POPE Kiri, kiri, kiri QUOTE Cursillo celebrates 50 years in the INSPIRED WORDS Diocese of Erie, see page 3. FROM POPE FRANCIS “The rich man in the Gospel has no name, he is simply ‘a rich man.’ Material things, his possessions, are his face; he has nothing else.” www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE October 27, 2013 New Liturgists suit fi led gather in Erie against By Mary Solberg Affordable FaithLife Vatican II Care Act ERIE— Piero document Marini of recalls watching FaithLife bishops day after day pour out of described as the Vatican hall where they gath- The Diocese of Erie—along ered 50 years ago to formulate the with Bishop Lawrence Persico constitutions, decrees, and decla- ‘matrix for other and several diocesan-affi liated rations that would forever change agencies and schools—fi led a new the Roman . reforms’ suit in federal court Oct. 9 over A young priest at the time, the revised contraception man- Archbishop Marini came to lowed participants to explore the Photo by Mary Solberg date in the new Affordable Care Rome in September 1965, only a theological principles of the doc- Act. few months before the close of the ument and its place in the world Three attended the annual national meeting of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Com- The 59-page suit that was fi led historic . today. Issued Dec. 4, 1963, the missions (FDLC) in Erie Oct. 8-12. Pictured, left to right, are: Archbishop Gregory Aymond, chair of in U.S. District Court in Erie asks Bishops and theologians began document ordered an extensive the USCCB Committee on Divine Worship; Archbishop Samuel Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver; the government to not enact the gathering in 1962 to address more revision of worship so that people and Archbishop Piero Marini, president of the Pontifi cal Commission for International Eucharistic Con- mandate, which becomes effec- than a dozen aspects of church would have a clearer sense of their gresses. tive Jan. 1. The 13-county diocese life, ranging from interfaith rela- own involvement in the Mass and claims that a revision made to tions to greater lay participation other rites. can II as only the beginning of re- the original Affordable Care Act in the liturgy, from social commu- The Constitution on the Sacred forms within Catholic liturgy and still violates the diocese’s First nication to the church’s outreach Liturgy, Archbishop Marini told “Liturgy has to spread to the people. the church as a whole. The tradi- Amendment right to religious to the modern world. the audience, was really “a ma- tions of the church, Sister Bergant freedom. “Fifty years later, I feel a trix for other reforms” and pos- It has to be relevant to our lives. How added, are kept alive through con- “The simple truth is that the great nostalgia and a desire to sible changes yet to come. It is temporary culture. U.S. government is forcing the understand more fully and to not enough, he said, to look at the do we make people go out and do the The best way the church can Catholic Church to facilitate what experience anew the spirit of the written document as a manual for mission of the church? How do we share Jesus’ story, she said, is if it considers immoral,” Bishop council,” Archbishop Marini told reforming the church’s rites. it follows the lead of Pope Fran- Persico said in a s tatement. “As nearly 200 people gathered this “It was an event that contin- get back to the basics?” cis, who has opened his arms to Catholics and as , we month in Erie for the annual na- ues even today to mark ecclesial the suffering, the outcast, the are obliged to defend the right to tional meeting of the Federation life,” the archbishop said. “It has — Bernadette McMasters poor, and the marginalized. For religious liberty for ourselves and of Diocesan Liturgical Commis- marked our ecclesial life so much Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, W.Va. Jesus, there were no “outsiders,” for others.” sions (FDLC). that very little of the church today she said, adding that some in The plaintiffs in the suit—led Clergy, sisters, and lay people would be as it is had the council the church are not accepting of by Bishop Persico—say they need in charge of Catholic worship in not met.” It still precedes us,” Archbishop tees, and Archbishop Samuel Aq- people who don’t fi t certain stan- time to plan for what benefi ts they dioceses across the United States Archbishop Marini, who is Marini said. uila of Denver spoke on the sac- dards. will provide to their employees came together Oct. 8-12 to con- president of the Pontifi cal Com- Two other archbishops attend- raments of initiation as a source “This is not the church of beginning in 2014. Other plain- duct regular FDLC business. But mission for International Eucha- ed the national meeting, co-spon- of life and hope. Christ,” Sister Bergant said. tiffs include: St. Martin Center, the larger purpose this year was ristic Congresses, told the litur- sored by the FDLC and the U.S. Also speaking was author and Dolores Martinez attended the Erie; the Prince of Peace Center, to mark the 50th anniversary of gists that Vatican II did not give Conference of Catholic Bishops Scripture scholar Sister Dianne national meeting with Father He- Farrell; and the Erie Catholic Pre- Sacrosanctum Concilium, or the the world static documents. In our Committee on Divine Worship. Bergant, CSA, a distinguished liodoro Lucatero, director of the paratory School, which includes Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, ever-evolving culture, the Catho- Archbishop Gregory Aymond, professor of Old Testament Stud- Offi ce of Worship in the Archdio- Cathedral Prep and Villa Maria one of the best known documents lic liturgy is incomplete unless it chair of the USCCB Committee ies at Catholic Theological Union cese of San Antonio. As a former Academy. of Vatican II. renews communities of faith. on Divine Worship, reviewed the in Chicago. The weeklong conference al- “The council is not behind us. workings of the various commit- All speakers referred to Vati- See LITURGISTS, page 2 See NEW SUIT, page 3

FFlocklock ooff bbirdsirds givesgives addedadded meaning to weddings, funeralss

By Mary Solberg FaithLife

Photo by Mary Solberg Jim Berdis of Erie handles a white pigeon in his Photo by Bill Stahl backyard. At left, the fl ock sits atop its wooden loft.

