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Easter meal served
Altoona Restoration Church of God, 911 N. Third St., Altoona, will host an Easter meal at 12:30 p.m. Palm Sunday, March 29. The meal will include turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing balls, noodles, veggies, desserts and drinks. All are welcome.
Diocese Holy Week schedule
The Catholic Church will mark Holy Week -- the most sacred week on the liturgical calendar -- March 29-April 5. During Holy Week, the faithful are invited to walk with Jesus Christ through His passion, death, and resurrection. The following is the Holy Week schedule for Bishop Mark Bartchak.
– Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord -- Pontifical Mass at 11 a.m. at St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown (broadcast live on WATM ABC 23)
– Monday of Holy Week -- Chrism Mass at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona
– Holy Thursday -- Mass of the Lord's Supper at 6 p.m. at St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown
– Good Friday -- Celebration of the Lord's Passion at 1 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona
– Holy Saturday -- Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona
– Easter Sunday -- Mass of the Lord's Resurrection at 11 a.m. at St. John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown (Broadcast live on WATM ABC 23)
Lenten lunch, service
A Hollidaysburg community Lenten Lunch and service, sponsored by the Hollidaysburg Area Ministerium, will be held at noon Good Friday,
April 3, at Zion Lutheran Church, Allegheny and Union streets. Area pastors will participate and a meat-free lunch will precede the service. Donations will go to the American Rescue Workers.
After the service, all are invited to a major choral work called "Blessed" based on the Beatitudes at First United Methodist Church, Allegheny and Jones streets, beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Coin club meets
The Coin Club will meet at Faith Baptist Church of Altoona from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 4. This will be the last meeting until fall. The club will meet in the church basement. Each participant will be required to purchase two Penny Books to display pennies from 1959 to 2025. Pennies will be provided to search for needed dates to complete books. Books cost $10.
Anyone interested should contact the church office at 814-944-2894 or email fbc@fbcaltoona.org.
Easter musical scheduled
Joy in the City will present an Easter musical with full set and costuming at Grace Bible Church on March 27-29. "More than just a man" will focus on possible interactions between biblical characters trying to determine how to react to Jesus.
The program will be presented at 7 p.m. nightly and a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee will also be held. There is no admission charge.
The church is located on Route 36 between Lakemont and Hollidaysburg.
Easter egg hunts planned
– A community Easter egg hunt will be held at Newry Lutheran Church, 1030 Shamrock Lane, Newry, at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28. The event, which will feature hundreds of hidden eggs and cookie-decorating, will be moved inside the church in the event of inclement weather.
– Jaggard First UMC Easter Egg Hunt will be held following worship April 5 on the church lawn. Children up to the age of 12 are welcome. Jaggard First is located at 1801 Pleasant Valley Blvd.
– Nomads Youth Group at The Well Ministry Center will host an Easter egg hunt party from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, March 29. The event is geared toward those in sixth through 12th grades. There will be food, games and special egg prizes. The Well Ministry Center is at 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. Contact bcburget217@yahoo.com or call the church office at 814-201-2548 to sign up.
– Greenwood United Methodist Church, 1505 E. Walton Ave., will host an Easter egg hunt for children up to age 12 on Saturday, April 4.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. for prizes. Egg hunt at 10 a.m. Refreshments to follow the hunt. The Easter bunny will be available for visits and photos, and a fire truck will be on site for children to see.
– An Easter Story Hunt for kids preschool through grade 5 will be held at Christ Community UMC, 5715 Roselawn Ave., Altoona, on Saturday, April 4. Call the church office at 814-942-5586 or email ccumcchurch@gmail.com. to pre-register.
– Fairview Easter Egg Hunt will take place at Fairview Park, Third Street, at noon on Saturday, April 4. The event is sponsored by Fairview United Methodist Church.
– Mardorf United Methodist Church will host an Easter egg hunt and pancake dinner Saturday, March 28. Registration opens at 3:30 p.m., the event begins at 4 p.m. Those attending are asked to enter through the back doors under the portico. Additional parking will be available at the Juniata Gap Elementary School, if needed. There will be prize giveaway drawings.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP so that organizers have enough supplies for all the children. Allergy-friendly eggs are available for those who inform organizers before the event. Email tbaker_04@yahoo.com to RSVP or for more information.
Divine Mercy Sunday set
Divine Mercy Sunday will be held Sunday, April 12, at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 308 Old Route 220, Duncansville. Mass will be at 8 and 11 a.m. Food will be available from noon to 5 p.m. Confessions will be from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Divine holy hour will be 3 to 4 p.m. Basket raffle tickets will be available all day, with the drawing at 4:30 p.m.
'Blessings' to be presented
The Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Church of Hollidaysburg will present "Blessings" at 1:30 a.m. Good Friday at First United Methodist Church, 801 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg.
A major choral work with original texts by Pamela Stewart and original music by Joel Raney, "Blessings" takes the listener on a journey through Holy Week based on the Beatitudes. The combination of familiar scripture texts set with powerful new images creates a deeply spiritual experience for Holy Week.
Communal Penance Services
The season of Lent is a time to seek the Lord's healing and forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The following are the dates and times of Communal Penance Services scheduled at various Blair County parishes in the coming weeks. A diocesan-wide schedule is available on the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown website and Facebook page. Please consult individual parishes for other Reconciliation opportunities leading up to Easter.
– March 29 at 4 p.m. -- St. Mary, Hollidaysburg
– March 30 at 5:30 p.m. -- St. Mary, Altoona
– April 1 from 6-7 p.m. -- St. Catherine of Siena, Duncansville
– Saturdays in Lent at 5:30 p.m. -- St. Patrick, Newry
Food pantry available
The food pantry at Twenty-eighth Street Church of the Brethren, 28th Street and Union Avenue, is available for those in need. Distribution will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, by appointment only. Call Deb at 814-207-8293.
Healing through community
Grief is a journey no one should walk alone. The grief support group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at The Well Ministry Center, 605 Burns Ave., Altoona. This is a safe place to share, heal and find hope and comfort. For more information, call 814-201-2548.
Stations of the Cross set
The faithful are invited to pray Stations of the Cross throughout Lent. The following are the dates and times at various Blair County parishes in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
– Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona -- Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
– St. Rose of Lima, Altoona -- Fridays at 5 p.m.
– St. John the Evangelist, Altoona -- Fridays with Adoration at 5 p.m., and Stations at 5:30 p.m.
– Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Altoona -- Every Friday in Lent, except Good Friday, 2 p.m. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 5:30 p.m. Assumption Chapel
– Sacred Heart, Altoona -- Fridays at 5:30 p.m.
– St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Altoona -- Fridays at 7:30 p.m. (except Good Friday)
– Our Lady of Fatima, Altoona -- March 27 at 6 p.m.
– St. Catherine of Siena, Duncansville -- Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Lenten musical meditation
Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St., State College, will host a Lenten Musical Meditation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The free program includes a choir of more than 90 singers from 14 churches will present "I Believe: Songs of Faith, Hope and Joy." The concert will include strings, a jazz mass and handbell choir.
The program focuses on the Nicene Creed, the foundational statement of Christians around the world as it celebrates 1700 years. Highlights are Vivaldi's Credo with organ and strings; Chilcott's A Little Jazz Mass with jazz combo; and Onovwerosuoke's Afro-Caribbean Credo. The program also includes selections by Brenda Austin and Cathy Moklebust rung by The Bells of Grace and several congregational hymns.
A community meal is available from 5 p.m.; prelude music by Nittany Brass begins at 6:40 p.m. There is no cost to attend; offerings accepted.
For more information, call 814-238-2478.
Lenten lunch series offered
Wehnwood United Methodist Church will host Lenten lunches with guest speakers. Donations will be accepted to support food ministries.
"The Great Way: A Heart Prepared for the Cross" series includes: March 25: "Love Your Neighbor," the Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis and April 1 "Make a Difference," the Rev. Ray Kovach.
Fish dinners planned
– The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, 1 Cathedral Square, Altoona, will serve its annual Lenten fish fry lunches again this year. The lunches will be available from 10:30 to 1 p.m. every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday. Cost is $12 and includes a fish sandwich, mac & cheese and coleslaw. Meals are available on a drive-thru basis at the Cathedral Alley door. Orders of 10 or more will be delivered to those who call ahead, 814-944-4603.
– Our Lady of Lourdes Lenten Fish Fry will be held Fridays through Good Friday, April 3, in the Church Hall. Takeout begins at 3:30 and eat in at 4:30 p.m. The menu includes fried or baked haddock, a choice of mac and cheese or French fries and stewed tomatoes and cole slaw or applesauce. There will be a dessert station for a choice of a dessert. Drinks are included for those dining in and soda is available to purchase. The cost is $16 per meal. Our Lady of Lourdes is located at 2716 Broad Ave., Altoona. There is a handicapped entrance off of the alley with an elevator.
– St. Patrick's seafood buffet, 731 Patrick Lane, Newry, will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays, through April 3. The buffet includes baked/fried haddock, butterfly shrimp, macaroni & cheese, stewed tomatoes, pierogies, french fries, coleslaw, green beans, soup, roll, dessert and beverage. Cost is $22 for adults ages 13-59; $20 for seniors aged 60 and older; $10 for youth ages 5 to 12 and free to those younger than 5 years old. All takeouts are $23. Cash or checks only.
– Fish fry dinners are available at the Unter Uns, 1401 Van Buren Ave., Altoona, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent. The public is welcome to eat in or takeout. Meals are $15 and include choice of baked or batter-fried haddock, choice of scalloped potatoes or mac & cheese, with coleslaw, stewed tomatoes and a roll. A la carte items also are available. Crab cake dinners are $22 and will be available only on March 20 and April 3.
– St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Altoona, will hold Lenten Fish Fry Dinners from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays during Lent through March 27, at Father Kelley Hall, 25th Avenue and Fifth Street. Dinners will be available for either eat-in or takeout. Menu includes choice of baked or fried fish, choice of two: stewed tomatoes, coleslaw or applesauce, choice of macaroni & cheese or french fries, rolls and butter, and homemade dessert. Free coffee, tea and water or $1 for soda for eat-in dinners. Cost is $15 per dinner. Optional pre-orders start at 3 p.m. and can be made by calling 814-600-9288.
Video discussions offered
The Central Pennsylvania Creation Fellowship will host a series of monthly video discussions on "Is Genesis History?" On April 12, the presentation will feature Dr. Kurt Wise and Dr. Larry Vardiman speaking on "The Post-Flood Effects of the Ice Age and Our Climate."
The series is free and open to the public. Light refreshments are offered after each meeting.
For more information, visit centralpacreationfellowship.org or call 570-452-5000.
Winter Jam 2026 is March 28
Winter Jam 2026, featuring Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, Newsong and more, will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Bryce Jordan Center, State College. Cost is $15 general admission at the door. Jam Nation tickets are available in advance online at http://www.jamtour.com/jamnation.html.
For more information, visit jamtour.com or call 615-636-5044.
Deadline
Religious organizations are invited to submit upcoming events, special speakers and other items to be published free of charge in Spiritual Notes. Items can be emailed to religion@altoonamirror.com or call Holly at 814-946-7451. Items may also be submitted online through the Mirror's virtual newsroom at vnr.altoonamirror.com. Deadline for submissions is 4 p.m. Mondays.