Testimony Teacher of Poignant the Year moments, DCC’s Kathleen some surprises Kunkle receives in new film recognition from about late Wal-Mart, page 4. pope, page 2.

www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWS BULLETIN OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE November 2, 2008 Church Calendar Events of the local, American and universal church Catholic schools see enrollment challenges for ’08-’09 Catholic school enrollment in the Erie Diocese Feast days Decline stems U.S. Catholic School Enrollment In more recent years, the decrease in student Elementary Secondary Total Percent enrollment is seen primarily in elementary schools. from a number and middle decline from ENROLLMENT in millions schools previous year 1.91 of factors, 1.84 1.78 5.25 1.73 elementary 1.68 2005-06 7,282 2,535 9,817 n/a officials say 2006-07 6,768 2,472 9,240 -5.9% .65 .64 .64 .64 .64 2007-08 6,188 2,579 8,767 -5.1% By Jason Koshinskie 4.37 secondary FaithLife editor 2008-09 5,819 2,433 8,252 -5.9% 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Enrollment in the Erie Di- SCHOOL YEAR ENDING 6RXUFH(ULH'LRFHVH¶V2I¿FHRI(GXFDWLRQ

ocese’s Catholic schools fell 3.14 St. Martin St. Frances 5.9 percent for the 2008-09 „Sacred Heart School, Erie, and St. Titus School, Titusville, closed after 2006-07 school year de Porres Xavier Cabrini school year, a decline of 515 2.59 2.65 „St. Andrew School, Erie, closed after 2005-06 school year total students from 2007-08. 2.32 For 2007-08, dioceses „St. Michael School, Fryburg, closed after 2004-05 Nov. 1 All Saints across Pennsylvania reported 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2007 Nov. 2 All Souls an average decline of 6.0 per- Source: United States Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools a number of reasons as to less social pressure for Catholic Nov. 3 St. Martin de Porres cent (see chart on page 3). The Annual Statistical Report on Schools,. Enrollment and Staffi ng, NCEA 2003-2007 ©2008 CNS With 8,252 students en- why that is the case.” families to enroll their children in Nov. 4 St. Charles Borromeo rolled in Catholic elemen- First, Father Rouch said, Catholic schools than there used Nov. 10 St. Leo the Great tary, middle and secondary Father Nicholas Rouch, the Pennsylvania. is parents need to come up to be,” he said. “Where that’s Nov. 11 St. Martin of Tours schools for the current aca- diocese’s vicar for education, “We’re noting a decline with tuition dollars in the coming from, that’s tough to get Nov. 12 St. Josaphat demic year, officials from the and Ron Fronzaglia, special in enrollments in non-public midst of a nationwide eco- at. But enrolling their children in diocese’s Catholic Schools assistant to the vicar for edu- schools throughout Pennsyl- nomic slowdown. Catholic schools doesn’t seem to Nov. 13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Office say a number of fac- cation, attribute the decline vania, and certainly our di- Second, he said there are be a given in as many families as Nov. 15 St. Albert the Great tors have contributed to the in students partly to changing ocesan schools are following a number of cultural fac- formerly was the case.” steady decrease in enrollment demographics and a decline that trend,” Father Rouch tors at play. numbers. in population in northwestern said. “I think we can put forth “There seems to be See ENROLLMENT, page 3 North American Forum on the Catechumenate – Nov. 6-8 The North American Forum on the Catechume- Vatican prepares three alternative endings for dismissal at Mass nate will hold an international conference in Cleve- land Nov. 6-8. The Forum is a worldwide network By John Thavis „“Ite in pace, glorificando vita of pastoral minis- Catholic News Service vestra Dominum” (Go in peace, glo- ters, liturgists, cat- rifying the Lord by your life). echists and theo- VATICAN CITY — The Vatican „“Ite in pace” (Go in peace). logians “dedicated has prepared three alternative endings The idea for alternative words at to making a fully for the words of dismissal at Mass, to the end of Mass was raised at the implemented Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults emphasize the missionary spirit of 2005 Synod of Bishops on the Eu- (RCIA) a reality for all.” the liturgy. charist. Many bishops wanted the The agenda includes talks on rediscovering the Pope Benedict XVI pper- final wwords to reflect a more church’s identity as an apprenticing community, ex- sonally chose the threee explexpliciti connection between ploring the substance of the faith we hand on and options from suggestions MMassa and the church’s mis- experiencing the ancient and new role of liturgical presented to him after a ssionio of evangelization in catechesis in making Christians. two-year study, Cardi- tthehe world. Anyone interested in attending can contact Sister nal Francis Arinze told Cardinal Arinze Nancy Fischer, SSJ, director of community forma- the Synod of Bishops in sasaid the concern was that, tion and lay minister training for the Erie Diocese at mid-October. fforo many Catholics, the 814.824.1217. For more information on the forum, The Vatican newspa-a- prepresent words of dismissal visit www.naforum.org. per, L’Osservatore Romanoo, sounsounded like “The Mass is published an interview ended, go and rest.” Theology on Tap – Nov. 6 Oct. 17 with Cardinal The cardinal said Arinze, head of the his congregation un- “Ite, missa est,” which has not been He asked for the study on moving the Erin Landini-Grogan, di- Congregation for Di- dertook a wide con- abolished, Cardinal Arinze said. sign of peace from a moment just be- rector of Parish Social Min- vine Worship and the Cardinal Francis Arinze sultation and came The cardinal said the congregation fore Communion to another time in istry and Respect Life