'Lord, Hope & Power here I am' Tour 2009-10 Sister Pia Therese, Year-long tour for teens OCD, makes will make 13 stops solemn profession throughout diocese, as Carmelite, page 3. page 2.

www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWS BULLETIN OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE March 29, 2009 Church Calendar Destruction of embryonic stem cells immoral, unnecessary Events of the local, American and universal church Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, On March 9, President Barack Obama signed an executive order Feast days overturning limits on federal funding of embryonic stem cell re- search. The opposition of the Catholic Church to this executive order has been widely misunderstood and misrepresented, and so I would like to present to the people of the Diocese of Erie a brief rationale for the position of the United States’ bishops. Let me be very clear about the fact that the Catholic Church strongly supports stem cell research when those stem cells are ob- tained through morally acceptable methods. Consequently, the Catholic Church strongly supports the use of adult stem cells and umbilical-cord-blood stem cells in research. These have been shown to offer tremendous promise toward producing cures for spinal cord injuries, corneal damage, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, sickle cell anemia and other diseases. There is no moral objection to this kind of St. Francis of Paola St. Isidore of Seville research and therapy when it is conducted with appropriate informed consent, since it involves no harm to human beings at any stage of development. Everyone can and should support it. April 2 St. Francis of Paola (friar, On the other hand, the Catholic Church strongly opposes embry- Resources: hermit, founder of Order of onic stem cell research because it encourages the destruction of in- „ “On Embryonic Stem-Cell Minims) nocent human life in its embryonic stage, treating vulnerable human Research: A Statement of the U.S. beings as mere products to be harvested. Furthermore, recent scientific Conference of Catholic Bishops” April 4 St. Isidore of Seville developments in adult stem cell research have rendered the scientific – a seven-page policy document (archbishop, scholar, patron of need to use embryonic stem cells increasingly obsolete. All human life is from the U.S. bishops the Internet) sacred, and it can never be an acceptable moral principle to treat human Cathedral to host life as a commercial product to be harvested for research. On the medical advances being April 5 Palm Sunday In short, the Catholic Church opposes using what we believe to be im- made with adult stem cells: Chrism Mass April 9 Holy Thursday moral scientific research which destroys human embryos, research which „ “Stem-Cell Research: Finding is increasingly becoming unnecessary in the first place, since results just Cures We Can All Live With” – a April 10 Good Friday as promising are likely to be obtained through morally acceptable means 16-minute DVD using stem cells obtained from adults and from umbilical cord blood. „ “Stem Cells and Hope for April 11 Holy Saturday Tax monies should be used to promote ethically sound research that all Patients,” a parish bulletin insert persons can support. part of the bishops’ annual April 12 Easter Sunday Respect Life observance Available on the U.S. bishops’ Web site at www.usccb.org/prolife/ Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman index.shtml. Confirmation Bishop of Erie Chrism oil is schedule Villa Maria wins state championship, used in baptismal anointing, confirmation, Sacred Heart, St. Kennedy Catholic falls in title game Marys priestly and – Saturday, episcopal March 28 at 10:30 a.m. ordinations St. Mary, St. Marys and during the dedication of – Saturday, March 28 churches. The at 1:30 p.m. Confirmation classes include St. other holy oils Mary and Queen of the World, St. Marys. are used in the St. James, Erie anointing of – Thursday, April 2 at 7 the sick and for p.m. Confirmation classes include St. James, catechumens. Erie, and Mount Calvary, Erie. Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Erie – Fri- day, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. ERIE — The Chrism Mass, Donald Trautman will bless the one of the most solemn and sig- oil of catechumens (used for St. George, Erie – Saturday, April 4 at nificant liturgies on the church adult catechumens and infants) 10:30 a.m. calendar, will be celebrated on and the oil of the sick (used in Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m. at St. anointing the sick) and conse- Peter Cathedral in Erie. crate the oil of chrism (used for During the annual Mass, the sacraments of baptism, con- Lent the local bishop will bless the firmation and the ordination of For a printable Lenten calendar, visit the Erie sacred oils used for celebrating priests and for the consecration Diocese’s official Web site at www.ErieRCD.org. the sacraments throughout the of altars). Sponsored by Catholic Charities’ Office of Parish diocese for the entire year. They Many of the priests of the Social Ministry/Respect Life, the calendar provides are then brought to each parish. diocese will gather to concel- a Scripture verse, reflection and activity suggestion The Villa Maria Academy Lady Victors Since the beginning of the year, Villa Maria Also, each priest in the dio- ebrate Mass with the bishop. for each day of Lent. beat three-time defending champion York was ranked No. 1 in the state. cese is invited to attend to re- The emphasis at this Mass is The official Lenten regulations from Bishop Catholic High School 56-51 in the PIAA The Kennedy Catholic High School new his commitment of service on the