Pope Benedict XVI's Message for Lent

(1,1) -1- faithlife 03-25.indd 4/16/2013 9:21:42 AM

814 years They shall look of service on Him whom Parish leaders they have pierced from throughout diocese honored, Pope Benedict’s page 3. message for Lent, page 3.

www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWS BULLETIN OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE March 25, 2007 Church Calendar Events of the local, American and universal church

Feast days Pope reflects on Eucharist, March 23 Annunciation of makes concrete suggestions the Lord “Then the angel for Mass said to her, ‘Do not By Cindy Wooden be afraid, Mary, for Catholic News Service you have found favor with God. Behold, VATICAN CITY — Catholics must believe in the real you will conceive in presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, celebrate the liturgy with your womb and bear The Annunciation devotion and live in a way that demonstrates their faith, Pope a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be Benedict XVI said. great and will be called Son of the Most High, “The celebration and worship of the Eucharist enable us and the Lord God will give him the throne of to draw near to God’s love and to persevere in that love,” the David his father, and he will rule over the house pope said in his apostolic exhortation, Sacramentum Caritatis CNS photos of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will (The Sacrament of Charity). be no end.’” — Luke 1:30-33 The 131-page document, a papal reflection on the discus- sions and suggestions made during the 2005 world Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, was released March 13 by the Vati- Holy week can. When Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, he April 1 did not simply thank God for the ways he had acted through- Passion Sunday out history to save people, However, the pope encouraged bishops to A link to the complete text of the pope’s post- the pope said. Rather, Jesus ensure they have fully trained and staffed mar- (Palm Sunday) synodal apostolic exhortation can be found on revealed that he himself was riage tribunals to deal with annulment requests the Erie Diocese’s Web site at the sacrifice that would bring “in an expeditious manner.” www.ErieRCD.org. April 5 salvation to fulfillment. — Pope Benedict said the sign of peace at Copies are also available through USCCB Holy Thursday, “The institution of the Eu- Mass “has great value,” especially in demon- Publishing at www.usccbpublishing.org charist demonstrates how Je- strating the church’s responsibility to pray for or call (800) 235.8722. Mass of the sus’ death, for all its violence peace and unity in a world too often troubled Lord’s Supper and absurdity, became in him by division, violence and hatred. “In churches which do not have a Blessed a supreme act of love and While Catholics at Mass should exchange Sacrament chapel and where the high altar mankind’s definitive deliver- a sign of peace with those near them, he also with its tabernacle is still in place, it is appro- April 6 Good Friday ance from evil,” Pope Bene- called for “greater restraint” to ensure the mo- priate to continue to use this structure for the dict wrote. ment does not become one of irreparable dis- reservation and adoration of the Eucharist,” he April 7 Holy Saturday, Vigil of Easter Celebrating the Eucharist, traction. said. he said, “the church is able to — The pope also said the church should In the letter, Pope Benedict also formally re- celebrate and adore the mys- CNS photo consider providing new texts for the rite of affirmed the obligation of celibacy for priests April 8 Easter Sunday tery of Christ” who is present dismissal at the end of Mass so that Catholics in the Latin rite and the fact that, in most cases, in the bread and wine through Pope Benedict XVI signs a would understand better the connection be- Catholics and other Christians should not share the power of the Holy Spirit. 131-page apostolic exhorta- tween what they have just celebrated and the the Eucharist, which is a sign of full unity in In addition to offering a tion Sacramentum Caritatis fact that they are sent out in a mission to bring Confirmation schedule The Sacrament of Charity faith. spiritual reflection on the ( ) God’s love and truth to the world. He reminded Catholics of the obligation to meaning of the Eucharist, the at the Vatican March 13. — The pope asked Catholics to pay more be in a “state of grace,” free from serious sin, St. Gregory, North East – In the document, the pope Tues., March 27 at 7 p.m. liturgy and eucharistic adora- attention to how their postures and gestures at before receiving Communion, and of the fact tion, Pope Benedict made sev- offers reflections on the Mass communicate their faith in the Eucharist, that by receiving Communion they are publicly eral concrete suggestions for Eucharist and also makes particularly by “kneeling during the central proclaiming their unity with the teaching of St. Boniface, Erie – further study and for celebrat- concrete suggestions for moments of the eucharistic prayer.” the church. Thurs., March 29 at 7 p.m. ing the Mass in the Latin rite: celebrating the Mass. — As for church architecture, Pope Benedict “Respect for human life, its defense from — In expressing his concern for the number of Catholics encouraged parishes to ensure their facilities conception to natural death, the family built unable to receive Communion because of irregular marital sit- are fully accessible to people with disabilities upon marriage between a man and a woman, uations, Pope Benedict confirmed church teaching that those and that the tabernacle containing the Blessed