My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, 28 January 2026, we celebrate the Sixty-Fifth Anniversary of our beloved Diocese of Allentown and the beginning of a Jubilee Year of Grace, which will continue until 28 January 2027.
This sacred year will be both Eucharistic and Marian—giving thanks for the blessings we have received and asking for new graces for the future of our local Church, especially for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Religious Life.
Our Diocese was established by Pope Saint John XXIII on 28 January 1961, formed from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to serve the faithful of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties. Since then, generations of clergy, religious, and laity have worked together to build a vibrant Catholic community rooted in faith, education, and service.
From our first Bishop, Most Reverend Joseph McShea, to his successors—Bishops Welsh, Cullen, and Barres—each shepherd has guided our Church through the joys and challenges of the times. Today, we continue that legacy with gratitude, standing on the faith and dedication of those who came before us.
The Holy Eucharist is at the heart of our Diocese. During this Jubilee Year, I encourage every parish, school, and household to deepen devotion to the Eucharist through Adoration, processions, catechesis, and the reverent celebration of Holy Mass. Let our parishes become truly Eucharistic communities, alive in faith and overflowing in charity.
This Jubilee is also a Marian Year. Under the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are called to grow in love for her Son, Jesus Christ. I invite every parish to promote the Rosary, Marian devotions, and consecration to her Immaculate Heart. May Mary guide us in faith, hope, and joyful discipleship.
During this Jubilee Year, let us pray for two special intentions:
Today, 28 January 2026, we celebrate the Sixty-Fifth Anniversary of our beloved Diocese of Allentown and the beginning of a Jubilee Year of Grace, which will continue until 28 January 2027.
This sacred year will be both Eucharistic and Marian—giving thanks for the blessings we have received and asking for new graces for the future of our local Church, especially for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Religious Life.
Our Diocese was established by Pope Saint John XXIII on 28 January 1961, formed from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to serve the faithful of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties. Since then, generations of clergy, religious, and laity have worked together to build a vibrant Catholic community rooted in faith, education, and service.
From our first Bishop, Most Reverend Joseph McShea, to his successors—Bishops Welsh, Cullen, and Barres—each shepherd has guided our Church through the joys and challenges of the times. Today, we continue that legacy with gratitude, standing on the faith and dedication of those who came before us.
The Holy Eucharist is at the heart of our Diocese. During this Jubilee Year, I encourage every parish, school, and household to deepen devotion to the Eucharist through Adoration, processions, catechesis, and the reverent celebration of Holy Mass. Let our parishes become truly Eucharistic communities, alive in faith and overflowing in charity.
This Jubilee is also a Marian Year. Under the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are called to grow in love for her Son, Jesus Christ. I invite every parish to promote the Rosary, Marian devotions, and consecration to her Immaculate Heart. May Mary guide us in faith, hope, and joyful discipleship.
During this Jubilee Year, let us pray for two special intentions:
- An abundance of holy vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, and Consecrated Life.
- The return of those who have drifted from the practice of the faith, that they may rediscover the mercy and joy of Christ in His Church.
As we celebrate sixty-five years of grace, let us walk together—clergy, religious, and laity—as a family of faith, united in the Holy Eucharist, devoted to Mary, and committed to bringing Christ’s light to every soul.
Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Saint Catharine of Siena, Patroness of our Cathedral, may this Jubilee Year be a time of renewal, healing, and joy for all.
With heartfelt gratitude and every prayerful wish, I remain
Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Saint Catharine of Siena, Patroness of our Cathedral, may this Jubilee Year be a time of renewal, healing, and joy for all.
With heartfelt gratitude and every prayerful wish, I remain
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Bishop Alfred A. Schlert
Bishop Alfred A. Schlert
Mass of Thanksgiving for 65thAnniversary
You’re invited to join us for a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrating the 65th Anniversary of the Diocese of Allentown. This special liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11 at 4:15 PM at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, located at 1825 W. Turner Street, Allentown. All are welcome to come and give thanks for 65 years of faith, service, and hope. View the Save the Date here.
