Catholic Schools Week

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown will celebrate the national observance of Catholic Schools Week January 27-February 2. This year's theme is "Catholic Schools Raise the Standards." The theme reflects the launch of the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, which will ensure the responsible operation and governance of Catholic schools throughout the nation.

Mass for Young Adults
 Bishop Mark L. Bartchak celebrated the first of three Masses for young adults during this Year of Faith. The Liturgy was held on January 13 at Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Altoona. The Bishop is reaching out to many groups during the Year of Faith, especially those in the 18-39 age group. Last October, he hosted a social for young adults from around the Diocese, and he is speaking at Theology on Tap sessions. Other young adult Masses are scheduled for later this year in Johnstown and State College.  [Photo: Nancy Cherry (left) and her sister-in-law, Tammy Moyer, members of Saint Catherine of Siena Parish in Duncansville, present the offertory gifts to Bishop Mark at the Mass for young adults on January 13.]

Pilgrimage Registration Deadline Looming 

There are just a few days left to  register for the upcoming Diocesan pilgrimage to Rome. 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 L. Bartchak 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.Questions about the pilgrimage can be e-mailed to Rome2013@dioceseaj.org.

News and Notes 

EVENING FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN