News Release

Release from the Office of Public Affairs of the USCCB

Bishop Schlert has announced an assignment for our newly ordained priest following today’s Ordination at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The following assignment is effective Tuesday, June 17, 2025.

Bishop Schlert and the Diocese of Allentown invite all the faithful to an afternoon of prayer honoring the Blessed Sacrament at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown on the feast of Corpus Christi, June 22, 2025, beginning at 2pm. All are welcome.

Rev. Mr. Robert F. Rienzo, who is set to be ordained as the newest priest of the Diocese of Allentown, likes to relax by making soup.

Bishop Schlert has announced new clergy assignments in the Diocese of Allentown.

His Excellency, Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, will celebrate Mass on the grounds of Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem on Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m., in commemoration of Memorial Day. Memorial Day is Monday, May 26 this year.

On May 6, an explosive device detonated inside the Perpetual Adoration Chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Mahanoy City. No one was injured, and the suspect has been apprehended. Still, the Chapel, a place of prayer, comfort, and healing must remain closed pending costly repairs.

Having witnessed yesterday’s historic announcement of the election of the 267th Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, His Excellency, the Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, has announced that he will celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving on Tuesday, 13 May 2025, at 12:15 p.m.

Along with the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians, and
lay men and women of the Diocese of Allentown, I rejoice at the election of the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.

The following is a statement from The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown, concerning the recent incident of the altar of St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City: