Bi-weekly news bulletin of the Catholic Diocese of Erie September 25, 2005 www.ErieRCD.org In Katrina’s wake, Catholic Charities aids those in need By Jason Koshinskie lecting will go to governments or FaithLife editor other agencies. It will go through other Catholic entities in the Gulf In the wake of Hurricane states. It will help evacuees from Katrina, Catholic Charities USA Catholic parishes and people who is on the front lines like other would come to Catholic Charities major human service organiza- in those areas.” tions, serving the needs of vic- To date, 15 agencies have tims across the Gulf Coast states. each received grants ranging After sending $1 million in from $10,000 to $110,000 to help initial grants to affected regions, provide immediate support. Some Catholic Charities USA’s Office of the vital community support of Disaster Response has been may include temporary housing; financially aided by Catholic food, clothing, and other basic Charities offices in dioceses necessities; crisis and grief coun- throughout the United States. seling; and financial assistance. Since Bishop Donald The agencies receiving grants Trautman announced a diocesan- include Catholic Charities of wide collection to aid Katrina New Orleans, La.; Catholic victims, parish, school and indi- Community Services of Baton CNS photo from Reuters vidual donations have totaled Rouge, La.; Catholic Social $334,610.67 as of Sept. 19. Services of Houma-Thibodaux, Fr. Gregory Barras celebrates Mass outside Our damage from Hurricane Katrina. Most sur- The initial grants helped meet La. ; the Diocese of Shreveport, Mother of Sorrrows Church in Biloxi, Miss., Sept. rounding homes and businesses were 11. The church had significant flooding and wind destroyed or damaged by the storm. the immediate emergency needs La.; Catholic Charities, Inc., of of victims including establishing Jackson, Miss.; Catholic Social material goods to the Gulf states, director of development for the roughly 30 local agencies to temporary shelters and supplying and Community Services of it is very difficult to connect such Erie Diocese’s Catholic Charities coordinate efforts in providing food, water, clothing, medical Biloxi, Miss.; Catholic Social goods with those in need right Office. services for evacuees relocating care and prescription drug serv- Services of Mobile, Ala.; now, Maxwell says. “The government is not cur- in Erie. ices. The long-term efforts will Catholic Social Services of “Right now we need to put rently sending people this far be focused on rebuilding the Robertsdale, Ala. our energies into what we can north,” Graham says. “That does- affected cities. On Sept. 12, Catholic send down there monetarily and n’t mean that won’t change. They Hurricane “At the level of the Bishops’ Charities of New Orleans began what needs to be done for any are asking for all our housing Katrina relief Conference and in our concern as distributing 400,000 pounds of evacuees who come into any of stock throughout our 13 counties. Catholic people, our money will food on a daily basis throughout our communities here in the dio- They’re asking us to keep track of Donations should be sent to: be distributed through other the areas affected by Hurricane cese,” she says. what apartments are available Catholic Charities of the Catholic Charities agencies and Katrina. The agency has also dis- Locally, 74 evacuees have that are not rented. They do not Diocese of Erie through other dioceses,” says tributed more than 2.5 million relocated to Erie and are living at want to put people in private 429 E. Grandview Blvd. Mary Maxwell, executive direc- pounds of food out of an empty the Motel 6 on upper Peach homes.” P.O. Box 10397 tor of the Catholic Charities Wal-Mart near Baker, La. Street. Most of the people relo- Acting as a hospitality agent, Erie, PA 16514 Office of the Erie Diocese. Although many would like to cating in Erie have relocated the Catholic Charities Office Attn: Katrina Collection “None of the money we are col- send food and clothing and other themselves, says Rose Graham, hosted a meeting Sept. 9 inviting Dioceses Katrina puts local man to test in Biloxi devastated by By Jason Koshinskie patients to the general medical Center, had only brief and inter- With patients being evacuat- FaithLife editor floor.” mittent contact with her husband ed, Wickham found himself won- The first floor, which houses during the early stages of the hur- dering how he would get himself Katrina Placed in Hurricane the center’s cafeteria and pharma- ricane. And for two days, there back to Erie. Katrina’s path, all Jesse cy, began to flood. The generators was no contact at all. “I was pretty scared as to how (CNS) — While Katrina has Wickham wanted to be was a on the basement floor were flood- “I knew the storm was hit- I’d get back,” he says. “I was sup- destroyed and damaged homes source of strength to the people ed out, and the base was without ting,” Sellitto says. “When I posed to start a new rotation and businesses throughout the who needed him. power. talked to him, he said he was safe. Tuesday. With airports not func- Gulf Coast, it has also devastated Wickham, a fourth-year “Immediately nurses began Then the storm hit. It was a little tional, I didn’t know how I’d get dioceses in Louisiana, medical student at Lake Erie hand-bagging the patients on nerve wracking not being able to back.” Mississippi and Alabama. College of Osteopathic Medicine ventilators,” Wickham says. “We talk to him. Thursday was the last He ended up catching a ride • The Archdiocese of New (LECOM), was in Biloxi, Miss., heard word of roof damage and time I talked to him. I was a little with a fellow resident and his Orleans is planning to establish during Hurricane Katrina. As flooding coming from the fifth scared after he left the base. We family who were driving to satellite elementary and second- part of his Air Force medical floor. They closed that floor, and finally got in touch.” Lancaster, Pa. ary schools in communities scholarship, Wickham must we were basically sandwiched The couple, married in The experience is hard to put where thousands of students complete two clinical clerk shifts between these two floors.” October, are parishioners of into words, he says. have taken refuge. at a medical hospital. His second The two patients he was car- Blessed Sacrament Parish, Erie. “I thank God, really,” he says. • Catholic schools across the month-long shift was scheduled ing for in ICU were stable, but “By the next day, it became “I was in a safer place than a lot nation have opened their doors to at Keesler Air Force Base in everyone at the medical center clear we needed to get everybody of people there. I truly thought of Gulf Coast students displaced by Biloxi beginning Aug. 8. was concerned. out,” Wickham says. myself as blessed, especially after Hurricane Katrina. “That first night there was “We were just trying to make Personnel coordinated a criti- hearing stories of people who lost • More than 20 percent of just a real feeling of anticipation them understand the situation,” cal air transfer team, and patients everything or couldn’t find their churches and one third of schools with everyone being there,” he Wickham says. “Luckily we had were also transferred by ambu- family.” in the Biloxi Diocese were says. no fatalities during the hurricane. lance. Thinking back, Wickham says destroyed or severely damaged The next day brought But afterward, we heard of every- That day, staff performed an he did whatever he could to pro- in the hurricane. momentary power outages thing going in New Orleans and emergency C-section in ICU with vide support to the people at the • The National Religious before it went out and the base other areas. We just wanted to equipment hooked up to emer- medical center. Retirement Office is serving as a went to backup generators. make sure their vital signs were gency generators. There was also “I hope I could be a source of center to help relocate elderly “Then the storm surge came stable. We wanted to keep every- a premature birth. strength,” he says. “They’re religious men and women dis- and basically flooded the entire one stable throughout this “During the hurricane, we strong people. There is a great placed by Hurricane Katrina. base,” Wickham says. “There ordeal.” actually added two to the popula- concept of southern hospitality. • The U.S. bishops are were white caps in the parking Back in Erie, Wickham’s tion,” Wickham says. “I’m not The first thing out of everybody’s appointing a task force to coordi- lot and cars floating around. The wife, Laura Sellitto, was trying to sure what day it was. That whole mouth was, ‘We’ve got to rebuild nate the Catholic response to ER is on the basement floor, so remain calm. Sellitto, the devel- week is pretty much blurred now,’ not ‘We have to move.’ recovery efforts. we evacuated ER and took opment director of St. Martin together.” They’re very strong people.” By the Way... Briefly Pilgrims recall encounters with pope at WYD Clergy Appointments 11th annual rosary By Jason Koshinskie age.” Two of the oldest parishes in the diocese FaithLife editor Ross Miceli, a St. Mark will celebrate milestone anniversaries in march set for Oct. 9 Seminary student at Gannon October. St. Francis of Assisi Parish in On a trip he inherited from his University, participated in a gath- The 11th annual Erie The Most Rev. Donald W. Trautman, S.T.D., Fr. Regis J. Meenihan, appointed parochial Clearfield will mark its 175th anniversary predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI ering with Pope Benedict, as he Diocesan rosary march is sched- S.S.L., Bishop of Erie, announces the following administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, with a special Mass on Oct. 2 at 11:30 a.m. at stepped into the world spotlight met with 2,000 seminarians from uled for Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. The clergy appointments: Walston; St. Joseph Parish, Anita; and St. Adrian the church. Immaculate Conception Parish and outlined the priorities and the around the globe. march will begin at St. Peter Parish, Delancey, with residence at Ss. Cosmas & in Clarion will celebrate its 150th anniversary style of his emerging papacy. To “I was able to really contem- Cathedral, Erie, at 10th and Fr. Zab Amar, appointed pastor of Christ the Damian rectory, Punxsutawney. Effective Aug. 29, with a Mass on Oct. 9 at 3 p.m. Bishop young people gathered for World plate, in the presence of 2,000 Sassafras streets. King Parish, Houtzdale, and the mission churches 2005. Trautman will be the celebrant at both Youth Day in Cologne, Germany, seminarians, God’s great plan for Jason Koshinskie Those joining in the march are of Immaculate Conception, Madera, and Holy Masses. the pope brought an intensely spir- the church,” Miceli says. asked to gather outside the cathe- Trinity Parish, Ramey, for a term of six years end- Fr. John R. Neff, appointed administrator of Bishop Trautman will also celebrate Mass for all diocesan Scout itual message during his Aug. 18- “Seminarians feel the love that dral at 2 p.m. For those unable to ing June 30, 2011. Effective Aug. 29, 2005. St. Luke Parish, Youngsville, for a term of six years leaders on Oct. 8 at St. Brigid Parish in Meadville. Mass time is 5:15 21 visit, telling them that living Jesus has for us, and through that participate in the march, the ending June 30, 2011. Effective Aug. 29, 2005 p.m. their faith and imitating the saints grace we come to respond to God rosary will be prayed inside the On Oct. 16, the bishop will celebrate a 100th anniversary Mass for the were the only ways to transform with a gift of self. The Holy Father cathedral while the march is tak- Catholic Daughters of America at St. Thomas Parish in Corry. Mass the world. said, ‘Remember that you have not ing place. News Briefs time is 10 a.m. That seemed to make a connec- chosen him; he has chosen you. He Following the march, a church Bishop Trautman is garnering national attention this month as he tion with many young people in is the secret of your vocation and service will be held at the cathe- appears in two well-known Catholic publications. U.S. Catholic pub- Cologne, including pilgrims from your mission.’” U.S. overtones in Turkey, a predominantly Muslim coun- dral and will include exposition of lished a lengthy Q & A style interview in its October issue in which the the Erie Diocese. Miceli says Pope Benedict also try that has been trying to gain membership in the the Blessed Sacrament, consecra- bishop talks candidly about his work as chairman of the U.S. bishop’s During the week-long event, offered advice that will deepen European Union. tion to the Immaculate Heart of Committee on Liturgy including translating the Lectionary and the the group took part in Adoration their spiritual lives. A group of diocesan pilgrims pose outside the Cologne cathedral Vatican delegation tours devastated Mary, investiture in the brown prayers for Mass. Visit the magazine’s Web site at www.uscatholic.org. and reconciliation at Cologne “He reminded us to stay close during their trip to World Youth Day. From left, Dan Kubacki, Penn Experts say Catholics still don’t scapular and benediction. Fr. Jack regions of Gulf Coast America, a national Catholic weekly, will publish an article on the churches and catechesis sessions to Mary, who ‘teaches the semi- State-Behrend; Beth Swanson, Beloved Disciple Parish; Amanda Custer, dean of Ss. Cyril and read Bible regularly October Synod of Bishops in Rome written by Bishop Trautman in its with other pilgrims. There was also narian to contemplate Jesus with Hovis, Penn State-Behrend; MaryAlice Garvis, Beloved Disciple; Methodius Seminary in BILOXI, Miss. (CNS) — Archbishop Paul Cordes, the Oct. 3 issue. In the piece, titled The Challenge and Opportunity for the a buzz about the city anticipating the eyes of the heart,’” he says. Helen Garvis, Beloved Disciple; Rachael Shade, Indiana University VATICAN CITY (CNS) — While it may be a best- Pittsburgh, will be the guest of Pennsylvania/St. Catherine of Siena Parish. Missing from photo Vatican’s top humanitarian aid official, urged Biloxi World Synod of Bishops, the bishop talks about what can be accomplished the arrival of the pope. At the gathering, Miceli seller, the Bible still is not regularly read, nor has it speaker. is Ross Miceli, St. Catherine of Siena/Gannon University. Catholics Sept. 12 not to lose hope in the aftermath of when 250 of the world’s bishops come together. The magazine has a sub- For Dan Kubacki, just seeing received a holy card of St. Jean- become an integral part of many Catholics’ lives, Hurricane Katrina and assured them that with God’s scription service at www.americamagazine.org. The synod, which will the Holy Father and feeling con- Marie Vianney, whose heart is said a panel of biblical experts. “Unfortunately, it help they would “be able to overcome” the struggles focus on the Eucharist, takes place Oct. 2-23 in Rome. OLP Playhouse nected to him stands out from the located at St. Panteleon Church in says. “They know a lot of “His message was very simple must be said, there is still little Bible in the lives of they faced from the devastation. The archbishop, who Congratulations to Bill Herring, who is entering his 35th year as trip. The diocesan group joined Cologne. Pope Benedict also American songs even better than but it had a lot of meaning,” he the faithful,” said Italian Bishop Vincenzo Paglia, presents Moments to is president of the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum,” music director of St. Peter Cathedral. As organist and choir director, he those around the world in gathering prayed evening prayer with the we do.” says. “He just had this great smile president of the Catholic Bible Federation. Recent which coordinates charity efforts, was sent to the Gulf has provided beautiful and sacred music not only at the cathedral parish on the banks of the Rhine River as group at the church. A million people gathered for on his face the whole time. He just research conducted in Italy, Spain and France found Remember Coast region by Pope Benedict XVI as part of a dele- but also for many diocesan celebrations over the years. Happy anniver- Pope Benedict arrived by boat. “The card has a great quote on the closing Mass, many of them seemed to be so alive there, cele- that many Catholics consider the sacred Scriptures gation visiting the hurricane-devastated areas of the sary, Bill! The OLP Playhouse will pres- “It was a great experience just it,” Miceli says. “It says, ‘The spending the previous evening in brating Mass with a million people. as something “reserved for the clergy” rather than United States. He was accompanied by Washington After the monthly “prayer request for priests” calendar was featured in ent Moments to Remember: The seeing him,” says Kubacki, a junior priesthood is the love of the Heart the Marien Field lawn with visits It was just really awesome.” as an accessible resource for them to draw upon for Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick and Father Larry the Aug. 28 issue of FaithLife, Alice Kenawell of St. Catherine of Siena First Fifty Years, an original at Penn State Behrend and parish- of Jesus.’ It says that in all the lan- to the adoration tent. Pope Benedict XVI announced truth and inspiration in their own lives, he said. Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, for a Parish in DuBois reports that she has been contacted by both parishes and musical comedy in celebration of ioner of Mount Calvary Parish, guages of World Youth Day and is At the Mass, Kubacki says that the next World Youth Day Bishop Paglia, together with a number of biblical three-day visit that included visiting evacuees in individuals wanting to pray for priests of the diocese by name. If you’d the 50th anniversary of Our Lady Erie. “We have a great pope. He a wonderful treasure of the time the pope spoke well and in sever- would be held in Sydney, Australia, experts, spoke at a Vatican press conference Sept. 8 Baton Rouge, La., going on a helicopter tour of New like more information, contact her at 347C Patterson Ave., DuBois, Pa. of Peace Parish, Erie. seems to love his people more than the Holy Father gave to his semi- al languages. in 2008. to present an upcoming international congress com- Orleans and driving through hard-hit areas in Biloxi. 15801, or at 814.371.3909. Performances are scheduled for they love him. He seemed to be narians.” memorating the 40th anniversary of “Dei Verbum,” Archbishop Cordes said his visit was “a sign from the Katie Flynn of Kersey and her blue-ribbon winning cheesecake made Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, beaming back just as much or even Part of the group’s pilgrimage the Second Vatican Council document on Scripture pope that he’d like to be close to you and show his it into the August/September issue of Taste of Home magazine. The 18- Oct. 1 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, more.” included a visit to the Cologne and divine revelation. compassion.” year-old Elk County Catholic High School grad is pictured, along with the Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. With so many events spread out cathedral and a walk to its dome. The ensemble production was in the city, Kubacki says travel was Much of the their interaction with FOSTER HOMES NEEDED! Convention focuses on pastoral care Pope says synod will be fitting cheesecake she entered in the Elk County Fair, in the issue’s Stirring Comments section. The photo was submitted by her mother Cindy Flynn. conceived by Dennis Jobcynski difficult. other youths from other countries Erie County Office of Children & Youth of ethnic groups in church close to Year of the Eucharist and written by Jack Chapman; it “It was hard to do everything,” included trading country pins dur- Jason Koshinskie is editor of FaithLife. Contact him at is being produced and directed by he says. “You had to leave several ing travel and at the closing Mass Training, preparation, mentoring, ARLINGTON, Va. (CNS) — People in metropolitan CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy (CNS) — Pope [email protected] or 814.824.1171. Mary Ann Muller. hours ahead of time if you wanted at Marien Field and singing songs. support, and reimbursement provided. areas, such as Washington, are aware that they live Benedict XVI looked ahead to the October Synod of Tickets, available at the door, to do something. But it was fun, “We sang a lot of songs with with a culturally diverse population: Spanish Masses, Bishops, saying it would bring a fitting close to the are $6 for adults, $4 for senior cit- and that was part of the pilgrim- the Italian pilgrims,” Kubacki Muriel Alexander 796-4209 international festivals and ethnic groups have become Year of the Eucharist initiated by Pope John Paul II. izens and students. All perform- Nena Henningsen 602-4972 commonplace, even within the church. But these Speaking at a noon blessing at his summer resi- CLOCK REPAIR ances will be in the OLP school Make a difference in the life of a child! urban dwellers may be surprised to find that people in dence outside Rome Sept. 4, the pope said bishops gymnasium, 2401 W. 38th St. rural towns all across America are facing a similar around the world were studying the working docu- Burdie’s Clock Shop LEARN ROSARY MAKING Call for catalog & introductory offer STUMP REMOVAL ment of the Oct. 2-23 synod, which will focus on Back yards and tight spots are our phenomenon, according to a priest who addressed a or visit Sept. 7-9 gathering of Pastoral Care of Migrants and the Eucharist. The pope asked the entire church to 238 South Main St. specialty. Small trees and shrubs Calendar www.rosaryparts.com removed. Insured. Refugees Networks. “It’s very hard to find any part of join in preparation for the synod, especially through Call for a free estimate. Cambridge Springs, PA 16403 LEWIS & COMPANY the country without multiculturalism in their midst,” prayer and reflection. He said the synod would Ken - (814) 474-2195 (814) 398-8263 Retrouvaille is a weekend P.O. Box 268-K, Troy, NY 12181 • 800-342-2400 said Father Robert Schreiter, a professor of theology at highlight the importance of the Eucharist as “the designed to help couples who are the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. true treasure of the church.” “We Make House Calls” having