Lenten fasting Thinking of Fasting has spiritual, physical our soldiers benefits but also Cathedral Prep’s points to good JROTC reaches out works, page 2. to soldiers overseas, page 4.

www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWS BULLETIN OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE March 27, 2011 Church Calendar Events of the local, American and universal church

Feast days

By Catholic News Service TOKYO – As the magnitude of the disaster in Japan unfolded, reli- gious and humanitarian aid organiza- tions stepped up efforts to provide as- sistance. The earthquake was followed by tsu- namis that wiped out entire cities and by fears of catastrophe at nuclear power Diocese of Erie to take St. Francis St. John Baptist stations damaged in the quake. Govern- up special collection of Paola de la Salle ment officials estimated that tens of Bishop Donald Trautman has authorized thousands of people lost their lives in the parishes of the Diocese of Erie to take April 2 St. Francis of Paola (1416-1507), the March 11 disasters. up a second collection on the weekend of hermit, founder of the Minim Friars The Diocese of Sendai includes April 2-3 on behalf of the people of Japan. the areas hardest-hit in the disaster, “It will take years for the people of Japan April 4 St. Isidore of Seville (c.560-636), reported the Asian church news bishop, doctor of the church to rebuild their lives,” Bishop Trautman agency UCA News. said. “We can assist them by our prayers, April 5 St. Vincent Ferrer (1350-1419), priest Japanese church officials are set- solidarity and support.” ting up an emergency center to coor- Those who would like to donate directly April 7 St. John Baptist de la Salle dinate humanitarian aid operations (1651-1719), priest to Catholic Charities should make checks in Sendai, the area most devastated out to that organization, marking Japan by the March 11 earthquake and tsu- Earthquake in the memo line. They can be nami. sent to Catholic Charities, 429 Bishop Martin Tetsuo Hiraga of Sen- E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504. dai and the diocesan chancellor, Father Catholic Charities is among the nation’s Peter Shiro Komatsu will be the director largest human services and disaster Confi rmations and vice director of the center, and a response organizations. Caritas worker will be stationed there to (CNS photo) All funds will be distributed through coordinate aid work, reported the Asian A man walks through destruction in the town of Minamisanriku, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the offi cial St. Tobias, Brockway – Sunday, March 27 at church news agency UCA News. Clergy and Japan, March 14. Government offi cials estimated that tens of international humanitarian agency of the 11 a.m. Confirmation classes include Assump- laypeople from other dioceses may also join thousands of people lost their lives in the March 11 earthquake U.S. bishops. tion of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sykesville; St. the work. and tsunami. Mark, Reynoldsville; and St. Tobias, Brockway. The center is expected to operate for six months, UCA News reported. Immaculate Conception, Brookville – Sun- Father Komatsu said gasoline is the most sands of people. shima plant. ment announcements, we have no day, March 27 at 3 p.m. Confirmation classes in- needed commodity. Earlier, Bishop Hiraga told “You living in other countries other source of information. We clude St. Charles, New Bethlehem, and Immacu- After the magnitude 9 earthquake, reactors Vatican Radio that many area have a much better idea of the trag- don’t even know what has hap- late Conception, Brookville. at the Fukushima nuclear power plant were residents, cut off without electric- edy,” the bishop told Vatican Ra- pened to our parishes in the towns hit by explosions, and Japanese officials were ity and with some phone service dio. and villages along the coast. We St. Boniface, Erie – Monday, March 28 at 7 working to avoid leakage of radiation. They just restored, were unaware of the “We are terrified,” the bishop p.m. ordered evacuations for hundreds of thou- worsening situation at the Fuku- said. “We only have the govern- See JAPAN, page 3 St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bradford – Friday, April 1 at 7 p.m. Confirmation classes include Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Hawk Run, and St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Bradford. Rite of Election St. Catherine of Siena, DuBois – Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. Confirmation classes include Church to welcome new members St. Bernard, Falls Creek; St. Michael the Arch- angel, DuBois; St. Joseph, DuBois; and St. Cath- at Easter Vigil erine of Siena, DuBois. Tens of thousands of new initiation or admission into the St. Bartholomew, Sharpsville – Saturday, Catholics will join the church at church. It formally acknowledg- April 2 at 4:30 p.m. Confirmation classes include the Easter Vigil. es the readiness of those prepar- Good Shepherd, West Middlesex, and St. Bar- The Diocese of Erie will wel- ing to receive the sacraments of tholomew, Sharpsville. come 221 new members this initiation—baptism, confirma- year. tion and the Eucharist—at the Queen of the World, St. Marys – Sunday, Sixty-three catechumens and Easter Vigil, this year on April April 3 at 2 p.m. Confirmation classes include 168 candidates, along with their 23. Candidates and catechu- Sacred Heart, St. Marys; St. Mary, St. Marys; sponsors, families and guests mens are participating in the and Queen of the World, St. Marys. filled St. Peter Cathedral in Erie Rite of Christian Initiation of and St. Callistus Parish in Kane Adults (RCIA) at their parishes. St. Gabriel the Archangel, Port Allegany – for the Rite of Election ceremo- Catechumens, or those to Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m. Confirmation classes ny Feb. 13. About 1,000 people be baptized, are preparing to include St. Eulalia, Coudersport, and St. Gabriel participated in both locations. enter the Catholic Church by the Archangel, Port Allegany. Bishop Donald Trautman pre- receiving the sacraments of ini- Bishop Donald Trautman greets candidate sided over services at the cathe- tiation—baptism, confirmation Lauren Lim of St. Peter Cathedral Parish Holy Redeemer, Warren – Monday, April 4 at dral. Msgr. Robert Smith, vicar and Eucharist—at the Easter in Erie during the Rite of Election Feb. 7 p.m. Confirmation classes include St. Anthony, general of the Erie Diocese, pre- Vigil. 