Diocesan Family Festival Draws About 700 to Day of Faith and Fun

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1 The Allentown in the Year of Our Lord VOL. 29, NO. 17 OCTOBER 5, 2017 Processing into the Diocesan Family Festival Mass Sept. 24 at SteelStacks, Bethlehem are, from left, Bishop Alfred Schlert, Msgr. Victor Finelli, Msgr. David James, Father Allen Hoffa and Deacon John Hutta (Photo by John Simitz) Diocesan Family Festival Draws About 700 to Day of Faith and Fun By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer The summery sun beamed down on the Christmas City the first weekend of autumn as Catholics gathered for the Diocesan Family Festival Sept. 24 at Bethlehem Steel- Stacks for a day of faith, fellowship and fun. An estimated 700 people attended the opening liturgy. Family springs from the divine sacrament of mar- of Allentown to be Consecrated to Our Lady of Fatima Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert will consecrate the of Allentown to Our Lady of Fatima Sunday, Oct. 15 at the noon Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. The of Allentown will join with all the s of Pennsylvania in entrusting the local Churches to the incomparable care of the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of the 100 th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. Please see FATIMA page 4 }} riage. We all have a role to play to enrich the family, said Bishop Alfred Schlert, who opened the event as principal celebrant of an 11 a.m. outdoor multicultural Mass on a day when temperatures soared into the 90s. The family is the building block of the Church, the nucleus. Everyone in the Church has a job to do in the divine plan. An image of Our Lady of Fatima was placed on the altar, and a rosary procession followed the liturgy. The fun-filled day for the whole family continued at the festival until 4 p.m. The weather was hot, but it turned out to be another beautiful sunny day for the Diocesan Family Festival, said Mary Fran Hartigan, secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization. It was great to see the diversity of ages present with Please see FESTIVAL page 14 }} Diocesan Feast Day, Mary Mother of the Church, Transferred to Second Sunday of October On April 21, 1965, His Holiness, Blessed Paul VI granted the request of First Bishop of Allentown Joseph McShea to designate Mary, Mother of the Church as the Patroness of the of Allentown. Each year since then, every parish in the has celebrated Mary, Mother of the Church on Oct. 11, with the liturgical rank of a Feast. Pope Francis in 2014 canonized St. John XXIII and his Memorial now falls on Oct. 11 as well. Since the Diocesan Patroness raises to the rank of a Feast, the Memorial of St. John XXIII would never be able to be celebrated in this. Several requests have been made by parishes over the past two years requesting the opportunity to celebrate both. In a pastoral effort to allow a greater number of the faithful of the to celebrate both liturgical Please see FEAST page 3 }}

2 2 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Published biweekly on Thursday by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at P.O. Box F Allentown, PA Phone: , Ext Fax: adtimes@allentowndiocese.org President Msgr. Alfred Schlert Secretary for External Affairs Matt Kerr Editor Jill Caravan Staff Writers Tara Connolly Tami Quigley Design & Production Marcus Schneck Advertising Contact Lori Anderson Office Assistant Priscilla Tatara MISSION STATEMENT As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D. Times is the official newspaper for the Roman Catholic of Allentown, serving Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the People of God through evangelization, catechesis and the teaching of the Church, the extension of Christ s presence in the world today. It endeavors to nourish, strengthen and challenge the faith of its readers by continually providing news information, formation, inspiration, religious education and Catholic identification. Under the patronage of Mary, Mother of the Church, The A.D. Times serves the Church so that the Kingdom of God might become a reality in our society transformed by His Good News. POLICY STATEMENTS The A.D. Times will consider all editorial copy and photos submitted in a fair and objective manner. The newspaper reserves the right to reject or edit any submission. Any advertising copy accepted does not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or endorsement of The A.D. Times and/or its publisher. The A.D. Times reserves the right to reject any advertising copy submitted. DEADLINES Advertising copy must be received by Monday of the week before publication. News copy must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. MEMBERSHIPS Catholic Press Association, Rockville Centre, N.Y. Catholic News Service, Washington, D.C. Catholic Press Association Award Winner 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 POSTAL INFORMATION The A.D. Times (USPS ) is published on Thursdays, biweekly January to May; triweekly June to September; biweekly October to November; and triweekly in December, at a subscription cost of $20 per year by Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. at 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Allentown, PA Periodicals Postage paid at Allentown, PA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA Episcopal Appointments St. Thomas More Society to Celebrate Red Mass Oct. 8 The annual Red Mass sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society of the of Allentown will be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 8 at noon at St. Catharine of Siena Church, 4975 Boyertown Pike, Reading. The Mass is open to the public and will be followed by a reception in the parish center. Guest homilist will be Bishop Emeritus William Murphy of the of Rockville Centre, New York. Bishop Murphy was consecrated auxiliary bishop of Boston, Massachusetts Dec. 27, 1995, and installed as Fourth Bishop of Rockville Centre Sept. 5, Pope Francis accepted his resignation Dec. 9, 2016 when then-bishop of Allentown John Barres was appointed Fifth Bishop of Rockville Centre. Bishop Murphy has served several times as a member of a Holy See Delegation for United Nations conferences, and as a member of the Third United Nations Special Session on Disarmament in He has been a member of three presidential delegations to Haiti (1987, 1990 and 1991), and was appointed to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom by President George W. Bush in He has served on and chaired a number of committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and was Bishop Murphy appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to serve as a member of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. The tradition of the Red Mass dates back to the 13 th century. It is a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit that invokes di- More people are accessing the Internet on their mobile devices, so the of Allentown has launched a new website design for that works as well on a phone or tablet as it does on a computer. We ve also reorganized the site s navigation bar into a drop-down menu to make it easier to get into the website s sections. Here s an example of how to use the navigation bar. If you want to know more about the, just roll your mouse over the word About or touch it on your mobile device. The drop-down menu will reveal where you should click to get to that section. If you navigate to Offices and Ministries, which is also in the drop-down menu from the word About, you ll see each listed in alphabetical order for ease of discovery. Carried over into the new design are some of the features you ll recognize. For example, you ll still be able to find a Catholic school or parish in a Google map. But you ll get there by clicking an icon on the homepage. Brand new are homepage icons to take you to sections about Giving, Marriage Preparation, Vocations, Pastoral Planning and Youth Protection. Two other icons lead to digital issues of The A.D. Times and a brand new calendar of events where you can sort events by type or view them all in a monthly calendar. The latest news stories, a featured video and the next few upcoming events round out the homepage. There is a lot of information on the site, including events you re invited to participate in and news about the you ll want to read. We hope you ll browse it often. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert has made the following Episcopal Appointments, effective Tuesday, October 10. Father Clifton Bishop from pastor, Holy Ghost and Incarnation of Our Lord, Bethlehem, to assistant pastor, St. Anne, Bethlehem. Father David Kozak from assistant pastor, St. Peter the Apostle, Reading to administrator, Holy Ghost and Incarnation of Our Lord, Bethlehem Father Jared Zambelli from assistant pastor, St. Thomas More, Allentown to assistant pastor, St. Peter the Apostle, Reading Ḟather Daniel Kravatz from assistant pastor, St. Anne, Bethlehem to assistant pastor, St. Thomas More, Allentown. Father Keith Laskowski also to member, Priestly Life and Spirituality Committee. Father Kevin Lonergan to member of the Episcopal Ceremonies Team, effective immediately. Father Keith Mathur to member of the Episcopal Ceremonies Team, effective immediately. Diane Bullard to secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Human Services. vine blessings on all those involved in the pursuit of justice especially judges, lawyers and elected officials. It is named for the red vestments worn by clerics and the red shoes worn by the judges of the High Court in England. The society, begun in 2010, is a Catholic professional association that promotes the mutual interaction of faith and culture in the realm of law and public policy. Its work is inspired by the life and legacy of St. Thomas More ( ), patron saint of statesmen, politicians and lawyers. He models a fidelity to the faith grounded in the search for truth, the dignity of the person, the unity of the family and the justice of civil society. For more information about the Mass, or for judges and attorneys interested in joining or learning more about the society, visit website or allentownstms@gmail. com. Launches New Website Design The new website works as well on a table or phone as it does on a computer. (Photo by Liz Bartolai) VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR The of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest, deacon or employee/volunteer of the /Parish Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these victims by the Church. To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line To learn more about the of Allentown s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of Conduct, please visit and click on Youth Protection at top right. COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia. Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Allentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las víctimas por la Iglesia. Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud, Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite y haga clic en Protección de la Juventud en la parte superior derecha.

3 October 5, 2017 Feast }}Continued from page 1 days, Fourth Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert has issued a decree (to right) transferring the Diocesan Feast Day, Mary Mother of the Church to the second Sunday of October, effective this year. For 2017 the Diocesan Feast Day will be marked on Sunday, Oct. 8. The term Mary, Mother of the Church was first used by St. Ambrose of Milan in the fourth century. Blessed Paul VI officially declared Mary, Mother of the Church at the Second Vatican Council. Mary is present in the Church as the Mother of Christ and at the same time as that Mother whom Christ, in the mystery of Redemption, gave to humanity in the person of the Apostle John (cf. John 19:27). Decree The A.D. Times 3 Applications Available for Diocesan Poverty Relief The of Allentown is accepting grant applications for the Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund. Proceeds from the annual Diocesan collection are used to fund projects and services that alleviate or address poverty as approved by the Bishop of the. This year s collection will be the weekend of Nov Organizations within the of Allentown, including St. Vincent de Paul Societies, are encouraged to apply. Requests from individuals will not be considered. Projects must demonstrate appropriate use of funds, oversight and fidelity to Church teachings. Organizations that receive these funds must not participate in or promote activities that contradict the moral and social teachings of the Church. The active participation of Catholic pastors, parishes and other institutions is encouraged. The amount of funds collected will determine the number and amount of grants awarded. Grant requests cannot exceed $10,000. Applications must be completed and returned by Friday, Nov. 10 to receive a response by March 1, An electronic version of the guidelines and application is available at org/poverty-relief. For more information, contact Robert Olney, Director of the diocesan Office of Marriage and Natural Family Planning, , ext Voluntary Collection for Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief For the third time in a month, the United States and its territories have been devastated by a natural disaster. Hurricane Maria, as you know, has leveled much of Puerto Rico and left most of the island without electricity and running water, which are predicted not to be brought back online for months. Our is the home of many persons from Puerto Rico, and many others have family members residing there, driving home the plight of the people. While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has not called for a national collection to provide aid to Puerto Rico because of other collections in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Bishop Alfred Schlert has authorized the pastors and administrators of the of Allentown to take up a voluntary special collection in their parishes on one of the weekends in October. If such a collection is taken up, it should not be on the same weekend as the annual Mission Sunday Collection, which is scheduled for the weekend of Oct IN THE NAME OF GOD. AMEN. I, The Most Reverend Alfred Andrew Schlert, D.D., by the grace of God and the favor of the Apostolic See, Fifth Bishop of Allentown, mindful of the spiritual welfare of the faithful and to encourage devotion and piety among a greater number of the lay faith; and Recognizing the role of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, in the Mystery of Salvation and the life of the Church; and Acknowledging, the solemn declaration of the Supreme Pontiff, His Holiness, Blessed Paul VI, at the close of the Twenty-first Ecumenical Council of the Holy Roman Church, the Second Vatican Council, declaring the Blessed Ever-Virgin Mary to be the Mother of the Church; and Recognizing, the decree on 21 April 1965 of the Founding Bishop of the of Allentown His Excellency, Bishop Joseph McShea, naming Mary, Mother of the Church as the Principal Patroness of the of Allentown; and Finally, desiring to solemnly mark the Principal Patroness of the of Allentown, to enshrine her memory among us, and to promote public devotion to her under this title; Now, therefore, invoking the guidance of the Triune God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, I decree That the Diocesan Patroness of Mary, Mother of the Church shall be observed with the liturgical rank of a Feast in all the churches and oratories in the territory of the of Allentown and shall be perpetually transferred from the eleventh day of October to the Second Sunday of October, in the particular calendar of the of Allentown; and That this Feast shall take precedence over the observance of the corresponding Sunday in Ordinary Time, according to the norm of law as found in the sacred liturgical books; and Finally, that this decree shall become effective at the Vigil and Sunday Masses on 8 October Given on this twenty-sixth day of September, in the Year of Our Lord, two thousand seventeen, in the first year of my Episcopate.