he 80 pigeons Jim Ber- Pigeon Club since 1955, Berdis About 13 years ago, Berdis’ one to release the fi rst bird. But he’s also taken his white pi- pre-wedding handling session. dis keeps in his back- is carrying on a family tradition hobby took a spiritual twist when “After the service is over, the geons to weddings as far away as Anyone who has gone to the T yard are like family. He started by an older brother in the someone asked if he would re- grieving person releases one Greenville, Pa., and Ashtabula, opening day of Erie Seawolves has even hung a picture of the 1940s. He uses 50 of his racing, lease his pigeons at a wedding. white dove to symbolize their Ohio. baseball likely has seen Berdis Blessed Mother on an inside wall or homing, pigeons in contests Berdis bought some white doves loved one going home to heaven. “When I got married 48 years and his birds. He has released his of their loft to watch over the to see how fast and how quickly for the occasion, but he soon dis- And then I let the others free, like ago, I didn’t have white doves, pigeons at the downtown Erie cooing creatures. the birds return to his home on E. covered that doves don’t have as they are angels taking that person but I get the feeling that when I baseball park for fi ve years. “I put that picture there be- 12th Street. much stamina as pigeons. home,” Berdis explains. do this I’m helping a couple start “It’s a hobby,” says Berdis, cause I don’t want anything to Selectively bred to fi nd their He began breeding white pi- Usually, Berdis is contacted by their marriage off,” Berdis says. who is the brother of Father Don- happen to the loft or the birds. I way home over extremely long geons instead. Today, a family grieving families through local Although Berdis offers his ser- ald Berdis, pastor of Our Lady of thank God for allowing me to get distances, Berdis’ pigeons have of 35 white homing pigeons lives funeral homes. He has released vices free to family, he is forced to Fatima-St. Ann, Farrell, and Sis- up every day to enjoy them,” says won numerous races. The longest in Berdis’ loft. Upon request, birds at a number of cemeteries, charge others a nominal fee. The ter Kevin Berdis, OSF, principal Berdis, 75, a parishioner of Holy distance successfully traveled by he takes them to weddings and including Gate of Heaven and cost of gas and the time involved at Holy Family School, Erie. Family Catholic Church in Erie. his pigeons was 600 miles—from cemetery services throughout the Calvary, both in Erie. in attending weddings and fu- For Berdis and his wife, Bar- A member of the Erie Racing St. Louis, Mo., to Erie. area, setting the pure white birds “When I see a grieving per- neral services adds up. For wed- bara, the care and upkeep of the free to spread their beauty and son release the birds, it gets very dings, he usually charges creatures are worth it. Barbara’s comfort. touching. I’ve lost family myself,” about $100, which own father raced pigeons and was White pigeons, which belong Berdis says. includes a a founding member of the Erie to the same family as doves, sym- Weddings are a different mat- Racing Pigeon Club. Clergy Appointments bolize many things: peace, hope, ter. Usually, Berdis meets with “Whether it is the fi rst The Most Rev. Lawrence Persico, JCL, Bishop of and, in the Christian faith, the a couple before their wedding race or the 500th Erie, makes the following clergy appointments: Holy Spirit. Consider St. Mat- date so that they can get used to race, it is so edi- thew’s account in chapter 3, verse handling the birds. On the wed- fying that a bird 16: “And when Jesus was bap- ding day, the bride and groom set that went so Father Daniel Hoffman, parochial administrator, Our Lady tized, he went up immediately a male and female pigeon free. far eventually of the Lake Parish, Edinboro, effective Oct. 4, 2013. Term of from the water, and behold, the Other doves are tossed into the comes home,” appointment presently unspecifi ed. heavens were opened and he saw air to represent the children that Barbara Ber- Photo by the Spirit of God descending like may come from the marriage. Mary Solberg dis says. Father William Sutherland, pastor, Our Lady of the Lake Parish, a dove, and alighting on him.” Berdis has released birds at Edinboro, granted leave of absence, effective Oct. 4, 2013, with That image inspires Berdis to many of his children’s and nieces’ A baby homing residence at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Erie. share his birds with others. and nephews’ weddings. He has pigeon is expected He takes up to 10 of his white been to St. Luke, St. George, Our to live for eight years. Msgr. Robert Barcio, change of residence to Blessed Sacrament pigeons to cemetery services, al- Lady of Mercy, and Holy Fam- Fully grown, it can fl y Parish, Erie, effective Sept. 28, 2013. lowing a grieving spouse or loved ily parishes, all in the Erie area. 40 miles per hour.