13. Catechumen Timothy Dennison of Be- Sheffield; St. Luke, Youngsville; St. Joseph, War- sided at St. Callistus. Candidates, who are already loved Disciple Parish in Grove City signs ren; and Holy Redeemer, Warren. The Rite of Election, cel- baptized in another faith tradi- the Book of the Elect while his sponsor Ed ebrated annually in cathedrals tion and seek full communion Dietrich looks on. Blessed Sacrament, Erie – Wednesday, April and churches around the world with the church, are preparing 6 at 7 p.m. on the first Sunday of Lent, to receive confirmation and first marks the official countdown to Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Christ the King, Houtzdale – Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. Confirmation classes include St. Basil the Great, Coalport; St. Agnes, Morrisdale; Ss. Peter and Paul, Hawk Run; Immaculate Concep- Ash Wednesday tion, Osceola Mills; St. Mary of the Assumption, Newest volunteer starts blog for Frenchville; St. Severin, Drifting; and Christ the King, Houtzdale. Mission of Friendship By Jason Koshinskie FaithLife editor The new Roman Missal Volunteers and organizers of the Mission Volunteer Beth Silence of Friendship have been searching for ways Boyd is pictured to keep people posted of the weekly hap- with some of The General Instruction of the Roman Missal’s penings of the mission and its programs. (GIRM) section on sacred silence has been ex- her new friends One of the newest volunteers at the Mis- at the Mission panded, recommending that “even before the cel- sion of Friendship seems to have found a ebration itself, it is commendable that silence be of Friendship in way to do that: in the form of a blog. Merida, Mexico. observed in the church, in the sacristy, in the vest- The blog, Misión de Amistad: A Journey ing room, and in adjacent areas, so that all may of Faith and Friendship, seeks to update Serafin, a coordinator of the mission. dispose themselves to carry out the sacred action viewers on visits from guests, work from The Mission of Friendship is a formalized in a devout and fitting manner.” (45) visiting volunteer groups, sister parish news exchange between the Diocese of Erie and Admonishing that the Liturgy of the Word and information otherwise pertinent to the the Archdiocese of Yucatan, Mexico. This “must be celebrated in such a way as to promote Mission of Friendship. year marks the mission's 40th anniversary. meditation,” (56) the Instruction cautions against The blog was created by volunteer Boyd is the most recent volunteer arrival “any kind of haste which impedes recollec- Beth Boyd and will be maintained by her to the Misión de Amistad. A native of War- tion” and recommends brief moments of silence throughout the coming months. Her latest ren, she is a graduate of Mercyhurst Col- throughout the liturgy, especially after the read- posts include topics such as her first day as lege with a degree in psychology and world ings and the homily so that the word of God may a volunteer, celebrating Carnaval in Merida languages and cultures. She is a member of be “taken into the heart by the fostering of the and a new church in Temozon. The blog Holy Redeemer Parish in Warren and said Holy Spirit.” (56) can be found at http://bethboydmissionof- she has been inspired to join the Mission staff – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops friendship.blogspot.com. through a variety of experiences, including “It is our sincere hope that this blog may her relationship with Mercyhurst College, Bishop Donald Trautman distributes ashes on Ash Wednesday, COUNTDOWN: There are 245 days to the become a source of information for those her parish and previous study abroad oppor- March 9 at the Roman Catholic Chapel at the Millcreek Mall implementation of the new Roman Missal who have most generously supported and tunities. in Erie. Ash Wednesday marked the fi rst day of Lent, a time for (as of March 27) have taken an interest in the Mission of Boyd can be contacted at bboyd22@lak- Christians to prepare for Easter by doing penance for sins and seek- Friendship throughout the years,” said Cari ers.mercyhurst.edu. ing spiritual renewal through prayer, fasting and good works. By the Way... from Catholic News Service A recent snowstorm in Erie provided Fa- Pope sends aid to earthquake ther Larry Richards with the opportunity IN THE U.S. and 15 other legislators. Under terms of the victims in New Zealand legislation, a family of four earning less than to use Skype for the first time. Father Larry Cardinal places 21 Philadelphia $28,688 could use vouchers to send their was scheduled to deliver one of the keynote priests on leave as inquiry continues children to the school of their choice — pub- talks at a men’s conference in Minnesota. Continuing his response to the clergy sexual lic, private, Catholic or charter. The money When his plane was grounded, he made his abuse scandal in the Philadelphia Archdio- would come from the per-pupil subsidy the presentation to 550 participants through the cese, Cardinal Justin Rigali placed 21 priests commonwealth pays to local school districts. software application which allows users to on administrative leave The vouchers would cover tuition up to the make voice calls and video chats over the in- from their clerical as- current cost of the base subsidy: $8,950. ternet. signments March 7. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference Organizers said he was very well-received. Jason Koshinskie The unprecedented urges Catholics to advocate for this bill. Con- A rescue worker looks through the rubble It just may give Father Larry some options step to remove such a tinuous updates are available at the Catholic of the severely damaged Cathedral of the as he tries to balance his responsibilities as pastor of St. Joseph large group of priests re- Education link found at www.pacatholic.org. Blessed Sacrament in Christchurch, New Parish/Bread of Life Community in Erie with his speaking en- sponds to the Philadel- Sign up to become an advocate for the issues Zealand, Feb. 24. gagements, which number at least 45 for 2011. phia grand jury’s Feb. 10 of your choice at the same site. His first book, “Be a Man,” was the number one seller for report that called for the Catholic leaders: repeal of death Pope Benedict XVI has donated $50,000 to publisher Ignatius Press for more than a year. It recently fell to archdiocese to “review those affected by a deadly earthquake that No. 2. But Father Larry wasn’t too disappointed. It was Pope all of the old allegations penalty advances ‘culture of life’ hit Christchurch, New Zealand, Feb. 22. The Cardinal Justin The repeal of the death penalty “advances Benedict XVI’s new book, the second volume of “Jesus of against currently active Rigali pope asked the Pontifical Council Cor Unum, Nazareth,” that took the top spot. priests and to remove the development of a culture of life in our the Vatican’s humanitarian relief agency, to state,” the Catholic Conference of Illinois The perpetual adoration chapel at St. Joseph/Bread of Life, from ministry all of the priests with credible send the money to assist victims there. A mag- which has been going since 2004, will receive a visit from a spe- allegations against them.” The priests’ place- said March 9. “As we begin the Lenten sea- nitude 6.3 earthquake rocked New Zealand’s ment on leave is not a final determination, ac- son on this Ash Wednesday, and we reflect cial monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II. The Serra Club second-largest city last month, causing more of Erie is bringing the monstrance to the chapel May 15-21. cording to a press release issued by the arch- on the crucifixion of Jesus and the mystery than 160 deaths and widespread damage. The diocesan communications office. The action of his death and resurrection, there is no death toll was expected to rise as workers con- The monstrance is one of six that was blessed by the late pope follows “an initial examination of files look- better time for this landmark law to be ap- tinued to comb through the rubble. in 2004, each for a different continent, for use in eucharistic ing at both the substance of allegations and proved,” said the conference, which repre- adoration and prayers for vocations. It travels North America the process by which those allegations were sents the state’s Catholic bishops on public PEOPLE OF FAITH and is used by various dioceses. reviewed,” the statement said. Each case will policy issues. The statement was issued the Friends in Venango County held a farewell party on March be subject to a further review in a “thorough, same day Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law a Vatican condemns murder of 20 at the Catholic Rural Ministry for Sister Emilie Rose LeB- independent investigation.” bill to abolish the death penalty, making Il- Pakistani minister for minorities oeuf, SSJ, who is moving to the Sisters of St. Joseph Commu- linois the 16th U.S. state to do so. Effective The Vatican condemned the killing of a nity Living Center in Erie. School choice bill promoted in July 1, the law also will direct funding to Catholic government minister in Pakistan Sister Emilie Rose spent the past 16 years of her ministry Pennsylvania services for victims’ families and for law en- who had spoken out against anti-blasphemy in Venango County. Much of that time was spent teaching at Sen. Anthony Williams, a Democrat who forcement training. “No longer will there be laws. Shahbaz Bhatti, represents Philadelphia, called the bill that Venango Catholic High School in Oil City. She also taught at a risk in Illinois that an innocent person will the Pakistani minister CareerLink in the same town, where she celebrated her 50th would give low-income parents tuition vouch- be convicted and sentenced to death,” the for minorities and the ers to transfer their children from failing pub- Catholic conference said. first Catholic to serve in year in education and volunteered at the Oil City Housing Au- lic schools to schools that succeed a “moral that position, received thority. imperative.” The bill passed by a vote of 8-2 AROUND THE WORLD several threats against About 45 well wishers stopped by to visit her. “It was kind of in the Senate Education Committee March his life after criticizing an emotional farewell,” Sister Emilie Rose said. “It was won- 1. “For too long we have trapped and failed Stamp issued by Vatican and the country’s anti-blas- derful. We just sat around and talked.” thousands of children and their families and Poland honors Pope John Paul II phemy laws, which have The confirmation season in the Diocese of Erie began March failed the taxpayers who have paid for this A stamp showing Pope been used to persecute 14 at St. James Parish in Erie. Bishop Donald Trautman’s expensive failure,” he said. Nearly 70 years John Paul II, Jesus of Christians and other re- schedule is booked solid from March through June, then picks after the U.S. Supreme Court banned segre- Divine Mercy and St. up again in the fall. It marks the beginning of another busy ligious minorities. Bhat- Shahbaz Bhatti gated schools, declaring that “separate is not Peter’s Basilica is be- ti was attacked in his car time of year during which the bishop will put the bulk of more equal,” Williams has adapted the famous rul- ing jointly issued by the in Islamabad March 2, than 35,000 miles on his car visiting parishes throughout the ing to describe his own crusade for choice: Vatican and Poland to when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle and 13-county diocese. “Failing schools are not equal,” he said. Wil- celebrate the May 1 be- proceeded to drag him out, according to press liams is lead co-sponsor of S.B. 1 — the Op- atification of the Polish reports. Bhatti was immediately taken to the pope. The stamp will Jason Koshinskie is editor of FaithLife. Contact him at JKoshin- portunity Scholarship Act — along with state hospital, where doctors were unable to save [email protected] or 814.824.1171. Sen. Jeffrey Piccola from the Harrisburg area be available April 12. him from massive gunshot wounds. Fasting has spiritual, physical benefi ts but also points to good works

By Marylynn G. Hewitt brought me comfort. It brought nion, a fast with “the actual feel- Maria Press in 2010. Catholic News Service me that assurance that Jesus is ing of hunger so that you create He also promotes the partial still mine. And that there is noth- a space that only God can fill.” fast observed during Lent as a DETROIT – That empty stom- ing in life that he won’t be with He equates it with the “Christian way to “heal our bodies, minds ach rumble, a reminder of fasting me through.” rhythm of life of fasting and feast- and spirits of bad habits. They during Lent, is beneficial spiritu- Members of the New York- ing.” say it takes 40 days for the body to ally and physically. It also is a based apostolate are encourag- Msgr. Murphy points to Pope reset itself biologically and that’s way to draw attention to the work ing others to join in using Tues- Paul VI’s apostolic constitution what Lent is.” of the church and to help chari- days during Lent as additional on penance in 1966, which rec- America’s appetite could stand table organizations. days of fasting and prayer “for ommended all Catholics volun- to benefit physically by fasting, Catholics are required to fast the end of abortion and all acts tarily fast and abstain through- said Dr. Raymond J. Casciari, on Ash Wednesday and Good of violence that are destroying out the year. Outside Lent, those chief medical officer at St. Joseph Friday, which means eating only our community.” practices could be substituted Hospital in Orange, Calif. Fasting one full meal during the course of Pax Christi USA also is rec- with prayer and works of charity. “tends to make you more alert a day, and to abstain from meat ommending fasting beyond the Msgr. Murphy says the changes and tends to make you less de- on Fridays. Friday requirement during Lent. were prompted because prior to pressed.” “The greater portion of fasting John Zokovitch, director of na- 1966, “it was so laden with the Most people begin to metabo- is the honoring of the suffering tional field operations for the Fasting during Lent is benefi cial spiritually and physically, but also language of sin that people were lize fat after 12 hours of fasting. death of our Lord Jesus Christ,” organization that is moving its can be a way to draw Catholics’ attention to the work of the church approaching it without the spiri- “We need to access that fat, oth- said Franciscan Father James headquarters from Erie to Wash- and to help charitable organizations. Catholics are required to fast tual basis for this practice.” erwise it just continues to build. Goode, president of the National ington, says it “goes along with on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, which means eating only one Fasting fell out of favor. In That’s a huge problem in this Black Catholic Apostolate for Catholic understanding of fast- full meal during the course of a day and abstaining from meat on February 1980, a few months country right now,” said the phy- Life. “I tell people when they are ing being about personal atone- Fridays. after visiting the United States, sician, a member of St. Norbert in the midst of a crisis in their life, ment, but also about certain self- Pope John Paul II had dinner at Parish in Orange. “The more fat try fasting and prayer, and then purification, a certain amount Zokovitch says in the past year charity, says Msgr. Charles Mur- the Pontifical North American we build the more likely that we have that assurance that God will of resituating ourselves to the the hallmarks of Pax Christi— phy, 75, director of the diaconate College in Rome where Msgr. will get all sorts of diseases relat- hear our prayer.” important things in our life. prayer, study and action—have program for the Diocese of Port- Murphy was the rector. The pope ed to fat: diabetes, hypertension, The 70-year-old priest says he “Within the context of Pax emphasized the war in Afghani- land, Maine. “When I was grow- asked the rector about the lack of heart disease, strokes.” would fast before being given a Christi, it’s with the Gospel call stan, immigration and nuclear ing up, you could look around a fasting in the United States. A weekly fasting day, staying new assignment. “It was the ex- to be peacemakers and justice disarmament. restaurant and know who was a “I didn’t have an answer for hydrated with water, would be a perience of saying, ‘Not my will, seekers,” said the 42-year-old Fasting and abstinence should Catholic by who was not eating him then,” recalled Msgr. Mur- good thing for most people, he but God’s will, be done.’ God was member of Holy Faith Catho- go back to being a communal meat.” phy, who said his answer became said. Just as important is breaking able to help me to understand lic Church in Gainesville, Fla. practice for families and parishes He also remembers the total his book, “The Spirituality of that fast with a small meal, rather where he was leading me. Prayer While there is no specific prior- who skip a meal, spend the time fast of food and water from mid- Fasting: Rediscovering a Chris- than trying to make up for the and fasting brought me peace. It ity cited for this year’s Lent fast, in prayer and donate the money to night until receiving Commu- tian Practice,” published by Ave meals missed.

