News Release

Monsignor Edward Sacks has been cleared by an independent investigation and has returned to his his role at pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bethlehem Township

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro criticized Bishop Alfred Schlert’s handling of the sexual abuse crisis in a Sept. 25 visit to the newsroom of the Morning Call newspaper in Allentown.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro gave a newspaper interview today that criticized Bishop Alfred Schlert’s handling of the clergy sexual abuse crisis.

Two couples married for 70 years were honored at the Diocese of Allentown 39th annual anniversary celebration on Sunday, September 23

Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert and the other Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania issued the following statement this afternoon:

The Diocese of Allentown has received an allegation of sexual misconduct against Monsignor Edward  Sacks dating back to the 1970s when he was assigned to the former Holy Name High School, Reading.

Bishop Schlert has always viewed victims as sincere, dignified, and extremely courageous for coming forward. He has always treated them with respect, and always will. For those who suggest otherwise, nothing could be further from the truth.

The Diocese of Allentown thanks Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams for his swift action to investigate the allegation against Father David Gillis, a priest who has been in ministry in Florida for the past 13 years.

Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred A. Schlert has appointed John P. Petruzzelli as Principal of Kolbe Academy effective October 1.

Recognizing the critical need to provide spiritual, academic and emotional development for students who are in recovery from addiction, the Diocese of Allentown will open the nation’s first faith-based recovery high school next year.