for the Sacraments. up with 72 different still was studying another suggestion the liturgy. Erie Diocese, will explore the He said along with “Ite, missa est,” possible alternative phrases. Of these, made during the 2005 synod, that of Cardinal Arinze said that, after teaching of St. Paul and how the Latin phrase now translated as the congregation chose nine and pre- moving the sign of peace to a differ- consultation, the congregation had it relates to serving our neigh- “The Mass is ended, go in peace,” the sented them to the pope, who chose ent part of the Mass. written to bishops’ conferences ask- bors in today’s world during new options are: the final three. In 2005, the pope said the sign of ing their preference between leaving a Theology on Tap session „“Ite ad Evangelium Domini The three alternatives were pub- peace had great value, but should be the sign of peace where it is now and Thurs., Nov. 6 at The Brew- annuntiandum” (Go and announce lished in October in the latest edition done with “restraint” so that it does erie at Union Station in downtown Erie beginning the Gospel of the Lord). of the , along with not become a distraction during Mass. See MASS DISMISSAL, page 3 at 7 p.m. Check out the complete Theology on Tap schedule at www.ErieRCD.org. Politics, liturgy, priorities to be Faith offers a focus of bishops’ fall meeting prescription for peace By Nancy Frazier O’Brien meeting. First to come before the bishops What happens when faith and medicine meet? A Catholic News Service will be a 700-page translation of the proper surgeon, an internist, a chaplain and a family phy- prayers for Sundays and feast days during WASHINGTON — Meeting less than a the liturgical year, which was rejected at the sician at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie share a week after the election of a new U.S. presi- June USCCB meeting in Orlando, Fla., and conversation on this topic in the Nov/Dec 2008 is- Diocesan churches with a St. Paul connection dent, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bish- in subsequent mail balloting. sue of maga- „St. Paul Parish, Erie Faith ops will discuss “the practical and pastoral The rejected translation, in the works for zine, scheduled to „Ss. Peter and Paul Mission, Grassflat implications of political support for abor- more than two years, was the second of 12 „Ss. Peter and Paul Mission, Hawk Run tion.” sections of the Roman Missal translation arrive in homes of „Ss. Peter and Paul Oratory, Pettis But the agenda for the Nov. 10-13 USCCB project that will come before the bishops the Erie Diocese fall general assembly at the Baltimore Mar- through at least 2010. In commemoration of during the first riott Waterfront Hotel also will focus on a The translation had come from the In- week of Novem- the 2,000th anniversary of wide range of other issues, including such ternational Commission on English in the St. Paul’s birth, Pope Bene- frequent topics as li- Liturgy, known as ICEL, but at the Orlando ber. dict XVI has dedicated a ju- turgical translations meeting many bishops expressed frustration Also on tap: a bilee year to the apostle that and priorities for the that recommendations they had submitted feature on the in- will run until June 29, 2009. work of the bishops’ to ICEL to clarify the sentence structure or For events and resources for conference itself. revise archaic language had been rejected. augural season the Year of St. Paul in the The agenda item The Vatican recently gave its approval to of the Spartans Erie Diocese, visit www.Eri- on politics and abor- the first section, a translation of the main football team eRCD.org. tion was added after constant parts of the Mass — the peniten- at Harborcreek comments on abor- U.S. bishops fall tial rite, Gloria, creed, eucharistic prayers, Youth Ser- tion by two Catholic general assembly, eucharistic acclamations, Our Father and politicians — House Nov. 10-13 in other prayers and responses used daily. That vices; as you Speaker Nancy Pelo- Baltimore section had been approved by the U.S. bish- might imagine, Clergy si of California and ops in June 2006. it’s been both a Democratic vice-presidential nominee Sen. Also coming up for a vote are the revised Joseph Biden of Delaware — during sepa- Grail Psalter for use in the United States challenge and an inspiration. Father Joe Krupp appointments rate appearances on “Meet the Press” drew and the Order for the Blessing of a Child in talks about how to keep a sense of sanity and spiritu- responses from the chairmen of the bishops’ the Womb. ality during the Christmas season and Father Mark The Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, STD, doctrine and pro-life committees. A translation of the eucharistic prayers SSL, Bishop of Erie, announces the following It is unclear whether the bishops’ discus- for Masses with children also had been slat- O’Hern, pastor of St. Brigid Parish in Meadville, clergy appointments: sion was expected to focus on or result in ed to come before the bishops, but Bishop reveals thoughts about what it’s been like to serve a document. Some of the discussion also Arthur Serratelli of Paterson, N.J., chair- as a priest after spending ten years as an engineer. Msgr. Bruce Allison , appointed pastor of could take place behind closed doors, since man of the Committee on Divine Worship, If you are registered in a parish and do not re- St. Julia Parish, Erie, for a term of six years. only parts of the meeting’s first two days are said in a Sept. 29 letter to his fellow bish- Effective November 3, 2008. open to the media. The rest of the meeting ops that the Vatican “intends to remove” ceive your complimentary copy of Faith magazine, will be breakout sessions, executive sessions that section from the Roman Missal and to contact Brenda Williams, circulation manager, at Father Raymond Hahn, appointed pastor of and time for prayer and reflection. “publish a separate text at a later time.” 814.824.1168 or [email protected]. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Erie, for a Consideration of several sections of the “I am withdrawing the action item ... term of six years. Effective November 3, 2008. English translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal will take up much of the See U.S. BISHOPS, page 3 By the Way... from Catholic News Service Jillian Dunn, a senior at Villa Maria IN THE U.S. non-Hispanic white women, 22 percent by for the Works of Religion. He pointed out Academy in Erie, is inviting the 29 parishes Hispanic women and 8 percent by women that the bank’s exposure is limited because in the Erie area to join her Journey to the „A new ad hoc committee of the U.S. of races other than white or black, the report it does not operate as a lending institution, Cross project for Lent 2009. Similar to the Conference of Catholic Bishops will said. and its investments Go Fish and Leap Frog art projects in the work to raise awareness of the “unique have always been con- Erie area, Dunn, with support from the Erie beauty of the vocation of marriage” U.S. Abortion Rates by Group servative. In particular, Diocese’s Office of Education, is looking and the many threats it faces today, according he said, the bank has for a sponsor at each parish to sponsor cover to its chairman. Joseph Kurtz of Number of abortions per 1,000 women avoided investing in the $100 donation for a wooden cross to be Louisville, Ky., said Car- BLACK “derivatives,” a type of painted by the parish or VMA students. The dinal Francis George of 59 higher-risk investment crosses will be placed in front of churches 55 Jason Koshinskie Chicago, USCCB presi- 50 that is blamed for caus- during the Lenten season. All proceeds dent, asked him to chair ing much of the current from the project will benefit youth minis- HISPANIC the committee, whose 35 crisis. Instead, Caloia try efforts in the diocese. For more information, contact Dunn at 31 work is being funded 28 said, the Vatican bank has made “clear, [email protected]. by the Knights of Co- WHITE, simple and ethically based” investments, Beloved Disciple Parish in Grove City will formally dedicate a NON-HISPANIC 15 lumbus. In addition to 12 avoiding speculation and staying away from new wing at its church—the Beloved Disciple Pastoral Center—on its educational compo- 11 companies tied to things like exploitation of Saturday, Nov. 15. It includes parish offices and a faith formation nent, the committee’s 1994 1999 2004 children or the arms trade. center. Bishop Donald Trautman will celebrate the Mass. work will involve pub- tåHVSFTSPVOEFEUPXIPMFOVNCFS The building has nine classrooms, a library dedicated for adult lic policy advocacy ef- Archbishop 4PVSDF(VUUNBDIFS*OTUJUVUF ©2008 CNS PEOPLE OF FAITH catechesis, eight offices for staff members, two vestibules, a work- forts against moves to Joseph Kurtz room and a kitchenette. There is also an open-air courtyard in the redefine marriage through legislatures or the AROUND THE WORLD „Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins, for- middle of the building space. courts. Archbishop Kurtz said precise details mer prefect of the Vatican’s Congrega- The church and worship space, completed in 2006, were the first about the committee’s strategies, whether its „A British government agency has tion for Saints’ Causes, encouraged those parts of the parish to relocate to the new property on Route 208 be- membership will be expanded and how long told a Catholic adoption agency it present at the beatification of the parents of tween Grove City and I-79. Plans called for new offices, a religious its work will continue remain to be deter- cannot change its constitution in order St. Therese of Lisieux to thank God for their education complex and social hall to follow. mined by its members, who have only held to turn away same-sex couples as potential own parents. “Receiving life is a wonderful More than 650 families are members of the parish, which has one conference call thus far. The archbishop adopters and foster parents. The Catholic thing. But it is also become the home parish for students attending Grove City also chairs the USCCB Subcommittee on Children’s Society of the Archdiocese of still more ad- College, according to Father Mark Hoffman, pastor of Beloved Marriage and Family Life. Westminster, England, whose president is mirable for us Disciple. Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor of that our par- The Runnin’ Revs are ready to hit the hardwood again. A bas- „A leading black Catholic bishop Westminster, wanted to change its charitable ents should ketball team of priests, deacons and seminarians — dubbed the called on African-Americans to “de- charter so it could be exempt from the Sexual have led us Runnin’ Revs — with the goal of promoting priestly vocations in fend our community” against an abor- Orientation Regulations, which take effect to the church, the Erie Diocese, is scheduled to play several parochial CYO teams tion industry that he said is performing Jan. 1. In June the society had applied to the which alone of high school students. Each game will be followed by prayer, a abortions on minority women at a dispropor- government’s Charity Commission, which is capable presentation on the priesthood and sharing of vocation stories by tionate rate. Auxiliary Bishop Martin Holley regulates registered charities in England and of forming the priests themselves. The first game in the series is scheduled for of Washington, who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Wales, for permission to change its constitu- Christians. Sunday, Nov. 16 