The Allentown Diocese established a Diocesan Pastoral Council to recommend and implement changes that are apparently imminent for the diocese’s 151 parishes and 60 Catholic schools.

The formation of the council took place when Bishop Edward P. Cullen signed a decree establishing the board at the conclusion of a Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.

The council is made up of 16 laypersons, eight priests, a nun and a deacon. Among the local persons assigned to the council are Msgr. John Chizmar, head of the Carbon Deanery, Rev. Edward Zemanik, head of the North Schuylkill Deanery, Michele Varley of Lansford, ToniMarie Zeleniak of Lehighton and Anne Girard of Coaldale.