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 Sunday, September 17, 2023

Reading 1, Sirach 27:30-28:7 30 Resentment and anger, these are foul things too, and a sinner is a master at them both.1 Whoever exacts vengeance will experience the vengeance of the Lord, who keeps strict account of sin.2 Pardon your neighbour any wrongs done to you,...

Daily Readings for Friday, September 15, 2023

Reading 1, Hebrews 5:7-9 7 During his life on earth, he offered up prayer and entreaty, with loud cries and with tears, to the one who had the power to save him from death, and, winning a hearing by his reverence,8 he learnt obedience, Son though he was, through his...

Daily Readings for Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Reading 1, Colossians 2:6-15 6 So then, as you received Jesus as Lord and Christ, now live your lives in him,7 be rooted in him and built up on him, held firm by the faith you have been taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving.8 Make sure that no one captivates you...

Daily Readings for Monday, September 11, 2023

Reading 1, Colossians 1:24-2:3 24 It makes me happy to be suffering for you now, and in my own body to make up all the hardships that still have to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the Church,25 of which I was made a servant with the responsibility...