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Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
Bishop Mark is requesting that the faithful throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to join him in praying for peace in Ukraine as Russian forces invade the Eastern European country.
The Bishop stands united in prayer with Ukrainian Catholics in that troubled part of the world and with the local Ukrainian Catholic population here in Central Pennsylvania. During this difficult time, he is inviting everyone to join him in praying the following ancient prayer.
We fly to Your patronage, O Virgin Mother of God. Despise not our prayers in our needs, but deliver us from all dangers, since you alone are pure and blessed. O most glorious Ever Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ our God, accept our prayers and present them to Your Son and our God, that for the sake of You, He enlighten and save our souls.
“This prayer is a unique part of the spiritual heritage of the Catholic and Orthodox Christians of the Ukraine, dating back to the 10th or 11th century. It is quite similar to the Memorare prayer that most of us learned as children. As we watch the unfolding developments from Ukraine, it is often difficult to process our thoughts and feelings. That’s where a prayer like this can bring calm to our disturbed minds and hearts, and especially to our world.”
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BISHOP MARK BARTCHAK AND THE FAMILY LIFE OFFICE CORDIALLY INVITE ALL COUPLES CELEBRATING 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60+ YEARS OF MARRIAGE IN 2022 (AND THEIR FAMILIES) TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY LITURGY. Couples may attend Sunday, September 18th in Altoona at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament or Sunday, September 25 in Johnstown Saint John Gualbert Cathedral. Both locations are handicap accessible. Liturgies in each location begin at 2:00 PM. Most Rev. Bishop Mark will be the celebrant and homilist at each celebration. Refreshments/snacks will be available after the mass for anniversary couples and their families. Reservations must be made through your parish for either celebration by Monday, August 29. Registration forms are available in the church office.
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GIFTS FROM THE HOLY LAND
We will have a display of beautiful and authentic olive wood carvings from the Holy Land the weekend of August 27 & 28 before and after masses in the gathering space. The Christians of the Holy Land have been suffering and continue to live in difficult economical situations. Olive wood carvings are part of a tradition handed down from one generation to another. Christian Families of Bethlehem have worked close to 2000 years to protect the Holy sites in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and to spread the word of Jesus. For about the last 1000 years they used carvings to keep the Bible alive in dimensions. Their mission is to support our fellow Christians in the Holy Land by selling some of their olive wood carvings which are a major source of their income. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Christian families in Bethlehem, Holy Land. In the last century Christians were 37% of the Holy Land population but today they are only 5%. By your support through the purchasing of these wood carvings, 200 Christian families will be helped and will be able to remain in the Holy Land. As a form of payment for these unique gifts they accept cash, checks and credit cards. Father Jozef will gladly bless any items you purchase.
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Ministry Workshop – How are you supposed to respond when you see someone in need? If someone has just lost a loved one, is there anything you can do to help? How do you help your friends whose marriage is on the brink of divorce? So often, as Christians, we want to help but we don’t know ho. In particular, we may feel we should have more of a response as a Church than we currently do. Because of this, the Family Life Office is offering a Ministry Workshop on Saturday, August 20th from 9 am to 1:30 pm here at St. Matthew. At the workshop you will learn the basics of ministry, as well as resources if you would like to take those ministries further in your parish. Some of the ministries that will be covered include: Bereavement & Consolation Ministries, Marriage Preparation, Enrichment, Healing and Spirituality Ministries, Family & Parenting Ministries, Divorced & Separated Ministries, Walking with Moms in Need, Disabilities Ministries. Workshop Is free and open to all. Pre-registration is required. To register please contact the Family Life Office at 814-695-5579 or online: familylife@dioceseaj.org.
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WOMEN’S CONFERENCE – A dynamic and inspiring Catholic speaker will headline the upcoming Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown women’s conference “Women Find Strength in Christ” on September 10, 2022, at Holy Name Parish in Ebensburg. Kelly Walquist, founder of WINE: Women in the New Evangelization, will be the keynote speaker. Also presenting will be Deanne Miller and Colleen Scariano, co-founders of SoulCore, a movement that nurtures a body and soul through prayer and core strengthening exercises. The conference includes Eucharistic Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and lunch. The cost is only $10 per person. Please register online at dioceseaj.org or ask your parish office for a mail-in form. The deadline for reservations is August 31st.
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Eucharistic Revival “Beginning Again!” will be held on Saturday, September 17th from 9 am to 11:30 am at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson, PA for those who are interested in making the Eucharist the center of their life. Register Online by September 12, 2022: www.dioceseaj.org/beginning-again Cost is $10.00
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Religious Education: There is a need for Religious Education substitute teachers for all grades. If interested or need additional information, contact Lauren Wright (see front of bulletin for contact information).
Registration for 2022-23 is currently be accepted. Registration forms are also available on the parish website. Please consider registering your child to assist in planning and the purchase of materials.
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Parishioners are encouraged to recite the rosary daily, gather together in the church on Wednesday afternoons at 3:30, and come before the daily and weekend Masses for the recitation of the Rosary. This is a special way of praying for individual and special intentions in a group to provide you comfort and support.
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The Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., from Loretto, invite you to participate with them in celebrating the Fatima Devotions on the 13th of each month from May to October at 6:30 pm at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. Please place these dates in your calendar. We are really looking forward to seeing you.
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Outdoor Masses will be celebrated at the Our Lady of the Alleghenies Shrine in Loretto every Sunday evening at 7:00 pm through Labor Day weekend – September 4th. In case of inclement weather, the Mass will be celebrated in the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel.
The Chapel House of Father Demetrius Gallitzin will be open for visiting hours from 3 pm to 6 pm this summer on: July 31, August 14, and August 28.
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Catholic Ministries Drive parish goal for 2022 is $32,779.
The annual CMD directly supports 14 ministries through which people are accompanied in their journey (100% of your gift does directly to these ministries). There are many gifted and generous laypersons in our diocese who share their time and talent to support our Catholic ministries.
This year, more so than others, our world, our nation, our communities, our parishes, and our families need tangible expression of hope. This year 2022 is a time for everyone to move FORWARD IN FAITH!
All contributions received beyond our parish target will be used to assist in Harkin’s Hall roof replacement.
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Scholarship- Any student from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown who is attending or will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville is eligible to apply for the John Paul II Scholarship. For more information about the St. Pope John Paul II Scholarship at www.franciscan.edu, call 800-783-6220, or email admissions@franciscan.edu
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Apply now at Saint Joseph Academy For Fall Enrollment The Saint Joseph’s high school community and educational experience is strong, balanced, and most importantly, firmly founded in Jesus Christ. Applications are now being accepted at all grade levels for Fall 2022 enrollment. To learn more or begin the online application process go to www.stjoeacad.org. You may also contact Ms. Maryann Lingenfelter, Director of Admissions, at mlingenfelter@sjcacademy.org or 814-808-6118 to arrange a tour or discuss any questions you may have. We are looking forward to having you as part of the Saint Joseph’s community!
- In the Altoona/Johnstown Diocese there are several men currently studying for the priesthood. Please keep them in your prayers.
- Deacon Brian Norris
- Justin Treon
- Jacob Gindhart
- John Roy
- Max Kroell
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St. Aloysius Church in Cresson, PA would like to extend an invitation to participate in the Praise and Worship prayer meetings on Tuesdays at 1:30 pm on Zoom with Father Bob Hilz, meeting ID# 6726349049 or dial 929-205-6099.
If you are in need of counseling, Catholic Counselors of America LLC is open by appointment at St. Aloysius Faith Education and Community Center. By calling Leorosie Trexler at 814-505-7178.
May God Our Father, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, bless you and your family, and may Our Blessed Mother Mary cover you in her mantle of protection!
- Cindy O’Connor of the Office of Child and Youth Protection office of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has requested that we provide educational article each month provide by VIRTUS of The National Catholic Risk Retention Group, Inc. This month’s article is Our Pledge to Protect Vulnerable Adults, by Judge Kate Huffman. This article is available in the vestibule and also on the parish website.
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The Family Life Office of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese has a ministry, Heaven’s Treasure. The ministry attempts to reach out to families who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or early fetal death by providing them with spiritual tools to help them to grieve their child through the care of the Catholic Church. Please call the office at 814-695-5579 or email familylife@dioceseaj.org for more information.
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MASS INTENTION SCHEDULING: Mass intentions will now be accepted. Mass intention or requests will be limited to 3 masses for each family per year (only one Mass can be for the weekend or Holy Day). We schedule as we receive mass intentions and will do our best to honor your requests. Please keep in mind to be kind and considerate of others and this will allow as many as possible in our parish family to be able to request a celebration of Mass. Remember that the value of a Mass is infinite no matter when it is celebrated.
- Please note that the annual collection of religious articles takes place once a year in February. You are asked to please keep items to exchange/donate until that time. The gathering space is not a drop off for old or not used items throughout the year. If an item is not blessed you may discard of it on your own.
- Try Catholic Radio – WJVM 90.3 FM the Voice of Divine Mercy
- PROJECT RACHEL: Would you like to find peace in your heart with your aborted child, with God, with the Church? Don’t be afraid, the door is open. For women, men, anyone wounded by abortion. Contact Project Rachel 814-884-8000. ProjectRachel@dioceseaj.org. All calls are confidential.
- AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of eligible purchase to our parish. Please go to the following link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1390606 and you can start helping our church in this very easy way.
- Please remember our local Tyrone Food Bank. Canned soups, peanut butter, cereal, jelly, and personal care items are always needed. The Food Bank requests that dates on all donations be current. Expired items cannot be accepted.
