Current Events and News

From the Diocese

Vaccine Q&A

From the United States Conference of Catholic BishopsJanuary 2021The development of vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has received much public attention and raised several ethical questions related to their development and use. This document is intended to...

Christmas TV Show

Proclaim! TV is celebrating the glory of Christmas with a television special, “Joy to the World: Christmas in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.”Hosted and produced by Tony DeGol, Diocesan Director of Communications, the two-hour show will highlight...

God Saves

Christmas just won’t be the same this year. How many of us have heard those words lately? As a result of an invisible virus, people will not be getting together with extended family and friends to celebrate Christmas. Who would have thought that shoppers would be more...

Diocese to Broadcast Christmas Masses and Christmas TV Special

As part of its continuing efforts to keep local Catholics connected during the coronavirus pandemic, the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is pleased to offer expanded television opportunities through its Proclaim! TV Ministry this Christmas.Bishop Mark Bartchak...

Parishes Announce Christmas Mass Schedule

By Justin KirklandProclaim!As Catholics, there is no better way to celebrate and experience God’s presence with us then in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Through the Mass, we are able to deepen our relationship with God, who came to us in the most unlikely way during...

Vaccine Clarification

By Tony DeGolProclaim!Bishop Mark Bartchak is joining other bishops in the United States in clarifying recent confusion regarding the “moral permissibility” of vaccines for COVID-19. According to Bishop Kevin Rhoades and Archbishop Joseph Naumann, vaccines from Pfizer...

What Comes After the Election Season?

A Reflection by Bishop MarkSince Election Day, I have received a few comments and concerns about Catholic Church leaders who have communicated with Joseph Biden. The focus of these concerns are political and religious. The political concern is that communication with...

Advent Reconciliation Opportunities

By Justin KirklandProclaim!The Church celebrates Advent as a time that we may prepare our souls for the birth of Christ. Traditionally, before every major feast, time was taken by the faithful to prepare their hearts, through prayer, fasting, and penance. Christ came...

What Did Pope Francis Say?

A Message from Bishop MarkOctober 23, 2020What did Pope Francis say? I have been asked that question this week since it has been reported that Pope Francis may have just changed the Church’s teaching about marriage. That conclusion was based on something the Holy...

Saint of the Day

Daily Reading

Daily Readings for Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 7:51-8:1 51 'You stubborn people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears. You are always resisting the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors used to do.52 Can you name a single prophet your ancestors never persecuted? They killed those who foretold the...

Daily Readings for Monday, April 20, 2026

Reading 1, Acts 6:8-15 8 Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people.9 Then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the...

Daily Readings for Sunday, April 19, 2026

Daily Reading for Sunday April 19, 2026 Reading 1, Acts 2:14, 22-28Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11Gospel, Luke 24:13-35Reading 2, First Peter 1:17-21 Printable PDF of Today's Reading Past / Future Daily Readings Reading 1, Acts 2:14, 22-28 14 Then...

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...