If you are visiting one of the Pilgrimage Sites in the Diocese of Allentown for the Jubilee Year of Hope, please let us know by clicking the button below to record your date of visit.
Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year, with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope."
Jubilee Years ordinarily occur every 25 years, and they bring extra opportunities for formation and indulgences--a worldwide joyful celebration in the Church!
But what is Hope? Click HERE to learn more about what the virtue of hope really is.
Diocesan Events for the Jubilee Year
The Diocese of Allentown has many opportunities to encounter and receive God's Hope this year.
3/1: Men’s Half Day Lenten Reflection, 8am-12pm, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading
Catholic men, we invite you to renew and strengthen your hope and trust in Christ Jesus at our annual half day Lenten Reflection. 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! Date, March 1. Time, 8am-Noon. Location: St. Catharine of Siena Parish, Reading. See flyer here.
3/4: Mardi Gras: The Joyful Feast (for Young Adults), 7-9pm, Holy Family Parish Center, Nazareth
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 at [email protected].
3/8: Women’s Lenten Retreat, 8:30 am - 3:30pm, St. Mary's, Kutztown (registration closed)
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/ & Hope's Garden. Bishop Schlert and Auxiliary Bishop Chylinski will celebrate Mass.
3/12: Vocations Discernment Retreat (for Young Adults), 10am-3pm, St. Mary’s Church, Kutztown
Everyone needs a vocations retreat! Join us for a day of prayer, contemplation, and community. 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. Date, 4/12. Time, 10am-3pm. Location: St. Mary's Church in Kutztown. See flyer here.
6/21: Commissioning Mass for Eucharistic Ministers, 10:30am, Cathedral St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown
6/22: Eucharistic Preacher Event, 3 pm, Cathedral St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown
10/7: Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
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. If you have questions about the Pilgrimage, email [email protected] or call Fr. Hoffa at 610-921-2729, ext. 2205.
Anointing of the Sick Masses
One of the primary ways we receive the gift of God's saving Hope is through the Sacraments.
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. Jane de Chantal – Easton – March 16, 2025 at 12 p.m. Mass
St. Ambrose – Schuylkill Haven – May 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Mass
St. Thomas More – Allentown – August 24, 2025 at 12 p.m. Mass
St. Catharine of Siena – Reading – September 7, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. Mass
St. Joseph – Summit Hill – November 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Mass
Indulgences
A plenary indulgence is a grace granted by the Catholic Church through the merits of Jesus Christ to remove the temporal punishment due to sin.
The indulgence applies to sins already forgiven. A plenary indulgence cleanses the soul as if the person had just been baptized. Plenary indulgences obtained during the Jubilee Year can also be applied to souls in purgatory with the possibility of obtaining two plenary indulgences for the deceased in one day, according to the Apostolic Penitentiary.
Read about all the ways to receive a plenary indulgence throughout the Jubilee Year HERE.
Pilgrimage Sites
One of the many ways to receive an indulgence this year is to make a pilgrimage. In the Diocese of Allentown, Bishop Schlert has designated the following pilgrimage sites for obtaining the Jubilee Indulgence:
The Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown
The National Centre for Padre Pio, Barto
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Allentown
The Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux, Nesquehoning
Learn More About God's Gift of Hope
Check back regularly to view articles examining Hope in the Diocese of Allentown!
Bishop Schlert Celebrates the Opening Mass of the Jubilee Year of Hope
