St. Joseph's Slovenian Church on Fifth Street in South Bethlehem opened its doors March 16 for the second annual celebratory Mass honoring Saint Joseph.

Ethnic Slovenians from Bethlehem and from as far away as Annapolis, Md., attended. One of those, Sharon Messics of Annapolis was there with her niece, Erica Messics. Erica's grandmother, Jennie Messics, also attended.

The church has been closed since 2009 by the diocese but is maintained by "the good offices" of the Reverend Scott Ardinger of the Incarnation of Our Lord Church. The congregation of St. Joseph's Slovenian Church was assigned to Incarnation of Our Lord after its church was closed.

The limited reopening of the church will allow members to have funeral ceremonies and other events at the church built by their grandfathers. The church will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014.

Stephen C. Antalics Jr. is leading the effort to keep funding for the church's maintenance. Contributions should be sent to and made payable to St. Joseph's Church, P. O. Box 5430, Bethlehem, Pa 18015-0430.

The ambassador to the United States from the Republic of Slovenia Roman Kirn attended the Mass. Several other national, state and local political leaders attended. Among those were Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, Pa. State Senator for the 18th District Lisa M. Boscola, U.S. Representative for the 15th District Charlie Dent, and Bethlehem City Councilman Robert J. Donchez.

Also attending were Bethlehem Area School Board Vice President Michelle Cann and board member Irene Follweiler.

"We have Catholic and Lutheran Slovenians who can get together," Donchez said. "It's important for the Slovenian people to get together in a church."

"Let's pray for the Pope," Rev. Ardinger said, "and pray for each other."

Ardlinger seemed excited by the number of children in the audience which nearly filled the church.

"Young people," said Ardlinger, "you have a great mission for Jesus. Never give up your faith. Always say to Jesus, 'I will follow you.'"

When asked why he had travel from Washington, D. C., to the event, the Ambassador Kirn said, "Bethlehem has large Slovenian community. They are looking for a house to pray. I came to demonstrate my support for this church, a shrine to of Slovenian heritage that is of historical importance."

Kirn was accompanied by Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia's Cultural and Public Diplomacy Officer Nuska Zakrajsek.

Many of the attendees planned to meet following the service for a luncheon at Lehigh University.