Snippets of Catholic headlines and stories from around the world “I was born and raised here, but I forgot what it looked like,” Josie Osiecki, the par- from Catholic News Service ish secretary, told me. Father David Poulson, pastor, said the Editor's exterior work has helped defi ne the four Number of multicultural parishes Palestinian president hopes to use gargoyles that sit on the bell tower of the Notes 100-year-old Gothic-style church. “They in the U.S. is growing pen from pope to sign peace treaty really show up a lot better now,” Father WASHINGTON (USCCB)—The percentage of multi- VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Pope Francis gave Palestin- Mary Poulson said. cultural parishes in America is on the increase, according ian President Mahmoud Abbas a fancy pen as a gift, and SOLBERG The church’s beautiful stained-glass win- to research by the Georgetown University-based Center for Abbas told the pope, “I hope to sign the peace agreement dows and rose window at the entrance are Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). with Israel with this pen.” much more noticeable now, too. CARA located parishes that self-identify as serving ra- Pope Fran- The universal church is in our own back- cial, ethnic, cultural, and/or linguistic groups in the na- cis responded yard.  This past week, the president of the Re- tion. It is the fi rst comprehensive listing and mapping of with his hope Who can walk 100 miles the fastest? Stay multicultural parishes. that the agree- public of Cameroon had an audience with Pope Francis. At fi rst glance, the meeting tuned to St. Luke School in Erie, where CARA estimates that there are about 6,700 multicultur- ment would be physical education teacher Heather Kim- al parishes in the United States, many located in the South reached “soon, didn’t seem all that interesting—that is, until I learned about something happening at St. ball is challenging the school community and West. The Offi cial Catholic Directory lists more than soon.” to get more fi t. Kimball received a grant to 17,400 parishes in the country. The exchange Andrew Parish in Erie. Members of the parish choir are trying increase the overall wellness of the school Overall, about three in 10 U.S. parishes, or 29 percent, took place Oct. by getting everyone to walk 100 miles this celebrate at least one Mass a month in a language other 17 in the papal to fi nd a way to help Mary Nyar, who sang with the choir last year until she returned to academic year. than English or Latin. library after the Participants will use pedometers during pope and Pal- her native Cameroon. Mary had come to the U.S. to earn enough money to help her eight recess so that students and teachers can estinian presi- walk together. Every day, steps are tracked Pro, amateur athletes race with dent had spent CNS photo children, but she grew homesick and her fi - nancial situation never improved. and then calculated into miles (2,000 steps faith to St. Peter’s Square almost half an Pope Francis shakes hands with Pales- equals 1 mile). If 75 percent of the student hour meeting Now, Mary is trying to scrape up mon- VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Seminarians, Vatican guards, tinian President Mahmoud Abbas. ey to help her daughter fi nish training as a body makes it to the 50-mile mark fi rst, Olympic champs, regular children, and people with dis- privately. Abbas then select students will have a chance to had given the pope a Bible and a framed scene of Bethle- registered nurse at the Catholic School of abilities all took part in a morning “Race of Faith” to high- Health Sciences at St. Elizabeth Catholic throw a pie in the face of teachers. If teach- light how the church can help foster a world of sport that hem, West Bank. The pope gave Abbas a framed scene of ers make it to 50 fi rst, then they can return the Vatican along with the pen, “because you obviously General Hospital in Shisong, Cameroon. better respects St. Andrew choir member Mary Kay the favor! human dignity. have many things to sign,” which is when Abbas spoke  about his hopes to sign a peace treaty. Smith, a nurse, became quite close with Organized by Mary Nyar during her time at the Erie par- It was nice to have fi fth-graders from the Pontifi cal ish. Mary Kay wants to help her new friend St. Mary Catholic Elementary School in Council for Cul- People can draw own conclusions but can’t think of a way to offer assistance St. Marys, St. Boniface School in Kersey, ture, a 100-me- by reading offi cial papal texts overseas without getting tangled up in a bu- and St. Leo School in Ridgway visit Erie ter, three-lane reaucratic mess. recently. Father Steve Schreiber showed tartan track was VATICAN CITY (CNS)—The Vatican’s online access If anyone has advice on how to assist the to offi cial papal texts and speeches free people from rely- them St. Mark Seminary and the Carmel- temporarily laid St. Andrew choir, let me know and I will ite monastery. Father John Miller and down along the ing on media coverage that may be manipulative or biased, pass it along. said a top offi cial in the Vatican Secretariat of State. Father Michael Ferrick gave a tour of St. main boulevard Peter Cathedral, which included an organ leading right to CNS photo People can go directly to the @Pontifex Twitter feed  and www.news.va/en to see exactly what the pope has demonstration by Queen of the World Par- the edge of St. James Parker, a Catholic coordinator The exterior of St. Anthony of Padua ish music minister Stephen Toney. Msgr. Peter’s Square. for the London 2012 Olympics, left, said so “you can make your own conclusions, because his words are often very different than the way they are pre- Parish in Cambridge Springs has come to Henry Kriegel, pastor of St. Patrick Parish, After reciting and Father Leandro Lenin, a Catho- life again. The original sandy-brown hues Erie, also showed the group the life-sized, the Angelus with lic coordinator for the Rio de Janiero sented by certain media outlets,” U.S. Msgr. Peter B. Wells, assessor for general affairs, said Oct. 18. of its sandstone can now be hand-carved Stations of the Cross. people gathered 2016 Olympics run in a 100-meter re- seen after a lot of power washing by Tirpak in St. Peter’s lay race. The monsignor’s remarks came in a rare question-and- answer encounter when he spoke in a frescoed hall of the Building Maintenance of Erie. Mary Solberg is the editor of FaithLife. Square, Pope Besides power washing, workers have Email: [email protected] Francis greeted the race participants and asked them to apostolic palace. More than 300 benefactors of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums were in attendance. been removing old mortar and resealing the Call 814-824-1171 remember that “the believer is an athlete of the spirit.” exterior. The work started in July and is ex- Twitter: twitter.com/ERIERCDsolberg pected to be completed this fall.

ing and asking lots of questions, I came back to the church,” Ba- chiochi said. Liturgists Feminist says church is not Published in Harvard Uni- versity’s Journal of Law & Public LITURGISTS, from page 1 Policy, Bachiochi was the key- of the church’s sacramental life. anti-woman, not anti-sex note speaker this summer at the director of worship, Martinez He is at the forefront of a nation- national conference of Prolife said the discussions at the na- al effort to restore the order of the Mary Solberg Activities with the United States tional meeting gave her hope. sacraments of initiation. FaithLife Conference of Catholic Bish- “The reform [of Vatican II] Even Vatican II called for a ops. is not done. It’s in front of us,” revision of the sacramental rites, CLARION—Erika Bachiochi Although she also holds a Martinez said. “It’s wonderful.” and a 1983 code of canon law has all the cred of a feminist. At master’s degree in theology from Bernadette McMasters, the called for confi rmation to be ad- 38, she holds a law degree from Boston College, Bachiochi does director of worship for the ministered at the age of reason, Boston University and is a savvy, not focus on theology when she Diocese of Wheeling-Charles- which ranges from ages 7 to 16. published author and popular lectures. Instead, she presents ton, W.Va., said the messages The order of sacraments, he speaker on the college lecture data, studies, and observations shared during the week refl ect said, should begin with baptism, circuit. By all accounts, she is a on the human experience in the the words and actions of Pope followed by confi rmation, and fi ercely independent thinker. 