Offices and Ministries
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Responsible for the policies, processes and administration of Diocese accounting functions, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, operating budget,annual audit, and financial reports for the diocesan administrative and secretariat offices and diocesan cemeteries. Also provide accounting services through service agreements to Catholic trusts and non-profit corporations, including high schools and special education centers, and pension plans within the Diocese of Allentown.
Mr. Jeffrey K. Buck,
Controller
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2102
Fax (610) 871-5211
jbuck@allentowndiocese.org
Mr. Frank Unger
Assistant Controller
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2239
Fax (610) 871-5211
funger@allentowndiocese.org
Mrs. Karen L. Bartels,
Accounting Supervisor
Accounts Receivable, Cash Management, Deposit and Loan
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2225 Fax (610) 871-5211
kbartels@allentowndiocese.org
Mrs. Michelle A. Prudhomme,
Accounts Payable Supervisor
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2222
Fax (610) 871-5211
mprudhomme@allentowndiocese.org
“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”
Incorporated as Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc.
Official biweekly newspaper of the Diocese covering news affecting the Catholic community on the local diocesan, national and international level.
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2264 Fax (610) 439-7694
adtimes@allentowndiocese.org
Mrs. Jill M. Caravan, Editor/Director
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2264 Fax (610) 439-7694
jcaravan@allentowndiocese.org
To read the latest AD Times click here.
Ms. Annie Sarlo
asarlo@allentowndiocese.org
Click here for the Adult Formation pages.
Click here for the Institute for Catechesis and Formation pages
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Because We are Catholic Appeal
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Bishop Alfred A. Schlert
4029 W. Tilghman St.
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
Phone: (610) 437-0755
Fax: (610) 433-7822
Click here for the Bishop's pages.
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Office of Campus Ministry
Provides pastoral care for students, faculty, administration and staff of secular and private universities and colleges.
Rev. Richard C. Brensinger,
Director
(610) 683-8467
rbrensinger@allentowndiocese.org
Click here to visit the Campus Ministry page.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN, INC.
A multi-purpose social service agency providing assistance to families, children and adults.
Administrative Office
900 S. Woodward St., Allentown, PA 18103
(610) 435-1541 Fax (484) 664-7794
www.catholiccharityad.org
Click here for the Catholic Charities pages.
Click here to access online training.
Catholic Mutual Group
Phone: (610) 439-7696
Fax: 610-439-7697
Website: www.catholicmutualgroup.org
Mrs. Karen J. Messics, A.R.M., Ext. 2267
Email: kmessics@catholicmutual.org
Mrs. Jessica Farnschlader, Support Ext. 2271
Email: jfarnschlader@catholicmutual.org
Jessica Edris
Director of School Marketing and Enrollment
610-866-0581 ext. 3015
1425 Mountain Drive North
Bethlehem, PA 18015
jedris@allentowndiocese.org
1200 Spring St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 865-6245 Fax (610) 865-6437
www.cshhcs.org
Holy Family Senior Living
(208 bed skilled nursing home)
1200 Spring St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 865-5595 Fax (610) 997-8454
Grace Mansion
1200 Spring St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Personal care home for 26
(610) 865-6748 Fax (610) 997-8444
Trexler Pavilion
1220 Prospect Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Personal care home for 23
(610) 868-7776 Fax (610) 865-7775
Catholic Senior Housing Development and Management
Management agent for eight Catholic housing corporations
(280 independent living apartments)
1200 Spring St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 865-3963 Fax (610) 865-0959
www.catholicseniorhousing.org
Catholic Housing Corporation of Bethlehem
Holy Family Apartments (50 apartments)
330-338 13th Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 866-4603 Fax (610) 866-1622
The Antonian, Ltd.
Antonian Towers (50 apartments)
2405 Hillside Ave.
Easton, PA 18042
(610) 258-2033 Fax (610) 258-6541
Catholic Housing Corporation of Lansford, Inc.
St. Ann Apartments (17 apartments)
30 E. Bertsch St.
Lansford, PA 18218
(570) 429-0699
Catholic Housing Corporation of New Philadelphia
Holy Family Apartments (11 apartments)
100 Valley St.
New Philadelphia, PA 17959
(570) 429-0699 Fax (570) 429-2368
Catholic Housing Corporation of Northern Berks County
Queen of Angels Apartments (45 apartments)
22 Rothermel St.
Hyde Park, PA 19605
(610) 921-3115 Fax (610) 921-8576
Catholic Housing Corporation of Schuylkill County
Queen of Peace Apartments (48 apartments)
777 Water St.
Pottsville, PA 17901
(570) 628-4504 Fax (570) 628-4712
Catholic Housing Corporation of Saint Clair
Neumann Apartments (24 apartments)
25 N. Nichols St.
Saint Clair, PA 17970
(570) 429-0699 Fax (570) 429-2368
St. Catharine Senior Apartments (35 apartments)
2000 Perkiomen Ave.
Reading, PA 19606
(610)-743-5374 Fax (610)-743-5418
For more infomation about Diocesan Cemeteries visit:
www.allentowndiocesecemeteries.org
For a listing of Parish Cemeteries click here for the PDF.
Consults on, implements and maintains canonical and administrative records of the Diocese. Processes marriage dispensations, canonical permissions, requests for Papal Blessings, Papal Audience tickets; coordinates gathering of statistics from the Spiritual Report.
4029 W. Tilghman St.
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
Rev. Eugene P. Ritz, Chancellor
Phone: (610) 437-0755
Fax: (610) 433-7822
Office of Communications
Provides internal and external communications for the Diocese and its ministries. Publishes AD Today, the Diocese’s electronic news source, at www.ADToday.com; publishes the AD Times, the Diocese’s print and online newspaper; represents the Diocese in the news media; and communicates via social media and the web.
Paul Wirth
Director of Communications
Phone: (610) 871-5200 ext. 2274
pwirth@allentowndiocese.org
Jill Caravan
Editor of the AD Times
Phone: (610) 871-5200 ext. 2266
jcaravan@allentowndiocese.org
Jessica Edris
Director of Mission Advancement
Phone (610) 871-5200 ext. 2315
jedris@allentowndiocese.org
Courage is an international apostolate of the Catholic Church which ministers to persons with same-sex attractions. EnCourage ministers to the spouses, families, and friends struggling with the issue of same-sex attractions. Both support groups meet monthly.
Director: Rev. Richard C. Brensinger
Assistant Director: Deacon Christopher May
Cell: 610-334-9147
Email: courage@allentowndiocese.org
Website: www.couragerc.org
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Deputy Secretary: Annie Sarlo
Office of Education, Evangelization, and Formation
Phone: 610-866-0581
Email: asarlo@allentowndiocese.org
Deals with ethical concerns in Catholic Health Care.
Director: Rev. John A. Krivak
Annunciation B.V.M. Rectory
122 Union St.
Catasauqua, PA 18032-1923
Phone: 610-264-0332 Fax: 610-264-5271
Office for Ministry with Persons with Disablities
The Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities, Catholic Life and Evangelization, Diocese of Allentown, is committed to facilitate the implementation of the Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on People with Disabilities which calls for “realizing the unique gifts individuals with disabilities have to offer the Church” and Society and to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the full participation of the liturgical and sacramental life of the church.
Click here to visit the Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities pages.
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The Early Childhood Education Department assists the Superintendent in all matters and programs pertaining to Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Programs such as: developing Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten curriculum, sponsoring staff development workshops, directing the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten committees, and acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents concerned with Early Childhood issues.
Click here for the Elementary Education page.
Click here to visit the scholarship page.
Maintains and cultivates understanding, respect and cooperation between the diocese and other Christian and non-Christian communities in the diocesan area through education, dialogue and common witness.
Rev. Dr. John A. Krivak
Director
Phone 610-264-0332
Email: jkrivak@allentowndiocese.org
The Elementary School Religious Education Department assists the superintendent in matters and programs pertaining to religious education such as: conducting meetings with elementary religion coordinators; conducting the Religious Education Certificate Program for teachers; coordinating new teacher reflection days; assists in coordinating retreats and days of recollection for teachers; visiting schools to review religion programs; assisting in the development of religion curriculum; coordinating the RAINBOWS program; acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents in matters pertaining to elementary school religious education.
Annie Sarlo
Secretary, Catholic Life and Evangelization
asarlo@allentowndiocese.org
Click here for the Parish Religious Education page.