4 4 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Bishops Consecrate Pennsylvania s to Our Lady of Fatima By JEN REED The Catholic Witness Joining their voices in prayer and lending their honor of the Blessed Mother to strains of Marian hymns with hundreds of clergy, religious and lay faithful, the bishops of the dioceses of Pennsylvania concelebrated a solemn Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg Sept. 27 to consecrate the state s Catholic dioceses to Our Lady of Fatima in this 100 th anniversary year of her apparitions. With a beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima adorned with flowers flanking the front of the church, the bishops of Pennsylvania s eight Latin Rite and two Byzantine Rite dioceses gathered at the altar for the Mass, for which Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia served as principal celebrant This year marks the 100 th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who appeared six times to three shepherd children near the town of Fatima, Portugal, between May 13 and Oct. 13, Appearing to the children, the Blessed Virgin told them that she had been sent by God with a message for every man, woman and child living in our century. Coming at a time when civilization was torn asunder by war and bloody violence, she promised that Heaven would Bishop Alfred Schlert was among the bishops who concelebrated the Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg. (Photos by Chris Heisey, The Catholic Witness) grant peace to all the world if Her requests for prayer, reparation and consecration were heard and obeyed. Bishop David Zubik of Pittsburgh was homilist for the Mass, and his message delivered to the capacity crowd called on the faithful to emulate the three qualities that the Blessed Mother is shown to embody: to be a witness to Christ, to be a person of prayer and to be a person of sacrifice. Reflecting on the day s Gospel passage (Luke 2:27-35) of the presentation of the Lord in the temple and Simeon s words to Mary that her heart would be pierced, Bishop Zubik remarked, It is precisely Mary s role as disciple, and ours as well, that we reflect upon today as we as the Churches of all of Pennsylvania consecrate everything of who we are as Church to our Blessed Lady. The Mother of Jesus, he said, embodies three specific qualities in which we are called to follow as disciples of her Son: She is a witness, pointing to her son Jesus as she always would do. She shows herself to be a woman of prayer, always knowing how essential and absolutely necessary it is every day to connect with God in prayer. She shows how imperative it is to be a person of sacrifice, to take everything done in her life and to make it holy, said Bishop Zubik. Turning to the occasion for the celebration of the Mass that day, he said that Mary s message to the three shepherd children at Fatima a century ago was one also intended to the entire world: what it truly means to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. What Mary told those three children was this: Console God. Let him know that you believe in him. Let him know that you love him. Let him know that you want to serve him, said Bishop Zubik. Within the context of that message, the Blessed Mother was inviting all of us to imitate her as witness, in prayer and in sacrifice. How often we in our world today find Jesus mocked, disregarded, avoided. Please see BISHOPS page 5 }} Archbishop Charles Chaput, second from left, serves as principal celebrant. Fatima }}Continued from page 1 Clergy, religious and faithful of the of Allentown are invited to participate in this historic occasion in the life of the and the Church of Penn- Bishop David Zubick preaches the homily. sylvania. A common entrustment prayer will be recited at the Mass. The prayer is printed below. All the bishops of Pennsylvania marked the dedication with a special Mass Sept. 27 at Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg (see story above). Consecration of the of Allentown to Our Lady of Fatima on the Occasion of the 100 th Anniversary of the Apparitions of the Blessed Virgin in Fatima, Portugal If possible, a statue of Our Lady of Fatima should be arranged in full view of the faithful for this occasion. The statue may be decorated with candles and flowers. This consecration may take place before Mass begins or after the Prayer after Communion. The pastor first addresses the assembly: My brothers and sisters: This 100 th anniversary of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the shepherd children in Fatima invites us to renew our dedication to her and to ask her prayers for our fidelity to her Son, especially in the conversion of our hearts from sin and in the work for peace. Everyone kneels. The pastor kneels before the image of the Blessed Virgin and prays: Hail, Mother of the Lord, Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima! Blessed among all women, you are the image of the Church dressed in the Paschal light, you are the honor of our people, you are the triumph over the mark of evil. Prophecy of the merciful Love of the Father, Teacher of the Annunciation of the Good News of the Son, Sign of the burning Fire of the Holy Spirit, teach us, in this valley of joys and sorrows, the eternal truths that the Father reveals to the little ones. Show us the strength of your mantle of protection. In your Immaculate Heart, be the refuge of sinners and the way that leads to God. In unity with our brothers and sisters, In Faith, Hope and Love, We surrender ourselves to you. In unity with all our brothers and sisters, through you, we consecrate ourselves to God, O Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima. And thus surrounded by the Light that comes from your hands, We will give Glory to the Lord for ever and ever. All: Amen. An antiphon or hymn in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary may follow.

5 October 5, 2017 Bishops The A.D. Times 5 }}Continued from page 4 All the more important because of our baptism and our confirmation, it is essential for us to stand up for, to be witnesses for Jesus as Mary was, he said. Mary offers a clarion call that we should never meet any day without dropping to our knees, honoring the Lord in everything we will be about that day, and that we could not end any day without thanking the Lord for his guidance bringing us through each of those days, the bishop continued. And as Mary challenged the shepherd children, we likewise are called to be people who know the meaning of sacrifice to make holy everything that we are about in our day-to-day lives. As we seek her help today, may we pray together with and for each other that, like our dear Blessed Mother, we might be people who are true disciples of the Lord, always witnessing to Jesus; that, like our dear Blessed Lady, we may know the power of prayer in each day; and that, like our dear Blessed Lady, may we know the meaning of sacrifice and make holy all that we do. After the homily, the congregation joined the bishops in praying aloud the Prayer of Consecration to Our Lady of Fatima. During the weekend Masses of Oct. 14 and 15, each of the parishes of each of the dioceses of Pennsylvania will pray the Prayer of Consecration to Our Lady of Fatima, during a Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The tone of the weekend will be one of consecrating the local Church to the patronage of Our Lady of Fatima in this anniversary year. The dioceses in Pennsylvania are of Allentown, of Altoona-Johnstown, of Erie, of Greensburg, of Harrisburg, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, of Pittsburgh and of Scranton. The two eparchies are Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. A video of the Mass is available on the of Allentown website at news/bishops-dedicate-pennsylvania-our-lady-fatima. Stained Glass Sale to Feature Panels from Diocesan Churches, Convents More than 200 pieces of stained glass from 12 closed diocesan churches, two convents and a chapel will be available for sale Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall. The is sponsoring the sale through Beyer Studio, Philadelphia. Proceeds from the sale are returned to the parishes into which the closed parishes were consolidated or merged. The glass pieces for sale will range in size from as small as eight by eleven inches to as large as 24 to 50 inches, and many sizes in between. Many of the stained glass panels are sized to fit in a normal sized residential window with attached hanger so they can easily be hung. Several of the pieces are windows, without religious art, still in their wooden frames making a nice architectural salvage piece for a home or office. Prices will range from $25 to $700 and are determined by uniqueness, condition and size. The stained glass pieces were created from stained glass windows that were part of: St. Joseph Convent, Ashland; St. Mauritius, Ashland; St. Stanislaus, Bethlehem; SS. Cyril and Methodius, Coaldale; St. Anthony of Padua, Cumbola; St. Joseph, Frackville; St. Joseph, Girardville; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Gordon; St. Kieran, Heckscherville; Missionaries of Charity Convent, Mahanoy City; St. Kunegunda, McAdoo; Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Middleport; Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Minersville; Sacred Heart, Nesquehoning; and St. George, Shenandoah. Stained Glass Sale ~ Saturday, October a.m. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Hall Pershing Boulevard, Whitehall Sizes 8x11 to 24x50 inches Prices $25 to $700 Stained glass panels will be available from the following churches. St. Joseph Convent, Ashland St. Mauritius Church, Ashland St. Stanislaus Church, Bethlehem SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, Coaldale St. Anthony of Padua Church, Cumbola St. Joseph Church, Frackville St. Joseph Church, Girardville Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Gordon St. Kieran Church, Heckscherville Missionaries of Charity Convent, Mahanoy City St. Kunegunda Church, McAdoo Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Middleport Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Minersville Sacred Heart Church, Nesquehoning St. George Church, Shenandoah

6 6 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Join Us for Family Celebration of 100 Years of Fatima Oct. 22 Calling all families! Join us for The Family Fully Alive: 100 Years of Fatima on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. The Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry of the of Allentown invites you to come together as a family to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Our Lady s appearance at Fatima and learn about what Our Lady told the world at that time. Events will include a family holy hour, Fatima-related crafts and activities, and a family meal (pasta, salad, rolls). The celebration will be at parish lo- for families that means noisy infants, squirmy toddlers, and children and teens of all ages are welcome. It can be difficult in today s busy world to gather whole families together for prayer, so the 100 Years of Fatima events are designed to engage and welcome every member of every family. 10. Finally, the 100 Years of Fatima events will serve as the kickoff for Culture of Encounter, the newest family program being offered through the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry. Culture of Encounter will offer recations in Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill deaneries. Berks Holy Guardian Angels Parish, 3121 Kutztown Road, Reading. Lehigh St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall. Schuylkill St. Patrick Parish, 319 Mahantongo St., Pottsville. Registration cost of $10 per family includes dinner and activities for the entire family, and we encourage families with children of all ages to attend. For questions, contact Alexa Doncsecz at adoncsecz@allentowndiocese.org. 10 Reasons Your Family Should Attend The Family Fully Alive: 100 Years of Fatima What are the messages of Divine Mercy and Our Lady of Fatima? What do the messages of Divine Mercy and Fatima have to do with each other? These questions and more will be discussed during Faith and Spirits Tuesday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Vito s Coal-Fired Pizza and Restaurant, 400 Terry Rich Blvd., St. Clair. The informal discussion Divine Mercy and 100 Years of Fatima will be presented from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. by Father Rick James. He will explore what the message of Fatima and Divine Mercy 1. Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917 because she had a message for them to share with the world. When the Mother of God visits from Heaven to reveal secrets about saving souls and bringing peace to the world, it is important to pay attention. At The Family Fully Alive: 100 Years of Fatima, families will have the opportunity to learn about the Marian apparitions in 1917 and what it means for our lives today. 2. It can be difficult with busy schedules to sit down and share a family meal. At the 100 Years of Fatima events, families will have the opportunity to eat dinner together and spend quality time as a family. Also including family prayer and several interactive, family-friendly activities, the 100 Years of Fatima events offer something for all ages, and create a bonding experience that the whole family can enjoy, together. 3. Sister Lucia, one of the children who experienced the Marian apparitions in Fatima, tells us, There is no problem, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary. Our Lady of Fatima tells us it is important to pray the rosary to obtain peace in the heart, in the family and in the world. The 100 Years of Fatima events will include an opportunity for families to grow together by participating in a family rosary. 4. Each family who attends a 100 Years of Fatima event will receive a family resource bag including sacramentals and other materials to help equip families to create a sacred space for prayer and spirituality in their own home. 5. Night prayer is a wonderful way to unite families in prayer at the end of the day before going to sleep. Not only will the 100 Years of Fatima events end with Night Prayer, but each family who attends will receive their own Night Prayer booklet from the St. Thomas More House of Prayer in Cranberry, Pa. 6. The 100 Years of Fatima events are a wonderful opportunity to meet families from other parishes in the and around the region. There is nothing more encouraging than seeing families come together for their faith, and fellowship among families helps to build faith-filled communities. 7. With all that is happening in the world, there are many who need our prayers. There is strength in numbers when it comes to prayer, and the 100 Years of Fatima events provide an opportunity for many families to come together and pray for all those less fortunate, and all those in the world who may not have someone to pray for them. 8. Part of the evening will include an interactive retelling of the Fatima story, featuring members from the audience. Don t miss a chance to experience the narrative of Our Lady of Fatima in a new and engaging way. 9. The family holy hour at the beginning of the event is designed specifically have to do with us today. The diocesan Office of Adult Formation is offering the discussion. All adults are welcome. Bring a friend or come yourself. There is no charge for attending and no registration is required. Vito s will have menus available for ordering food and drink at participants expense. No registration is required, just show up and bring a friend. Seating is first-come, firstserved. For questions or more information, visit gional family holy hours every month for the next year, at various parishes in each deanery. For more information on Culture of Encounter and to find out where family holy hours are being hosted in your region, visit encounter. We hope to see you and your family Sunday, Oct. 22 at The Family Fully Alive: 100 Years of Fatima. For more information and to register, visit Faith and Spirits in St. Clair to Discuss Divine Mercy and Fatima This course offered by the Diocesan Institute for Catechesis and Formation (ICF) is starting later this month. ICF 106 The Church. The Church is the place of encounter between God and his people on earth. This course will pro- and-spirits or contact the Office of Adult Formation by adultformation@ allentowndiocese.org or call , ext Institute for Catechesis and Formation Offering Fall Course on The Church vide a brief overview of the origins of the Church; her identity as One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic; and what it means to be the Body of Christ on earth. Presented by David Kuhns from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6 and 13 at Berks Catholic High School. ICF courses are meant for any Catholic adult looking to grow deeper and learn more about the faith. There are no prerequisites. Cost is $30. To register, visit Cursos ICF son para cualquier adulto católico que buscan profundizar y aprender más sobre la fe. No hay requisitos previos para estos cursos. Costo: $30. Para registrarse visite

7 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 7

8 8 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Death Deacon Richard Gergar, Served at St. Anne, Bethlehem Deacon Richard Gergar, 72, of Bethlehem died Sept. 27. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, Diane (Deutsch) Gergar; a son Richard Gergar (Theresa); a daughter Susan Taylor; three grandsons; and two granddaughters. Deacon Gergar was ordained to the permanent diaconate May 20, 2006 by Bishop Edward Cullen at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown. Bishop Cullen assigned him to St. Anne Church, Bethlehem June 3, 2006, where he served until his death. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Oct. 2 at St. Anne Church, Bethlehem. Father Anthony Mongiello, pastor, was main celebrant. Msgr. Francis Nave, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate, concelebrated. Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert presided in choir. Burial was at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem. St. Thomas More to Honor Active Duty Military and Veterans The St. Thomas More family will be honoring the women and men of the parish who are actively serving or have served our country Sunday, Nov. 5 at the 12:15 p.m. Mass. The parish is encouraging all its active duty women and men, veterans and their families to attend this Mass if possible. The Mass will be followed by a reception in the Family Center. Anyone who has been or is a member of the USAF, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corp, U.S. Navy, the Public Health Service and NOAA is asked to consider joining their sisters and brothers in arms for this celebration of their service to God and country. Those able to participate are asked to contact the parish rectory at with their name, branch of service and contact information, including phone number and/or address, and they will be contacted with additional information regarding the event. St. Jane Plans Sixth Annual Vocations Day Celebration As St. Jane Frances de Chantal Parish, Easton rejoices in the ordination of Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert a son of the parish and our the parish will come together again this year to pray for the blessing of more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The Vocations Committee of the parish has planned a brief evening of prayer, presentations, music and fellowship for Sunday, Nov. 5 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5 through Nov. 11 is designated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops as National Vocation Awareness Week. By supporting holy and strong marriages, where religious vocations may be born and nurtured through family love and faithfulness, this prayerful event will recognize the importance of our vision and understanding of God s will for our lives and the lives of those we love. The evening will begin with an introduction by Father David Anthony, assistant pastor of St. Jane. Speakers will include: Father Bernard Ezaki, assistant pastor of St. Jane; Sister Rose Bernadette Mulligan, a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and vocations director; David and Tina Zambo, whose sons attend Bethlehem Catholic High School; and Mark Petrik, a freshman from Notre Dame High School, the winner of the parish s Knights of Columbus Scholarship Essay Contest. Director of Children s Religious Formation Kevin Kimmel will offer a video presentation addressing the vocations theme, That We May See. Hearing these powerful witnesses to the power, drama and joy of the amazing vocation journey, provides us with a blessed opportunity to pray for the future of our Church, the Body of Christ, during these difficult and challenging times, as we recognize the need for more consecrated workers in the vineyard courageous, faithful and seeing the world through the loving eyes of Christ himself. There will be time for discussion with the speakers. For more information, call Joe DiMarco, Sunday Scripture Sunday, Oct. 8 Diocesan Feast Day: Mary, Mother of the Church (Principal Patroness) First reading Isaiah 5:1-7 Responsorial Psalm Psalms 80:9, 12-16, Second reading Philippians 4:6-9 Gospel Matthew 21:33-43 Sunday, Oct th Sunday in Ordinary Time First reading Isaiah 25:6-10n Responsorial Psalm Psalms 23:1-6 Second reading Philippians 4:12-14, Gospel Matthew 22:1-14 Correction An incomplete sentence in an article on scholarships for Catholic school students in the Sept. 21 issue of The A.D. Times should have read: According to Bakey, prospective donors must be accredited investors and meet certain financial credentials, such as having individual annual income of $200,000 or $300,000 of joint income in the recent two years, or have a $1 million net worth excluding primary residence. We apologize for any inconvenience this misinformation may have caused.

