evangelist header 2011
An E-Newsletter from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
March 2014
Volume VI  Number  3
Lenten Crosses We Adore You, O Christ and We Praise You
Welcome to the March edition of E-vangelist, a monthly E-Newsletter from the Communications Office of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. As we welcome spring on this day, our Lenten journey continues. May our walk with Christ through His passion and death lead us to an Easter of glory. Our brothers and sisters who will join us in full communion with the Catholic Church recently took another step in their journey to the Easter sacraments. You can read more about this and other happenings in the Diocese in this edition of E-vangelist. Lenten blessings! 

 

Ministry Quicklinks

  
  
the catholic register
  
Coming up in the March 24, 2014, edition of The Catholic Register
 
  • Extended coverage on the recent Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion

 

  • In his "Another Perspective" column, Monsignor Tim Stein reflects on 25 years as Editor of the paper

 
proclaim!

 

Bishop Mark Bartchak's upcoming Guests on Keeping the Faith, a weekly segment on Proclaim!: 

 

  • March 23 -- Terry and Annette Deitz, members of Resurrection Parish in Johnstown, share memories from their recent parish mission trip. 
  • March 30 -- New Sant Francis University President Father Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., joins Bishop Mark to discuss his new position.  

Proclaim! airs every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on WWCP TV FOX 8 and is rebroadcast on the Altoona Public Access Channel (Channel 14 on Atlantic Broadband) at 9:30 p.m. The live Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown airs at 11:00 a.m. on WWCP and is rebroadcast at 9:00 p.m. on Atlantic Broadband Channel 9 in the Altoona area.

  

     
microwave dish 
 
Watch "Answering the Call" every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on the Altoona Public Access Channel 14 in the Central Blair County area.
 
 

Add a descriptionRite of Election

Bishop Mark L. Bartchak presided at the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion on March 9 at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown and the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. The ritual is the Bishop's opportunity to witness catechumens' and candidates' promise to celebrate the sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. A catechumen is someone who is seeking Baptism. His or her presence at the Rite of Election is a public recognition of his or her willingness to live a new life in God within the Catholic Church. A candidate is someone who is already baptized and is seeking full communion in the Catholic Church. He or she celebrates the Rite of the Call to Continuing Conversion. [Photo: Bishop Mark greets candidate Christina Michael.]

Eucharistic Adoration for Teens

Bishop Mark Bartchak presided at a Praise and Worship Eucharistic Adoration gathering for high school students on March 15 at Saint Michael Parish in St. Michael. About 100 teens attended. Sponsored by the Diocesan Office of Youth Ministry, the event also featured Living Stations of the Cross and a time for the students to socialize with the Bishop. A similar gathering is scheduled in State College later this month. [Photo: Two students worship before the Blessed Sacrament during the March 15 Praise and Worship Eucharistic Adoration.] 

Diocesan Coat of Arms Diocesan Penance Services

The season of Lent is a time for repentance. Catholics are encouraged to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the Lenten season in preparation for Easter. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak will preside at three Diocesan Communal Penance Services. The dates, times, and locations are as follows:

 

April 1, 7:00 p.m.  - Good Shepherd Parish, State College

April 2, 6:30 p.m.  - Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona

April 3, 6:30 p.m.  - Saint John Gualbert Cathedral, Johnstown

 

Many parishes will also sponsor Communal Penance Services during Lent. Please visit the Diocesan website at www.dioceseaj.org for a schedule. You may also contact any parish for a schedule of Reconciliation opportunities during Lent. 

Annual Catholic Appeal
In his letter to the Faithful this week, Bishop Mark Bartchak reminds us that "Lent is a time for us to renew our heart-to-heart relationship with God and with our neighbor. Our Annual Catholic Appeal is one of the ways in which all of us can rend our hearts and respond to the many hearts that need to experience the love of God who is kind and merciful. Your contribution to the ACA supports the expression of that love through our Catholic Charities. Your contribution supports the teaching of the faith to our young people who may not appear to be enthusiastic at times, but are truly longing to receive Christ and his love in their hearts. Your contribution to the Annual Catholic Appeal supports so many other ministries and activities through which our kindness and mercy and compassion is shared with others." To show your solidarity with those who turn to Diocesan ministries in times of need, please place your ACA gift in the offertory this weekend, or you may make your gift through the Donate/Register button at www.dioceseaj.org.
Prince Gallitzin CrossGallitzin Cross Nominations  

Nominations are being accepted for the Prince Gallitzin Cross. The award is presented annually to individuals who exhibit the "evangelizing spirit" of the Prince-Priest and Servant of God Demetrius Gallitzin. The deadline for nominations is April 21. For more information, award criteria, and a nomination form, visit the Diocesan website at www.dioceseaj.org. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak will present the Gallitzin Cross to this year's honorees at  a banquet on June 14.

Bishop's Night for Vocations 2013Bishop's Night for Vocations 
The annual Bishop's Night for Vocations will be held on May 7 at Our Lady of Loretto Community Hall in Loretto. Sponsored by the Diocesan Vocations Office and the Serra Clubs of Cambria County and Altoona, the event will be hosted by Bishop Mark L. Bartchak. The guest speaker will be Very Rev. Mark Begly, V.F., Pastor of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown and Dean of the Johnstown Deanery. Winners of the annual vocations poster, poetry, and essay contests will also be recognized. For tickets, please call Louise Fisher at (814) 255-3231. [Photo: Bishop Mark poses with contest winners at last year's Bishop's NIght for Vocations.]
  

Holy SpiritConfirmation Retreats

In an effort to aid parishes with the new Confirmation process, the Office of Sacramental Prep has been sponsoring a series of regional Confirmation retreats in the Diocese.  Retreats were held on March 15 in Johnstown and on March 16 in Duncansville.  There were approximately 180 people in attendance.  There is another retreat on Discipleship for 11th graders scheduled for March 30th at Saint Michael Parish in Hollidaysburg.  For more information, contact the Sacramental Prep Office.

Diocesan Coat of ArmsYouth Workshop
On Saturday, April 5, the Youth Ministry Office is sponsoring a morning workshop on the Effective Use of Music in Ministry with Children and Youth.  Mr. Will Smith, Director for Music and Liturgy for parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg, will facilitate.   The workshop will give DRE/CREs, catechiststs, Catholic school teachers, and youth ministers practical tips and techniques to enhance and strengthen ministry with children and youth by including positive, Gospel-driven music.  For more information contact the Office of Youth Ministry.  
Tickets on Sale for Matthew Kelly Event
Internationally-acclaimed speaker and author Matthew Kelly is coming to the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on September 27. According to Sister Linda LaMagna, CCW, Diocesan Ministerial Coordinator of Evangelization, tickets are already selling steadily for the workshop. The day will begin with Bishop Mark L. Bartchak leading participants in morning prayer at 8:15 am. in the Stokes Athletic Center of Saint Francis University, Loretto.  Kelly has an inspiring way of challenging us to be the "best version of ourselves."  Participants are encouraged to bring a lunch.  Visit www.dioceseaj.org and click on Donate/Register to purchase adult ($39) or student ($15) tickets. 
crown of thorns Prayer for Lent

O God, bless us during this season of spiritual renewal. Fill our minds and hearts with love, that we may be a sign of Jesus to all those living in our midst. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Information
E-vangelist is published by the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Office of Communications
Mr. Tony DeGol
Secretary for Communications
925 S. Logan Boulevard
Hollidaysburg, PA  16648
(814) 695-5579
[email protected]