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Erie at 3 Subcommittee on African-American Affairs tion, but was informed in an Oct. 9 letter that No one can p.m. and serves on their Committee on Pro-Life its application was unsuccessful. become a Catholic Rural Ministry will be starting a Rainbows program Activities, was commenting on a report by Christian by in the diocese’s Oil City Deanery for children who are suffering the New York-based Guttmacher Institute „The Vatican bank’s assets have not himself,” the St. Therese of Lisieux from loss through death, divorce, separation or other painful transi- on abortion trends between 1974 and 2004. been threatened by the global finan- cardinal said at tion in their family. The ministry is looking for program facilitators The report found that although abortion rates cial crisis, largely because it has avoided the Oct. 19 beatification Mass for Louis and age 21 or older who will work with a group of about five children. for all racial and ethnic groups had declined speculative investments, said a top official of Marie Zelie Guerin Martin in St. Therese Immaculate Conception Parish in Clarion will host a facilitator between 1989 and 2004, the rates now range the bank. “Our goal of not allowing a loss Basilica. Marie Zelie Guerin married Louis training day on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 6-9 p.m. For more infor- from 11 per 1,000 non-Hispanic women to of capital to the religious institutions that Martin, a watchmaker and jeweler, in 1858. mation or to register, contact Vickie Ferringer at 814.226.8431. 28 per 1,000 Hispanic women and 50 per entrust us with their resources remains fully She died of cancer in 1877, at the age of 46, 1,000 black women. In 2004, 37 percent of achieved today,” said Angelo Caloia. Caloia after giving birth to nine children. Four of the Jason Koshinskie is editor of FaithLife. Contact him at JKoshinskie@ all abortions performed in the United States is president of a supervisory council of the Martins’ children died in infancy. The five ErieRCD.org or 814.824.1171. were obtained by black women, 34 percent by Vatican bank, known officially as the Institute who survived all entered religious life. Poignant moments, some surprises Synod message says in new film about late pope each Catholic should By John Thavis Vatican sources said the pope own—and use—Bible Catholic News Service may have been superficially By Cindy Wooden is love, then one who has read wounded in the attack. Ex-secretary prays Pope Catholic News Service and prayed over the word must VATICAN CITY — Pope John The 90-minute film, narrated incarnate love. It must lead to Paul II was lightly wounded by a in English by the actor Michael John Paul II will become VATICAN CITY — Devotion communion, solidarity and dia- knife-wielding priest in Portugal York but dubbed in Italian for to the word of God must lead logue.” in 1982, one year after a gun- the Vatican screening, used ac- saint in his lifetime Catholics to prayer, concrete acts In their message, the bishops man tried to kill him in St. Peter’s tors to depict scenes from the of charity, unity with other Chris- explained the various forms the Square, accord- By Carol Glatz tians and dialogue with all people word of God has taken: the spo- ing to one of the Catholic News Service of good will, said the world Syn- ken word that created the uni- late pope’s closest od of Bishops. verse and can still be seen in na- aides. VATICAN CITY -- On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the election In their final message to the ture; the Bible, the record of the The disclo- of Pope John Paul II, the late pope’s longtime secretary prayed the pope world’s Catholics, the 253 mem- history of salvation written under sure came in a would be made a saint in his lifetime. bers of the synod said each the inspiration of the Holy Spirit; biographical film Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow told reporters Oct. 15 that Catholic should have a copy of and Jesus Christ, the word made screened for the the world, but especially his city, was “still waiting for a saint.” the Bible, read it and pray with it flesh. first time at the “This is our great desire, and for that we pray regularly. “Therefore, the word of God Vatican on Oct. and we hope it will happen during our lifetime,” the “Every home 16, the 30th an- 69-year-old cardinal said. should have its niversary of Pope The cardinal spoke during a Vatican press own Bible and John Paul II’s conference presenting a new ¿lm, “Testimony,” that safeguard it in election. Pope premiered Oct. 16, the anniversary of Pope John a visible and Benedict XVI Paul’s election. The ¿lm is based on the cardinal’s dignified way, and many of the book, “A Life With Karol,” about Pope John Paul and to read it and world’s bishops were in atten- pope’s life along with historical the cardinal’s 39 years as his personal secretary. to pray with dance. video footage and still photo- Cardinal Dziwisz recalled that day in 1978 when it,” said the Titled “Testimony,” the film graphs. he was standing among the throngs of pilgrims in Cardinal synod’s mes- is based on a book of memoirs Cardinal Dziwisz recounted St. Peter’s Square near one of the fountains and the Stanislaw Dziwisz sage, released by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz how he and aides would spirit name of the new pope was announced. Oct. 24. of Krakow, Poland, who was the the pope out of the Vatican on “When I heard his name, certainly my heart started beating faster, all And, like Je- late pope’s personal secretary for secret outings to the mountains my nerves” were pulsating during this “psychologically intense moment,” sus who came to proclaim hope precedes and goes beyond the 39 years, until the pope’s death in near