9 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 9 SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem Celebrates Centennial of Faith By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Much has changed in the world as it was in The year marked the May 29 birth of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The United States entered World War I on April 6 under President Woodrow Wilson. Film audiences were watching Mary Pickford star in Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm on the silent silver screen. It was also a milestone year for faith in West Bethlehem, with the founding of the parish of SS. Simon and Jude, of which Msgr. William Baver has been pastor since The highlight of the anniversary year will be a Mass celebrated Sunday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. by Bishop Alfred Schlert. There will be a light reception in the parish hall following the Mass. Current and former parishioners were invited to a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Msgr. Baver July 21, the founding date of the parish. Refreshments were served in the parish hall after the liturgy. SS. Simon and Jude is asking parishioners to make a commitment to pray in thanksgiving and petition for the members of the parish past, present and future so that each prayer be a flower in the spiritual bouquet that we offer to our God. Finishing by Saturday, Oct. 28 the Feast of SS. Simon and Jude participants are asked to pray the following for the parish: participate in extra weekday Masses, pray the rosary privately, pray the rosary in community, novenas, Divine Mercy Chaplets, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, acts of charity, days of fasting and stations of the cross. Some parishioners gathered for Sharing a Meal, Sharing a Memory May 3 at Rudy s Bar and Grill, Bethlehem. They participated in a trivia quiz about the history of SS. Simon and Jude, and were entered into a prize drawing. History Sharing the parish history in his homily at the July 21 Mass, Msgr. Baver said on July 21, 1917 SS. Simon and Jude became the first territorial parish in the city of Bethlehem. Archbishop Edmond Prendergast appointed Father Elmer Stapleton as founding pastor. For the first three years a small chapel, known as the Church of the Nativity, on Union Boulevard became the first worship site. In 1918 a plot of ground was purchased at Sixth and Broad streets. In 1920 The highlight of the anniversary year will be a Mass celebrated Sunday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. by Bishop Alfred Schlert. There will be a light reception in the parish hall following the Mass. SS. Simon and Jude, a mainstay of West Bethlehem since 1917, celebrates its centennial this year. (File photo) the parish purchased the Olivet Evangelical Church between Sixth and Seventh avenues. The church building was dedicated Sept. 25, 1920 by Cardinal Dennis Dougherty. In 1922 the construction of the school and convent began. The school of SS. Simon and Jude opened Sept. 8, The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) staffed the school. The six sisters who initiated the IHM residence in the parish were Mother Lucilla and five others living at St. Bernard Convent, Easton. The convent was dedicated Sept. 22, Demolition of the old church began in The new church would resemble the Swedenborgian Cathedral, but was actually patterned after Holy Cross Church in Mount Airy. Father John Mundy prepared for the dedication of the new church on Oct. 2, He resigned due to poor health in June 1940 and Father Owen Donnelly was named pastor. In 1961 the parish was under consideration to be the cathedral when the newly formed of Allentown began in Father Frederick Melley became pastor on May 28, 1964, and a new school was opened in September 1968 with 415 students. Also in September 1968 the present convent was completed and the IHM sisters took up residence with Mother Dolores Jean, who was principal. In total there were 144 deceased sisters who had ministered in the school. There are an additional 49 sisters alive who are ministering elsewhere but were stationed in the SS. Simon and Jude convent. Father Melley was named a domestic prelate with the title of monsignor in May In June 1976 Msgr. Charles Moss was named pastor. The church basement was then transformed into a parish hall and air conditioning was installed in the church. Father Robert Reed was named pastor in December Debts were eliminated from prior projects and there were 200 children in the school. Many active groups reached out to the needs of parishioners during his 24 years as pastor. Workshop for Teaching Time Management to Children With/Without Disabilities Directors/coordinators of religious education, principals, teachers, catechists and parents of children with disabilities are invited to save the date for a workshop on Strategies for Teaching Time Management to Children With/Without Disabilities. The event will be Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, 460 St. Bernardine St., Reading. Registration will be at 9 a.m. Speakers will be Dr. Caroline DiPipi- Hoy and Dr. Daniel Steere, authors of the book Teaching Time Management to Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The workshop is being sponsored by the diocesan Office for Ministry with Persons with Disabilities. Accommodations for the workshop can include American Sign Language, Assisted Listening Device and Braille Material. ACT 48 credits are available. Certified teachers may sign up on CPE Tracker. For more information, contact Sister Janice Marie Johnson, director, at , ext or jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org. Msgr. Baver was appointed pastor in June SS. Simon and Jude School was closed with about 113 students in Seven years later the newly formed Seton Academy closed its doors with 85 children remaining in a three-way merger of parishes. For a total of 87 years the IHM sisters influenced the students and teachers in the area. Today the former convent is a home for unwed mothers, the Mary s Shelter Cay Galgon Center. The former school was recently leased to the Vietnamese Community, who worship there each Sunday. The Vietnamese language will now be taught to a new group of youth on the parish grounds. SS. Simon and Jude is a regional center for the Vietnamese community. The new motorized lift assists seniors and parish groups to enter the parish hall. New air conditioning and refurbished church doors welcome all to Sunday worship. New microphones assist both the folk group and adult choir in enhancing participation at Mass. We honor SS. Simon and Jude as our powerful patrons. Simon the Zealot and St. Jude Thaddeus joined together in Persia where they were martyred to focus our attention and the building up of the Church is the work of God, Msgr. Baver said. These apostles were called by God as are. We ask the Father to give the Church continued growth and increase the number of those who believe in him. Msgr. Baver said at least seven priestly vocations came from the parish and at least seven religious sisters into the IHMs, Sisters of St. Joseph (SSJ) and the Order of St. Francis. We no longer have war bonds, minstrel shows or sodalities. Our seniors, St. Vincent de Paul Society and Knights of Columbus are the groups that offer companionship, monetary and food assistance to the poor and pro-life ventures respectively, said Msgr. Baver. And we all still marvel at the grapes symbolic of Christ and the two peacocks representing immortality on the front of the main altar. On behalf of Deacon Reuben Hartzell and Deacon Jeffrey Trexler and the parish staff, Msgr. Baver congratulated all the faithful on this milestone 100 th anniversary. St. Paul says as God s chosen ones, let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, and whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him, Msgr. Baver said. Public Rosary Rally Set for Oct. 14 Everyone is invited to join in a Public Square Rosary Rally Saturday, Oct. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Abundant Graces, 3348 Easton Ave., Bethlehem. This will be one of over 20,000 rallies taking place that day across the United States as part of America Needs Fatima s Public Square Rosary Crusade. The event will offer reparation for the sins and offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and pray for the conversion of the United States. Public Square Rosary Rallies take place on the closest Saturday to Oct. 13, feast of the last apparition of Our Lady of Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun. For more information, call Carol at

10 10 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 19 Bishop Schlert Celebrates Berks Deanery Mass at St. Ignatius In his divine wisdom, God answered our prayers with the selection of Bishop Schlert as the new spiritual leader of our. Left, Bishop Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates the Berks Deanery Mass Sept. 21 at St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring. Joining the Bishop are, from left: Msgr. Thomas Orsulak, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, Reading; Father Stephan Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola; Msgr. Dennis Hartgen, pastor of Holy Guardian Angels, Reading; Deacon Frederick Lanciano of St. Ignatius; and Father Thomas Bortz, pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola and vicar forane of the Berks Deanery. (Photos by John Simitz) Below, clergy and laity attend the evening Mass. Father Thomas Bortz invited everyone to take a holy card of Bishop Schlert as they exited Mass, and prominently display it somewhere in their home. It would then serve as a reminder to pray for him each day. I told them that I would be putting mine in the refrigerator the Bishop and congregation roared. The faithful sing the processional hymn. One of the laity commented about Bishop Schlert after Mass, He is like St. John Neumann the people s Bishop. Left, Michael Adams, director of music at St. Ignatius Loyola, directs a combined choir at the Mass. Above, presenting the offertory gifts are, from left, Dr. Jeff Leoni, John Jolls, Greg Calabria and Kathy Hessler. Left, religious sisters are among those attending the Mass. More photos page 11

11 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 11 Bishop Schlert Celebrates Berks Deanery Mass at St. Ignatius Father Thomas Bortz greets those gathered for the liturgy. For over six months, the good and faithful people from the Berks Deanery prayed to our Lord God to send us a shepherd after his son s Sacred Heart: one who is courageous, faithful and a humble servant. In his divine wisdom, God answered our prayers with the selection of Bishop Schlert as the new spiritual leader of Bishop Alfred Schlert greets faithful from the Berks Deanery during the reception after the Mass. With great joy, Bishop Alfred Schlert was warmly welcomed to the Berks Deanery Mass. We had a beautiful celebration in thanksgiving to God for our new Bishop, said Father Thomas Bortz. our, said Father Bortz. More photos page 10 A Call Within a Call: Finding God s Will in the Mundane We all make hundreds of decisions every day, large and small; how do you know what God s will is in those decisions? Join the Office of Adult Formation Thursday, Oct. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. at McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, Reading (adjacent to Alvernia University) for A Call Within a Call: Finding God s Will in the Mundane. Jesuit Father Frank Kaminski will help participants uncover the mystery of finding God s will in our everyday lives and decisions. This event is free of charge, but participants are asked to register at For questions, contact the Office of Adult Formation, adultformation@ allentowndiocese.org or , ext

12 12 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Youth & Young Adults Youth Groups Save the Lost in Christian-Themed Adventure Game By ALEXA DONCSECZ Special to The A.D. Times What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the 99 in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? This passage from Luke 15:4 sets the tone for Save the Lost, a new adventure game for Christian youth. Save the Lost was the center of the Aug. 20 youth ministry event co-hosted by Queenship of Mary Parish, Northampton and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Roseto. The event, held at St. Michael Spiritual Center, Northampton, was attended by 13 teens from the two participating youth ministry programs. The evening began with Eucharistic Adoration led by Deacon Michael Doncsecz, followed by an interactive activity to help the teens get to know each other, snacks and several rounds of Save the Lost. A fast-paced glow-in-the-dark game, players must search through darkness to find The Light, a small blue orb hidden within the boundaries of the playing field. Tempters are players who hide the orb and try to prevent the rest of the group, the Lost Souls, from reaching it and becoming Saved. The goal of the game is for all the Lost Souls to find The Save the Lost is now available to parishes and youth ministry programs through the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Resource Library. Light and become saved before time runs out. Save the Lost was such a great team-building game, said Linda Basso, Above, Kendall Decker of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Roseto and Rachel Miller of Queenship of Mary, Northampton put on their lightup cross necklaces designating them as Saved after finding The Light while playing Save the Lost. (Photo by Alexa Doncsecz) Left, Mikayla Miranda, a Tempter, hurries to keep Lost Souls from finding The Light. (Photo by Alexa Doncsecz) who coordinates the youth ministry program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It was uplifting to see the teens interact with each other. My kids are still talking about The game with all its parts and directions ready for play. (Photo by Jill Caravan) how much fun they had that evening. The game begins with the two groups of players: the Tempters and the Lost Souls. The goal for the Lost Souls is to find The Light and become saved without being tagged by the Tempters, who wear glowing red wristbands to distinguish themselves from the others. After a player has reached The Light, they receive a light-up cross and can no longer be tagged by Tempters. They are now saved, and are able to guide other Lost Souls toward The Light so they can be saved as well, but they must do so without speaking. The game ends when all the lost become saved or the allotted time runs out. The teens enjoyed the game night and Please see LOST page 13 }} Left, Mikayla Miranda guards an area from three players searching for The Light. (Photo by Alexa Doncsecz) Right top, Linda Basso, youth minister at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with Patrick Smith, youth minister at Queenship of Mary. (Photo by Alexa Doncsecz) Right bottom, teens from Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Queenship of Mary gather for a group photo with their youth ministers. (Photo by Alexa Doncsecz)

13 October 5, 2017 Lost }}Continued from page 13 viewed it as a meaningful bonding experience with peers from a different parish who they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet and interact with. For a night of awesome Christian fun, I recommend the game Save the Lost, said Kaitlin Merlino, a teen from Our Lady of Mount Carmel. This is a great icebreaker for teens, and best of all, a recipe for a great time. Not only is it enjoyable, but the Christian themes give it even more relevance to our daily lives. This was a great way to combine faith and fun, added Patrick Smith, youth minister at Queenship of Mary. It was great for building teamwork and fellowship among the teens, and they had a lot of fun they didn t want to stop playing. I believe that our teens can strengthen their Faith through new friendships within our diocesan youth groups, Basso noted. It s an exciting time of planning and collaboration among the diocesan youth group leaders. It s a blessing to be supported by the dedicated people in the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry. Save the Lost is now available to parishes and youth ministry programs through the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Resource Library. For more information on borrowing materials from the resource library, Alexa Doncsecz at adoncsecz@allentowndiocese.org. For more information on Save the Lost, visit or LostGame/. What would it be like to have a personal encounter with a saint? Theology on Tap, a young adult speaker series sponsored by the Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry, invites you to its next event. You Are Littler: Encounters with St. John Paul II will be Monday, Oct. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Allentown Brew Works, 812 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. Maria Mitchell, producer at Ascension Press, will present the topic followed by Q&A. Event is free of charge. Food and beverage can be ordered from the menu. For more information, contact Alexa Doncsecz, adoncsecz@allentowndiocese.org or visit org/tot. Youth & Young Adults The A.D. Times 13 Next Theology on Tap on St. John Paul II American Heritage Girls Receive Marian Medals Eight members of American Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop 1111, sponsored by St. Catharine of Siena Parish, Reading, received Marian medals Sept. 16 after a year s work that included study, a pilgrimage, and many hours of service to both church and their fellowman. Pictured are, from left, Troop Sheppard Deanna Stratton, Molly Stratton, Chloe Kassass, Emma Devlin, Charter Representative Father John Rother, Alivia Devlin, Carol McDevitt, Madeline Griffin and Assistant Pioneer Leader Polly Kassas. Also earning this award but not pictured were Rachel Kostival and Helene Paris. AHG s mission is Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country. If interested in learning more about AHG or finding a troop near you, visit website Scouting Committee Presents Eagle Recognitions Fred Flemming, vice chairman of the Allentown Catholic Committee on Scouting (ADCCCOS), awarded a recognition certificate to Shawn Patrick Mahoney of Troop 301 at his Eagle Court of Honor July 8 at St. Joseph Church, Coopersburg. ADC- COS provides recognition certificates to Catholic Eagle Scouts who request them on their website, org.