Paul Acampora
Executive Director, Stewardship & Development
610-871-5200 ext. 2210
pacampora@allentowndiocese.org
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Forward with Christ Allocations Committee
Rev. Msgr. William F. Baver,
Chairman
SS. Simon and Jude Rectory
7th Ave. and W. Broad St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018-5295
(610) 866-5582 ext. 4 Fax (610) 866-2992
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Government Affairs
Serves the parishes and schools of the Diocese of Allentown by monitoring, assessing and responding to legislation that may impact the programs and services they provide.
Mr. Matthew T. Kerr,
Director
Phone: (610) 871-5200 ext. 2265
Fax: (610) 439-7694
mkerr@allentowndiocese.org
The Government Programs Department is responsible for coordinating and monitoring federal, state and locally funded programs providing special education, remedial and auxiliary services, professional development, textbooks, instructional materials, equipment and technology. The Department works with school districts, intermediate units, state and federal officials to assure equitable Participation of diocesan staff and students in discretionary as well as competitive programs.. The Department monitors current and proposed legislation to advocate support from appropriate political constituencies.
Mr. John Fierro
Program Manager, Scholarship
(610) 866-0581, ext. 2344
jfierro@allentowndiocese.org
http://www.adeducators.org
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Provides interaction with the other offices to assure that services are available throughout the diocese and serves as a liaison and catalyst for the Hispanic community.
Rev. Andrew N. Gehringer,
Regional Priest Coordinator, Lehigh & Northampton
agehringer@allentowndiocese.org
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Orsulak,
Regional Priest Coordinator, Berks, Sckuiylkill & Carbon
torsulak@allentowndiocese.org
Mrs. Bernarda Liriano, Director
(610) 289-8900 ext. 2034
bliriano@allentowndiocese.org
Click here to get to the Hispanic Ministry pages.
Serves all diocesan locations in providing information, assistance and policies relating to all employees all aspects of the employment process – the development of job descriptions; employee recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training; performance appraisals and employee relations; succession planning, etc.
1515 Martin Luther King Drive
PO Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
Jill L. Weaver
Director of Human Resources
(610) 871-5200, ext. 2261
jweaver@allentowndiocese.org
Robin Jewett
Assistant Director of Human Resources
(610) 871-5200, Ext. 2262
rjewett@allentowndiocese.org
Georgeann (Gigi) Seyfert
Manager of Payroll and Employee Benefits
(610) 871-5200, Ext. 2109
gseyfert@allentowndiocese.org
Lorie Gaugler
Payroll & Benefits Coordinator
(610) 871-5200, Ext. 2226
lgaugler@allentowndiocese.org
Janis Geist
Human Resources Coordinator
(610) 871-5200, Ext. 2201
jgeist@allentowndiocese.org
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The Office of Adult Formation seeks to provide adult catechesis and formation that will promote a genuine love for Jesus Christ and bear fruit in the Church. This two-fold objective forms the foundation of the Institute for Catechesis and Formation (ICF), which offers Faith Enrichment courses for adults, as well as specialized formation and training for parish staff, liturgical ministers, volunteers, and catechists.
Click here for the Institute for Catechesis and Formation pages.
Provides an insurance program that protects diocesan assets and real estate; answers claim questions; provides and coordinates risk management and loss prevention services; oversees maintenance of diocesan facilities, real estate transactions and reviews leases and contracts.
Mr. David Wong, PMP
Manager of Properties and Facilities
Diocese of Allentown
Office: (610) 871-5200, ext. 2259
Cell: (610) 663-5175
dwong@allentowndiocese.org
Mrs. Karen Messics, A.R.M.
Risk/Claims Manager
Catholic Mutual Group
Office: (610) 439-7696, ext. 2267
Cell: (484) 425-1954
kmessics@catholicmutual.org
For a list of available equipment, please click here.
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The Office of Multicultural Affairs is dedicated to creating an awareness of the rich ethnic diversity in the Diocese of Allentown, and develop outreach programs and resource materials which challenge parishes and individuals to strive to welcome cultural diversity. The Church’s call to communion, solidarity and conversion to the stranger in our midst encourages the newcomer’s inclusion and participation in a parish.
