Welcome to St. Mary’s!
Welcome to the online home of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kutztown! Whether you are a long-time Catholic, new to the area, considering the Catholic faith or just passing through…. Please join us, as we strive to follow Jesus Christ – the way, the Truth and the Life! He has risen from the tomb! The world will never be the same! YOU will never be the same.
Our new Holy Father Pope Leo XIV!
Bishop Schlert Asks for Prayers for Pope Leo XIV, the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church:
Along with the priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians, and lay men and women of the Diocese of Allentown, I rejoice at the election of the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the cardinal electors selected him from among themselves Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., who took the name Leo XIV.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Pope Leo XIV, 69, most recently served the Church as Prefect, Dicastery for Bishop.
Please join me in thanking God for a new shepherd, and in praying that he would receive the grace and wisdom to lead the Catholic Church with determination, humility, and strength.
O God, shepherd and ruler of all the faithful,
look favorably on your servant Pope Leo XIV,
whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd;
grant, we pray, that by word and example
he may be of service to those over whom he presides
so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care,
he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Allentown
Solemn Pontifical Mass of Thanksgiving upon the Election of Pope Leo XIV
All are invited to join Bishop Schlert and all the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown for a special Mass to be held at the Cathedral on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 at 12:15 p.m.
Cathedral of Saint Catharine of Siena Parish
1825 West Turner Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
Scripture Reflection – May 11 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Our readings for this 4th Sunday of Easter illustrate the historical power of the Risen Christ, proclaimed by His Church in every age. We see the excitement of the Gospel in the account from Acts – persecution and conflict followed by perseverance and joy. We are also given profound spiritual images for our reflection.
The Good Shepherd of today’s Gospel is the enthroned Lamb of today’s second reading. In laying down His life for His flock, the Lamb frees “every nation, race, people and tongue” from the power of sin and death. The Church is the “great multitude” that John sees in his vision from the Book of Revelation.
Each of us was born for this time and place, to give witness to our faith in Christ, the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.”
In our noisy lives, we can sometimes let the Voice of the Good Shepherd be muffled or drowned out – by other voices that compete for our fidelity. All too often, worldly commentators have our primary fidelity. This week, strive to tune out the noise, and focus on the Voice of the Good Shepherd, in prayer and in Scripture.
Please pray also for our young men, that they might hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, calling them to the priesthood. The truth, mercy and mission of Christ continues in His Church. We need more holy shepherds to feed His sheep!
And pray for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV! As Peter was commanded by Jesus to “feed His sheep” (John 21:15-19), may the new successor of Peter faithfully carry out the Savior’s command, and echo the teaching of Christ, the Good Shepherd!
Safe Haven from Pornography
In his March 9 homily, Father John spoke of the dangers of pornography. In that week’s bulletin, there was an insert about this problem, with links to helpful resources. That letter can be accessed by clicking HERE.
Disciple Maker Index Survey
In Spring of 2024, parishes throughout the Diocese of Allentown conducted a survey of parishioners about parish life. A summary of our parish results can be accessed by clicking HERE.
In 2025, we have begun to identify plans and priorities for our parish family, along the lines of the Parish Experience, Faith Formation and Evangelization. For an explanation of our goals and the next phase of our plan, click HERE.