News Release

The Diocese of Allentown has announced the appointment of Tony Balistrere as Deputy Superintendent for Catholic Education, effective July 1. Balistrere currently is principal of Berks Catholic High School.

Dr. Brooke Tesche will oversee Catholic education in five counties

The Diocese of Allentown has begun to accept applications for its new high school for students in recovery from addiction. Kolbe Academy, the nation's first faith-based recovery high school will open in September

Bernarda Liriano, Director of the Diocese of Allentown's Office of Hispanic Affairs, has been appointed to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' National Advisory Council

In light of of the heightened cases of influenza being reported in the area, Bishop Schlert is suspending the reception of Communion from the Chalice and the exchange of the Sign of Peace at Mass

As part of its continuing response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis, the Diocese of Allentown has created a new cabinet-level leadership position to further strengthen its programs to prevent abuse and keep children safe. Pamela Russo, an experienced executive and licensed social worker, has been named Diocesan Secretary for Youth Protection and Catholic Human Services. She will be responsible for overseeing and improving all aspects of abuse prevention and child safety.

As part of its response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis, the Diocese of Allentown will invite Catholics from throughout the Diocese to attend discussions, moderated by fellow parishioners, designed to encourage reflection and healing.

The Diocese of Allentown has retained nationally known administrators for its victim compensation program, has named a respected retired federal judge as chair of the oversight board, and has set an expected timetable for payments to begin.

Bishop Alfred Schlert expressed strong support for new accountability standards for all Bishops following the recent bishops’ meeting in Baltimore. He remains personally committed to preventing abuse, to keeping children safe, and to dealing swiftly and effectively with allegations of misconduct. On prayerful reflection, he has put that commitment into writing as a Pledge to Victims and Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse.

Fulfilling the commitment made by Bishop Alfred Schlert and his brother Pennsylvania Bishops in mid-September, the Diocese of Allentown will establish a compensation and reconciliation program to assist victims and survivors of past clergy sexual abuse.