St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Bellefonte

08/30/2026

08/27/2026

08/23/2026

The big question we need to answer

You might remember or have heard of the 1950s game show “The $64,000 Question.” If contestants answered questions correctly, they won more and more money, culminating in a shot at the $64,000 question. Two millennia earlier Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” After they had reported the theories that were floating around, he asked them the first-century version of the $64,000 question: “Who do you say that I am?”—with the emphasis on you. Quick, before the clock runs out: What would be your answer?

TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Today's readings: Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20 (121).

“Simon Peter said in reply, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’"

08/16/2026

Last night, Proclaim! took Altoona-Johnstown out to the ballgame for a night with the Altoona Curve. Baseball fans from around the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown were invited to purchase tickets for an evening of fun organized by Proclaim!

Later in the evening, the Very Rev. Brian Saylor, VF, sang "God Bless America." Watch highlights from the ballgame on an upcoming edition of Proclaim! TV

08/15/2026

This Year the Assumption is
NOT a Holy Day of Obligation.

Mass will be offered
Saturday morning at 8:00 am.

15 Aug 2026

In praise of magnificent humanity

In 1950, following the devastation of World War II, Pope Pius XII proclaimed the infallible doctrine of the Assumption of Mary, affirming that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. Pius expressed hope that the “exalted destiny of both soul and body may in this striking manner be brought clearly to the notice of all persons.” It was a vision of the human person in stark contrast to the unspeakable inhumanity of the war. In celebrating Mary, we remember that our bodies and souls “bear witness to the grandeur of humanity, in which God has made his dwelling,” as Pope Leo frames it in Magnifica Humanitas. “At the heart of the Christian understanding of the human person,” says Leo, “lies the great biblical affirmation that men and women are created in the image and likeness of the Triune God.” May our embrace of this teaching renew our reverence for human life and strengthen our resolve to reject war.

SOLEMNITY OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Today's readings: Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB; 1 Corinthians 15:20-27; Luke 1:39-56 (622).

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”

08/02/2026

02 Aug 2026

Mass Schedule

Sunday Masses

8:00 A.M. , 10:15 A.M.

Thought for food

“Give them something to eat” was Jesus’ mandate to his disciples concerning the hungry masses. It is still his mandate to us today as more than 800 million people—one-tenth of the world’s population—live in extreme poverty on less than three U.S. dollars a day. With grain and fertilizer prices skyrocketing, the world’s poorest have never been more vulnerable. If we want people to be able to feel the loving presence of God in their lives, let’s first make sure they aren’t feeling the wracking pain of chronic hunger. Gather ideas on how to help.

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Today's readings: Isaiah 55:1-3; Romans 8:35, 37-39; Matthew 14:13-21 (112).
“Jesus said to them, ‘There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.’”

07/26/2026

July 26, 2026.

Mass Schedule

Sunday Masses

8:00 A.M. , 10:15 A.M.

It’s kind of like . .

Jesus mentions the kingdom of heaven 38 times in Matthew’s gospel. Clearly he wants us to understand exactly what it is. Yet the kingdom is mysterious; it is not something that can be defined once and for all. The best Jesus can do is to describe what it is like, not what it is. The kingdom is like a treasure buried in a field . . . it is like a merchant searching for valuable pearls. In other words, the kingdom of heaven is both that which we find and that which is searching to find us. Hmm. Jesus wants to know if his disciples understand. Today would be a good day to contemplate the kingdom of heaven so that our answer, like that of the disciples, will be “yes.”

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Today's readings: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12; Romans 8:28-30; Matthew 13:44-52 (109).

"‘Do you understand all these things?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’"

07/25/2026

This week...

Due to the clergy attending the Funeral for Deacon James Woomer on Monday morning, September 27, 2026, in Altoona, there will not be Mass at 9:00 am at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

James answered God’s call and became a Deacon and served for the past 16 years at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, Monday, July 27, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Altoona, celebrated by the Very Reverend Alan Thomas, Vicar General and concelebrated by Priests and Deacons. Committal with military honors will be held at Alto-Reste Cemetery.

Thank you for your understanding.