14 14 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Festival A Festive Afternoon }}Continued from page 1 many families attending with young children. Once again we opened the day with a Mass celebrated by our Bishop and a rosary procession in honor of the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. It was beautiful and awe-inspiring a great start to be able to worship and pray with so many of our Diocesan families. Though it was hot, it was a fun-filled day with great music and a delicious selection of foods that our parishes provided. A real sense of community was in the air. This marks the third year the hosted the festival at SteelStacks. It began with the Papal Viewing Mass when Pope Francis visited the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September Msgr. David James, Diocesan vicar general, concelebrated the liturgy. Msgr. Victor Finelli was episcopal master of ceremonies. Deacon John Hutta, a transitional deacon, assisted. A combined choir the Diocesan Choir and the Cathedral Choir of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, directed by Beverly McDevitt, director of music at the cathedral provided music for the Eucharistic celebration. Elements of the liturgy were in English and Spanish. The Universal Prayer was offered in different languages making up the various ethnicities of the. 15 Beverly McDevitt directs the combined Diocesan and Cathedral choirs. (Photo by John Simitz) Bishop Schlert advised his homily would be brief, as he was the person wearing the most clothes, alluding to the already rocketing temperature. As he welcomed the faithful to the day celebrating the vocation of marriage and family life, Bishop Schlert asked everyone to pray for the victims of recent disasters in A group from St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown is ready to serve up the food. (Photo by John Simitz) Dana and Kevin Montone check out the petting zoo. (Photo by John Simitz) Above, the Tone Chime Choir of Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown and the Tone Chime Choir of John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington offer a song before the morning Mass. (Photo by John Simitz) Right, Bishop Alfred Schlert participates in the rosary procession as seminarians carry an image of Our Lady of Fatima. (Photo by John Simitz) the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico and Puerto Rico. We ask the Blessed Mother, who we will honor after Mass, to comfort them. Bishop Schlert reflected on the morning s Gospel, Matthew 20:1-16, the parable of the workers in the vineyard. In it, the landowner very generously pays the same wage to the workers, no matter what time they began working for the day. Jesus has a job for each one of us. He doesn t want us standing idly in the marketplace, said Bishop Schlert. Let us be workers in the vineyard by way of what God has given us in time and talent. We honor in a special way today the Blessed Mother, who 100 years ago at Fatima appeared to the children. She gave the children a job to do. Ask God to give us the fortitude to do The family is the building block our part to building Above, the faithful participate in the rosary procession. (Phoup the Church that of the Church, the nucleus. Evto by John Simitz) we do not stand idly eryone in the Church has a job in the marketplace, to do in the divine plan. Right, potato pancakes are prepared for noshbut serve him withing. (Photo by John Simitz) out reservation. Bishop Schlert also encouraged the faithful to ask questions of the seminarians and sisters there about their respective religious vocations. The day featured games, activities, music and food for family members of all ages. Games and activities for all ages included a petting zoo, face painting, duck pond, inflatable bounce house, and obstacle course and team competitions. A roaming entertainer named Andy the Clown made balloons. High school competitions featured four athletes from the following schools: Allentown Central Catholic High School; Berks Catholic High School, Reading; Bethlehem Catholic High School; and Notre Dame Above, ready to serve food from St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall are, from left, High School, Easton. Nancy Hendrickson, Debbie Schuster and Joan Glover. (Photo by John Simitz) The Island Time Band provided live music on the TD Stage, and DJ Wesley Works Below, the Island Time Band performs. (Photo by John Simitz) provided youth entertainment at a youth dance in the Blast Furnace Room. Geri Duke retired secretary of Bishop John Barres, Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen and the late Bishop Thomas Welsh is a featured performer of Island Time, whose members are parishioners of St. Ann, Emmaus. DeSales University, Center Valley provided musical entertainment. The Tone Chime Choirs of Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown and John Paul II Center for Special Learning, Shillington sang a prelude before Mass. Delicious, homemade ethnic foods were provided by local parishes kiffles, haluski (cabbage and noodles), tacos, empanadas, pierogies, apple dumplings and more. More photos page 16 Above, cheerleaders from Bethlehem Catholic High School stand during the liturgy. (Photo by John Simitz) Below, smiling after face painting at the Catholic Charities, of Allentown booth are, from left, Jacques, Thomas and Peter. (Photo by John Simitz) I look forward to this every year, said Kristin Bruneo, whose 2-year-old son Vinny was enjoying the duck pond at the booth of Catholic Charities, of Allentown. I like the outdoor Mass with Bishop Schlert, the people and the food, said Bruneo, who attended Bishop Schlert s Sept. 19 Mass in the Northampton Deanery at her home parish, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. Bruneo was quick to share her admiration for Bishop Schlert, noting, He s a real bishop. Even today in the heat he kept things light and bright, talking about being the one wearing the most clothes. Monica Davila and Dorothy Simon, juniors at Bethlehem Catholic High School, were enjoying volunteering at the festival for the first time as they manned the duck pond. I like the people and the kids. Its super fun, said Davila. It s a great opportunity for us to come together as a and with other people, said Simon. Over at the Moonbounce, Scott and Kathleen Moynihan, also parishioners of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, were with their 20-month-old son Ryan watching sons Connor, 4, and Owen, 3, bounce to their hearts content. We love it, Moynihan said of the festival. The most important thing is to bring families out to celebrate and to connect with other families who share the same love of the Church. Dan Moser, principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Bethlehem who was chatting with the Moynihans, said, It s a beautiful day. My family s favorite part was the walking rosary. In addition, The English and Spanish were representative of the true diversity of our faith. Moser and his wife, Joey, parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, are the parents of Milo, 8; Blakesley, 5; and Aurelia, 2. An animated group of friends attending the festival were Marie McVeigh, parishioner of St. Thomas More, Allentown; Elaine Trivisano, parishioner of St. Thomas More; Donna Oressie, parishioner of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall; Phyllis Johnson, parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown; and Pat Nichols, parishioner of St. Francis. It s wonderful, McVeigh said of the day, highlighting Bishop Schlert s nice homily, the great food and the different languages used in the Universal Prayer. Trivisano also liked the different languages, as well as the large number of people going up for Communion. I liked that they handed out rosaries with the programs that was nice. I enjoyed seeing the new bishop, he has a great personality, said Oressie. Johnson especially liked the great community spirit. It s most important getting everyone together. It s a wonderful turnout. Nichols said she also appreciated the community spirit, and then there s the food, of which they all raved with a smile. The Café on Carlton was abuzz with activity, feeding cabbage and noodles to hungry festival-goers, including Bishop Schlert. The booth s awning was inscribed with words that told the world the café was part of Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, founded by German Catholics in Cook Jeff Cole who by all accounts makes a delicious cabbage and noodles as well as other wonderful eats for the parish s fall festival said he was involved with the parish s booth at the Diocesan festival for Please see AFTERNOON page 16 }} Left, children enjoy the Moonbounce. (Photo by John Simitz)

15 16 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Afternoon }}Continued from page 15 the second year. It s fun seeing everybody, said Cole. The people really like the cabbage and noodles. It makes me feel good when they come back for thirds and fourths. I like doing the cooking. It s rewarding, and it keeps me out of trouble. Those attending could participate in the Diocesan Tree of Families. We had a tree painted similar to the Bishop s Annual Appeal this year Growing Our Families where people or families could write their name on a leaf and at- tach it to the tree. We now have it now in our secretariat office, Hartigan said. Information tables were set up by Diocesan entities including the Secretariat for Catholic Life and Evangelization, the Secretariat for Catholic Education, the Office of Vocations with seminarians on hand to field questions, the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) and the Sisters of Christian Charity (SCC). Vendors included Mercy Metal Works Special Jewelry Company, featuring jewelry fashioned by students of Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown; and Holy Infancy Gift Shop, Bethlehem. Lehigh Valley Pro-Life Future also had a booth with information on the group. Festival-goers play a game of bocci. (Photo by John Simitz) From left, Molly, Lily and Lucy Newman dance as their family watches. (Photo by John Simitz) Religious sisters display information on the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC). (Photo by John Simitz) Left, Bridget Schweizer poses as a nun. (Photo by John Simitz) Right, Andy the Clown poses with children. (Photo by John Simitz) Right, five-year-old Summer Joy Pitsilos keeps cool in the shade. (Photo by John Simitz) Julie Rodgers helps 5-year-old Brielle Herblod feed an alpaca. (Photo by John Simitz) Above, students from DeSales University, Center Valley perform. (Photo by John Simitz) Right, people or families could write their name on a leaf and attach it to the Diocesan Tree of Families during the festival. (Photo courtesy of Alexa Doncsecz) Right, Jeff Cole thoroughly enjoys cooking cabbage and noodles for the Café on Carlton of Holy Ghost, Bethlehem. (Photo by John Simitz) More photos pages 1, 14-15

16 October 5, 2017 By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer Six featured speakers will offer presentations at Lord, To Whom Shall We Go? the of Allentown s Spirit 2017 Men s Conference Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at DeSales University, Center Valley. The speakers are: Bishop Nelson Perez, Deacon Ramon Lima, Peter Herbeck, Father Stan Fortuna, Marty Rotella and Father Bernard Ezaki. Members of the Commission for Men serve on the Planning Committee. Stewardship: A Mission of Faith is also a conference sponsor. Robert Olney serves as the liaison to the Commission for Men. Members of the commission also serve with him on the conference planning committee. We are very excited about this year s presenters and look forward to offering sessions in Spanish this year. It will be a great conference, said Olney, director of the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Natural Family Planning. Bishop Nelson Perez Bishop Perez is Auxiliary Bishop and vicar for the Eastern Vicariate, of Rockville Centre, New York. Ordained to the priesthood in 1989, he was named Chaplain to His Holiness with the title of Monsignor by St. Pope John Paul II in In 2009 he was made a Prelate of Honor. Pope Benedict XVI named Bishop Perez an Auxiliary Bishop for the of Rockville Centre in Bishop Perez s previous ministries in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia included founding director of the Catholic Institute for Evangelization and assistant director of Hispanic Affairs Deacon Ramon Lima Deacon Lima is a retired CPA and permanent deacon in the of Brooklyn, New York. He has been involved in their deacon formation program and Hispanic ministry for 40 years. He is a retreat and pilgrimage leader and author. Deacon Lima was born in Havana, Cuba in He married in 1959 and migrated to the United States in He was ordained in the first class of deacons for the of Brooklyn in He began to form deacons in the Spanish program in 1982 and cofounded the National Association of Hispanic Deacons in Peter Herbeck Herbeck is vice president of Renewal Ministries and weekly host of two EWTN programs, The Choices We Face and Crossing the Goal. He is a speaker, author, husband and father of four. For more than 30 years, Herbeck has been actively involved in evangelization and Catholic renewal throughout the United States, Canada, Africa and Eastern Europe. He also hosts the daily radio show Fire on the Earth. A frequent conference speaker, Herbeck has authored When the Spirit Comes in Power and When the Spirit Speaks, and has produced CDs and booklets about discipleship and life in the Spirit. Herbeck is involved with i.d.9:16, an outreach to Catholic young adults sponsored by Renewal Ministries. He resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Father Stan Fortuna Father Fortuna is one of the eight founding members of the Community of Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), a Franciscan order established by the late Cardinal John O Connor, Archbishop of New York, in Ordained a priest in the Bronx 1990, he is an accomplished musician and has recorded 20 CDs. He is also an international speaker, writer and evangelist. Father Fortuna established the nonprofit Francesco Productions in 1987, with all proceeds benefitting the community s work with the poor of the South Bronx where he lives. Francesco International Love Outreach was later started to assist in working with the poverty-stricken outside of the United States, including the underprivileged in Uganda and Poland. An international speaker, Father Fortuna has been a featured presenter at numerous Franciscan youth conferences like Steubenville and has numerous appearances to his credit on the EWTN program Life on the Rock. He has released 20 CDs in a variety of musical genres. Marty Rotella Rotella is a Catholic singer/songwriter, evangelist and speaker. He works closely with Stewardship Mission of Faith. His original recordings include the CDs Amazing Grace in 2014, Spirit Power 3 in 2009 and Pray the Rosary for Life in The A.D. Times 17 Six Speakers to be Featured at Diocesan 2017 Men s Conference Marriage and Family Life To register, visit For questions, call , ext Marriage Preparation ( One in Christ ) evangelizes couples to strengthen the institution of marriage in our society. Parent enrichment and family enrichment opportunities are offered across the diocese throughout the year. Marriage seminars/workshops are presented throughout the diocese to strengthen marriages. The annual Diocesan Anniversary Mass recognizes milestone anniversaries and celebrates the Sacrament of Marriage. Rotella is a parishioner of Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Ridgefield Park, Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey. Father Bernard Ezaki A native of Allentown, Father Ezaki is assistant pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton. Ordained a priest for the of Allentown in 1988, Father Ezaki spent one year as an assistant pastor at St. Peter, Coplay. He then served 24 years as a professor of theology at Bethlehem Catholic High School. He was named assistant pastor of the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown in 2013 before being assigned to St. Jane. Legally blind since birth, Father Ezaki has learned the secret of Christian joy is nothing less than gratitude. At age 45, he discovered a sentence in a book that changed his life: I m not grateful because I m happy; I m happy because I m grateful. Men will also have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and conclude the day with Mass with Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert. Registration fee is $40. Deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 23. There is a special rate of $10 for all men attending Spanish sessions, as well as young men in high school or of college age. Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register, visit org. For questions, call , ext

