Diocese of Allentown Family Festival

The Diocese of Allentown’s 65th Anniversary Family Festival will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Orefield. This joyful gathering will be a special opportunity for our diocesan family to come together in celebration of 65 years of faith, community, and service.

The Festival will begin at noon and conclude with Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Schlert at 4:30 PM. The event will be held rain or shine, with a variety of activities taking place under tents.

Third Annual Saint Januarius Blood Drive
For the third consecutive year, Bishop Schlert is pleased to invite the faithful throughout the Diocese of Allentown to participate in the Saint Januarius Blood Drive in partnership with Miller-Keystone Blood Center, the only community blood center serving our region. The campaign will once again begin on the Feast of Saint Januarius, September 19, and continue through December 16.

All donors who provide their parish’s Sponsor Code at the time of their appointment will receive a Saint Januarius medallion, blessed by Bishop Schlert. If you do not know the parish code, blood center staff will be able to look it up for you. Donors who already have a medallion may choose a Saint Januarius prayer card or magnet instead. To schedule an appointment, go to www.giveapint.org or call 800-223-6667 ext. 2. View the flyer, Bishop's invitation letter, and the FAQs sheet here.

“Speak, Lord” Women’s Vocational Discernment Group 
Young women ages 18–40 in the Diocese of Allentown are invited to the “Speak, Lord” Women’s Vocational Discernment Group, for those discerning a vocation to marriage or religious life. Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month in a hybrid format, with opportunities to attend in person or via Zoom. Each gathering includes Eucharistic Adoration, Liturgy of the Hours, a presentation on vocational discernment, and time for fellowship. The next meeting will be Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Old St. Paul’s School, 219 W. Susquehanna St., Allentown. For more information, email marianmisioneras@gmail.com or call 267-775-1222. See flyer here. 

Screening of "Matt Talbot: Urban Mystic"
Experience a special, exclusive Lehigh Valley screening of Matt Talbot: Urban Mystic, the inspiring documentary about Venerable Matt Talbot’s journey from addiction to sobriety, faith, and hope. Join us at the historic Roxy Theatre in Northampton for this powerful story of redemption and discover why Matt Talbot’s witness continues to inspire people around the world.

When: October 25, 7:00 p.m. — Film begins
Where: Roxy Theatre, 2004 Main St, Northampton, PA 18067
Get Tickets: tinyurl.com/matt-t-lehigh
Watch the Trailer: matttalbotfilm.com

CYO basketball is back in Schuylkill County! Any girl or boy in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 that attends a Diocesan Elementary School or is a member of a Diocese of Allentown Schuylkill County Parish is eligible to participate. Use the link to register for the season.

St. Joseph Center for Special Learning invites you to join us for our 71st Anniversary Gala, “Changing Lives, One Gift at a Time,” on Saturday, October 17, at Mountain Valley Golf Course. We are still welcoming guests to join us for this special evening celebrating the students and adults we serve and the generous community that helps make our mission possible. There is still time to reserve your spot, but please contact Monica Walborn at 570-622-4638 soon to make arrangements.

St. John XXIII Parish, Tamaqua will be holding a Basket Raffle on Sunday October 18th at 1pm. Browse and Bid will be held on Saturday, October 17 from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and Sunday, October 18 from 9:30am to 1pm. 

St. Nicholas Church Women’s Sodality, Minersville, is hosting a meatloaf dinner on Wednesday, October 21st from 4 to 6pm at St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Includes meatloaf, mashed potatoes, vegetable and roll for $15 a platter. This is a preorder and takeout dinner. Call St. Nicholas Rectory 570.544.4581 to place your order.

The Minersville Area Historical Society is continuing their America250 Speaker Series on Thursday, October 22 at 7PM at the Valley Road Venue (Former Duncott Hose Company). This month's speaker is on the Famous Gobitis Case: Minersville School District at the Supreme Court presented by Attorney Edward M. Brennan. All are invited. Admission is free with complimentary refreshments. Doors open at 6:30pm.

Zion Lutheran Church, Minersville, will be holding a Basket Raffle on Saturday, October 24, from 9am to 1pm. The auction drawing will begin at 1pm. Shop and Drop will be held on Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23 from 5 to 8pm. Food will be on sale in the kitchen Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

First Baptist Church, Pottsville, is a "Soups, Lunch, & Stuff Market" sale at their church on Saturday, October 24. A variety of soups will be on sale for $9 a quart, a eat-in or take-out lunch, and a bake sale will be available. There will also be several craft and flew market tables. This event is from 9am to 2pm at 701 Mahantongo Street, Pottsville.

St. John XXIII Parish, Tamaqua is hosting the M&J Big Band on Sunday November 1st from 3 to 5pm. Admission is $10 per person. Beverages will be available for purchase and food will be available from purchase via the La Dolce Casa Food Truck. For more information contact Cindy 570.952.4336.

Holy Cross Parish, New Philadelphia, is selling tickets for a meat raffle. Tickets are $10 and will be pulled after the 10:45am Mass on Sunday, November 8th. Please contact the Parish Office at 570.277.6800 for more information about buying tickets.