Rome, sometimes hiding he said. and salvation, “the Christian Bible,” the synod members said, 2005. the pontiff behind an opened After serving the pope for 12 years when Cardinal Karol Wojtyla was has the mission to announce this so true devotion to the word of In the film, Cardinal Dziwisz newspaper in the back of a car. head of the Krakow Archdiocese and then for all 27 years of his papacy, divine word of hope by sharing God excludes a fundamentalist recalled that the pope went to the In one of the most dramatic Cardinal Dziwisz said Pope John Paul was like a father to him. with the poor and the suffering, reading of the Scriptures. Marian sanctuary of Fatima, Por- re-enactments in the film, the “I helped him for many years,” the cardinal said, noting that he now through the witness of faith in Fundamentalism “does not tugal, in 1982 to thank Mary for pope performs an exorcism on awaits help every time he prays to the late pope for encouragement. the kingdom of truth and life, of recognize that this word (of saving his life in the 1981 shoot- a woman brought to him thrash- He said he hopes and believes Pope John Paul’s sainthood “will hap- holiness and grace, of justice, and God) expresses itself in the Bible ing. During an evening ceremony, ing and screaming. Cardinal pen at the right moment.” love and peace,” the synod said. according to a human language a priest carrying a large knife Dziwisz said the woman was “Canonization doesn’t create a saint, it is only recognition” that he is a “Authentic hearing is obeying that must be decoded, studied lunged toward the pontiff. possessed, and only when the saint, he said. and acting. It means making jus- and understood,” said the synod At the time, Vatican officials pope told her he would celebrate Msgr. Slawomir Oder, the priest in charge of promoting Pope John tice and love blossom in life,” the message. said the pope was unharmed and a Mass for her did she suddenly Paul’s cause, told reporters in Rome Oct. 13 that the cause was proceed- message said. Auxiliary Bishop Santiago was only informed about the inci- become calm. ing “with seriousness and rigor.” It is not enough to explain the Silva Retamales of Valparaiso, dent the next day. Some of the film’s most poi- He said Pope Benedict XVI told him many times to “do it quickly, but word of God to others, the bish- Chile, vice president of the syn- In the film, Cardinal Dziwisz gnant moments came when Car- well, without irregularities.” ops said, but people must let oth- od’s message-drafting committee, said the pope was in fact able to dinal Dziwisz revealed simple ers see and experience the good- told reporters that the Bible’s im- carry on with the prayer service facts about the pope’s day-to-day the fact that homeless people were The pope would sing aloud at ness of God through the good portance flows from the fact that and the rest of his schedule in Fa- life in the Vatican: how each sleeping on the Vatican’s doorstep, least one Christmas song a day for that they do. it is “a place of encounter with tima. morning he read the prayer in- and so asked Blessed Mother Tere- several weeks, beginning Christ- Archbishop Gianfranco Rava- the Word who is Lord.” “It was only when we returned tentions that had been sent to sa to open a charity shelter inside mas Eve, he said. si, president of the Pontifical “A book cannot listen, a book to his room that I saw blood on him and placed on his kneeler, the Vatican; and how he brought For more information on the Council for Culture and principal cannot console, a book cannot his vestments,” the cardinal add- then spent a long time praying Polish traditions to the Vatican, film, visit www.testimonyfilm. drafter of the message, told re- ed. He did not elaborate, but other for them; how he was upset by especially at Christmas. com. porters that “if the word of God See SYNOD MESSAGE, page 3

Career Opportunity Available with the FaithLife Member of the Catholic Press Association. 7KHRI¿FLDOQHZVEXOOHWLQRIWKH Published bi-weekly. Owned and operated Knights of Columbus: Full time position available for a Catholic Diocese of Erie by the Bishop of Erie. CLOCK REPAIR Subscription $10/year. Catholic man with an entrepreneurial spirit, a strong work ethic, Volume 4, Issue 20 For more information, call (814) 824-1161. Burdie’s Clock Shop unquestionable honesty, and looking for a career serving Brother General Information: (814) 824-1161 7KH2I¿FHRI&RPPXQLFDWLRQVKDVEHHQ Knights and their families. Our compensation package includes Fax: (814) 824-1170 serving Catholics in the Diocese of Erie outstanding commissions, performance incentives, medical and den- VLQFH2I¿FHVDUHORFDWHGDW 238 South Main St. E-Mail: [email protected] St. Mark Catholic Center tal coverage, a noncontributory pension plan, a 401k plan, disability Editorial: (814) 824-1171 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, Pa. Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 insurance and group life. Advertising: (814) 824-1168 Periodical postage paid at Erie, Pa. (814) 398-8263 Contact: Arthur Ardire CSA FICF Postmaster: Send address changes to Phone Number: (814) 375-1205 FaithLife at St. Mark Catholic Center. “We Make House Calls” E-mail: [email protected] %riHÁ\ Catholic schools see decrease in enrollment for ’08-09 ENROLLMENT, from page 1 Feminists for Life president to speak Catholic school enrollment in Pennsylvania by diocese Thirdly, there is the overall de- in Clarion cline in northwest Pennsylvania’s 2005-06 2006-07 % change 2007-08 % change CLARION — Serrin Foster, president of population. Feminists for Life of America, will present “That seems to be hitting us Diocese Pre-K K-8 9-12 Pre-K K-8 9-12 Elem. H.S. Pre-K K-8 9-12 Elem. H.S. her renowned speech, “The Feminist Case pretty hard,” Fronzaglia said. Against Abortion,” at Clarion University’s “You combine that with the fi- Allentown 1,082 11,021 3,873 1,012 10,646 3,830 -3.4 -1.1 862 10,261 3,780 -3.6 -1.3 Carlson Library on Thurs., Nov. 20 at 7 nancial straits that many families Altoona- p.m. are experiencing today, and it’s a Johnstown 663 3,523 1,154 598 3,309 1,086 -6.1 -5.9 634 3,207 1,012 -3.1 -6.8 sacrifice for parents to send their Foster will discuss 200 years of pro-life Erie 1,255 7,282 2,535 1,840 6,768 2,472 -7.1 -2.5 1,154 6,188 2,579 -8.6 +4.3 feminism. children to parochial education.” For more information about the lecture, Principals are reporting that Greensburg 580 3,134 802 627 2,997 767 -4.4 -4.4 632 2,857 756 -4.7 -1.4 sponsored by Clarion University’s Students Serrin Foster more and more parents are letting for Life, contact Dr. Thomas Rourke at their children make a decision at Harrisburg 773 8,891 3,862 754 8,650 3,872 -2.7 +0.3 770 8,297 3,979 -4.1 +2.8 814.226.4872. a much earlier age than previous generations on where they want Philadelphia 3,669 67,418 28,540 3,799 67,219 28,443 -0.3 -0.3 3,722 61,655 27,343 -8.3 -3.9 to attend school, Father Rouch Pittsburgh 3,041 18,188 3,902 3,227 17,092 4,049 -6.0 +3.8 3,500 16,500 4,200 -3.5 +3.7 Reflection day for women said. COUDERSPORT — The Sisters of Cath- “Third and fourth graders are Scranton 1,202 8,068 2,366 1,179 7,569 2,341 -6.2 -1.1 1,078 6,399 1,861 -15.5 -20.5 olic Rural Ministry of the Bradford Dean- telling their parents where they want to go, and parents are lis- ery will host a Reflection Day for Women Total 12,265 127,525 47,034 13,036 124,250 46,860 -2.6 -0.4 12,352 115,364 45,510 -7.2 -2.9 on Nov. 15 at St. Eulalia Parish Center, 6 E. tening to them,” he said. “That’s what we’re hearing from the Maple St. in Coudersport. Total enrollment 174,559 171,110 -1.9 160,874 -6.0 field.” Sister Carolyn Gorny-Kopkowski, OSB, (statewide K-12) of the spirituality ministry of the Benedic- The Erie Diocese has seven Source: Pennsylvania Catholic Conference tine Sisters of Erie, will present “Advent high schools, two middle schools Waiting—A Time to Glory in Life” and 31 elementary schools across Erie County alone show a decline ers in our individual schools to said. “The Catholic identity of based on the book “Sparks of Advent its 13-county area in northwest of nearly 17 percent from 2002- change their thinking about how the school has to be upfront, clear, Light” by Sister Joan Chittister, OSB. Sister Carolyn Pennsylvania. Conversely, 87 03 (12,908 students) to 2016-17 to increase enrollment and finan- strong, consistent. That’s the mis- There will be time for input, discussion, Gorny-Kopkowski public school districts and five in- (10,727 projected students). cial support for their school,” sion of the school and that’s what reflection and prayer. The program begins at termediary units service the same One of the efforts the diocese Father Rouch said. “This isn’t a their children are going to experi- 10 a.m. and closes at 3 p.m. with prayer. Donation of $15 includes 13-county area. has made to stabilize Catholic quick fix; it’s a long-term initia- ence, especially at the elementary lunch and a copy of the book. The Erie Diocese isn’t alone schools has been establishing a tive.” level. That’s got to be one of the Contact Margaret French at 814.945.6245 or Sister Phyllis in experiencing population de- partnership with The Advance- Coming out of the workshops, values to help keep our parents Schleicher, OSB, at 814.544.8017 or e-mail [email protected] to cline and shifting demographics ment Counsel, an independent which will continue this year, a committed.” register by Wednesday, Nov. 12. leading to a decline in school consulting firm that specializes number of schools hired advance- Fronzaglia said the diocese enrollment. Projections from in Catholic school advancement. ment directors, a newly created is also working with area busi- the Pennsylvania Department Last year, seven Advancement position at many locations. nesses on increasing the amount World Apostolate of Fatima retreat of Education show an expected Counsel workshops for faculty Advancement Counsel was of scholarships available through CRANBERRY — The Erie Diocese’s World Apostolate of Fa- 3.5 percent decline in the total members and administrators out- also an effort to refocus on the the Pennsylvania Employment tima will sponsor its sixth annual retreat on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the number of students in all of the lined a comprehensive approach Catholic mission of the schools, Incentive Tax Credit (EITC) Pro- St. Thomas More House of Prayer in Cranberry, just outside of state’s public and non-public for the sustainability of their Fronzaglia added. gram. Each year, approximately Franklin. schools from 2008-09 to 2012- schools and their commitment to “We want to assure our parents $1.3 million in tuition assistance Check-in time starts at 8 a.m. Retreat masters Father Robert Le- 13. Numbers for projected stu- Catholic education. that their sacrifice of tuition pay- is distributed by the diocese from vis and Father David Poulson will run the pro- dents in K-12 public schools in “It really was calling our lead- ments is worth it,” Father Rouch various sources, he said. gram from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., which includes Mass, confession, lunch and dinner. The annual diocesan meeting of the World Apostolate of Fatima will be held Politics, liturgy, priorities to be after the retreat. E. William Sockey III, Vatican prepares three a trustee who works with the national shrine, will present a talk and video. alternative endings for focus of bishops’ fall meeting Anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Reservations should be made by Nov. 5. Cost dismissal at Mass U.S. BISHOPS, from page 1 