Bishop Schlert Celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at Cathedral

Bishop Alfred Schlert celebrated the 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass Dec. 24 at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, his first as Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown.

Catholics in the Diocese were invited “Home for Christmas” by the Bishop. In a letter from Bishop Schlert sent to 83,000 homes, in radio commercials, social media posts and on the Diocesan website, Catholics who may not be attending Mass regularly at this time were being invited “home for Christmas.”

“Perhaps for some of the members of your family, it has been a while since they have been home in the Church. Please know that they are genuinely missed, and I welcome them home for Christmas,” said Bishop Schlert. “No matter how long since your last visit, you will find your spiritual home ready and waiting to welcome you.”

Bishop Alfred Schlert incenses the nativity at the beginning of Mass. (Photos by John Simitz)

Nathaniel Menendez holds son Benedict while mom Kelly sings in the choir before Mass.

Members of the Cathedral Choir, directed and accompanied by Beverly McDevitt, sing before Mass.

A parishioner looks at the nativity. Bishop Alfred Schlert asked Diocesan Catholics to “consider inviting someone who has been away from the Church home for Christmas Mass. What more beautiful gift can you give your family and friends this Christmas than the love of Christ through his Church?”