By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer
Faithful from across the five-county Diocese of Allentown are welcme to share faith, fellowship and fun at this year’s “Diocesan Family Festival,” Sunday, Sept. 30 in the Christmas City. Additionally, the event, which takes place at SteelStacks, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, will shine a spotlight on Catholic education.
The day will open with Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. by Bishop Alfred Schlert on the Levitt Pavilion Stage in the shadow of the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. The Diocesan Choir will enhance the liturgy with music.
After Mass, there will be games, activities, music and food available for family members of all ages.
Carnival games and activities will include bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, cornhole game and art activities.
Delicious homemade ethnic foods will be provided by local parishes, including haluski (cabbage and noodles), tacos, macaroni and cheese, potato pancakes, chicken fingers, desserts and more.
In addition, specialty craft vendors will be on hand. Vendors will include Metal Works of Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown.
Island Time Band will provide live music on the TD Stage.
As this year’s festival has a focus on education, tables sponsored by Diocesan schools will offer games and activities for children. Later, student representatives from every school will be presented with a crucifix for their school by Bishop Schlert during a 1:30 p.m. ceremony.
Additionally, Bishop Schlert will host a special afternoon recognition ceremony and reception for distinguished alumni selected by each Diocesan high school.T
The festival, which began with a Papal Viewing Mass when Pope Francis visited the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September 2015, will continue from noon to 3 p.m.
No reservations are needed for the event. Just show up and bring your family or friends.
For more information, call 610-289-8900, email cle@allentowndiocese.org or click here.
Schedule for the Day
11 a.m. – Mass at Levitt Pavilion Stage.
Noon – Food, Entertainment and Fun in Town Square and Commons.
1:30 p.m. – Catholic School Recognition in Fowler Blast Furnace Room – Presentations of Bishop’s gifts to school delegations and Distinguished High School Alumni presentations.
2:30 p.m. – Bishop’s Reception with Distinguished High School Alumni.
3 p.m. – Event concludes.
