Cathedral Rector Receives Papal Honor

Photo credit: AD Today

Pope Francis has named Father Cieniewicz a Chaplain to His Holiness, which carries with it the title of Reverend Monsignor. Bishop Alfred Schlert made the announcement as a surprise to Father Cieniewicz at the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Cathedral on Sunday, January 9, 2023, the Solemnity of the Epiphany.

"This is a great honor for Monsignor Cieniewicz," Bishop Schlert said at the Mass. "It is also an honor for our Diocese, and for all of our priests — wonderful men who work every day for the people of the Diocese of Allentown."

Important: 2023 Mass & Holy Hour Schedule Changes

Weekend Mass Schedule:

Effective January 8, 2023: Saturday Vigil at 4:15 PM, Sunday morning at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 AM

Holy Hour:

Effective January 4,2023 — Holy Hour moving to Wednesday, 6:30 PM

Epiphany Home Blessing

This Epiphany feast is an opportunity for family prayer with the traditional blessing of the home. Chalk may be used to mark "20 + C + M + B + 23" over doorways. The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi — Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. The initials also stand for the Latin motto Christus Mansionem Benedicat — "May Christ bless this house."

May Christ bless our new year 2023 with many graces and growth in faith. Holy Water and a House Blessing Prayer Cards will be available after the Masses this weekend to use to bless your homes.

2023 Lottery Calendars

Calendars are now available at the parish office. Daily prizes will be awarded for the months of February through April. Each $10 calendar has a three-digit number (000 through 999) that is a winner when it matches the PA Lottery evening Pick-3 number. Calendars will also be available after weekend Mases and the parish office throughout the week.

$150,000 Matching Funds Opportunity

Two Friends of Cathedral (nonparishioners) are providing $150,000 as MATCHING FUNDS to help with the cost of new boilers, capital improvements, with remaining funds to be applied to the parish debt for past renovations. (No block collection envelope will be sent this fall in order that all donations might be directed to this matching funds opportunity.) Donations may be made through Easter 2023 for this purpose by way of personal donation or via the debt reduction monthly envelope. The total amount of all donations received through this appeal will remain 100% restricted for use at the Cathedral for capital improvements and debt reduction. Your donation counts! Thanks to those who have contributed to the cause and supported the fundraising efforts of the Women's Alliance and Knights of Columbus.

Parish Religious Education Program (PREP) Registrations is Open!

Instructions and forms are available to register children for PREP during the 2022-23 School Year.

Gift Card Program

Two ways to order:

Submit paper order form with check or cash.(Updated 18-Feb-2022)
Order online at www.ShopWithScrip.com or the RaiseRight Mobile App (Apple or Android) on your phone. Note: You'll need and enrollment code to use the App. Please e-mail GiftCardProgram@Cathedral-Church.org for the ShopWithScrip enrollment code.

Pay online (option #2) or drop off check or cash at the Parish Office. Orders will be processed only after payment is received.

St. John Vianney's Prayer for Priests

God, please give to Your Church today many more priests after Your own heart. May they be worthy representatives of Christ the Good Shepherd. May they wholeheartedly devote themselves to prayer and penance; be examples of humility and poverty; shining models of holiness; tireless and powerful preachers of the Word of God; zealous dispensers of Your grace in the sacraments. May their loving devotion to your Son Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary his Mother be the twin fountains for fruitfulness for their ministry. Amen.