A letter to pastoral caregivers From Bishop Donald Trautman, page 3. From Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops See insert page.

www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWS BULLETIN OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE October 19, 2008 Church Calendar Events of the local, American and universal church Diocese announces plans, events for Year of St. Paul

Feast days St. Paul in Erie, St. Leo in Ridgway named pilgrimage sites By Jason Koshinskie FaithLife editor The Diocese of Erie has announced its plans for the Year of St. Paul, which includes two pilgrimage destinations and several dioc- esan Masses. St. Paul Parish in Erie (left) and St. Leo St. Paul of the Cross Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated a special St. John of Capistrano jubilee year to St. Paul from June 28, 2008 Magnus Parish in Ridgway have been designated as pilgrimage destinations in the Erie Diocese by Bishop through June 29, 2009, to mark the approxi- Donald Trautman during the Year of St. Paul. Oct. 19 World Mission Sunday mately 2,000th anniversary of the saint’s Oct. 20 St. Paul of the Cross birth. nations during the Year of St. Paul: Oct. 23 St. John of Capistrano The jubilee year will feature numerous spe- „St. Paul, Erie cial liturgies and events in but should „St. Leo Magnus, Ridgway Oct. 24 St. Anthony Mary Claret St. Leo was recommended because of its central lo- Oct. 26 also be celebrated in local churches and in the National World Youth Day (U.S.), sanctuaries, religious orders and other institu- cation in the eastern half of the diocese, said Father Ed Priesthood Sunday tions that have a special link to St. Paul, the Lohse, chancellor of the Erie Diocese. Oct. 28 St. Simon and St. Jude pope said. Each location will have a simple shrine to St. Paul Nov. 1 All Saints “The diocese has put in place a special pro- and provide a prayer booklet which pilgrims can use in- dividually or in a group setting when visiting the church Nov. 2 All Souls gram for this Year of St. Paul, and it is my hope and prayer that our people will come to outside of scheduled times. A plenary indulgence know St. Paul and his writings in a much bet- is also attached to these pilgrimages (see sidebar, page ter fashion,” said Bishop Donald Trautman. sionary of all time and the first major theologian of the 3). schedule “St. Paul continues to teach, continues to church. We have much to learn from Paul, much that The shrines are expected to be set up at each location reach out to us with the revelation he has re- can help us in these contemporary times.” St. Callistus, Kane – Sunday, Oct. 19 ceived. St. Paul is the greatest Christian mis- Two churches have been selected as pilgrimage desti- See YEAR OF ST. PAUL, page 3 at 10:30 a.m.

St. Mark, Emporium -- Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. World Mission Sunday Feasts of All Saints and All Souls Weekend liturgies accommodate feast days Bread for the World Sunday – Oct. 19 On October 19, every Catholic in the world will unite and cel- Two feasts for the faithful departed are approaching on the Catholic calendar. This year’s observance of Bread for the World ebrate World Mission Sunday— Saturday, Nov. 1 is the Solemnity of All Saints (All Saints Day). Normally a Holy Day Sunday takes place at a time when soaring prices all of us committed to the world- of Obligation, that distinction is left off this year because the feast falls on a Saturday. How- for food and fuel have created an urgent hunger wide mission of Jesus. ever, the faithful are encouraged to attend Mass; all Masses on this day are for the feast of crisis – both in our own country and overseas. An Each of us as a baptized Cath- All Saints. additional 100 million olic has a role to play. World Mis- Mass after 4 p.m. on Nov. 1 does ful- people have fallen into sion Sunday is a day for all Cath- fill the Sunday Mass obligation. poverty and are at risk olics to recommit to the church’s Sunday, Nov. 2 is the Commemora- of hunger and starva- missionary activity through tion of All the Faithful Departed (All tion. prayer and sacrifice. Souls Day). Bread for the World This is the United States’ 100th In addition to All Souls Day, Novem- Sunday is an opportu- anniversary of “mission indepen- ber 2 is also Catholic Cemetery Sunday, nity for churches to re- dence.” In 1908, the Holy Father sponsored nationally by the Catholic new their commitment to overcoming hunger and declared that the United States A woman religious sits with Cemeteries Conference. The conference poverty in God’s world. On October 19 and other would no longer be classified a child in Thailand. encourages all to join the Catholic faith- Sundays this fall, worshipping communities across as mission territory. Today, the ful by visiting the cemetery were family the country will join together in lifting up their voic- in the U.S. helps support missionary activity in and loved ones are buried. es on behalf of hungry people. more than 1,150 dioceses throughout the world, most notably Bishop Donald Trautman will cel- Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice Africa, Asia, Latin America and Oceania. ebrate Mass on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 4 p.m. urging decision makers to end hunger at home and By contributing to the collection for the Society for the Propa- at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery Chapel, 5711 West Lake Road in Erie in celebration of All