Two-thirds of serving in the diocese are at retirement age. SEE BELOW

POPE QUOTE

INSPIRING WORDS WORDS FROM TUNE IN TO POPE FRANCIS: ‘LESSONS & CAROLS’ “We must not tame the power of the face of .” PAGE 3

www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE November 22, 2015

Win 4 passes to Splash DOOR of MERCY Lagoon Catholics encouraged to celebrate jubilee year Just in time for northwestern Pennsyl- vania’s frigid winter, FaithLife is giving away four passes to Splash Lagoon, Erie’s BY MARY SOLBERG | FAITHLIFE borcreek; popular indoor water park owned by Scott at St. Bernard Parish, Bradford; Enterprises. St. Michael Parish, Greenville; Ss. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Punx- Imagine arguing with your sutawney; Sacred Heart Parish, St. 1 What does this German phrase spouse or best friend. You forgive mean? Marys; and St. Joseph Parish, War- them; they forgive you. But what’s ren. Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht still simmering underneath? What Lieb’ aus deinem gottlichen Mund Pope Francis requested last year are the root causes of the confl ict? that a Door of Mercy be opened in Or, say you’re addicted to drugs. every Catholic diocese throughout 2 Name the song from which this You wean yourself off of this de- verse is found. the world, beginning this December pendency, but the daily struggle and continuing through Nov. 20, continues. 2016. It is a ritual practiced since E-mail your correct answers to The upcoming Holy Year of the fi rst was opened at [email protected] no later Mercy—set to begin Dec. 8—offers St. Peter’s in in 1499, than noon, Nov. 27, 2015. a way by which people can receive inaugurating the Holy Year 1500. the gift of overcoming the conse- Typically, a pope declares a ju- Only one entry per person. If there are quences of unhealthy attachments bilee year in the multiple winners, the names will be placed and thinking. every 25 years. The last one was the in a random drawing. The winner will be In the vernacular of the Catholic Great Jubilee Year of 2000, mark- announced in the Dec. 6 issue of FaithLife. Church, this process of purifi cation ing 2,000 years since Christ’s birth. Employees of St. Mark Catholic Center are is called an “,” or a re- But this year, Pope Francis called not eligible to participate. mission of punishment for sin. for a Year of Mercy because of the “With an indulgence, the church need for healing and hope in an is giving us an opportunity to be ever-changing, always challenging freed from an improper attachment world. Special Collections to created things, which is essential- Mercy is a theme close to Pope ly what sin is,” says Sister Kathleen Francis’ heart, expressly stated in Dietz, FSO, vice chancellor of the his episcopal motto: “Miserando Campaign for Human Diocese of Erie and liaison between atque eligendo,” or “With eyes of Development, Nov. 21-22 the diocese and seven churches that mercy.” A second collection will be taken in all have been designated Explains Father Christopher Photo by Mary Solberg sites in the Year of Mercy. parishes for the Campaign for Human Singer, chancellor of the diocese: Each site will offer a Door of “Pope Francis felt it was an oppor- Development (CCHD). The clear glass door leading into St. Peter , Erie, has been designated Mercy, or a Holy Door, through as the main Door of Mercy, or Holy Door, in the Diocese of Erie. tune time for a Year of Mercy. His The CCHD was established by U.S. which people may pass to begin a message is that the church is open- Catholic as the primary source process of forgiveness and conver- ing wide the doors of Christ’s mercy of funding for CCHD’s anti-poverty grants Lawrence Persico has designated the followingollowing sion. This passage requires prayer, to the whole world.” and education programs. Half of the churches/ in the Diocese of Erie as pilgrimagegrimage refl ection and repentance. (See sto- All are welcome to attend the funds from this collection remain in the sites for the Holy Year of Mercy: ry on page 2.) Holy Door opening at St. Peter Ca- Diocese of Erie to fi ght poverty in our According to Sister Kath- thedral, where Bishop Lawrence local communities. St. Peter Cathedral, Erie leen, “The Holy Door symbol- Persico will preside at the jubilee izes Christ and forgiveness. . Time will be set aside after- Our Lady of Mercy, Harborcreek We pass through the door ward for confessions. Retirement Fund for Divine Mercy Chapel at into a new life.” Sister Kathleen also hopes par- Religious, Dec. 5-6 St. Bernard Parish, Bradford The seven sites designat- ishes throughout the diocese will or- St. Michael, Greenville ed with a Holy Door in the ganize small to a Holy Coordinated by the National Religious Diocese of Erie, include: St. Door in the coming year. Retirement Offi ce, this collection offers Ss. Cosmas and Damian, Punxsutawney Peter Cathedral, Erie, which “The pope,” she says, “wants support for senior Catholic sisters, broth- Sacred Heart, St. Marys offi cially will open its door everyone to participate in the Holy ers and religious order priests whose at a Mass Dec. 12 at 4 p.m.; St. Joseph, Warren Year. He doesn’t want anyone to be communities lack suffi cient retirement Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Har- left out.” funding.