17 18 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Bishop Schlert Returns to Alma Mater as Bishop of Allentown By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer Notre Dame High School has a special place in my heart, so much of my vocation developed here, said Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert Sept. 20 during his first pastoral visit as the new diocesan shepherd to his alma mater and one of the six Diocesan Catholic high schools. Father Christopher Butera, chaplain at Notre Dame High School (NDHS), Easton, and Mario Lucrezi, principal, welcomed the 1979 graduate and former teacher along with the estimated 600 members of the student body. It is such an honor to welcome you back to your alma mater, said Lucrezi, who earlier presented Bishop Schlert with an episcopal ring. The ring has special significance with your unique relationship with the. May it always remind you of Notre Dame and how it helped you toward the priesthood and in becoming Bishop of Allentown, he said. In his homily, Bishop Schlert said NDHS was always a welcoming place where friends, priests and faculty encouraged him to freely discern his vocation. I learned many things here as a young student and developed the ability to be a priest. He then spoke about some of the greatest threats facing the planet, like global warming but maintained the greatest threat to humans is the disbelief in God and organized religion. Bishop Alfred Schlert preaches the homily during Mass Sept. 20 at Notre Dame High School, Easton, where he graduated in (Photos by Ed Koskey) You stand at the crossroads, Bishop Schlert told the students. You live in a world where faith and a belief in God is marginalized. Bishop Schlert pointed to the NDHS Catholic community and asked students to seek influence from that community. Notre Dame can be that nurturing place for you just like it was for me, he said. I challenge you to make Notre Dame that safe place where you can talk about the faith, where you can talk about God Please see RETURN page 20 }} Pastors of some of the parishes whose high school students attend Notre Dame High School participate in the Mass, from left: Father Christopher Butera, school chaplain; Msgr. Stephen Radocha, pastor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton; Father Stephan Isaac, assistant pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring and a graduate of Notre Dame; Msgr. Edward Sacks, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem; Father John Barbella, pastor of SS. Philip and James, Phillipsburg, New Jersey; and Father Robert George, pastor of Sacred Heart, Bethlehem. Guitarists of Notre Dame s Music Ministry are, from left, Yunji Sun, Dongseop Lee and Chris Bianchi. The school s choir sings during the Mass. Music Ministry violinists are, from left, Annlisse Lynch, Sahah Atileh and Cathy Young.

18 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 19

19 20 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Return }}Continued from page 18 and where we can practice our faith freely. It is important to talk about the faith with your friends. In addition, he told the students that the Church needs them and embraces them, and pleaded with them not to faith-shame, prayer-shame or vocation-shame. No one should feel belittled or ashamed. That s always been the hallmark of Notre Dame it s a family of faith. It s a great tradition, said Bishop Schlert. Reminding the students that Notre Dame and the of Allentown are entrusted to the Blessed Mother, Bishop Schlert advised them to continue to follow her throughout their lives. I learned many things here as a young student and developed the ability to be a priest. If you follow Mary and are loving sons and daughters, you will not go astray. Let s make Notre Dame a safe space to talk about faith and our vocations in life, he said. After the students leave NDHS and embark on their vocation in life, Bishop Schlert encouraged them to be open to the religious life. The world is set before you with so many opportunities. Don t close your mind to any of them, he said. He then closed his homily by thanking the student body and staff for the gift of his episcopal ring that signifies him as the spouse of the. When I wear this ring, I will be reminded of the tremendous community that exists at Notre Dame and the community that gave birth to my vocation and to say yes to God, he said. Above, Bishop Schlert talks with senior Shea Elliot after celebrating his first school Mass as Bishop of Allentown. Left, Father Stephan Isaac, a 2006 graduate of Notre Dame, talks with students Jennie Melhem and Arthur Jacob after Mass.

20 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 21 Calendar Editor s note: , fax or mail church-affiliated items for the Calendar page (Calendar, Retreats, Socials, Festivals, Bazaars, Trips) to: , adtimes@allentowndiocese.org; fax, ; The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, PA Items must be received by Thursday of the week before publication. Please type or print. Please notify The A.D. Times if bingos and other regularly listed events are cancelled for the summer or other holiday periods, and again when they resume. The A.D. Times publishes only newly announced, churchaffiliated trips on a regular basis. The entire previously announced repeating trip list is published only as space permits. Please notify The A.D. Times when seats are filled for a trip so it can be removed from the repeating list. Please do not send items again after they are published. For more information, adtimes@allentowndiocese.org or call , ext Thursday, Oct. 5 Logos and Lagers, Catholic Bible Study for young adults ages in Berks County, St. Ignatius Loyola, Reading, 7-8:30 p.m., first Thursdays, Grief Support Group, for those grieving the death of a loved one, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown, convent meeting room, 6:30-8 p.m., Thursdays through Nov. 9, free and open to all, Saturday, Oct. 7 Life in the Spirit Seminar, Father Farrell Hall, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., also Sunday, Oct. 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., sponsored by the Allentown Catholic Charismatic group, information , all are welcome. Chicken and Waffle Supper, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 3-7 p.m., adults $8, children 4-12 $5, 3-under free. Boots and Bling, dinner gala and auction for Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown, DeSales University, Center Valley, , 2017mercygala@gmail.com. Sunday, Oct. 8 Breakfast, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30-11:30 a.m., adults $7, children 4-12 $3, 3-under free. Blessing of Animals, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 2 p.m. Red Mass, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, noon, followed by reception in parish center, homilist Bishop Emeritus of the of Rockville Centre William Murphy, allentownstms@gmail.com. Monday, Oct. 9 Sculpting with Patti, taught by Patti Umlauf, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $30 per class, $100 four classes, also Oct. 16, 23, 30, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Friendly Fifties, St. John Byzantine Church, Northampton, social hall, 1 p.m., entertainment by country western singer Donna Parsons. Tuesday, Oct. 10 Serra Club of Bethlehem Dinner Meeting, Monocacy Manor, Bethlehem, 6 p.m., $15, speaker Deacon Hugh Carlin. Friday, Oct. 13 Our Lady of Fatima 100 th Anniversary Celebration, Our Lady s Blue Army Shrine, Asbury, New Jersey, confessions start 10:30 a.m., rosary procession noon, Mass 1 p.m., ending with Divine Mercy Chaplet 3 p.m., , com. Our Lady of Fatima 100 th Anniversary Celebration, St. Catharine Chapel, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, 7 p.m., holy hour, rosary, litany and benediction; confession during holy hour; last of six monthly celebrations at churches in Berks County. Monthly Rosary for Our Lady of Fatima 100 th Anniversary Celebration, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, at Grotto, Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery, Shenandoah, 7 p.m., in case of inclement weather Divine Mercy Church. G.K. Chesterton: A Prophet for the 21 st Century, auditorium, St. Francis Academy, Bally, 7 p.m., $10, observations by the great English writer and Catholic convert, presentation by Dale Ahlquist, reservations recommended, (click on GK Chesterton), questions , mchova1084@ gmail.com. Hoedown, Holy Family School, Nazareth, 7-10 p.m., $50, square dancing and silent auction, adults only, benefit Cool Our School Campaign to install air conditioning, hfshoedown@gmail.com. Saturday, Oct. 14 Prayer Pilgrimage, for the unborn and those involved in abortion, Helpers of God s Precious Infants; Mass, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 8 a.m., celebrant Msgr. Vincent York, followed by rosary at Allentown Women s Center, , facebook.com/helpers-of-gods-precious-infants-of-allentown. of Harrisburg Women s Conference Lead All Souls to Heaven, Bishop McDevitt High School, Harrisburg, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., $30 early registration by Monday, Sept. 25; $40 by Monday, Oct. 2; $50 walk-in; keynote speaker Susan Brinkmann; celebrant and homilist Bishop Ronald Gainer; , jgontis@hbgdiocese.org, Diocesan Warehouse Stained Glass Sale, school auditorium, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 9-11 a.m., over 200 ready-to-hang pieces of various sizes from 15 churches of the of Allentown, prices starting at $25. Strategies for Teaching Time Management to Children With/ Without Disabilities, McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, Reading, 9:30 a.m.-noon, , ext. 2280, jjohnson@allentowndiocese.org. Mass to Commemorate Cemetery Sunday, Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem, 10 a.m., , ext. 2. Public Square Rosary Rally, one of over 20,000 rallies that day across the United States offering reparation for sins and offenses against Immaculate Heart of Mary and for conversion of United States, Abundant Graces, 3348 Easton Ave., Bethlehem, 11:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 15 Breakfast, Knights of Columbus, school hall, St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, 8 a.m.-noon, adults $8, children 6-12 $4 Ṗarish Breakfast, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 8:30-11 a.m. Father Ciszek Day, Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League Center, 218 W. Cherry St., Shenandoah, noon-1:30 p.m.; Divine Liturgy, St. Casimir, Shenandoah, 2 p.m., celebrant Msgr. Ronald Bocian, homilist Jesuit Father Brian Van Hove, followed by social in church hall. Dedication of the to the Blessed Mother for the 100 th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, noon Mass. Work Out Your Salvation, parish mission, Queenship of Mary, Northampton, through Wednesday, Oct. 18, each day confessions 5:30-6:30 p.m., conference 7 p.m., presented by Father Wade Menezes. Monday, Oct. 16 Bible Study, Finnegan Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 a.m.; also 6:30-8 p.m. and Wednesday, Oct :30 a.m., ldurback@gmail.com, , ext. 12. You Are Littler: Encounters with St. John Paul II, Theology on Tap for single and married young adults, Allentown Brew Works, 7 p.m., speaker Maria Mitchell, who met St. John Paul II numerous times throughout her life, sponsored by the of Allentown Office of Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry, Wednesday, Oct. 18 Friars Harvest Bistro, St. Francis Retreat house, Easton, 5-9 p.m., $55 per person, silent auction and music, dress business casual, annsfrh@rcn.com, , ext. 24. Allentown Serra Club Meeting, St. Thomas More, Allentown, 7 p.m., movie The 13 th Day. The Mass: Its Elements and Its Parts, church hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m., also Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19 Praying Toward Understanding: A Time of Prayer for Mental Health and Recovery, prayer service, Chapel, Sacred Heart Hospital, Allentown, 1 p.m., followed by light refreshments, Finding God s Will in the Mundane, McGlinn Conference and Spirituality Center, Reading, 7 p.m., free of charge, presented by Jesuit Father Frank Kaminski, register , ext Saturday, Oct. 21 Theology of the Body Seminar, Office of Adult Formation, St. Mary, Kutztown, 9:30-11:30 a.m., presenter Dr. William Hamant; also Saturday, Nov. 11, presenter Andrew Whitmore, and Saturday, Dec. 2, presenter Sara Hulse; $20 per session, $50 all three, , ext. 2021, org/icf. An Evening in Tuscany, gala dinner-dance and auction, St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown, at Saucon Valley Acres, Bethlehem, 6-10 p.m., $75 per person (purchase 4 tickets and receive $50 off), , ext. 24, advancement. sttheresaci@mail.com. Halloween Hop Dance, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 7-10 p.m., doors open 6:30 p.m., $5 per person, Mission Sunday Collection, through Sunday. Sunday, Oct. 22 Communal Celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 10:30 a.m. Mass, deadline for registration Monday Oct. 16, Spaghetti Dinner, parish hall, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, noon-4 p.m., adults $10, children ages 5-12 $5, children under 5 free, tickets must be purchased by Monday, Oct. 16, , The Family Fully Alive: 100 Years of Fatima, faith-filled activities at three locations in the, 4-7 p.m., $10 per family includes dinner and activities; St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall; St. Patrick, Pottsville; Holy Guardian Angels, Reading; hosted by Office for Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry, , ext Monday, Oct. 23 Healing Mass, for those individuals who have experienced trauma, celebrant Bishop Alfred Schlert, homilist Msgr. Walter Scheaffer, Sacred Heart Parish, Bath, 6:30 p.m., followed by Holy Hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and an opportunity for confession, Benediction 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 Serra Club of Bethlehem Dinner Meeting, Monocacy Manor, Bethlehem, 6 p.m., speaker Deacon Peter Schutzler. Thursday, Oct. 26 Truth: The Rosary, Power Beyond Description, speaker Father Kevin Gualano, parish hall, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Pen Argyl, 7-9 p.m., free. Sunday, Oct. 29 Roast Beef or Stuffed Boneless Chicken Dinner, St. Stephen Hall, Shenandoah, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $8, take out only, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Catholic War Veterans Post 454, at Catasauqua American Legion, 330 Second St., Catasauqua, cocktails 4 p.m., dinner 5 p.m., $30 per person, , proceeds benefit Diocesan Catholic Elementary School Education. An Evening Calling Upon Our Blessed Mother for World Peace, evening prayer, hymns, candle-lit rosary, St. Benedict, Mohnton, 6 p.m., questions Thursday, Nov. 2 Mass of Remembrance, commemoration of the faithful departed parishioners in month of All Souls, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m., deadline to submit names of those who died in past year Friday, Oct. 27. Saturday, Nov. 4 Lord, To Whom Shall We Go? Spirit 2017 Diocesan Men s Conference, DeSales University, Center Valley, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., $40, deadline to register Monday, Oct. 23, $10 high school/ college student, register questions , 2028, mflf@allentowndiocese.org. Sunday, Nov. 5 That We May See, Vocations Day Celebration, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 6-7:30 p.m., speakers Father Bernard Ezaki, Sr. Rose Bernadette Mulligan, David and Tina Zambo, and Mark Petrik, Wednesday, Nov. 8 Rev. Thomas J. Furphy Lecture, with Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida, Billera Hall, DeSales University, Center Valley, 7:30 p.m., free but tickets required, register furphy2017, questions , ext Thursday, Nov. 9 Cocktail and Calendars, Mary s Shelter Cay Galgon Center, Hotel Bethlehem, 6-8 p.m., $50, 2018 calendars showcasing beautiful babies unveiled, egecgc@marysshelter.org. Saturday, Nov. 11 Prayer Pilgrimage, peaceful prayer to end abortion, Helpers of God s Precious Infants; Mass, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 8 a.m., followed by rosary at Allentown Women s Center, , Infants-of-Allentown. Veteran s Day Patriotic Rosary, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, after 8:15 a.m. Mass. Sundays Interpreted Mass, for the hearing impaired, St. Columbkill, Boyertown, 9 a.m. Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, Serra Club of Reading, Holy Rosary, Reading, 4-5 p.m. Children s Prayer Group, for children of any age, Perpetual Adoration Chapel, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 5 p.m. Holy Hour for Our Families, Our Priests, and Our Country, Adoration Chapel, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m. First Sundays Spaghetti Dinner, parish center, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., adults $8, children $3.50. Divine Mercy Liturgical Service, St. Teresa of Calcutta, 600 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City, 3 p.m., confessions before liturgy, Anointing of the Sick after liturgy and benediction. Second Sundays Breakfast, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, 8:30-11:30 a.m., adults $7, children $3, October to April. Youth Mass, students in PREP and Catholic schools asked to participate as lectors, greeters, ushers, etc., St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 10:30 a.m. Latin Mass, St. Mary, Reading, 12:30 p.m., reconciliation at noon, social after Mass, Facebook Berks County Traditional Latin Mass Community. Juventutem Lehigh Valley Traditional Latin Mass, Sacred Heart, Bath, 12:30 p.m., followed by meeting at 2:15 p.m., open to ages 18-36, lawrence.meo@gmail.com, Bereavement Support Group, parish center, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, 3-4:30 p.m., no membership, sign-in or registration required, , sue@jnsc.org. Third Sundays Breakfast, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., adults $8, children 7-11 $4, under 7 free, no breakfast July or December. Fourth Sundays Breakfast, Assumption BVM, Northampton, 8:30 a.m.-noon, adults $7, children $3, Last Sunday Breakfast, St. Stephen of Hungary, Allentown, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays Eucharistic Adoration, chapel, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, after 8 a.m. Mass until 9 p.m., Scripture Classes, directed by Father Dennet Jung, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Bible Study on Gospel of John, Coll Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10 to 11:35 a.m., join anytime, , ldurback@gmail.com. Scripture Class with Father Paul Marconi, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 1-3 p.m., Monday Evening Bible Study, Finnegan Room, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 6:30-8 p.m., , ext. 12. Father Walter Ciszek Prayer Group, Father Ciszek Convent, 18 E. Oak St., Shenandoah, 6:30-7:30 p.m. GriefShare Workshop and Support Group, St. Catharine of Siena, 2427 Perkiomen Ave., Reading, 7-8:30 p.m., First Mondays Eucharistic Adoration, Chapel, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, after 8 a.m. Mass, evening prayer and benediction 5 p.m., second Mondays if falls on federal holiday or holy day, Charismatic Mass of Healing and Anointing, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, 7 p.m., Father Clifton Bishop celebrant and homilist, confessions 6-6:45 p.m. Fourth Mondays Kids Konnected, support group for children with a parent being treated for cancer, Penn State Health St. Joseph, Reading, 7 p.m., registration required , Last Mondays Mass and Veneration of Relic St. Pauline Visintainer, Our Please see CALENDAR page 22 }}