problems in their mar- riage. If you have separated or are WORLD PEOPLE thinking about separating, Retrouvaille may be the program Saturday, Oct. 1 to get you back on track. The Pope to preside over first 6 p.m. - midnight Turkish government invites next weekend in the Erie area will WANTED: A FEW GOOD MEN be October 7, 8 and 9. For more St. John School cafeteria and gym pope to visit in 2006 canonizations in October The Knights of Columbus have a career opportunity information, call 800-374-3723 27th & Wallace, Erie for a full time field agent. Give us a call to see VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The government of Turkey VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI will ext. 265 or 814-824-1265, or to create five new saints when he presides over his register 800-470-2230. Additional if you are one of the few. has invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit the country in Dave Ras, owner Amy Ras, office Carol Ras,Jim office Winarski, mgr. Drawings 7:30 p.m. 2006, apparently ruling out a hoped-for papal visit this first canonization ceremony Oct. 23 in St. Peter’s information is available at Arthur A. Ardire GA 814-375-1205 Square. While Pope Benedict will lead the canon- www.retrouvaille.org. All infor- Games of Chance 7:30 p.m. fall. Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said Sept. 15 that Full Kitchen 7:30 p.m. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer was inviting the pope ization Mass and ceremony, it was his predecessor, mation is kept confidential. to come to Turkey next year in order to help “strength- Pope John Paul II, who approved the decrees creat- In conjunction with Mental Illness en dialogue between civilizations.” The Foreign ing the five new saints. The late pope had also Since 1947 FREE FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS Awareness Week, Rhythm & Publicity Workshop Ministry said Turkey was closely following the new approved the decrees authorizing several beatifica- All your collision needs Praise will be held on Oct. 2 from GAMES OF CHANCE pope’s efforts to promote interreligious dialogue and tions this autumn; various cardinals will preside Special Wash & Wax $50 2-4 p.m. at St. Patrick Parish, 130 Friday, Sept. 30 • 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. PRIZES AWARDED EVERY 10 MINUTES tolerance. It said the government was awaiting a over those ceremonies, Vatican Radio reported. E. 4th St., Erie. Performances 444 East Grandview Blvd. 824-2214 GRAND AWARD DRAWN AT 11:30 response from the Vatican to its invitation. The Pope Benedict has not yet signed or approved any 453-6185 will be provided by Daystar, gui- Vatican press office had no immediate comment on decrees that would conclude pending causes for a tarist and poet David Devine, the the Turkish announcement. Only a week earlier, beatification or canonization, said Vatican officials. Member of the Catholic Press Association. HOME ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE FaithLife Bread of Life contemporary group Jeff Pinski, Erie Times News In an attempt to highlight the difference between a Published bi-weekly. Owned and operated by the Vatican officials had expressed hope that the pope The official news bulletin of the Catholic Including large screen TV, home theatre Bishop of Erie. and other local groups. John Last, WICU TV would be able to travel in late November of this year beatification and a canonization, Pope Benedict is Diocese of Erie Subscription $10/year. Refreshments and fellowship will system, stereo system, DVD/VCR player, presiding over canonizations only. Those who have For more information, call (814) 824-1160. for a meeting with Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch Volume 1, Issue 16 Anne-Marie Welsh, Faith magazine been beatified and are scheduled to become saints follow. The church is accessi- digital camera with printer Bartholomew of Constantinople, who invited the pope The office of Communications has been serving General Information: (814) 824-1160 ble/sign interpretation provided Chuck Priestap, WXTA Country 98 several months ago. Cardinal Walter Kasper, who Oct. 23 are: Blessed Jozef Bilczewski, Blessed Catholics in the Diocese of Erie since 1874. Fax: (814) 824-1170 upon request. For more informa- coordinates ecumenical dialogue at the Vatican, said Zygmunt Gorazdowski, Blessed Alberto Hurtado Offices are located at St. Mark Catholic Center, $10 per person - must be 21 to attend 