| An E-Newsletter from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
June 21, 2012, Special Edition | |
Special Edition
Welcome to this special edition of E-vangelist. Beginning today, an important observance is happening in our Diocesan Church and in Dioceses around the country -- the Fortnight for Religious Freedom. There are also important developments in the effort to create more school choice opportunities in Pennsylvania. Please read about both in the articles that follow.
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 Fortnight for Freedom Begins Today
The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is observing a Fortnight for Religious Freedom beginning today -- June 21 -- and continuing through July 4. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops called for the observance in response to the federal mandate that virtually all employers provide health insurance that includes abortion-inducing drugs, contraception and sterilization, thus violating our principles and our religious freedom. To mark the Fortnight in our Diocesan Church, Bishop Mark L. Bartchak will preside and preach at a Holy Hour for Religious Freedom on four occasions: - June 21 at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown
- June 24 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona
- June 28 at Saint Benedict Parish in Carrolltown
- July 1 at Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College
Each gathering will begin at 7:00 p.m. and include the celebration of Evening Prayer with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. It is not unusual for Catholics to turn to the power of prayer during difficult times. We urge everyone to join us at one or all of these holy hours to pray for our country and its leaders. Johnstown radio stations WNTJ 1490 AM and WNTW 990 AM will air a recording from the June 21 Holy Hour for Religious Freedom on June 23 and June 30 at 9:30 a.m. Thanks to the Second Century Scholarship Fund for sponsoring the broadcasts.
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 New School Choice DevelopmentsMuch progress has been made regarding House Bill 2468, the new school choice proposal that includes an increase to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the creation of the Educational Improvement Scholarship Credit (EISC). Next, the House Education Committee must pass this bill to send it to the entire house for a vote. Lawmakers begin their summer break in just a few days - your elected official must hear from you NOW if school choice is to pass. Even if you've already sent a message, please do so again today!
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