the freedom to educate one’s children and the Dedication of Our Lady of the Lake who have been divorced and civilly remarried without having Sacrament is “readily visible to everyone enter- promotion of the common good in all its forms Church, Edinboro – March 31 obtained an annulment are not to receive Communion. ing the church.” ... are not negotiable,” he said. The new church for Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Edinboro will be dedicated at a 4:30 p.m. Mass on Sat., March 31 (the vigil for Palm Sunday) by Bishop Donald Trautman. During the dedication rites, a relic of St. An- Youth portrayal thony of Padua will be installed into the new altar, Living which has been hand crafted by parishioners. of Christ’s The new church is adjacent to the current site at 128 Sunset Drive, Edinboro, south of Route 6N. Stations Passion unites Photos by Cori Sevinsky of the Pictured at left: Emma Brink Chrism Mass – April 2 at Church of the Coudersport plays Mary and Michael Hogan Beloved Disciple, Grove City portrays Jesus for St. Eulalia, Cross parish Coudersport. By Jason Koshinskie Rather than traveling through the there will be two performances this the same way,” Streich said. “It re- FaithLife editor series of 14 sculptures, carvings or year, March 25 and April 1 at 8 p.m. ally lets the youth see the stations paintings arranged in churches, the Andrea Streich, the parish’s reli- in action while it gives the adults a COUDERSPORT — For Catho- Living Stations are acted out, usually gious education facilitator, will help different perspective in their every- lics, the Stations of the Cross help the in the sanctuary. coordinate the stations along with day life. Last year was amazing to faithful make a spiritual pilgrimage The live-action presentation of the Gloria Richardson, for the second me. The adults of the parish really of prayer through the Passion. That popular devotion has caught on in year. Streich said the Living Stations recognized our youth. We’re all pilgrimage is brought to life through the Erie Diocese, as well. are a prayerful reflection on the suf- in this faith community together. the Living Stations. For the second straight year, the fering of Jesus and the actors help It’s been a bonding experience be- A growing trend at many church- youth group at St. Eulalia Parish in make that suffering relevant to mod- tween the different age groups in es, the Living Stations use students Coudersport will present the Living ern-day society. our church.” or adults as actors who help portray Stations at the church. Because of “I think that for our faith commu- The annual Chrism Mass will be celebrated on Jesus’ final hours, bringing a stark the positive response the group re- nity, it really brought us all together See LIVING STATIONS, April 2, the Monday of Holy Week, at the Church realization to the Lenten tradition. ceived from last year’s presentation, reflecting on what Jesus did for us in page 3 of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City, at 7 p.m. Dur- ing the Mass, Bishop Donald Trautman will bless the oil of catechumens (used for adult catechumens and infants), the oil of the sick (used in anointing Clergy appointments the sick) and the oil of chrism (used for the sacra- Ecclesia Center ends ments of baptism, confirmation and the ordination The Most Rev. Donald W. Traut- Father Scott E. Katren, J.C.L., of priests and for the consecration of altars). man, STD, SSL, Bishop of Erie, assigned to residency at St. An- residency program announces the following clergy drew Parish rectory, Erie, while Lenten calendar appointments: continuing to serve as adjunct ju- Staff will continue to who has served as a full-time therapist dicial vicar for the Erie Diocese. For a printable at the center in Girard since 1988. “We Msgr. George Adams, appointed Lenten calendar, offer spiritual direction, haven’t had the budget. The pool we temporary parochial administra- Father Jerry S. Priscaro, assigned visit www.Eri- draw from is an aging population.” tor of St. Gabriel Parish in Port as temporary Catholic chaplain eRCD.org, the of- counseling Since 1982, Ecclesia Center has Allegany. Effective March for the Pennsylvania Sol- ficial Web site of served as a retreat center for clergy 2, 2007. diers’ and Sailors’ Home, the Erie Diocese. By Jason Koshinskie and women religious. It has offered Twinbrook Medical Center, FaithLife editor Sponsored by programs designed to meet individual Father John G. Barwin, the Lutheran Home, Luther Catholic Chari- needs based on community living, appointed temporary pa- Square Residence, Abington ties’ Parish Social GIRARD – Ecclesia Center, a prayer, spiritual direction and psycho- rochial administrator of Crest, Beverly Health Care Ministry/Respect non-profit facility that offers spiritual logical counseling through the integra- St. Bibiana Parish in Gale- and Presque Isle Rehabilita- Life Office, the direction and psychological counsel- tion of body, mind and spirit. In 1985, ton and its mission church of Sa- tion and Nursing Center (formerly calendar provides ing, will end its residency program for it developed a residential program, cred Heart in Genesee. Effective IHS of Erie at Bayside) with resi- a Scripture verse, clergy and religious as of March 31. welcoming ministers of the church March 6, 2007. dency at St. Ann Parish in Erie. reflection and ac- Citing a steady decrease in the num- needing rest and time apart for renew- Effective March 6, 2007. tivity suggestion ber of clients, Ecclesia staff members al. , appoint- said the reality of the decreasing num- Father Scott P. Detisch for each day of Lent. “I would call it soul work,” Father ed pastor of Holy Cross Parish, Msgr. Richard J. Stack, J.C.L., bers entering seminaries and religious Simmons said. “People get out of Fairview, for a term of six years appointed temporary parochial life has impacted the center’s ministry. ending June 30, 2013. Effective administrator of St. Mark the “For the past eight years, we haven’t June 1, 2007. Evangelist Parish in Lawrence had a full house which would be 14 See ECCLESIA CENTER, Park. Effective March 7, 2007. people,” said Father Jerry Simmons, page 3 (1,1) -2- faithlife 03-25.indd 4/16/2013 9:22:00 AM

NEWS BRIEFS from Catholic News Service U.S. By the Way... vare, Clerics say Muslims, Catholics must Father Leo Gallina, pastor of St. came Church must defend marriage against teach other’s faith accurately Bernard Parish in Bradford, and the any as United Way of the Bradford Area Inc. ROME — Muslims and are the 2007 recipients of the George G. nown societal onslaught, speaker says Catholics in the United States pro- WASHINGTON — Despite clear evidence that Blaisdell Community Service Awards. need to develop educational Given by the Bradford Family YMCA, is a traditional marriage benefits couples, children programs that will give all or at and society, legal and other challenges against it the awards were recently presented at of their faithful an accurate the YMCA’s annual community awards Uni- continue to mount, a law professor said March picture of the beliefs of the meri- 11. Helen M. Alvare, an associate professor at the breakfast held at the University of Pitts- other, said two clerics expe- burgh at Bradford. ously Columbus School of Law at The Catholic Uni- rienced in Muslim-Catholic years versity of America in Washington, spoke about According to the criteria for the dialogue. Father Francis awards, “the recipients demonstrate a Jason Koshinskie oman “The Current Showdown on Marriage: What V. Tiso, associate director bish- Can and Should the Church Offer?” in the an- continual commitment to the improve- of the U.S. Conference of ment of our community by their actions, words and deeds that tariat nual Catholic Daughters of the Americas lecture Catholic Bishops’ Secretari- Ac- on campus. Alvare said she deliberately chose exemplify the YMCA mission of building a healthy spirit, mind at for Ecumenical and Inter- and body for all.” the word “showdown” because marriage as it has Helen Alvare religious Affairs, and Imam been traditionally understood is being “directly Also, the Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Brad- Mohamad Bashar Arafat, ford Hospital Foundation have announced the establishment of the and very boldly challenged today.” But her comments did not focus, as president of the Islamic Af- she said some might have expected, on efforts to legalize same-sex mar- Rev. Leo J. Gallina Honorary Fund, which honors Father Gallina, fairs Council of Maryland, CNS photo who “has spent his life serving the communities in which he has riage. Instead she highlighted the gradual erosion of respect and societal participated in a March 8 support for the institution. She told her audience, which included all lived.” Father Gallina is a member of the Bradford Hospital Foun- videoconference organized Father Francis Tiso speaks during dation’s community relations committee and the YMCA Board, but one member of the national board of the Catholic Daughters of the by the U.S. Embassy to the an ecumenical memorial service for Americas, that she hoped “to attract your energy, your commitment to Futures Rehabilitation Board and Beacon Light Board. Gifts to the Holy See. Officials from the Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant honorary fund will support the ongoing services of BRMC. the cause of marriage” by the end of the talk. Among the “fundamental U.S. and Canadian embas- Dink in New York March 4. The jour- qualities of marriage” — all under challenge today — are that it is be- Father Gallina is a Bradford native and was named pastor of St. sies, the Vatican Secretariat nalist was murdered Jan. 19 outside Bernard in 1999. tween a man and a woman and that it is permanent, exclusive and open of State and religious orders his office in Istanbul, Turkey. to child-bearing and child-rearing, Alvare said. The confirmation season in the Erie Diocese began March 17 in attended the conference in St. Marys, where Bishop Donald Trautman confirmed classes from Rome. Imam Arafat told participants that while Catholic and Muslim St. Mary, Queen of the World and Sacred Heart parishes. Stu- Pennsylvania is latest state to approve leaders in the United States had been involved in dialogue for decades, dents from St. Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community in Erie it was not until the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that most Mus- were also confirmed March 18. It marks the beginning of another lims and Catholics began to see the importance of understanding each busy confirmation season during which Bishop Trautman will put ‘Choose Life’ license plates other. “There were obstacles to overcome, including from within the PHILADELPHIA more than 35,000 miles on his car visiting parishes throughout the Muslim community,” he said. “That changed after 9/11 when people 13-county diocese. — Pennsylvania realized we needed to reach out.” has become the The Knights of Columbus will be conducting an order-wide latest state to ap- “blitz” program March 24-25, which is the weekend before Found- prove the use of er’s Day. This Founder’s Day, the Knights will celebrate 125 years a “Choose Life” Mexican bishop: People suffer, forced of serving the church and community. The purpose of the “blitz” specialty license to emigrate