On a quiet stretch of Old Bethlehem Pike in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has welcomed Catholics from the Lehigh Valley since it was formally established as a parish in 1952. Rooted in a small mission chapel built a generation earlier, the parish today is recognized for its steady rhythm of daily and Sunday Mass, a robust Parish Religious Education Program, two parish schools, and a wide range of lay ministries that quietly shape parish life from the sanctuary to the hospice bedside.
From Mission Chapel to Parish, 1927 to Today
The story of Assumption begins in 1927, when it was started as a mission of St. Ursula Parish. A small structure was built that year to serve as a mission chapel for Catholics in the surrounding countryside. For a quarter century, that chapel was the spiritual home of the area's growing Catholic community.
On October 16, 1952, the chapel was raised to parish status as the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, named a parish of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Father William Drobel was appointed as the first pastor. By 1955, an addition was incorporated into the original structure to accommodate the growing congregation. In 1962, Father James Hanlon was named pastor; his tenure saw the founding of an elementary school and a convent for the Sisters of Saint Joseph. In 1977, the school merged with St. Joseph's in Limeport to form Saint Michael the Archangel Elementary and Middle School. The parish marked its 50th anniversary in 2002 and now belongs to the Diocese of Allentown.
The parish's stated mission is to become a community of disciples of Jesus Christ, "a visible and active expression of the Living Christ in our world today." In a greeting signed by the pastor, the parish extends a plain invitation: "Know that we would be happy to have you join us on the faith journey to Jesus Christ."
Mass and Reconciliation on Old Bethlehem Pike
Assumption keeps a simple weekly schedule centered on the Eucharist. Daily Mass is offered Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. The Sunday schedule includes three Masses at 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m., with a Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is heard on Saturdays from 4:00 to 4:45 p.m., or by private appointment.
Music at the liturgies is led by Director of Music Michael Horvath. The Assumption Choir sings at the 10:00 a.m. Mass from September through May, as well as the Christmas Eve 9:00 p.m. Mass and the Easter Vigil. The ability to read music is helpful but not required to join. A Contemporary Ensemble, open to singers and players of guitar, flute, and strings, leads the 5:00 p.m. Saturday Mass and rehearses on Thursday evenings. Organists and cantors round out the liturgical music ministry as Leaders of Song.
Faith Formation for Every Age
Faith formation at Assumption is organized around several interlocking offerings. The Parish Religious Education Program, known as PREP, is open to any parish children in grades 1 through 8 and is directed by Christina Durback, M.Ed. PREP provides sacramental preparation, classroom resources, Vacation Bible Camp, and parent handbooks for the year.
For adults, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA, formerly RCIA) meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Finnegan Room from September through May. OCIA is the formal pathway through which adults prepare to celebrate the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist) with the Catholic community.
Bible study is offered in several formats. Adult Bible Study meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in the Finnegan Room. A Women's Bible Study gathers every other Tuesday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m., also in the Finnegan Room. On Sunday mornings from 8:45 to 9:50 a.m., a series called Catholic Authors and Lives of the Saints invites adults to study the saints and great Catholic writers together. Anyone may join any group at any time.
Parish Schools: Preschool through Eighth Grade
Two parish schools anchor Assumption's commitment to Catholic education. Assumption Preschool, directed by Bethany Stempert, offers a unique early childhood experience with small classes that foster strong interpersonal relationships. Interdisciplinary projects are built around the children's interests to produce meaningful learning. The preschool operates as a separate entity.
St. Michael the Archangel School is a Pre-K through eighth grade elementary school, shared by Assumption and other area parishes. Under Principal Marianne Gano, the school nurtures within each student a developmental quest for strong Christ-centered values and challenging academic skills. Its stated mission is to help each child encounter the love of Jesus Christ daily and to cultivate Christian morality and an enlightened sense of spirituality, so that students may become the faith-filled leaders of tomorrow. The school is a continuation of the parish school begun under Father Hanlon's pastorate and formally reorganized in 1977.
Music, Lectors, Altar Servers, and Liturgical Ministries
Liturgical service is a major artery of parish life. Lectors are scheduled in pairs for each Mass and proclaim the first two scripture readings, along with the General Intercessions when no deacon is present. Each prospective minister must attend a training session, and all lectors are required to attend an annual workshop. Altar servers assist the priest during Mass and are open to boys and girls from fourth grade through high school. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist in sharing the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass. Hospitality ministers greet parishioners, distribute bulletins, help seat people, and collect the offering at every weekend Mass, with greeters needed at each Sunday Mass.