abroad. For more information, visit www.bread. gation of the Faith taken up Oct. 18-19 in the Erie Diocese, the Souls Day and Cemetery Sunday, sponsored by Erie Diocesan Cemeteries. org. church can continue to support the missions and help to spread Because Cemetery Sunday is the first Sunday in November, it falls on the same day as All the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Souls Day only once every seven years. Belief in the beyond A majority of U.S. adults say they have been helped by a guardian angel in the course of their lives. The feast day of guardian angels was Oct. 2. Father Ron Witherup connects St. Paul to Eucharist in Franklin visit Franklin native was elected superior general of Sulpicians in July Q: What are your duties as superior general? By Jason Koshinskie FaithLife editor A:³,WLVGH¿QLWHO\DQLQWHUQDWLRQDOPLQLVWU\, consider it a ministry of presence to the programs, FRANKLIN — A native of Franklin, Father Ron seminaries and members. The superior general is Witherup, SS, was elected as superior general of the present and you reinforce the Sulpician pedagogy Society of St. Sulpice (Sulpicians) on July 11. The and spirituality and keep the focus to make sure former head of the American Province of the Sulpi- we are true to our charism, which is the ongoing cians recently returned to his home parish of St. Pat- formation of priests. Half of the year, I’ll be on the rick to preach at the parish’s Forty Hours devotion road. It’s a broader ministry, promoting the Sulpi- Oct. 5-7. cian vision and all of our ideals and making sure Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Erie in 1976, they’re held up around the world. I will represent Father Witherup taught at Kennedy Catholic High the society to the and work with congre- Theology on Tap School in Hermitage and was a weekend assistant at JDWLRQVLQ5RPH:HKDYHDQRI¿FHLQ5RPHDQG Parish in Sharon prior to joining the we run the Canadian College of the Sulpicians. in Erie Sulpicians. Fortunately, the U.S. province will allow me to Sulpicians are members of a society, not a reli- have a place here. But in reality, my home will be Visit www.ErieRCD.org gious order. Priests typically become members of the in Paris. society after ordination and several years of pastoral for a list of topics and speakers work. Sulpician fathers also retain incardination in their own dioceses, even after joining the society. As Q: As a native of Franklin and St. Patrick Nov. 6 its mission, the society is involved with the education Parish, what’s it like to come back and formation of priests. home and preach for a devotion such For more information on the Society of St. Sulpice, as Forty Hours? Jan. 15 visit www.sulpicians.org. During his visit, Father Witherup sat down with A: “I’ve always enjoyed coming back here. Feb. 12 FaithLife for an interview about his election as supe- These are my roots. Up until my father’s death rior general, coming back to his hometown and the ¿YH\HDUVDJR,FDPHEDFNUHJXODUO\,W¶VJUHDWWR Year of St. Paul. Father Ron Witherup come back and see friends and family. Some of the people I’ve seen are classmates from Catholic grade school who are still here. St. Patrick’s has Q: How did you become a member of the Q: What was the experience of being had a series of great pastors and priests that nour- Sulpicians? elected superior general like? ished my faith. But I think it’s been a great witness to the Catholic faith, too. It’s been a wonderful and A: “I was a seminarian for the Diocese of Erie A: “Our general assembly was held at our DI¿UPLQJH[SHULHQFH´ studying at Christ the King Seminary in New York. seminary just outside of Paris. There were 37 del- After I completed my degree in theology, I was as- egates from around the world. I was participating A Call to Political Responsibility from signed to St. Mary’s Seminary and University in DVDSURYLQFLDODQGDQH[RI¿FLRPHPEHU,QP\ Q: Your talk at St. Patrick will focus on the Catholic Bishops of the United States Baltimore, which was founded by the Sulpician fa- years as provincial, I had participated in many in- St. Paul and the Eucharist. Can you thers and I was taught by them there. I had several ternational gatherings. I knew my name was being give a synopsis of what you’ll What’s new Scripture classes at the time, one of which was He- considered, but I didn’t think I would be elected. present and how the two are brew, and I loved it. I fell in love with the Bible, and 7ZHOYH \HDUV HDUOLHU WKH\ HOHFWHG WKH ¿UVW QRQ connected? „Media resources/articles through that, I fell in love with the society. I would Frenchman as superior general in the society’s be able to combine teaching Scripture and priest- history. On the second ballot, I was elected on a A: “In St. Paul, First Corinthians, we get the „Listen to Podcasts oldest account of the Last Supper. St. Paul is the „11-week scripture study ly formation. Bishop (Alfred) Watson knew that a two-thirds majority. I was pleased on one level. number of priests in the diocese were taught by the 2QDQRWKHUOHYHOLWZDVVDFUL¿FH7KDW¶VZK\,EH- one who records the account of the Last Supper „Novena for Faithful Citizenship Sulpicians, and he felt it was appropriate to give came a Sulpician, to teach. I felt I had to be open and uses it to call the community of Corinthians to back.” to the will of the assembly and the guidance of the Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org Spirit.” See FR. WITHERUP, page 3 from Catholic News Service By the Way...

