Sacred Heart Parish, Lafayette Avenue, Palmerton, celebrates weekend Mass at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday, following all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Allentown Diocesan directives. All worshippers for weekend Mass are asked to call the rectory office at 610-826-2335 indicating the Mass time and how many will be attending. Daily Mass, Monday through Friday, is celebrated at noon. The church remains open after daily Mass until 3 p.m. for private prayer.

Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass is livestreamed on Facebook for all who are unable to join us in person.

Seating capacity continues to be limited to 160 worshippers at each Mass. Wearing a facial mask and safe distancing is required. The sacrament of Confession is offered by appointment only. Please call the rectory office to schedule. All other parish and diocesan news can be found on the Parish webpage at: www.shcpalmerton.org.

This weekend we celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent. The readings point out that David’s posterity finds its fulfillment in the son of Mary, Jesus Christ. We will light our last Advent candle as this week we pray especially for the children of our parish that their lives may always be filled with the joy and peace of Christ.

We thank all who participated in our Advent Charities: “The Giving Tree” benefiting Catholic Charities of Carbon and Schuylkill counties and the “Toy Collection Drive” coordinated by CACPAC. We also thank those who have made other sacrificial gifts to quietly assist the needy of our parish and community.

Reserved seating is required for all Christmas Masses as we continue to follow all CDC and diocesan gathering regulations. Call the rectory office and indicate what Mass and number attending. Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated at 2 and 5 p.m. Christmas Day Mass is at 10 a.m. Seating at each Mass is limited to 160 worshippers.

Christmas Wafers (Oplatki) and St. Joseph Missals are available at the rectory office.

The office will be closed Dec. 24 and 25 and reopen on Dec. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Christmas offering is most important as we try to catch up on our expenses. Your extra sacrificial gift will be especially appreciated this year as parish donations have declined due to the pandemic. Those who have back envelopes are encouraged to catch up on their weekly stewardship commitment.

This weekend, St. John Neumann students will be selling $5 January Lottery tickets after Mass. Your support of this fundraiser will help us to continue our efforts to provide Catholic school education in Carbon County.

Father Bill continues to ask for prayers through the intercession of Father Walter Ciszek that God will bless us with a cure for COVID-19 and restore the physical, spiritual, emotional and financial health to our global family.