Plan to visit seven churches on Holy Thursday

24 Pages·2017·6.27 MB·English

“The Allentown Diocese in the Year of Our Lord”
VOL. 29, NO. 6 MARCH 23. 2017
‘Day of Sanctification’ steers priests to be ‘bridges’
By TARA CONNOLLY Left, Father Paul Scalia, priest for the Diocese of Ar-
Staff writer lington, Virginia, speaks at DeSales University, Cen-
ter Valley during a Day of Sanctification for Priests.
“We establish a bridge between this world and the next. That’s (Photos by John Simitz)
what we do,” said Father Paul Scalia, priest for the Diocese of
Arlington, Virginia and the son of the late U.S. Supreme Court Below, Msgr. Victor Finelli, pastor of St. Francis of
Justice Antonin Scalia, during a Day of Sanctification for Priests. Assisi, Allentown, welcomes his brother priests to
Father Scalia was the main presenter for an estimated 100 the day that featured talks, holy hour, confession
priests for the Diocese of Allentown, who gathered to reflect on and benediction.
the privilege of serving Christ and renewed their commitment to
grow in the likeness of Christ, March 8 at DeSales University,
Center Valley.
Guiding the priests to focus on the image of priests in the
Book of Joshua carrying the Ark of the Covenant and leading the
Israelites across the Jordan River, he said their acts epitomize the
role of a priest.
“The ancient priests were
bridge builders. They bridged the
gap between God and man,” said
“A bridge is meant to
Father Scalia.
be ‘walked on.’ The
Recounting Joshua 3:14-17,
bridge has a humble Father Scalia said the priests car-
purpose. There is rying the ark went ahead of Isra-
something beautiful elites because the river was at flood stage. As soon as the
high priest touched the edge of the Jordan River, the water
and difficult about
stopped flowing. The priests stood and held the ark until
the willingness to be
the entire nation of Israel passed by to dry land.
taken for granted so “We, as priests, are always seeking people to live the
others can find life.” fullness of their baptism. The priest who does this stands
in the ‘river’ and accompanies his sheep,” he said.
Priests not only build bridges, but are in a sense the
actual “bridge,” according to Father Scalia.
“Priests are not just building bridges. We are the bridge. We surrender our time and
give our efforts and strengths so people can cross over. You being there and being firm
Please see BRIDGES page 4 }}
Spend time with the Lord in the Holy Eucharist
Plan to visit seven churches on Holy Thursday
By FATHER KEITH MATHUR
Director, Office of Divine Worship
The Holy Thursday tradition of visiting seven churches
is an ancient practice most likely originating in Rome,
where early pilgrims visited the seven major basilicas
(Holy Cross in Jerusalem. St. John Lateran, St. Lawrence
Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the
Walls, St. Peter and St. Sebastian) as a sign of penance.
This noble practice has continued throughout the cen-
turies into our day. The Office of Divine Worship of the
Diocese of Allentown has created a list of all the parishes
by deanery and their visitation times.
At the close of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, in nearly
Please see SEVEN page 3 }}
Youth pray together at Holy Ghost, Bethlehem dur-
ing their visit to the last of seven churches on Holy
Thursday 2015. (File photo)
U.S. Catholics asked ‘to accompany’
migrants, refugees seeking better life
WASHINGTON (CNS) – The U.S. bishops in a pastoral reflection released March 22 called all Catholics
to do what each of them can “to accompany migrants and refugees who seek a better life in the United States.”
(Also see article and statement page 15.)
Titled “Living as a People of God in Unsettled Times,” the reflection was issued “in solidarity with those
who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict or fear in their native lands,” said a news
release from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
“To live as a people of God is to live in the hope of the Resurrection,” said the reflection, which was ap-
proved by the USCCB Administrative Committee on the first day of a two-day meeting in Washington.
The 37-member committee is made up of the executive officers of the USCCB, elected committee chair-
Please see ACCOMPANY page 20 }}
2 The A.D. Times Diocese mArch 23, 2017
Diocese awards $93,650 in Poverty Relief Fund grants
The Diocese of Allentown has an- Parish, Lake Harmony for the parish food ish, Easton for rent and utility assistance.
Published biweekly on Thursday by nounced that 22 programs and agencies pantry. • $3,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul So-
Allentown Catholic Communications, Inc. from all five counties of the diocese have • $7,000 to Catholic Charities, Diocese ciety at St. Matthew the Evangelist Par-
at P.O. Box F been awarded Poverty Relief Fund grants of Allentown to fund counseling services ish, Minersville for its food pantry.
Allentown, PA 18105-1538 totaling $93,650. for students and families at Allentown’s • $2,000 to the Divine Mercy Society
Phone: [phone], Ext. 264 The money is allocated from the pro- Central Elementary School. at St. Joseph Parish, Jim Thorpe for rental
Fax: [phone] ceeds of the Poverty Relief Fund collec- • $7,000 to Holy Family Manor, Beth- assistance, utilities and food.
E-mail: [email protected] tion taken up in the 84 parishes of the dio- lehem for computer software for resi- • $6,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul So-
cese in the third weekend of November. dents. ciety at St. Joseph Parish, Coopersburg
President Applications for grants came from 25 • $8,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul So- for rental assistance.
Msgr. Alfred Schlert agencies or programs and totaled more ciety at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Parish • $1,250 to the Carbon County Prime
than $200,000, much more money than for rent and food assistance. Time Club at Our Lady of Lourdes Par-
Editor was collected. • $5,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul So- ish, Weatherly for food for the needy.
Jill Caravan This year’s recipients, their award and ciety at St. Anne Parish, Bethlehem for • $2,500 to the St. Vincent de Paul
the program it funds are as follows: rental and utility assistance. Society at Holy Guardian Angels Parish,
Staff Writers • $8,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul So- • $3,000 to Stephen’s Place in Bethle- Reading for food, clothing and utility as-
Tara Connolly ciety at St. Benedict Parish, Mohnton for hem, a transitional housing program for sistance.
Tami Quigley food, rental and utility assistance in the nonviolent offenders. • $8,000 to Servants to All, which op-
Reading area. • $5,000 to Mary’s Shelter for food, erates a homeless shelter in Pottsville.
Design & Production • $1,000 to the Divine Mercy Cenacle clothing and utilities at their facilities in • $7,000 to St. Francis Home, a hos-
Marcus Schneck at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Orefield Bethlehem and Reading. pice scheduled to open in June in Cumru
for its food pantry. • $3,000 for Central City Program at Township, Berks County.
Advertising Contact • $500 to St. Mary Parish, Kutztown, Allentown Central Catholic High School • $2,000 to the summer food program
Lori Anderson for the ecumenical effort known as the and its urban garden used to provide food run by the Whitehall Coplay Hunger Ini-
potato project. for the poor. tiative through St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Office Assistant • $2,000 to Sacred Heart Parish, Palm- • $2,400 to the School Sisters of St. Parish, Whitehall.
Priscilla Tatara erton to fund a homeless shelter at the Francis in Bethlehem for their Farm Proj- The 2017 Poverty Relief Fund collec-
parish as part of the Family Promise Ini- ect. tion will be taken up in all churches in the
tiative in Carbon County. • $6,000 to the St. Vincent de Paul So- diocese the weekend of Nov. 18-19.
