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Young adults recognized by Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown for service to church

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The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is celebrating 23 individuals as part of the annual "Faithful Under 40" feature in the spring edition of the diocese's Proclaim! Magazine.

The magazine invited all pastors, Catholic school principals and other faith leaders to nominate young adults, ages 21-39, who exhibit an evangelizing spirit and generously use their time and talent to enrich Catholic life in their faith community.

"This year is our biggest class of honorees ever," explained Tony DeGol, executive editor of Proclaim! magazine. "All of the young adults being recognized represent diverse areas of engagement in parish life, Catholic education, or service to the wider Church, and all of them share a deep commitment and enthusiasm for using their gifts to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ not only through their words, but through their actions."

The 2026 "Faithful Under 40" honorees are:

– Francis Baggett - Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College

– Alex Bandzuh - Holy Family Parish in Portage.

– Crispolo Bloom - Good Shepherd Parish in Port Matilda.

– Molly Bosak - Our Lady of Victory Parish in State College.

– Morgan Casto - Saint Clement Parish in Johns­town and teacher at Bishop McCort Catholic High School in Johnstown.

– Liam Clyma - Diocesan seminarian and member of Saint Mark Parish in Altoona.

– Victoria Cornetti - Holy Name Parish in Ebensburg.

– Jillian Dalansky - Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona.

– Bradley Duca - Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown.

– Marianna Golias - Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown.

– Nicholas and Brianna Iachini - Saint Michael Parish in Hollidaysburg.

– Maureen Kalfas - Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown.

– Paige Matteson Lieb - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Altoona.

– Kristen Moot - Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown.

– Rachel Potopa - Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Altoona and teacher at Bishop Guilfoyle Academy in Altoona.

– Ethan Potter - Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.

– Jessica Smith - Immaculate Conception Parish in New Germany and teacher at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Ebensburg.

– Brother Kolbe Spencer, TOR - Sacred Heart Province of the Third Order Regular Franciscans and teacher at Saint Michael School in Loretto.

– Maria Swope - Saint Benedict Parish in Carrolltown and teacher at All Saints Catholic School in Cresson.

– Hope Watson - Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Johnstown.

– Mark and Kendra Weakland - Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel in Loretto.

All the honorees, their pastors, nominators and guests were invited to a social gathering that will be held on Friday, June 5, during which they will be greeted by Bishop Mark Bartchak and recognized for their achievements.

"As the diocese celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, we look forward to an evening saluting these inspiring young adults who, like so many others before them, help make our local Church a shining example of the love of God through service to others," DeGol said. "They give us hope for the next 125 years."

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