due to unfair trade program is to provide information about the Knights of Colum- plate. The plates bus to all families and parishes and to collect as many prospective MEXICO CITY — A Mexi- member’s names and telephone numbers as possible. were approved last can bishop said that indig- November and be- enous and poor people in came available for purchase in January. The cost per plate is $40. The Jason Koshinskie is editor of FaithLife. Contact him at JKoshinskie@ Mexico are suffering from ErieRCD.org or 814.824.1171. Pennsylvania Department of Transportation receives $20, and the other poor health care, which is a $20 is an annual membership fee in Pennsylvania Choose Life. Every consequence of being left out year, when people renew their registration, they will receive a reminder of the benefits of trade agree- from the pro-life organization to renew their annual $20 membership. He would travel every day in convoys with American soldiers along ments. “Indigenous people desert roads, dodging bullets and roadside bombs with his comrades Pennsylvania Choose Life will administer the funds it collects, using are neither lazy nor disor- the money to support women in crisis pregnancies. Money collected in while evading rocket-propelled grenades. The U.S. Navy commander ganized,” said Bishop Felipe who is a Marine Corps chaplain relied on donations from people state- each county is to go to “crisis pregnancy centers located in those coun- Arizmendi Esquivel of San ties,” said Mary Wurtz, the organization’s administrator. side — including members of St. Anthony Parish in Frankfort — to Cristobal de Las Casas in secure rosaries, Bibles, medals and other religious items for the troops. Mexico’s Chiapas state. “If He paid a visit to the parish in mid-February to express his thanks. they continue to be poor, it is Directives said to help Catholic due to the consequences of free trade agreements which hospitals be ‘schools of compassion’ favor the intermediary buyers CHICAGO — If Catholic health providers truly take up the “moral and speculators on the stock CNS photo commitments” contained in the “Ethical and Religious Directives for exchanges.” Poor Mexicans Health Care Services,” their hospitals will be “schools of compassion” do not get a just price for Bishop Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel and “networks of support” for their patients, a gathering of Catholic the products they sell, said blesses women during a February ethicists was told Feb. 28. John Hardt, an assistant professor at the Neis- the bishop March 7 during Mass in the cathedral in San Cris- wanger Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy at Loyola University’s Mass at St. Adalbert Parish tobal de Las Casas, Mexico. Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, joined Dominican Father Kevin in Chicago. His statements O’Rourke, a professor at the institute, in a presentation on the direc- were published the same day on the Web site of the Mexican bishops’ tives on the first day of a three-day conference on “Catholic Health conference. Those who are poor are forced to emigrate and face the Care Ethics: The Tradition and Contemporary Culture.” The directives, dangers of crossing the U.S. border, he said. most recently revised by the U.S. bishops in 2001, guide Catholic health care facilities in addressing a wide range of ethical questions, such as PEOPLE abortion, euthanasia, care for the poor, medical research, treatment of rape victims, surrogate motherhood, in vitro fertilization, prenatal test- ing, nutrition and hydration for the terminally ill and organ donation. CNS photo Calling the directives a “carefully crafted synopsis of the moral com- Priest, related to British royal family, mitments that mark us as Catholic,” Hardt said the document describes moves closer to canonization Father Paul Halladay, a U.S. Army chaplain serving in Iraq, is seen “not only what we do but also the spirit in which it ought to be done.” LONDON — The British royal family could soon have its first saint with soldiers in 2005. He and other chaplains agree that the looming after the Catholic Church took a step forward in the canonization pro- mortality and the absence of distractions in Iraq call for spiritual WORLD cess of a priest related to Princes William and Harry. An inquiry into counseling. This has led some to return to the Catholic faith and the possible sainthood of Father Ignatius Spencer was sent to the Con- others to join. Diocesan part of Pope John Paul II’s gregation for Saints’ Causes March 1 after an exhaustive 12-year investigation by British Catholic officials. A tribunal in the Archdiocese of sainthood cause to close April 2 Liverpool, England, concluded Feb. 26 that there was nothing in either ROME — The diocesan phase of the investigation into the life and the work or 22 volumes of writings by Father Spencer to suggest he did holiness of Pope John Paul II will close officially April 2, the second not live a life of heroic virtue. The first step in the canonization process anniversary of the pope’s death. Cardinal Camillo Ruini, papal vicar is the declaration of a person’s heroic virtues. In general, the church for the Diocese of Rome, announced March 10 the end of the dioc- must confirm two miracles through the intercession of the sainthood Since 1947 esan phase of the process for the late pope’s beatification and canon- candidate before canonization. “The next stage is to hope and pray for ization. The April 2 ceremony will take place in the context of a brief a miracle that can be attributed to the intercession of Ignatius,” said prayer service; Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to celebrate a memorial Passionist Father Ben Lodge, the postulator of the cause from Kent, Mass later that evening in St. Peter’s Basilica. The end of the diocesan England, in an interview with Catholic News Service March 2. Father phase of a sainthood cause means that the cause’s promoter has in- Spencer is related to the princes through their mother, Princess Diana All your collision needs. terviewed all of the eyewitnesses he felt needed to be heard and has of Wales. Born in Admiralty House in 1799, he was the great-great- Special Wash & Wax...