sacramental ministry of Donald Trautman are available on the Web site, as Class AA state championship girls’ basket- Golden Eagles fell to Girard College 80-70 and to receive the support and the priesthood and of “the com- well. ball game March 20 at Bryce Jordan Cen- in the PIAA Class A state championship prayers of the people. munion of the priests with their ter in State College. It is the first state title boys’ basketball game March 20, also held The public is also invited to bishop in the same priesthood is Villa Maria’s history. The Lady Victors in State College. Kennedy Catholic finished attend. and ministry of Christ.” (Pas- finished the season with a record of 27-3. the season 26-3. During the Mass, Bishop chales Solemnitatis, 35). In letter, pope responds to criticisms over Lefebvrite decision the way to dialogue with the society. pay greater attention to that source of By John Thavis But when Bishop Williamson’s news,” he said. Catholic News Service comments about the Holocaust were Pope Benedict said he deeply re- circulated, “it suddenly appeared as gretted another mistake: that the lift- VATICAN CITY — In a letter to something completely different: as the ing of the excommunications was not the world’s bishops, Pope Benedict repudiation of reconciliation between adequately explained and gave rise to XVI expressed regret that his lifting Christians and Jews, and thus as the misinterpretations about the tradition- of the excommunications of four tra- reversal of what the (Second Vatican) alist society’s status in the church. ditionalist bishops gave rise to a storm Council had laid down in this regard He emphasized that the removal of of protests and bitterness. to guide the church’s path,” he said. the excommunications was a disciplin- The pope said the controversy over As a result, he said, “an avalanche ary measure that affects individuals. Bishop Richard Williamson’s state- of protests was unleashed, whose bit- But the fact that the Society of St. Pius Clergy ments denying the extent of the Holo- terness laid bare wounds deeper than X has no standing in the church de- caust was “an unforeseen mishap” — those of the present moment.” pends on doctrinal reasons, he said. appointments one that could have been anticipated, “I was saddened by the fact that He underlined what Vatican offi- however, by paying more attention to even Catholics, who, after all, might cials have said in recent weeks, that for Father Jason Glover, appointed campus min- information easily available on the In- have had a better knowledge of the the Society of St. Pius X full commu- ister at Edinboro University for a term of two ternet. situation, thought they had to attack nion implies acceptance of Vatican II. years, in addition to primary assignment at The pope said he was particularly In a letter to the world’s bishops, me with open hostility,” he said. The pope also asked whether the Gannon University. Effective March 10, 2009. saddened at the reaction of some Pope Benedict XVI said he felt deep “Precisely for this reason I thank church could be totally indifferent Catholics who seemed willing to be- pain over the “hostility and hate” all the more our Jewish friends, who about a traditionalist society that has Deacon John Mang, appointed deacon assistant lieve he was changing direction on some Catholics directed at him after quickly helped to clear up the misun- 491 priests, 215 seminarians, six semi- at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, for a term Catholic-Jewish relations and were he allowed four traditionalist bish- derstanding and to restore the atmo- naries, 88 schools, two university-level of six years. Effective April 5, 2009. Also ap- ready to “attack me with open hostil- ops, including a Holocaust denier, sphere of friendship and trust,” he institutes, 117 religious brothers, 164 pointed, along with wife Tammie, coordinator ity.” He thanked “our Jewish friends” back into the church. said. religious sisters and thousands of lay of Engagement Encounter for the diocese for a who helped clarify the matter and re- The pope acknowledged something faithful. term of six years. store a sense of trust. critics have pointed out: that a simple “Should we casually let them drift The Vatican published the 2,500- because the episode had generated “a Internet search would have revealed farther from the church?” he said. Father Mark Mastrian, appointed pastor of St. word letter in six languages March discussion more heated than any we Bishop Williamson’s views on the Timothy Parish, Curwensville, and St. Bonaven- 12. The Vatican spokesman, Jesuit have seen for a long time,” both inside Holocaust and helped the Vatican an- Editor's note: ture Parish, Grampian, for a term of six years. Father Federico Lombardi, called it and outside the church. ticipate the reaction. The complete text Effective May 22, 2009. a “unique, exceptional document” for He said his overture to Bishop Wil- “I have been told that consulting of Pope Benedict its direct and personal style, and said liamson and the other three bishops of the information available on the In- XVI's letter is Father Nicholas Rouch, appointed vicar for it showed the pope had listened care- the Society of St. Pius X was designed ternet would have made it possible available at education for the Diocese of Erie on a full-time fully to what people were saying. to close a wound and bring unity to to perceive the problem early on. I www.vatican.va. status. Effective March 12, 2009. The pope said he was taking the the church, by lifting excommunica- have learned the lesson that in the fu- unusual step of writing to the bishops tions incurred in 1988 and opening ture in the Holy See we will have to By the Way...

from Catholic News Service Several Italian dioceses have suggested that their youth fast from texting, at least on IN THE U.S. nal Egan said he thought the subject would be said. The pope said he came to Africa as a Fridays, during Lent. Studies have shown coming up for discussion by the church’s hier- pastor, not a politician, to a continent where that only in Great Britain and Spain do peo- „President Barack Obama met for archy. “I’m not so sure it wouldn’t be a good the saving message of the Gospel needs to be ple send more text messages per capita than half an hour March 17 with Chicago idea to decide (whether priests can be married) “proclaimed loud and clear.” The encounter in Italy. In February a study of teenagers in Cardinal Francis George, president of on the basis of geography and culture, not to with Christianity, he said, can transform situ- Italy’s Lombard region concluded that every the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the make an across-the-board determination,” ations of hardship or injustice. Italian ages 13-16 sends an average of 47 text White House and the USCCB announced. the cardinal said. He noted that priests in the messages a day. Brief statements issued by the White House Eastern Catholic churches are allowed to be „Government officials in Germany, Father John Detisch, pastor of Sacred and the USCCB said married with “no problem at all.” France, Spain, the Netherlands and Heart Parish in Erie, liked the idea so much little more than that the Belgium publicly criticized Pope Bene- that he’s asked his youth groups to partici- Jason Koshinskie two presidents had met „Even if all of the states in the U.S. dict XVI after newspapers reported that he pate. Beginning March 6, the youth groups for a private afternoon legalize same-sex marriage, legal ex- said the use of condoms could increase the at Sacred Heart, Blessed Sacrament and St. Andrew parishes in session in the Oval Of- perts and religious leaders at a March 13 spread of AIDS. On his March 17 flight to Cameroon, Pope Benedict had told report- Erie began fasting from text messaging on Fridays. They’ll also fice. “The president forum agreed religions will not be forced to give their fingers a rest during Holy Week, from Palm Sunday until and Cardinal George perform gay wedding ceremonies. One of ers, “One cannot overcome the problem with discussed a wide range the biggest misconceptions in the same-sex the distribution of condoms. On the contrary, Easter Sunday. of issues, including im- marriage debate is that religious clergy may they increase the problem.” The pope said Jesse Spanogle, director of youth ministry for the three groups, portant opportunities be legally required to perform wedding rites the best response to AIDS was educating reports that it hasn’t been easy, for himself included, as well. “But for the government and for gay couples in a church sanctuary, said a people in morally responsible sexual behavior I think this will help us connect in some real life relationships dur- the Catholic Church President Barack group of legal scholars, religious leaders and and caring for those who are sick. Jesuit Fa- ing the season of Lent,” Spanogle said. He noted that not all of to continue their long- Obama advocates and opponents of gay marriage at ther Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokes- the texts are idle chatter. Many of the kids send prayer requests standing partnership a discussion on the topic at the Brookings In- man, told reporters March 18 that the pope’s throughout the day. Those are now being sent on Thursdays and to tackle some of the stitution, a Washington think tank. The U.S. comments on the plane were in line with the Saturdays, unless the request is particularly important. Then they nation’s most pressing Constitution’s First Amendment protecting church’s basic position on AIDS, which has call or e-mail. challenges,” said the the free exercise of religion makes it unlikely never had “excessive or absolute trust in con- Immaculate Conception School in Clarion also has an interest- White House statement. that a church would be coerced by law into dom distribution” as a way to stop the spread ing project going on for Lent. Tina Lowrie, one of the school’s The statement from the performing same-sex wedding rites in its sanc- of the disease. The church’s approach is based secretaries, reports that one of I.C.’s visible observances of Lent USCCB said: “Cardinal tuary, said David Blankenhorn, president of largely on education toward sexual responsi- taking place throughout the middle school is “tied” to the hallway George and President the Institute for American Values. bility, the spokesman said, and overemphasis bulletin board, “We Witness For Jesus.” When a student observes Obama discussed the on condoms “does not allow for an adequate a classmate living the Gospel, he or she gives that person a purple Catholic Church in the AROUND THE WORLD concentration of attention on this formation ribbon to wear. The idea is not to collect the ribbons but pass them United States and its re- and sense of responsibility.” on to others as good deeds are being done throughout the day. lation to the new admin- Cardinal „Arriving in Africa, Pope Benedict Francis George Bishop Edward Kmiec of Buffalo made a pastoral visit to St. istration. At the conclu- XVI said the church’s message of hope PEOPLE OF FAITH Mark Seminary in Erie on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Bishop sion, Cardinal George expressed his gratitude and reconciliation was sorely needed Kmiec celebrated Mass for the seminarians, three of whom are for the meeting and his hopes that it will foster by a continent suffering disproportionately „Sulpician Father Joseph Martin, a noted authority and lecturer on alco- from the Diocese of Buffalo. fruitful dialogue for the sake of the common from poverty, conflict and disease. At a wel- Kyle Randall, a senior and member of the boys’ basketball team good,” the USCCB statement added. coming ceremony March 17 in Yaounde, the holism who co-founded Father Martin’s pope said he was making his first visit to Af- Ashley addiction treat- at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, broke the school's „The possibility the Catholic Church rica to respond to the many men and woman ment center in Havre all-time scoring record in late January. He topped John Reimold’s will allow married priests shouldn’t who “long to hear a word of hope and com- de Grace, died March 9. (1996-2000) mark of 1,621 career points. In February, Randall be dismissed, New York Cardinal Edward fort.” In Africans’ The priest, who was 84 also broke the school’s single-game scoring record by dropping 48 Egan said March 10 during a radio interview. fight against in- and suffered from heart points against Youngstown Cardinal Mooney. “It’s a perfectly legitimate discussion,” he said justice, he said, disease, died at his home Ignatius Press is set to publish “Be a Man” by Father Larry Rich- during a talk radio program in Albany hosted the church is their in Havre de Grace. Best ards, pastor of St. Joseph Parish/Bread of Life Community in Erie. by Fred Dicker. “I think it has to be looked natural ally. “In the known for his lectures The book will be released on Sept. 8, 2009, the birthday of the Blessed at.” Cardinal Egan was in the state capital face of suffering or on alcoholism as a dis- Mother. Father Larry, an in-demand speaker for parish missions and as part of a legislative lobbying visit. He also violence, poverty ease, delivered to alco- conferences, gives a number of men’s retreats throughout the country discussed various New York legislative issues or hunger, corrup- holics and their families Father each year. as well as the broader picture of the church’s tion or abuse of with a charismatic style Joseph Martin public policy on topics such as same-sex mar- power, a Christian and sense of humor, Fa- Jason Koshinskie is editor of FaithLife. Contact him at JKoshinskie@ riage and access to abortion for minors. When can never remain ther Martin was credited with saving the lives ErieRCD.org or 814.824.1171. asked about priestly celibacy by Dicker, Cardi- silent,” the pope of thousands of alcoholics and addicts.

Cleveland Diocese to 'Lord, you have called me, here I am' Eucharistic liturgy for the solemn profession have 52 fewer parishes Sister Pia Therese, and veiling. “What a great honor and privilege to be OCD, makes solemn chosen and called by Christ,” Bishop Traut- within 15 months man said in his homily. “What a glorious By Dennis Sadowski being served by one-third of the profession as Carmelite blessing to be singled out and selected for a Catholic News Service parishes. religious vocation. Bishop Lennon said 42 per- By Jason Koshinskie “Sister Pia, you are greatly loved by CLEVELAND — Come cent of the diocese’s 224 par- FaithLife editor Christ. Our secular world does not under- June 30, 2010, there will be 52 ishes are operating under finan- stand why a woman in the prime of her life fewer parishes in the Cleveland cial deficits. He also said the ERIE — Sister Pia Therese of Mary the would leave the allurements of the world and Diocese. diocese has 257 priests in active Mother of God, OCD, made her solemn enter a cloistered monastery. The world does Under a program announced ministry today compared with profession and veiling March 21 at Carmel not understand why a woman would want March 15 following a two-year 565 in 1970. of the Holy Family Monastery in Erie. to live the rest of her life behind walls. Our planning process, Bishop Rich- “Simply put, the church is Sister Pia Therese is the newest member world cannot comprehend why a woman ard Lennon being strained in its resources,” of the Carmelite Sisters, a cloistered con- would rise in the night to pray for those who said 29 par- he said. “We had to face reality templative community of sisters who reside do not pray. Our world cannot fathom why a ishes will and do something.” at the monastery, located at 510 E. Gore woman would joyfully do penance for those close and The population of the city Road in Erie. The charism, or spiritual fo- who sin and wish to do no penance. Our 41 others of Cleveland has declined from cus, of the Carmelite Order is contemplative world cannot grasp why a woman would opt prayer. The order also has a strong Marian for humble work in prayer and solitude and will merge more than 914,000 in 1950 to an Sister Pia Therese of Mary the Mother of to form 18 estimated 405,000 according to devotion. silence. The monastery chapel was filled with God, OCD, greets visitors through the grille “What would prompt a person to embrace new parish- U.S. Census Bureau estimates. at Carmel of the Holy Family Monastery in es during Following a similar trend, the family, friends and well wishers. Approxi- poverty, chastity and obedience? There is mately 20 family members and friends from Erie after her solemn profession and veiling only one answer: the love of God. When you the next 15 city’s Catholic population has March 21. The grille is designed to separate months. fallen from nearly 235,000 in Sister Pia’s former parish, St. Peter Chanel are in love, you can do anything. Love is the in Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., attended the the outside world from the contemplative essence of cloistered religious life." The re- Bishop 88 parishes to just under 90,000 prayer life of the cloistered community. alignment Richard Lennon in 65 parishes during the same Mass and ceremony. Members of the par- During the bestowal of the veil, Bishop will leave the country’s 17th period, diocesan records show. ish choir, Mary’s Voice, provided music for Trautman blessed it with holy water before largest diocese with 172 parishes Meanwhile, the Catholic popu- the liturgy. Sister Pia is also a former choir Sister Pia Therese said during her religious Mother Emmanuel Smith, superior of the serving 753,000 Catholics across lation in Cuyahoga County, member. profession. community, placed it on the head of Sister eight counties in northeastern where Cleveland is located, has “Lord, you have called me, here I am,” Bishop Donald Trautman presided at the Pia. Ohio. more than tripled from 102,000 All of the closings and merg- to 356,000 since 1950. ers affect parishes in the dio- “As a result, some of these Catholic Identification by Region cese’s urban cores — Cleveland, expanding areas have been un- Percentage of Catholics down but Akron and Lorain — and in derserved by the church, while The percent of U.S. adults identifying themselves as Catholic several inner-ring suburbs. Some areas that were previously church still largest U.S. denomination has decreased in five regions since 1990 and increased in four. mergers involve parishes within densely populated by Catholics By Chaz Muth surge in the number of Americans WEST NORTH EAST NORTH MIDDLE NEW blocks of each other. are no longer vibrant,” Bishop Catholic News Service who don’t identify with any reli- MOUNTAIN CENTRAL CENTRAL ATLANTIC ENGLAND Meeting with reporters, Lennon said. gion. 22% 23% 24% 36% 36% Bishop Lennon called the re- “The fact is, to be honest, WASHINGTON — A new sur- “As a trend, I think it’s acceler- -1% -1% -5% -5% -14% alignment “a very difficult but the church is changing,” he ex- vey shows the percentage of U.S. ating at a faster rate than any of necessary step” to carry out the plained. “At the same time this residents who identify themselves us expected,” Schneck said. “To a church’s mission in northeast really is the occasion for joy be- as Catholics has declined, but Ca- certain extent, it’s a trend we can Ohio. cause, God willing, it will allow tholicism remains the largest de- expect to