IN THE U.S. „All Catholics are called “to help The need for such conversion is great in today’s The 2008-09 academic year marks the build a culture of life in which every confused society, in which human beings some- 50th anniversary of the founding of St. „On the opening day of its fall term human life without exception is re- times proclaim themselves “the only masters Mark Seminary. It was the crowning joy Oct. 6, the Supreme Court declined to spected and defended,” the chairman of creation,” he said. The pope convoked the of Archbishop John Mark Gannon’s hear four cases dealing with abortion or of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- 12th general assembly of the Synod of Bishops episcopal career. The idea of a local sem- abortion-related protest efforts. It let stand ops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities said on the theme “The Word of God in the Life inary was something Archbishop Gan- lower court rulings that: require Arizona to is- in a message for Respect Life Sunday Oct. and Mission of the Church.” He was to preside non conceived early on is his tenure but sue “choose life” license plates to those who 5. Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia in- over most of its twice-daily sessions and accept did not realize until his declining years. request them; uphold a multimillion-dollar vited Catholics to build a culture of life and its conclusions as the basis for a likely papal We offer our condolences to the fam- verdict against anti-abortion activists who to “rededicate ourselves to defending the ba- document. ily and friends of John C. Peterson Sr. used “wanted” posters that identified four sic rights of those who are weakest and most of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Erie, Jason Koshinskie abortion doctors in Oregon; reverse a Missouri marginalized: the poor, the homeless, the PEOPLE OF FAITH who passed away on Oct. 8. He was the Department of Corrections policy that said innocent unborn, and the frail and elderly brother of Msgr. James Peterson (“Father Pete”) and the late prisoners could not be transported by prison who need our respect and our assistance” in „The bishop of Worcester has given Sister Gertrude Peterson, SSJ, and father of Deacon Jerry authorities to have abortions, which are paid a statement released Sept. 30. The statement official recognition to an association Peterson. for by the prisoners themselves; leave intact outlined the cardinal’s immediate concerns seeking the of a young Massachusetts woman, Audrey Santo, Next Sunday, Oct. 26, is both World Priest Day and Priest- the New Jersey Supreme Court’s ruling that regarding assisted suicide, embryonic stem- hood Sunday. Make sure to thank your local priests for all that an abortion doctor had no legal obligation to cell research and abortion. Cardinal Rigali’s who spent most of her life unable to speak or move but inspired thousands who flocked they do. advise a patient that the 6- to 8-week-old fetus full statement can be found online at www. St. Stanislaus Parish she sought to abort was “a complete, separate, usccb.org/comm/archives/2008/08-141. to her bedside before she died in 2007. Unex- in Erie will hold a pro-life Holy Hour unique and irreplaceable human being.” shtml. plained phenomena that seemed to happen in on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. including a litany for life and a her presence drew thousands of visitors over pro-life prayer. A homily will be given by Msgr. Bernie Urba- „A three-year process to determine the years to her family’s home, where she was niak. how the Diocese of Lansing will look cared for. Many felt she could heal others. A couple hundred people attended “Beauty in the Eyes of in the future has resulted in a plan to trim The association’s recognition by Bishop Rob- the Beholder: Humanae Vitae Today—A Blossoming Truth,” the number of parishes from 97 to 80. Un- ert McManus will now enable it to present its a celebration in on of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Oct. 4. Mary veiling the plan at a recent press conference, findings to the Vatican. Bishop McManus told Ellen Stanford, MTS, of the John Paul II Institute for the Stud- Bishop Earl Boyea said it does not mean the The Catholic Free Press, Worcester’s diocesan ies on Marriage and Family in Washington, was the keynote closing of 17 churches, but it does call for the newspaper, that he had no comment about the speaker at a banquet at Gannon University’s Yehl Room. merging of several. “If everything were to be possibility of “Little Audrey,” as she is called, “The core of my message is that the human person is called implemented, say, within four or five years, being named a saint. Audrey gained worldwide to fulfill themselves in love, in relationships of love, ultimately then what we would anticipate is a reduction attention after falling into her family’s pool in in love with God for eternity,” Stanford said. “But that love, from the current 97 parishes to 80,” Bishop 1987, at age 3, and ending up in a nonmoving, as defined by John Paul II and others, is the gift of self. It’s a Boyea said. “Now that doesn’t mean there nonspeaking state, surrounded by consecrated meditation on the meaning of gift and all of the elements that would be 80 churches. A lot of those parishes hosts, statues and pictures said to ooze blood or are involved in a gift. The most important thing is that there is would have two churches.” The plan was set oil. She died April 14, 2007, at age 23. giving and receiving.” in motion in August when the diocese closed She added that couples who practice Natural Family Plan- three Flint parishes. ning are ultimately able to sustain this true dynamic of gift in their marriage. AROUND THE WORLD “They are truly giving because they’re not compelled by de- „At a Mass to open the world Synod sires because they have to master their desires,” she said. “And of Bishops on the Bible, Pope Benedict they are still receiving of the other in their body and soul total- XVI said knowledge of Scripture was ity, fertility being part of that.” essential to the church’s evangelizing mis- Part of the evening, sponsored by the diocese’s NFP/Chas- sion in an increasingly godless society. “It is tity Education Office, included attending the 5:15 p.m. Mass A pregnant pro-life demonstrator stands be- indispensable that the church know and live Audrey Santo lies in a room at Christ the at St. Peter Cathedral with Bishop Donald Trautman. fore the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington that which she proclaims, so that her preach- King Church in Worcester, Mass., during a To learn more about Natural Family Planning in the Erie Oct. 6. As the nation’s highest court began ing is credible, despite the weaknesses and children’s healing service in 2003. Audrey, Diocese, visit www.ErieRCD.org/nfp.asp. a new term, pro-life groups from around poverty of her members,” the pope said Oct. who died in 2007, could not speak or move the country gathered on the steps of the Su- 5 at the Roman Basilica of St. Paul Outside but inspired thousands who flocked to her Jason Koshinskie is editor of FaithLife. Contact him at JKoshin- preme Court to remember Roe v. Wade. the Walls. “Only the word of God can pro- bedside. Some have claimed she could heal [email protected] or 814.824.1171. foundly change the heart of man,” he said. others. Fourteen parishes in Greensburg Diocese to close by Oct. 30 Pope canonizes four saints including India’s first dedication to prayer and her By Catholic News Service By John Thavis CNS photo Catholic News Service A nun waves acceptance of spiritual direc- GREENSBURG, Pa. — Four- a flag with tion, as well as her dual dedica- teen parishes will close and two — Pope a portrait of tion to work and faith, deserve others will merge into one new Benedict XVI canonized four Sister Alphonsa imitation today. She “shows us parish by Oct. 30 under a plan an- new saints, including the first Muttathupan- a path of Christian perfection nounced by Greensburg Bishop native-born saint from India, dathu during the accessible to all the faithful,” where Christians recently have canonization he said. Lawrence Brandt. „ In addition, 26 parishes will come under attack from Hindu ceremony in St. St. Gaetano Errico, an begin a new or modified partner- gangs. Peter’s Square Italian priest who founded the ship arrangement in which one After the two-hour liturgy in at the Vatican Congregation of Missionaries priest provides pastoral care and St. Peter’s Square Oct. 12, the Oct. 12. Pope of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus administration for two or more pope made a pointed appeal for Benedict XVI and Mary in the 19th century. parishes, Bishop Brandt said at an an end to violence against In- canonized four He was known for the many Oct. 6 press conference. dia’s Christian minority. new saints, hours he spent in the confes- Parishioners in the affected He spoke after declaring including Sister sional, and for seeking out the parishes were told of the deci- Bishop Lawrence Brandt of sainthood for St. Alphonsa Alphonsa, the sick, the abandoned and the sions at Masses Oct. 4-5. Greensburg addressed the media Muttathupandathu, a nun from first native-born spiritually afflicted in his na- Bishop Brandt, formerly a Oct. 6 regarding the restructur- southwestern India who was saint from India tive area of . He died in priest of the Erie Diocese, said the ing and closing of parishes in the known for her holiness during a who was known 1860 at the age of 69. changes will allow the diocese to diocese. Parishioners in the af- lifetime of suffering. The other for her holiness “The street and the confes- better position priests in parishes fected parishes were informed of new saints included an Italian during a lifetime sional were the privileged plac- where the populations are grow- the decisions at Masses Oct. 4-5. priest, a Swiss missionary sister of suffering. es of pastoral action for this ing. and an Ecuadorean laywoman. new saint,” the pope said. Citing the aging and declining The pope said their lives of “How many wounds of the meetings across the four counties faith and sacrifice should inspire soul did he heal in this way!” numbers of priests and parish- of the diocese. He said the changes ioners, the bishop explained the contemporary Christians in all day morning, spoke in his hom- soon confined to her convent he said. became necessary in part because walks of life. As he pronounced ily about St. Alphonsa’s life of because of a succession of ill- „Sister Maria Bernar- diocese faced moving from a “his- of the aging and declining number torical model” to a “pastoral care the canonization