Warren Shotto, Good Shepherd's senior warden, said even small signs seemed to indicate that Father Pearson would be the right match after Good Shepherd announced it was seeking a full-time priest. Father [Peter Pearson] had connections in Scranton from attending university and seminary here. He understood the impact of changing religious affiliations because he was a Roman Catholic priest before he became Episcopalian. And, coincidentally, the town where he was last stationed shares the name of the church's grant for its homeless ministry.

"Our revitalization is coming from places called New Hope, which is exactly what we needed," Mr. Shotto said. "New hope."

Between 60 and 70 people - volunteers and visitors - attended the dinner, "and they didn't leave," Father Pearson said. "It was joyful."