Bishop Schlert celebrates Carbon Deanery Mass at St. Joseph

Bishop Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates a special Carbon Deanery Mass. Joining the Bishop are, from left, Father Francis Baransky, Father William Campion, Deacon John Mroz, Deacon Dr. Edward Girard, Father James Ward, Father Michael Ahrensfield, Msgr. Victor Finelli, Msgr. John Chizmar and Father Allen Hoffa. (Photos by John Simitz)

Bishop Alfred Schlert celebrated a special Carbon Deanery Mass Sept. 25 at St Joseph, Jim Thorpe, his first Mass in the Carbon Deanery since being ordained and installed Bishop of Allentown Aug. 31.

“We are happy to welcome our new shepherd to this corner of his Diocese and pray that his ministry among us will truly ‘feed his sheep’ with hope and encouragement,” said Father Francis Baransky, pastor of St. Joseph, alluding to Bishop Schlert’s episcopal motto “Feed My Sheep.”

Faithful from Carbon County listen to Bishop Alfred Schlert’s homily.

The Diocesan flag and a flag bearing Bishop Alfred Schlert’s coat of arms hang at the entrance of St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe. “The early fathers of the Church commented that where the Bishop is, there is the Church,” said Father Francis Baransky.

Priests and deacons gather before the Mass.

Clergy process into the evening liturgy.

Bishop Alfred Schlert, center, is greeted by altar servers, from left: Anthony Soberick, Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe; Noah Snisky, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe; Zach Mauro, St. Peter the Fisherman, Lake Harmony; Brianna Snisky, St. Joseph; and Rianna Mohammed, St. Peter the Fisherman.