40 years that have lapsed since Francis. then Eucharist. Holy Eucharist But add to this the fact that Ba- Roe v. Wade. “Liturgy has to spread to the is what Archbishop Aquila called chiochi is a Roman Catholic with “What we’ve seen in the people. It has to be relevant to “the crown of the sacraments,” six children between the ages of 2 last 40 years, straying from the our lives,” McMasters said. and as such, should be placed in and 12, and you’ve got the mak- church teachings has basically “How do we make people go its rightful place. ings of a new Catholic feminist. harmed women and the poor out and do the mission of the “Baptism and confi rmation “I want to provide a coherent the most because it’s church? How do we get back to lead to the Eucharist. This is an and compelling challenge to the given men the mes- the basics?” attempt to make Eucharist the idea that the church is against sage that sex has no Father James Gutting, pastor center of our lives,” Archbishop women. I want to question that To read more about Bachiochi, visit consequences,” Ba- of Holy Redeemer Parish, War- Aquila said. in a fundamental way,” Bachiochi Erika Bachiochi http://erika.bachiochi.com. chiochi explained. ren, appreciated Archbishop Matt Clark, administrator of told FaithLife in anticipation of But Bachiochi doesn’t focus Marini’s talk, saying the liturgy the Offi ce of Worshiop for the her upcoming lecture at Clarion and its moral teachings. Born entirely on abortion and contra- is meant to draw in the people Diocese of Erie, organized the University of Pennsylvania. just a couple of years after Roe ceptive arguments. Pope Fran- of God. The Constitution on the meeting locally. He was happy She will discuss her 2010 book, v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Su- time radical feminist, the product cis’ focus on social justice has Sacred Liturgy released 50 years to see liturgists gather from every Women, Sex & the Church: A Case preme Court ruling that gave of a “broken, non-churchgoing” edifi ed Bachiochi’s belief that the ago, he said, “is a living docu- corner of the country. for Catholic Teaching, at the Gem- women the legal right to have an home. As a teenager, she lived controversial church teachings ment.” “We need to continue to look mell Multipurpose Room at Clar- abortion, she grew up believing an unhealthy lifestyle and was on sexuality actually prove the At the conference, Archbish- at the liturgy and see that it is ion on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. The New- that the church’s stand on abor- fi lled with anxiety and despair. church’s love of women and its op Aquila of Denver discussed accessible to people,” Clark told man Association and Students for tion and contraception subjugat- Her worldview began to change, care for the poor. the need to return to the basics FaithLife. Life at Clarion are sponsoring her ed women. Her own mother was however, when two of her friends “When we stray from the visit. married and divorced three times. committed suicide. sexual teachings of the church, Bachiochi wasn’t always so In Women, Sex and the Church, “Through tragic events in my that’s when you see poor women supportive of the Catholic faith she describes herself as a one- life, I fell to my knees. I came and children suffering the most,” We invite you back to God and through search- Bachiochi said. to join us for the The “Besta” ST. JUDE’S Spaghetti The offi cial newspaper of the Catholic in town! Diocese of Erie. Published bi-weekly. ‘Serafini’s St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, Pa. 16504 Award Winning Recipe Publisher: The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico Grandfather Clock Spaghetti Executive Editor: Anne-Marie Welsh Website: www.ErieRCD.org Dinner’ Sunday, October 27, 2013 Editor: Mary Solberg Volume 9, Issue 19 Graphic Design: Rich Papalia Repair at Our Lady Christian School s606 Lowell Avenue s Advertising Manager: Brenda Williams Member of the Catholic Press Association noon to 5:30 pm s Take out begins at 11:30 am Advertising Design: Elizabeth Butterfi eld Subscription: $10/year Editorial Assistant: Cindy DeCoursey Periodical postage paid at Erie, PA Postmaster: Send address changes to: (814) 282-6435 Grand Prize: 2013 Chevy Corvette “60th Anniversary Edition” Email: [email protected] FaithLife at St. Mark Catholic Center or $40,000 in Cash Editorial: 814-824-1171 (Leave Message) Bake Sale sBasket Raffles and so much more! Adults $7 , Children $4 Advertising: 814-824-1168 The Offi ce of Communications has been Kids under 5 eat free General Information: 814-824-1161 serving Catholics of the Diocese of Erie Tickets available at the since 1874. OLC School Office, the Parish Rectory or at the door.

