*NEW* Young Adult Iron Pigs Night
Join us for a night at the stadium to watch the Iron Pigs on April 10th at 6:45pm! We will be on the patio which includes buffet food, drinks, and new friends! The teams playing are Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs vs Syracuse Mets. $20pp max 60 people, $5 parking not included. Sign up here.
*NEW* “Where is God Calling You?” Vocations Retreat
Everyone needs a vocations retreat! Join us for a day of prayer, contemplation, and community on April 12, 10am – 3pm, at St. Mary’s Church, Kutztown. Whichever vocation you’re discerning (priesthood, married life, consecrated life, or single life), we’re here to support you. This retreat will allow you to encounter speakers from all these callings and give you a space to listen to God’s voice in exploring your vocation. See flyer here. Register here.
*NEW* Submit Prayer Requests for Diocesan Pilgrimage to Rome
On March 25, 2025, Bishop Alfred A. Schlert and Father Allen J. Hoffa, Director of Diocesan Pilgrimages and Pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading, will lead the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Italy with 88 pilgrims from our Diocese. Bishop Schlert invites the faithful to submit prayer requests in advance of the pilgrimage, which the group will keep in prayer throughout the ten-day journey. An online form is now available on the Pilgrimage Committee’s webpage. You can access the form directly here. You may submit your request anonymously, if you wish. The online form will remain open until Friday, March 21st, 2025. If you do not want to submit a request via the online form, you may mail prayer requests to Rev. Allen J. Hoffa, Director of Diocesan Pilgrimages, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading, PA 19605. If using the USPS, requests must arrive by Friday, March 14th, 2025. Click here for the Prayer Requests flyer.
RESCHEDULED* Designed with Purpose NFP Information Night
What is “Natural Family Planning” and why does the Church promote it? Join the NFP Task Force at Building 24 Kitchen and Bar, 1115 Bern Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610, where speakers will talk through the science of how “NFP” works and why it’s vital for women’s health. Whether you’re single, engaged, married, or simply want to learn more about NFP, we welcome you to join us on February 27 from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact the NFP Task Force allentown.nfp@gmail.com with questions. RSVP at https://allentowndiocese.
*NEW* The Joyful Feast, Mardi Gras before Lent
The Commission for Young Adults would like to invite all the Young Adults in the Diocese of Allentown to enjoy an evening indulging in conversation, community, and some delicious foods and drinks we might give up during the 40 days of Lent. Tuesday March 4th 7pm-9pm @ Holy Family Parish Center 508 W. Center Street Nazareth, PA 18064. Please contact Zelenda Hodgskin with questions, zhodgskin@allentowndiocese.org
*NEW* Come and See Weekend at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Men ages 15+ are invited to a “Come and See” weekend at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Ambler, PA on Friday March 14 to Sunday March 16. If you are open to discerning the Lord’s call to the holy priesthood, this is a great opportunity to see where future priests study, pray and live throughout their formation! The weekend will include Mass on Saturday and Sunday, prayer time and adoration of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. There is also ample time for recreation, visiting a local shrine, getting to know current seminarians and other young men considering the priesthood. For more information and to register, click here: https://www.allentowndiocese.
*NEW* Women’s Lent Retreat, 2025
The Bishop’s Commission for Women invites all women of the Diocese to a contemplative day of community, prayer, and reflection. Join us on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 from 8:30am to 3:30pm at St. Mary’s in Kutztown: 14833 Kutztown Road Kutztown, PA 19530. Auxiliary Bishop Chylinski of Philadelphia will give the keynote address, with an additional talk by Denise (De) Yarrison from https://youaremadenew.com/ and Hope’s Garden. Bishop Schlert and Auxiliary Bishop Chylinski will celebrate Mass. The fee is $35. Continental Breakfast and Lunch are included. Register here. See flyer here.
*NEW* Men Alive in Christ Half Day Lenten Reflection, “What Good is Hope”
Catholic men, we invite you to renew and strengthen your hope and trust in Christ Jesus at our annual half day Lenten Reflection on March 1, 2025 from 8am-12pm at St. Catherine of Siena parish in Reading, PA. Embrace your mission live virtuous masculinity, and deepen your relationship with God through a powerful morning of men’s fellowship, Sacraments, and talks from our Bishop and two other speakers. We are excited to equip you with the tools you need to go forth as hopeful Catholic men, imitating Christ, and invigorated in the fire of the Holy Spirit! Register here. See flyer here.
Bonded Date Night for Couples Practicing NFP
If you are a couple practicing NFP, you know both the joys and struggles that come with living out this lifestyle. Join the NFP Task Force and other married couples for an evening of community and discussion with those who understand what it’s like to live out this counter-cultural teaching. Event takes place at Building 24 Kitchen and Bar, 1115 Bern Rd., Wyomissing, PA 19610, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact the NFP Task Force allentown.nfp@gmail.com with questions. RSVP at https://allentowndiocese.
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/
Divorce Recovery Support Group
If you are suffering a divorce or separation, or perhaps grieving a past divorce, join us for prayers, donuts and encouraging conversation. BYOC – bring your own coffee. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, second floor of the parish office on the first Saturday of each month, 9:00 to 10:00am (after the 8:30am Mass). For information call 505 688-8663.
Better Together Widow and Widower Social Group
Better Together Widow and Widower Social Group, a community that allows widows and widowers to connect with others in the same circumstance, meets monthly at Assumption Church, 4101 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, PA. Some past meetings include a picnic in the summer, a sing-along/make your own sundaes, and an All Souls remembrance service. All are welcome to join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm in the Jubilee Center. For more information, please contact Mary Williams at 610-867-7424 x 16.
Pilgrimage from Paris to Lourdes
Join Holy Family Parish of Minersville in a Pilgrimage from Paris to Lourdes, France, April 27 – May 6, 2025. Highlights include Mass every day, the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris, tours of the Louvre, Versailles and dinner in the Eiffel Tower. We will also visit the Mother House of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Lyon and the Papal Palace of Avignon with a wine tasting at the Papal Vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape. The tour culminates with our visit to the grotto of Lourdes where the Blessed Mother visited St. Bernadette as we celebrate Mass and participate in the Eucharistic and Candle Lit Marian Processions.
Please contact Fr. Stokes for more information at Holy Family Parish of Minersville (570) 544 – 4741.
FreeWill Estate Planning Tool
Making an estate plan is an act of care for yourself, your loved ones, and your community. By creating your plans, you can outline important financial and healthcare decisions for the future, provide for your loved ones, and ultimately, act as a steward of everything God has placed in your care.
Through our new partnership with FreeWill, you can start the new year by completing this important act of care. FreeWill is a secure online platform that can walk you through the process of creating your estate plan — 100% free of cost. To get started, visit: FreeWill.com/AllentownDiocese
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 Diocesan Pilgrimage tradition to Mary’s House is typically held every four years. More information will be forthcoming for individuals, parishes, and schools. Contact Father Hoffa directly at his diocesan email ahoffa@allentowndiocese.org or call 610-921-2729, ext. 2205.