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Spiritual Notes

Bishop Mark L. Bartchak of the Altoona-Johns­town Diocese has directed that the Precious Blood not be distributed in any form at Mass beginning the this weekend, Jan. 11-12, and continuing until further notice. The directive is due to the severity of the flu season.

It is the belief of the Catholic Church that the whole Body of Christ is present under either form of consecrated bread and wine, according to a news release from the diocese. Reception of Holy Communion on the hand is encouraged during this flu season; however, reception on the tongue may not be denied.

The faithful are also asked to avoid bodily contact during the Sign of Peace. A genuine nod of the head with eye contact with others will be the temporary practice.

This directive will remain in effect throughout the winter months or until the flu season ends. The diocese will announce when parishes may return to the regular practice for the distribution and reception of Holy Communion.

Altoona Aglow will not meet in January. The next scheduled meeting is set for Feb. 8, weather permitting.

The first Novena of 2020 to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Therese (the Little Flower) offered by the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Loretto will open on Wednesday,

Jan. 22, and end on Thursday, Jan. 30.

All intentions submitted to the nuns will be remembered with the special Novena prayers after the daily Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in the nuns’ chapel.

Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament is held at 4 p.m. Sundays and the first Friday of each month. The public is invited to attend the Benediction followed by the veneration of the relic of St. Therese of the Child Jesus of the Holy Face.

Petitions should be sent to Mother Prioress, Discalced Carmelite Monastery, P.O. Box 57, Loretto, PA 15940.

The 33rd annual Respect Life March will be held at noon Sunday, Jan. 19, in Tyrone.

The event begins with a prayer service at St. Matthew Church, Tyrone, followed by a 1.25-mile walk to Oak Grove Cemetery to the grave of Baby Agnes Doe, where another short prayer service will be held. Those taking part are welcome to bring a sign. Those unable to walk are invited to join in by driving at the end of the procession. A luncheon will be served in the parish hall after the march. The event is sponsored by St. Gregory Council 1218, Knights of Columbus.

For more information, contact Peter Kreckel at 935-5436 or email pharmcanoe@aol.com.

First United Methodist Church Hollidaysburg, 801 Allegheny St., will host revivalist/evangelist Ric Wright of Resurrection Lifestyle Ministries during special services through Sunday, Jan. 12.

Today, Jan. 10, a covered dish dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. in the church social hall, followed by services at 6:30 p.m. Wright will lead the 5:30 and 6:45 services on Saturday, Jan. 11, and the 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services on Sunday, Jan. 12.

For more information, visit Wright’s website at www.resurrectionlifestyle.org or call the church office at 695-4411.

Christian music’s Winter Jam 2020 will be held at three locations in Pennsylvania.

— Reading will host Winter Jam 2020 at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Santander Arena. Jam Nation is at 4:30, with the pre-Jam party and general admission open at 6 p.m.

— PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh will host Winter Jam 2020 at 7 p.m. Jan. 17. Jam Nation begins at 4:30 with the pre-Jam party and general admission open at 6 p.m.

— Winter Jam will be held at 6 p.m. March 28 at the Bryce Jordan Center, State College. Jam Nation begins at 3:30 p.m., while the pre-Jam party and general admission opens at 5 p.m.

Tickets at all venues are a $15 donation at the door until sold out. There is an additional charge for limited Jam Nation memberships, which must be purchased in advance. More information on that can be found at https://2020.jamtour.com

Fan-favorite and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Crowder will headline the show.

While the exact lineup may vary depending on the show, performers include international chart-toppers Hillsong Young & Free, hip-hop recording artist and producer Andy Mineo; Dove Award-winning pop hitmakers Building 429; Grammy-nominated rockers RED; Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriter Austin French; Grammy-nominated Winter Jam creators and tour hosts, NewSong; and Dare2Share speakers Greg Stier and Zane Black. Additionally, the PreJam opening set will feature 2019 New Artist of the Year Dove Award-nominee Riley Clemmons and will introduce singer/songwriter and evangelist Billy Ballenger, as well as emerging rap/hip-hop recording artist Zauntee.

The Food Pantry at Second Avenue United Methodist Church will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17.

Those attending should bring a photo ID, a piece of mail that includes name and address, and birth certificates for any children in the home. The church is at 130 Second Ave., Altoona, on the corner of Second Avenue and Second Street. For more information, contact the church office at 943-2072.

Providence Presbyterian Church, 2401 Broad Ave., Altoona, will serve a free luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

The menu includes a variety of homemade soups, sandwiches, beverages, desserts and fruit. All are invited.

Grace’s Closet clothing giveaway at Grace Lutheran Church, 114 N. Cambria St., Bellwood, will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 11. Those in need of clothing at other times should call 742-7509.

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