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS Saint Mary’s employee Sister Bernardine says ‘thank you’ retires after 58 years BY MARY SOLBERG | FAITHLIFE home he gathers a few other boys and FAITHLIFE staff report they come to visit me,” she says. At age 98, Sister of St. Joseph Ber- Next month, people in the Diocese Everyone was “all shook up” nardine Pais is just now settling into of Erie and across the country will be at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie retirement. asked to give to the annual Retirement recently when an Elvis imperson- Up until fi ve months ago, she worked Fund for Religious. Sister Bernardine ator serenaded Katie Rankin at as a full-time housemother and chief is one of 33,000 women and men re- her retirement party marking 58 Christmas decorator at Saint Mary’s ligious past the age of 70 who benefi t years of service. Home of Erie. Recent cataract surgery from the national collection. At age 82, Rankin retires this prompted her to reluctantly leave that People from the Diocese of Erie month as the longest-serving regular paying job. contributed more than $163,000 to the employee in Saint Mary’s his- “As I got a little younger each year, fund last December. The Benedictine tory. She spent her entire career in I did more sewing,” Sister Bernardine Sisters of Erie and the Sisters of St. the laundry department at Saint says, with a wink. Joseph here received a combined total Mary’s-East, retiring Nov. 30 as In her 79th year of religious life, she of more than $286,000 in fi nancial as- the laundry supervisor. can be found at the Sisters of St. Joseph sistance made possible by the Retire- “I’ve always liked helping peo- Community Living Center in Erie. She ment Fund for Religious, according ple. Doing their laundry makes walks every day from her room to the to the National Religious Retirement them feel good and makes me feel chapel, spending many hours in prayer. Offi ce. good,” Rankin said at her party Katie Rankin “She is dedicated and committed to Women and men religious who Nov. 12. the Gospel and to serving people. And serve or have served in the diocese A die-hard Elvis fan, Rankin she’s a great Pirate fan, too,” says Sister but whose communities are based was surprised mid-way through at Saint Mary’s-East, talking to Nancy Fischer, SSJ, vicar for Religious Sister Bernardine Pais, SSJ elsewhere—including the Sisters of the festivities when Elvis imper- families and getting to know their for the Diocese of Erie. Mercy—also benefi t. sonator Jim Moore appeared and needs. Even as the supervisor, she Sister Bernardine also remains an About 300 sisters from 20 differ- sang a collection of Elvis Presley was hands-on—washing, ironing, avid basketball fan. Earlier this year, ent religious communities serve in songs, some of which topped the sorting. she sent a handwritten note of con- Donate in your parish Dec. 5-6, or at: various capacities in the Erie Dio- music charts in October 1957 “Saint Mary’s operates like a gratulations to Mike Krzyzewski, head cese. About two-thirds of the overall when Rankin fi rst started working family. Katie is an important part coach of Duke University’s men’s bas- www.ErieRCD.org/RetirementFund.asp population of sisters are at retirement as a laundry aide at Saint Mary’s. of that family,” according to Sis- ketball team, who earned his 1,000th age, making it imperative to set aside That was an era in which ter Phyllis McCracken, SSJ, presi- career win. funds for their care. Rankin oftentimes hung laundry dent and CEO of Saint Mary’s “And he wrote back,” she says. “I also served as principal for about eight years at Sacred National Religious Retirement sta- outside to dry. In those days, Saint Home. “She touches the hearts like people to be happy.” Heart. tistics show that the total cost of care Mary’s only had two washers and and souls of everyone here.” For 34 years as a school teacher and For another 48 years, she was housemother on the for senior women and men religious one dryer. Even Bishop Lawrence Persico a principal in the Diocese of Erie, Sister second fl oor at Saint Mary’s Home-East, where she en- has exceeded $1 billion for each of the “Sometimes when it was real extended his sincere appreciation Bernardine spread her joy to students, countered residents