21 22 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Calendar }}Continued from page 22 Lady s Chapel, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 5 p.m. Tuesdays Eucharistic Day of Prayer, St. Ignatius of Loyola, Sinking Spring, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 8 a.m. Mass until 7 p.m. Benediction, Holy Family Quilters, church basement, Holy Family, Nazareth, 9 a.m.-noon, experienced quilters or those interested in learning are welcome, , salternkb@outlook.com. Tuesday Morning Bible Study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Allentown, 9:30-11 a.m., join anytime, , ext. 14. Catholic Charities Services, Annunciation BVM, Shenandoah, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., appointments Parenting Support Educational Series, Catholic Charities, Annunciation BVM, Shenandoah, 11 a.m.-noon, free, for parents and grandparents of infants through toddlers, register Adoration, St. Peter, Coplay, 6-7 p.m. Flame of Love Centacle; 7-8 p.m. personal time, end with benediction. Scripture Class with Father Paul Marconi, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m., Rosary for Religious Liberty, National Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Immaculate Conception BVM, Allentown, 1:30 p.m. First Tuesdays Simply Prayer mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, First and third Tuesdays Catechism Classes for Men, Catholic Men of Good News, Franciscan Center (former convent), St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, 7 p.m., Second Tuesdays Cancer Support Group, Msgr. Gobitas Meeting Room, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 7 p.m. Hoagie Sale, Knights of Columbus Cardinal Francis Brennan Council 618, $4, pickup 9 a.m. until sold out, 201 W. Cherry St., order , Rosary and Benediction, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays Spiritual Book Study, directed by Pat and Rich Kane, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 a.m., , ext. 12. Rosary and Novena, St. Patrick, Pottsville, 7 p.m. Bible Study, SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem, 7-8:30 p.m., bring your Bible. Wednesday Evening Bible Study, rectory basement, St. Paul, Allentown, new time 7-8:30 p.m., join anytime, , ext.14. Charismatic Prayer, St. Vincent de Paul Chapel, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, 7-8:P30 p.m., First and third Wednesdays Joseph s People, support group for unemployed and underemployed persons, St. Catharine of Siena, Reading, 7-8:30 p.m., , , kaf8860@dejazzd.com or jsenick@ptd.net. Women s Prayer Group, Sister Gertrude Room, Franciscan Center, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown, fellowship and hospitality 6:30 p.m., prayer hour 7-8 p.m., , gatheredingrace@aol.com. Second Wednesdays Healing Mass, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem 7 p.m., Second and fourth Wednesdays God s Bountiful Table, soup kitchen open for disadvantaged and those in need, St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Matthew the Evangelist, Minersville, at Father Anthony Ricapito Annex, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., volunteers needed, Rosary, Marian Prayer Group, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, Third Wednesdays Cancer Support Group, for those with cancer, caregivers and friends, St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, 7 p.m., all are invited, , Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, Serra Club of Reading, St. Mary, Kutztown, 7 p.m. Thursdays Bible Study, Wortmann Center, Holy Family, Nazareth, after 8:30 a.m. Mass, bring your Bible. Prayer of the Heart Contemplative Prayer, classes, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Scripture Study, SS. Simon and Jude, Bethlehem, 10-11:30 a.m., Musical Entertainment, Christopher s at Columbian Home, Knights of Columbus Calvary Council 528, Allentown, 7-10 p.m., Faith Sharing, Allentown Bethlehem Catholic Young Adults, Assumption BVM, Bethlehem, 7:30-8:45 p.m. First Thursdays Holy Mass with Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m. Second Thursdays Lay Fraternities of St. Dominic, Chapter of the Expectation of the Blessed Mother, Notre Dame of Bethlehem, 6:30-8:30 p.m., , , Second and fourth Thursdays On-Going Job Transition Workshop, job transition group for those seeking employment or career advancement, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 9-11:30 a.m., free, , mikesfrh@rcn.com, Fridays Holy Mass, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 7:30 p.m. Symbolon, the Catholic Faith Explained, catechetical program, Barnabite Spiritual Center, Bethlehem, 8:30 p.m. Divine Mercy Rosary and Chaplet, Divine Mercy, Shenandoah, 3 p.m. Eucharistic Adoration, Sacred Heart, Palmerton, confession 8 a.m., Mass 8:30 a.m. followed by adoration until noon, concluding with midday prayer and benediction. Retreats First Tuesdays Simply Prayer, mornings of prayer, reflection and sharing, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 9:30 a.m.-noon, free will offering, , stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Third Tuesdays Journey of the Heart: Introduction to Contemplative Prayer Practices, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 7-9 p.m., free will offering, , stfranciscenter@gmail. com, Friday, Oct. 6 Sunday, Oct. 8 Weekend Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center, Wernersville, $200, register questions mleonowitz@ jesuitcenter.org, Saturday, Oct. 7 Why Pray the Rosary? It s Boring, day of reflection, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 8:45 a.m.-3 p.m., $45, facilitated by Father Patrick Lamb, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Monday, Oct. 16 Feasting on the Spiritual Life, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6 p.m., $30, preregister 10 days before retreat, Tuesday, Oct. 17 Renew Hope, twilight retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, facilitated by Father John Gibbons, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Monday, Oct. 23 Divine Love Letters (Lectio Divina), St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Monday, Oct. 23 Friday, Oct. 29 Five-Day Directed Retreat, Jesuit Center, Wernersville, $540, register questions mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Thursday, Nov. 2 Praying at the Threshold, All Souls Day program, Jesuit Center, Wernersville, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (includes lunch) or 5-9 p.m. (includes dinner), $50, register questions mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Friday, Nov. 3 Sunday, Nov. 5 To Praise You with All Your Saints, weekend retreat with the Ignatian Schola, Jesuit Center, Wernersville, $200, register questions mleonowitz@jesuitcenter.org, Tuesday, Nov. 14 In Search of Guidance: When We Suddenly Lose Our Ability to Navigate Life, twilight retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Monday, Nov. 20 Becoming Healers and Hope-Givers, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6-9 p.m., $30, preregister 10 days before retreat Thursday, Nov. 30 Rejoicing in Our Aging, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 8:45 a.m.-noon, $35, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Friday, Dec. 8 Sunday, Dec. 10 Mary and the Eternal Womb of Mercy, Advent retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, $185, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Monday, Dec. 11 Enjoying Life: The Spirit of Christmas, St. Francis Retreat House, Easton, 6-9 p.m., $30, preregister 10 days before retreat Tuesday, Dec. 12 Come to the Manger, twilight retreat, St. Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem, 6:45-9 p.m., $25, fwww.stfrancisctr.org, stfranciscenter@gmail.com, Festivals/Bazaars Friday, Oct. 6 Saturday, Oct. 7 Harvest Fest, St. Mary, Hamburg, Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday noon-9 p.m., Polka Mass Saturday 4:30 p.m.; new this year corn hole tournament Saturday 10 a.m., registration fee $40 per two-member team, registration deadline Monday, Oct. 2, , Sunday, Oct. 15 Oktoberfest, St. Joseph, Jim Thorpe, noon-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 Oktoberfest, St. Mary Annunciation BVM, Catasauqua, 5-9 p.m., , kim.stmarys122@gmail.com. Saturday, Oct. 21 Sunday, Oct. 22 Fall Fest, St. Paul Allentown, Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27 Oktoberfest/Porkfest, Knights of Columbus, Council 4282, Holy Family Club, Nazareth, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 Sunday, Oct. 29 Fall Fair and Garage Sale, social hall and parish garage, Holy Ghost, Bethlehem, Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-noon. Saturday, Nov. 4 Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale, St. Francis Center for Renewal, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., stfranciscenter@gmail.com, www. stfrancisctr.org, Holiday Bazaar, St. Mary, Kutztown, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11 Sunday, Nov. 12 Craftfest, Women s Guild, parish center, St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield, Saturday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (lunch available for purchase 11 a.m.-2 p.m.), Sunday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (coffee and donuts available for purchase). Sunday, Nov. 12 Craft and Vendor Sale, eighth grade fundraiser, St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown, at Walson Center, Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown, crafters and vendors needed, registration deadline Sunday, Oct. 29, 2018class@ stjohnvianneyschool.org, Saturday, Nov. 18 Christmas Bazaar, Ave Maria Hall, St. Mary, Hamburg, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., , Socials Sundays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Bingo, Immaculate Conception School, Pen Argyl, 1 p.m., doors open 11 a.m., Second Sundays Bingo, Most Blessed Sacrament, Bally, 12:30 p.m., doors open 11 a.m. Thursdays Bingo, St. Joseph, Summit Hill, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 Sunday, Oct. 8 Basket Social, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall, Friday 5-7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-2 p.m., food available for purchase Saturday and Sunday. Sundays, Oct. 8, 22; Nov. 5, 26; and Dec. 10 Bingo, Knights of Columbus Council 618, Shenandoah at St. Stephen Hall, 2 p.m., doors open noon, accessible to handicapped. Sundays, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10 Bingo, St. Mary Annunciation BVM, Catasauqua, 1 p.m. Thursdays, Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Jan. 11, May 16 Bingo, Family Center, St. Thomas More, Allentown 6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct 13 Designer Bags Bingo, Women s Alliance, St. Ann School, Emmaus, 7 p.m., doors open 6:15 p.m., $25, tickets Sunday, Oct. 15 Meat Bingo, social hall, St. John the Baptist, Allentown, 1 p.m., doors and kitchen open noon, $11, Bingo, Parish Reception Hall, St. Francis de Sales, Robesonia, 1-4 p.m., doors open noon, cards 25 cents, light refreshments available for purchase. Saturday, Oct. 21 Sunday Oct. 22 Fall Fest Basket Raffle, parish center, St. Paul, Allentown, Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 Sunday, Oct. 29 Basket Party, Holy Trinity, Whitehall, Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., homemade food and baked goods for sale, 25 tickets $5, , Trips Editor s note: Trip listings include sponsoring group, destination, cost and contact information. Call the sponsor for other details, such as times, dining location, itineraries and what is included in the cost. Send church-affiliated trips to adtimes@allentowndiocese.org by Thursday of the week before publication. Newly announced Tuesday, Oct. 17 Outreach Committee, St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $22, , Wednesday, Oct. 18 Golden Agers, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Whitehall to Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre, $25, Tuesday, Dec. 5 St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Anne, Bethlehem to Christmas Spectacular, Radio City Music Hall, New York City, $149,

22 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 23 Bishop Schlert Celebrates Carbon Deanery Mass at St. Joseph Faithful from Carbon County listen to Bishop Alfred Schlert s homily. Bishop Alfred Schlert, center, celebrates a special Carbon Deanery Mass Sept. 25 at St Joseph, Jim Thorpe, his first Mass in the deanery since being ordained and installed Bishop of Allentown Aug. 31. Joining the Bishop are, from left: Father Francis Baransky, pastor of St. Joseph; Father William Campion, pastor of Sacred Heart, Palmerton; Deacon John Mroz of St. Joseph; Deacon Dr. Edward Girard of Sacred Heart; Father James Ward, pastor of Immaculate Conception, Jim Thorpe; Father Michael Ahrensfield, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul, Lehighton; Msgr. Victor Finelli, episcopal master of ceremonies; Msgr. John Chizmar, pastor of St. Peter the Fisherman, Lake Harmony and vicar forane of the Carbon Deanery; and Father Allen Hoffa, administrator of St. Joseph, Summit Hill. (Photos by John Simitz) Priests and deacons gather before the Mass. We are happy to welcome our new shepherd to this corner of his and pray that his ministry among us will truly feed his sheep with hope and encouragement, said Father Francis Baransky, alluding to Bishop Schlert s episcopal motto Feed My Sheep. The early fathers of the Church commented that where the Bishop is, there is the Church. 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. Presenting the gifts are, from left, Ben Cornmesser, Isabella Sully, Maximus Fitzpatrick and Anthony Chaikalis. 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.

