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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Scripture Reflection for May 10
On this 6th Sunday of Easter, an important theme for our reflection is hope. In our second reading, St. Peter tells us to “always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.”
Christian hope is more than just optimism that things will work out just fine, or having a sunny disposition.  That’s all nice, but hope is bigger. It is a rock-solid certainty and an anchor.   Hope is a trust in God’s promises that transcends our circumstances.  It’s an eternal perspective that drives how we process the ups and downs of daily life.
In our Gospel, Jesus is preparing the disciples for the time that He will be taken from them.  He is calling them into a relationship of love, but He IS challenging them.  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  So often, we like “our personal Jesus” to be all love and no law – all relationship and no rules.
Jesus Himself is challenging them and us to obedience – but not a cold and blind obedience.  He has not left us orphans, but calls us into His family, the eternal exchange of love with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, This is good news.  This is good reason to hope!

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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.