Since 1940, Catholic Charities began serving families in need throughout the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. Catholic Charities is committed to ministering with dignity and respect to vulnerable individuals. An invitation is extended by us to walk with you as you serve your parish and local community.
As a diocese, we have been celebrating Pope Francis’s Jubilee 2025, named as the ‘Year of Hope.’ This Jubilee celebration is a sacred time to rest and rejuvenate, to restore relationships, and to spread hope to all.
As Pope Francis wrote in Laudato Si,’ “Hope would have us recognize that there is always a way out, that we can always redirect our steps, that we can always do something to solve our problems” (no.16). On this 10th anniversary, we call for the Church to be a radiant sign of hope, praising God through a renewed commitment to care for our common home, which sustains all life.
Pope Leo continues this Jubilee year and asks us how we can be Ambassadors of Hope in our parish communities.
Please consider attending a workshop on ‘Ministering to the Poor.’ Topics include: the causes of poverty; what poverty looks like in your parish community; boundaries and learning about programs that are available to assist those struggling financially. This opportunity will provide tips and tools for parishes to create or enhance existing ministries and social justice efforts.
IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, 8/26/2025 (Cambria) Catholic Charities office 9:00 am – Noon
110 Maple Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15901
Tuesday, 8/26/2025 (Cambria) Catholic Charities office 1:30 am – 4:30 pm
110 Maple Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15901
Thursday, 8/28/2025 Diocese Pastoral Center (Blair) 9:00 am – Noon
2713 W Chestnut Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Thursday, 8/28/2025 Diocese Pastoral Center (Blair) 1:30 am – 4:30 pm
2713 W Chestnut Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Thursday, 9/18/2025 Good Shepherd Parish (Centre) 9:00 am – Noon
867 Grays Woods Blvd, Port Matilda, PA 16870
ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Tuesday, 9/09/2025 Link will be provided 9:00 am – Noon
Tuesday, 9/23/2025 Link will be provided 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
To register online, please use this link: https://forms.office.com/r/UkPK2GJw0d
This opportunity will provide tips and tools for parishes to create or enhance existing ministries and social justice efforts. For more information, contact Cindy O’Connor, coconnor@dioceseaj.org or by calling (814) 317-2621.