decree, en- extreme physical and spiritual nesses, including typhoid fever, da Butler, a Swiss nun who of priests and parishioners. thusiastic pilgrims waved flags suffering before her death. pneumonia, skin infections and founded the Franciscan Mis- model” with both diocesan and “I know that people are men- religious-order clergy serving the and held up pictures of the new “This exceptional woman, a wasting disease. sionary Sisters of Mary, Help tally and emotionally attached to saints. who today is offered to the peo- At the same time, her life also of Sinners. diocese. their parishes and their churches “Understand that the number The liturgy marked a special ple of India as their first canon- was marked by periods of great As a young woman, she in a way they identify with no oth- moment for Indian Catholics. ized saint, was convinced that spiritual joy. As for her distress, broke off a marriage engage- of parishioners in the closing par- er building or entity,” the bishop ishes represents approximately Thousands of Indian pilgrims, her cross was the very means of she said she was convinced that ment and intended to live as said. “They are baptized, married including many nuns and reaching the heavenly banquet God had destined her to be a a contemplative sister. But she 2.5 percent of our Catholic popu- and buried there, and they have lation, yet they are being served priests, applauded and cheered prepared for her by the Father,” “sacrifice of suffering.” She died was convinced instead to em- life-changing experiences there as the brief biography of St. the pope said. peacefully and happily in 1946. bark on a missionary journey by nearly 20 percent of our clergy that mark them for life.” in our parish ministry,” the bishop Alphonsa was read aloud. An “She wrote, ‘I consider a day The others canonized were: to Ecuador, where she formed When parishes are closed, he Indian government delegation without suffering as a day lost.’ „St. Narcisa de Jesus Mar- her new order, which worked said. “I cannot in good conscience said, “it is understandable that continue to justify this dispropor- also was present. May we imitate her in shoul- tillo Moran, a 19th-century Ec- especially among native fami- (parishioners) feel a part of them- After the liturgy, the pope dering our own crosses so as to uadorian known for her deep lies. tionate use of our resources.” selves has been lost forever.” The Greensburg Diocese, lo- called for an end to violence join her one day in paradise,” he prayer and penitence. At a young She told her sisters to open “We want to believe that the against Indian Christians, in the said. age, she made private vows of their houses to the poor, and cated east of Pittsburgh, has 83 parish in which we were baptized active priests. The diocese projects wake of attacks on church per- St. Alphonsa was born in virginity, poverty, obedience and to give them preference over and where we received the sacra- sonnel and institutions. 1910, and at a young age was de- self-mortification. all their other activities. A vio- that within five years that number ments will be there until the day will decline to 60 and in 10 years Since August, anti-Christian termined to become a nun after She remained a laywoman, lent persecution caused her to we die. That is a guarantee I can- violence by Hindu mobs in the reading the lives of the saints. serving as a catechist while flee with her community to to 49. not make,” he said. After the closings and the merg- Indian state of Orissa has left When a marriage was arranged working as a seamstress. Ac- Colombia, where she died in “I can guarantee, however, that about 60 people dead, hundreds for her at the age of 14, she de- cording to a Vatican biography, 1924. er, 85 parishes will remain open with prayer, trust in God and trust to serve the diocese’s 165,000 injured and thousands dis- liberately burned her foot so that her penitential mortifications The pope said her devotion in each other, we can work to- placed. The Indian government her disfigurement would allow were severe, and when she died to the Eucharist, as the best Catholics, said diocesan spokes- gether to help each other through man Jerry Zufelt. met in early October to discuss her to avoid the engagement. at age 37 in 1869, doctors said way to become close to Christ, these changes knowing that these the growing problem. She joined the Franciscan they were amazed she lived so was the key to her spirituality Bishop Brandt’s announce- decisions are being made to en- ment came at the end of a strate- The pope, dressed in gold Clarist Congregation at age 17 long on so little food. and the stimulus to her mis- sure that the faith will continue vestments on a cloudless Sun- and taught for a while, but was The pope said St. Narcisa’s sionary drive. gic planning process that began in to be passed on to future genera- December 2005 and included 85 tions.”

