX STATEMENTS
Itemized statements of contributions for tax purposes will be issued to any parishioner requesting one. Thank you.
EMAIL/TEXT SCAMS
Father Dang will not contact you asking for money or gift cards. Thank you.
FREE PROGRAM AT KING'S COLLEGE
"THE ORGAN AND CATHOLIC LITURGY"
At the George & Giovita Maffei Family Commons, 29 W. North Street, W-B, on Mon., Feb. 9 at 7:00 p.m . Presenter will be Fr. Michael B. Wurtz, C.S.C., S.L.D., Assistant Professor of Theology at King 's College. A light reception will follow.
2026 Mass Intentions for
St. Andrew Parish
New masses for 2026 can be scheduled starting Monday, August 4. Due to the size of our parish and that only weekend and holy day masses are available, there is a limit of two (2) mass requests per family. A mass can be requested for multiple people. (Ex. Husband and wife or mother, father, and brother). Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
HOSPITAL/HOME VISITS
If you or a love one are hospitalized or homebound and wish a visit from Father Dang, please call the rectory at (570) 823 -1948. Due to HIPAA regulations, hospitals will not provide us the names of our parishioners. Father Dang wants to make sure that his parishioners are visited and blessed when they are ill. He will be happy to hear confessions when requested.
Thank you.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MINISTER AT
ST. ANDREW?
Have you considered becoming an Altar Server, Lector, or Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist?
Please contact the rectory at (570) 823-1948 to learn more.
Thank you.
LENTEN REGULATIONS
As Jesus fasted 40 days in the desert, the Church traditionally fasts during Lent. A form of bodily prayer, fasting and abstinence in union with other Christians reminds us of our utter dependence on and love for God. A gesture of repentance, fasting is symbolic of a change of heart as we turn away from sin to live in fidelity to the Gospel. Fasting: Ages 18-59 fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, limiting ourselves to one full meal and two smaller meals each day, with no snacking between meals. Abstinence: Catholics age 14 and older abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday and all the Fridays of Lent. Easter Duty Obligation: After receiving First Holy Communion, Catholic are bound by the obligation of receiving at least once a year. This precept should be fulfilled during the Easter Season. Catholics are also bound to confess their sins at least once a year, but this is not limited to the Lenten/Easter Seasons.
CANDLES AT ST. ANDREW
There are Sanctuary, Blessed Mother and St. Joseph Candles available.
If you would like to dedicate a candle for someone, please call the rectory at (570) 823-1948.
Suggested offering is $10.00.
Meet Fr. Vinnie
Mass Times
Saturday Vigil: 5:30pm
Sunday: 11:00am
Holy Days: as scheduled in the bulletin or on the church calendar.
Office Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9:30 AM - 12:30PM
Confession:
Saturday 5:00pm - 5:25pm
or call the rectory for an appointment with our
Pastor
Communion Calls: Any parishioner wishing to be placed on the list of those whom Communion is brought to their home is asked to please call the rectory at (570) 823-1948.
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And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age."
Matthew 28: 18-20 (RSV-CE)