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ZZZSUR[LPRWUDYHOFRP _ email: [email protected] Carmela A. Manago Briefl y Mercyhurst showcases archives of former Cursillo celebrates 50 years of ‘fourth days’ Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge By Mary Solberg Roman Catholic Church, Cursillo FaithLife was founded in Majorca, , ERIE— in Erie now houses the public by a group of laymen in 1944. It archives of former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who served at Arco and Janet Wasserman focuses on showing Christian lay the helm of the Keystone State from 1995 to 2001. of Linesville were music minis- people how to become effective The collection spans Ridge’s career as a U.S. congressman rep- ters at their parish. They read the Christian leaders through numer- resenting northwestern Pennsylvania, as governor of Pennsylva- Bible regularly and participated in ous talks by clergy, religious, and nia, and as U.S. secretary of homeland security. It contains more prison ministry in the Diocese of lay people. than 1.1 million pages of documents, 3,000 audiovisual materials, Erie. The late Msgr. Peterson and the 10,000 photographs, and 1,500 artifacts. They weren't sure why people late Father Tex Hilbert nurtured According to Mercyhurst President Tom Gamble: “Housing an kept asking them to attend a Cur- the movement in the Diocese archive of this caliber and historic signifi cance on the Mercyhurst sillo, an intense three-day spiritual of Erie. Since 1963, there have University campus will provide students and scholars an under- retreat. The purpose of Cursillo is been 227 men’s Cursillos and 236 standing of Ridge’s leadership in the formation of public policy to bring participants to a personal women’s Cursillos. Also, the Erie and insight into one of America’s most prominent politicians.” encounter with Jesus Christ so Cursillo movement has sponsored that they can take their faith into the establishment of Cursillo in Gannon’s literary arts magazine wins awards the world on what is known as the dioceses of Roches- ERIE—’s literary arts magazine, Totem, was “the fourth day.” ter and Buffalo, and the Pennsyl- awarded two high awards by the American Scholastic Press Asso- “I didn’t want to sit around a vania dioceses of Pittsburgh and ciation (ASPA) for its 2012-13 issue. table with a bunch of guys being Greensburg. Totem won fi rst place with special merit, as well as outstand- touchy-feely,” Arco Wasserman “Cursillo has really been trans- ing creative binding. According to judges, “Totem showed superior told FaithLife. formative,” says Msgr. Dan Ar- efforts of talented and creative editors, writers, artists, photogra- But the prodding by friends nold, a co-director with Father phers, layouts and design, staff members and adviser.” continued until Arco fi nally Bill Sutherland of Cursillo in the agreed to make his Cursillo in Erie Diocese. June 2004. Janet followed with a Father Sutherland said that Mass scheduled for deceased religious women’s Cursillo the next month. Cursillistas are so deeply moved ERIE—Bishop Lawrence Persico invites members of religious Nearly 10 years later, Arco is now by their experience that many be- communities, their associates or oblates, seminarians, members of president of the organization in come parish leaders. the Serra Club, and the public to join in prayer for deceased men the Diocese of Erie. With Janet, “The Cursillo movement is a and women religious. A Mass will be held at the chapel of the Mer- they are the self-described “fi rst way of living our faith. It’s a joy- cy Motherhouse, 444 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, on Thursday, couple” of the diocesan Cursillo Photo by Mary Solberg ful way to live,” Father Sutherland Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. A social gathering will follow in the motherhouse movement. Arco and Janet Wasserman of Linesville are the “fi rst couple” of said. “It shows you can be a Cath- dining room. After attending his Cursillo, the Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Erie. olic and enjoy your faith at the Arco wrote, “I fi nally saw the same time. It takes the faith that church as it could be, should be, weekend 1963. For Arco Wasserman, faith in we wear really well on the outside Final day of St. Jude novena tomorrow all the time, everywhere.” In his homily at St. Peter, action is the hallmark of Cursillo. and draws it inside and into our ERIE—A closing Mass for the nine-day novena to St. Jude at St. Janet added, “Before Cursillo, Bishop Lawrence Persico con- Cursillistas (the title given to peo- lives.” Jude the Apostle Parish, Erie, will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 I knew about God. Through Cur- gratulated those in attendance. ple who have attended a Cursillo) Organizers are particularly ex- p.m. sillo, I know God.” Since the movement started in encounter God’s unconditional cited about offering two Spanish- Father Larry Richards, pastor of St. Joseph/Bread of Life Com- Their passion spread visibly to the diocese 50 years ago, an es- love at a weekend experience language Cursillos for the fi rst munity, is the speaker for the fi nal day of the novena. His talk is the 500 people who gathered Oct. timated 18,000 people have par- and then live out the second half time next year. The men’s Span- titled, “The Reason for Our Hope.” 6 at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie to ticipated. of the retreat for the rest of their ish Cursillo is scheduled for April The event is free and open to the public. celebrate the 50th anniversary of “When we deepen our encoun- lives. 