23 24 The A.D. Times October 5, 2017 Diocesan Schools Part of CRS Global High School Program By TAMI QUIGLEY Staff writer We re delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the schools participating in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Global High School Program, said Robert Olney, welcoming school representatives gathered for the Joint Meeting for High School Theology/Campus Ministry Sept. 26 at Bethlehem Catholic High School (Becahi). Olney is director of the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Natural Family Planning, and CRS liaison. Representatives from the six Diocesan high schools and Mercy School for Special Learning, Allentown attended the session. Mercy is the first school for special needs to be in the program. Olney said the program would help students be aware of the good works of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) through CRS, and help them be more concerned about Catholic social justice and the needs of the poor. He added CRS is not only about emergency relief, though its work in that area is well known. High schools represented were Allentown Central Catholic High School; Berks Catholic High School (BCHS), Reading; Becahi; Marian High School, Tamaqua; Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville; and Notre Dame High School (NDHS), Easton. Those attending from the Diocesan Secretariat for Catholic Education were: Dr. Brooke Tesche, deputy superintendent, secondary education and special education; and Alexandria Cirko, assistant superintendent, religious education. Jeff Wallace, CRS relationship manager with the of Allentown, led the program. Wallace, who attended Bishop Alfred Schlert s Installation Vespers, drew on three points the Bishop made and asked participants to reflect on these questions: How do you or your school seek out the disinterested, disenchanted and disconnected? How do you create a culture of vocation within a high school setting? How does your school form students to Above, Jeff Wallace and Dr. Brooke Tesche discuss the CRS Global High School Program. Right, gathering for the meeting are from left, Alexandria Cirko, Mary Matunis, Father Christopher Butera, Father David Loeper, Father Mark Searles, Sharon Hillhouse, Daniel Lisella, Jeff Wallace, Robert Gowell, Debra de Santo, Suzanne Kase, Kathleen Rasley, Mary Ellen Strohl, Elizabeth Grys, Robert Olney, Brooke Tesche and Cassandra Boccardi. Above, Jeff Wallace speaks about the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Global High School Program at a Joint Meeting for High School Theology/ Campus Ministry Sept. 26 at Bethlehem Catholic High School. (Photos by John Simitz) Right, Robert Olney, back right, joins the group listening to Wallace s presentation. High school representatives listen to Wallace, from left, Debra DeSanto, Kathleen Rasley, Father Christopher Butera, Sharon Hillhouse, Elizabeth Grys and Daniel Lisella. have hearts open to the poor and marginalized of all faiths? Wallace also screened several videos about CRS that can be viewed on CRS s YouTube channel. Wallace said CRS, founded in 1947, is the official international relief organization of the USCCB. CRS works in more than 100 countries around the world, and its areas of expertise are in disaster relief, agriculture and health care. We help and employ people based on need, not creed, Wallace aid. We don t go into a country to provide relief unless invited. Of the CRS Global High School Program, Wallace said, We ground our global high schools in Gospel values. This means standing in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable; building up the kingdom of God; providing resources, tools and programming to help others live their faith; and creating and sustaining relationships based on respect, trust and mutuality. I think these things can be incorporated into what you re doing in your high schools, Wallace said. He said the program creates advocates, disciples and learners, and students come out of it more globally aware, just, and responsive and faith filled. Why have global high schools? They are a vehicle for teaching and learning about peace, justice and solidarity, Wallace said. They provide an opportunity to think globally and act locally, and are helpful for discovering your passions, he said, adding the program is easy to incorporate into already existing classes and clubs. Education The program, Wallace said, can be summed up in the words pray, learn, act and give. How to get involved? Pray for the work of CRS all over the globe. Incorporate free CRS resources in your classes and clubs, Wallace said. Advocate on behalf of CRS by talking with faculty, staff and administration about global issues. Donate to CRS through school-wide collections. For example, schools can get involved in Ethical Trade rebranded from Fair Trade by hosting consignment sales and community orders in parishes. They can participate in the Global Migration Please see SCHOOLS page 25 }} The of Allentown has a vibrant and vital 21 st century Catholic school system. Our schools emphasize academic excellence and Catholic formation. Fully 96 percent of our high school students go on to college. Our schools enhance evangelization. When non-catholics attend Catholic schools, the result often is the student and his or her family embraces the faith.

24 October 5, 2017 The A.D. Times 25 Catholic School Spotlight on New Principals Sacred Heart School, Bath 1. What is your background? I taught preschool and kindergarten and became assistant director of the Magic Years Learning Center. I taught sixth grade language arts/literature for two years and fifth grade for 12 years. I ve been a part of the Leadership Academy for two years. 2. Are you new to the? No, I have been in the for 14 years. 3. Why do you believe in Catholic education? Schools }}Continued from page 24 Campaign #ShareJourney launched by Pope Francis at Schools can participate in CRS Rice Bowl, the Lenten program that began in the of Allentown. In the of Allentown, ACCHS has had Eucharistic Adoration for 15 years, participates in Rice Bowl and Ethical Trade. BCHS has adoration, participates in Rice Bowl, and is thinking about doing something for the hurricane victims in Puerto Rico, as many students have relatives there. Becahi participates in Rice Bowl. Marian participates in Rice Bowl and has a club Hope for All, formed around a program focused on hunger. Nativity participates in Rice Bowl, I believe in Catholic education because it provides a safe, supportive environment that is rooted in the teachings of Christ. 4. What are some new exciting things going on in your school? Our school has a variety of clubs, such as STEM Club, Love Our Troops Club and Sacred Heart Club, to name a few. We also offer soccer for varying age groups, along with basketball, volleyball, and track and field. 5. What is your goal for your school? has First Friday Eucharistic Adoration and an Interact Club focused on hurricane victims. NDHS participates in Rice Bowl. Mercy has Eucharistic Adoration during Lent and takes a monetary collection for food banks. School representatives attending were: ACCHS Father Mark Searles, chaplain; Mary Ellen Strohl, campus ministry coordinator; and Kathleen Rasley, theology chair. BCHS Suzanne Kase, campus minister. Becahi Father Kevin Bobbin, chaplain; Robert Gowell, theology chair; and Debra DeSanto, campus minister. Marian Mary Matunis, campus minister and theology teacher. Nativity Father David Loeper, chaplain and pastor of St. John the Baptist, Pottsville; and Daniel Lisella, theology chair. NDHS Father Christopher Butera, My goal for the school is to foster the spiritual lives of the students with many opportunities for them to grow. 6. Do you have any upcoming events you would like to share? A fantastic event that happens at our school is the Christmas Boutique Dec It is an amazing Christmas marketplace held in our auditorium, which provides homemade goods, crafts and specialty items. It also includes a food court and cookie bar. It is quite a festive shopping scene. chaplain; Cassandra Boccardi, theology teacher; and Sharon Hillhouse, campus ministry coordinator. Mercy Elizabeth Grys, principal. Olney said Deacon Joseph Petrauskas of St. Columbkill, Boyertown and Deacon Maurice Kelly of St. Peter Coplay are CRS Global Associates who will travel overseas next year. Wallace is a graduate of St. Joseph s University, Philadelphia and earned a master s degree in divinity from the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. He spent a year as a longterm volunteer at the Rostro de Cristo in Guayaquil, Ecuador, which helped him become proficient in Spanish. He was previously campus minster of Marrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts. For more information on the CRS Global High School Program, visit ghs.crs.org/. New Principal Ann Marie Thomas St. Theresa plans An Evening in Tuscany St. Theresa Parish and School of Hellertown will host their third annual Gala Dinner Dance and Auction on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Saucon Valley Acres in Bethlehem. The theme this year is An Evening in Tuscany. The event will feature a live and silent auction, music, dancing, and a Italian buffet accompanied by an open bar of wine and beer. Music is being provided by GT3 Jazz Standards. The gala is the largest fundraiser of the school year that raises significant revenues to support the advancement fund. Tickets are $75. For more information, visit website or call the school office,

25 26 The A.D. Times Work Out Your Salvation Mission at Queenship Work Out Your Salvation is the theme of the parish mission at Queenship of Mary, Northampton Sunday, Oct. 15 through Wednesday, Oct. 18 beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. There will be a different talk each night: Sunday, Be Faithful to Daily Duty; Monday, Be Other-Centered; Father Menezes Tuesday, Understand the Reality of Vice and Virtue; Wednesday, Practice and Healing Mass Set for Oct. 23 There will be a Mass of Healing for those individuals who have experienced trauma, Monday, Oct. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 117 Washington St., Bath. All are invited to join in prayer at this Mass with Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert as celebrant and Msgr. Walter Scheaffer as homilist. After Mass there will be a Holy Hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament and the opportunity for confession. The evening will conclude with Benediction at 8:30 p.m. Live the Sacraments. The last night will include Mass. Confessions will also be available each night from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Speaker for the mission is Father Wade L.J. Menezes, assistant general of the Fathers of Mercy, Auburn, Kentucky. Father Menezes is a missionary preacher, EWTN television host, and writer for the National Catholic Reporter and Our Sunday Visitor. He also served as vocations director and director of seminarians for the Fathers of Mercy, and as chaplain-in-residence at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hancesville, Alabama. Both the monastery and shrine are affiliated with EWTN. Misa de Sanación El lunes 23 de octubre a las 6:30 p.m. se celebrará una Misa de Sanación para aquellas personas que han sufrido un trauma. Todos están invitados a unirse en oración en esta Misa con El reverendo Alfred Schlert como celebrante y Monseñor Walter Scheaffer como predicador en la Parroquia del Sagrado corazón, 117 Washington St., Bath. Después de la Misa habrá una Hora Santa de oración ante el Santísimo y la oportunidad de confesarse. La noche concluirá con la Bendición a las 8:30 p.m. Theology of the Body Seminars Being Offered The Office of Adult Formation is inviting everyone to join its seminars to delve into Pope St. John Paul II s groundbreaking teaching known as the Theology of the Body. These seminars are for anyone recognizing the need for restored relationship with God, others, and the created world. Each seminar will take place in the Religious Education building of St. Mary Parish, Kutztown from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the dates listed below. Cost is $20 per seminar or save $10 by registering for all three together at www. allentowndiocese.org/icf. For questions, adultformation@allentowndiocese. org or call Saturday, Oct. 21 Encountering Love This seminar will discuss God s original plan for us and the gifts he bestowed on us before the fall of our first parents in Eden. Our bodies are more than just vehicles for our souls. They express something deep in our human experience that connects us to God, each other and the world. October 5, 2017 Presenter will be Dr. William Hamant of DeSales University, Center Valley. Saturday, Nov. 11 The Redemption of the Heart This seminar will discuss the fall in Eden and how it affects our relationship with God, each other and the world around us. It won t be all bad news; we will also explore how Jesus redeems our broken hearts and offers us a path to renewed relationship. Presenter will be Andrew Whitmore, a doctoral candidate studying at The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Saturday, Dec. 2 The Beauty of Love This seminar will discuss the different vocations of love that we are all called to and will show how each points to our ultimate end in God s loving embrace. Presenter will be Sara Hulse, a doctoral candidate studying at Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, while teaching at DeSales University, Center Valley. Upcoming Issues of The A.D. Times Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline Oct. 19 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Nov. 2 Oct. 23 Oct. 26 Nov. 16 Nov. 6 Nov. 9 Nov. 30 Nov. 20 Nov. 23 Dec. 21 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Learn the Truth About the Rosary Oct. 26 in Pen Argyl Is praying the rosary worshiping Mary? Why isn t the rosary mentioned in the Bible? Why is the rosary so powerful? Join the Office of Adult Formation as Father Kevin Gualano discusses how to answer these and other common questions about the rosary. The Rosary: Power Beyond Description will be Thursday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish Hall, 300 W. Babbitt Ave., Pen Argyl. Formerly known as the Apologetics Forum, this free series Truth: What the Catholic Church Really Teaches will discuss topics of faith that many of our contemporaries disagree with or don t ascribe to. Many of us believe the Church s teachings but don t know how to speak about them with our neighbors, co-workers and children. Truth: What the Catholic Church Really Teaches will prepare everyday lay Catholics with the tools of how to discuss the challenging teachings of our great faith. For more information, visit adultformation@allentowndiocese.org or call , ext