continue to see happen. He cited the movement of us to build a stronger church nomination in the country. The erosion most noticeable is Catholics from urban to outlying to make better use of our re- Trinity College of Hartford, with young people.” suburban and rural areas of the sources to achieve vibrancy for Conn., released its third American The percentage of Americans diocese, the declining number of every parish throughout our Religious Identification Survey who claimed no religion has REGIONREGION priests in the diocese and falter- diocese.” March 9. The survey also found jumped from 8.2 in 1990, the year percentpercent oof Catholics ing parish finances as reasons for The realignment will allow that the U.S. Catholic popula- of the first American Religious change sincesi 1990 the realignment. He said popula- the Catholic Church to “con- tion has shifted away from the Identification Survey, to 14.2 in tion shifts have resulted in two- tinue to be present where we’re Northeast toward the Southwest, 2001, the year of the second one, thirds of Catholics in the diocese really needed,” he added. the percentage of Latinos in the to 15 in 2008, according to the WEST SOUTH EAST SOUTH SOUTH PACIFIC CENTRAL CENTRAL ATLANTIC U.S. Catholic Church has grown third survey, which was conducted 32% 27% 9% 17% and the number of U.S. residents by Trinity’s Program on Public +5% +4% +2% +3% claiming no religion has increased Values between February and FaithLife Member of the Catholic Press Association. dramatically. November 2008. Surveyors ques- Published bi-weekly. Owned and operated 7KHRI¿FLDOQHZVEXOOHWLQRIWKH tioned 54,461 U.S. adults in the 48 Catholics Total Christians Catholic Diocese of Erie by the Bishop of Erie. Most of the Christian popula- The percent Subscription $10/year. tion growth came from people contiguous states by telephone. of U.S. adults Volume 5, Issue 6 For more information, call (814) 824-1161. who identify themselves only as The research methodology was identifying 1990 26.2% 86.2% General Information: (814) 824-1161 7KH2I¿FHRI&RPPXQLFDWLRQVKDVEHHQ Christian, evangelical/born again, identical to that used for the 1990 themselves with serving Catholics in the Diocese of Erie Fax: (814) 824-1170 or nondenominational Christian. and 2001 surveys and questioned 24.5% 76.7% VLQFH2I¿FHVDUHORFDWHGDW any Christian 2001 Stephen Schneck, director of the adults in either English or E-Mail: [email protected] St. Mark Catholic Center belief is on the Editorial: (814) 824-1171 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, Pa. the Life Cycle Institute at The Spanish. The margin of error was 2008 25.1% 76.0% Advertising: (814) 824-1168 Periodical postage paid at Erie, Pa. Catholic University of America in less than 0.5 percent. decline. Postmaster: Send address changes to Washington, told Catholic News The percentage of Christians in Results based on 220,000 interviews recorded over three surveys. FaithLife at St. Mark Catholic Center. Service March 10 the biggest sur- the U.S. dropped from 86.2 in 1990 Source: Trinity College (American Religious Identification Survey) prise in the survey for him was the to 76.7 in 2001 to 76 in 2008. ©2009 CNS %ULHÁ\ Hope & Power Tour Catholic Services Appeal parish projects The 2009 Catholic Services Appeal, “Of 2009-10 One Heart and Mind,” supports the Erie Di- ocese in helping to provide heath and social Year-long tour for teens will make services, education, diocesan administra- tion and pastoral services throughout the 13 13 stops throughout diocese counties of northwestern Pennsylvania. While a portion of the financial goal for By Jason Koshinskie are, a little break and try some- the appeal benefits the ministries of the dio- FaithLife editor thing new,” said Father Steve cese, parishes also benefit from the appeal. Schreiber, the diocese’s director Each parish is assessed a financial goal. Once The Erie Diocese’s Youth and of Youth and Young Adult Min- a parish reaches its assessment, every dollar Young Adult Ministry is bring- istry. Instead of larger rallies, Fa- pledged over that amount stays within the parish for local projects. ing Hope & Power to a parish ther Schreiber said he envisions Here’s a look at what some parishes are doing with their CSA near you. having regional retreats and overage funds: The ministry will sponsor a gatherings. year-long tour for teens through- The idea of having events for DuBois Deanery out the diocese, with monthly teens in different areas turned Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sykesville – stops hitting all areas. into the Hope & Power Tour. Parking lot repair* The first stop on the Hope Tour stops will have a focus on Immaculate Conception, Brookville – Pave parking lot & Power Tour is Friday, April conversion, prayer, penance and 3 at Beloved Disciple Parish in the Eucharist, he said. St. Anthony, Walston – New church carpet Grove City from 7-10 p.m. “Instead of big rallies, we’re St. Bernard, Falls Creek – Boiler for church and repair “In talking to a number of envisioning events like this and social hall roof* youth ministers, we’ve come to going out to different places St. Catherine, DuBois – General property maintenance* the conclusion that it’s time to throughout the year,” Father Ss. Cosmas and Damian, Punxsutawney – Ongoing church give the youth rallies, as they Schreiber said. renovation* St. Joseph, DuBois – Church boiler* St. Mary, Reynoldsville – No project provided* Hope & Power Tour 2009-10 St. Michael the