2024 Diaconate Retreat

Click the image to see more about the retreat.

Word
Altar
Charity

Deacons Take Youth to Steubenville Conferences

Deacon Chuck Williams of Holy Spirt Parish in Lock Haven and Deacon Dan Heiser of St. Joseph’s Parish in Renovo, along with Father Joesph Orr and DRE Alison Heiser, took teens form both parishes to participate in the Steubenville Youth Conference on the weekend of July 19-21. The youth kicked off their adventure with Fr. Joseph Orr treating them to lunch and laughs in Burgatory - a hamburger restaurant near Pittsburgh.

Throughout the weekend, the teens were inspired by talks on the theme of illumination and connected with fellow Catholic teens from across the United States and Canada. At the end of every night, the teens would meet with the deacons and talk about their experiences from the day. The teens experienced a deep sense of joy during adoration, times of uplifting music, heartfelt prayer, and Mass. Many continued to sing the songs of praise well into the next day. It was an unforgettable weekend filled with grace and hope.  The Holy Spirit is undeniably at work in our youth!


Congratulations on the Acceptance of our New Candidates by Bishop Bartchak

From Left to Right: Brandon Solnosky, Matthew Marafino, Bishop Mark Bartchak, John Fontana, Walter (Wally) Zapotoczny, Diaconate Director Deacon Michael Russo

Diakonia Newsletter

The Altoona-Johnstown diaconate community creates and shares a vibrant newsletter that displays the latest happenings within the diaconate community. With a blend of informative updates, insightful reflections, and heartfelt testimonials, the newsletter serves as a conduit for fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among deacons and their wives.

Please click the image to the left and view this faith filled newsletter.

WJAC TV took time to interview Deacon Michael Russo about the Foreign Ministry Outreach Program that is supported by the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese Diaconate. The interview explains the history of Foreign Ministry Outreach Program and how it has expanded to reach several countries.

The full interview can be watched by clicking on the image at the right or link below…

https://wjactv.com/news/local/silver-lining-of-covid-johnstown-church-continues-foreign-ministry-outreach-program

If you would like to contribute to the Foreign Ministry Outreach Program,

please contact St. Benedict’s Church in Johnstown, PA

2310 Bedford Street
Johnstown, PA 15904
(814) 266-9718

Congratulations

Congratulations

May God bless our newly ordained deacons and their wives!

Deacon Chuck and Belinda Williams

Deacon Nelson and Shelley Lowes

Deacon Rick and Michelle Messina.

Left to Right: Deacon Rick, Deacon Nelson, and Deacon Chuck.

  • "Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

    Acts of the Apostles 6:3-4

  • "The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them"

    Acts of the Apostles 6:5-6

Answering the Call

Contact Deacon Michael Russo

Director of the Permanent Diaconate
(814) 288-3036
(814) 241-0576 (Cell)
mrusso@dioceseaj.org