Diocese of Allentown: Comprehensive Profile

Background

The Diocese of Allentown, established on January 28, 1961, serves as a Latin Church ecclesiastical jurisdiction in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. It encompasses Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton, and Schuylkill counties. The diocese's mission is to provide compassionate human services with respect for the sanctity of all human life.

Key Strategic Focus

The diocese focuses on:

• Education: Operating 34 schools serving approximately 9,000 students, emphasizing strong academics and Catholic faith formation.

• Charitable Services: Through Catholic Charities, offering services such as counseling, emergency assistance, and support for the needy across its five-county region.

• Community Engagement: Awarding poverty relief grants to nonprofit agencies and parish charitable groups to fund humanitarian outreach and assistance.

Financials and Funding

The diocese has demonstrated financial transparency and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown reported the following financials:

• Fiscal Year Ending June 2023:

• Revenue: $6,278,671

• Expenses: $6,256,747

• Net Assets: $7,166,592

• Fiscal Year Ending June 2022:

• Revenue: $7,231,628

• Expenses: $7,008,384

• Net Assets: $6,828,052

• Fiscal Year Ending June 2021:

• Revenue: $4,529,625

• Expenses: $3,994,695

• Net Assets: $7,473,804

Leadership Team

• Bishop Alfred A. Schlert: Appointed as the fifth Bishop of Allentown by Pope Francis on June 27, 2017, and installed on August 31, 2017. He has served in various capacities, including Vice President of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and member of the Board of Trustees of DeSales University.

• Andrea Kochan-Neagle, JD: Managing Director of Catholic Charities, overseeing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, human resources, finances, and advancement. She has 26 years of administration and leadership experience and has served on the board of Catholic Charities as a director and vice chair.

Leadership Changes

• Andrea Kochan-Neagle: Appointed as Managing Director of Catholic Charities, bringing extensive experience in administration and leadership.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Diocese of Allentown operates within the broader context of the Catholic Church in the United States, focusing on education, charitable services, and community engagement. The diocese's initiatives are tailored to meet the needs of its local community, emphasizing faith-based education and social services.

Competitor Analysis

While the diocese operates within a unique ecclesiastical framework, it shares common goals with other religious and charitable organizations in the region. These entities also focus on education, social services, and community outreach, aiming to serve the needs of their respective communities.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The diocese collaborates with various organizations to enhance its mission:

• Blackbaud: Utilizes Blackbaud's fundraising solutions to streamline gift processing and improve operational efficiency, allowing the diocese to focus more on its mission.

• Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation (EPSF): Partners with EPSF to provide tuition assistance, awarding nearly 1,500 scholarships annually to students attending diocesan schools.

Operational Insights

The diocese has implemented cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions and pay freezes, to continue its charitable and pastoral mission while addressing financial challenges.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The Diocese of Allentown aims to:

• Enhance Educational Offerings: Continue to provide strong academic programs integrated with Catholic faith formation.

• Expand Charitable Services: Broaden the reach of Catholic Charities to assist more individuals and families in need.

• Strengthen Community Engagement: Increase collaboration with local organizations to address community challenges effectively.

Contact Information

For more information, visit the Diocese of Allentown's official website.

Note: This profile is based on publicly available information as of May 21, 2025.