Archangel, DuBois – Permanent stage for April 3, 2009 Beloved Disciple, Grove City 7-10 p.m. annual festival, elevator and handicapped-accessible restroom* May 13, 2009 St. Titus, Titusville 6-9 p.m. St. Tobias, Brockway – Renovate religious education June 6, 2009 St. Raphael, Eldred 7-10 p.m. center* Evenings will include ture reference comes from St. Adrian, Delancey – New church boiler July 29, 2009 St. Joseph Monastery, St. Marys 7-10 p.m. exposition and adoration Ephesians 1: “May (God) St. Dominic Mission, Sigel – Pave church driveway Aug. 15, 2009 Good Shepherd, West Middlesex 7-10 p.m. of the Blessed Sacrament, give you a spirit of wisdom St. Joseph, Anita – General parish needs Sept. 20, 2009 St. Hippolyte, Frenchtown 5-8 p.m. talks on conversion, con- and revelation … Having Oct. 17, 2009 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Erie 7-10 p.m. fession and examination the eyes of your heart en- *Parish conducted capital campaign in 2008 1RY 6W)UDQFLVRI$VVLVL&OHDU¿HOG SP of conscience, skits per- lightened, that you may Dec. 4, 2009 Blessed Sacrament, Erie 5-8 p.m. formed by local youth, know what is the hope to time for confession, praise which he has called you … Jan. 10, 2010 St. John the Baptist, Erie 6-9 p.m. and worship, Mass and fel- And what is the immeasur- April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Feb. 21, 2010 St. Boniface, Erie 6-9 p.m. lowship. able greatness of his power The Erie Diocese is committed to continuing its work to edu- March 3, 2010 St. Lawrence, Albion 6-9 p.m. The name and Scrip- in us who believe…” cate adults, children and youth about the issue of child abuse and April 11, 2010 St. Tobias, Brockway 12-3 p.m. to present strategies to help adults create and maintain safe envi- ronments and inform children and youth about best practices to keep themselves safe. The diocese requires that all adults who regularly minister to children and youth have the required background checks done Lenten activities and complete a diocesan in-service about child Study on Passion narratives of Life Community in Erie, will leave the Mount at 10 a.m. to go Family Life Office. abuse and the Diocesan Policy for the Protec- Father Tom Aleksa, senior as- present his annual Passion talk to the first station. Cars will ac- For more details, visit tion of Children. All children and youth sociate at St. Luke Parish, 421 E. on Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. company the pilgrimage for those http://home.catholicweb.com/ in parishes and schools are in-ser- 38th Street in Erie, will present in the church, located at 147 W. who cannot walk the entire route. st_george_church/ viced yearly using age-appropriate “Death of the Messiah,” a study 24th St. Eight confessors have For more information, contact programs regarding various issues session on the Passion narra- committed to hearing confessions Sister Marlene at 814.453.4724 or Journey with St. Paul of abuse prevention and Internet tives of Holy Week on Tuesday, following the talk. e-mail [email protected]. Journey with St. Paul safety. Parents receive educational March 31 from 7-9 p.m. in the St. through Lent. A Wednesday information each year from their Luke Mother’s Chapel. Father Good Friday Pilgrimage for ‘Soup, Salad and Soul’ evening program at St. Andrew, parish religious education program Aleksa will cover some basics on Peace Experience “Soup, Salad and 1116 W. Seventh St. in Erie, or Catholic school about these same the reading and interpretation of The 29th annual Good Friday Soul” throughout Lent at St. includes Mass at 5:30 p.m., a issues. More information about all of the Scriptures and a comparison Pilgrimage for Peace, a Lenten George, 5145 Peach St. in Erie. simple Lenten supper of soup these efforts can be found at the diocesan of the passion stories in the four tradition of the Benedictine Sis- Soup, salad, bread and refresh- and salad followed by a presen- Child Protection Web site, www.eriercd.org/protectyouth.htm. Gospels. Open to all ages; partici- ters of Erie, will take place on ments will be served each Tuesday tation. For each week in April and monthly thereafter, the diocesan pants should bring a Bible. Friday, April 10. evening at 6:30 p.m. in the school April 1: St. Paul and disciple- Office for the Protection of Children and Youth will provide short, The pilgrimage will begin at St. cafeteria, after which will be the ship (1, 2 Timothy, Titus) with informative bulletin announcements in an effort to increase aware- Living Stations at Gannon Peter Cathedral, West 10th and opportunity to listen to guest pre- Father Mike DeMartinis. ness of child protection issues and safe environment strategies to On Tuesday, March 31 from Sassafras streets, Erie, at 10:30 senters. April 8: St. Paul and grace combat the pervasive problem of child abuse. The office will also 8-9 p.m., Gannon University’s a.m. The procession from station March 31: Marriage with Ann (Romans, Galatians) with Fa- provide a parent handout for schools and religious education pro- Catholic faith-sharing group, Ich- to station is made in silence. Pil- Badach, director of the diocesan ther DeMartinis. grams and create a specific set of links on its Web site to provide thi, will sponsor the Living Sta- grims will proceed to each station extra information about national efforts to promote Child Abuse tions of the Cross. The stations with different themes including Prevention Month. will be written, directed and per- hunger, health care, war