$50 examined all of the candidate’s writings. In addition, a panel of his- great-uncle of Princess Diana and was also the great-uncle of former 453-6185 torians has written a report on the candidate’s actions and writings in British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. the historical context in which he lived. While the documentation will be handed over to the Vatican Congregation for Saints’ Causes after the April 2 ceremony, the promoter and his assistants still must pre- pare the official “positio,” or position paper, arguing that Pope John Chaplain says people in U.S. must Paul heroically lived the Christian virtues. Normally in order for a be- keep up support for troops in Iraq DaveDave RRasas AmyAmy RRasas CarolCarol RRasas JimJim WinarskiWinarski atification to take place, a separate report must be prepared and ac- FRANKFORT, Ill. — Support from people in the U.S. is important to ownerowner officeoffice officeoffice mgr.mgr. cepted recognizing a miracle attributed to the candidate’s intervention. the nation’s troops who are serving in Iraq and must continue, especially for soldiers “in harm’s way,” a military chaplain told a congregation in the Diocese of Joliet. Father John Hannigan, a priest of the Chicago Prayer matter of eternal life, death for Archdiocese, has been on leave from active duty since January, but be- Christians, pope says fore that he had been stationed in Iraq since the early days of the war. VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI said prayer was not optional for Christians but a matter of eternal life and death. He made the re- marks at a noon blessing March 4, the day after finishing a weeklong spiritual retreat at the Vatican. The pope said Christ demonstrated in Tourour toto ItalyItaly key moments of his own life that prayer is not an “evasion of reality” ReligiousReligious but a way to deepen the acceptance of life’s responsibilities and God’s MayMay 15-24,15-24, 22007007 will. “Dear brothers and sisters, prayer is not an accessory, an optional, Venice,Venice, Verona,Verona, Assisi,Assisi, Florence,Florence, VaticanVatican CityCity & RomeRome but rather is a question of life or of death. In fact, only someone who AttendAttend PapalPapal Audience,Audience, SistineSistine Chapel,Chapel, prays and who trusts in God with filial love can enter into eternal life,” St.St. Peter’s,Peter’s, Catacombs,Catacombs, ColosseumColosseum he said. He encouraged everyone to find time for silence, meditation and prayer during Lent. ForFor ppacketacket ooff ddetailedetailed iinformation:nformation: 800-242-0728800-242-0728 OROR fax:fax: 724-543-2938724-543-2938 E-mail:E-mail: [email protected] Write: St. Mary, 101 W. High, Kittanning, PA 16201

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Brieﬂ y Parish leaders from throughout the diocese honored By Anne-Marie Welsh church to carry on its central he observed. “It creates the FaithLife executive editor mission of evangelization and great opportunity for you to ex- St. Peter Cathedral presents catechesis. ercise your baptismal and con- ‘Crucifixion’ concert April 1 ERIE — Eight hundred- “You have an august respon- firmational call, and you fulfill a vital role in the church’s mis- ERIE — St. Peter Cathedral choirs will present a performance and-fourteen years of service sibility,” she told the crowd of “The Crucifixion” by John Stainer at 4 p.m. on Palm Sunday, were applauded at a Leader after dinner. “Thank you for sion of modeling and handing April 1. The combined cathedral choirs will be conducted by Recognition Dinner hosted taking this mission so seriously on the Good News of Jesus.” William Herring with organist Bruce Gringrich. by the Department of Reli- and for embracing it with your Because this was the first time “The Crucifixion” is one of Stainer’s (1840-1901) major works gious Education of the Erie lives.” the diocese has held such an that is regularly performed, often in English churches, during Diocese on March 8. That’s The evening, which began event, recognition was given to Holy Week. the combined total of years with a prayer service in the those who have served 10 to 14 those being recognized—reli- chapel at St. Mark Catholic years, 15 to 19 years, 20 to 24 gious education leaders, youth Center in Erie, included com- years and 25 years or longer. leaders and people working to ments from Greg Baker, direc- “While we know that their Catholic charismatic women’s develop small communities in tor of Youth and Young Adult pastors are supportive and have recognized their service, we retreat April 13-15 their parishes—had given in Ministry; Sister Nancy Fischer, Carol Hoffman, religious ERIE — Word of Life Center is sponsoring a Catholic Char- service. SSJ, director of Community thought it was time for us as a education coordinator at St. diocese to acknowledge them,” ismatic women’s retreat April 13-15 at the Family First Sports “This commitment prompted Formation and Lay Ministry Andrew Parish in Erie, re- Park conference building in Erie. Arlene Apone, associate liaison us to call you together, our sea- Training; and Joe Streett, di- Streett said. “It’s