• $4,000 to St. Peter the Fisherman ciety at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Par-
MISSION STATEMENT
As part of the Catholic Press, The A.D.
Times is the official newspaper for the Ro-
man Catholic Diocese of Allentown, serv-
ing Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton April, May, June school open house dates
and Schuylkill counties. The A.D. Times
proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the
People of God through evangelization, cat- Elementary schools – Berks County Elementary schools – Northampton County
echesis and the teaching of the Church, the St. Catharine of Siena School, 2330 Perkiomen Ave., Holy Infancy School, 127 E. Fourth St., Bethlehem –
extension of Christ’s presence in the world Reading – Monday, April 10, 9 to 10 a.m., 610-779-5810, Open enrollment grades K-8, call for appointment, 610-
today. It endeavors to nourish, strengthen [email protected]. 868-2621, [email protected].
and challenge the faith of its readers by con- St. Ignatius Loyola Regional School, 2700 St. Albans Immaculate Conception School, 290 W. Babbit Ave.,
tinually providing news information, forma-
Drive, Sinking Spring – Spring Open House and Trans- Pen Argyl – Sunday, April 23, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 610-
tion, inspiration, religious education and
fer Information Session, Thursday, April 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m. 863-4816, [email protected].
Catholic identification. Under the patronage
School tours will be given, and there will be a story time St. Jane Frances de Chantal School, 1900 Washington
of Mary, Mother of the Church, The A.D.
and craft for the younger children in the school library be- Blvd., Easton – Monday, April 10, 6 to 7 p.m., 610-253-
Times serves the Church so that the King-
ginning at 6 p.m. Please RSVP to Stephanie Conlon, ad- 8442, [email protected].
dom of God might become a reality in our
vancement director, [email protected]
society transformed by His Good News.
or 610-678-0111. Elementary schools – Schuylkill County
Assumption BVM School, 112 S. Seventh St., Pottsville
POLICY STATEMENTS Elementary schools – Carbon County – Thursday, May 4, 6 to 8 p.m., 570-622-0106, altsabvm@
The A.D. Times will consider all editorial St. John Neumann Regional School; Slatington Campus, ptd.net.
copy and photos submitted in a fair and ob- 641 West Washington St., Slatington; Palmerton Campus, St. Jerome Regional School, 250 W. Broad St., Tamaqua
jective manner. The newspaper reserves the 259 Lafayette Ave., Palmerton – Open house second Thurs- – Kindergarten open house Wednesday, April 19, 4 to 6
right to reject or edit any submission. day of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, May 10, p.m., 570-668-2757, [email protected].
5 to 7 p.m.; private tours always available, 610-767-2935
Any advertising copy accepted does not (Slatington), [email protected]. High schools
necessarily reflect the views, opinions or Allentown Central Catholic High School, 301 N. Fourth
endorsement of The A.D. Times and/or its Elementary schools – Lehigh County St., Allentown – Saturday, May 6, 3 to 4 p.m. and Tues-
publisher. The A.D. Times reserves the right Sacred Heart School, 325 N. Fourth St., Allentown – day, June 6, 6 to 7 p.m. An opportunity to learn more about
to reject any advertising copy submitted. Open enrollment grades K-7, call for appointment, 610- ACCHS academics, admissions and financial aid. Tours
437-3031, [email protected]. available. Contact Ashley Pittman, director of admissions,
St. Ann School, 435 S. Sixth St., Emmaus – Tuesday, [email protected] or 610-437-4601, ext. 148.
DEADLINES
April 11, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., 610-965-9220, [email protected] Marian High School, 166 Marian Ave., Tamaqua – Pro-
Advertising copy must be received by Mon-
spective parent/student social Monday, June 12, 6:30 p.m.
day of the week before publication. News
in school library, no registration is necessary, 570-467-
copy must be received by Thursday of the
3335, [email protected].
week before publication.
MEMBERSHIPS
Catholic Press Association,
Rockville Centre, N.Y. VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR
Catholic News Service, The Diocese of Allentown provides assistance to anyone who, as a minor, was sexually abused by a priest,
Washington, D.C. deacon or employee/volunteer of the Diocese/Parish
Catholic Press Association Award Winner Parents, guardians, children and survivors of sexual abuse are invited and encouraged to contact the Diocese
1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, of Allentown for more information about this program. The fullness of compassion should be extended to these
2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2010, victims by the Church.
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 To speak directly to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call the direct line 1-800-791-9209.
To learn more about the Diocese of Allentown’s Youth Protection Programs, Sexual Abuse Policy and Code of
POSTAL INFORMATION Conduct, please visit www.allentowndiocese.org and click on “Youth Protection” at top right.
The A.D. Times (USPS 004-111) is pub-
lished on Thursdays, biweekly January to COORDINADOR DE ASISTENCIA A LAS VÍCTIMAS
May; triweekly June to September; biweek- La Diócesis de Allentown provee asistencia a cualquier persona que, como menor de edad, fue abusado
ly October to November; and triweekly in sexualmente por un sacerdote, diácono o empleado/voluntario de la Diócesis/Parroquia.
December, at a subscription cost of $20 per Los padres, tutores, niños y los sobrevivientes de abuso sexual están invitados a contactar la Diócesis de Al-
year by Allentown Catholic Communica- lentown para obtener más información sobre este programa. La plenitud de compasión debe extenderse a las
tions, Inc. at 1515 Martin Luther King Jr. víctimas por la Iglesia.
Drive, Allentown, PA 18102-4500. Periodi- Para hablar directamente con el coordinador de asistencia a las víctimas por favor llame a la línea directa
cals Postage paid at Allentown, PA and ad- 1-800-791-9209.
ditional mailing offices. Para obtener más información acerca de los Programas de Protección de la Juventud,
POSTMASTER: Send address changes Política de Abuso Sexual y el Código de Conducta de la Diócesis de Allentown, por favor visite
to The A.D. Times, P.O. Box F, Allentown, www.allentowndiocese.org y haga clic en “Protección de la Juventud” en la parte superior
PA 18105-1538 derecha.
mArch 23, 2017 Diocese The A.D. Times 3
DeSales University Board of Trustees names fourth president
The board of trustees of DeSales Uni- trustees is grateful to D.C., where he taught required courses in gious orders.
versity, Center Valley March 16 elected Father O’Connor for human development. Father Greenfield earned his bache-
Oblate Father James Greenfield as the his vision and dedi- Father Greenfield serves on the board lor’s degree in politics (1984) at DeSales
university’s fourth president. cated leadership of at Salesianum School, where he is chair, University, a master of divinity degree
Father Greenfield will begin his tenure the university during and Nativity Preparatory School, both (1990) at the DeSales School of Theol-
Jan. 1, 2018, succeeding the retiring Ob- the past 18 years.” in Wilmington, Delaware. He is also a ogy, and a master’s degree in counseling
late Father Bernard O’Connor, who has “I am esteemed trustee on the board of Father Judge High (1992) and a doctoral degree in human
served as president since 1999. by the trust of the School and Cristo Rey Philadelphia High development (1998) at George Washing-
Father Greenfield will be the first board to be cho- School, both in Philadelphia. ton University.