26 October 5, 2017 World The A.D. Times 27 Catholic Charities, Knights Among Agencies Sending Aid to Puerto Rico WASHINGTON (CNS) - Catholic Charities USA has sent $1 million in emergency aid to Caritas Puerto Rico, the Catholic Charities agency on the island, and the Knights of Columbus is including Puerto Rico in its expanded emergency relief outreach to areas hit hard by recent natural disasters. When Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico Sept. 20, its 155-mph winds knocked out electricity to the entire island, leaving its 3.4 million people in the dark. As of Sept. 27, most of the island remained without power. The situation could last up to six months, officials said. There s a humanitarian emergency here in Puerto Rico. This is an event without precedent, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello said in a statement. He has called for additional assistance from the U.S. government as residents deal with not just the loss of power but a lack of drinkable water, fuel and numerous necessities. Funds from Catholic Charities USA will assist Caritas Puerto Rico as it begins the work of recovery, a spokeswoman for the agency told Catholic News Service Sept. 27. The Alexandria, Virginia-based national network of Catholic Charities agencies collected the money from thousands of donors across the United States in response to damage done by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Displaced people fill containers with water Sept. 26 in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. The Knights of Columbus and other agencies announced they are sending aid to Puerto Rico, which is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis. (CNS photo/carlos Garcia Rawlins, Reuters) The Knights of Columbus, based in New Haven, Connecticut, has raised more than $2.8 million as part of an ongoing national appeal that builds on the donations and relief work of Knights themselves. In a Sept. 26 news release, the organization said it donated $100,000 to Puerto Rico to aid victims of Maria and an additional $100,000 to Mexico for victims of the earthquakes that have struck that country. In addition to financial support, it said many Knights have helped to rescue stranded neighbors and provide assistance, which has included the distribution of more than $720,000 in food, water and other necessities. Charity has always been the defining characteristic of the Knights of Columbus, and people both those in distress and those who want to help have placed a great deal of trust in us, said Knights CEO Carl Anderson. The outpouring of generosity to our appeal by our members and others has been greatly appreciated. Dominican Sister Donna Markham, CEO of Catholic Charities USA, is making plans to go to Puerto Rico as soon as it is possible, according to the agency. Brock Long, administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, told reporters Sept. 26 that that badly damaged airports and seaports are making it difficult to get aid and personnel to Puerto Rico. Long said 16 Navy and Coast Guard ships were currently in the waters around the island and that thousands more U.S. military personnel and 10 more ships have been dispatched to offer help, including a Navy hospital ship, the USS Comfort. Blessed Rother An Authentic Light for Church and World, Says Cardinal OKLAHOMA CITY (CNS) If the martyrdom of Blessed Stanley Francis Rother fills us with sadness, it also gives us the joy of admiring the kindness, generosity and courage of a great man of faith, Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints Causes, said Sept. 23 in Oklahoma City The 13 years Blessed Rother spent as a missionary in Guatemala will always be remembered as the glorious epic of a martyr of Christ, an authentic lighted torch of hope for the church and the world, the cardinal said in his homily during the U.S. priest s beatification Mass. Formed in the school of the Gospel, he saw even his enemies as fellow human beings. He did not hate, but loved. He did not destroy, but built up, Cardinal Amato said. This is the invitation that Blessed Stanley Francis Rother extends to us today. To be like him as witnesses and missionaries of the Gospel. Society needs these sowers of goodness, he said. Thank you, Father Rother. Bless us from heaven. The cardinal was the main celebrant of the beatification Mass, joined by Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City and his predecessor, retired Archbishop Eusebius Beltran, who formally opened the Rother sainthood cause 10 years ago. An overflow crowd of 20,000 packed the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City for the beatification of Father Rother, murdered in 1981 as he served the faithful at a mission in Guatemala sponsored by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. The evening before a prayer service was held at St. Benedict Parish in Broken Arrow. In Rome, Pope Francis said Sept. 24: May his heroic example help us be courageous witnesses of the Gos- pel, dedicating ourselves in supporting human dignity. After praying the Angelus with visitors gathered in St. Peter s Square, the pope recalled the missionary priest, killed out of hatred for the faith, for his work in evangelization and the human advancement of the poorest in Guatemala. In Oklahoma City, before the Sept. 23 Mass began, the congregation was shown a documentary made about his life and ministry titled An Ordinary Martyr: The Life and Death of Blessed Stanley Rother. Then Cardinal Amato, Archbishop Coakley, Archbishop Beltran and about 50 other U.S. bishops, over 200 priests and about 200 deacons processed in for the start of the beatification ceremony. Archbishop Coakley welcomed Catholics from near and far who traveled to Oklahoma to celebrate the life and witness of Father Rother. He acknowledged the ecumenical, interfaith and civic leaders in attendance and those joining the celebration by watching live coverage of it on the internet, TV and radio. Before Cardinal Amato read the apostolic letter declaring Father Rother Blessed, Archbishop Beltran gave some remarks, saying that little did Father Rother know that his growingup years on his family s farm near Okarche would mold him into the kind of man who would make great strides when he volunteered to go to Guatemala. He struggled in seminary, the archbishop remarked, referring to the difficulty the priest had with learning Latin. He was nearly expelled because he had such a hard time, but he went on to be ordained for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in Once in Guatemala to serve in Santiago Atitlan, he learned Tz utujil, the language of the many Mayan descendants who were his parishioners. He helped translate the Bible into Tz utujil. He worked side by side with the people teaching them many of the agricultural practices he learned in Okarche, Archbishop Beltran said. The mission was about 10 years old when Father Rother arrived in 1968 and had a staff of 10, but the number of missionaries dwindled as Guatemala s civil war, which began in 1960 and lasted until 1996, intensified. Eventually, Father Rother s name appeared on a death list and he returned home. His ways were very quiet and unassuming but eventually he began to receive death threats, the archbishop continued. He made infrequent visits (back to Oklahoma). On his last visit (in 1981) he felt the need to return to his people no matter what the consequences. Friends recalled him saying, The shepherd cannot run. I want to be with my people. Within three months of his return, three men entered his rectory in the dead of night and murdered him. His saintly life has become well known beyond boundaries of Oklahoma and Guatemala and the faith of those familiar with his life has been greatly strengthened. How grateful we are to almighty God this day for the beatification of Father Rother, Archbishop Beltran said. Cardinal Amato followed the archbishop by reading the formal letter about the priest s beatification. When he concluded, a huge colorful banner was unfurled above the altar with a likeness of Blessed Rother and an image of his Guatemalan mission and the Oklahoma City archdiocesan coat of arms at the bottom. His feast day will be celebrated July 28, the day when he was fatally shot in the head by masked men. Relics of Blessed Rother, including a piece from one of his rib bones, were brought to the altar in a golden reliquary and set on a small table to the left of the main altar. Cardinal Amato venerated the relics and censed the reliquary. Rother family members then came up to the altar to greet the cardinal: his sister, Sister Marita Rother, a member of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, who lives at her community s motherhouse in Wichita, Kansas; and his brother Tom and his wife, Marti, who live on the farm where the martyred priest and his siblings grew up, located three miles from the center of Okarche. In his remarks, Archbishop Coakley said that on behalf of the local church in Oklahoma and in communion with my brother bishops in the United States and Guatemala, he felt profound gratitude for the opportunity to help celebrate the beatification of a native son. We are grateful for your (Pope Francis) recognition of the heroic witness of this good shepherd (who) remained with his people, the Archbishop said. He gave his life in solidarity with so many suffering individuals and family who endured persecution for the sake of the Gospel. We pray the Church will experience a new Pentecost and an abundance of vocations to the priesthood inspired by the witness and aided by the intercession of Blessed Stanley Rother. He thanked Archbishop Beltran for formally opening the Rother cause, as well as the postulator, Andrea Ambrosi of Rome, who attended the Mass, and the many men and women who worked diligently over many years to advance the cause and make known the holiness and heroism of this ordinary priest.

27 28 The A.D. Times World October 5, 2017 USCCB President, Pope Call for Prayers after Unspeakable Terror A woman prays during an interfaith memorial service Oct. 2 in Las Vegas for victims of a shooting spree directed at an outdoor country music festival late Oct. 1. A gunman perched in a room on the 32nd floor of a casino hotel unleashed a shower of bullets on the festival below, killing at least 59 people and wounding another 527. (CNS photo/lucy Nicholson, Reuters) WASHINGTON (CNS) The nation has experienced yet another night filled with unspeakable terror, and we need to pray and to take care of those who are suffering, said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington. In Las Vegas, a gunman identified by law enforcement officials as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, was perched in a room on the 32nd floor of a hotel and unleashed a shower of bullets late Oct. 1 on an outdoor country music festival taking place below. The crowd at the event numbered more than 22,000. He killed at least 59 people and wounded more than 500, making it by all accounts the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, USCCB president, said in an Oct. 2 statement. My heart and my prayers, and those of my brother bishops and all the members of the church, go out to the victims of this tragedy and to the city of Las Vegas he said. Our hearts go out to everyone, Bishop Joseph Pepe of Las Vegas said in a statement. We are praying for those who have been injured, those who have lost their lives, for the medical personnel and first responders who, with bravery and self-sacrifice, have helped so many. We are also very heartened by the stories of all who helped each other in this time of crisis. As the Gospel reminds us, we are called to be modern-day good Samaritans, he added. We continue to pray for all in Las Vegas and around the world whose lives are shattered by the events of daily violence. He said an early evening interfaith prayer service was to take place at the city s Cathedral of the Guardian Angels and he invited our sisters and brothers around the world to join us in prayer for healing and for an end to violence. In a telegram to Bishop Pepe, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas and sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy. He commends the efforts of the police and emergency service personnel, and offers the promise of his prayers for the injured and for all who have died, entrusting them to the merciful love of Almighty God, the cardinal said. The barrage of shots came from a room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay hotel-casino complex on the Las Vegas Strip. Once police officers determined where the gunshots were coming from, they stormed the room to find the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Clark County Sheriff Joseph Lombardo told reporters. The suspect later identified as Paddock was from Mesquite, Nevada, about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas, and was described in later reports as a retired accountant. News reports also said law enforcement believed the suspect was a lone wolf in planning and carrying out the attack. In his statement, Cardinal DiNardo said: At this time, we need to pray and to take care of those who are suffering. In the end, the only response is to do good for no matter what the darkness, it will never overcome the light. May the Lord of all gentleness surround all those who are suffering from this evil, and for those who have been killed we pray, eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Catholic bishops and other Catholic leaders around the country issued statements expressing sadness at the horrific developments in Las Vegas, offering prayers for the victims and praising first responders, volunteers and bystanders for their efforts at the scene. Once again we must reach out in shock and horror to comfort the victims of a mass shooting in our country, said Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago. We reaffirm our commitment to nonviolence and to addressing the causes of such tragedies. At this time we come together in prayer and also in resolve to change a culture that has allowed such events to become commonplace, he said. We must not become numb to these mass shootings or to the deadly violence that occurs on our streets month in and month out. He called for better access to mental health care and stronger, sensible gun control laws. We pray that there comes a day when the senseless violence that has plagued the nation for so long ends for good, said Holy Cross Father John Jenkins, president of the University of Notre Dame. The bells of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus were to ring in the afternoon for all those affected by the Las Vegas tragedy. The Catholic University of America in Washington offered prayers and support for the shooting victims. It also announced campus counselors and campus ministry staff were available to students needing help dealing with the deadly events, and said the employee assistance program was available to faculty and staff for the same purpose. As a community of faith, our university offers its prayers for the victims and their families, the first responders, and the health care workers who are caring for the injured, said John Garvey, the university s president. He added, I ask that we meet this moment by cultivating peace with our words and deeds in our own community. The Archdiocese of Detroit held a noon service at St. Aloysius Church to pray for the victims of the shooting, their families and all affected, and also to pray for an end to such devastating violence in our country and around the world. Violence has once again horrified us as a nation and drawn us together in sorrow. All of us people of faith as well as those with no particular religious affiliation are stunned by the tragic, senseless, and incomprehensible loss of life in Las Vegas, said Atlanta Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory. Jesus is weeping with us and for us, said Pittsburgh Bishop David A. Zubik. It is time for us as a nation to require at least as much from those purchasing guns as we expect from those making application for a driver s license. Public safety must always come first. He called on lawmakers to make it far more difficult for those with dangerously impaired moral reasoning, criminals and terrorists to make their point with a gun and, like Cardinal Cupich, urged better access to mental health care for those who may be prone to violence. Join with me in prayer that we as a nation will seek to build a society in which the right to life is the standard against which all other rights are measured, he said. I pray for the end of the violence and hatred in our nation, and I continue to pray that we follow the truth given to us in Psalms, that we should always trust in Jesus, said Bishop Richard Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee. Bishop Edward Malesic of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, noted the tragic irony that the mass shooting had taken place on Respect Life Sunday and the beginning of the Catholic Church s observance of Respect Life Month. We can never become numbed to the seemingly endless stream of outrageous crimes that show a lack of respect for our fellow human beings, the bishop said. We continue to teach and proclaim that every human person is created in God s image and has the right to life.... We will continue to pray that the light of God s love will reach into the darkest places in our nation and our world. Las Vegas Catholic Churches, Schools Respond to Shooting with Prayers WASHINGTON (CNS) - Students at St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas began school Oct. 2 hours after the mass shooting in that city by praying the rosary together in the school gym. The school is just three miles east of the Las Vegas Strip, the location of most of the city s largest hotels and casinos, and the site of the Oct. 1 mass shooting at a musical festival that killed at least 59 people and wounded more than 500. Many of our students family members work in the hotels on the Strip so obviously there was a lot of concern when we started hearing of the horrible events that were occurring on Sunday evening, said Viatorian Brother Rob Robertson, school counselor. A few students had attended the Route 91 Harvest festival, the outdoor country music concert barraged by gunfire from a shooter on the 32nd floor of the adjacent Mandalay Bay casino resort hotel. A fourth-grade student who attended the concert told his classmates his guardian angel had been watching over him that night. Several parents who had been at the concert decided to keep their children at home the next morning, saying they needed to help their children process the event as a family. One mother who had been at the concert brought her sons in to school late the next day understandably shaken by what could have been and by the horrible scene she witnessed right in front of her, Brother Robertson told Catholic News Service in an Oct It was soon very obvious as a parish that we needed to respond to our parishioners who needed a comforting moment of solace, he said, noting that the young adults in the parish organized a candlelight Taize prayer service Oct. 2 attended by several hundred people. At the prayer service, people approached the cross at the front of the altar and knelt down for private prayers. One of the couples that came forward was still wearing their wristbands from the concert. At St. Anne Church in Las Vegas, three miles north of the Las Vegas Strip, many of the parishioners know someone who went to the concert a niece, a friend or a neighbor said Msgr. Gregory Gordon, pastor. The priest told CNS Oct. 3 that no parishioners lost their lives at the concert, but some were injured and all came back terrified. He has been to the local hospital to administer the anointing of the sick to some of the concert s wounded and said he is on call and would immediately go again if needed. For now, the city which has so often been a partying atmosphere, remains somber, the priest said. Billboard messages thank people for their generosity and ask for prayers instead of highlighting upcoming shows. Msgr. Gordon, said the packed interfaith prayer service Oct. 2 at Guardian Angels Cathedral, coincidentally on the feast of the Guardian Angels, included many prayers for peace. He said he had never heard the song Let There be Peace on Earth sung as loudly as it was it was that night. It was as if it were coming from the hearts of everyone, he said.