News Release

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.

Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert has authorized a special collection to be taken up in all 84 parishes of the Diocese the weekend of October 27-28

The following is the Diocese of Allentown’s statement on its receipt of a federal subpoena: “The Diocese of Allentown is responding to an information request contained in a subpoena from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania....

For the 16th time since the inception of the national diocesan audits sixteen years ago, the Diocese of Allentown has been found "in compliance" with the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People

Monsignor Edward Sacks has been cleared by an independent investigation and has returned to his his role at pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bethlehem Township