LATEST NEWS
Bishop Schlert answers questions about the Grand Jury Report
There have been suggestions that you discredited victims of abuse. Is that true? Absolutely not. (Click on the headline above to read the rest of the Bishop's answer.)
Independent Diocesan Review Board Provides Outside Perspective
An independent panel of experts known as the Diocesan Review Board assists the Bishop in discharging his responsibilities involving the sexual abuse of minors by clerics. It was formed in 2003.
Statement from Bishop Schlert
Every Bishop inherits the history of his Diocese. It falls to him to shoulder any failings from the past, to apologize, to ask forgiveness, to promote healing, and to do what he can to prevent recurrence. The Grand Jury Report is a sad and humbling account of the Priesthood used for evil purposes. The victims and survivors of clergy sexual abuse have suffered terribly, and it is my sincere hope that the Report is an important step in their healing and recovery.
Legacy Society Luncheon Celebrates Faithfulness and Generosity
“The gifts you make are especially meaningful. These gifts may serve people that are maybe not on earth yet. It is a beautiful expression of faith and has an impact that will last forever,” said Paul Acampora, secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Stewardship and Development.
Revised Guidelines and Parish Resource Guide Improve Access for People with Disabilities
“Hopefully the suggestions presented in the Parish Resource Guide will give persons with disabilities the opportunity to worship, learn, experience fellowship, and serve alongside their brothers and sisters in the parish liturgical celebrations and community,” said Sister Janice Marie Johnson, Director of the Diocesan Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities.
‘Diocesan Family Festival’ Set for Sept. 30
Bishop Alfred Schlert will open the day celebrating an outdoor Mass at 11 a.m. in the shadow of the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces. The Diocesan Choir will enhance the liturgy with music. After the Mass there will be games, activities, music and food for family members of all ages. Carnival games and activities will include bounce house, petting zoo, face painting, cornhole game and art activities. The Island Time Band will provide live music on the TD Stage. Delicious homemade ethnic foods will be provided by local parishes.
Pope revises catechism to say death penalty is 'inadmissible'
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Building on the development of Catholic Church teaching against capital punishment, Pope Francis has ordered a revision of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to assert "the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person" and to commit the church to working toward its abolition worldwide.
Fifty Years of Blessed Paul VI’s Teaching on the Transmission of Human Life - Goodness, Truth, Beauty, and Holiness
By Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L. This past week, we marked the 50th anniversary of Blessed Pope Paul VI’s Encyclical letter regarding the transmission of human life entitled Humanæ Vitæ. On the anniversary of such a famous papal teaching moment and at a time when a moral voice on this issue can perhaps be even more relevant than it was in 1968, we continue to benefit from the words of Paul VI today.
St. Francis Academy to Conclude 275th Anniversary Year Aug. 26
Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert will celebrate a special Mass Sunday, Aug. 26 to commemorate the 275th anniversary of the oldest currently operating co-educational Catholic school in the nation.
Young Men and Young Women Discern Their Paths at Quo Vadis and Fiat Days
“Jesus wants to help us grow. Use your life to be a visible sign of his love in this world, said Father Keith Laskowski.