something ceived congratulations from our department has wanted to for the renewal to the Archdiocese of Detroit, will direct the re- soned veterans, to celebrate rector of Religious Education. Bishop Donald Trautman treat. The theme is “I will betroth you to myself forever” (Hosea the gift that you are to the Father Nick Rouch, vicar for do for a long time and we were during the Leader Recogni- pleased to have this opportu- 2:19). For more information or to register, contact Sister Gerry church and to recognize the education, and Bishop Don- tion Dinner sponsored by the at 814.824.1286 or 814.868.6447. role that you play in realizing ald Trautman, who personally nity to thank everyone.” diocesan Department of Reli- Among those recognized God’s mission to the world,” congratulated each honoree, gious Education. said keynote speaker Dr. Mary also spoke at the event. were Sister Colette Hilow with Ann Rivera, director for pasto- “All of you have been instru- munity. “The current situation 46 years of service as a prin- ral studies at Gannon Univer- ments of God in transmitting of fewer priests and religious cipal and religious education sity. “We realize full well the the Gospel to the next genera- sisters, who for years carried leader at St. James in Erie and Ecclesia Center ends importance of your task.” tion,” Bishop Trautman said, the burden of formal teach- Evelyn Porta, who served as Rivera told the honorees they noting that catechism and re- ing of religion, has created the coordinator of religious educa- stood on the front line of a cru- ligious formation are responsi- critical need for you to assist tion at St. Anthony in Tionesta residency program cial ministry that enabled the bilities of the entire faith com- your local faith community,” for 37 years. ECCLESIA CENTER from page 1 ministry to rediscover their con- “We’re hoping to close this place nection to God, themselves and down, sell it and keep the minis- others in a new way. And we’ve try going in another location.” provided a way to do that.” Over the past 22 years, Eccle- The center has operated un- sia Center has hosted people not der a collaborative ministry since only from the Erie Diocese and 1991. Joining Father Simmons the United States but throughout in this ministry are Sister Sylvia the world. Burnett, OSBM, Sister Barbara “I got a phone call last week Lenarcic, HM, and Sister Mari- from a nun in Pakistan who re- lyn Zimmerman, SSJ. cently stayed here,” Father Sim- Father Simmons said the staff mons said. “She said, ‘I waited hopes to continue offering spiri- 25 years for someone to listen to Parish leaders from all corners of the diocese gathered for a photo after a recognition dinner March 8 at St. Mark Catholic Center. tual direction and counseling for me.’ She was full of joy and full those who seek it, including lay- of life. persons. “This truly was a unique min- “We don’t have a location istry, and I’ve been privileged to yet,” Father Simmons said. be a part of it.” They shall look on Him whom they have pierced By Catholic News Service Contemplating “him whom they have pierced” moves us in Editor’s note: Here is the third Pope Benedict XVI’s message for Lent this way to open our hearts to and final part of the Vatican text of others, recognizing the wounds CLOCK REPAIR Pope Benedict XVI’s message for Lent inflicted upon the dignity of the 2007. human person; it moves us, in Burdie’s Clock Shop particular, to fight every form Blood and water of contempt for life and human 238 South Main St. exploitation and to alleviate the “They shall took on him whom tragedies of loneliness and aban- Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 they have pierced.” Let us look donment of so many people. (814) 398-8263 with trust at the pierced side of May Lent be for every Chris- Jesus from which flow “blood and tian a renewed experience of “We Make House Calls” water” (Jn 19:34)! The Fathers God’s love given to us in Christ, of the Church considered these a love that each day we, in turn, elements as symbols of the sacra- must “regive” to our neighbor, ments of baptism and the Eucha- especially to the one who suffers rist. Through the water of bap- most and is in need. Only in this Wednesday, tism, thanks to the action of the way will we be able to participate Holy Spirit, we are given access to fully in the joy of Easter. April 4th, 7 p.m. the intimacy of Trinitarian love. May Mary, mother of beauti- St. Joseph Church Bread of Life Community 147 West 24th St., Erie, PA In the Lenten journey, memori- ful love, guide us in this Lenten WhatWhat MoreMore CouldCould HeHe al of our baptism, we are exhorted symbol of the love of the Good ing” (“Deus Caritas Est,” 13). Let journey, a journey of authentic DoDo ForFor YYOU?OU? Confessions to follow to come out of ourselves in order Shepherd, flows into us especially us live Lent then, as a “eucharis- conversion to the love of Christ. I wish you, dear brothers and A riveting,riveting, dramaticdramatic explanationexplanation to open ourselves, in trustful aban- in the eucharistic mystery: “The tic” time in which, welcoming the ofof thethe PassionPassion ofof JesusJesus ChristChrist (814) 452-2982 donment, to the merciful embrace Eucharist draws us into Jesus’ act love of Jesus, we learn to spread sisters, a fruitful Lenten journey, PresentedPresented ByBy thereasonforourhope.org of the Father (cf. St. John Chryso- of self-oblation ... we enter into it around us with every word and imparting with affection to all of Fr.Fr. LarryLarry RichardsRichards Please join us and bring a friend stom, Catecheses, 3,14ff). Blood, the very dynamic of his self-giv- deed. you a special apostolic blessing.