FaithLife Member of the Catholic Press Association. 7KHRI¿FLDOQHZVEXOOHWLQRIWKH Published bi-weekly. Owned and operated by the Bishop of Erie. CLOCK REPAIR Catholic Diocese of Erie 6XEVFULSWLRQ\HDU Available at 9ROXPH,VVXH )RUPRUHLQIRUPDWLRQFDOO   Burdie’s Clock Shop Giant Eagle *HQHUDO,QIRUPDWLRQ   7KH2I¿FHRI&RPPXQLFDWLRQVKDVEHHQ )D[   serving Catholics in the Diocese of Erie Riverside VLQFH2I¿FHVDUHORFDWHGDW 238 South Main St. E-Mail: [email protected] St. Mark Catholic Center BiLo (GLWRULDO   (DVW*UDQGYLHZ%OYG(ULH3D Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 Periodical postage paid at Erie, Pa. and fine delis. $GYHUWLVLQJ   (814) 398-8263 Postmaster: Send address changes to FaithLife at St. Mark Catholic Center. “We Make House Calls” %ULHÁ\ Diocese announces plans, events for Year of St. Paul Senior high youth rally Nov. 15 at YEAR OF ST. PAUL, from page 1 by Nov. 1, Father Lohse said. Our Lady of Peace, Erie Diocesan events will include four major celebrations Indulgencesess grgrantedanted ERIE — High school youth, grades 9-12, will be offered a unique of the Mass with Bishop Trautman presiding: chance to gather with other young Catholics from around the Erie „Saturday, January 24 at 4:30 p.m. at St. Bartho- Diocese on Nov. 15 at this year’s senior high youth rally held at Our lomew, Sharpsville (Western Vicariate) for Year of SStSt.. Paul Lady of Peace School in Erie. „Sunday, January 25 at 11 a.m. at St. Peter Cathe- With the theme of “I Send You as Servants,” the rally is intend- dral, Erie (Northern Vicariate) By virtue of the authorityhoority grantedgranted to him ed to remind youth „Sunday, February 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Leo, Ridg- by the Holy See, Bishopop Donald TrauTraut-t- of their dignity and way (Eastern Vicariate) man has established thathaaat the ChristianChristian importance to the „Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul, Erie (clos- faithful who, in observancervvvance of the church and to call ing Mass for the Year of St. Paul) Year of St. Paul, make a pilpil-- them into a deeper Bishop Trautman is transferring the Solemnity of Ss. grimage to St. Paul Churchhuurch relationship with Peter and Paul from Monday, June 29, 2009 to Sunday, LQ(ULHDQGRU6W/HR0DJ0DJ- Christ. The rally will June 28, 2009 (13th Sunday of Ordinary Time) so that nus Church in Ridgway,waay, also highlight the re- the conclusion of the Pauline Year may be celebrated at may obtain a plenary lationship between Sunday liturgies throughout the diocese. indulgence for them- discipleship and For other local events, it is recommended that par- selves or for the faith- service and bring ishes and other communities consider the following: ful departed. students together „Observe the dedication of the Basilicas of St. Pe- They may obtain thiss with their peers from ter and St. Paul (Nov. 18) with greater attention than indulgence under thee usual throughout the dio- usual, e.g., the celebration of an evening Mass so that FRQGLWLRQVZKLFKDUH  VDF  VDF- cese. more people can attend. UDPHQWDO FRQIHVVLRQ ZLWKLQZLWKLQ  Doug Tooke and „Host an ecumenical prayer gathering during the GD\VEHIRUHRUDIWHU  UHFHS UHFHS- David Casey will Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18-25). tion of Holy Communion,nion, (3)(3) make keynote pre- „Occasionally celebrate the Votive Mass of St. Paul prayer for the intentionsns ofof the sentations, and music will be provided by the popular band, Who when it is permitted. SRSHDQG  D¿UPGHVLUHWRVLQVLUHWRVLQ Do You Say I Am. Father Jason Glover will preach a challenging For spiritual renewal, the diocese will provide a short no more. and Christ-centered message during the closing Mass. In addition, reflection guide that can be used during Lent by indi- Catholics impeded by sicksick-- The shrishrinene ooff StSt.. PaPaulul aatt StSt.. PaPaulul PParisharish priests will be available to hear confessions. viduals or small groups to reflect on how well they are ness or other serious cause, as in Erie. Registration forms are due to your parish or school office by Oct. continuing the work of St. Paul today. long as they have the intention of 27. For additional information, contact your parish youth leader or The diocesan Web site www.ErieRCD.org lists a com- IXO¿OOLQJWKHRWKHUFRQGLWLRQVDVVRRQDVSRVVLEOHFDQREWDLQDSOHQDU\LQGXO- Linda Lecce, program coordinator for the diocese’s Department of pilation of materials and resources that are recommend- gence by joining spiritually in a jubilee celebration in honor of St. Paul and Religious Education at 814.824.1218 or visit www.ErieRCD.org/ ed, including pamphlets, books and prayer services, as offering their prayers and suffering for Christian unity. youth.asp. well as links to the U.S. bishops’ resource page. PALS (People After Loss from Suicide) Father Ron Witherup connects St. Paul to Eucharist in Franklin visit ERIE — PALS (People After Loss From Suicide) meets Tues- day, October 21 from 7–9 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 FATHER WITHERUP, from page 1 E. Grandview Blvd, Erie. No reservations are needed. Use front entrance. For more information, call Marjorie at 814.864.2428. unity. The description of the church and the symbol of the church A: “First, when the Pauline as the body of Christ is Paul’s great ecclesial image. In addition, readings are coming up in liturgy, though, many of the formulas used in liturgy are standard Pauline we should prepare to hear them. St. Vincent offers class on healing greetings and prayerful wishes from his letters. Many of these are Secondly, I encourage people to ERIE — Area residents dealing with illness or injury, as well as out of the Bible. Most importantly, it’s his understanding as both a spend time reading St. Paul. When their loved ones, can learn more about the healing