News Release

Bishop cancels public Masses to limit spread of disease
March 16, 2020

To help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Bishop Alfred Schlert has decided that all public Masses in the Diocese of Allentown will be cancelled, effective immediately. The Diocese of Allentown comprises five counties: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill

National reporting system will be used to hold bishops accountable
March 16, 2020

The Diocese of Allentown has joined dioceses around the nation in implementing the new Catholic Abuse Reporting Service, another important step in addressing the clergy abuse crisis and the accountability of bishops.

Pennsylvania Bishops lift obligation to attend Mass
March 12, 2020

Effective immediately, and until further notice, Bishop Alfred Schlert, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown from the obligation to attend Saturday Vigil/Sunday Masses.

Catholic Schools in Lehigh, Northampton Counties Closed today and tomorrow
March 12, 2020

Diocese of Allentown Catholic schools in Lehigh and Northampton Counties will be closed today and tomorrow out of an abundance of caution while the Diocese monitors the spread of coronavirus.

Statement on Father Kevin Lonergan's sentencing
February 24, 2020

The Diocese offers its heartfelt prayers to the victim, to her family, and to everyone who was hurt as the result of Father Lonergan’s actions.

Bishop Schlert's statement on Pope's Document on the Amazon Synod
February 12, 2020

“The Holy Father reminds us of our shared responsibility to be good stewards of the earth which God created for us to properly use and protect.

Nationally known speaker, author, to provide public programs on bullying
January 31, 2020

A nationally known author and expert on school bullying will give a series of presentations for parents and children at Catholic schools around the Diocese of Allentown. The programs are free and open to the public.

Bishop Schlert's Statement on New Archbishop of Philadelphia
January 23, 2020

“I offer my sincere congratulations to Archbishop-designate Nelson J. Perez on his appointment by Pope Francis as the next Archbishop of Philadelphia.

STATUS REPORT ON INDEPENDENT RECONCILIATION AND COMPENSATION PROGRAM
January 14, 2020

The Independent Oversight Committee has released an interim report on the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, which is funded by the Diocese of Allentown to provide compensation for victims of clergy sexual abuse as one aspect of their healing.

Bishop Removes Priest, Diocese Investigating Alleged Improper Behavior
January 05, 2020

Bishop Alfred Schlert has removed a diocesan priest from ministry after the priest was observed at a high school wrestling tournament taking photographs of wrestlers without their knowledge.