LATEST NEWS
Questions for the Bishop
Question:Several national experts have recommended that a lay review board be set up with the authority to evaluate and review how sexual abuse allegations are handled. Would the Diocese be willing to establish and give authority to such a lay oversight board with men and women? William, Pottsville Answer:As we have shown recently, we have an effective protocol for handling allegations. We notify law enforcement immediately, I remove the priest from ministry immediately pending an investigation, and we are transparent in cooperation with law enforcement. ...Click on the headline above to read the whole answer. . Please note that Questions for the Bishop will end October 15.
For 16th Straight Year Auditors Find Diocese in Compliance with Child Protection Charter
For the 16th time since the inception of national diocesan audits sixteen years ago, the Diocese of Allentown has been found “in compliance” with the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People, adopted by the Bishops of the United States in 2002.
Women’s Faith Sharing Groups Focus of ‘Come and See’ Event
"God will send women to your table – it could be 80 that you need or 12. Give him the freedom to do his will and hang on tight,” said Laura White, Pennsylvania regional coordinator for Walking with Purpose: The Modern Woman’s Guide to the Bible, encouraging women of the Diocese of Allentown in their efforts to begin or augment their parish faith-sharing groups.
Donations Needed to Sustain Pro-Life Billboard
A decade has passed since a pro-life billboard was erected just before the Morgantown exit on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The way the billboard came about and has been sustained is nothing short of a miracle, and Helen MacMinn is again looking to the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown to help keep the billboard in place.
Monsignor Edward Sacks Cleared by Investigation, Has Returned to Ministry
Monsignor Edward Sacks has been cleared by an independent investigation and has returned to his role as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Bethlehem Township Independent investigators determined that no abuse of any kind occurred, and that it was an erroneous allegation. The person who made the allegation has since said the accusation was made in error. The alleged victim confirmed that he was not abused by any member of the clergy.
Diocesan Family Festival Inspires Faithful to Release the Spirit
About 800 people from all around the Diocese came out on a beautiful Sunday to celebrate Mass with Bishop Schlert, to eat the tasty specialty foods made by people of various parishes, and to recognize the achievements of students in Catholic education at the annual Diocesan Family Festival at Steel Stacks, Bethlehem.
Bishop Celebrates Mass of the Korean Martyrs in Weatherly
“We rely on the gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us at confirmation to live in the spirit of the holy martyrs and bring the light of Christ to each other and the community,” Bishop Schlert said.
Young Adults Make Pilgrimage to City of Brotherly Love
A group of approximately 15 young adults made a pilgrimage through the City of Brotherly Love as they traveled to Philadelphia Aug. 25 for the daylong event sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OYYAFM).
Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania Supports the Future of St. Joseph the Worker Parish
“The Catholic Foundation has put together a first-class investment strategy that ensures Catholic parishes, schools and nonprofits have income for the future to carry out their missions of faith. It has been a good financial decision to align with CFEP,” said Monsignor Robert Wargo, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield
Diocese of Allentown Rebuts Statements by Attorney General
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro criticized Bishop Alfred Schlert’s handling of the sexual abuse crisis in a Sept. 25 visit to the newsroom of the Morning Call newspaper in Allentown. Click on the headline above to read a summary of Shapiro’s specific criticisms, along with responses from the Diocese of Allentown.
