Letter of the Fifth Bishop of Allentown
Announcing the 65th Jubilee Anniversary Year of
The Diocese of Allentown
A Eucharistic and Marian Year of Grace
| My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, 28 January 2026, we celebrate the Sixty-Fifth Anniversary of our beloved Diocese of Allentown and the beginning of a Jubilee Year of Grace, which will continue until 28 January 2027. This sacred year will be both Eucharistic and Marian—giving thanks for the blessings we have received and asking for new graces for the future of our local Church, especially for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Religious Life. Our Diocese was established by Pope Saint John XXIII on 28 January 1961, formed from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to serve the faithful of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill Counties. Since then, generations of clergy, religious, and laity have worked together to build a vibrant Catholic community rooted in faith, education, and service. From our first Bishop, Most Reverend Joseph McShea, to his successors—Bishops Welsh, Cullen, and Barres—each shepherd has guided our Church through the joys and challenges of the times. Today, we continue that legacy with gratitude, standing on the faith and dedication of those who came before us. The Holy Eucharist is at the heart of our Diocese. During this Jubilee Year, I encourage every parish, school, and household to deepen devotion to the Eucharist through Adoration, processions, catechesis, and the reverent celebration of Holy Mass. Let our parishes become truly Eucharistic communities, alive in faith and overflowing in charity. This Jubilee is also a Marian Year. Under the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are called to grow in love for her Son, Jesus Christ. I invite every parish to promote the Rosary, Marian devotions, and consecration to her Immaculate Heart. May Mary guide us in faith, hope, and joyful discipleship. During this Jubilee Year, let us pray for two special intentions: An abundance of holy vocations to the Priesthood, Diaconate, and Consecrated Life.The return of those who have drifted from the practice of the faith, that they may rediscover the mercy and joy of Christ in His Church. As we celebrate sixty-five years of grace, let us walk together—clergy, religious, and laity—as a family of faith, united in the Holy Eucharist, devoted to Mary, and committed to bringing Christ’s light to every soul. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Saint Catharine of Siena, Patroness of our Cathedral, may this Jubilee Year be a time of renewal, healing, and joy for all. With heartfelt gratitude and every prayerful wish, I remain Faithfully yours in Christ, Bishop Alfred A. Schlert |