To mark the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, Bishop Mark will join other religious leaders at a memorial service at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2026, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
During the ceremony, Bishop Bartchak will offer a prayer of remembrance.
The tragedy of September 11, 2001, hit especially close to home in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown when Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Somerset County – one of eight counties that comprise diocesan territory.
On the evening of September 11, 2026, Bishop Mark will offer an opening prayer at the Altoona area commemoration of the anniversary of 9/11.
That event will be held at the Jaffa Shrine Center, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.; a Walk of Honor saluting local emergency responders beginning at 6:40 p.m.; and the formal program starting at 7:00 p.m.
On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, Bishop Mark prays for the eternal rest of those who died as a result of the terror attacks and prays for the comfort and healing of their loved ones.