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.
The Death of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
On Easter Monday, April 21 at 7:35am in Rome, Pope Francis died. May he rest in the peace of the Risen Christ!
In this Octave of Easter, as the Church proclaims the Lord’s triumphant resurrection and conquest of death, we pray for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis.
For the official statement of His Excellency Alfred Schlert, the Bishop of Allentown, click HERE.
On Monday at 12:15pm, Bishop Schlert offered a special Mass for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis. All the faithful of the Diocese of Allentown were invited to attend.
On Friday at 12:15pm, a Solemn Pontifical Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis will be offered by the Bishop. The lay faithful of the diocese are invited to join him.
Later that evening, a special time of prayer will be offered at 6:30pm, with Solemn Pontifical Vespers for the Repose of the Soul of Pope Francis. Additional details may be found by clicking HERE.
Please join the faithful throughout the world this NOVENA for the Holy Father.
May Pope Francis, called to the heavenly kingdom by the Lord, rejoice forever at the banquet table of heaven.
Requiescat in pace.
Happy Easter! He is Risen!
For a special Easter message from Bishop Schlert, click HERE!
Scripture Reflection – April 20 – Easter Sunday
Christ is Risen. Alleluia. Happy Easter!
This beautiful and holy day often recalls for us many sentimental memories of family and friends. We treasure these in our hearts, but let us remember that the reality we celebrate today is not merely sentimental, but rather something very tangible — the Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Incarnate Son of God endured unthinkable suffering on the cross. He died, and now, He is risen. The tomb is empty. It’s very important to know that we have this from a variety of witnesses – among the various accounts gathered into the New Testament, but also in many other writings.
The Paschal Mystery of Christ – His passion, death and resurrection – is the decisive turning point of history. The world would never be the same.
For each and every one of us, this means that we have a God willing to suffer in love for us. Each of us has infinite value in God’s plan. To Jesus, you are worth dying for! This is not sentimental. This is not a mere metaphor. It’s as real as the wounds in His hands and feet.
He has conquered sin and death, and He invites us to be united to Him by grace – on this day, and on every day. He endured suffering and death, so as to give us life. Today and every day, give your life to Him! Be not afraid!
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.