Before his death, Pope John Paul II bestowed papal honors on several Diocese of Allentown priests. Among those being honored is Monsignor Alfred A. Schlert, the vicar general of the Diocese since 1998, who was named a Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. Monsignor Schlert is a member of the DeSales University Board of Trustees. He also is a member of the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Diocesan College of Consultors.