and their families on a daily basis. last six years. cold outside, the clothes would be for Rankin’s work with the Sisters many of whom still contact her. She Today, she receives thank-you cards from many of To those who will contribute to the frozen,” Rankin recalls. of St. Joseph. taught mostly eighth grade at St. John those family members. Several former students visit collection Dec. 5-6, Sister Bernardine Rankin never isolated herself “You have truly been an instru- and Sacred Heart schools, both in Erie, her regularly. says: “Thank you. What you give to in the basement laundry room. ment of the Lord,” he wrote in a and Holy Rosary in Johnsonburg. She “There’s a boy who lives in Texas and when he’s the sisters, you give to God.” Often, she visited different fl oors congratulatory letter to Rankin. 2 | FaithLife

Snippets of Catholic headlines and stories from around the world ish Social Ministry and Respect Life, upon receiving the aid, said: “It’s beautiful. All from Catholic News Service of us in Catholic Charities were moved by Editor’s this.” events,” the pope said after reciting the prayer with   Supreme Court will hear Erie visitors in St. Peter’s Square. Notes Diocese appeal, six other cases The attacks in Paris Nov. 13 caused the deaths of at least Way to go, Sharon Letrent, a member 129 people and left more than 350 injured, many of them Mary of St. Andrew Church, Erie, who won WASHINGTON (CNS)—U.S. Supreme Court justices $300 in the Pay it Forward contest spon- said Nov. 6 they will hear seven pending appeals in lawsuits critically. The attacks, Pope Francis said, were an “unspeak- able affront to the dignity of the human person.” SOLBERG sored by Lakeside Auto Group and local brought by several Catholic and other faith-based entities media. She donated the money to St. An- against the Obama administration’s contraceptive mandate. The brutal terrorist attacks in Paris this drew/St. Jude Neighborhood Food Pan- The court will hear appeals from groups throughout the try. country, including the dioceses of Erie and Pittsburgh, and month make it clear why Pope Francis has declared the next 365 days a Holy Year of others in Colorado, Maryland, New Mexico, Oklahoma,  Texas, and the District of Columbia. Mercy in the Catholic Church. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, most employers, We live in a beautiful, but sometimes The faith formation classes at St. Hip- including religious ones, are required to cover employees’ dangerous, world. The Internet has only polyte Parish, Frenchtown, and Our Lady artifi cial birth control, sterilization and abortifacients, even made it easier for those beguiled by un- of Lourdes Mission, Cochranton, cel- if employers are bridled power, money or a slew of other ebrated the beginning of Vocations Week morally opposed to temptations to carry out acts of terrorism. Nov. 1 with Father Michael Polinek, such coverage. But beyond the global scale of this cur- director of Vocations for the Diocese of In all the cases to “We have asked the court to rent terrorist crisis is the everyday abuse Erie. Parishioners gathered for Mass at St. be argued before the examine whether or not the of social media—mostly Facebook—as a Hippolyte, and then shared lunch and lis- high court in March, accommodation violates the Re- CNS photo means to vent our anger, frustrations and tened to a presentation by Father Polinek. appellate courts in ligious Freedom Restoration Act, criticisms. People light candles in the shape of a cross and heart in  various jurisdic- the federal law passed in 1993 In his Bull of Indiction announcing Republique square in Paris Nov. 14 in memory of victims the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, Pope tions sided with the ensuring that interests in religious of the recent terrorist attacks. Father Joseph Campbell, pastor of St. Obama administra- Francis stated that “we need constantly to Anthony Parish and St. Stanislaus Kost- freedom are protected. Religious contemplate the mystery of mercy. It is a tion. The rulings said liberty protects the right of each ka-Holy Trinity Parish, both of Sharon, the religious entities’ Sister cooks for a national prize wellspring of joy, serenity and peace.” and St. Adalbert, Farrell, has been thrilled of us to pursue the truth, to When we contemplate the face of Je- freedom of religion embrace it, and to shape our lives with the turnout this fall for the adult faith was not burdened CHICAGO (CNS)—It looked like prayer and the Lord sus, we can’t help but act with love. No formation program in the Shenango Val- by having to comply around it—all without government were on Franciscan Sister Alicia Torres’ side as she won a rancor. No jealousy. No zeal for power or ley. with the mandate as interference. We are hopeful the special Thanksgiv- supremacy. There’s no room for it in our For several weeks, parishioners have they have argued, court will uphold religious liberty, ing competition on lives. enjoyed Tuesday evening discussions and because the federal one of the essential pillars upon the Food Network’s That’s why I was so impressed by Fa- fellowship surrounding the Ascension government has in which our country has thrived for “Chopped,” which ther Jim Kennelley, pastor of Immacu- Press video series covering church his- place an accommo- centuries.” aired Nov. 9. late Heart of Mary Parish, Mercer, and tory and biblical foundations of the Mass, Sister Alicia, 30, his parishioners who simply acted out of dation for a third — BISHOP LAWRENCE PERSICO among others. party to provide the a Franciscan of the love one Sunday this fall. Parishioners “It’s really reaching people where they contested coverage. of Chica- spontaneously contributed $952.41 to are,” Father Campbell says. But the religious groups object to that notifi cation, saying go who ministers at help address the refugee crisis faced by so they still would be complicit in supporting practices they Chicago’s Mission many countries today.  oppose. While their appeals worked their way to the high of Our Lady of the Father Kennelley sent the money to court, the government has not been able to force the groups Angels, competed Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie, Good luck to Father Mike DiMartinis to comply with the mandate or face daily fi nes for noncom- against three other requesting that it disperse the funds to who is performing the role of Herr Dros- pliance. chefs who, like her- whatever agencies are providing direct selmeyer in the Erie Contemporary Ballet self, work in soup services to those who are suffering. Theatre’s production of “The Nutcrack- CNS photo Pope condemns Paris attacks kitchens. “Perhaps a pair of shoes, a container of er” Nov. 28-29 at the McDowell Perform- She said her Franciscan Sister Alicia Torres food, a blanket or some practical, tangible ing Arts Center. VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Using God’s name to try to $10,000 in winnings gets a congatulatory hug after help offered by the church will reaffi rm justify violence and murder is “blasphemy,” Pope Francis would go to feed the winning a Thanksgiving com- their notion that we are a worldwide com- Mary Solberg is the editor of FaithLife. said Nov. 15 speaking about the terrorist attacks on Paris. poor in the commu- petition on the Food Network’s munity of people who care,” Father Ken- Email: [email protected] “Such barbarity leaves us dismayed and we ask ourselves nity. “Chopped.” nelley wrote. Call 814-824-1171 how the human heart can plan and carry out such horrible Erin Landini-Grogan, director of Par- Twitter: @ERIERCDsolberg

How do you receive an indulgence Holy Doors stay with us forever by passing through a Holy Door? pening inside the basilica. The make a pilgrimage to a designated Those who pass through a Holy Door during the Year of Mercy may obtain a plenary pope knocked on the Holy Door; it church, as a sign of our inward indulgence (see page 1 story for details). Under normal circumstances, the following is opened and the Great pilgrimage. We are invited to enter required: began. the Holy Door, leaving our old life Guest The one image that remains behind and entering a new, more 1. A pilgrimage to the Holy Door located in the cathedral, or in the churches with me from that night is the joyful, more profound life with designated by the diocesan bishop, or in the shrines or churches traditionally recognized Commentary glimpse I had of the Christ and his church. as jubilee churches, as a sign of the deep desire for true conversion. window located at the back of St. With this extraordinary