The Diocese of Allentown is presenting a Papal Mass Viewing Sept. 27 at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, to coincide with Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with an outdoor Mass at noon and culminate with a showing of Pope Francis' Papal Mass for the World Meeting of Families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sept. 27.

The Diocese of Allentown is partnering with ArtsQuest to present the Papal Mass Viewing to provide residents of the region who are unable to make it to Philadelphia with an opportunity to experience the Papal Mass as a community.

"This is a chance for people from around the Diocese to gather as a Diocesan family to participate, from a distance, in the Papal Mass," said Mary Fran Hartigan, Diocese Secretary for Catholic Life and Evangelization.

"The Papal Mass is the close of a weeklong celebration of family, so as a family, we hope people will gather at SteelStacks to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience," she said.

Pope Francis' Mass will be shown on the Levitt Pavilion large outdoor screen. The Diocese is looking at other opportunities for simulcasting the Mass on the SteelStacks campus. The afternoon will include food and family activities.

"We are honored to partner with the Diocese of Allentown to offer this unique experience coinciding with Pope Francis' visit and the World Meeting of Families," said ArtsQuest President and CEO Kassie Hilgert.

"This will be very special event for our community, especially for those who are unable to make it to Philadelphia. We invite people of all backgrounds and faiths to come together for this family-focused cultural experience at SteelStacks this fall," Hilgert said.

The Diocese of Allentown serves 259,000 Catholics in 89 parishes and 43 schools in Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Schuylkill counties.