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The Parish Religious Education Department assists the superintendent in matters and programs pertaining to religious education such as: recommending and interviewing parish religious education applicants for placement; reviewing religious education reports, meeting with parish religious education personnel on an individual basis; overseeing the Association of Director/Coordinator/Administrators of Religious Education (ACRE); conducting the Religious Education Certificate Program for catechists; visiting parishes to review religion programs; assisting in the development of religion curriculum; coordinating the parish RAINBOWS program; coordinating the Eastern PA Director/Coordinator/Administrators Conference (EPDRE); acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, catechists, and parents in matters pertaining to parish religious education.
(610) 866-0581
asarlo@allentowndiocese.org
Click here for the Parish Religious Education page
Vicar for Pastoral Planning Monsignor David L. James djames@allentowndiocese.org
Director of Pastoral Planning John Majewski jmajewski@allentowndiocese.org
Click here for the Pastoral Planning page
Office of the Permanent Diaconate
Reverend P. Eugene P. Ritz
Director of Formation
Deacon Frederick T. Lanciano,
Assistant to the Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation.
Deacon Joseph T. Cannon,
Assistant to the Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation.
2145 Madison Ave.
Bethlehem, PA 18017-4642
Phone: (610) 332-0442
Fax: (610) 332-0444
diaconate@allentowndiocese.org
This Personnel Department addresses matters and programs pertaining to the teachers of the Diocese, such as; recommending and interviewing lay teacher applicants for placement, reviewing teacher evaluation reports, conducting new teacher induction programs, and acting as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents in matters pertaining to teachers. The Department also participates in the deliberations of the Teachers Working Conditions Committee and the Ad Hoc Negotiating Committee.
Mrs. Michele Mullikin,
Director of Parish Stewardship and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal
(610) 871-5200 ext. 2282
mmullikin@allentowndiocese.org
Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States
St. Thomas More
1040 Flexer Ave.
Allentown, PA 18103-5520
(610) 433-7413 Fax (610) 433-2308
Rev. Msgr. John P. Murphy,
Diocesan Director
Edward L. Liszka,
Administrative Assistant for the Propagation of the Faith and St. Peter the Apostle Fund
Mrs. Holly Benner,
Mission Education, Director for the Missionary Childhood Association.
Click here to get to the Local Poverty Relief page.
Office of Priest Personnel
Coordinates and oversees the personnel needs of the priests and the pastoral exigencies of the Diocese.
Rev. Adam C. Sedar,
Director
Phone: (610) 437-0755
Fax: (610) 433-7822
Office of Prison Ministry
Responsible for development of prison ministry outreach in the diocese. Includes advocacy and recruitment and training of volunteers to serve in prison ministry.
Sr. Martha Zammatore, O.S.F.,
Liason
610-289-8900 ext.2033
mzammatore@allentowndiocese.org
Office of Pro-life Activities and Social Concerns
Coordinates activities and programs within the Diocese and assists the parishes in implementing Pro-Life activities including educational, pastoral, public policy programs, and prayer and worship. Acting as a catalyst, the office promotes the social mission of the Church. It encourages individuals and parishes to formulate a Gospel response to the social issues of the day. The Office of Pro-Life Activities and Social Concern educates, advocates and challenges people to put faith into action.
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The Secondary Schools Department assists the Superintendent in all matters and programs pertaining to Secondary Schools such as: developing Secondary Education curriculum, sponsoring staff development workshops, and working with the Secondary Management Assistance Team (SMAT). The Secondary Schools Department oversees and directs the Secondary Principals Committee, the Directors of Spiritual Activities Committee, and the Theology Department Chairpersons Committee. The Department serves as a liaison of the Superintendent with pastors, principals, teachers, and parents concerned with Secondary Schools issues.
(610) 866-0581 Fax (610) 867-8702
Click here for the Secondary Schools page
Pamela J. Russo, L.S.W, M.S.
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
610-871-5200 ext. 2204
prusso@allentowndiocese.org
Go to Youth Protection by clicking here.
Go to Catholic Senior Housing and Health Care Services, Inc. by clicking here.
Go to Catholic Charities by clicking here.
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Mr. Mark E. Smith, C.P.A.
Phone: 610-871-5200, Ext. 2205
Fax: 610-871-5211
Email: msmith@allentowndiocese.org
The Special Education Programs Department promotes and fosters the Catholic identity of the Special Learning Centers and Aquinas Program; provides administrative support and supervision to the principals of the Special Learning Centers and Aquinas Program; represents the Office of Education on each Special Learning Center Development Advisory Board and participates on boards/committees whose mission is advocacy/service to children and adults with disabilities; prepares and monitors the Aquinas Programs’ budgets, reviews requests for financial aid, bills and receives tuition and maintains financial records for the program.
