Saint Rose of Lima Altoona

07/03/2026

Happy 250th Fourth of July 

06/26/2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Some of the happiest memories of my life include my years of Catholic education. To this day, I am grateful for the opportunity I was afforded to learn in an environment in which I was nurtured not only academically, but also in my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Now, as Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, one of my great joys is seeing young people come to know and serve the Lord through their experience in the great Catholic schools in our diocese. Our students are truly receiving a firm foundation rooted in faith, knowledge, and service to others.

This is why I am so disappointed to hear about House Bill 2632, which has been introduced in the Pennsylvania Legislature. If the measure passes, it will have a catastrophic impact on Catholic education here in our diocese and throughout Pennsylvania.

HB 2632 seeks to end the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and attempts to recreate it in a way that harms students by establishing a series of bureaucratic administrative procedures while cutting more than $100 million in funding.

Those cuts will almost certainly lead to the closures of Catholic schools and greatly limit the ability of parents to choose the best education options for their children.

We cannot allow this to happen without making our voices heard. Please join me in reaching out to our state senators and state representatives and urging them to oppose HB 2632.

Life is filled with many blessings and challenges. Catholic education nurtures our precious young people in faith and prepares them for success in the future. It is our duty to make sure that opportunity continues for every student and family that wants it. Again, please contact your state lawmakers and ask them to join us in this effort. Click HERE to send a message to legislators.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak
Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown

05/10/2026

05/10/2026

Saint Rose Lima May crowning 

05/03/2026

First Communion every child.

05/03/2026

Saint Rose of Lima Confirmation and First Holy Communion 2026 I am so blessed to have been the Director of Religious Education for these children. 
Thank you so much
YVONNE GIBSON.

04/26/2026

Saint Rose Kindergarten graduation Jenifer Crum Waite is their teacher. Great Job.

04/19/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Catholic Daughters of Americas Court Prince Gallitzin #2625 Education Contest

03/22/2026

 St Rose of Lima‘s community service project ”Father Carl Spishak Easter Project.” Our religious education program at its best thank you Jennifer for all your work that you put into this. 

02/02/2026

Religious Education Book Collection was a big success. 125 books collected. Thank you everyone and especially Jennifer Crum-Waite.