Fun family activities, delicious ethnic foods and selfies with a Pope Francis popup are among the many activities and attractions guests can enjoy as the Diocese of Allentown and ArtsQuest partner to host a special Viewing Event of the Papal Mass in Philadelphia on three outdoor screens at SteelStacks Sept. 27 starting at noon.

The day will begin with a noon Mass on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage, and live entertainment will follow from 1:30-4 p.m. on two stages. The local band Island Time will perform at 1:30, 2:35 and 3:20 p.m., while The Mercy Bell Choir from the Mercy School for Special Learning in Allentown will perform at 2:15 p.m. The Spanish choir from Sacred Heart Church in Allentown will take the stage at 3 p.m., and the choir from St. Francis of Assisi Church in Allentown will perform at 3:40 p.m. leading up to the Papal Mass at 4 p.m.

Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy a delicious array of food prepared by parishes from throughout the Diocese, with offerings ranging from Cabbage and Noodles (Haluski) and Egg Rolls to Kiffels and Cotton Candy. Parishes offering food include:

Holy Infancy, Bethlehem – Latin (Tacos, Pastelillos and Bacalaitos)
St. Anthony of Padua, Easton – Italian (Sausage and Meatball Sandwiches)
St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown – Egg Rolls
St. Stephen, Allentown – Hungarian Goulash, Strudel
Queenship of Mary, Northampton – Kiffels
St. Elizabeth, Whitehall – Cabbage and Noodles (Haluski)
Ott Concessions – Cotton Candy, Candy Apples, Popcorn, Funnel Cake

In addition, several parishes will offer fun family activities throughout the day. Examples include St. Joseph the Worker Church in Orefield offering a lollipop pick; St. Francis of Assisi Church of Allentown conducting “Blast Furnace Bingo” in the ArtsQuest Center; and St. Ann Church of Emmaus presenting a variety of games. Catholic Charities will offer face painting and zucchetto making (the small white skull cap the Pope wears), while Salve, a Bethlehem-based Catholic young adult group, will run a cup-stacking game. Other activities include opportunities for the public to participate in the creation of a large mosaic cross with local artist Kim Hogan and pose for selfies with a Pope Francis popup.

The Papal Mass Viewing Event at SteelStacks, located at First Street and Founders Way in Bethlehem, is designed to be afternoon of fellowship and family coinciding with Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia. The event, which is free and open to the public, will culminate with the airing of the Pope’s Papal Mass for the World Meeting of Families, scheduled for 4 p.m. The idea for the Viewing Event at SteelStacks was developed after Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Bethlehem reached out to ArtsQuest, suggesting SteelStacks host a special event for the community to celebrate Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Commonwealth.
“As a community-based nonprofit organization, ArtsQuest is pleased when groups and members of our community approach us about hosting events that are important to the region and where we represent a great location to gather and celebrate,” says ArtsQuest Board of Trustees President Joseph Pietrantonio. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Diocese of Allentown on this very special event and experience for the Lehigh Valley and surrounding region.”