As someone who is enjoying his first Advent season here in the Altoona/Blair Country region, I was pleasantly surprised that many of your community leaders participated with local pastors/priests in the annual "Advent of Hope" ecumenical service held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunday, Dec. 9.
It was a powerful event to see political, business, educational, medical and other community leaders join with pastors/priests in praying for the well-being of the Altoona/Blair County.
My only disappointment was the level of attendance by the community at large.
I wonder if the people of this area are aware how rare it is to find the level of cooperation in other communities around the state and nation.
Perhaps many people missed the promotion of the event, but I hope that many more people will attend next year to lend their prayers along with the prayers of their leaders for this community.
Rev. Dennis Braun
Providence Presbyterian Church
Altoona
