News Release

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:

His Excellency, Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, will offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass this Wednesday, May 7, at 8:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena, Allentown for the Papal Conclave.

On May 7th, the Conclave will begin. The term Conclave means “with a key,” and during this time, the cardinals will be isolated from the outside world, and will dedicate themselves to profound prayer, appealing to the same Holy Spirit that descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost.

In a gesture of solemn commemoration of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, His Excellency, The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of Allentown, has directed the tolling of bells throughout the Diocese of Allentown on Friday, April 25 at noon.

Bishop Alfred Schlert will celebrate a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis at 12:15 p.m., Friday, April 25, at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.