Proclaim! TV will present the television special Joy to the World – Christmas in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown on Sunday, December 19 at 5:00 p.m. on WATM ABC 23.
Hosted by Tony DeGol, Diocesan Director of Communications, the one-hour television special will feature stories that highlight the glory of the season, the spirit of giving, and beloved Christmas traditions.
Included in the show is Bishop Mark Bartchak visiting with Catholic school children and sharing the story of the Nativity; a behind-the-scenes look at decorating a church for Christmas; Catholic school students making Christmas brighter for children in need; and a visit with the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus to celebrate Polish Christmas customs.
“Few things can match the joy and beauty of Christmas here in Altoona-Johnstown, and this show captures the true spirit of this special time of year,” DeGol stated.
Sacred music will also be part of the program, including Christmas selections from the Greater Johnstown Diocesan Festival Choir, the Saint Benedict Parish Choir in Johnstown, and the Saint Michael School Choir in Loretto.
Father Robert Reese, Pastor of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Frugality and Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ashville, will present a Christmas favorite on the violin, and other priests of the diocese will extend warm Christmas greetings.
The show will be hosted from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown, where the new Rector, the Very Reverend Matthew Baum, will join DeGol to highlight Christmas at the Cathedral and look forward to the live Christmas Eve Mass broadcast with the Bishop.
