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.
The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 4, 2026
GOSPEL MEDITATION
Have you ever felt like your attempts at prayer are a waste of time? I have. Early in my priesthood, I noticed that my prayer life was weakening. Awe and eager expectancy of contact with God had given way to routine. I gradually spent less and less time praying. Nothing dramatic had happened, but my attitude toward God had changed, and I was losing the desire to pray.
Jesus’ parable of the insane vineyard tenants speaks into this kind of experience. He says the landowner “leased it to tenants and went on a journey” (Matthew 21:33). The key to this message is that the vineyard does not belong to those who work it — they are entrusted with it. But little by little, they view it as their possession, and ungrateful entitlement follows. The servants sent by the owner are treated as intrusions. Even the owner’s son becomes a means to their delusional self-will. The central tragedy is not violence but the forgetfulness that spawns it. They need reminding how lucky they are to be given so much.
Eventually, God sent friends to remind me that my relationship with Him and my prayer time are not my possessions, but rather God’s tremendous gifts to me. Perhaps you are feeling discouraged for some reason or other these days in your walk with God. Ponder this parable and let it be a gentle reminder that you and I are fortunate stewards, and God is the generous giver. This allows us to rediscover the beauty of the vineyards in our lives and to remain energetic in cultivating his gifts.
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
We have been given so many gifts and blessings by our Heavenly Father. Yet, in our fallen state it is all too easy to take them for granted. Our readings today teach us that we must live with an intentional awareness of our many blessings and use them gratefully to glorify God.
Our Second Reading, from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, is a reminder of one key blessing that is surprisingly easy to take for granted – the gift of our thought life. Our intellect is gift from God and we are called to steward it well. Lack of discipline in our thoughts can easily lead us down a path of discontentment and fear. St. Paul instructs us rather to “have no anxiety at all.” How are we to do this? He tells us, “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” And as it turns out, by turning our thoughts towards God with gratitude, we will be blessed immediately.
So let us live each day with a profound awareness of all that we have been given by God. Let us use our intellect to think on these gifts throughout the day and resolve to use all our gifts for God’s glory. We will find peace, joy and purpose as we do.
2026 Catholic Stewardship Consultants
REFLECTION
I’ve always thought the Parable of the Tenants could be a storyline on one of those “world’s dumbest criminals” shows.
Serial murder seems like an absolutely insane course of action simply to hoard the profits of a harvest you don’t legally own. In what world did the tenants think they would get away with that? Furthermore, they must have had a contract with their landowner ensuring payment for their labor. Why, all of a sudden, is this payment not enough?
It’s easy to dismiss the tenants as paranoid. Selfish. Greedy.
But then I think of my soul — my own little vineyard. Who owns it? Who bought it at great cost?
You see, the Parable of the Tenants isn’t a story about greed. It’s a story about trust. The tenants don’t trust the landowner to give them their payment, to honor his promises. They’re scared. They’re resentful. They’re angry.
And I get it.
Around my vineyard, there is a hedge, a protective barrier of grace shielding the fruit within from the toxic fumes of a fallen world. There is a wine press, so that the harvest of my vineyard can fulfill its ultimate purpose instead of withering, forgotten, on the branch. And there is a tower, tall and sturdy, built by capable hands. From its summit, I can see predators — animals, thieves — a long time before they reach me.
But I can see something else from the tower, too. I can see the landowner’s Son, making his way to the gates of my vineyard. He is coming to claim the harvest. He is coming to give me what is promised.
Do I trust him? Do I let him in?
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