When Interest Income Counts, It’s Time To Call Gen-See Earn More Living Stations 7.1% Worry Less of the Cross Annually Go with experience LIVING STATIONS from page 1 you can trust... The stations are made as re- Since 1975, Gen-See investors alistic as possible while main- have done better for 5 great reasons: taining a dramatic element, she • Regular monthly checks • No fees or commissions said, through the use of cos- • Low minimum initial investment...$5,000 • Term 3, 4 or 5 years tumes, scenery and lighting. Ve- • Rate of interest guaranteed for term of certificate ronica will wipe Jesus’ face with her veil. When Jesus is nailed to Make a fresh 1-800-507-4393 the cross, a hammer will strike start...RIGHT NOW 7.1% Annually the wood, making a pounding Gen-See Capital Corporation sound. Different colored light- The seventh and eighth graders at St. Boniface Back row: Cody Bujnowski, Nick Wilczynski, Jake ing will shine from the balcony School, Erie, will portray a live version of the Hodapp, Gabby Kennelley, Ellie Johnson, Samantha 1-800-507-4393 throughout the stations. When Stations of the Cross March 28 at 7 p.m. in the Fugagli, Ben Cermak, Kyle Hodapp, Zack Palmer, Jesus is comforting the women Coleman Center. Pictured (left to right) are Alex Johnson, Chris Say and Joe Kuzma. of Jerusalem, the women will front row: Kelsey Schupp and Jacob Twaroski. be sobbing and crying. Streich said the living Sta- nity to personalize the people and that they were trying to live the from the crowd when the action tions give students the opportu- events of Christ’s final hours. part.” of each station freezes. The mod- “The kids are really into it,” Like traditional Stations of ern reader will apply each station said Streich, who has guided the Cross, each station has a to a contemporary situation and STUMP REMOVAL the 18-member cast and crew Scripture reading, which will ask why Jesus is offering himself Back yards and tight spots are through several dress rehears- be read by a student. Bringing up. our specialty. Small trees and als for this year’s performances. a contemporary element to the Father Joseph Czarkowski, shrubs removed. “You have to believe you’re in the stations will be what Streich pastor of St. Eulalia, will portray Ken (814) 474-2195 part. During our rehearsals, the called a modern reader, which Pontius Pilate during the March (814) 397-0384 expressions on their faces showed will be a student stepping out 25 performance. FREE BOOK ToursTours toto ItalyItaly about “The Passion” You have seen the movie, now read what Jesus says about the meaning of His Passion as dictated to stigmatist, Catalina Rivas. This 48 page book has the “Imprimatur” and is recommended for meditation. Mrs. Rivas was featured in the recent FOX-TV special, “Signs from God,” that was broadcast worldwide. To receive this book, send your name and address with $2 for shipping & handling to: Love & Mercy Publications, P.O. Box 1160 Hampstead, NC 28443 (1,1) -4- faithlife 03-25.indd 4/16/2013 9:22:23 AM

Sisters honored for making a difference by city council ERIE — Erie City Council issued special proclamations Feb. 21 recognizing three Erie area communities of women religious for making a difference through their respective ministries. The leaders of each community pictured after the ceremony, from left, are: Sister Ricarda Vincent, president, Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania; Sister Bernadette Bell, president, Mercy Regional Community of Erie; and Sister Christine Vladimiroff, prioress, Benedictine Sisters of SSJs share gifts from 18th annual Thanksgiving dinner Erie. Council president Rubye ERIE — The Sisters of St. Jo- Jenkins-Husband sponsored and presented the proclamations. seph of Northwestern Pennsylva- Photo by Gary Loncki nia, in cooperation with Market- Thirteen Mercy sisters attended place Grill, prepared and served the ceremony. more than 1,000 meals to persons who were alone, in need or oth- erwise would not have celebrated the holiday, at the sisters’ 18th St. Julia ‘opening doors, building bridges’ with sister parish Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. ERIE — St. Julia Parish in Nearly 600 donors supported the Erie held its ninth annual Fiesta sisters’ efforts through financial this year to celebrate its sister par- gifts as well as food donations. ish relationship with Santa Ines Numerous others volunteered at in Yucatán, Mexico. This year’s the dinner by preparing, serving Fiesta theme was taken from a or delivering meals to homebound quote by Archbishop Berlie Be- individuals. Monetary donations launzaran of the Archdiocese helped cover the cost of the din- of Yucatán. During a visit from ner and provide needed