The Environment and Art ministry tends to the sanctuary through the changing seasons of the liturgical year. Behind the scenes, the Finance Council advises the pastor on the financial matters of the parish; its members include Peggy Brown, Evelyn Carfagno, Chip Harpster, Deacon Maurice Kelly, Tony Martocci, Chuck Schneider, and Robert Thomson. The council meets four times a year and submits budgets and financial reports annually to the Diocese of Allentown.
Walking with the Sick, the Grieving, and Those in Need
Several ministries bring the parish beyond the church walls. The Hospice Ministry, founded by Deacon Don and Mary Elliott, serves those in hospice care at home, in nursing facilities, or in hospice houses. Volunteers provide companionship in the final months and weeks of life, support family members and caregivers, assist with community outreach, and follow up with bereavement calls for thirteen months after the death of a loved one. Volunteers complete sixteen hours of training before beginning service.
The Funeral Ministry represents the parish at the Mass of Christian Burial. Hospitality ministers welcome those attending, while acolytes, lectors, and extraordinary ministers serve in their usual roles. Funerals are generally held on a weekday morning, and the parish is always looking for new volunteers.
For those facing the challenges of troubled relationships, CoDa (Codependents Anonymous) is a twelve-step program that meets every Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the Fritz Room in the church basement. The Prayer Chain offers prayers of petition for requests received from fellow parishioners, lifting up those in need of spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, relational, and financial healing. The Sewing Sisters make quilts with love and prayers for parishioners and others who are ill or in need of comfort and warmth, meeting every Monday at 12:00 p.m. in the Finnegan Room from September to June.
The Yarns of Love Prayer Shawl Ministry gathers on the first Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Finnegan Room to knit prayer shawls for those suffering a loss, experiencing illness, or celebrating a special event. Those who do not knit are welcome and can be taught.
Knights of Columbus and Community Outreach
Assumption Council 14924 of the Knights of Columbus meets in the dining hall on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Coll Room. Like every council of the Knights, it is rooted in financial aid to members and their families, mutual aid to the sick, disabled, and needy, and works of educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief. The council is always open to new members.
The parish's outreach efforts extend into the wider Bethlehem area. Parishioners volunteer with Betty Lou's Pantry and the New Bethany Soup Kitchen, both staples of Lehigh Valley hunger relief. Linda Matyas coordinates volunteering at Betty Lou's Pantry, while Vickie Sefranek organizes participation at the New Bethany Soup Kitchen.
Groups for Widows, Widowers, Seniors, and Men
Assumption has organized several smaller groups that meet regular needs. Better Together is a social group for widows and widowers that meets the second Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in the Finnegan Room. Young At Heart is for those who are retired or semi-retired; it gathers on the first Thursday of each month from September through June at 1:00 p.m. in the Jubilee Center, with refreshments and a different presentation each month. Top Gun Ministries, a Christ-centered men's group, meets on Friday mornings at 6:00 a.m. in the Jubilee Center. Each meeting opens with a prayer, with members memorizing and reciting a Bible verse related to the weekly readings and then discussing how scripture connects with their daily lives. Members also carry out community service projects together.
Sacraments, Vocations, and Sacramental Preparation
Baptisms at Assumption are scheduled on the first, second, and third Sunday of each month immediately following the 11:30 a.m. Mass, with the number of baptisms per day limited. Parents must attend a Baptismal Preparation Workshop and present Certificates of Eligibility for sponsors.
For marriage, the parish asks couples to begin preparation at least one year before the wedding date. The diocesan marriage preparation program for engaged couples covers effective communication, sexuality, natural family planning, finances, potential problems, and spirituality. Couples begin by meeting with Monsignor McCann through the parish office.
Parish Leadership and Supporting the Mission
Assumption is pastored by Monsignor John B. McCann, S.T.L., M.S.W., supported by three deacons: Deacon Don Elliott, Deacon Stu Herman, and Deacon Maurice Kelly. Christina Durback directs religious education. Michael Horvath directs the music ministry. Jillian Rossi serves as parish secretary, the main point of contact for office business and sacramental scheduling. Marianne Gano leads St. Michael the Archangel School, and Bethany Stempert directs Assumption Preschool.
Parishioners and friends who wish to support the parish's mission can give online through the parish's giving portal, by check, or by cash in the collection basket. Memorial Intentions (including altar flowers and the sanctuary candle for one week) and Mass Intentions may be scheduled online or through the parish office. Those interested in leaving a lasting legacy may do so through the parish's endowment with the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit independent of the Diocese that supports pastoral programs, liturgical ministries, maintenance, capital improvements, PREP, youth ministry, adult faith formation, teacher excellence, scholarships, and the activities of St. Michael the Archangel School.