and vio- formed by Gannon students and lence, immigrants and others. Women’s retreat set to contemporary Christian “As we walk in silence we will and popular music. Everyone is be focused on the injustices in The Word of Life Catholic Charismatic Renewal Center is invited to attend the event at the the world today, knowing that an sponsoring a women’s retreat on April 3-5 at Family First Sports Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel, injustice to one is an injustice to Park Conference Center in Erie. “A Time of Grace: Listen, God located on Peach Street between all,” said Sister Marlene Bertke, Since 1947 Often Whispers” will be presented by Renee Marazon, author and 5th and 6th streets in Erie. OSB. consultant. Cost for the retreat is $105, with a $25 non-refundable All are invited to the tradition- deposit due at time of registration. For further information, call Passion talk al Lenten prayer of Tenebrae in 814.824.1286 or register online at www.wordoflifeccrc.org. Father Larry Richards, pas- the chapel at Mount St. Benedict tor of St. Joseph Parish/Bread Monastery at 9 a.m. Buses will All your collision needs. Gannon University spring open house Special Wash & Wax...$50 April 5 453-6185 ERIE — Prospective students can meet with faculty and administra- tors, tour the campus and even qualify for Dave Ras Amy Ras Carol Ras Jim Winarski scholarship money when owner office office mgr. Gannon University hosts its annual spring open house on Sunday, April 5. A full day of events Sunday, April 5, 2009 and activities is planned for visiting students and their families. For a complete list of activities, visit www.gannon.edu. Scott Hahn in Grove City April 19 Tours open GROVE CITY — Dr. Scott Hahn, noted Scripture scholar, au- to Italy spring thor, educator and director of the St. Paul’s Center of Biblical Theology, will speak at See the best of Customized tours for two sites on Sunday, April 19 in Grove City. Italy and the churches, clubs, seniors, Dr. Hahn will speak at Beloved Disciple Par- town of your family groups are also our specialty. ish at 4 p.m. on “Lord Have Mercy.” There family roots in HOUSE will be a dinner with Dr. Hahn at 5:30 p.m. Abruzzo, Puglia, Call 1-800-829-2201 in Grove City College’s Old MAP Dining Calabria, Sicily, email: [email protected] Room. ($55 per person, includes ticket to www.italianheritagetours.com etc. Walk along the path of your future. evening talk). Later he will speak in Craw- Doing tours for 31 years! Prospective students and parents are invited to join us ford Auditorium at Grove City College at beginning at 10:30 a.m. in Erie, Pennsylvania where you can: 7:30 p.m. ($5 per person) on “The Gospel Scott Hahn worship at a Roman Catholic Mass; meet with our dynamic According to Paul.” For more informa- faculty and staff; tour our expanding campus and vibrant tion, visit www.beloved-disciple.com or call downtown; learn about fi nancial aid options including the new 724.748.6700. Gannon Stimulus Initiative that added an additional $2.6 million to support students in these challenging economic OLP Playhouse presents Honk Jr. times; speak with an admissions representative, and much more. ERIE — The Our Lady of Peace Play- house presents the pro- duction Honk Jr. with music by George Stiles and the book and lyr- ics by Anthony Drewe, April 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and April 19 at 2 p.m. Believe in the possibilities. All performances will take place at Our Lady Visit www.gannon.edu/events or call of Peace School, 2401 W. 38th St. in Erie. 1-800-GANNON-U to reserve your spot today! DuBois Central Catholic sponsors Pink Night for breast cancer awareness DUBOIS — The Lady Car- dinal basketball team at DuBois Central Catholic High School held a Pink Night Feb. 4 for breast cancer awareness. Through sev- eral fundraising events, including the sale of raffle tickets, Recogni- tion Hearts where donors could recognize a cancer survivor, pink ribbons showing support for breast cancer research and stu- dent-pledged funds from a jeans dress-down day, the team raised $1,200 for DuBois Regional Med- St. Julia holds 11th annual sister parish fiesta ical Center Breast Cancer Servic- es. The school’s athletic depart- ERIE — “Two Families—One ment also agreed to donate half Heart” was the theme of the 11th of the game’s admission proceeds annual fiesta held at St. Julia Par- to DRMC. ish in Erie on Feb. 22 in support For their JV and varsity games of its sister parish of Santa Ines against Brookville, the girls wore games. there and see how the money they in Dzitas, Yucatan, Mexico. Fes- pink warm-up shirts that read Sandy Stom of DRMC Breast helped raise will be used. tivities included a tureen dinner, “Nothing But a Cure” and rib- Care Services spoke with the girls Pictured from left to right at the a Mexican auction and piñatas bons. Brookville players also wore the night of the game and thanked end of the row are team captains made by the parish youth group. pink ribbons on their shirts prior them for their efforts. Stom in- Kim Cadori, Meagan Thomas On each table was a large puz- to the game. vited the girls to visit the Breast and Liz Heasley, all seniors and zle piece, which had the name of a Cancer survivors were recog- Care Services section of DRMC varsity players at DCC who coor- person or village of the sister par- nized and honored prior to the to learn more about what they do dinated the Pink Night event. ish. Members of each table signed the puzzle