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 the way, the truth and the life!
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Upcoming Events
The Men of St Mary’s are sponsoring a trip to Sight & Sound Theater in Lancaster to see Joshua, live on stage. The trip will be Wednesday, April 22, but registration is required by March 1. This promises to be a great day of faith and fellowship, for all ages. For all the details, click HERE.
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Scripture Reflection for March 1
On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, we read of Jesus being transfigured in glory before the awestruck eyes of His closest friends – Peter, James and John.
Their friend was now revealed before their eyes in His Divine Glory. They saw Moses and Elijah, representatives of all the promises of the Old Covenant, coming to fulfillment. They grew up knowing the promises God made to Abram (first reading), and in this moment they were being assured it was all true!
It was beyond their wildest dreams. We might be curious as to why this happened to them, at that moment. The timing says a lot about the meaning of God’s message to them, and to us. Immediately before this moment, Jesus predicted His passion — He would soon suffer and be killed. He told them that to be His disciples, they must take up their cross and follow Him. Then after this glorious moment, they walked down the hill, and found a distraught father, whose son was beset by evil his whole life. There was work to be done.
Jesus was transfigured to strengthen them for the journey ahead – to fortify them, and give them confidence about His divine identity and His mission.
There our times in our lives where we lose sense of our own mission, and our trust in Him begins to waiver. Today, the Lord reminds us that our mission, and our identity is found in union with Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. We can have absolute confidence in Him. This week… draw nearer to Him, in the Blessed Sacrament, and His way of the cross!
Lenten Devotions
Lent is a time to dig deeper and focus on your relationship with Christ!
On Wednesday evening at 6:15pm in the church, Deacon Schultz will lead us in Stations of the Cross, followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 8pm, with confession available between 7 and 8pm.
Faith Formation Friday
Our next Faith Formation Friday will take place on Friday March 6 at 6:30pm in the Religious Ed Center. Our topic will be “The Catholic Church: Bureaucracy or Bride?”
Join us on Friday at 6:30pm for an informal talk on this topic, with video enhancement and time for group discussion and Q&A. We will also receive your requests for future topics – with the goal to be equipped as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ!
Are you already the perfect disciple of Jesus Christ? If so, stay home! (Haha). On the other hand, if you have room and desire to grow, join the parish family Friday at 6:30pm. All are welcome!
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Fraudulent Texts
There have been reports of fraudulent texts seeking information, gift cards or money from parishioners, made to appear as though the message comes from the pastor. This has occurred from time to time, throughout the diocese, including at St Mary’s. The requests come from a different phone number (area code 513) that might appear to be from Fr. John, but are fake and can be deleted. If you are uncertain, feel free to contact the rectory… and pray for the conversion of the scamming sinner!
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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.