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 answer the call to follow Jesus Christ, our Lord! He is truly present in the Holy Eucharist… Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity! He is the way, the truth and the life!
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October: Praying the Rosary and Respecting Life…
October is Respect Life Month, where we reflect upon the great gift of human life, and pray for increased resolve to protect life at all stages, from conception to natural death.
For a beautiful guide through the miraculous development of life in the womb, click HERE!
The month of October is also the month of Our Lady of the Rosary. We will pray the Rosary before all weekend Masses this month.
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Holiday Bazaar!
Members of the Ladies Auxiliary are working hard to prepare for the 2026 Holiday Bazaar held on Saturday, November 7. Mark your calendars and plan to attend! For more details, click HERE.
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Scripture Reflection for October 4
In today’s readings, there is a strong connection between Isaiah and the Gospel. In a sense, the Lord echoes the ancient prophecy, and then tells us the rest of the story.
Like a cherished vine, Israel was plucked from Egypt and transplanted in a fertile land specially prepared by God, hedged about by the city walls of Jerusalem. Because of the hardness of human hearts, the vineyard produced no good grapes for the wine- a symbol for the holy lives God wanted for His people. Because of this repeated failure, Isaiah foresaw that the vineyard would be overrun by foreign invaders. And it came to pass.
Jesus picks up the story where Isaiah leaves off. The parable was pointed directly at the religious leaders who had been opposing Jesus at every turn. They were the wicked tenants. Their ancestors had rejected the prophets of God, and soon they would reject His own Son.
For this rejection of God’s generosity, the vineyard would be given to new tenants— the people of the new covenant in His blood – His church, whose members would be drawn from every nation.
We are the beneficiaries of this promise. He has given us everything we need in the most important task before us – being united to Him in holiness.
He invites us to a new life of grace through prayer and the sacraments, so that we could bear fruit – like branches drawing life from the vine. How will you bear fruit this week? How will you bear witness to Life?
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Special Links!
In his Easter Sunday homily, Father John spoke of the many witnesses and compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus. He also made reference to a powerful video about the Shroud of Turin. That video is by evangelist Chris Stefanik of “Real Life Catholic.” It is entitled “The Shroud of Turin: 15 Facts Science Still Can’t Explain“, and may be found by clicking HERE.
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Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus Christ, you have said: “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for His harvest….”
And so, we humbly pray that you send out such laborers! We ask that you raise up shepherds to serve your flock as holy priests. Grant our priests holiness and perseverance in their ministry. Strengthen our seminarians in grace, that they may discern your holy will. Speak to the hearts of many young men, That they may hear your call and serve as holy priests in your Church. Oh Lord of the harvest, graciously hear us! Amen.
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Safe Haven Sunday
The Effects of Pornography on Families
Dear Parish Family:
“We’re not in Kansas anymore.” Many of us recall that line from the classic movie Wizard of
Oz, made in 1939. I think the line also communicates well the rapid cultural changes brought by advances in
technology. One devastating consequence is the struggle with pornography, which impacts children and adults spiritually,
emotionally, physically and relationally.
Some often point out that this is not a new problem. That is true, but those who believe it has not metastasized, are
quite frankly, in a state of denial. The ubiquity of technology leads children to access it earlier, and more frequently. The technology and content are addictive and leaves lasting changes on the developing brain. It can be difficult to overcome its effects.
With God’s mercy, it CAN be overcome, and we must work to prevent its spread. We will continue to raise awareness on the seriousness of the problem and to recommit ourselves to ensure our homes are safe havens.
This weekend is our second annual Safe Haven Sunday with the theme “Equipping the Family: Having Critical
Conversations.” As you work hard to protect your families, I want to equip you with the appropriate tools to form, protect and guide your families on this specific issue.
In the gathering area, there will be resources to assist you. There are many resources online, via the Lumen Christi
Commission of the Diocese of Allentown (https://www.adlumenchristi.org/about-2)
One such resource is a free eBook called: “Confident: Helping Parents Navigate Online Exposure” which is
available to download for free at the Covenant Eyes website. https://www.covenanteyes.com/e-books/. This book includes a free seven-day text-to-opt-in program that provides practical tips for caring adults to create safer digital environments for themselves and young people. Simply text SECURE to 66866 to begin receiving guidance today!
I thank you for taking this seriously. Of the many spiritual battles we face in life, this is surely one for our times. We
can win by uniting ourselves to Christ!
In Him, Father John Maria
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.