power of the PHDODQGDVDFUL¿FHRIZKDW-HVXVGLGIRUXV:KHQZHSDUWLFLSDWH you develop a friendship, you have soul in a class presented by Saint Vincent Health Center titled, in it, we have to properly prepare ourselves to be in a receptive to spend time with people. You’re “Me Sick? How about it, God?” Presented by Saint Vincent Chap- mode. When people weren’t up to the task, Paul challenged them not going to become a friend of St. lain Father Dennis Martin, the class will take place at McGarvey on it. It’s a very appropriate attitude for today about our proper at- Paul without spending time with Learning Center in the health center at 232 W. 25th St. on Wed., titude when it comes to Mass. Using the body of Christ, it’s not just him. Pick up your Bible and read Oct. 22 at 6:30 p.m. The class will also feature the personal testi- the human body, but he was also talking about the body of people his letters, realizing that these mony of an individual whose spirituality played an important role given an identity as a city state. It would’ve had a political meaning were communications to commu- in his healing journey. Free and open to the public. To register, call for those back in the day. There’s a unity to the whole human race. nities he loved. Third, get a helpful 814.866.4817. Divisions no longer count.” and reliable guide to Paul. I’ve written all my books for a lay audi- HQFH0\µ4XHVWLRQV $QVZHUVRQ3DXO¶LVDJRRGRQHµ6DLQW Paul: Called to Conversion’ is a seven-day retreat with Paul that Erie Book Store hosts Benedictine Q: You’ve written many books, including three on includes mediations and activities. Use it throughout the year. By the St. Paul. In the Pauline year, what advice would you end of the year, when you’re reading Paul, you’ll notice he doesn’t writers give to those looking to delve a little deeper into the tell stories; he explains things and brings people to task. Make him Sister Joan Chittister, saint’s life and writings? a more spiritual companion.” OSB, and Sister Mary Lou Kownacki, OSB, will attend a book sign- ing at the Erie Book Store, 137 E. 13th St. in Erie on Wed., Oct. 29 A letter to pastoral caregivers from 5-7 p.m. Sister Joan’s publi- Dear Pastoral Caregivers, cation, “In My Own pel that the harvest is abundant, but Words,” contains a se- Sister Joan Sister Mary Lou The week of October 20-26 hasas the laborers are few. ries of inspiring selec- Chittister, OSB Kownacki, OSB been proclaimed Pastoral Care Weekk During this week, let us joyfully tions from her prolific and will be celebrated throughout thehe celebrate the gifts we have been writings and speeches. It is the latest in a series by Liguori Pub- world. It is a celebration of you! Youu given. I encourage you to keep your lications highlighting the works of spiritual teachers. The medita- are vital and vibrant signs of Christ iinn spirit and energy alive by taking tions in Sister Mary Lou’s offering, “A Monk in the Inner City: The our midst. time to be refreshed through prayer, ABCs of a Spiritual Journey,” have been called “searing, insightful I am deeply grateful for your min- reflection and study. In this way, you and painfully honest…allowing each of us to look more deeply into istries in diocesan parishes and in will continue to make a lasting im- our own hearts and experiences,” by author Paul Wilkes. education, as well as in special- pact that will reach far beyond the For more information, visit www.Benetvision.org. ized settings throughout the dio- boundaries of our diocese. cese. You are the voice of advo- Be assured of my prayers and gratitude. You are a blessing in NOVA, one-day marriage prep, coming cacy for many. In the true spirit our midst. May God give you peace and love and courage always! of the Gospel, you bring hope and to Erie joy and comfort to the poor, to the lonely, to the ill and to all who Sincerely in Christ, ERIE — NOVA is a one-day marriage preparation program de- are especially burdened with life’s challenges. To others, especially signed for couples free to remarry in the Catholic Church. Top- youth, you take messages of faith and spirituality. ics covered include Expectations of Remarriage, Blending Fami- Through your faith-filled ministries, you are willing to demon- lies, Communication and others. Call the Family Life Office at strate your discipleship with Christ. It is because of this that you in- 814.824.1261 for information. The next NOVA is scheduled for spire the confidence and trust that brings healing and peace to those The Most Reverend Donald W. Trautman, S.T.D., S.S.L November 1 in Erie. Pre-registration is required. in need. We all understand only too well the message in Luke’s Gos- Bishop of Erie

Sunday October 19: Noon until 6 pm Seniors: On the Move 3DULVKFDIHWHULD:WK6W Venders Expo Our Lady of Peace r Mercy Center on Aging, Inc. Annual Spaghetti Dinne 444 E. Grandview Blvd. Adults $6, Seniors $5, Children $3 Erie, PA, 16504 Includes: spaghetti w/ meatballs, (814) 824-2214 All welcome, no cost bread, salad, drink and dessert— all served to you by our youth. Monday, Nov 10 3:30-7:30 pm $OOSURFHHGVEHQHÀW6HQLRU+LJK Everything you ever needed to -XQLRU+LJK &RQÀUPDWLRQ programs know about growing older in your own home, downsizing or Come and support the tradition, transitioning to a private facility. prayer and mission of Our Lady 7KHPHEDVNHWV  of Peace Youth Ministry.

