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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Lent Begins Ash Wednesday, February 18
We will have three Masses on Ash Wednesday – 7:30am, Noon and 7pm. Ashes will be distributed during each Mass.
Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fast and abstinence. Please check the bulletin for our Lenten obligations, devotions, as well as the Bishop’s pastoral letter for the Diocese of Allentown, which may also be found HERE.
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Lenten Covered Dish Dinner on Friday, February 20!
Join us in the Social Hall of the Religious Ed Center on Friday, February 20 from 4:30 to 6pm for a Potluck Dinner. As we begin Lent and obligatory abstinence from meat on Fridays, this is a nice time to come together for a simple meal.
St. Mary’s popular Clam Chowder will be available. Enjoy fellowship, bring a meatless dish to share. Remember… it is Lent, so keep it simple! Free-will offerings accepted. Questions? Call Mary at 484-225-1602
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Scripture Reflection for February 15
On this 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Lord gives us a glimpse of the glory He desires to give to those who love Him, and He provides a path to help us get us home to Him.
In a culture of loud and disparate voices, it is important to follow the Lord on HIS terms, not ours. We have a God who came to save us. He wants to lead us to joy and peace beyond our imagination. As Saint Paul writes, “eye has not seen … what God has prepared for those who love Him.” He desires that we come to Him, and even provides the grace to remain in Him, but He does not force. He offers us a choice.
In our Gospel, we hear the teaching of Jesus in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount – and He has tough things to say. Jesus is challenging us to re-think our moral standards.
Jesus is not impressed with moral minimalism that settles for mere outward observance. And it’s safe to say that He is not impressed by moral relativism that re-defines truth, according to the desires of each generation or each person. He is calling us to a higher standard – HIS standard.
Praise God that He wants the very best for us, and provides the grace to follow Him all the way home! May our hearts be humble and open to His loving will for each of us!
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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 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.