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!
Holy Week Schedule
Our full schedule for Holy Week can be found under the Events tab, or you may click HERE.
Scripture Reflection – April 13 – Palm Sunday
The readings presented for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion are long, and rich beyond our ability to comprehend them all. The Palm Sunday liturgy is a great gift to us, as we prepare to enter in to Holy Week.
In our reading from Isaiah, the prophet who lived some 700 years before Jesus, we hear the mission of a mysterious Suffering Servant who would come and endure misery, in suffering love for the people of God.
In Psalm 22, we have the ancient words “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” First written perhaps a thousand years before Christ, Jesus quoted them on the cross. He entered into the desolation of suffering mankind, but it is erroneous to say that He despaired of the Father’s love. He did not. By quoting the Psalm, He invites us to read it all. Psalm 22 begins with desolation, but ends with praising God for His mercy.
In the Gospel, we hear the joyful cries of “Hosanna” as Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem. We use this word at every Mass, just prior to the consecration when Jesus comes again – via His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. What does “hosanna” mean? It is an ancient Hebrew acclamation that means “save us!” Our Lord has answered this cry of sinful humanity. He has come to save us. He entered into our suffering, and took it upon Himself.
In the days ahead, draw near to Christ. Cultivate silence, so as to hear His voice. If you are able, join us Holy Thursday & Good Friday. Enter in to the mystery, and allow the events of this week speak directly to your heart. Cry out to Him: “save me!” – and experience His response to your cry.
Hoagie Sale until April 27
The Men of St Mary’s are sponsoring the latest Hoagie Sale, with proceeds to support the parish. Orders can be submitted from April 12 through Sunday, April 27. For all the details, click HERE!
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.