Jubilee Peter’s. Though I was far back in Sister Kathleen Dietz, FSO of Mercy, Pope Francis reminds 2. The practices in No. 1 should be linked especially with the sacrament of St. Peter’s Square, I was able to see us that we are all sinners who de- reconciliation and to the celebration of the Eucharist with a refl ection on mercy. in a direct line through the entire pend on the mercy of God, that his basilica to Bernini’s window: an mercy is for everyone, and that we amazing image to begin a Holy are obliged, as followers of Christ, 3. These celebrations must be accompanied with the profession of faith and with Year. to show mercy to others. All holy prayer for the pope and his intentions. This is traditionally done by praying the Creed, It was 1999. I sat in St. Peter’s Square On Dec. 8, the Solemnity of years are windows—or rather, followed by the Our Father and the Hail Mary for the pope’s intentions. in Rome with members of my community, The Spiri- the Immaculate Conception, Pope doors—into the mercy of God tual Family The Work, awaiting the opening of the Holy Francis will again open the Holy who loves us with unending and Special considerations: Door in St. Peter’s Basilica. The event signaled the be- Door of St. Peter’s Basilica to be- unspeakable love, and seeks al- ginning of the Great Jubilee Year 2000. gin another jubilee year for the ways to draw us closer to himself. FOR THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND: Those unable to pass through a Holy Door Though the weather was mild by northern Pennsyl- church, this time the extraordi- The Holy Door of St. Peter’s may receive the indulgence by spiritually uniting their suffering with the suffering of vania standards, we shivered in our seats—50 degrees nary Holy Year of Mercy. In this Basilica is made up of panels de- the Lord, receiving communion and reconciliation as is possible in their condition, and is cold when you’re sitting in one place for three hours. holy year, as in all holy years, the picting various scenes in salvation participating in Mass or communal prayer, even through television or other means of We were in the “overfl ow” crowd of thousands. The ba- church becomes aware of her sta- history. communication. silica, where Pope John Paul II would celebrate Mass af- tus as pilgrim, as one on the way My favorite one is the panel of FOR THOSE IN PRISON: Pope Francis extends the Year of Mercy indulgence to ter opening the Holy Door, was already full. The mood of conversion toward Christ. Each the good shepherd reaching for the prisoners who, with the intention to receive God’s mercy, see the doorway to their prison was festive and full of anticipation. This was the begin- of us is invited to join that pilgrim- lost lamb caught in a thicket. His chapel, and even the doorway to their own prison cell, as a Door of Mercy symbolizing ning of the Jubilee Year for which the whole Catholic age in a deeper and more profound arms are stretched between the lost their desire to pass from an old life to a new experience of God’s forgiveness. Church had been preparing for years. The city of Rome, way. Every holy year calls us to sheep and the sheep that didn’t too, had been feverishly preparing for the infl ux of pil- prayer, fasting, almsgiving, for- stray. It resembles the arms of grims. Tunnels were constructed to direct traffi c around giveness and repentance, so that Christ stretched out on the cross. St. Peter’s, roads were renewed, churches were scrubbed we may become less attached to His mercy stretches from those truly enter into this holy year with Sister Kathleen Dietz, FSO, is the clean of the smog that had gathered on them for years, the things of this world and, thus, who haven’t strayed to those who the whole church, walking the way vice chancellor of the Diocese of Erie, and even the great basilica of St. Peter got a face-lift. walk more lightly, with greater res- have. Our mercy for one another of mercy, for ourselves and for our and the Year of Mercy liaison for the We were seated on the square, directly in front of the olution, on our way to Christ and must always pass through the arms neighbor, on this pilgrimage to our diocese. obelisk. Huge outdoor screens showed what was hap- with Christ. We are encouraged to of Christ on the cross. May we true home.