FaithLife Member of the Catholic Press Association. Paperback Exchange The offi cial news bulletin of the Published bi-weekly. Owned and operated by the Bishop of Erie. CLOCK REPAIR Buying Catholic Diocese of Erie Subscription $10/year. Selling & Trading For more information, call (814) 824-1161. Volume 7, Issue 6 Burdie’s Clock Shop New & Used Books General Information: (814) 824-1161 The Offi ce of Communications has been Mon-Fri: 10-6 Fax: (814) 824-1170 serving Catholics in the Diocese of Erie since 1874. Offi ces are located at 238 South Main St. Sat: 10-4, Sun: 12-4 E-Mail: [email protected] St. Mark Catholic Center Editorial: (814) 824-1171 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, Pa. Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 3514 Liberty Street Advertising: (814) 824-1168 Periodical postage paid at Erie, Pa. Liberty Plaza (814) 398-8263 Erie, PA 16508 Postmaster: Send address changes to FaithLife at St. Mark Catholic Center. “We Make House Calls” (814) 864-1565 60 Years of Excellence For Art’s Sake

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I can only events in Meadville, Bradford hope that the people of my diocese can stand together and be strong enough to overcome The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania will this disaster.” host appreciation events in Meadville and Bradford as part of the Japanese officials estimate at least 18,000 congregation’s ongoing 150th anniversary celebration. people died in the disaster. The sisters will be at St. Niigata Bishop Isao Kikuchi, president Agatha Parish in Meadville of Caritas Japan, said, “We have received so on Friday, April 1 for a litur- many e-mails from all continents, filled with gy and reception beginning words of compassion and prayer. We are very at 7 p.m. One of the sisters’ grateful for this solidarity. We believe that aid earliest ministries was the activity is needed, but prayer is also important founding of Spencer Hospital in Meadville. in such a situation.” On Sunday, April 3, the sisters will host an event at St. Bernard Pope Benedict XVI was among those send- Parish in Bradford where the Sisters of St. Joseph ministered for ing his prayers. many years. The Bradford celebration will include a liturgy at 1 Saying he, too, was horrified by the images p.m. followed by a reception. of the death and destruction caused by the The events are free and open to the public; no pre-registration is earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Pope Bene- required. dict XVI asked people to join him in praying (CNS photo) for the victims. A Japan civil defense offi cer holds a 4-month-old baby girl who was rescued Gannon to honor Dr. and Mrs. Garibaldi “May the bereaved and injured be comforted along with her family from their home in Ishimaki, northern Japan, March ERIE – Gannon University will host a and may the rescue workers be strengthened in 14. Government offi cials had estimated that 18,000 people may have lost special celebration for Dr. Antoine and Mrs. their efforts to assist the courageous Japanese their lives in the March 11 earth quake and the tsunami it triggered. Carol Garibaldi on Thursday, April 7. people,” the pope said in English March 13 af- The celebration is free and open to the ter reciting the Angelus prayer with visitors in news reports of the preliminary estimates public and will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. St. Peter’s Square. of suffering, loss of life and physical dam- in the Yehl Ballroom of the university’s Wal- Speaking in Italian after the Angelus, the age challenge our ability to grasp the reality dron Campus Center, 124 W. Seventh St. in pope said, “The images of the tragic earth- of such a massive event,” Archbishop Dolan Erie. quake and the consequent tsunami in Japan wrote March 14 as president of the U.S. Con- The university will acknowledge Dr. have left us deeply horrified. ference of Catholic Bishops. Garibaldi’s nearly 10 years of distinguished “I want to renew my spiritual closeness to The letter, released March 16, was ad- and exemplary service as president of Gan- that country’s dear people, who with dignity dressed to the Archbishop Ikenaga as head of Dr. Antoine and courage are dealing with the consequenc- the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan. non. Garibaldi RSVPs are not required. For more infor- es of the calamity. I pray for the victims and “My letter is to make a first contact with mation, call 814.871.5842. their families and for all who are suffering be- you to assure you of the prayers and solidar- cause of these terrible events. I encourage all ity of the bishops and faithful in the United those who, with laudable speed, are working States at this difficult moment,” the USCCB Free seminar at Saint Vincent for caregivers to bring help. Let us remain united in prayer.” president said. “We commend the church ERIE – Caring for a loved one who is sick, frail or dealing with The Pontifical Council Cor Unum, the and the people of Japan to the intercession of a terminal illness? An upcoming seminar presented by the Saint Vatican’s charity promotion and coordinat- Mary, the mother of