AN EASTER MESSAGE FROM BISHOP MARK   3/25/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CATHOLIC MINISTRY DRIVE LETTER FROM BISHOP MARK   3/17/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Our 2021 Catholic Ministries Drive— BE A DISCIPLE OF HOPE— has launched throughout our Diocese. The annual Catholic Ministries Drive supports 14 ministries through which people are accompanied in their journey. There are so many gifted and generous laypersons in our diocese who share their time and talent to support our Catholic ministries. Without their help and your help, we could not fulfill our mission. This year, more so than others, our world, our nation, our communities, our parishes, and our families need tangible expressions of hope. Please reflect on Bishop Mark’s invitation when it arrives this week and return your pledge card in next weekend’s offertory. The year 2021 is a time for everyone to BE A DISCIPLE OF HOPE! St. Patrick’s target goal is $24,687. All contributions received beyond our parish target will be used for parish projects. Thank you for supporting these vital ministries with sacrificial gifts of prayer and treasure. 100% of your gift goes directly to these ministries!

 

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Bishop Mark Announces Directives for Holy Week Observances   3/2/2021

Proclaim!

Holy Week Masses and services in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown will include some modifications to accommodate the demands of physical distancing and ensure the safety of clergy and parishioners.

 

Among the directives issued by Bishop Mark is permission to have musicians, song leaders, and choirs during the liturgies. All should follow established procedures regarding masks, physical distancing, shielding, and other precautions. Choirs, musicians, song leaders and directors of liturgical music are reminded to reduce the number of verses and shorten music appropriately so as not to prolong indoor gatherings.

 

As previously announced, palms are not to be distributed or made available prior to Masses on Palm Sunday weekend.  Palms are not to be placed on tables for people to take themselves. Rather, ushers or other volunteers are to hand them to people at the end of Mass as the exit the church.

 

Bishop Mark has granted permission for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday to be celebrated as early as 7:00 p.m., rather than waiting for sundown. The washing of feet is not to occur during the Mass. A procession at the end of the Liturgy would be comprised of the priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament, one candle bearer, and one other server if incense is used. If the place of repose is the church itself, choir members and the faithful are to remain in their places in order to maintain safe distance. If the place of repose is outside of the church, choir members and the faithful may, with proper precautions and distancing, follow after the procession. At the conclusion of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, it is recommended that those who have participated in the Liturgy remain for a period of adoration and reflection.

 

On Good Friday, faithful may approach for the veneration of the cross while keeping the proper distance. The cross is not to be kissed. The proper reverence would be a bow or the sign of the cross. In celebrations that are live streamed, the priest should invite viewers at home to look to a crucifix or another image of Christ crucified. The Holy See has authorized the addition of a prayer for all those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, for an end to the virus, and for the health and well-being of everyone.

 

On Holy Saturday, the Easter Vigil may begin as early as 4:00 p.m., according to the Bishop’s directives. There is to be no fire and no gathering of people for the blessing of fire. Only a small amount of water should be blessed during the Vigil. Fonts in the church are not to be filled with holy water until further notice. Prefilled bottles of water may also be blessed at this time for the faithful. 

 

All are invited to safely participate in Holy Week observances at parishes throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, but the faithful are reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday and Holy Day Masses remains waived by Bishop Mark until further notice.

 

As always, the Proclaim! TV Masses on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday will be broadcast live from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown at 11:00 a.m. on WATM ABC 23 with Bishop Mark as celebrant and homilist. The Liturgies will be rebroadcast on those nights at 9:00 p.m. on Atlantic Broadband channel 9 and posted on the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown website and Facebook page. Various parishes will also offer live-streaming or recorded Masses on social media and/or their website on those days and throughout Holy Week.

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Gallitzin Intercessory Prayer  3/2/2021

            God of mercy and love, your faithful servant, Father Demetrius A. Gallitzin, gave up everything to sow the seeds of faith among the people of the Allegheny Mountains. Please listen to his intercession for us in our day, even as we ask that we be allowed to invoke him publicly as our patron with you. Pour out your kindness and mercy upon us and listen to our prayer, as we humbly beseech you to grant us the favor of (name your intention). Give us the humble courage of Servant of God Demetrius, so that we may praise and bless you through service to our neighbor and through witness to the Gospel of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

            Has Prince Gallitzin touched your life in some way? Has he granted you a favor after you prayed to him? Do you have additional information on Prince Gallitzin that we may not know of? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we ask that you please submit your response here. Your testimony could help lead Fr. Gallitzin forward on his path towards Sainthood.

            Kindly send word of any potential miracles or favors received to:  The Cause for Canonization Servant of God Demetrius Gallitzin, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, 2713 West Chestnut Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601-1720. Phone:  (814) 695-5579.  Website:  www.dioceseaj.org/gallitzin/

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