is $10 per person or $15 per family living in the same household. from the agenda of the November 2008 dress on the vegetative state by Pope Lunch and dinner are available for $5 and $8, respectively, or bring MASS DISMISSAL, from page 1 meeting,” Bishop Serratelli said, add- John Paul II to an international con- a bag lunch. moving it to an earlier moment, after the prayer of ing that “the texts will be addressed at gress and a 2007 response by the Vati- For more information or to make reservations, please call the faithful. a later time to be determined” by the can Congregation for the Doctrine of 814.474.2753. He said the responses from bishops’ conferences Congregation for Divine Worship and the Faith on questions raised by the were expected to be in by the end of October, and the Sacraments. USCCB on artificial nutrition and hy- Second annual patriotic rosary in the question would then be presented to the pope for Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, dration. a final decision. Ariz., USCCB vice president, will pres- The “Reflections on Covenant and Curwensville Cardinal Arinze said that in addition to its timing ent a report on the work of five task Mission” statement, which repudi- some have suggested that the sign of peace be limited forces focusing on conference priorities ates “campaigns that target Jews for CURWENSVILLE — St. Timothy Parish in Curwensville will conversion to Christianity,” has drawn sponsor its second annual patriotic rosary to honor all military and to an exchange between the Massgoer and those in — strengthening marriage, faith for- his or her immediate vicinity. He said that in some mation and sacramental practice, the criticism from Cardinal Avery Dulles veterans, especially World War II veterans, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, as “ambiguous, if not erroneous, in its Nov. 9 at the church. churches today, the sign of peace is extended to the life and dignity of the human person, point that it becomes “almost a jamboree.” cultural diversity in the church and pro- treatment” of evangelization, mission All military and veterans are invited to attend (in uniform, if and other topics. Others have joined in possible), and are asked to arrive at 1:30 p.m. Cardinal Arinze said a third suggestion from the moting vocations to the priesthood and 2005 synod, a “eucharistic compendium,” also has religious life. that criticism in recent months. Please call 814.236.3978, 814.236.1845 or 814.236.0710 with Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, your confirmation. All faiths are welcome. made progress and is near publication. Also scheduled for the November He said the compendium would include doctrinal meeting are presentations on the “Ethi- who is beginning the second year of his notes on the Mass, as well as prayer texts, passages of cal and Religious Directives for Catho- three-year term as USCCB president, Mercyhurst Prep presents ‘Charlie papal liturgical teachings, canon law tracts and other lic Health Care Services” and on “Re- will deliver his presidential address at explanatory materials. He emphasized that the com- flections on Covenant and Mission,” a the gathering and a new USCCB sec- Brown’ musical pendium would propose ideas, not impose them. 2002 statement of the National Coun- retary will be elected to succeed Bishop ERIE — Mercyhurst Prep High School’s Performing Arts De- Cardinal Arinze said a fourth project of the wor- cil of Synagogues and the USCCB George Murry of Youngstown, Ohio. partment will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Nov. ship congregation, working together with Vatican Committee on Ecumenical and Inter- Bishop Murry was elected last year to 13-16. congregations for doctrine and clergy, was the draw- religious Affairs. complete the three-year term of Bishop The musical, based on Charles ing up of a list of homily themes that correspond to In June the bishops directed their Kicanas when the Tucson bishop was Schulz’s Charlie Brown comic strip, Sunday scriptural readings and to the church’s doc- Committee on Doctrine to begin revis- chosen as vice president. shows glimpses of favorite characters: trinal teachings. ing the ethical guidelines for Catholic Also to be elected are chairmen-elect Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Li- “This is not a matter of model homilies, but gen- health care institutions to reflect recent of the committees on National Collec- nus and Schroeder. eral indications in which, for each theme, elements church documents on medically assist- tions, Cultural Diversity in the Church, The play will be performed on Nov. are furnished to be able to develop the theme,” he ed nutrition and hydration. Doctrine, Pro-Life Activities and Com- 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16 at said. The documents include a 2004 ad- munications. 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $5 for students. The school is located at 538 E. Grandview Blvd. in Erie. Call 814.824.2063 for more information. Synod message SYNOD MESSAGE from page 2 challenge, but the Lord does,” he said. Documenting the creation of man and woman, their struggles with sin and op- pression, God’s liberating action and his gift of salvation in Jesus, “the Bible con- tains the model for the process of libera- tion,” Bishop Silva said. In Latin America and many other parts of the world, he said, the poor come together to read the Bible, and they are touched by Jesus. “They come aware of their dignity as men and women. They come to un- derstand better and act on their identity as disciples of Jesus Christ,” the bishop said. “And, little by little, the conviction and enthusiasm of being Christian leads them to a new commitment in society, bringing to it the leaven of the values of the kingdom of God.”