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, Pa. Periodical E-Mail: [email protected] tion, call Jackie Johnson, 824- Sept. 8 that the pope had welcomed the Orthodox Cruchaga, Blessed Felice da Nicosia and Blessed postage paid at Erie, Pa. Registration $25 includes refreshments Editorial: (814) 824-1171 1257, 800-374-3723 ext. 257 or leader’s invitation and hoped to make the trip Nov. 30, Gaetano Catanoso. Advertising: (814) 824-1168 Postmaster: Send address changes to FaithLife at e-mail [email protected]. Make checks payable to Mercy Center on Aging For tickets, call 824-5152 or 456-1183 the feast of St. Andrew. The pope’s visit has political St. Mark Catholic Center. Erie DAWN celebrates 10th anniversary Bi-weekly news bulletin of the Catholic Diocese of Erie By Jason Koshinskie administrator, gave a brief historical pendence. FaithLife editor overview of the organization, which is a 100 percent achieve permanent housing collaborative ministry of the Benedictine 65 percent leave the program debt Ever since Sr. Phyllis Hilbert met Sisters of Erie, the Sisters of Mercy and free Heather Peskorski in 1995, the nun says the Sisters of St. Joseph. 26 percent purchase their own homes the young woman has brought her beauty 61 percent improve their income by and hope. 20 percent or more Ten years ago, Peskorski came to her 87 percent remain free of unhealthy rela- as a single mom at the age of 19 with tionships September 25, 2005 nowhere to go. Today she owns her own In thanking those for helping to make home and is carrying a 3.8 G.P.A. at Erie DAWN’s ministry possible, Sr. Mercyhurst College, where she is close to Hilbert noted that since 1995, area land- earning her degree in education. Her per- lords have provided $340,000 in reduced sonal testimony is one of many success rental contributions to Erie DAWN fami- stories that have come out of Erie DAWN lies. (Dwellings and Advocacy for Women in She also acknowledged the program’s Need). mentors for their service and friendship. Since its founding in September 1995, “Mentors are at the heart of the pro- Erie DAWN, in partnership with area gram,” Sr. Hilbert says. “They’re the landlords/realtors, has provided safe, mentors and friends of the women that affordable, independent transitional hous- may not have ever had the acceptance ing for low-income women and children. and guidance that they bring to them.” Advocacy and support services are pro- Erie DAWN continually seeks men- vided so that the women can become pro- Through a combination of case man- tors, contributing landlords/realtors and ductive members of the community. agement services and personal mentor- donors willing to commit monthly rental Nearly 200 volunteers, benefactors ing, Sr. Hilbert says the women who support. For details about becoming a and friends of Erie DAWN attended its come to the agency are able to secure safe mentor or opportunities to partner with 10th anniversary luncheon Sept. 15 at and affordable housing while empower- DAWN, visit www.eriedawn.org or call Gannon University. Sr. Hilbert, SSJ, ing them to gain and maintain their inde- 814.453.5921

We sponsor BUS TOURS to Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo to hear The Mighty Wurlitzers $40 for members, $45 for non-members Price includes show ticket, round trip bus and dinner. Erie Area Theatre Organ Society Erie Diocese raises Call Joe Luckey at 871-7276 Leave your number for a return call. $334,000 and counting When Interest Income Counts, It’s Time To Call Gen-See SACRED HEART PARISH DAY Earn More for Katrina relief 7.1% Annual Roast Beef Dinner Annually Worry Less Sunday, Oct. 2 Go with experience Noon - 5:30 p.m. $7 Adult • $4 Children you can trust... Sacred Heart Auditorium • 26th & Liberty, Erie, PA Since 1975, Gen-See investors GRAND PRIZE - 2005 FORD MUSTANG Convertible Local man put to test have done better for 5 great reasons: V-6, fully loaded • Regular monthly checks • No fees or commissions • Low minimum initial investment...$5,000 • Term 3, 4 or 5 years in Biloxi • Rate of interest guaranteed for term of certificate

Make a fresh Archbishop Alfred C. Hughes takes an overhead look at the floodwaters start...RIGHT NOW 7.1% Annually 1-800-507-4393 that inundated more than 80 percent of the residential area of New Orleans. The archbishop, who heads the New Orleans Archdiocese, Gen-SSee Capital Corporation took a helicopter tour over the city Sept. 10. 1-8800-5507-44393 Baked goods • Christmas booth • Valuable theme baskets