The Most Rev. Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown, was the main celebrant at a special Mass at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Lehighton. The Mass was held on June 29, the feast day of the parish’s patron saints, Peter and Paul.

The Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis, Pastor of SS. Peter & Paul, concelebrated the Mass, and the Rev. Allen J. Hoffa was the emcee. The altar servers were Andrew and Jacob Rodenbach and Alexander Robles. Daniel Farole was the lector.

“I’m so happy to be with you on this beautiful summer evening here in Lehighton and celebrate your feast day, of the patrons of the church, SS. Peter and Paul,” Schlert said.

“And I want to thank Father Zelonis and Deacon Joe (Wilhelm) for inviting me to come here; and, while here, to bless the beautiful renovations that you have carried out here in the church.”

Schlert spoke of the lives of Peter and Paul.

“Their lives are something we can look at and identify with. Both had flaws. They were real people, not plastic figures or statues. They had their flaws; Jesus worked with their flaws. He took very limited men and had them do great work. That’s where we can identify with them. We have our flaws; but, Jesus can work with us, too.”

Schlert offered a special blessing to the church’s newly renovated interior and furnishings, blessing the church interior with holy water.

The parish underwent several renovations over the past three years, which included a new roof on the church, a rebuilt porch on the rectory, new altar furnishings, a complete repainting of the church’s interior, and a new organ.