Jesus, asking her to care Vincent Spirituality and Medicine program and the Saint Vincent ing office, announced March 14 that the pope for all of those left in conditions of suffering Palliative Care Team can help. donated $100,000 to the relief efforts of the (CNS photo) because of the quake and the aftershocks.” “Aging, Illness and Dying: A Time of Japanese bishops’ conference. A woman weeps after being told of the The U.S. bishops’ Catholic Relief Services Grace,” a free seminar for caregivers, will UCA News reported that Catholics in death of relatives at an evacuation centre is responding to the tragedy by working with be offered Thursday, April 7 from 7-9 p.m. mainland China were among Asian Catholics in Kesennuma, Japan, March 15. Caritas Japan and by receiving donations, at Saint Vincent Health Center McGarvey who expressed solidarity with the earthquake said Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., Learning Center, 232 W. 25th St., Erie. victims in Japan and added prayers to their also offered prayers. chairman of the CRS board. The program will feature an expert panel Masses March 13. Jinde Charities in northern New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan has “These will be used for the immediate of presenters including Saint Vincent Medi- China’s Hebei province also offered an initial assured Japanese Archbishop Leo Jun Ikena- humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable cal Director for Palliative Care Michael Cooney, MD; Beverly $10,000 to support Caritas Japan’s relief ef- ga of Osaka of the prayers and solidarity of and support the local Catholic Church in its DiSantis, RN, BSN, of the Saint Vincent Palliative Care team; forts. the U.S. Catholic Church amid the ongoing ongoing mission,” Bishop Kicanas said in a Ann Flick, BSSW, M.Ed., Regional Home Health and Hospice In Seoul, South Korea, Cardinal Nicholas rescue and relief efforts in his nation. statement. social worker; and Saint Vincent chaplain Father Dennis Martin. Cheong Jin-suk offered prayers and an initial “I write today conscious of the terrible Catholics interested in supporting CRS re- Participants will learn the difference between palliative care and $50,000. Korean Protestants and Buddhists earthquake that has struck Japan. The first lief efforts can visit http://crs.org/japan. hospice and be provided valuable information about the physical, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of palliative care as well as tips on health care decision making. Also included will be information about advanced directives and bereavement. The seminar is free but reservations are required. To register, The 2011-2012 commonwealth budget call 814.866.4817. By Amy B. Hill in chronically failing schools. The will increase slightly. It is calcu- child. Pennsylvania Catholic Conference governor did not specify his sup- lated by the number of students Health care port of Senate Bill 1; but he did who need this service. The state budget plan also sig- Pennsylvania’s “day of reckon- say that education funding should Help for people in need nificantly cuts Medicaid payments People in the News ing has come,” announced Gov- be “some- The governor promised to to health care providers and elim- ernor Tom Corbett with calls for thing a stu- maintain services that care for inates the adultBasic health in- fiscal discipline and no new taxes. dent can the commonwealth’s neediest surance program. The adultBasic The Catholic Foundation announces On March, the governor unveiled take with citizens. Most programs in the program provided health insur- new appointments to board of directors his $27.3 billion spending plan for him or her Department of Public Welfare ance for a low-cost premium to the commonwealth’s 2011-2012 to the school remained at last year’s funding approximately 40,000 adults who The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Erie, Inc. an- fiscal year. The budget proposal that best fits nounces the appointment of Dr. Joanne Carlburg and Jim Martin, levels or in some cases increased. are uninsured but make too much represents a 3-percent overall de- their needs. Others however will be cut. money to qualify for Medicaid. CFRE, to its board of directors. crease from last year, but program One size Dr. Carlburg earned The Human Services Develop- Current enrollees can sign up cuts are more surgical than across does not fit ment Fund (HSDF) is a flexible for the Special Care Program of- her doctor of educa- the board. all. But as it Amy B. Hill tion at the State Uni- funding program that provides fered by the Blue Cross and Blue The Pennsylvania Catholic now stands, many services that are not being Shield companies, but it provides versity of New York at Conference (PCC) will be follow- not all get to choose. Let’s give Buffalo and is a substi- met anywhere else. For example, less coverage and a higher pre- ing the debate on a number of dif- them school choice.” some Catholic Charities agencies mium may make it unaffordable tute teacher with the ferent line items. It is likely the legislature will Catholic elementary receive HSDF funding to provide for most of the qualified