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.
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.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.
Saturday: at 12:30 P.M.
By appointment: by calling or texting 814-937-8240
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.
PILGRIMAGE TO ROME AND THE SHRINES OF ITALY
You are invited to join Monsignor Stan Carson on a pilgrimage to Rome and the shrines of Italy from October 12-22 in 2026. Brochures are available at the entrances to the cathedral. Click this link for additional Information.
The Ascension of the Lord
May 14, 2026
GOSPEL MEDITATION
Not long after my brother’s first child was born, a beautiful little girl named Mary Elise, I asked him what it was like. Was he nervous? Overwhelmed? He said, “When I first held her, I was in such shock. I think I just said, ‘I am your dad. I am your dad.’” That moment marked a deep transformation for him. He was not just holding a baby; he was stepping into a new identity. Over the years, I have seen him live his fatherhood with quiet sacrifice, joy, and faithfulness. It started with that moment of truth.
This, I propose, is a glimpse of what Jesus means when he prays, “Consecrate them in the truth.” (John 17:17) To be consecrated is to be set apart in love, not taken out of the world. Consecration sends us into it with a new identity, always one that binds us to him and to others in love. Our bond to Jesus and others is the deep truth that he continually renews.
Whenever we speak deep truths about ourselves, we experience this renewal: “I have sinned;” “I need help;” “I forgive you;” “I take you as my husband;” “I believe in one God…” Whether in confession, in the liturgy, or in a recovery group, truth heals and transforms.
And the deepest truth of all? That we belong to the Risen and Ascended Christ. Our lives are no longer just ours. We are his and he is ours.
Name one truth you need to step into more deeply, about yourself, someone else, or God. Maybe put it on a note on your mirror. Let that truth consecrate you this week.
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
This week, we celebrated the great feast of the Ascension of our Lord, that glorious moment when Jesus, 40 days after His resurrection, was lifted up – quite literally – into heaven, as the apostles watched in stunned amazement. It must have been an extraordinary thing to witness.
But the apostles were not permitted to simply bask in the moment for very long. “While they were looking intently at the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white garments stood beside them. They said, ‘Men of Galilee, why are you standing there looking at the sky?” In other words, ‘Don’t just stand there, do something!’
Let us take a moment to ‘look up at the heavens’ and ponder all the graces and blessings our loving God has given us. And then, let us do something! Let’s put all those gifts to work as we serve as grateful witnesses to this amazing God.
2026 Catholic Stewardship Consultants
REFLECTION
One of the fun things toddlers and very young children do is try to convince you that they aren’t lying — you’re just misunderstanding reality.
“I am NOT hitting you,” they’ll insist as they pummel your leg with their little fists, staring you down with the crazy-eyed glare of a person who really believes they can make something true if they say it loud enough.
It reminds me a little of Jesus, to be honest. “I am with you always!” he assures us…as he’s literally leaving.
We know that Jesus is not a crazy-eyed toddler. He’s telling the truth. So what in the world does he mean?
“I am with you.” We say this to one another when we want them to know they have our support, often in a battle they must fight alone.
“I am with you.” My mother-in-law said this to me over FaceTime during the pandemic shutdown as I was mourning a miscarriage. We were dozens of miles apart and quarantined.
“I am with you.” I say this to my children when they are upset, frightened, melting down, sick — when they are caught in the throes of a bad experience I cannot personally climb into and stop.
I am with you. None of these promises are false. None of them are lies.
And neither, really, is the toddler lying. She’s simply experiencing reality as a person who can’t differentiate feelings from actions, will from choice. “I’m not hitting you!” she cries, when what she means to say is: “This anger is stronger than I am.”
How many times have I pounded my own fists, crying, “I have faith!” when what I mean to say is, “My faith is failing. Where are you?”
I am with you.
This is the answer that always comes. The answer that will always come. Reality is like that. It exists, unchanging, whether we believe it or not.
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