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Lenten Calendar

ASH WEDNESDAY is observed this week. Mass with the distribution of ashes will be offered at 6:30, 8, 9 AM (Bishop Schlert will celebrate the school Mass), 12:15 and 7 PM. (No evening devotions)

LENTEN ABSTINENCE from meat on all the Fridays of Lent, and on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Those 14 years and older are bound to abstain from meat.

LENTEN FASTING is observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Fasting means having only one full meal. Two smaller, meatless and penitential meals are permitted according to one's needs, but they should not together equal the one full meal. Eating between meals is to be avoided. Catholics from age 18 through age 59 are bound to fast. Shut-ins, pregnant and nursing mothers are exempt.

LENTEN TUESDAYS: 2 PM Stations of the Cross with the school students

LENTEN FRIDAYS: 12:15 PM Mass throughout Lent; 7 PM Stations of the Cross

LENTEN RECONCILIATION: Saturdays from 3:15-4:00 PM; 20 minutes before daily Mass; other times by appointment.

RICE BOWL OFFERING: There will be a second collection (with an envelope provided) taken on the weekend of March 25 and 26. This special offering will replace the use of bowls at the church entrances for weekly donations.

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Cathedral Rector Receives Papal Honor

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."

Read more at AD Today.

Conferral of Papal Honors for Monsignor Cieniewicz will take place within a Vespers Evening Prayer Service, with Bishop Schlert in the Cathedral, on Sunday, March 19, at 4:30 PM. The service in the Cathedral is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. A private gathering by invitation only will follow for clergy and Monsignor’s family and guests. Monsignor regrets that he cannot extend an open invitation to all for the gathering afterwards. However, he will be available to greet those who attend the Vespers service in the Cathedral lobby after the service.

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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.

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Holy Hour for Vocations — First Saturday of the Month — 8:00 AM Mass followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Rosary, and Benediction.

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Today's Mass Readings