alumnus of the university to serve as sen as president, In 2013 he was elected to serve a three- He is also a certified pastoral counsel-
president. He is provincial of the Wilm- and I am honored year term as president of the Conference or and author of a number of articles on
ington-Philadelphia Province of the Ob- to follow Father of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), religious life, life-long faith formation,
lates of St. Francis de Sales, leader of 145 O’Connor,” said Fa- representing the nation’s 17,000 priests and the intersection of spirituality and
priests, brothers and seminarians who ther Greenfield. Father and brothers who are members of reli- human development.
serve along the east coast. “His leadership Greenfield
Working as provincial, he directed all has strengthened the
Diocesan statement
human resource and development pro- university’s mission
grams for the Oblates on matters of iden- greatly, and I look forward to continu-
tity, mission and trends of vocations and ing his legacy of a Salesian community Below is the statement of Diocese of Allentown Administrator Msgr. Alfred Schlert
religious life. of learning that advances the spirit of St. on the election of the new president of DeSales University:
Upon Father O’Connor’s retirement Francis de Sales, our patron. From my “I congratulate Father James Greenfield on his election as the next president of
in May, Dr. Gerard Joyce, vice president time as a student and now proud alum- DeSales University. The Diocese of Allentown and DeSales have had, dating back to
of student life at DeSales, will serve as nus and trustee, I have experienced first- its founding more than 50 years ago, a close working relationship.
interim president until Father Green- hand the deepening of the school’s com- “On behalf of the clergy, religious and lay people of the Diocese of Allentown, I
field begins his term of service. Joyce mitment to forming students in our rich welcome Father Greenfield to the Diocese of Allentown, and I look forward to his
is a graduate of DeSales and has worked Catholic tradition, especially through its continuing the rich history of Catholic fidelity and development of the human person
there since 1991. high-quality teaching, impressive aca- that has distinguished DeSales University.
“The trustees are pleased to announce demic offerings and varied student pro- “In my former role as vicar general of the diocese and as a current member of the
this appointment of Father Greenfield,” grams. I am excited to help build on these DeSales board of trustees, I have known and collaborated with Father Greenfield in
said W. Douglas Brown, chairman of the strengths.” his role as superior of the Oblates of St. Francis De Sales and a fellow board member.
board of trustees. Previously Father Greenfield was an I look forward now to working with him when he becomes president of the university
“Father Greenfield has been a mem- adjunct lecturer at George Washington next January.
ber of the board at DeSales for nearly 15 University, The Catholic University of “I also wish to thank very deeply Father Bernard O’Connor for his 18 years of
years, so he is well known to them and the America and the former Washington dedicated service as president of DeSales University. His commitment to the Catholic
greater DeSales community. The board of Theological Union, all in Washington, identity and the academic excellence of the university has been exemplary.”
Seven Here the Blessed Sacrament remains “To Holy Thursday also belongs the dark these events, for in them the mystery of
to await the coming of Good Friday. Pa- night of the Mount of Olives, to which our redemption takes place.”
rishioners are encouraged to spend time Jesus goes with his disciples; the soli- May our time spent with the Lord on
}}Continued from page 1 with the Lord in the Holy Eucharist on tude and abandonment of Jesus, who in Holy Thursday renew our relationship
this evening and, if possible, to visit sev- prayer goes forth to encounter the dark- with him so that we may experience the
every church in the diocese, a single altar en churches. ness of death…. Let us try at this hour glory and the joy of the Resurrection on
of repose has been adorned with candles Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI at the to understand more deeply something of Easter morning.
and flowers. Mass of the Lord’s Supper in 2012 said:
Adoration schedule for Holy Thursday, April 13
Adoration schedule for Holy Thurs- Lehighton, SS. Peter and Paul – 7:45- Slatington, Assumption BVM – 8:15- 8-10 p.m.
day, April 13 9 p.m. 10:30 p.m. Roseto, Our Lady of Mount Carmel –
Palmerton, Sacred Heart – 8:15-10 Whitehall, Holy Trinity – 8:15-11 8:15-10 p.m.
Berks Deanery p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Walnutport, St. Nicholas – 8 p.m.-
Bally, Most Blessed Sacrament – 8:15- Summit Hill, St. Joseph – 8:15-10 Whitehall, St. Elizabeth of Hungary – midnight, Night Prayer 11:45 p.m.
10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 10:30 p.m.
Boyertown, St. Columbkill – 8:15 Whitehall, St. John the Baptist – 7:30- Schuylkill Deanery
p.m.-midnight. Lehigh Deanery 10 p.m. Ashland, St. Charles Borromeo – 8-9
Douglassville, Immaculate Concep- Allentown, Cathedral of St. Catharine p.m., Night Prayer 9 p.m.
tion BVM – 8:15-10 p.m. of Siena – 8-10:45 p.m., Night Prayer Northampton Deanery Barnesville, St. Richard – 7-10 p.m.
Hamburg, St. Mary – 8:15-9:30 p.m. 10:45 p.m. Bangor, Our Lady of Good Counsel – Frackville, St. Joseph – (at Annuncia-
Kutztown, St. Mary – 8:15-9:15 p.m. Allentown, Immaculate Conception 8:15-10 p.m. tion BVM) 8:30-11 p.m.
Kutztown University, St. Christopher BVM – 8-11 p.m. Bath, Sacred Heart of Jesus – 8:30 McAdoo, All Saints – 8:15-10:30
Catholic Newman Center – 10 p.m.-mid- Allentown, Our Lady Help of Chris- p.m.-midnight. p.m., Night Prayer 10:30 p.m.
night, Night Prayer midnight. tians – 8-10 p.m. Bethlehem, Assumption BVM – 8:30- Mahanoy City, St. Teresa of Calcutta
Mohnton, St. Benedict – 8-11 p.m., Allentown, Sacred Heart of Jesus – 10 p.m. – 8-10 p.m.
Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. 8:30 p.m.-midnight. Bethlehem, Holy Ghost – 8-11:30 p.m. Minersville, St. Matthew the Evange-
Reading, Holy Guardian Angels – Allentown, St. Francis of Assisi – 8:15 Bethlehem, Holy Infancy – 8:30 p.m.- list – 8:15-9:30 p.m., Night Prayer 9:30
8:15-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. p.m.-midnight. midnight. p.m.
Reading, Holy Rosary – 8:15-10 p.m., Allentown, St. John the Baptist – 8-10 Bethlehem, Incarnation of Our Lord – Minersville, St. Michael the Archan-
Night Prayer 9:45 p.m. p.m. Adoration at Holy Ghost, Bethlehem. gel – 8-10 p.m.
Reading, St. Catharine of Siena – Allentown, St. Paul – 8:45 p.m.-mid- Bethlehem, Notre Dame of Bethlehem New Philadelphia, Holy Cross – 8:15
8:15-10:30 p.m., Night Prayer 10:30 p.m. night. – 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. p.m.-midnight.
Reading, St. Joseph – 8:30-11 p.m. Allentown, St. Stephen of Hungary – Bethlehem, Our Lady of Perpetual Port Carbon, St. Stephen – 8:30-10
Reading, St. Margaret – 8:30-11 p.m. 8 p.m.-midnight. Help – 8:15 p.m.-midnight. p.m.
Reading, St. Paul – 8:30-11 p.m. Allentown, St. Thomas More – 9 p.m.- Bethlehem, Sacred Heart – 8:15-11 Pottsville, St. John the Baptist – 8-10
Reading, St. Peter the Apostle – 8:30- midnight. p.m. p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m.
