About Queen of Archangels Church · Clarence, Pennsylvania
Queen of Archangels Parish is a Roman Catholic parish of the Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown serving the small communities of Clarence and Snow Shoe in central Pennsylvania. The parish takes its name from the Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary — the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, encompassing the angels. It worships in two locations: the main church at 102 Church Street in Clarence and a chapel (also referenced as Saint Mary's Church) at 204 South 4th Street in Snow Shoe, allowing parishioners from both villages to attend Mass close to home. The parish is pastored by Rev. Matthew Laffey, O.S.B., with the assistance of Deacon Brian Yurky.
- Patron
- Our Lady, Queen of Heaven and Earth (and the angels) — the parish takes its name from the Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary, the Coronation
- Rector
- Rev. Matthew Laffey, O.S.B.
- Diocese
- Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown
Why belong here
Queen of Archangels offers a rare opportunity for Catholics in the Clarence and Snow Shoe area to worship close to home in two small, traditional churches where the faithful are known by name. Weekday and weekend Masses are offered at both sites, confession is readily available Saturday afternoons and after weekday morning Masses, and the parish maintains Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesday evenings before the 7 PM Mass. Families with school-age children are also supported through the parish's partnership with Saint John Catholic School in Bellefonte. For those seeking a quiet, rural Catholic community rooted in the Rosary and devotion to Our Lady, Queen of Archangels is a welcoming home.
Mass times at Queen of Archangels Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 3:45 PM (Clarence Church)
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (Clarence Church)
- After each weekday morning Mass
Adoration times
- Tuesday: 6:00 – 6:45 PM (Clarence Church, prior to 7 PM Mass)
About Queen of Archangels Parish
Queen of Archangels Parish is a Roman Catholic community of the Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown, serving the villages of Clarence and Snow Shoe in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The parish's name comes from the Fifth Glorious Mystery of the Holy Rosary: the Coronation, in which Jesus crowns His Mother Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, the angels included. Worship is offered at two sites — the parish church in Clarence and a chapel in Snow Shoe — so that the faithful of both communities can gather close to home for Mass and the sacraments.
Our Two Worship Sites
Because Queen of Archangels serves two small villages, the parish maintains two worship locations. The main church in Clarence is the setting for most Masses, while the chapel in Snow Shoe lets parishioners there attend Mass without traveling out of town.
- Queen of Archangels Church — 102 Church Street, Clarence, PA 16829
- Queen of Archangels Chapel / Saint Mary's Church — 204 South 4th Street, Snow Shoe, PA 16874
Holy Day Masses
On Holy Days of Obligation the parish offers a Vigil Mass the evening before at the Snow Shoe Chapel, and two Masses the day of the holy day at the Clarence Church.
- Holy Day Vigil Mass — 7:00 PM (Snow Shoe Chapel, evening before)
- Holy Day Masses — 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM (Clarence Church)
Our Clergy
The parish is led by a Benedictine priest and assisted by a permanent deacon.
- Rev. Matthew Laffey, O.S.B. — Pastor (Order of Saint Benedict)
- Deacon Brian Yurky — Deacon
Recent Pastoral History
Father Mark R. Reid served as pastor of Queen of Archangels during at least 2013, when the parish was noted in the diocese's Catholic Register for celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation. He has since been succeeded by the current pastor, Father Matthew Laffey, O.S.B., a Benedictine priest.
- Father Mark R. Reid — pastor through at least 2013
- Father Matthew Laffey, O.S.B. — current pastor
Faith Formation & Catholic School Partnership
Children of the parish receive sacramental preparation locally, and the parish is one of three supporting parishes of Saint John Catholic School in Bellefonte. The school operates under the authority of the Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown and offers Catholic elementary education to families from a multi-parish region.
- Confirmation preparation celebrated annually at the parish (e.g., 2013 class)
- Saint John Catholic School, Bellefonte — supported by Queen of Archangels, Saint John the Evangelist (Bellefonte), and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (Spring Mills)
- School address: 116 East Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823 (814-355-7859)
Visit & Contact
Parishioners and visitors can reach the parish office by phone or email, and the official website is the best place to find the most current schedule information.
- Phone: (814) 387-6762
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://www.queenofarchangels.com
- Diocese: Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Mark R. Reidat least through 2013
Listed as pastor of Queen of Archangels in the May 6, 2013 Catholic Register, when the parish celebrated Confirmation.
- Rev. Matthew Laffey, O.S.B.present
Current pastor, a Benedictine priest (Order of Saint Benedict).