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.
The 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 30, 2026
GOSPEL MEDITATION
Do you know what it is like to be thrilled by the power of Christian faith one moment and then utterly fail in it the next? I do. That is Peter in today’s Gospel. After last week’s bold confession, he now hears Jesus speak of suffering and death, and something in him recoils. He takes Jesus aside and tries to correct him. Jesus responds with the shocking rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan.”
Peter is the mirror of every disciple. We love Jesus until he contradicts the script we have written for our lives. Peter does not reject Jesus. He rejects a suffering Jesus. So do we, whenever we avoid a hard responsibility, resist a demanding relationship, or cling to comfort instead of choosing love. We want a Lord who supports our plans, not one who overturns them.
Yet Jesus does not discard Peter. He redirects him. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” In effect, Jesus says, stop trying to lead me. Let me lead you. Discipleship does not begin with heroism or clarity but with surrender. It means trusting that God’s path to life often passes through places we would never choose.
Peter is all of us. We move from insight to confusion, from confidence to correction. That is why we should have hope. Jesus patiently teaches us again and again. Trust me. Get behind me. Follow me. When we stop fighting the crosses that come and start carrying them with him, we discover a freedom deeper than comfort and a love stronger than fear.
EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP
If we are striving to live the stewardship way of life, we must be honest with ourselves and admit it’s not going to be easy. Dying to self and living for Christ and others is tough. It’s the work of a lifetime. But in the end, it’s the only work that really matters and the only life that truly satisfies. Our readings today reflect this challenging reality.
It’s all about love. Jesus loved us totally, giving us all of Himself on the Cross, in His word, and in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. And so we must choose: love of self, or love of God and others – which is tough but fulfilling and leads to the eternal reward of heaven. Jesus promises that He “will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then He will repay all according to his conduct.”
Let us make the tough choice to lose our life for Christ’s sake, in grateful response to His love. Honestly, what better life could there be?
2026 Catholic Stewardship Consultants
REFLECTION
Carry the cross? Absolutely. I’m happy to! Hand it over. Here’s the thing: I just might…set it down for a second, from time to time. That’s okay, right?
How else am I supposed to have both hands free to gesture in anger? I can’t do that if I’m carrying the cross. Well, fine, then let me just shift its weight, so I can catch my breath and say what I think about this person who’s got it all wrong — I’ll just lean it against the wall here. No? Okay, fine, I won’t put it down! I’ll keep holding it. That’s better, actually. Then I can use it as a weapon.
What? Am I doing this “Christian” thing wrong?
“Whoever wishes to save his life will lose it,” Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel. “But whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
This is not an affirmation of the paradox that if you no longer care about something, you can finally have it once and for all. It’s not a judgment about the worthlessness of life in this fallen world or the futility of trying to preserve that life.
It’s merely a statement about priorities.
When Peter says, “God forbid!” at the thought of suffering, God is not his priority. His own safety is.
When I say, “God forbid!” at anything that comes from the mouth of God, it’s a reminder to look at my hands — because they’ve probably put down the cross.
How merciful is our Lord — he never takes my cross from me, even when I walk far away from it. He always lets me pick it back up. In his dear and sweet goodness, he even helps me lift its weight. And he gestures, in case I’ve forgotten: “This way. Follow me.”