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 celebrate the Eternal Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us! He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!
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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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Scripture Reflection for January 18
During the Christmas season, we celebrated the great mystery of the Incarnation – God has become Man. As we begin Ordinary Time, we immediately see the reason WHY He came. He was no mere wandering rabbi, doing good deeds and exhorting people to “just be nice.” He had a mission, and He set about the work He was sent to do.
In our Gospel, John the Baptist recognized Jesus as “The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” In this phrase, we see the mission of Christ. The power of sin allures us, then keeps humanity in misery, in conflict with others and separated from God. The Lord desires us to be free, to live in His grace. Our sin does not define us, nor should it enslave us.
John’s mention of the “Lamb of God” would trigger all sorts of thoughts among his listeners – from the lamb slaughtered at Passover, to the lambs sacrificed in the Temple. In the moment, John couldn’t have known all the details of the mission of Christ, and that it would lead to the cross.
In our readings, we also see that God calls each of us to be a part of His mission. Saint Paul was writing to the Church in Corinth, but it applies to the Church in Kutztown. We have been sanctified in Christ Jesus — we are all called to be holy.
And we see also the particular mission God has for some. John was the voice crying out, preparing souls for the Messiah. Paul was sent out as an apostle, to carry the good news.
This week, let us reflect on our own mission. How will we live out that call to holiness? May our hearts embrace the prayer of our Psalm: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will!”
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Change in Daily Mass Schedule
With the start of 2026, I regret to say that our daily Mass schedule must change. Unless when announced otherwise, there will be no daily Mass on Tuesdays. For the last few years, we have been greatly blessed with extra help from our priest friend Fr Francis Groarke. For a retired priest, the parishes of our Diocese have kept him very busy! Now that he has moved his primary residence back to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we will not have available assistance on a weekly basis. With the decrease in available priests, and with many priests handling more than one assignment, it is necessary to carve out time to rest and recharge our batteries. And so for now, the best solution is to have one day without a scheduled daily Mass. While I am sure that you understand, please know that I do this with regret. Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Allentown! Daily Mass is a profound gift for those who make this a priority in their spiritual lives. Tuesday morning Masses are available at HGA in Reading at 8am, and at St Joseph the Worker in Orefield at 6:30 and 8:30am.
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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Cooks with Collars 2025 – Thank you!
The 2025 edition of Cooks with Collars is now complete! With your support, Father John’s recipe for “Texas Twinkies” raised over $5,000 for the parish! Thank you to all who supported the effort!
In case you missed it. Check out Father John’s video HERE– if not for the recipe, at least for a few laughs.
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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.