When Interest Income Counts, It’s Time To Call Gen-See 7.1% Earn More Since 1947 Annually Worry Less Go with experience you can trust... Since 1975, Gen-See investors have done better for 5 great reasons: All your collision needs. • Regular monthly checks • No fees or commissions Special Wash & Wax...$50 • Low minimum initial investment...$5,000 • Term 3, 4 or 5 years 453-6185 • Rate of interest guaranteed for term of certificate Make a fresh 1-800-507-4393 start...RIGHT NOW 7.1% Annually Gen-See Capital Corporation Dave Ras Amy Ras Carol Ras Jim Winarski 1-800-507-4393 owner office office mgr. Science courses at DuBois Central Catholic receive ‘AP’ certification from college board DUBOIS — The Administra- tion of DuBois Central Catholic High School recently received notification from the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program that the school’s biology and environmental science cours- es have both received authoriza- tion to use the AP designation. Trevor Packer, vice president of the Advanced Placement Pro- gram, contacted the school with the news. Packer wrote, “Thank Feast of St. Francis of Assisi brings pet blessings to parishes you for all that you do to provide your students with a rigorous, Many churches throughout the college-level experience. This des- Erie Diocese held pet blessings ignation grants you permission to on or near Oct. 4, which is the use the ‘AP’ designation on your feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, students’ transcripts.” of animals and ecol- The College Board, established ogy. in 1900, is a not-for-profit mem- Pictured are several people AP biology students (front) Josh Zimmerly and Joe McNall; (row bership association committed to 2) Emily Miknis, Jenna Levin and Nicole Feix; (row 3) Emily Peck, bringing their pets to Our Lady of the principles of excellence and Mount Carmel in Erie for Msgr. Alex Goldbach and Seth Gould use the school’s laptops to research a equity and is also known for its question posed by their science instructor, Donna Chollock. Bruce Allison to bless on Oct. 4. SAT, PSAT and National Merit “St. Francis showed his love Scholarship programs. over two summers of study at Al- to secure this designation for Cen- for all animals,” Msgr. Allison Donna Chollock, science legheny College, Meadville. The tral’s science curriculum. said during the blessing. “We ask chair, is responsible for these Advanced Placement Summer The authorization is an official him to bless our pets with his love courses and for participating in Institutes provided the develop- recognition by the College Board and care and to keep them safe the mandated AP course audit. ment workshops for Chollock to that each course meets or exceeds from injury and live their lives to Her coursework was completed complete the needed course work expectations. reflect God’s glory.”

St. George students participate in PNC Bank donates more than $100,000 Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome to Catholic education through EITC program ERIE — More than a dozen ERIE — Marlene Mosco, re- of Marielle Lafaro’s 7th and gional president of PNC Bank, 8th grade religion students at St. made a check presentation to George School recently partici- Bishop Donald Trautman Oct. pated in the Buddy Walk for Down 9 on behalf of the bank for more Syndrome at Liberty Park in Erie. than $100,000 in tax credit mon- “Students are required to do ey that will go toward education hours of community service for grants for Catholic school stu- class, and I try to help them find dents in the Erie Diocese. meaningful things to do,” Lafaro The tax credits are made pos- said. sible through Pennsylvania’s To celebrate October as Down Earned Income Tax Credit Syndrome Awareness Month, Bud- (EITC) program. Through the dy Walks throughout the country STAR (Student Tuition Assis- promote acceptance and inclusion tance Resource) Foundation, the of people with Down Syndrome. diocese distributes tuition grants Students are pictured with La- from EITC, which provides state faro and her friend, Jason Middle- tax credits to businesses that con- ton, a member of L’Arche Erie. tribute toward education. Mosco greeted Bishop Traut- man at a meeting of the diocese’s Catholic Daughters welcome new members Advancement Counsel, which included principals and school Combining the high school learning more about tax credits ERIE — The September meet- leaders. She presented a check for scholarships with the $57,000, currently available through the ing of the Catholic Daughters of approximately $57,000 to be used PNC Bank’s donation totaled EITC program should contact America, Court Erie 515, took for preschool education, scholar- nearly $102,000. Charles Banducci, director of place at St. Andrew Parish on ships and educational improve- “In the name of our young school financial services for the Sept. 17. New officers installed ment. But she had more news. people, our students who will Erie Diocese, at 814.824.1188. for two-year terms included (pic- “Because PNC was a good benefit, I thank you,” Bishop tured from left to right): Carla earner, we were able to increase Trautman told Mosco in front Krott, vice regent; Linda Snyder, tax credits and scholarships to the of the audience. “We are very treasurer; Kathleen Levis, regent; three area Catholic high schools proud to be in partnership with Mary May, financial secretary; in Erie—Villa Maria Academy, PNC, and we are proud of all STUMP GRINDING by Ken Eaton Jeanette Ditch, district deputy; Cathedral Prep and Mercyhurst that you do for the church and Back yards - tight spots - No problem Emma Schaeffer, recording secre- Prep—to $15,000 each,” Mosco our community.” Free estimates, Insured, Shrubs and tary; and Msgr. Richard Sullivan, said. Businesses interested in small trees removed, Prompt service chaplain. Ken (814) 474-2195 The court will gather for an 11 (814) 397-0384 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Oct. 19 at St. Andrew. A reception of new encouraged to call Mary May at embrace the principles of faith members will take place at that 814.459.8372 for more informa- through love in the promotion of time. October 19 is designated as tion. justice, equality and the advance- the National Catholic Daughters The Catholic Daughters of ment of human rights and hu- of America Day. the Americas, founded in 1903, man dignity for all. The Erie Court is actively seek- has grown and developed into ing new members to develop their the largest organization of Cath- God-given talents in a meaning- olic women in the Americas. Un- ful way to positively influence the der the patronage of the Blessed

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