Diocese of Allentown

Saint Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley > Diocese of Allentown

*NEW* 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 6 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.flocknote.com/signup/191358. View flyer here. 

*NEW* 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.flocknote.com/signup/191363. View flyer here. 

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). The next meetup is January 4th. 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.

*NEW* 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.

Date Night at Folino Estate For Engaged and Married Couples

Catholic engaged and married couples are invited to an evening of romance and reflection at Folino Estate Winery in Kutztown, PA on Friday, January 24, 2025. The evening will feature a cocktail hour with live music and optional couples’ portraits by Vargas Photography. A tasteful dinner buffet will follow along with an intimate New Year’s reflection by guest speakers Greg and Heather Maigur. Each couple will get to take home a wine bottle favor at the end of the evening! Tickets are $100 per couple, and space is limited to 25 couples, so reserve your spot today! Register at https://www.allentowndiocese.org/date-night. Contact Rhady Tulloch, Director of Marriage & Family Life, at rtulloch@allentowndiocese.org with any questions. Download the flyer here. 
Because We Are Catholic 2024
The 2024 Because We Are Catholic Appeal is now underway! Your contribution to this annual Diocesan campaign brings life-changing support to children, families, and people in need. Your gift fills food pantries, supports students’ Catholic education, provides pro-life resources, underwrites seminarian formation, provides elder care, serves students with special needs, and much more. Your donation will make a difference to someone in your own community and beyond. Join the Because We Are Catholic Appeal today at www.BecauseWeAreCatholic.org

 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.  

Pilgrimage to Italy with Bishop Schlert

Reservations are now open for the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage to Italy with Bishop Schlert & Father Hoffa -Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – Saturday, April 3, 2025. The first Diocese of Allentown International Pilgrimage will “Follow the Footsteps of Saints Peter and Paul” through Florence, Assisi, and Rome. To sign up for the Jubilee Year Pilgrimage, please contact Father Allen Hoffa directly at ahoffa@allentowndiocese.org or 610-921-2729, ext. 2205.