11 p.m. Allentown, SS. Peter and Paul – 8-10 Bethlehem, St. Anne – 8:30 p.m.-mid- Pottsville, St. Patrick – 8-11 p.m.,
Robesonia, St. Francis de Sales – p.m. night. Night Prayer 10:45 p.m.
8:15-10 p.m. Catasauqua, Annunciation BVM – Bethlehem, SS. Simon and Jude – 7:30 Ringtown, St. Mary – Adoration at St.
Shillington, St. John Baptist de la Salle 8:15-10 p.m. p.m.-midnight. Joseph, Sheppton.
– 8:30-10 p.m., Night Prayer 10 p.m. Catasauqua, St. John Fisher – 8:30-11 Easton, Our Lady of Mercy – 8:15- St. Clair, St. Clare of Assisi – Adora-
Sinking Spring, St. Ignatius Loyola p.m. 10:30 p.m. tion at St. Stephen, Port Carbon.
– 8:15 p.m.-midnight, Night Prayer mid- Coopersburg, St. Joseph – 8:15-11 Easton, St. Anthony of Padua – 8-11 Schuylkill Haven, St. Ambrose – 8:15-
night. p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. p.m. 9:30 p.m., Night Prayer 9:30 p.m.
West Reading, Sacred Heart – 8:30-11 Coplay, St. Peter – 7:30-10 p.m. Easton, St. Jane Frances de Chantal Shenandoah, Divine Mercy – 8-10
p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Emmaus, St. Ann – 8:15-10:45 p.m., – 8:45 p.m.-midnight, Night Prayer mid- p.m.
Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. night. Shenandoah, St. Casimir (Worship
Carbon Deanery Northampton, Assumption BVM – Fountain Hill, St. Ursula – 8-9 p.m. Site) – 8-10 p.m.
Jim Thorpe, Immaculate Conception – 8-10:45 p.m., Night Prayer 10:45 p.m. Hellertown, St. Theresa of the Child Sheppton, St. Joseph – 8-10 p.m.
8-10 p.m. Northampton, Queenship of Mary – Jesus – 8:15-11 p.m. Tamaqua, St. John XXIII – (at SS. Pe-
Jim Thorpe, St. Joseph – 8:15 p.m.- 8:15-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m. Martins Creek, St. Rocco – 8-10 p.m. ter and Paul) 8:15-10 p.m.
midnight. Orefield, St. Joseph the Worker – 8:15 Nazareth, Holy Family – 8:15-11 p.m. Tremont, Most Blessed Trinity –
Lake Harmony, St. Peter the Fisher- p.m.-midnight. Pen Argyl, St. Elizabeth of Hungary – 8-11 p.m., Night Prayer 11 p.m.
man – 8:15-10 p.m.
4 The A.D. Times Diocese mArch 23, 2017
Bridges
}}Continued from page 1
allows them to go from the wilderness to
the Promised Land,” he said.
On a deeper level, he asked the priests
to consider how the ancient priests en-
couraged each other as they stood for a
great deal of time while others crossed
the Jordan.
“They had to be tired. How did they
encourage and exhort each other? I be-
lieve it comes from something within. We
ourselves have to be the means by which
people find life,” said Father Scalia.
He told the priests that their vocation
is not defined by “this or that” and re-
quires investing and giving of themselves
to others.
Above, priests for the Diocese of Al-
“This sometimes means that the peo-
lentown gather for a Day of Sancti-
ple of God are walking all over you. If
fication to reflect on becoming more
that is true – then you are doing it right.
like Christ.
You are laying down your life,” said Fa-
ther Scalia. Right, Father Scalia, right, talks with
Temptation always exists, he said, and Father Stephen Halabura, left, pastor
warned the priests of the great danger of emeritus of St. Richard, Barnesville,
just doing “Catholic things” and not in- and Msgr. Robert Kozel, pastor emer-
vesting themselves. itus of St. John the Baptist, Allentown.
“You just can’t put the ark down. The
challenge is to invest ourselves more.
We want that of our parishioners too. they did not select each other as friends
We want them to participate interiorly in but were brought together by Joshua.
the Mass. We don’t want them just go- “They had to encourage one another
ing through the motions and just ‘saying’ and love one another enough to correct
prayers,” said Father Scalia. each other. We must love one another
He then pondered what type of virtues enough to pull each other aside and cor-
the priests upheld that allowed the people rect each other,” he said.
of Israel to walk over them. Last, Father Scalia stressed the impor-
“First of all, they had to have faith tance of seeking proper rest and said be-
when they were told to go stand in a river ing a workaholic or a nonworkaholic are
and the water will stop. They had to have both forms of sloth.
faith and complete trust that it would “If we don’t have proper pace of work
happen. They had to have confidence in and rest, we get worn out. Sloth can
the Word of Our Lord and in all that he also mean being too busy and bouncing
promised,” said Father Scalia. around,” he said.
“For us, it means promise of priest- “We need to find ways of not just veg-
hood, the grace and unique friendships ging out. We need to rest in the Lord.
the Lord has given us as priests. There There is a big mistake in just collapsing
is a special affection Jesus showed his at the end of the day. We should come in
apostles. We can forgive sins, offer the with a soft landing and not just crash.”
Mass and speak divine truths through our Father Scalia is a native of Virginia
unique friendship with the Lord.” and grew up in the Diocese of Arlington.
Father Scalia also pointed to humility, He attended College of the Holy Cross
perseverance and fraternity the ancient in Worcester, Massachusetts, and studied
priests exhibited. theology at the Pontifical Gregorian Uni-
“A bridge is meant to be ‘walked on.’ versity and the Pontifical University of
The bridge has a humble purpose. There St. Thomas Aquinas, both in Rome, Italy.
is something beautiful and difficult about Since his ordination in 1996 he has
the willingness to be taken for granted so served as parochial vicar of St. Berna-
others can find life,” he said. dette, St. Patrick and St. Rita parishes. He
“How long did they have to stand served as pastor of St. John the Beloved
there? I am sure there were some people until 2012, when he was appointed the
and children who weren’t going quickly bishop’s delegate for clergy. Diocesan priests seated together at the Day of Sanctification are, counter-
while they held the ark. There was physi- He has written for various publica- clockwise from front left: Father Bernard Ezaki, assistant pastor of St. Jane
cal, mental and spiritual exhaustion. It is tions and is a regular contributor to the Frances de Chantal, Easton; Father Keith Mathur, director of the diocesan
so important to have perseverance when Arlington Catholic Herald and “Encour- Office of Divine Worship; Father Donald Cieniewicz, pastor of St. Mary, Ham-
frustration strikes.” age and Teach” on the diocesan website. burg; Father Jerome Tauber, pastor of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hel-
Although the priests stood there to- He is also a frequent speaker for the In- lertown; Father Jason Stokes, pastor of Most Blessed Trinity, Tremont; and
gether, Father Scalia reminded them that stitute of Catholic Culture in Front Royal. Father Brian Miller, assistant pastor of St. Catharine of Siena, Reading.
mArch 23, 2017 Diocese The A.D. Times 5
‘For Better … or Worse’ sifts through ups and downs of marriage
By TARA CONNOLLY that couples have to be “all in” and be
Staff writer open to change.
