Current Events and News

From the Diocese

How Are We Dealing with the Cross in Our Life?

By Father Rich Tomkosky In Sacred Scripture, we see three different responses to the cross including the exterior or interior trials and difficulties of this earthly life that call us to die to ourselves. Jeremiah cries out in desperation and frustration to the Lord...

McCort Students to “Turn the Towns Teal®”

From Bishop McCort Catholic High School For the 13th year, teal ribbons will be seen during September as Bishop McCort Catholic High School (BMCHS) students along with faculty and volunteers fasten bows on trees to support Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. They will be...

Bishop Carroll Can Change Your Life If You Let It

Column by Jonathan Nagy Notre Dame Fighting Irish Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman once said, “I think no matter if you’re a student, no matter if you’re an athlete, no matter if you’re a coach, an employee, this place can change your life if you let it. I believe...

Bishop’s Appointments

Deacon John R. Fontana from diaconal ministry at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Johnstown to diaconal ministry at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Johnstown, effective August 13, 2026. Deacon Brian Yurky, Administrator at Our Lady of the Mount Parish...

How to Keep Holy the Lord’s Day: Sunday?

By Father Rich Tomkosky One of the essential ways the Bible says we honor God and give Him proper respect is to “Keep holy the Sabbath” (Third Commandment). For us Catholics, that means keeping Sunday holy. What does that mean? Our late great Holy Father Pope St. John...

Sister Mary Andrew Hooper, SSCJ — 1964-2026

Sister Mary Andrew Hooper, SSCJ.  Sister Mary Andrew Hooper, age 61, a perpetually professed Sister of the Congregation of Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, entered into eternal life on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Garvey Manor Nursing Home,...

Reverend Joseph Chancler, TOR –1951-2026

Reverend Joseph Chancler, TOR, a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, was called home to the Lord on August 7, 2026, at the age of 74.The son of Joseph A Chancler and Ella Mae (O’Brien) Chancler. Fr....

Why Does It Seem Like God is So Hard to Find in the Modern World?

By Father Rich Tomkosky In the readings this past weekend, we saw a fascinating encounter of the prophet Elijah with the living God. We also saw Peter venturing out to walk on the water, moving towards Jesus, only to falter in the end because of his weak faith. These...

2026 Gallitzin Cross Awards

Bishop Mark Bartchak has announced the 2026 recipients of the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award, a prestigious recognition for individuals who mirror the “evangelizing spirit” of the Prince-Priest and Servant of God Demetrius Gallitzin. After many nominations were...

Not Allowing Anything or Anyone to Separate Us from God’s Love

By Father Rich Tomkosky Saint Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ unless we let something or someone to cause this to happen. What will separate us from the love of Christ will anguish, distress, or persecution, or famine, or...

Saint of the Day

Daily Reading

Daily Readings for Sunday, October 04, 2026

Reading 1, Isaiah 5:1-7 1 Let me sing my beloved the song of my friend for his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a fertile hillside.2 He dug it, cleared it of stones, and planted it with red grapes. In the middle he built a tower, he hewed a press there too. He...

Daily Readings for Friday, October 02, 2026

Reading 1, Exodus 23:20-23 20 'Look, I am sending an angel to precede you, to guard you as you go and bring you to the place that I have prepared.21 Revere him and obey what he says. Do not defy him: he will not forgive any wrong-doing on your part, for my name is in...