1425 Mountain Drive North
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-866-0581
Click here for Catholic Special education
An international Catholic organization of Conferences comprised of laypersons that, in the spirit of charity and justice, seek to help those who are suffering.
Elizabeth Harrison,
President of Diocesan Council
969 Port Carbon St.
Pottsville, PA 17901
Phone/Fax (570) 622-6289
Voicemail (570) 429-2911
Mr. Philip J. Fromuth Ph.D.,
Superintendent/Director
Phone: (610) 866-0581
Fax: (610) 867-8702
pfromuth@allentowndiocese.org
Tony Balistrere, M. Ed.,
Deputy Superintendent
Phone: (610)866-0581
Fax: (610) 867-8702
tbalistrere@allentowndiocese.org
Dr. Emily Kleintop
Assistant Superintendent
Phone: (610)866-0581
Fax: (610) 867-8702
ekleintop@allentowndiocese.org
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Diocesan Tribunal
The church court principally involved in trying cases of marital invalidity.
7660 Imperial Way, Suite 125
Allentown, PA. 18195
(610) 434-3200
Fax (610) 433-3104
Judicial Vicar
Reverend Monsignor Victor F. Finelli,, M.Div., Th.M., J.V., J.C.L.,
Judges
Rev. Msgr. Victor F. Finelli
Rev. Msgr. Thomas P. Koons
Rev. Msgr. David J. Morrison
Promoter of Justice
Rev. Eugene Ritz
Defenders of the Bond
Rev. Msgr. David L. James
Rev. David J. Kozak
Advocates
Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Biszek
Rev. Msgr. David L. James
Rev. Daniel E. Kravatz
Deacon Richard L. Benkovic
Deacon William R. Hassler
Notaries
Mrs. Kathleen Snyder
Click here to go to the Tribunal page
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OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL
Oversees coordination of all administrative offices of the Diocese. Assists the Diocesan Bishop in the exercise of his executive power by overseeing the governance of the Diocese.
Reverend Monsignor David L. James, M.Div.,J.C.L.
Phone: (610) 437-0755 Fax: (610) 433-7822
djames@allentowndiocese.org
Vicar of Clergy
Rev. Adam C. Sedar
Phone: 610-437-0755
Fax: 610-433-7822
Email: asedar@allentowndiocese.org
Colleen Kleintop
Secretary to Rev. Adam C. Sedar
ckleintop@allentowndiocese.org
The Victim's Assistance Coordinator coordinates assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused when they were minors by priests or deacons.
Wendy S. Krisak, Coordinator
1 -800-791-9209 Fax 610-871-5211
Email: victimsassistance@allentowndiocese.org
Click here to go to the Victim Assistance Coordinator landing page
Office of Vocations
Selection and formation of candidates for the Diocesan priesthood.
Reverend Christopher S. Butera , Director, Office for Seminarian Formation
Reverend Mark R. Searles, Director, Office for Vocations Promotion
(610) 437-0755 Fax (610) 433-7822
cbutera@allentowndiocese.org
msearles@allentowndiocese.org
www.beapriest.com
Click here to go to the Vocations page
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Office of Divine Worship
Fosters liturgical renewal and develops full, active participation in worship; coordinates educational efforts in liturgy, music, art and environment.
Rev. Keith A. Mathur, M.A., M.Div.,
Director
(610) 437-0755
kmathur@allentowndiocese.org
Beverly McDevitt,
Diocesan Choir Director
To go to the Divine Worship page click here.
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Assists parishes in their ministry to young people by fostering personal and spiritual growth; coordinates various programs on a diocesan level to strengthen the spiritual, physical, intellectual and social qualities of young people.
Mrs. Alexa Smith,
Director
(610) 289-8900 ext. 2035
asmith@allentowndiocese.org
Click here to go to the Youth and Young Adult pages
Safe Environment Office
Pamela J. Russo, L.S.W, M.S.
P.O. Box F
Allentown, PA 18105-1538
610-871-5200 ext. 2204
prusso@allentowndiocese.org
Click here to go to the Youth Protection pages
