Bishop Schlert Welcomed at First of Five Deanery Masses

Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates Mass. (Photos by Ed Koskey)

Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert celebrated Mass Sept. 19 at St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton with priests and deacons serving the Northampton Deanery.

The date also marked Bishop Schlert’s 30^th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

“It is very much God’s divine providence that I am back at the parish where I said my first Mass. It is very edifying for me to be among so many people who nurtured my vocation,” said Bishop Schlert.

Altar servers lead the procession at St. Jane, the home parish of Bishop Schlert. “After 30 years in the priesthood, I would not give back one day – not one – even though they weren’t all easy. It’s a beautiful life,” said Bishop Schlert. Altar servers are, from left, Peter McKeon, Nicholas Zambo, Anthony DeMasi and Brian Myers.

Priests, deacons and faithful from the 21 parishes that comprise the Northampton Deanery listen to the homily during the Mass that welcomed Bishop Schlert as the new Bishop of Allentown. “Bishop Schlert possesses the heart of a shepherd. We are greatly blessed. To him, we pledge our loyalty, support, fidelity and our continued prayers,” said Msgr. Stephen Radocha, pastor of St. Jane.

Members of the Combined Choir from parishes in the Northampton Deanery sing a hymn during Mass. More than 90 choir members joined together to perform musical selections at the first of five deanery Masses to be celebrated by Bishop Schlert.

Deacon Gerald Schmidt, assigned to St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown, incenses the Gospels before proclaiming the reading. “I am grateful to my brother priests – my collaborators. They are wonderful men. I am thankful for deacons, women religious and all of you,” said Bishop Schlert while preaching the homily.

Bishop Schlert, back, stands with students of St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, Easton and Principal Marybeth Okula, right, after celebrating Mass. “The Church needs your youthfulness,” Bishop Schlert told the students.

Parents and other members of the faithful snap photos of the newly ordained Bishop Schlert posing with children from parishes in the Northampton Deanery. “The Church depends on our young people and each vocation you are called to make up the mosaic of the Church. In the Church, there is room for everyone and every vocation,” said Bishop Schlert to the youth.