Christmas Mass Broadcast
 Christmas Day Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown will be broadcast live on December 25 at 11:00 a.m. on WWCP TV FOX 8. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak will be the celebrant and homilist.   

Pilgrimage to Rome 

Bishop Mark L. Bartchak invites the faithful of the Diocese to join him on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Rome, which will include time in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI. In celebration of the Year of Faith, the pilgramage will be held July 8-16, 2013. Pilgrims will visit the four Major Basilicas of Rome - Saint Peter, Saint John Lateran, Saint Mary Major, and Saint Paul Outside the Walls - as well as the Basilicas of Francis and Clare of Assisi. Bishop Mark will celebrate Mass at all of the Basilicas, and tours of the historic structures will be offered. Other stops will include Vatican City, the Vatican Museums, the Catacombs, the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, and the Trevi Fountain. The highlight of the pilgrimage will be a gathering with the Holy Father. According to Vatican officials, pilgrims from Altoona-Johnstown will have the chance to travel to the Holy Father's summer residence at Castel Gandolfo, a small town about 15 miles south-east of Rome. The Pope is expected to lead the Angelus, a devotion in memory of the Incarnation. He will also formally welcome pilgrims from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and bestow his Apostolic blessing on the crowd gathered in the courtyard of his residence. The Vatican recently announced that the Year of Faith presents the opportunity for the reception of indulgences. An indulgence is a remission before God of temporal punishment due to sin when guilt has already been forgiven in sacramental penance. Plenary Indulgences are available to all who go to Confession, receive Communion, and pray particular prayers for the Holy Father's intentions at the basilicas during the Roman pilgrimage. The cost of the pilgrimage is $3,499 per person and includes air transportation and busing from the Diocese to the airport in Newark; accommodations at a four-star hotel; breakfasts and all dinners; and admission to all included excursions. The price is based on double occupancy. Reservations are limited and will be on a first come-first serve basis. The New York company "206 Tours" is assisting the Diocesan planning committee in making arrangements. Perspective pilgrims can visit the Diocesan website www.dioceseaj.org more information and to register. The deadline to register is January 30, 2013. Questions about the pilgrimage can be e-mailed to Rome2013@dioceseaj.org.

Mass for Young Adults