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1-800-507-4393 Dave Ras Amy Ras Carol Ras Jim Winarski owner office office mgr. Sisters of St. Joseph welcome 14 new associates ERIE — The Sisters of St. Jo- seph of Northwestern Pennsylva- nia welcomed 14 people into asso- ciate membership during a special liturgy held in the chapel of the Sisters’ Community Living Cen- ter on West Ridge Road in Mill- creek. The liturgy was celebrated by Father Dennis Martin, who is also an associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The new associ- ates were received by Sister Joyce Lowrey, SSJ, of the congregation leadership team, Sister Ann Ma- rie Cappello, SSJ, director of the associate program and Sister Jane DCC’s Kunkle named Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Zawacki, SSJ, associate director. DUBOIS — Kathleen Kunk- A reception followed the liturgy. le, chief administrative officer of Associates welcomed into DuBois Central Catholic Schools, membership are: (seated) Jeanne was recently named Wal-Mart’s Marie Costa, (standing, left to seph to further the reign of God. rie. “They enrich us through the Teacher of the Year for 2008. Rep- right) Mary Wright, Ted Wright, Associate candidates are required deepening of their spiritual lives resentatives from the company’s Phyllis Johnson, Judith Sin- to complete a year of prepara- and their ability to share with the distribution center in Woodland, dlinger, Kathleen Mannino, tion and instruction about the sisters in living out our mission of Pa., surprised Kunkle with a visit, Margaret Rusnak, Debbie Brasi- charism, history, spirit and spiri- unity of neighbor with neighbor certificate and a check for $1,000 li, Mary Kathleen Davis, Chris- tuality of the sisters before they and neighbor with God.” for the school. The news was an- tine Opron, Mary Ann Cox, Mi- are welcomed into the program The practice of associate mem- nounced in front of the middle chelle Brown, Ruth Carney and and asked to make their commit- bership dates back to the founding and high school students after the Walter Brown. ment. Associate commitments are of the congregation in France in weekly school Mass in the audito- SSJ associates are Christian then renewed annually. the 17th century. rium. At lunch, Kunkle was hon- women and men who choose to “Associate members are a gift There are 238 SSJ associates ored by the elementary students come together to share the nature to our congregation and to the and 124 Sisters of St. Joseph of with a cake in celebration of her and spirit of the Sisters of St. Jo- church,” said Sister Ann Ma- Northwestern Pennsylvania. award, as well as flowers and bal- loons from Student Council. Pic- tured are Kunkle (center) along Sacred Heart Parish Days net $72,000 with Wal-Mart representatives Christopher Hanlon and Sarah ERIE — Father John Detisch, Rienzi. Kunkle has been a teach- pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in er at DCC for 35 years. Erie, hands the keys over to Wil- liam Beyers of Falls Creek, Va., winner of the 2008 Ford Mus- tang Roush BlackJack Mustang Mercyhurst’s Feed the Hungry Club benefits many from the Sacred Heart Parish Day raffle. Tickets for the car ERIE — Mercyhurst Prep raffle were sold in all 50 states High School’s Feed the Hungry and four other countries. Pro- Club, now in its seventh year, ceeds from the parish days netted has developed a reputation as a $72,000, which included $60,000 labor of love group. Current stu- in profit from raffle sales. Beyers dents, graduates, past and present decided to keep the car, valued teachers and parents are welcome at $60,000, instead of taking the to participate during the second $40,000 cash option. The car is Sunday of every month to cook a limited edition with only 100 and serve a meal to the needy. made. On these designated Sundays, an average of 20 volunteers gath- er in the school cafeteria from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to prepare, cook, bake, clean up and deliver a THOMAS M. simple but healthy meal to guests CLICKETT in the Upper Room of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ on 11th MEMORIALS, INC. and Peach streets in Erie. The Sunday meal on Oct. 12 consisted of tortilla lasagna, Spanish rice, macaroni and cheese, fruit salad, corn and black bean relish, homemade cookies When Caring Matters! and a batch of sandwiches for a cyhurst Packers because we wear Contributions to Mercyhurst’s GRANITE BRONZE later meal. Guests, mostly men green, pack up the food and bring Feed the Hungry pantry such as FINAL DATE but sometimes women and chil- it in,” said Nancy Zimmerman, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, L ETTERING dren, total 40 to 100 people. club adviser and campus ministry macaroni, peanut butter and bak- COMPETITIVE PRICES To raise funds for the club, the service hour coordinator. Zimmer- ing ingredients are always wel- 814-438-7349 Rustic Forest Retreat House - For Rent group hosts two jeans days at the man directs the club with student come additions. Donations can be Allegheny Forest Ministries is offering daily and week- school during the year and relies co-presidents Andrew Staszewski brought to the school, located at end rental of our house, located in Marshburg, PA, on monetary and non-perishable and Ryan Kubiak. 538 E. Grandview Blvd. in Erie. Route 8 South adjacent to the Allegheny National Forest. Need a quiet food donations as well as supplies Union City, PA retreat, some place to get away (foil containers, trays, plates, pa- to? Ideal for youth and adult per towels, etc.). groups and families. Contact “The guests call us the Mer- us for special fall rates and information for your own personal retreat! Contact Darrell Meyers: 814-450-3697

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