CATHEDRAL OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT
The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Altoona, PA is a welcoming and compassionate community of believers striving to grow as God’s people.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we offer lifelong faith formation for children, youth, and adults; and we live out Christ’s invitation to serve our sisters and brothers.
We gather to worship in prayer and song and invite all to joyfully participate in word and sacrament, especially the Eucharist.
SERVING THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN THE CITY OF ALTOONA, PA SINCE 1851.
SUPPORTING THE MINISTRIES OF CATHEDRAL PARISH
By clicking on the Get Involved link, you will find valuable information on how to make a financial donation to the Cathedral. The weekly offertory, the annual Catholic Ministries Drive, Bequests, and contributions to our Endowments are ways by which the blessings God has given to you become a blessing to the parish.
DAILY MASSES
Monday-Saturday-Noon
WEEKEND MASSES
Vigil, Saturday at 5:00 P.M.
Sunday Masses at 8:00 A.M., 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 11:30 A.M.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Saturday at 12:30 P.M.
By appointment by calling or texting 814-937-8240
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 9, 2025
GOSPEL MEDITATION
My parents’ garage is full of old junk that no longer serves any purpose in my life. As a 46-year-old man, I admit that’s pretty lame. Either due to my sentimentality or laziness (or both, probably), I just couldn’t get myself to throw things away. But a few days ago, by a grace of God, I thought: “I’ll hire my nephew Ryan to throw a bunch of my stuff away — he couldn’t care less about my junk!” And you know what? It worked. In one day, Ryan chucked the majority of his uncle’s useless stuff. I feel so free, ready for a new junk-free chapter in my life.
This kind of thing happens in this Sunday’s Gospel. Peter’s net is full of useless junk. Luke says he and the others are cleaning their nets after catching no fish. Imagine them dejectedly and impatiently removing a nasty assortment of seaweed, sticks and muck. The Lord teaches and calls them once their nets are cleared out. So it goes with us. Spiritual life begins by removing that which is useless and merely taking up space in our hearts, minds and lives. Then Jesus teaches and acts in a marvelous way in our lives, too.
So what’s junking up your net? What habits, attachments, possessions, preoccupations? If, like me, you struggle to clean your nets by yourself, ask the Lord to send you someone like my nephew to be your “Peter” and help you clean it out. It is well worth it. Once Peter’s net is clean, he is free to make a wonderful catch.
–Father John Muir
A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Today’s gospel challenges us to be a “light” to our family. Parents shine their guiding light, not in front but behind them, inviting their children to follow their “good deeds.”
– Bud Ozar
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
When we join a support group, there is comfort in sharing our pain with people who have experienced the same thing; they understand what we are going through. The next time you experience suffering, talk to Jesus. He has experienced more suffering than most of us, He understands. Plus, Jesus knows us better than we know ourselves. Only He can fill the hole Stewards feel in their hearts.
2024 Catholic Stewardship Consultants
PRACTICING CATHOLIC – RECOGNIZE GOD IN YOUR ORDINARY MOMENTS
Our readings today remind us of the great privilege we have in calling ourselves children and disciples of the Most High God. While we can approach Him with the confidence of a child before his father, we must also remember the deep reverence and awe that we owe to Him. When we truly embrace a stewardship way of life, putting our talents, time and treasure at the service of the Most High God, we will be astonished at what God will do. Our lives may take a direction beyond our wildest
imaginings. But just as Jesus reassured Simon in our Gospel today, “Be not afraid,” He reassures us too. We need not fear a stewardship way of life. Rather, we should embrace the adventure it presents us and prepare to be astonished by what our awesome God will do. “Here I am Lord, send me!”
– Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS