Diocese of Allentown

Saint Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley > Diocese of Allentown
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

YOUR_LIFE Retreat

Malvern Retreat House would like to invite men and women to experience a period of refreshment, support, reassurance, learning, and concentration on the gift of their lives. Learn, reflect, “dump your stuff’, fortify yourself, increase your personal communion with the Lord. Come join the men’s weekend, Sep 6, 7, and 8; or a women’s weekend, Sep 13, 14, and 15; Fri night to Sun morning. Contact: Anthony Scarselletti, 610-393-4671, OLPH.ascarselletti@gmail.com.

The Birthday of the Blessed Mother

Father Keaton Eidle will offer a reflection and lead a discussion on Marian apparitions around the world. The lecture will be followed by a pizza reception in the parish’s Jubilee Center. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Date/Time: Sunday, September 8 at 3pm. Location: Assumption BVM Parish, 4101 Old Bethlehem Pike, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Register here: https://allentowndiocese.flocknote.com/signup/173140.

Matt Maher Concert hosted by United Hearts Life Mission

United Hearts Life Mission is hosting a concert with nine-time Grammy nominee and three-time GMA Dove Award winner MATT MAHER at 7pm on September 15th, 2024, at Notre Dame High School, Easton.  Matt’s number one hits include “Lord, I Need You”, and “Your Grace is Enough”.  All proceeds benefit the non-profit United Hearts Life Mission which provides life affirming OBGYN care to women in the Lehigh Valley. See the flyer here. Access more information at https://www.unitedhearts.life/. Buy tickets at https://www.itickets.com/events/479761 

RETROUVAILLE: REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE  

Tens of thousands of couples have healed their marriages through Retrouvaille (pronounced Retro-vy). If you know anyone who could benefit from this program, please pass this on. Couples learn to build communication skills and to increase intimacy. It provides help for marriage problems, difficulties or crises. The next program will be held August 9 – 11, 2024 and again on October 4 – 6 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. For more information, or to register, visitwww.HelpOurMarriage.orgor call 215-766-3944 or 800-470-2230. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

*NEW UPDATES* Pilgrimages to the National Centre for Padre Pio

Local diocesan pilgrimages will take place in September of 2024 at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, PA. The theme for the pilgrimages is: “My Heart – A Pilgrimage to the Heart of Jesus.”  The days will include Mass with Bishop Schlert, exciting keynote speakers, Adoration, Confession, interactive activities, and an outdoor Eucharistic Procession in the tranquil setting of The Centre for Padre Pio. Pilgrims are invited to experience the Presence of God through the intercession of Padre Pio at The Centre. No registration is required. Email pilgrimage@allentowndiocese.org with questions. See the memo with details for the English pilgrimages here. See a more detailed blurb for your bulletin here. 
– High School Pilgrimage, Thursday, September 19, 2024. See flyer here.  
– Pilgrimage in English, Friday, September 20, 2024. See flyer here.
– Pilgrimage in Spanish, Saturday, September 28, 2024. (Details forthcoming).

Pilgrimage Tour to Mexico with Fr. Phil Rodgers

Pilgrimage Tour to Mexico with Fr. Phil Rodgers – Including: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Tepeyac Hill, Zocalo Plaza, Tlaxcala, Our Lady of Ocotlan, Puebla, Cuernavaca, Taxco, Teotihuacan, and more! October 5 to 11, 2024 – $2,150 PP/DO. Please call Debbie at 570-622-1802, ext. 0, for more info.

Pilgrimage to Ireland

Ireland in October! Travel on Pilgrimage to the Emerald Isle with Father Hoffa, October 6-15, 2024. Enjoy an amazing itinerary including Galway, Our Lady of Knock, Cliffs of Moher, Killarney, Dingle Peninsula, and Dublin! Cost: $4,999 – includes airfare from anywhere in the U.S.  (Travelers responsible for lunch & optional trip insurance.) Time is running out to reserve your spot! Contact Father Hoffa directly: ahoffa@hgaparish.com or call 610-921-2729, ext. 2205 to book today. For more information and a detailed itinerary visit https://bit.ly/3WrEzfe.

 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

Diocesan Pilgrimages – Save the Dates! 

The first Diocesan Local Pilgrimage will be to The National Centre for Padre Pio.
“My Heart – A Pilgrimage to the Heart of Jesus”
Diocesan High School Pilgrimage – Thursday, September 19, 2024
Diocesan Pilgrimage in English – Friday, September 20, 2024
Diocesan Pilgrimage in Spanish – Saturday, September 28, 2024
Pilgrimage will include:
• Mass with Bishop Schlert
• Confession
• Engaging Speaker
• Eucharistic Procession and much more!

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.