Join us for our upcoming special events!
Updated 10-2-2025
Diocesan Blood Drive
Miller-Keystone Blood Center and the Diocese of Allentown are teaming up to host a diocese-wide blood drive in honor of Saint Januarius, the patron saint of blood banks. Parishioners are encouraged to donate blood at one of MKBC’s donor centers beginning on the Feast Day of Saint Januarius, September 19th, through December 16th, one of the miracle dates of his blood liquification.
In addition to saving lives, all donors who provide their parish’s Sponsor Code at the
time of their appointment will receive a Saint Januarius medallion, blessed by
Bishop Schlert. We will also have prayer cards available for those donors who already have a medallion from last year and would prefer a prayer card instead.
To schedule an appointment, go to https://www.giveapint.org/event/januarius-blood-drive/ or call 800-223-6667 ext. 2. MKBC and the Diocese of Allentown are looking forward to working together to save lives in our community!
Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., will be on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The Pilgrimage program begins at 10:00 am with arrivals and guided tours, followed by time to visit the over 80 chapels and oratories that make up “Mary’s House.” There will also be a youth holy hour in the Crypt Church, keynote speakers (English and Spanish), and a Rosary Pilgrimage in five languages with beautiful music by our Diocesan Choir. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available throughout the day. The day will end with Mass in the Great Upper Church at 3:00 pm celebrated by Bishop Schlert.
No sign up necessary (unless your parish is hosting a chartered bus that requires registration). There is plenty of free parking available. Email pilgrimage@allentowndiocese.org or call 610-921-2729, ext. 2205 with questions. View the poster here.
Novena for Mental Health: October 10-18
This Novena for Mental Health is an opportunity for all the People of God to join together in prayer for women and men experiencing or impacted by mental health issues and for all those who accompany them.
The entire Church in the United States is especially encouraged to pray this Novena in solidarity with one another from October 10 to October 18 each year. October 10 is a fitting beginning as it is also World Mental Health Day. It is a time when people around the world are seeking to raise awareness and remove the stigma connected to mental health issues. This nationwide annual moment of prayer fittingly concludes on the feast of Saint Luke, patron of health care, on October 18.
Learn more and see the prayers for the novena at https://www.usccb.org/mental-health-novena.
Men Alive in Christ Full Day Annual Conference: Pilgrims Anchored in the Hope of Christ
Renew and strengthen your pilgrim journey of hope and trust in Christ Jesus at our annual full day Men’s conference on October 11th at the Delta Marriott in Breinigsville. Embrace your mission to live virtuous masculinity, and deepen your relationship with God through a powerful day of men’s fellowship, sacraments, and talks from our three acclaimed speakers. Event includes full lunch and confession.
8am - Registration and breakfast
9am - Conference talks begin
4pm - Vigil Mass with Bishop Schlert
(Fulfills Sunday Obligation)
Address: 7736 Adrienne Dr, Breinigsville, PA 18031. Contact: Mark McDevitt,[email protected], (610) 334-0330. Register at https://www.menaliveinchrist.org/events/. See flyer here.
"Walking with Mary and Monica," A Morning of Reflection
A morning of reflection for those whose loved ones have left the Church will take place Saturday, October 11, from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Sacred Heart Parish, 1817 1st Street, Bethlehem. Speaking will be Fr. Luke Fletcher, CFR, Chaplain at the Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima; Maggie Green, author of The Saint Monica Club; and Celeste Behe, founder of the St. Monica Ministry. Cost of $10 includes a continental breakfast. To register, please email [email protected]. "Walking with Mary and Monica" is being sponsored by the St. Monica Ministry of the Diocese of Allentown. View the flyer here.
Film Event at Nativity High School: MaRoons Docu-Drama
Join us for an exclusive film event at Nativity BVM High School, 2PM on October 12th.
What starts as a high school film project, becomes a remarkable national phenomenon
focused on restoring justice. Why care about an old, forgotten football team? The drama club at the Nativity BVM high school are skeptical – until they discover a buried story about faith. Reserve your tickets now for the event here: https://maroons.entre.one/acquire.
Diocesan White Mass for Health Care Workers
The Allentown Guild of the Catholic Medical Association invites all health care workers to attend the annual Diocesan White Mass celebrated by Bishop Schlert at St. Thomas More parish, Allentown on Saturday, October 18, at 5pm. Reception to follow with a presentation by Deacon John M. Travaline, MD "Restoring Relationship in the Art of Medicine." RSVP by October 11th, 2025 to [email protected]. View the graphic here.