resources Mother Teresa of Calcutta to that the sisters share with local Mexico, he told her, “You are shelters, food banks and agencies cal agencies and organizations Bank; L’Arche Erie; St. Martin always opening doors and build- throughout the year. for lunch at the Villa Maria Center. ing bridges.” He further stated Pictured from left to right Community Living Center and “The Thanksgiving Dinner that the Mission of Friendship, are: Joe Fletcher, Prince of presented them with donations project is in keeping with our the formal relationship between Peace Center; Annette Mor- from the proceeds of the Thanks- mission of unity of neighbor with the Erie Diocese and the Arch- rison, Prince of Peace Center; giving Dinner. Those agencies neighbor and neighbor with God. diocese of Yucatán, is doing the Mike Murnock, International include: St. Paul’s Neighborhood We believe that sharing the spirit same. Pictured, from left to right, are: piñatas made by the youth group Institute; Sister Margaret Ann Free Clinic, Erie; Prince of Peace of the holiday is one of the great- Decorations included repre- Tori Klep, Brittany Pinter and for the children. Pat Marshall, Hardner, SSJ, Shankar Service Center, Farrell; International In- est gifts we can give,” said Sister sentations of the church fronts Tamara Klep. The event raised director of the diocesan Mission Foundation; Dr. Richard Rah- stitute; Shankar Service Founda- Mary Claire Kennedy, SSJ, co- of St. Julia and Santa Ines (St. more than $500 for Santa Ines, Office, who recently witnessed ner, Shankar Service Founda- tion; St. Luke Food Pantry; St. chairperson of the dinner. “And Agnes), with a bridge connect- along with donations of vitamins, the Mayan celebration of the tion; Mr. & Mrs. Bob Jenkins, John/Holy Rosary Food Bank; to be able to share these gifts with ing them. For a donation, paper toothbrushes and toothpaste. feast of Santa Ines during a visit St. Luke Food Pantry and Sister St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry; other agencies that serve the lone- cutouts of children could be Parishioners enjoyed a tureen to Mexico, gave a reflection on Mary Claire Kennedy, SSJ. Mercy Center for Women, Erie; ly and less fortunate throughout placed on the churches or bridge. dinner, a Mexican auction and the Mission of Friendship. On Feb. 7, the sisters hosted Sister Mary Pascal Food Pantry; the year is a great way of extend- representatives from various lo- MHEDS; Second Harvest Food ing the holiday spirit of giving.” St. Patrick School, Franklin, tells life story of patron saint St. James students compete in Quiz Bowl, Mathcounts ERIE — A team of 8th graders from St. James School in Erie took second place at Cathedral Prep’s seventh annual Quiz Bowl Tournament, where 22 teams rep- resented eight schools. St. James entered three teams, which were coached by Sister Marianne Per- rone, CDS, and Gail Blaszczyk. Pictured at top, left to right, is the winning team of Adam Ma- linowski, Donald Holl III, Bran- den Wawrzyniak and Michael FRANKLIN — Second grad- Yurkovic. ers at St. Patrick School in Frank- St. James School also placed lin celebrated the feast of St. Pat- second out of 25 schools that rick, patron saint of the school participated in the annual Math- and Erie Diocese, on March 16. counts competition held at Students told the life story of St. Gannon University on Feb. 10. Patrick during the homily of the Pictured at left, in a scene king (Thompson) about the one Mathcounts is a national compe- student Mass. from the story, St. Patrick true God. tition that promotes excellence in At right, pictured left to right, (Weaver) explains to the pagan mathematics. Michael Yurkovic are: Jasmyn James (rock), Taylor ranked second out of 135 indi- Dziekciasz (sun), Rene Combs vidual participants. He moved on and Joshua Guth (sheep). Back to compete in the state competi- row: William Thompson (pagan We sponsor BUS TOURS to Pittsburgh, Cleveland, North tion in Harrisburg March 23-24. king), Ryan Guth (pirate), Adri- Tonawanda and Buffalo to hear The Mighty Wurlitzers Pictured at bottom, from left to ane Felmlee (shamrock), Mason right, are team members Rebecca Crivelli (pirate), Trey Weaver $40 for members, $45 for non-members Cooper, Michael Yurkovic, Ju- (St. Patrick), Madeline Gresco Price includes show ticket, lia Yurkovic and Demi Nguyen. (Patrick’s mother, Conchessa), and round trip bus. The team is coached by Gail Malik Richburg (St. Germanus) Erie Area Blaszczyk. and Sarah Shook (heart). Theatre Organ Society Connected with the restoration of the Sheas Theatre Pipe Organ project. Call Joe Luckey at 871-7276 Leave your number for a return call.

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