News Release

Catholics throughout the Diocese of Allentown – socially distant but united in prayer – are invited to use technology to join Bishop Alfred Schlert in a series of special livestreamed Masses from the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena starting Sunday.

To help ensure the safety of parishioners, Bishop Alfred Schlert has directed that no palm branches be distributed this weekend.

Now that the state has extended the order to close schools, Catholic school students around the Diocese of Allentown are signing on and reporting for enhanced learning online.

After continued consultation with healthcare professionals, and taking into account the restrictions put in place by civil authorities, Diocese of Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert has announced that the suspension of public Masses in the Diocese will remain in place for the entirety of the upcoming Holy Week, April 5-12.

To help prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Bishop Alfred Schlert has decided that all public Masses in the Diocese of Allentown will be cancelled, effective immediately. The Diocese of Allentown comprises five counties: Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill

The Diocese of Allentown has joined dioceses around the nation in implementing the new Catholic Abuse Reporting Service, another important step in addressing the clergy abuse crisis and the accountability of bishops.

Effective immediately, and until further notice, Bishop Alfred Schlert, in union with the Bishops of Pennsylvania, has dispensed the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown from the obligation to attend Saturday Vigil/Sunday Masses.

Diocese of Allentown Catholic schools in Lehigh and Northampton Counties will be closed today and tomorrow out of an abundance of caution while the Diocese monitors the spread of coronavirus.

The Diocese offers its heartfelt prayers to the victim, to her family, and to everyone who was hurt as the result of Father Lonergan’s actions.

“The Holy Father reminds us of our shared responsibility to be good stewards of the earth which God created for us to properly use and protect.