Family Life
The Family Life Office exists to help families through the different stages and trials of life, to equip them to hand on the faith, and to support them when life becomes difficult.
The office oversees various marriage preparation programs that occur throughout the Diocese, as well as encouraging marriage enrichment opportunities. The office produces resources for new parents, as well as for families celebrating the holidays.
The office also promotes pro-life causes in the Diocese, including Respect Life Sunday in October, and the Walking With Moms In Need Initiative.
Family Life sponsors Anniversary Masses in Altoona and Johnstown to recognize couples celebrating milestone marriages. The Office also works with Family Ministries already in place in parishes to help train Family Life Ministry Coordinators.
For all those mourning the loss of their spouse, the office sponsors Masses for Widows and Widowers, and can send a “Heaven’s Treasure Box” to anyone who has lost a child through miscarriage. There are also videos for grieving during the holidays, and for what to say to a person who has lost a loved one.
ANNUAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY LITURGIES
Bishop Mark Bartchak and the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Family Life Office cordially invite all couples celebrating 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60+ years of marriage in 2025 (and their families) to attend the Annual Wedding Anniversary Liturgy. Couples may attend Sunday, September 21 in ALTOONA at Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament or Sunday, September 28 in JOHNSTOWN at Saint John Gualbert Cathedral. Both locations are handicap accessible. Liturgies in each location begin at 2:00 p.m. Bishop Mark will be the celebrant and homilist at each celebration. Refreshments/snacks will be available after the Mass for anniversary couples and their families.
Reservations must be made through your parish for either celebration by Friday, September 12th.
How the Collection is Used -Holy Land
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Created: 03-26-2025 11:48:00
Updated: 03-26-2025 11:48:14
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