Join us for our upcoming special events!
Updated 11-21-2025
Diocesan Blood Drive
Miller-Keystone Blood Center and the Diocese of Allentown are teaming up to host a diocese-wide blood drive in honor of Saint Januarius, the patron saint of blood banks. Parishioners are encouraged to donate blood at one of MKBC’s donor centers beginning on the Feast Day of Saint Januarius, September 19th, through December 16th, one of the miracle dates of his blood liquification.
In addition to saving lives, all donors who provide their parish’s Sponsor Code at the
time of their appointment will receive a Saint Januarius medallion, blessed by
Bishop Schlert. We will also have prayer cards available for those donors who already have a medallion from last year and would prefer a prayer card instead.
To schedule an appointment, go to https://www.giveapint.org/event/januarius-blood-drive/ or call 800-223-6667 ext. 2. MKBC and the Diocese of Allentown are looking forward to working together to save lives in our community!
Diocesan Youth Rally
Join us on November 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Bethlehem Catholic High School for a day of inspiring presentations, heartfelt prayer, uplifting music, and more, featuring Paul J. Kim, Catholic speaker and comedian, and Franki Moscato, American singer, songwriter, and actress. Together with your peers, you will celebrate the one true Light—Jesus Christ—and let His love “Reignite” you. The closing Mass at 4 p.m. will be celebrated by Bishop Alfred A. Schlert. Families are invited to join. $10 registration includes lunch. Questions? Contact Zelenda Hodgskin at [email protected]. Register here and view the flyer here.
Anointing of the Sick Masses with Bishop Schlert
Bishop Schlert will be celebrating Masses that offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in various locations throughout the year. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to anyone who is seriously ill, either physically or mentally, or to anyone advanced in age or facing a medical procedure. This great gift of grace offers holistic healing by praying for a cure, but, more importantly, for the gift of hope and peace that the sufferer would be united to Christ on the Cross.
St. Joseph – Summit Hill – November 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Mass
St. Monica Ministry Soup, Sip, Fellowship, and Holy Hour
A St. Monica Ministry Holy Hour of Petition and Hope will take place at St. Theresa Church (1408 Easton Road, Hellertown) on Tuesday, December 9 at 6:00pm. Presiding will be Deacon Maurice Kelly, who serves at Assumption B.V.M. Parish, Bethlehem. Please come join in prayer for the return to the Church of Catholics who are no longer practicing the Faith. An informal supper will precede the Holy Hour. Enjoy soup, bread, and beverages in St. Theresa Parish’s Friendship Hall, beginning at 4:45pm. There is no cost for the supper, but donations are accepted. For more information, please email Celeste Behe at [email protected]or call/text 484-554-2022. View the flyer here.
Women's Advent Retreat
The Bishop's Commission for Women invites all women of the Diocese to a peaceful day of community, prayer, and reflection this Advent season. Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Allentown from 8:30am - 1:00pm.
As Advent Women, we are called, like Mary Our Mother, to be bearers of Hope to our families and communities. Come, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, and rediscover your identity as a bearer of light in a world of darkness.
Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. Learn more and register at https://www.allentowndiocese.org/catholic-life/resources-women/womens-advent-retreat-2025.
View the flyer here.
Adoration and Visio Divina Event
All are invited to Sacred Heart Church, 740 Cherry Street, West Reading, PA 19611 on December 18, 2025 from 6pm-8pm for Visio Divina and Eucharistic Adoration. Visio divina is a form of contemplative prayer that involves prayerful meditation accompanied by sacred images. By engaging one’s senses, emotions, and imagination, visio divina can be a fruitful way to deepen one’s prayer life. Deacon Civitella will guide the reflection on “The Annunciation,” by Henry Ossawa Tanner. In a world full of images clamoring for our attention, often harmful, visio divina will refocus our minds and hearts this Advent season in preparation for the birth of our Savior. This event is sponsored by the Lumen Christi Commission of the Diocese of Allentown whose mission is to effectively aid the faithful in the fight against pornography through formation, education, encouragement, and resources. There is no need to RSVP for this free event. For any questions, please contact Maggie Riggins, Executive Director of Evangelization and Formation, Diocese of Allentown via phone 610-866-0581 Ext. 2022 or email [email protected]. View the flyer here.
Closing Celebration of the Jubilee Year of Hope
All are invited to attend the closing celebration for the Jubilee Year of Hope on Sunday, December 28, the Feast of the Holy Family, the same feast on which we began the Jubilee Year of Hope one year ago. The celebration will take place at the Cathedral Church of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
The afternoon will include:
- 2:00 PM – A choral presentation of Vivaldi’s Gloria by the Cathedral Choir, beautifully interspersed with a Narrative Tour of the Cathedral Church, offering insights into the sacred art and architecture of the Cathedral in light of our diocesan history and mission.
- 2:00–3:00 PM – The Sacrament of Penance, which will be available in English and in Spanish.
- 3:00 PM – The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass closing the Jubilee Year celebrated by Bishop. Schlert.
Retreat to Fatima and Lourdes with Fr. John Frink
Take a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes from June 7-16, 2026 under the spiritual direction of Fr. John Frink. Click this link: https://www.206tours.com/cms/frfrink/ to view detailed itinerary, pricing information, and to book.
