Monsignor Alfred A. Schlert’s appointment as the 5th Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown is a moment of joy for the Church in Pennsylvania and I’m confident he will carry on the work of his predecessors with compassion, zeal, and fidelity.
As a native Pennsylvanian, and an alumnus of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Bishop-elect Schlert has an intuitive sense of life in our Commonwealth, the challenges facing the Church here, and the importance of the people and institutions of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
His wide ranging pastoral and administrative experience as a parish priest, Catholic educator, and Vicar General in the Diocese of Allentown will serve him well in the office of bishop. The Holy Father has given a true gift to all those Bishop-elect Schlert will shepherd.
As he prepares to begin his episcopal ministry, I offer Bishop-elect Schlert heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. I ask that people of good will across the state welcome him as a brother and pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen him as a successor to the Apostles.
+Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.
Archbishop of Philadelphia
###
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
ArchPhilly
ArchPhilly
Contact: Kenneth A. Gavin
Chief Communications Officer
215-587-3747 (office)