The bi-weekly newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Erie. St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 East Grandview Blvd. Erie, Pa. 16504 Publisher: The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico MakingWOODWORKING, Fine Church Furniture LLC Since Executive Editor: Anne-Marie Welsh Website: www.ErieRCD.org Editor: Mary Solberg Volume 11, Issue 21 Graphic Design: Rich Papalia 2831 Zimmerman Road, Erie 814-453-5110 Advertising Manager: Brenda Williams Member of the Catholic Press Association Advertising Design: Elizabeth Butterfi eld Subscription: $10/year Periodical postage paid at Erie, PA z Email: [email protected] Postmaster: Send address changes to: custom cabinetry church furnishings Editorial: 814-824-1171 FaithLife at St. Mark Catholic Center Advertising: 814-824-1168 millwork z wall units General Information: 814-824-1161 The Offi ce of Communications has been serving Catholics of the Diocese of Erie since 1874. www.schuttewoodworking.net

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Several trips to different destinations: the ; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece All your collision needs. & Turkey; Viking Cruises; Caribbean Cruises; Special Wash, Wax/Interior - $100.00 plus tax Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; 453-6185 etc… :HDOVRVSHFLDOL]HLQFXVWRPWULSVIRU%LVKRSV3ULHVWVDQG 'HDFRQV Call us 24/7  +DEODPRV(VSDxRO ZZZSUR[LPRWUDYHOFRP Dave Ras Amy Ras Carol Ras Jim Winarski [email protected] owner office office mgr. FaithLife | 3 OBITUARY ‘Lessons & Carols’ Sister Michaela Fox, SSJ celebrates the season, vocations Ohio native ministered ERIE—More than 50 singers from to young children parishes in the Erie area will perform at next month’s “Answer the Call—Lessons Sister Michaela Fox, SSJ, 86, ual Help, Grove City. She served & Carols” concert at the H. Bowes a member of the Sisters of St. as housemother and evening Auditorium at Cathedral Preparatory School Joseph of Northwestern Penn- meal cook for 16 residents at Im- in Erie. sylvania, died Nov. 5. She was in maculate Conception House in Bishop Lawrence Persico and several other her 60th year of religious life. Columbus (a convent renovated clergy and religious will be on-hand for the A native of Lancaster, Ohio, into a retirement home). Dec. 13 Advent concert, which will draw she entered the Sisters of St. Jo- Also, she attention to how Mary, Joseph and the wise seph from St. Joseph Parish, Sug- worked in men all answered the call to welcome Jesus Photo by Anne-Marie Welsh ar Grove, Ohio, on Feb. 2, 1957. child care into the world. She professed her fi nal vows on for two The concert will include music composed Michael Malthaner, composer of “Lessons & Carol,” conducts a rehearsal for the Aug. 15, 1964. years at the by Michael Malthaner, music director at Dec. 13 Advent concert at the H. David Bowes Auditorium at Cathedral Prep, Erie. She transferred to the Sisters Wegmans Sacred Heart Parish, Erie. Several guests will of St. Joseph of Northwestern west Erie intersperse the music with readings from the the biblical characters contained in the piece,” Malthaner said. “Indeed, we must all Pennsylvania in 1988, and cele- location. Old and New Testaments. answer our unique call and I am happy that so many wonderful people have joined in brated her golden jubilee in 2006. Besides “I have written a lot of music for Christ- the effort to present the concert and share the message.” Sister Michaela graduated members mas over the years, primarily for the theatre, The concert will be held from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. A free will offering will be taken to from Saint Mary School in Lan- of her reli- and I hope this work will resonate with fund retreats for men and women discerning vocations to clergy and religious voca- caster, Ohio, and continued her gious com- Sister Michaela audiences by making them feel inspired by tions. education at the Ohio Domini- munity, Fox, SSJ can University, Columbus, where survivors she graduated in 1969 with a include her sister, Mary Motter, bachelor’s degree in elementary of Lancaster, Ohio; a sister-in- EVENTS education. She was a certifi ed law, Jean Fox, of Sugar Grove; ceramics teacher and graduated and a brother, Brother Joseph Open house set for the main building at Gannon- Anthony of Padua Parish in Christmas concert from the Jolly Jesters Clown Col- Fox, of Notre Dame, Ind. dale, 4635 East Lake Road, Erie. Tekit, Mexico. to be held in DuBois lege, Erie, in 1989. A Mass of Christian Burial new retreat center Titled “Giving Birth to God in The Antorcha Guadalupana Sister Michaela taught young was held at the Sisters of St. Jo- the Contemporary World,” the is a traditional event celebrated children for more than 40 years. seph Community Living Center, UNION CITY—Final reno- DuBOIS—The public is She taught at St. John, St. An- Erie, on Nov. 8. Burial was at vations to the fi rst fl oor of the event will be held Dec. 5 from across Mexico to commemorate welcome to join Catholic pa- 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fee is Juan Diego’s reported meeting drew, Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery. Avila House, now known as Hope rishioners in Clearfi eld County Peace and Villa Maria Elemen- Memorials may be made to House Retreat Center, Union $25. Bring your own bag lunch; with the Virgin Mary in 1531. who are organizing the annual pastries, snacks and beverages To honor Mary, runners carry tary schools, all in Erie. Also, she the Community Support Fund City, are to be completed in the Shalom Christmas Concert taught at Holy Spirit and Villa of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 5031 coming weeks. will be provided. Reservations torches to the altar of Our Lady at the Paul G. Reitz Theater, are appreciated by Dec. 1 by of Guadalupe. Madonna kindergarten in Co- West Ridge Road, Erie, PA, An open house will be held at located on Scribner Avenue in lumbus, and Our Lady of Perpet- 16506-1249. the center, located at 61 E. High emailing Kathleen Kutz at At the Conneaut Lake event, DuBois, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. St., on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, both [email protected] or by runners and walkers will as- Admission is free. For more days from noon to 4 p.m. Hope calling 814-520-9617. semble at the parish parking lot information, contact Judy House Retreat Center is a minis- Gateley’s books and CDs will at 3 p.m. Smart at 814-637-5930 or Rich try of The Reason for Our Hope be available for purchase. The Carrying torches, they will Kenawell at 814-771-7932. Foundation, Erie. program will explore how the arrive at the altar of Our Lady Feedback on Schools? Holy Spirit calls us to new life carrying gifts and donations Save the date for and action. to benefi t three charities: The Feedback forms on the proposed Gobble up your Samaritans of Conneaut Lake, Diocesan Study Week Thanksgiving dinner the Center for Family Services in plan for diocesan schools are due Johnstown priest to ERIE—The Erie Diocesan speak at Advent event Meadville, and the needs of the Dec. 1. Submit an online form at: ERIE—The Sisters of St. sister parish in the Yucatan. Study Week, titled “Evangeli- https://form.jotform.com/52932022163951 Joseph of Northwestern Penn- A Mexican-themed Mass will zation: Ministering from our sylvania will host their annual SHARON—Father Anthony Experience of Conversion,” Francis Spilka, OFM Conv., be held at 5 p.m., followed by a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26 fi esta featuring authentic Mexi- will be held Jan. 11-14, 2016. from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at will be the guest speaker at the The presenter for the event Advent Day of Recollection can food. the Gannon University Waldron A cruise on the Barbara J will will be Father Frank Desiano, Campus Center, 124 W. 7th St., at St. Stanislaus Kostka-Holy CSP. Among the topics to be Trinity Church, 370 Spruce Ave., end the evening for a spectacu- Erie. The meal is free and no res- lar