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Norms for the Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds in the Diocese of United States of America:
Beginning on Holy Thursday, April 6, 2023, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown was permitted by the local ordinary, Bishop Mark L. Bartchak, to resume the practice of offering the fuller sign of Communion, the Body and Blood of the Lord under the species of both bread and wine. The offering of the chalice of the Precious Blood of Christ can continue to be offered on Sundays, as part of special celebrations, and could be on weekdays at the discretion of the pastor. Those who are suffering from a cold, sore throat, cough, or flu symptoms should refrain from receiving the Chalice of the Lord’s Blood. (May 2, 2023, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, Liturgy Office, 2713 West Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601)
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For those that cannot attend Mass -A prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.Amen.
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Where to look in the BIBLE when you …
– need rest and peace – Matthew 11: 28-30
– worry – Matthew 6: 19-34
– are lonely or fearful – Psalm 23
– need peace of mind – John 14: 27, Philippians 4: 6-8
– are disappointed by people – Psalm 27
– grow bitter or critical – 1 Corinthians 13
– have sinned – Psalm 51, 1 John 1
– are discouraged – Psalm 34
– feel God seems far away – Psalm 139
– think the world seems bigger than God – Psalm 90
– are sick – Psalm 41
– feel sorrowful – John 14, Psalm 46
– are in danger – Psalm 91
– want courage – Joshua 1: 1-9
– need assurance – Romans 8
– forget your blessings – Psalm 103
– are looking for joy – Colossians 3
– leave home to travel – Psalm 121
– think of investments – Mark 10: 17-31
– need guidelines for living – Matthew 5-7, Romans 12
– need rules of conduct – Exodus 20: 1-17
– need to know God’s will for your life – Proverbs 3: 1-6
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WHY DO WE CELEBRATE MASS?
From the opening prayer to the closing prayer, the Mass is a memorial and sacrifice; one continual offering to our good and gracious God, by making present the redeeming passion and death of his Son Jesus Christ for the salvation of all humankind through his crucifixion. We celebrate Mass to offer our praise and thanksgiving for our redemption. At mass we pray and worship God together in a faith filled community, we hear God’s voice in the Scripture Readings, let the message of salvation enter us and we receive Jesus truly present among us in the Holy Eucharist.
You may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday, wedding anniversary), or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died. Let us never forget the infinite value and graces that flow from the Sacrifice of the Mass. Please contact the church office if you would like to have a Mass celebrated.
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FYI: Due to the great attendance at the 7:30 am Sunday Mass, this Mass time will remain in the schedule indefinitely.
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BAPTISM CLASS – (St. Matthew & St. Joseph Parishes) The next Baptism class for parents of newborns or parents desiring to have their child baptized is Tuesday, November 14, at 6:30 p.m., in the Chapel. Please contact Sr. Linda at 814-742-7894 to register in advance so that sufficient materials can be prepared. This Baptism session if for both parents and the chosen Godparents.
- A Rosary Rally will be held at the Saint Matthew School parking lot (near the statue of the Blessed Mother) on Saturday, October 7th at noon to mark the 106th Anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima Portugal. Please consider participating. Chairs will be provided. Light refreshments afterwards. In case of inclement weather, the rosary will be held in the Gathering Space.
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Mass for Widows and Widowers – Remember your loved ones on Sunday, October, 29, 2023 with a televised Mass Celebrated by Bishop Mark Bartchak at 11 am on WATM ABC 23 and will rebroadcast that night at 9 pm on Breezeline Channel 9. The Mass will also be able to view, online at the Diocese Vimeo page at vimeocom/user53173075. All spouses will be acknowledged and remembered at Mass. All persons who have lost a spouse through death throughout the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese are invited to register by contacting the Family Life Office 814-317-2643 or familylife@dioceseaj.org. When registering, please give your name, address, phone number and the name of your spouse who has passed away. The last day to register is Tuesday, October 24, 2023 the event is sponsored by the Diocesan Family Life Office and the Catholic Ministries Drive.
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SAINT JOSEPH PARISH
“DESIGNER PURSE BASKET BINGO”
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023
Doors open at 11:30 am
Lunch at 12:15 pm
Bingo starts at 1:00 pm
Cost is $50 per ticket. Please call 814-742-7075
Includes lunch, 10 regular games, ONE Grand Prize Ticket, two cases of cash tickets, bingo dauber. Each basket will include a beautiful purse made by Coach, Michael Kors, Kate Spade or Vera Bradley. Seating is limited. Reserve early!
- OCIA Are you or someone you know interested in finding out more about how to become a Catholic? Is there someone you can invite to explore the Catholic faith – someone unbaptized or baptized in a non-Catholic tradition? Perhaps you know a Catholic adult interested in completing their Christian Initiation by receiving the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation. In Catholic Life, it is necessary to be confirmed in order to be a godparent at Baptism or a sponsor at Confirmation. St. Matthew OCIA will soon begin a new Journey of Faith to share the richness of the Catholic Church and our parish family. For more information, call Sue Burkholder (814-684-0352).
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Cemetery Upkeep Envelope in your packets will be used to help in the “fixing” of tombstones in the Oak Grove cemetery that have weathered over the years and need a little TLC. Most of the headstones are very old and there are no family members who can be contacted to care for them. Father Michael has been in contact with Mayes Memorials and they will address these issues as time permits. The entire process may take a year or two since the repairs will be done as Mayes Memorials has the time.
Current lot owners are reminded that the headstone is your responsibility. Perpetual care does not cover the cost of cleaning or repairing of headstones.
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Fall workshop provided by the office of Religious Studies and Liturgy Office of Christian Initiation is entitled: Understanding the Annulment Process held on November 4, 2023 at St. Michael of the Archangel in Loretto, PA Deadline is October 31st and forms in the parish office
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The Diocese of Altoona Johnstown is Sponsoring “Beginning Again” speaker series on Saturday, October 14th at Father Kelley Hall at Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Altoona from 9 am to 11:30 am. Speakers are Monsignor Stanley Carson, Father John Slovikovski, and Father Aron Maghsoudi. Cost is $10. Registration forms are available in the gathering space and online.
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To celebrate National LIFE CHAIN Sunday, hundreds of thousands of participants silently stand in peaceful and prayerful witness to their commitment to love and protect the unborn and their mothers. LIFE CHAIN challenges the community to be aware and to care. There will be a LIFE CHAIN on Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 2 pm to 3 pm at the Station Mall Medical Center on 17th Street and 9th Avenue in Altoona, PA
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All Saints parish in Boswell (Somerset County) will host a presentation on Polish Christmas Customs on Tuesday, October 17th at their parish hall (505 Center Street) at 6:30 pm. The customs, food, and decorations peculiar to the Polish expression of Christmas are unique and developed over many centuries. The presenter will be Fr. Czelaw Krysa, an author and noted authority and polish fold culture. The event is free of charge. Participants are sked to register either by phoning the parish office at 814-629-5551 or by emailed the parish secretary Emily Marsh at emarsh@dioceseaj.org
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Fr. John Slovikovski Pastor of Visitation parish in Johnstown, as part of the celebration of the Jubilee 2025, is promoting and coordinating a pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, and Orvieto, Italy, which is open to the entire diocese in the month of June 2025. This pilgrimage will include visitations to the 4 Major Basilicas of Rome (The Vatican {with an audience with the Pope}, Saint Mary Major, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Paul outside the Walls.) We will also visit the Spanish Steps, the Catacombs, Trevi Fountain, and the Coliseum as well as the basilicas of St. Francis and Saint Clare in Assisi. All of our tour will be guided by a native who is fluent in Italian. If you are considering joining our group, you are asked to contact the Visitation Parish office @814-536-6110. There is no obligation (financial or otherwise) before we make our commitment with the pilgrimage tour company in early 2024 when we will meet with our Pilgrimage tour company. 2025 is an exceptional time to be in Rome since it will be during a Jubilee Year which is a very special time for a Jubilee occurs only once every 25 years.
- The Friar’s Nook Gift Shop in Hollidaysburg, PA is sponsoring a Fall Craft event on Saturday, Oct. 7th. Contact by phone at 814-695-3802 or email kellie@thefranciscanfriars.org to reserve a crafter’s space.
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Adoration Chapel at Saint Mary’s, 712 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA is open every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of each week from 7 am to 11 pm. Come spend time with Jesus!
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Catholic Ministries Drive (CMD) Our parish goal for 2023 is $30,406.
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 2023 is a time for everyone to move as TOGETHER WE SERVE!
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Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will occur every Friday after daily Mass from 8:30 am to 9:30 am. If an event comes up on a Friday, then Fr. Michael will repose the Blessed Sacrament at his discretion. This is great opportunity for spiritual nourishment. Come and spend an hour with Jesus! NOTE: During Holy week Eucharistic Adoration will take place after Holy Thursday Mass until midnight.
- Did you know 100% of your PA tax money can be sent to our local catholic school? Look for brochures by the exit doors or contact RedefinED to enroll in EITC, a local company hired by the Diocese to manage enrollments, at 814-419-5505 or www.redefiningeducation.com.
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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is establishing a prayer ministry and we are seeking prayer partners. Every Friday we pray for those who ask for special intentions, for the marginalized, the vulnerable and all clients seeking assistance from Catholic Charities.
Prayer is one of the gifts we can give to each other at no extra cost. To request prayers, please visit our website: www.catholiccharitiesaj.org.
For more information on how to participate and spend time in prayer for those in need, please contact Lisa Fellabaum, Outreach Liaison at 814-505-1106 or by email at lfellabaum@dioceseaj.org
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Looking for a rewarding career in a faith-filled environment? Locations throughout the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese have current openings in a variety of fields. For a complete listing go to https://www.dioceseaj.org/employment
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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.
- 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 at Saint Joseph Academy 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. 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!
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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!
- 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.
- 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.
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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