Welcome to the home page of Saint John the Baptist and Immaculate Conception. We are a Roman Catholic community and partnered parishes of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese located in Summerhill, Pennsylvania.
Saint John the Baptist
538 Main Street
Summerhill, PA 15958
Immaculate Conception
1640 New Germany Road
Summerhill, PA 15958
New Germany Grove Hall
1635 New Germany Road
Summerhill, PA 15958
Easter Season Message:
‘ How Can God . . .’
Catechism Meditation:
The Word became flesh to be our model of holiness: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me.” “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, except through me.” ―No. 459
REFLECTION. When Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” he was not saying that he was one way to God among many. He clarifies that in the next part of John 14:6, “no one comes to the father except through me.” In other words, the only way to eternal life is through Jesus. If the disciples, and us today, want to find life we must go through Him. All other paths will never lead to what they promise.
We often rely on earthly pleasures to make us happy, such as making money, having the latest gadget, a good job, a nice house, luxury vacations, fancy clothes, new cars, fun hobbies, lots of friends, power, fame, etc. We tend to think the good life is found in something other than Jesus. The problem is all those things will only let us down. They can’t deliver what they promise. Sure, they satisfy us for a moment, but that moment quickly fades, and we need more. Jesus has a better way. He shows us that the good life is found in Him alone. So, if you find you are prioritizing something over Jesus, refocus your life. Call out the lies you’ve bought into that you need “x” to be happy.
Holiness is the only way to complete fulfillment in life. Nothing else can come close to satisfying the deep longing you feel in your heart. Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy. It’s in Him that we find true life and happiness. Simply put, happiness is holiness.
PRAYER. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
Quote of the Day:
“To do God’s Will until death, that is the inner heart of all holiness.” ― Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
Video of the Week:
Why We Have to Attend Mass and Receive Communion in a State of Grace (8:09)
Saint of the Month:
Saint Bernadette Soubirous – Patroness of Illness
For the latest news from the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, please visit Proclaim!
National Eucharistic Revival
The National Eucharistic Revival is a movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by helping us renew our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.
The United States Bishops, under the leadership of Bishop Andrew Cozzens, have put forth a three-year plan to revive our understanding of and devotion to the Most Holy Eucharist! The Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our faith. It is the saving Sacrifice of Christ our Lord, made present to us in the celebration of the Holy Mass, and communicated most intimately through the devout reception of Holy Communion.
The second phase will foster Eucharistic devotion at the parish level, strengthening our liturgical life through faithful celebration of the Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, missions, resources, preaching, and organic movements of the Holy Spirit. Year of Parish Revival: June 11, 2023 – July 17, 2024