2014 and the women’s in May the movement in the diocese. The ter with Jesus, it also strengthens “Then you go out and change 2014. Courage awards recognize seven late Msgr. James Peterson fi rst in- and deepens our faith,” Bishop the world,” Wasserman said. “We are going back to our troduced it here on Thanksgiving Persico said. An apostolic movement of the roots,” Father Sutherland said. ERIE—The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania recognized seven Erie area residents at this month’s 17th annual SSJ Spirit of Courage dinner. “We’re looking for those individuals in our own community who have beaten the odds, who have overcome incredible obsta- cles and persevered,” said Sister Margaret Ann Hardner, SSJ. “It’s Parishes, mission celebrate anniversaries this fall those people—the ordinary people—who refused to give up in the face of illness, injury, or other adversity who represent courage in Bishop Lawrence Persico is helping to celebrate anniversary Masses its truest form.” at four different parishes and one mission church in the Diocese of This year’s honorees are: Carol Alberstadt and the late Joe Al- Erie this fall. 100 th berstadt, Lyda Fowler, Shelby Kelly, Josue Ocasio, and Buddy and Melanie Brannan. 75th Diocese of Erie wins national poster award Blessed Sacrament Church-Erie DALLAS, Texas—The Inter- 75th anniversary national Catholic Stewardship Bishop John Mark Gannon placed the Council recently presented the cornerstone on Oct. 12, 1938. Diocese of Erie with the “Award St. James Mission-Driftwood of Excellence” for its 2013 Cath- 100 th 100th anniversary of second church olic Services Appeal poster. Father Bartholomew McAvenue The poster, which features a oversaw construction, young girl holding a lit candle, beginning in 1912. was recognized for its creativity, attractiveness, and its refl ection 125th of God’s active presence in dioc- esan stewardship efforts. A committee of 16 steward- 175th ship leaders from across the United States judged posters that were submitted from many dio- ceses. Erie advertising agency, Engel St. Adalbert Church-Farrell O’Neill, worked with the Dio- O’Neill and Leslie Gordon of 100th anniversary St. Mark Church-Emporium cese of Erie to create the win- Engel O’Neill. Father Casimir Rybinski, fi rst 125th anniversary ning “Sharing the Light” poster Representatives of the Dio- pastor, and Father Andrew Bishop placed the St. Francis Xavier-McKean design. Bill Grant, the director cese of Erie accepted the national Ignasiak said Mass when cornerstone on Sept. 9, 1888. of the Offi ce of Stewardship and award this fall at the annual In- 175th anniversary cornerstone was laid on Bishop Francis Kenrick of Annual Giving, particularly ternational Catholic Stewardship Sept. 15, 1913. credited the creativity of Nancy Conference in Dallas. Philadelphia accepted church deed on Aug. 18, 1838.

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast New suit fi led against Affordable Care Act St. Peter Social Hall 501 Washington St., Conneautville NEW SUIT, from page 1 Then-U.S District Judge Sean J. work with religious organizations Should the diocese be forced to Sunday, Nov. 10th from 8 – Noon McLaughlin dismissed that ini- to address their concerns. provide coverage for services it Come enjoy breakfast items and beverages This is the second time the tial suit, saying it was premature McLaughlin advised the dio- fi nds objectionable, then it may Cost Adults-$8 (ages 12 and up) diocese has gone to federal court because the government had not cese that it could refi le the suit if it have to refuse to offer insurance Seniors and Children under 12-$6 over the Affordable Care Act. yet formulated the fi nal rule for found the government’s revisions coverage for the entities named in Children under 6-free The fi rst time was in May 2012. the mandate and had pledged to to be inadequate. The diocese, in the suit. Fines, in that case, could its new suit, claims that the revi- be $100 per day per person and sions remain unconstitutional. could be “fi nancially crippling,” “The government ignored the according to a statement from the JOB OPENING: views of religious organizations diocese. MPS OPEN HOUSE like the plaintiffs by promulgating The revised rule exempts SUNDAY, NOV. 3, 12-3 PM CATHOLIC a fi nal rule that is more damaging houses of worship and other “re- CAMPUS MINISTER than the initial regulations,” the ligious employers” from provid- new suit states. ing contraceptive coverage, but it University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (January 2014) The revised mandate exempts also allows non-exempt religious DESCRIPTION: This full-time campus minister in the houses of worship, religious or- organizations, such as social-ser- diocese of Altoona-Johnstown coordinates Sunday liturgies, ders, and dioceses from provid- vice agencies and schools, to opt social outreach activities, faith formation for young adults, ing contraceptive services as part out of the contraception man- retreats and the development of student leadership. Salary is of the Affordable Care Act, but date. negotiable based upon qualifications and experience. it does not exempt so-called “re- The opt-out provision allows REQUIREMENTS: The successful applicant will be a ligious organizations,” such as women employed by those reli- practicing Catholic, lay or religious, with a Masters in Catholic social-service agencies gious organizations to get contra- Theology/Pastoral Ministry, or an equivalent experience in and schools. ception