Rachel’s Vineyard Retreat
Join us for an intimate spiritual journey for anyone seeking healing after abortion. In a safe, supportive, non-judgmental environment, you can focus on this painful time in your life and enter into the process of healing. Through scripture readings, guided meditations and activities flowing from the meditations, you can experience God’s compassion and forgiveness. For registration information contact: Carol Swavely, MA, OSF at 1-866-3RACHEL (Toll free) or 610-435-1541ext 5341. You may also email Carol atcswavely@allentowndiocese.org. The retreat will be held April 24-26, 2026. Deadline for registration is April 17, 2026.
51st Annual Steubenville Youth Conference – June 19-21, 2026
Current 8th-12th graders are invited to attend the 2026 Steubenville Youth Conference with St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield Youth Group from June 19-21, 2026. The teens will take a charter bus to the campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Steubenville, Ohio. The total cost before fundraising is $400. For more information or to hold your seat, contact Annaleigh Gidosh at youthminister@stjwchurch.org. Payment form: https://www.osvhub.com/
Disability Ministry Training Days
All persons—of any age and with any disability—have a home in the Church. The Diocese of Allentown will be hosting the National Catholic Partnership on Disability (NCPD) to provide a free two-day disability ministry training on April 21 and April 22, 2026 at St. Joseph the Worker, 1879 Applewood Dr, Orefield, PA 18069. Clergy, parish employees, diocesan staff, volunteers from any ministry, and the families of persons with disabilities are all welcomed and encouraged to register.
Day 1: Tuesday, April 21: Mental Health. Topics will include accompaniment, stigma, trauma-informed care, and suicide.
Day 2: Wednesday, April 22: Disability Ministry and Universal Design. Learn how removing barriers—including non-physical barriers—opens the doors of the Church to all. Topics will include parish assessment tools, adaptive catechesis, guidance around language, and other resources.
Both days begin with Mass at 8:30am and conclude by 5pm. Lunch will be provided. Register no later than April 17 for one or both days using the following form: https://docs.google.com/forms/
Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts & Our Lady of Martyrs in Fultonville, New York
Reserve your spot today for the next Diocesan Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts & Our Lady of Martyrs in Fultonville, New York!
Join Bishop Schlert and Father Hoffa on Wednesday, April 15, 2026-Thursday, April 16, 2026, for a 2-day pilgrimage. Double occupancy $249/pp which includes hotel & tax, round trip motor coach transfers, breakfast at hotel, boxed lunch on both travel days, Mass at the National Shrine of Divine Mercy and Mass at Our Lady of Martyrs.
Space is limited! Call 570-342-5790 today to secure your spot or register athttps://asktravelworld.
Ready, Willing, & Able Podcast: Vocations and Parenting
In this month’s episode of “Ready, Willing, & Able,” host Genevieve Anatalio dives into the topic of parenting children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The principals of the Diocese of Allentown’s three special learning centers join her on the show, each offering unique insights into this beloved population.
Her first guest, Kaylee Simcik from John Paul II Center for Special Learning in Shillington, speaks about seeing children with special needs through a Catholic lens and encourages parents to advocate for their children’s participation in the Sacraments. Her second guest, Beth Grys from Mercy School for Special Learning in Allentown, highlights the deep faith present in people with disabilities and how it is both possible—and essential—to nurture that faith. Finally, Bob Giba from St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Schuylkill Haven shares how his own journey of faith has been closely connected to his work with the special needs community.
Anatalio and her guests agree that while disabilities can present challenges for both children and parents, they need not be limitations in the faith. Rather, they can be extraordinary opportunities for grace. Listeners will also hear about the many offerings of the Diocese’s special learning centers, as each principal highlights what makes them most proud of their school.
Listen to Ready, Willing, and Able on its website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/
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.