Speaking about the gift of peace in our lives and in our world, Bishop Mark delivered his Christmas message to the media on December 15 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. In his message, the Bishop referred to the familiar song "Let There Be Peace on Earth" by Jill Jackson. The following is an excerpt of the Bishop's message:

"In the Gospel of Luke (Chap. 2, verses 8-20), we hear about shepherds who under normal circumstances lived their life on the edge; "living in the fields and keeping night watch over their flocks." These shepherds knew something about danger, and darkness, and the instability of their existence. It would be enough to make anyone uneasy and even afraid. Yet, they were the first to hear the Good News of the birth of the Messiah. The extraordinary announcement by an angel was terrifying at first. As the angel explained why they should not be afraid, the shepherds were suddenly surrounded by a multitude of angels who were praising God and singing! They were singing about peace on earth and they were singing about those on whom God's favor rests. The angels were singing about the same truth that Jill Jackson discovered; that God really does love us; that God really wishes us to have peace in our hearts and in our world."

The Bishop's entire Christmas message is posted on the Diocesan website, www.dioceseaj.org. [Photo: Bishop Mark delivers his message to the media on December 15.]

Bishop's Christmas Schedule
Bishop Mark will be the celebrant and homilist at Christmas Midnight Mass at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. He will also be the celebrant and homilist at the Christmas Day Mass at 11:00 a.m. at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown. That Mass will be broadcast live from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on WWCP TV FOX 8.

The Diocese has launched a new website dedicated to priestly vocations. The site includes information for potential seminarians and their parents, a message from Bishop Mark, profiles of the current Diocesan seminarians, and videos of priests and seminarians sharing their vocation journey. You can access the site at www.myvocation.dioceseaj.org or through the Diocesan website at www.dioceseaj.org.

A Message from the Office of Development 

The Development Office staff wishes to extend greetings of Advent joy to all who have remembered their parishes and Diocesan ministries with a gift to the 2014 Annual Catholic Appeal. We have reached 92% of the Diocesan goal.  Fifty-three parishes have already received their share of the $487,057 refunded to date.  In addition to supporting your parish, an ACA gift also gives hope to our seminarians, engaged couples, youth, college students, widows and widowers, the imprisoned and many more.  If you are considering a special year-end charitable gift, please consider the Annual Catholic Appeal. You may place your gift in the Sunday basket or make your gift online at www.dioceseaj.org.  Thank you!