At the beginning of their marriage,
“We have become unhinged from the Deacon Lanciano said, he asked his wife,
good things about marriage. If you look Sheryl to uproot her life and move away
at all the benefits of marriage, you will from her family. In return, her only re-
see that those things outweigh all the quest was that they attend Mass together
negative statistics,” said Deacon Fred- every Sunday.
erick Lanciano, assigned to St. Ignatius “Being aligned with God has helped
Loyola, Reading, March 20 during an us make the decisions for our life togeth-
informal discussion for both “Faith and er. As a member of the family of God,
Spirits” and “Theology on Tap.” you get a support system of people who
Deacon Lanciano, are mutually invested
theology teacher at in your marriage,” he
Berks Catholic High “Being aligned with God said.
School, Reading, pre- has helped us make the Deacon Lanciano,
sented “For Better … who also offers talks
decisions for our life
or Worse” at Allen- for marriage prepara-
together. As a member
town Brew Works for tion programs, said he
the two speaker series of the family of God, you advises couples to join
that came together for get a support system of a church community,
the evening to discuss people who are mutu- regularly date their
the state of marriage in spouse and stay close Deacon Frederick Lanciano, right, theology teacher at Berks Catholic High
ally invested in your mar-
today’s culture and the to God. School, Reading, presents “For Better … or Worse” at Allentown Brew Works.
riage.”
love and joy it offers. “If you put God in (Photos by John Simitz)
Deacon Lanciano your life – you will
opened the discussion get support. When you ried life, he advises them to place a cru- “You have to stay close to God and
by sharing how he benefited from his date, you get a chance to take a break cifix and a statue of Mary in their home. stay close to one another,” he said.
parents’ marriage, and how their example from the craziness,” he said. “Love is something that we ‘do.’ It’s a “Today’s world also needs witnesses
inspired his 37-year marital relationship Marriage won’t always be easy, ac- choice every day. The crucifix and Mary to marriage. We have lost the road map to
and raising three sons and two nieces. cording to Deacon Lanciano, who said are reminders of ‘how’ we are to love,” successful marriage. If you are married,
“I saw my parents work together, sac- he tried to teach his wife how to use a said Deacon Lanciano. let your light shine so others can see it. If
rifice for one another and put others first. folding board to properly fold his laun- He pointed out that the primary pur- they see your happiness, they will want
Part of the problem in today’s world is dry during the early stage of their married pose of marriage is to help each other get it, too.”
that we are disconnected from what real life. to heaven. “Theology on Tap” is a young adult
love is. Real love calls us to the altar “Things will get under your skin,” he “Marriage is an eternal act. It is not speaker series sponsored by the Office
and to sacrifice – and most people don’t said. a human act. Men and women are made of Youth, Young Adult and Family Min-
like that. Most people want romance and “When you talk to each other, you ‘good.’ We are made for eternal life with istry. “Faith and Spirits” is a discussion
great sex,” he said. learn what you are good at and what God,” said Deacon Lanciano. series for all adults offered by the Office
“Marriage is work. You don’t always you’re not so good at. When you are in On the journey to heaven, he said, it of Adult Formation.
get what you want, but you find a way a marriage there will be pains and indif- is critical to have friends and family who For more information, email adult-
to make it work. In our culture we don’t ferences. You have to leverage the indif- are vested in their marriage, and to keep [email protected] or call
have the proper understanding of mar- ferences and find resolutions. My wife God in their relationship. 610-289-8900, ext. 21.
riage. The gift of marriage is not some- does not fold my laundry; my laundry is
thing sexual. Marriage is transformation- always on my side of the bed for me to
al and it will change you.” fold.”
To make marriage work, he stressed When couples embark on their mar-
Rick Dooley, assistant director of the
diocesan Office of Adult Formation,
Adults listen to the discussion during the evening that combined “Faith and welcomes adults to the combined Deacon Lanciano listens to a ques-
Spirits” and “Theology on Tap.” speaker series event. tion during the discussion.
Diocesan school leadership part of adolescent addiction discussion
Diocese of Allentown Catholic Tickets are available at http://gathr.us/ alarming epidemic of addiction. Dr. Brooke Tesche, deputy superin-
Schools are part of a task force exploring screening/reserve/19493 until 4 p.m. the Matt Butler, a nationally distributed tendent of diocesan schools, will be on
solutions that schools can provide to the day of show, when they’ll be available in recording artist and composer of “Just a five-person panel discussion after the
epidemic of addiction on the rise in our person at the ArtsQuest Center box of- One.” the film’s credit song, will perform movie, along with the principal of Salis-
communities. fice. before the movie. Butler is an artist in re- bury High School, the superintendent of
As part of this effort, people are invited The film “Generation Found” is an in- covery and passionate about how his cre- Northwestern Lehigh School District,
to come and view “Generation Found,” a dependent, intimate look at the system of ative life has blossomed in his sobriety. and other community and parent advo-
documentary on adolescent addiction and treatment centers, sober high school, al- The film premiere and the panel dis- cates.
its program model for supporting sober ternative peer groups, and collegiate re- cussion are the beginning of an effort by The Diocese of Allentown serves
solutions; especially important with the covery programs that can intervene early Diocese of Allentown schools to raise nearly 12,000 students in 33 elementary
current epidemic society is facing. and provide a real and tested long-term awareness about adolescent addiction, schools, 6 high schools, and 3 special
This showing will be Monday, March alternative to the increased prevalence of and continue to provide ongoing oppor- learning centers across Berks, Carbon,
27 at 7 p.m. at ArtsQuest Theater in Beth- drug use in adolescence. It is a call to tunities for teachers, students and fami- Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill
lehem. communities to join together to fight the lies to learn more. counties.
6 The A.D. Times Diocese mArch 23, 2017
Our Lenten obligation Nuestra obligación de Cuaresma
Church law considers every Friday and the season of Lent as penitential days La ley eclesiástica considera todos los viernes y el tiempo de Cuaresma como los días
and times. The practice of penance is a part of our faith and Christian life. When y tiempo de penitencia. La práctica de la penitencia es una parte de nuestra fe y vida
we do penance, we imitate Jesus, who himself recommended it as necessary to his cristiana. Cuando hacemos penitencia, imitamos a Jesús, Él mismo recomendó como
followers, and gave them the example of his prayer and fasting. necesario para sus seguidores y les dio el ejemplo de su oración y ayuno.
The Lenten obligation, as determined for Catholics in the United States by our La obligación de Cuaresma, según lo determinado por los católicos en los Estados
bishops, requires that fasting be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Unidos por nuestros obispos, requiere que se observe el ayuno el miércoles de Ceniza y
The law of abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and all the Fridays of el Viernes Santo. La ley de la abstinencia se observa el miércoles de Ceniza y todos los
Lent. viernes de Cuaresma.
Who must fast? ¿Quién debe ayunar?
All Catholics who are between the ages of 18 and 59. The obligation ceases Todos los católicos que están entre las edades de 18 y 59. La obligación cesa cuando
when one begins his/her 60th year on his/her 59th birthday. se haya cumplido los 59 años.
Who must abstain? ¿Quién debe abstenerse?
All Catholics who are 14 years and older. Todos los católicos que tienen 14 años y mayores.
What does fasting mean? ¿Qué significa el ayuno?
The observance of fasting means that those obliged may take only one full meal La observancia del ayuno significa que los obligados pueden tomar sólo una comida
on the day of fast. Two lighter meals (not equal to another full meal) may be taken completa en el día de ayuno. Dos comidas más ligeras (Que no igualen a una comida
to maintain strength according to one’s needs. completa) pueden tomarse para mantener la fuerza de acuerdo a las necesidades de uno.
What does abstinence mean? ¿Qué significa la abstinencia?
The law of abstinence forbids the eating of meat, including poultry. Voluntary La ley de la abstinencia prohíbe el consumo de carne, incluidas las aves de corral.
abstinence refers to refraining from lawful pleasures in a spirit of penance. Abstinencia voluntaria se refiere a abstenerse de los placeres lícitos en un espíritu de
penitencia.
Can anyone be dispensed or excused from fast and/or abstinence?
Individuals for a just cause may be dispensed by their pastor or by a priest with ¿Puede alguien ser dispensado o excusado de ayunar y/o la abstinencia?
the faculty to do so. In our diocese all priests may dispense individuals who are Los individuos de una causa justa pueden ser dispensados por su párroco o un sacer-
committed to their pastoral care. Those who are ill or have a similar serious reason dote con facultad para hacerlo. En nuestra diócesis todos los sacerdotes pueden dispensar
are excused from the observance of fast and abstinence. Catholics are reminded las personas que están comprometidos con su cuidado pastoral. Los que están
that they should not lightly excuse themselves from this obligation. enfermos o tienen una razón similar seria están excusados de la observancia del ayuno y
la abstinencia. Se les recuerda a los católicos que no deben excusarse a sí mismos de esta
Are there other obligations we should fulfill? obligación.
Catholics are obliged to fulfill what has been called their “Easter Duty.” They
are required to receive Holy Communion during the Easter time. In the United ¿Existen otras obligaciones que debemos cumplir?
States this obligation can be fulfilled from the First Sunday of Lent until Trin- Los católicos están obligados a cumplir con lo que se ha llamado su “deber de Pas-
ity Sunday (March 5 until June 11, 2017). Those conscious of serious sin are re- cua.” Ellos están obligados a recibir la Sagrada Comunión durante el tiempo de Pascua.
minded of the obligation to confess their sins at least once a year during this time. En los Estados Unidos esta obligación puede ser cumplida a partir del Primer Domingo
Catholics also are encouraged to make Lent a time of more intense prayer and de Cuaresma hasta el Domingo de Trinidad (5 de marzo hasta el 11 de junio 2017). Los
to practice almsgiving and other works of charity. Parishes are encouraged to con- que tienen conciencia de pecado grave se les recuerda de la obligación de confesar sus
tinue participation in Operation Rice Bowl. pecados al menos una vez al año durante este tiempo.
También se les anima a los católicos a hacer de la Cuaresma un tiempo de oración más
intensa y de practicar la limosna y otras obras de caridad. Se anima a las parroquias a
continuar su participación en la Operación Plato de Arroz.
mArch 23, 2017 Worship The A.D. Times 7
In memoriam 7 – Father Edward Coleman, 2007
Sunday Scripture
8 – Father Thomas Peleshek, 1970
Sunday, April 2 8 – Father Miles Bonner, 1971
Sunday, March 26 Fifth Sunday of Lent Please remember these clerics of the 9 – Deacon John Coffin, 2006
Fourth Sunday of Lent First reading Diocese of Allentown in your prayers 11 – Father John Lyons, 1995
First reading Ezekiel 37:12-14 during April, the anniversary month of 12 – Deacon Lawrence Fessler, 1997
Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a Responsorial Psalm their death. 14 – Father John McNamara, 2016
Responsorial Psalm Psalms 130:1-8 1 – Father John Brady, 1972 17 – Father James O’Rourke, 1975
Psalms 23:1-6 Second reading 2 – Deacon Victor Quiles, 2007 17 – Father Stanislaus Norbutas, 1987
Second reading Romans 8:8-11 3 – Father George Check, 1965 19 – Father John Shalvey, 1986
Ephesians 5:8-14 Gospel 4 – Father Thomas King, 2009 20 – Msgr. J. Francis Haley, 1985
Gospel John 11:1-45 or 11:3-7, 17, 5 – Deacon Joseph Pufko, 2013 20 – Father William Hoffner, 1995
John 9:1-41 or 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38 20-27, 33b-45 6 – Msgr. Joseph Hager, 1992 23 – Father Michael Lesko, 1981
6 – Msgr. Stanley Sosnowski, 2000 24 – Father William Jones, 2013
6 – Deacon Sylvester Simchick, 2011 30 – Father James Hanlon, 1995
Recommended to your prayers by Pope Francis
Apostleship of Prayer Intention for April Prayer requests for priests
Young People – That young people may respond generously to their vocations and
Please pray for our Holy Fathers, our 14 – Msgr. Daniel Yenushosky
seriously consider offering themselves to God in the priesthood or consecrated life.
bishops and these priests serving in the 15 – Deceased priests
The monthly intentions are also available on video, with a reflection or download
Diocese of Allentown during each desig- 16 – Msgr. Vincent York
the app at http://apostleshipofprayer.org.
nated date of April. 17 – Father Jared Zambelli
1 – His Holiness Pope Francis 18 – Father Christopher Zelonis
2 – Pope Emeritus Benedict 19 – Msgr. Edward Zemanik
3 – Bishop Emeritus Edward Cullen 20 – Seminarians
4 – Father James Torpey 21 – Father Michael Ahrensfield
5 – Msgr. James Treston 22 – Father Luke Anderson
6 – Father James Ward 23 – Father David Anthony
7 – Msgr. Robert Wargo 24 – Father Eric Arnout
8 – Msgr. Anthony Wassel 25 – Father George Aschenbrenner
9 – Father Joseph Whalen 26 – Father Achilles Ayaton
10 – Father Robert Wiesenbaugh 27 – Msgr. Thomas Baddick
11 – Father George Williams 28 – Msgr. Andrew Baker
12 – Father George Winne 29 – Msgr. William Baker
13 – Father Robert Yankevitch 30 – Father Francis Baransky
Upcoming issues of T A.D. T
he imes
Publication Date Advertising Deadline News Deadline
April 6 March 27 March 30
April 20 April 10 April 13
May 4 April 24 April 27
May 18 May 8 May 11
8 The A.D. Times Diocese mArch 23, 2017
Diocesan school launches unique special needs program
St. Joseph Center for Special Learn- an avenue for independence. Students pertise and knowledge,” said Principal St. Joseph Center is accepting applica-
ing, Pottsville has initiated a conductive receive five days of therapy a week part- Roobhenn Smith. “To have someone di- tions and referrals to the conductive edu-
education program unique to Catholic nered with an education and socialization rectly linked to the founding institute is cation program and has available place-
schools in the United States – the only with similar peers, meeting the mission a rare find.” ments in the school.
one of its kind in the Northeast. of our Catholic schools to educate the The program has been offered since The center is a member school of the
Conductive education is an intensive, whole child. January 2017 and positive outcomes are Diocese of Allentown that serves nearly
multi-disciplinary approach to education, Conductive education was the focus of already being seen. 12,000 students in 33 elementary schools,
training and development for individuals the work of Hungarian Professor Andras “The beauty of a program of this na- 6 high schools, and 3 special learning
with motor disorders of neurological ori- Petro. Now Livia Burgermeiszter, a con- ture is that you can see the growth,” said centers across Berks, Carbon, Lehigh,
gin, like cerebral palsy, spina bifida and ductor trained at the Petro Institute in Bu- Smith. Northampton and Schuylkill counties.
other motor challenges. dapest, is leading this specialty program “You can watch how a student who For more information, contact Aman-
This system helps build cognitive in eastern Pennsylvania. might not have been able to stand, but is da Campbell, 570-622-4638 or acamp-
skills and alternative strategies to accom- “To implement a program of this na- now able to stand and has more control of [email protected].
plish common motor tasks, and provides ture, we knew we needed the right ex- their body because of this program.”
Deaths
brated March 13 in at Sacred Heart Villa, and brothers-in-law Anthony Sajone and
Reading, followed by burial in the con- Sunny Fluharty.
Religious sisters vent cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrat-
ed March 11 at Camilla Hall.
Sister Grace Marie Stankiewicz, 77,
Sister M. Charlene Altemose, 82, ing; St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring; died March 7 in Camilla Hall, Immacu- Sister Margaret Songster (formerly
a Missionary Sister of the Most Sacred and Sacred Heart, West Reading. lata. Sister Mary Silverius), 93, a Sister of
Heart of Jesus (MSC), died March 9 at For a number of years she was a mem- She was born in Shenandoah and en- Mercy (RSM), died March 9 at McAuley
St. Joseph Villa, Reading. ber of the formation team for the MSCs. tered the Congregation of the Sisters, Ser- Convent, Merion.
She was born Dorothy Rosanne Alte- She was also engaged in religious vants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary She taught in both primary and sec-
mose in Coplay, daughter of the late Wil- journalism and writing. She wrote a (IHM) in 1957 from St. Casimir Parish, ondary education, in the Diocese of Al-
liam and Maria (Kroboth) Altemose. weekly column in the Bethlehem Globe Shenandoah. lentown at Allentown Central Catholic
Sister taught in various elementary and wrote a series of books on “What Sister served in elementary schools High School 1953-61. She also served in
schools in the Diocese of Allentown, with Catholics Should Know…” for Ligouri in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the the Archdiocese of Philadelphia; in Wil-
additional teaching assignments at Mount Press; “Why Do Catholics…”; and sev- Dioceses of Arlington, Virginia and liamsburg, Virginia; and ministered to
St. Michael and Holy Name high schools, eral series of booklets. Metuchen, New Jersey, and various par- children at “Camp Joyous Heart” in the
both in Reading. Sister also served in the Archdiocese ishes in the Diocese of Allentown for Poconos.
She also taught theology at Alvernia of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Ven- nearly 20 years. Surviving are nieces, a nephew, grand-
College (now University), Reading for ice, Florida. She retired to Sacred Heart Surviving are sisters Valerie Sajone nieces and grandnephews.
five years. In later years she presented Villa, Reading in 2008. and Eileen Fluharty, nieces, nephews, Mass of Christian Burial was celebrat-
workshops and programs. She ministered Surviving is a brother, Charles of grandnieces and grandnephews. She was ed March 15 in the Chapel at the Convent
in adult religious education at St. Anne, Easton. predeceased by her parents, August and of Mercy, Merion Station, with burial
Bethlehem; St. Catharine of Siena, Read- Mass of Christian Burial was cele- Violet Stefanski, a sister Barbara Boris, March 16 in the community cemetery.
Prayer cards to pray for a new bishop distributed
Father Keith Mathur, director of the time of invoking the Holy Spirit’s guid- Masses beginning the weekend Feb. 4-5, “Sede vacante” is Latin for “[with] the
diocesan Office of Divine Worship, has ance upon the future of the local church.” until the ordination and/or installation of seat being vacant,” the seat in question
distributed “Prayer for a New Bishop” It was recommended that this prayer a bishop for the diocese. being the bishop’s throne of the particular
prayer cards to parishes, for the period of be recited prior to the Entrance Hymn or The cards printed below can be cut out church.
waiting for a new bishop – “a prayerful after the Final Blessing/Dismissal at all and folded over to form two-sided cards.
mArch 23, 2017 Diocese The A.D. Times 9
Operation Rice Bowl funds stretch around the world
By TARA CONNOLLY care for the sick children and the elderly,
Staff writer along with operating preschools.
Funds in the amount of $2,500 were
One of the oldest Lenten programs in given to the Dominican Sisters of Mary
the United States is underway in the Dio- Immaculate Province, who serve the
cese of Allentown to bring relief and aid United States and Vietnam by providing
to several projects in the diocese, Africa, direct services to those in need and the
Asia, India, Ghana, Russia and Vietnam. disadvantaged. The sisters are also in-
Operation Rice Bowl (ORB) was es- volved in youth religious education and
tablished in 1975 in the Diocese of Allen- performing charitable works.
town as a response to the famine in the Locally, the Missionary Sisters of the
African Sahel region. The idea has with- Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Reading
stood the test of time and funded count- were awarded $2,500. Formed more than
less efforts to fight poverty and hunger in 100 years ago, the community has cared
the United States and overseas. for newborns, orphans, single mothers,
The program evolved from Msgr. the elderly and terminally ill, and remains
Robert Coll, pastor emeritus of Assump- committed to bringing God’s love to all.
tion BVM, Bethlehem, now retired to ORB presented “Romania Valentia,”
Naples, Florida, and an interfaith group a nonprofit association, with $2,500. The
in the diocese, out of concern for the association is made up of foreign and
millions of people who were starving in American volunteers that engage in mis-
Third World countries. sion work in Bucharest, Romania. Their
Since 1980 Msgr. John Murphy, di- work involves educating abandoned chil-
rector of ORB in the Allentown Diocese dren and teaching needy families food
and director of the diocesan Pontifical Father Paul Agyei, pastor of St. James, Sunyani Ghana, and young parishio- preparation, sewing and proper hygiene.
Mission Societies in the United States, ners gather around the construction of a new church structure partially funded Rosemary Leblond, a parishioner of
has supervised the ORB collection in the by diocesan donations to Operation Rice Bowl. St. Thomas More, did humanitarian work
diocese. Msgr. Murphy forwards the col- there and last summer gave a presenta-
lection to Mark Smith, secretary of the di- other groups enhance the Lenten experi- St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield last sum- tion about it to students at St. Ambrose
ocesan Secretariat for Temporal Services ence through prayer, fasting, learning and mer and in summer 2015 to meet with Church, Schuylkill Haven.
and chief financial officer, and then to giving. Msgr. Murphy; Msgr. Robert Wargo, pas- In addition, the Diocese of Kumba-
Msgr. Alfred Schlert, diocesan adminis- “The people of the diocese each year tor; and Father Joseph Kweder, assistant konam, India and the mission Diocese of
trator. generously, lovingly and unselfishly give pastor of St. Thomas More. Vijayawada, India each received $2,500.
“The diocese can be very proud of their all to Christ so that others can en- “The parish is growing and is working Kumbakonam will use the funds to pro-
what has been accomplished – not only counter Christ,” said Msgr. Murphy. hard to complete the second phase of the mote spiritual, social, education and
in the diocese, but worldwide. Through Ed Liszka, administrative assistant church structure, which includes flooring, health ministries and training for its Cath-
the program millions to Msgr. Mur- columns and walls,” said Liszka. olic education facilities. Vijayawada, the
of dollars have been phy, said ORB Funds were also disbursed in the largest city in the diocese with a popu-
provided to people in “The diocese can be very bore $163,458.19 amount of $20,000 to the Missionaries of lation of 5 million, is home to diocesan
need of the basic ne- proud of what has been last year. After Charity of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta to centers for youth, homes for the elderly
cessities of life,” said accomplished – not only in $3,994.10 for ex- care for the poor in India and in honor of and disabled, hospitals, orphanages, and
Msgr. Murphy. “It all penses and $3,800 the life of St. Teresa of Calcutta. socio-economic centers.
the diocese but worldwide.
began here – a rela- for reserve for Mary Mother of God Mission Soci- Other programs that received grants
Through the program mil-
tively small diocese – 2016, there was ety in Russia was awarded $2,500 to as- from 2016 ORB were the Diocese of Al-
and we have touched lions of dollars have been $155,664.09 for sist two American priests who arrived in lentown, in the amount of $38,164.09 and
the lives of so many provided to people in need of distribution. the Primorye region to revive the Catho- Catholic Relief Services in the amount of
people.” the basic necessities of life.” Father Paul lic Church. They reclaimed the original $77,500.
The program Agyei, pastor of church from the government and will use Diocesan schools and programs that
works by parishio- St. James, Sun- monetary support to strengthen the future received funds include: Catholic Chari-
ners eating one sacri- yani Ghana, re- of the Catholic Church in Russia. ties, $15,000; Bishop’s Charity Fund,
ficial meal a week and donating the pro- ceived $2,500 to aid in the construction The School Sisters of St. Francis re- $2,000; Sacred Heart School, Allentown,
ceeds to the ORB program, which largely of a new church. ceived $2,500 for their mission in Barbe- $ 3,739.84; Holy Infancy School, Beth-
feeds the hungry in mission countries and According to Liszka, Father Agyei ton, South Africa and missions in Central lehem, $1,811.04; and St. Peter School,
the diocese. Through ORB, families or visited St. Thomas More, Allentown and Asia. Their missionary work involves Reading, $4,449.12.
Alvernia lecture on human rights April 6 ulty in 1996. His expertise is in the areas
of comparative constitutional law, human
rights, law and development and inter-
Alvernia University, Reading will rent professor of political science and di- political science, and makes studies in national law. His writings in these areas
present this year’s Francis Factor/Hes- rector of the Kellogg Institute for Interna- them available to the church for the de- have been published in Europe and Latin
burgh Lecture with Paolo Carozza. tional Studies at the University of Notre velopment of social doctrine and the ap- America as well as in the United States.
This year’s discussion will focus on Dame, and has been appointed to the plication of that doctrine in contemporary The “Francis Factor: Past, Present,
“Human Rights and the Catholic Church, Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences society. An international body composed Future” series launched in 2016, and is
from St. Francis to Pope Francis.” by Pope Francis. of 25 scholars, the academy includes an- sponsored by Alvernia’s Mission Integra-
The event will be Thursday, April 6 at Established by St. Pope John Paul II other Notre Dame faculty member, Vit- tion Office. Topics delve into Pope Fran-
7 p.m. at McGlinn Conference and Spiri- in 1994, the Pontifical Academy of So- torio Hösle, Paul Kimball Professor of cis as a servant leader and explore ways
tuality Center. cial Sciences promotes such social sci- Arts and Letters. he is influencing the embrace of the Gos-
Carozza is a professor of law, concur- ences as economics, sociology, law and Carozza joined the Notre Dame fac- pel in the church and wider world.
10 The A.D. Times Diocese mArch 23, 2017
‘Apologetics Forum’ on ‘Marriage, Divorce and Annulments’ April 25
Have you ever been asked or won- 7 to 9 p.m. at Monocacy Manor, 395 Bri-
dered.… What is marriage? Is an annul- dle Path Road, Bethlehem.
ment just “Catholic divorce”? Can di- Speaker will be Msgr. Victor Finelli, a
vorced people receive the Eucharist? judge on the Diocesan Tribunal.
These and other common questions “Apologetics,” derived from the Latin
about the Catholic understanding of mar- adjective “apologeticus,” is a theological
riage will be answered at the next install- science for the explanation and defense
ment in the event series of the Diocese of the Christian religion.
of Allentown Office of Adult Formation This free series discusses topics within This series of forums is changing that. credits for a master catechist certificate,
called “Apologetics Forum: The Catholic the faith that many of our contemporaries It is preparing lay Catholics with the tools attending this event counts.
Faith Explained.” disagree with or don’t ascribe to. Many of how to discuss the challenging teach- For more information, contact the
“Marriage, Divorce and Annulments: of us believe the church’s teachings, but ings of our great faith. Office of Adult Formation, adultforma-
What Does the Church Really Teach?” don’t know how to speak about them with There is no charge for attending. For [email protected] or 610-289-
will be presented Tuesday, April 25 from our neighbors, co-workers and children. those in need of continuing education 8900, ext. 21.
Evening for respect life 2017 parish advocate conference
coordinators and parish advocates on ‘Understanding Dementia’
There will be an “Evening of Reflec- The 2017 Ministry with Persons with Dementia Care.
tion and Fellowship for Parish Respect Disabilities half-day conference for all Registration and light refreshments
Life Coordinators/Committees and Par- parish advocates will be Saturday, April will begin at 8:30 a.m., with welcome and
ish Advocates for Persons with Disabili- 29 at the religious education building of opening prayer at 9 a.m.
ties,” Tuesday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at St. St. Mary, Kutztown. All advocates are strongly urged to at-
Francis Center for Renewal, Bethlehem. This year’s theme, “Understanding tend. (If unable to do so a representative
Father John Pendzick will be the Dementia,” will be addressed by a speak- should be sent in their place.)
speaker. The evening is being hosted by er from Phoebe Center for Excellence in
the diocesan Office of Pro-Life and So-
cial Concerns and the Office for Ministry Top reason to switch to an
with Persons with Disabilities.
All are welcome to attend. To register online subscription of The A.D. Times
and for questions, contact 610-289-8900,
ext. 21 or [email protected]. You can brag to your friends about lentowndiocese.org/blog/, click under
how tech-savvy you’ve become. You “E-mail subscriptions” at right.
read The A.D. Times online!
Charismatic Renewal Mass celebrated April 30 To transfer your print subscription E-mail address
to instead receive an e-mail notification Name
Mass will be celebrated by Father ning to give thanks to the Lord. with a link to each new issue posted on Address
Clifton Bishop, diocesan liaison for the Praise and worship music will begin at the diocesan website, send the following Parish
Charismatic Renewal of the Diocese of 6:30 p.m., with Mass at 7 p.m. (Mass ful- information to adtimes@allentowndio- Daytime phone number
Allentown, Sunday, April 30 at St. Catha- fills Sunday obligation). There will also cese.org or fill out the submission form Subscriber number (on line imme-
rine of Siena, Exeter Township. be a healing service and benediction. on the diocesan website, http://www.al- diately above your name printed in the
Everyone is invited to this special eve- lower left-hand corner of this issue)