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.
Divine Mercy Sunday
April 12, 2026
GOSPEL MEDITATION
In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion.
But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I’d want to sarcastically murmur, “Well, good for you.” I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew. Then we brought the group on a pilgrimage. I was standing in an old church in France, ignoring a long-winded tour guide. I found myself before a crucifix. In that moment, I heard something, not audibly, but unmistakably in my heart:
“I came to be your friend… and you wish to be my enemy? Why do you stand far from me? I suffer gladly for you. I was pierced for you. Why do you run from me?”
My heart opened. I saw how cold and cynical I had become. But Jesus had not given up on me. He had returned, and his mercy broke through.
So I can relate to the scoffing — and transformation — of Thomas when the Risen Jesus presents his wounds for inspection. Thomas is not simply doubting; he is guarded, suspicious, even cynical.
But Jesus comes to him. No lecture. Just understanding and mercy. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds. This burns away his cynicism like the morning mist.
Divine Mercy Challenge: This week, rejoice with someone who is newly alive in faith. If your own heart has grown skeptical or tired, ask Jesus to help you. He will.
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
The Christian steward approaches life with an “Easter vision” rooted in gratitude for and confidence in the salvation our Lord has won for us through His death and Resurrection. Today’s readings on this Divine Mercy Sunday teach us how this approach plays out in daily life and reminds us that we can have complete trust in the mercy of God to lead us, step by step, to heaven.
Our first reading, from the Acts of the Apostles, describes this beautiful way of life as it was practiced by the first Christians. “They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.” And “they ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people.” This is a snapshot of the very first community of Christian stewards living out their daily life – embracing prayer (the breaking of the bread), formation (the teaching of the apostles), hospitality (the communal life and fellowship through joyful meals together) and mutual service. What an inspiration to us modern-day stewards!
2026 Catholic Stewardship Consultants
REFLECTION
The prayer I love best in the world is the Anima Christi. This private, devotional litany of supplication, begins with the phrase “anima Christi, sanctifica me” (“soul of Christ, sanctify me”) and continues on to appeal individually to each aspect of Our Lord’s crucified flesh: “Body of Christ, save me; blood of Christ, inebriate me; water from Christ’s side, wash me; passion of Christ, strengthen me; Oh good Jesus, hear me.”
Then comes my favorite part: “within thy wounds hide me.”
The Anima Christi is a prayer traditionally said after receiving Holy Communion. The ancient Celts spoke ofliminal places, where the veil separating this world from the next is particularly thin, and I believe the moments immediately following the reception of Holy Communion, when the Host is dissolving on my tongue, create a liminal place. When I am in that place, I am as intimately connected to God as I can be while my heart is still beating.
And when I am there, holding God within me, what are the words that I speak? It’s overwhelming to think about. What could possibly be right to say?
There is no right or wrong answer, I suppose. But the best words I can think of are these: “Within thy wounds, Lord, hide me.”
There is a reason Christ showed his wounds as he said the words, “Peace be with you.” It was not just a means of identifying himself — it was a catechism lesson. Here, he was saying. Here is the peace you will not find anywhere else.