LATEST NEWS

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, ‘A Man of Courage,’ Remembered at Diocesan Memorial Mass and Solemn Vespers

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI remained faithful to the constant teachings of the Church, Bishop Alfred Schlert said, as he celebrated a special Diocesan Memorial Mass for the former pope. The pews were filled at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena to pay tribute to Pope Emeritus Benedict, who died December 31.

Diocesan Memorial Mass Set for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate a special Diocesan Memorial Mass for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

Bishop Schlert Comments on Death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

“Together with Catholics and all men and women of good will, the priests, deacons, religious men and women, seminarians, and the lay faithful of our Diocese mourn the loss of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI,” said Bishop Alfred Schlert. “May Pope Emeritus Benedict receive the reward of the good and faithful servant, as our prayers accompany his soul to Eternal Life.”

Christmas Op-Ed from Bishop Schlert: "The World Will Never Be the Same Again."

The following is the text of an Op-Ed article by Bishop Alfred Schlert, published Christmas morning in the Morning Call newspaper of Allentown.

Diocese of Allentown is an Affiliate of the Catholic Faith Network

For uplifting and informative Catholic content, in English and Spanish, the faithful in the Diocese of Allentown should explore the Catholic Faith Network that offers free Catholic television programming on streaming services, the web, and through its app.

Catholic Charities Opens New Office in Downtown Allentown

The heart of Allentown grew a little bigger on Dec. 9 as the new offices of Catholic Charities opened at 402 W. Chew St. in the city’s downtown area. Bishop Alfred Schlert was joined by Frank Ford, President of St. Luke’s University Health Network, Sacred Heart; and Rob Nicolella, Executive Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown, for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that would officially inaugurate the offices.

Diocese Recognized for Financial Transparency

The Diocese of Allentown has been recognized for its financial transparency in a nationwide report. The findings were contained in a report by Voice of the Faithful, a group of lay Catholics focused on Church governance that conducts an annual survey of diocesan financial transparency each summer.

Advent Begins Sunday November 27

Advent is a time of preparation, celebrated over the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent begins on Sunday, Nov. 27 this year, and ends on Saturday, Dec. 24. The Advent season directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time, and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas.

If You Have a Family Member or Friend Who Has Left the Church, This Ministry is For You

It’s the number one request on prayer cards returned for the Because We Are Catholic appeal, and it was on the mind of many people who commented during the Synod of Bishops: Family members and friends who have fallen away from the Church. Now, a Hellertown woman is starting a ministry to help.

Please Pray for Vocations During National Vocation Awareness Week

The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week November 6 through November 12. Across the United States, and here in the Diocese of Allentown, there will be events to promote vocations, which are calls from God for people to become priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers.