Current Events and News

From the Diocese

Directives for the Distribution of Ashes

Faithful are invited to Ash Wednesday Masses at parishes throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Click HERE for a schedule of Masses at parishes. This year, because of the pandemic, and as previously announced, Bishop Mark has directed that ashes are to...

Ash Wednesday Mass Times

Faithful are invited to Ash Wednesday Masses at parishes throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. This year, because of the pandemic, and as previously announced, Bishop Mark has directed that ashes are to be sprinkled on the heads of those who approach. This is a...

Reconciliation Opportunities

Bishop Mark has asked pastors to make various opportunities for Confession available at their parishes throughout Lent. The Bishop has instructed the clergy to not sponsor the usual Communal Penance Services because of the continuing pandemic.The Diocese of...

Take-Out Fish Lunches/Dinners

Bishop Mark is permitting parishes to sponsor fish lunches/dinners this Lent, but only in the format of take-out service. There is to be no indoor dining, according to his directives, and anyone who assists in food preparation and serving must be screened by...

Catholic Schools Week Message from Bishop Mark

Will Hegemann loves school and attending Mass every week with his classmates. Even at his young age, the first grader at Saint Michael School in Loretto realizes how lucky he is to be in a learning environment in which Jesus Christ is the center of everything. Will is...

Bishop’s Directives for the Blessing of Throats

January 2021The current pandemic is a sufficient pastoral reason to avoid the blessing of individuals in the usual manner of touching the throat of each person with crossed candles while saying the words of the blessing. Among the challenges is the sanitizing of the...

Bishop’s Directives for Distribution of Ashes

January 2021During this time of Pandemic, the Holy See has modified the method of distributing ashes as contained in the following Note from the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments issued January 12, 2021: NOTE ON ASH...

2021 Plans for RCIA, Confirmation, First Holy Communion

By Tony DeGolProclaim!There is an old saying in entertainment that no matter what happens, the show must go on. Here in the Catholic Church, the sacramental life of our faith communities must go on as well, even in the midst of a pandemic. As the Diocese of...

Bishop’s Directives for Parish Lenten Fish Dinners

January 2021Ash Wednesday, February 17, marks the beginning of the holy season of Lent. It is also the starting date for annual Fish Dinners in parishes throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. In many of those places it is a regular fundraiser to support parish...

Bishop’s Directives for Distribution of Palms

January 2021Ample instructions for the Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem are found in the Roman Missal for the celebration of Palm Sunday. Three Forms are provided for this observance. Given the circumstances of the COVID pandemic, and in order to...

Saint of the Day

Daily Reading

Daily Readings for Friday, April 17, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 5:34-42 34 One member of the Sanhedrin, however, a Pharisee called Gamaliel, who was a teacher of the Law respected by the whole people, stood up and asked to have the men taken outside for a time.35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin, 'Men of Israel, be...

Daily Readings for Thursday, April 16, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 5:27-33 27 When they had brought them in to face the Sanhedrin, the high priest demanded an explanation.28 'We gave you a strong warning', he said, 'not to preach in this name, and what have you done? You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and...

Daily Readings for Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 4:32-37 32 The whole group of believers was united, heart and soul; no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, as everything they owned was held in common.33 The apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great...

Daily Readings for Monday, April 13, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 4:23-31 23 As soon as they were released they went to the community and told them everything the chief priests and elders had said to them.24 When they heard it they lifted up their voice to God with one heart. 'Master,' they prayed, 'it is you who...

Daily Readings for Sunday, April 12, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 2:42-47 42 These remained faithful to the teaching of the apostles, to the brotherhood, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers.43 And everyone was filled with awe; the apostles worked many signs and miracles.44 And all who shared the faith owned...

Daily Readings for Friday, April 10, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 4:1-12 1 While they were still talking to the people the priests came up to them, accompanied by the captain of the Temple and the Sadducees.2 They were extremely annoyed at their teaching the people the resurrection from the dead by proclaiming the...

Daily Readings for Thursday, April 09, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 3:11-26 11 Everyone came running towards them in great excitement, to the Portico of Solomon, as it is called, where the man was still clinging to Peter and John.12 When Peter saw the people he addressed them, 'Men of Israel, why are you so surprised...