Daily Masses with Bishop Schlert
Bishop Schlert will celebrate Daily Masses at parishes in every county in the Diocese in honor of individuals and families who give and benefit from the Because We Are Catholic Annual Appeal. All are invited to attend.
Monday, October 20– St. John the Baptist, Pottsville (S. Tenth and Mahantongo Sts.) 6:30 p.m.
Healing and Deliverance Service
Join us for a Healing and Deliverance service on Tuesday, November 11, 6pm-9pm at St. Thomas More Church, Allentown. There will be Mass and Healing Adoration led by Fr. Dominic Valanmanal, a world-renowned Catholic priest with the charisms of healing and deliverance. Admission is free. View the flyer here.
Restore: Healing Retreat for Women Healing from Betrayal Trauma
Thursday, Nov 13-Sunday, Nov 16, 2025 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, PA. This retreat is for women healing from sexual betrayal trauma due to an intimate partner’s infidelity, pornography use or sex addiction.
God longs for us to live from the truth that we are His beloved daughters, carefully created and infinitely loved. The traumas we’ve suffered, and the subsequent emotional and spiritual wounding, keep us tethered to identity lies, distortions and adverse patterns of thinking and relating. Through unique, facilitated healing encounters, we listen for the Holy Spirit’s promptings as He reveals the wounds, the memories, the circumstances that caused dis-integration within us. With Him, we are gently invited into a fully integrated experience – mind, heart, body, spirit, soul. Come…and let Him Restore you!
Retreat Leaders: Father Allen Hoffa of the Diocese of Allentown, De Yarrison of You Are Made New Ministry, and Laura Ercolino of Hope’s Garden.
Email De at [email protected] with questions. For more information and to register, go to: https://youaremadenew.com/restore-retreats-betrayal-trauma/.
Rachel's Vineyard: Healing Retreat from Abortion
Are you struggling from an abortion? Whether you were pressured into an abortion, were unable to prevent a family member from having one, or you were a part of the abortion decision, this retreat will help you move beyond any guilt, shame, or anger you have. Our weekend retreats are uniquely designed to help you experience the mercy and compassion of God in a safe, confidential, non-judgmental group environment. This weekend will help you find a new voice and transform the pain of the past into hope. Discover peace and healing.
When: November 21-23 2025 in Washington, NJ. To register, or for more information, please contact Leah by email at [email protected] or text/call (609)709-3479 and Ana at [email protected] or text/call (908)319-2950. Website is rachelsvineyard.org.
Diocesan Youth Rally
Join us on Novemeber 22, 10am-5pm, at Bethlehem Catholic High School for a day of inspiring presentations, heartfelt prayer, uplifting music, and much more. Together with your peers you will celebrate the one true Light—Jesus Christ— and let His love "Reignite" you. Closing Mass at 4pm will be celebrated by Bishop Schlert. Families are invited to join. $10 registration includes lunch. Contact [email protected] with questions. Register here. View the flyer here.
Anointing of the Sick Masses with Bishop Schlert
Bishop Schlert will be celebrating Masses that offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in various locations throughout the year. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is given to anyone who is seriously ill, either physically or mentally, or to anyone advanced in age or facing a medical procedure. This great gift of grace offers holistic healing by praying for a cure, but, more importantly, for the gift of hope and peace that the sufferer would be united to Christ on the Cross.
St. Joseph – Summit Hill – November 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Mass
Women's Advent Retreat
The Bishop's Commission for Women invites all women of the Diocese to a peaceful day of community, prayer, and reflection this Advent season. Join us on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Allentown from 8:30am - 1:00pm.
As Advent Women, we are called, like Mary Our Mother, to be bearers of Hope to our families and communities. Come, in this Jubilee Year of Hope, and rediscover your identity as a bearer of light in a world of darkness.
Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible. Learn more and register at https://www.allentowndiocese.org/catholic-life/resources-women/womens-advent-retreat-2025.
View the flyer here.
Retreat to Fatima and Lourdes with Fr. John Frink
Take a pilgrimage to Fatima and Lourdes from June 7-16, 2026 under the spiritual direction of Fr. John Frink. Click this link: https://www.206tours.com/cms/frfrink/ to view detailed itinerary, pricing information, and to book.