piece, had their photo taken with it and then placed it on a large card for Father Jose, pastor OLMC student to participate in National Geographic Bee of Santa Ines. When assembled, ERIE — Emma Weisenfluh, the pieces formed the shape of a an 8th grader at Our Lady of heart. The card read, “Together Mount Carmel School in Erie, we are one heart.” Each table was has qualified to represent her then asked to keep that particular school and participate at the state person or village in their prayers level of the National Geographic throughout the year. Bee. The state bee will be held on Through donations and the Friday, April 3 at Penn State Uni- auction, approximately $300 was versity. Weisenfluh was among 10 collected for the soup kitchen at students from grades 4-8 who par- Santa Ines. Admission to the fi- ticipated at the school level bee esta required the donation of chil- on Jan. 13. As the winner of that dren’s T-shirts. Nearly 100 were level, she took a written test that collected for the parish’s friends was submitted to the National in Mexico. Geographic Bee headquarters for scoring. The National Geograph- ic Bee is sponsored by Google and Plum Creek Timber Co. Notre Dame boys, girls win varsity basketball championships HERMITAGE — The Notre St. Francis School Dame Vikings beat the Blessed Sacrament Bulldogs 37-30 on helps Read Across March 8 at Mercyhurst Prep High School for the diocesan boys var- America sity basketball championship. Pictured, left to right, from CLEARFIELD — Pre-school Notre Dame are: (front row) Chaz through 8th grade students at Knott, Blase Hudson, Alex Tal- St. Francis School in Clearfield larico, Drew Grabigel, Anthony joined more than 45 million read- Cannone, Alonzo Santiago, ball ers in the company of a good boy Cameron Pica, (standing) book on March 2 for Read Across Coach Pat Mastrian, Coach America Day. Sponsored by the Mike Puleo, Patrick Durisko, National Education Association, Calvin Pryts, Vinnie Mastrian, Read Across America focuses on motivating children to read in ad- Reading partners at St. Francis School in Clearfield celebrated books Matt Votino, Deven McLaugh- on March 2. lin, Sam Crow and Coach Bob dition to helping them master ba- Votino. sic skills. Notre Dame also beat Villa Students were paired with a Maria Elementary 20-19 on reading partner and shared their March 15 at Venango Catholic favorite books. The event began CLOCK REPAIR High School in Oil City for the with short skits performed by the diocesan girls varsity basketball 8th graders, with Dr. Seuss’ The Burdie’s Clock Shop championship. Foot Book and Hop on Pop acted Pictured, left to right, from out for the entire school. The af- 238 South Main St. Notre Dame are: (front) Nikki ternoon concluded with cupcakes Arbanas, Rachel Burns, Shan- from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 non Gramley, Brie Dickson, Blue Fish and a free book giveaway (814) 398-8263 Kelsey George, Stacy Goclano, for students. Holly Grober, (middle) Jensen “We Make House Calls” Kirila, (standing) Coach Fred George, Coach Bonnie Dickson, Coach Dave Grober and team STUMP GRINDING mom Jody Arbanas. by Ken Eaton -RLQ)DWKHU3DW0F&ORVNH\2)0 Back yards - tight spots - No problem Free estimates, Insured, Shrubs and small trees removed, Prompt service European Pilgrimage Ken (814) 474-2195  (814) 397-0384 'D\V²'HSDUWV2FWREHU

Looking for a Celebrate Mass 9 Days! IURP  meaningful,  520(²9$7,&$1²32578*$/²)$7,0$ thoughtful, Retreat for Priests 63$,1²)5$1&(²/285'(6²3$5,6 “ Priesthood: Tragedy anda Transformation” unique gift? Fully Escorted + Two Franciscan Priests! June 15-19, 2009  Presented by: 7RXU WKH 9DWLFDQ LQFOXGLQJ $XGLHQFH ZLWK 3RSH %HQHGLFW ;9, 7RXU has it! 5RPH¶VUHOLJLRXVKLJKOLJKWVLQFOXGLQJ6W3HWHU¶V%DVLOLFD6LVWLQH&KDSHO Fr. Louis Sogliuzzo, SJ DQG 5RPH¶V ILUVW FKXUFK WKH ³&DWKHGUDO RI 5RPH DQG RI WKH :RUOG´ 420 E 26th St, Erie, PA 16504 • 814.455.8094 &HOHEUDWHWZR0DVVHVLQ5RPHLQFOXGLQJSULYDWH0DVVDW6W3HWHUV6HH toll free: 1.800.422.3156, fax: 814.454.6418 Fr. Sogliuzzo has fourteen years’ experience in Retreat direction, DQFLHQW 5RPH WKH &RORVVHXP 6SDQLVK 6WHSV 7UHYL )RXQWDLQ %DVLOLFD www.hofmannserie.com pastoral counseling and spiritual direction while serving at the Loyola 6DQWD 0DULD 0DJJLRUH DQG PRUH  )O\ WR /LVERQ 3RUWXJDOYLVLW /DG\ RI Retreat House in Morristown, New Jersey. He also has extensive )DWLPD &KXUFKFHOHEUDWH SULYDWH0DVVHV DW WKH %DVLOLFD RI )DWLPD DQG experience teaching Theology at various high schools, has served as $SDULFLRQHV&KDSHORI)DWLPDDQGWRXUWKH%DWDOKDPRQDVWHU\7UDYHOWR Hospital Chaplain and Prison Chaplain, and has been involved in pastoral 6DODPDQFD6SDLQYLVLWWKH2OG&DWKHGUDODQG1HZ&DWKHGUDORYHUQLJKW ministry. Since 2005, Father Sogliuzzo has been Director of Campus LQ9DOODGROLG6SDLQ9LVLW/RXUGHV)UDQFHFHOHEUDWH0DVVDWWKH*URWWR Ministry at LeMoyne College in Syracuse. Father earned his B.A. in RI /RXUGHV  7DNH WKH KLJKVSHHG WUDLQ WR 3DULV IRU WZR QLJKWV 385 Pine Street, Meadville, PA Philosophy and Theology and his M.A. in Theology. He was awarded his :HGQHVGD\¶V 2FWREHU   3DULV KLJKOLJKW LQFOXGHV 7KH 6KULQH RIWKH Annual M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. 0LUDFXORXV0HGDOZLWK0DVVDWWKH&KDSHORI2XU/DG\RIWKH0LUDFXORXV 0HGDO7KXUVGD\¶VKLJKOLJKWVLQFOXGHDIXOOGD\WRXURI3DULVYLVLWLQJWKH CHRIST THE KING RETREAT HOUSE /RXYUH 0XVHXP (LIIHO 7RZHU %DVLOLFD RI WKH 6DFUHG +HDUW DQG PRUH Sports Raffle ,QFOXGHV  %UHDNIDVWV   'LQQHUV  'HSDUW IRU KRPH 2FWREHU  Saturday, April 18, 2009 500 Brookford Road, Syracuse, NY