working Education debate Senate Bill 1 alongside the services to people with disabilities poor. schools and retired Calling for a system of “por- budget. reading specialist for to help them live independently. The legislature will debate the table education funding,” Gov- The line item that provides text- The program was completely cut budget in the coming weeks. By the Northwest Tri- ernor Corbett voiced his support books and materials to nonpublic County Intermedi- from the budget. law, June 30 is their deadline to Dr. Joanne Jim for school choice. The proposed school students was decreased 1.7 Pennsylvania’s state funded pass it and send it to the gover- ate Unit 5. She has Carlburg Martin budget returns the Educational percent; auxiliary services and received the Distin- alternatives to abortion program nor’s desk. Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) special education programs for received a one percent cut. In the guished Alumni Award from Gannon University as well as the program to $75 million. nonpublic school students are 1.2 Annie Sullivan Award from the Northwest Tri-County Intermedi- massive state budget, this cut may Hill is communications director of Senate Bill 1, independent of percent less. seem insignificant; but in dire eco- the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference ate Unit 5. the budget, proposes an increase in Funding that reimburses public Martin, a graduate of Gannon University, is Community Af- nomic times support from a state – the public affairs arm of Pennsylva- EITC to $100 million and voucher school districts for transportation program may be quite significant nia’s Catholic bishops and the Catho- fairs Director, NW PA Region in Community and Health Initia- plan to help the neediest students of students to nonpublic schools tives for Highmark. He was selected by the NW PA Association to a woman choosing life for her lic dioceses of Pennsylvania. of Fundraising Professionals as Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year in 2010. He served as the 2009-11 campaign chair for United Way of Erie and volunteers on numerous business, church and envi- CRUSADER CASIN ronmental boards. SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2011 7:00-12:00PM, SAINT LUKE SCHOOL GYM, erie only $10 per person *food and drinks included*

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YOUR TICKET STUB IS ENTERED INTO CASH DRAWINGS: $50 every 15 minutes, $100 every hour, $2500 grand prize Advanced tickets at the school or at the door

MCRC Vision: Hispanic and other ethnic minorities will experience acceptance, respect, independence and self- sufficiency in our community.

Serving the Erie Community since 1975.

Culturally Driven. Diversity Empowered.

Hours of Operation: MCRC offers the following ser- Monday Through Friday vices to Hispanic and other 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM immigrants and refugees: ESL We are located in the historic classes, Citizenship classes, Penn School on Employment services, Case East 10th & Ash Streets in Management, Interpretation & Downtown Erie Translation for various lan- guages, Immigration services, 814.455.0212 Drug & Alcohol prevention, www.multiculturalcrc.org Daycare and Pre-K classes. Student council raises funds for new Vatican fl ag at Blessed Sacrament ERIE – Student council mem- bers at Blessed Sacrament School in Erie recently organized two fundraisers to raise money to pur- chase a new papal flag for church altar. Students sold candy cane-grams during the Christmas season and Valentine’s Day grams. Students could purchase the candy grams for 25 cents and have the card sent to another student or teacher. Msgr. Dan Magraw, pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, dedicat- Venango Catholic captures KSAC crown ed the flag at the school Mass Feb. 25. OIL CITY – The Venango Pictured with Msgr. Magraw are Catholic boys basketball team (left to right) student council offi- finished the season with a 23-1 cers Thomas Rosenthal, Benjamin record, including going unde- Bruno and Sara Gromacki. Miss- feated during the regular season. ing from the photo is Leah Ap- The Vikings captured the plebee. 2010-11 KSAC championship with a 65-61 win over Union Feb. 19. “I’m really proud of the kids,” Shenango Valley forms new school board, holds meetings Venango Catholic head coach Ed McIntyre said. “They have The board of the Shenango worked awfully hard, and (win- Valley Catholic School System ning the title) is good for them held its first several meetings re- and it’s good for the school. I’m cently. Its initial task is to review just really happy how it turned per game. Rynd also became Ve- ball team to go unbeaten in the all the important considerations out.” nango Catholic’s all-time leading regular season since 1996. The in establishing the new system Maxx Rynd (holding KSAC scoring with 1,749 points. top-seeded Vikings fell to North and making recommendations to plaque) was the leading scorer in Venango Catholic was just Clarion 72-70 on Feb. 26 in their the Diocese of Erie and Bishop District 9 at more than 25 points the fifth District 9 boys basket- playoff