coverage under a separate campus ministry. Good communication skills and a The bishop told FaithLife: plan at no cost to the employer. collaborative spirit are essential, as is a proficiency in “They’re telling us we can wor- The diocese in its latest suit GENERAL SESSIONS: 1 & 2 PM Microsoft Office and social networking. APPLICATION: Applications for position beginning ship, but we can’t put our faith called the opt-out “a shell game tOutstanding Faith Life, immediately, and will be accepted until the suitable into action.” that does not address plaintiffs’ Academics, Sports and Arts candidate is found. Send résumé (paper or electronic), and If the mandate proceeds as fundamental religious objection planned, agencies and schools to improperly facilitating access t8th graders are eligible to the names, addresses and current phone numbers of at least one of 5 - $1,000 tuition three current professional references to: like St. Martin Center, Prince of to the objectionable products and win Northwest PA’s Peace, and Erie Catholic Prepa- services.” drawings by submitting their ONLY International Msgr. Michael A. Becker MPS application at Open House. Baccalaureate St. John the Evangelist Church, 309 Lotz Avenue, ratory School will be required U.S. District Judge Arthur J. (Certain restrictions apply, details posted at MPS) World School Altoona, PA 16602 / [email protected] to comply with the government Schwab has been assigned the mandate or face steep fi nes. new suit fi led by the diocese. Grandparents Day at Our Lady of Peace ERIE—Our Lady of Peace School in Erie is in the Ohmer bloodline. Carol Ohmer, center, was a member of the fi rst eighth-grade graduating class at Our Lady of Peace in 1957. All of her fi ve children graduated from OLP and all of her fi ve grandchil- dren also either attend or graduated from the school. She is shown here with two of her grandchildren: eighth-grader Sara DiPi- etro, and sixth-grader Mark DiPietro. They attended a recent Grandparents Day at OLP. Ohmer has been in charge of the school cafeteria the past 32 years. “I can’t retire,” she jokes, “until all of them graduate.”

DuBOIS—About 180 young people and adult reverent they were on the procession,” says Kath- leaders walked the one-mile distance from DuBois leen Peterson, program coordinator of Youth and 9/11 victims remembered with fl ags Area Catholic High School to Christ the King Young Adult Ministry for the Diocese of Erie. ERIE—Students at Blessed Manor in DuBois on Oct. 12 as part of the annual Father Stephen Schreiber, director, celebrated Sacrament School in Erie placed diocesan High School Youth Rally. the Mass and led the procession with the Eucha- more than 450 American fl ags “It was powerful to see the kids and see how rist. around the perimeter of the church and school to remember those who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The International day of peace students also participated in a me- WARREN—The students and staff of St. Jo- Father Rich Toohey read from the Gospel of John, morial Mass. seph School in Warren gathered around a peace and the children sang “The Peace Song.” pole in recognition of International Peace Day in At the conclusion of the ceremony, student repre- September. sentatives of the classes released 15 white doves. The students sang “The Prayer of St. Francis,” Pictured with Dr. Howard Ferguson, principal, read poems, and placed pinwheels around the are fourth-graders Logan Johnson and Lauren peace pole that is located in front of the school. Walker.

Pets blessed in Kane and Erie The feast day of St. Francis this month brought out lots of animals in the Diocese of Erie. Children from Our Lady of Peace School, Erie, at right, gathered for a blessing of a litter of kittens on Oct. 4. Pictured in the front is: TJ Murnock. In the middle, left to right, are: Miriam Murnock, Regina Murnock, and Andrea Wilson. In the back, left to right, are: Sophia Wilson, Christina Wilson, and Julia Wilson. In the bottom photo, Father Phil Pinczewski, pastor of St. Callistus Parish, Kane, blesses pets outside the church.

Clarion Campus Ministry holds Picking a Mustang winner textbook drawing GREENVILLE—St. Michael Par- CLARION—Students at Clarion Uni- ish in Greenville picked top winners versity of Pennsylvania who are registered during its 15th annual golf scramble with Catholic Campus Ministry and Im- at Pine Hill Golf Course this summer. maculate Conception Parish, Clarion, The winner of the top prize, a 2015 were eligible for a textbook reimbursement Shelby Mustang GT 500, was Janette drawing recently. Catholic Campus Min- Deal from New Albany, Ind. The istry paid for the student’s most expensive second-place prize of $1,000 went to textbook, up to $100. Jim and Lina Perry of Greenville, and Pictured, left to right, are: Father Mon- the third-place prize of $500 went to ty Sayers, campus minister; sophomore Mike Yurisic of Greenville. Ralph and Becky D’Amico, the drawing winner; and Roseanne McConnell of Greenville Ann Enderle Liska, director of religious won the super-seller prize of $1,000. education at Immaculate Conception. Pictured, left to right, are: Scott Haynes, disc jockey; Dawn Blair, principal of St. Michael School; Roseanne and Ralph McConnell, STUMP GRINDING by Ken Eaton co-chairs of the car committee; and Back yards - tight spots - No problem Father David Foradori, pastor of St. Free estimates, Insured, Shrubs and Michael. small trees removed, Prompt service Ken (814) 474-2195 or (814) 397-0384 LICENSE PA 056587

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