Current Events and News

From the Diocese

Save Catholic Education — A Message from Bishop Mark

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Some of the happiest memories of my life include my years of Catholic education. To this day, I am grateful for the opportunity I was afforded to learn in an environment in which I was nurtured not only academically, but also in my...

Reverend Bernard Tickerhoof, TOR — 1950-2026

Reverend Bernard “Bernie” Francis Tickerhoof, 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 May 10, 2026, at the age of 75. Born in Johnstown, PA, Fr. Bernie was preceded...

Diocesan Family Conference 2026

About the Keynote Speaker and Breakout SessionsRenowned Catholic speaker and musician Steve Angrisano will serve as the keynote speaker for the Diocesan Family Conference. Angrisano will share his music and thoughts and reflections on what it means to be the “Body of...

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...

Saint of the Day

Daily Reading

Daily Readings for Monday, August 31, 2026

Reading 1, First Corinthians 2:1-5 1 Now when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with any brilliance of oratory or wise argument to announce to you the mystery of God.2 I was resolved that the only knowledge I would have while I was with you was knowledge of...

Daily Readings for Sunday, August 30, 2026

Reading 1, Jeremiah 20:7-9 7 You have seduced me, Yahweh, and I have let myself be seduced; you have overpowered me: you were the stronger. I am a laughing-stock all day long, they all make fun of me.8 For whenever I speak, I have to howl and proclaim, 'Violence and...