matchup. Donald Trautman as the system is established. Pictured left to right are school board members: (sitting) Father Immaculate Conception students attend Chorus Fest Glenn Whitman, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Sharon; Msgr. CLARION – Seven students Robert Malene, pastor of Church from Immaculate Conception of the Good Shepherd, West School in Clarion, under the guid- Middlesex and chair of the board; ance of their music teacher, Bon- Father Jeff ery Noble, pastor of nie Champion, recently partici- Notre Dame Parish, Hermitage; pated in the Chorus Fest hosted Father Daniel Kresinski, pastor by Purchase Line High School in of St. Adalbert Parish, Farrell The Diocese of Erie, along The new school will be housed at Commodore, Pa. and St. Anthony Parish, Sha- with parishes and schools in the the current Notre Dame School. This year’s guest conductor ron; (standing) Father Nicholas Shenango Valley, recently an- Students in grades 6 through 8 at was Joy Hess, a teacher at Pine Rouch, Vicar for Education; Pa- nounced several changes that St. Joseph and Notre Dame, along Richland S.D. in Gibsonia, Pa. tricia McLaughlin, director of will lead to the regionalization of with students at Msgr. Geno Mon- Participation in this year’s the Catholic Schools Office; Dr. Catholic schools in the area. Stu- ti School in Farrell, will attend the event totaled 224 students from Kelleen Bonomo; Robert Wil- dents in preschool through grade new Kennedy Catholic Middle 32 school districts. son; John Hudson; Judge Fran- 5 at St. Joseph School in Sharon School, which will be housed in a Pictured from left to right are cis Fornelli; William Kerins; and and Notre Dame School in Heri- separate wing at Kennedy Catho- Immaculate Conception students man, Catherine Buchanan, Ales- Laryssa Bauer and Zakary Bau- Patricia Cindric tage will attend the new Blessed lic High School’s campus in Her- Daniel Stewart Phylicia Hock- . Missing from , sandra Troese, Courtney Reiner, er. the photo is Atty. Jessica Smith. John Paul II Elementary School. mitage.

Cathedral Prep’s JROTC reaches out to soldiers overseas St. Anthony Women’s Guild hosts Day of Refl ection ERIE – Cathedral Prep’s Air Force JROTC has made it one of TIONESTA – The Women’s its priorities to not forget our sol- Guild of St. Anthony Parish in diers overseas. Tionesta hosted a Day of Reflec- ROTC has been engaged in a tion on March 12. letter-writing campaign for sol- Sister Clare Marie Beichner, diers, sailors, marines and airmen SSJ, and Sister Marian Wehler, stationed overseas in hostile fire OSB, of Catholic Rural Ministry areas. Earlier in the year, ROTC in the Oil City Deanery, were the mailed out a number of letters. spiritual presenters. Cadets recently assembled care The 35 women in attendance packages for some of these de- were from St. John Parish in Tidi- ployed heroes. Under the direc- oute, St. Anthony Parish in Tion- tion of Cadet Austin George and esta and guests from the commu- with financial assistance from the nity of Tionesta. American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary orga- nizations from American Legion Post 571 in Wesleyville, 20 pack- were dispersed in the packages. Post Office to mail their packag- ages were sent out on March 16. Pictured left to right are Cathe- es. Several of the theology classes dral Prep seniors Patrick Cooper, took time to write letters which Joe West, Austin George, Geoff were included with the packages Novakowski, Zack Kuhn and themselves. John Wagner on their way to the The majority of the packages undergraduate were sent in care of a single point open of contact who is a member of the Fairview-based medical com- STUMP GRINDING pany of the Army Reserve that by Ken Eaton was activated this past fall and is Back yards - tight spots - No problem now serving overseas. Along with Free estimates, Insured, Shrubs and HOUSE necessities, more than 350 letters small trees removed, Prompt service Ken (814) 474-2195 or (814) 397-0384 LICENSE PA 056587 sunday PROXIMO TRAVEL 2011 april10 Holy Land: April 7-17 / April 25-May 5 / May 16-26... France / Spain/Portugal: May 14-26 / June 30-July12... Visit this April and Italy Regular: May 14-22 Italy South: Sept. 10-22... Italy / Holy Land: May 9-22... see everything Italy / Switzerland: April 2-14 / April 30-May2... Gannon has to offer! Ireland / Scotland: May 14-26 / July 9-21 / Sept. 3-15... Lourdes / Fatima / Medjugorje: May 4-15 / Sept. 3-14... Tuscany: June 30-July 10 / Sept. 8-18... $2,999 Air fare from 9-day trip: All- included anywhere $3,390 CFCA President Bob Hentzen, 74, is walking Inclusive on all in the 13-day trip: trips USA 8,000 miles through 12 countries in Latin America ($3,990) to shed light on poverty. Graduate *Trips to Italy/Holy Land 2011: $4,490 Help him reach his goal to find sponsors Anthony Nachef, PhD (Theology) Owner for 8,000 children in need! Toll free: 1-877-994-8259 open house To sponsor a child, call 800.875.6564 or visit 508-340-9370 Sunday, April 3 www.hopeforafamily.org/kids. [email protected] web:www.Proximotravel.com CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN AND AGING GANNON.EDU/OPENHOUSE