SCRANTON -- The Diocese of Scranton opened its newest facility Tuesday afternoon, a new pastoral center. It's in a building that's not new at all, a former Catholic high school in downtown Scranton.
Monsignor David Tressler was the new kid here his sophomore year in 1975. Now, he stands in the same space as a priest helping to dedicate his alma mater as it begins a new chapter.
"You know, walking through the classrooms and knowing what was taught there and how they've been transformed, but yet again experiencing that same welcome and hospitality that I experienced numerous times here," Monsignor Tressler said at the Pastoral Center's dedication Tuesday.
The building on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton was first Cathedral High School, then Bishop Hannan, finally a campus for Holy Cross High School before it closed in 2008.
The new Diocese of Scranton Pastoral Center will house several offices, meeting rooms, and classrooms.
"I'm impressed and I'm also glad that they spoke about, Monsignor spoke about, the idea that this will be a place of learning," said Sister Ellen Maroney, a former Vice Principal of Bishop Hannan High School.
A few Diocese of Scranton offices are still in the process of moving into the school building from their old location across the street, the former Guild building.
Diocese officials said the new owner of The Guild is planning for some offices and retail space there.
Although it's a short move, diocese officials said it's a symbolic one. Now, all of the Diocese of Scranton's main buildings are on the same city block.
"The fact that it is so close to the chancellery, so close to the cathedral, it allows us to really be connected and provide a welcoming space for people as they travel in from the 11 counties for various programs and various pontifical liturgies," Monsignor Tressler added.
All the Diocese of Scranton offices should find their new home at the Pastoral Center in the next few weeks.