view of the Conneaut Lake covered that day include: parish Retirement ervations are required. Individu- Sharon, Dec. 6 from noon to 4 life, parish and mission plan- p.m. Christmas lights. als who are homebound can have To participate in the event or ning, ministry and conversion, a dinner delivered. Father Spilka is the pastor serving absent Catholics. Reg- of St. Francis of Assisi Par- to form a team of fi ve runners/ Fund for Arrangements for home deliv- walkers, register by contacting ister by Jan. 4 at https://form. ery can be made by calling 814- ish, Johnstown, and is vicar jotform.com/53135242923147. for religious for the Diocese of Pat Pineo at 814-720-5128 or at 836-4198 on Nov. 24 between 9 [email protected]. For more information, contact and 11 a.m. Altoona-Johnstown. The cost for Faye Froess at 814-824-1210. Religious the Advent event is $15. There Last year, nearly 800 meals, Please give to those who have given a lifetime. including more than 500 home will be a catered lunch, two talks, deliveries, were served. exposition of the Blessed Sacra- 814/824.1125 No additional volunteers ment, Benediction, confessions are needed for the dinner, but and a 3:15 p.m. Mass. To register, monetary donations are being call 724-342-7391 or send email accepted to help offset costs to [email protected]. and provide resources to local shelters, food banks and agencies 5K honors Our Lady throughout the year. Send dona- of Guadalupe tions to: Thanksgiving Dinner Fund, Sisters of St. Joseph, CONNEAUT LAKE—Our 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA Lady Queen of the Americas 16506-1249. Parish in Conneaut Lake will host its second annual Antorcha Energize your Advent Guadalupana 5K Run/Walk Dec. 12 beginning at 3 p.m. ERIE—Edwina Gateley, an The celebration is held in Ways to Donate international speaker, poet and conjunction with the feast day >> author, will present an Advent of Our Lady Queen of the www.SupportTheSisters.org day of refl ection next month in Americas. Its sister parish is St. >> Or in your parish December 5-6 Looking for a fresh perspective? ULTIMATE GIFT CARD SALE 15% OFF

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Camp Notre Dame retreat teaches teamwork HELPING THE NEEDY

Photo by Ed Mailliard MEADVILLE—Members of Meadville Knights of Columbus Council #388 unload more than 500 containers of nonperishable foods purchased recently at Valesky’s Market, Meadville. The Knights took advantage of big savings during the grocery store’s annual ERIE—Eighth-graders at St. Luke School in Erie boat across the water with only a rope. Pictured sale in order to help stock local food pantry shelves. Pictured unloading a car full of sup- enjoyed their annual retreat this fall at Camp Notre with the class are Father John Malthaner, pastor, plies at St. Brigid Church, from left, are: Meadville Knights Ted Jastromb Sr., Jeff Chof- Dame. In addition to having confession and Mass, and Father Steve Schreiber, director of Youth and fel and Pete McHale. the students participated in team-building/group ac- Young Adult Ministry in the diocese. tivities, including working together to get a pontoon First responders honored in Kane Rosary rally held in Clarion County

KANE—St. Callistus Parish in Kane cel- Mahalko. In the middle row, from left, are: Jim CRATES—Parishioners from St. Charles Under the direction of Father Samuel Bungo, the ebrated its annual Blue Mass Oct. 11 to honor Greville; Father Phil Pinczewski, chaplain; Joe Church, New , and St. Nicholas, Crates, event was set up by Bill and Donna McNeal. This fi rst responders who serve the community. Pic- Mehalko and John McAlee. In the back, from recently held their third annual Public Square Ro- event was one of more than 14,000 similar rallies tured in the front, from left, are: Kane Volunteer left, are: Assistant Fire Chief Dave Silvis of Kane, sary Rally at Gumtown Park in New Bethlehem. held throughout the United States that day. Fire Chief Tim Holt, Daryl Snyder and John Jonathan Bires and Tom Brinkley. Sisters, communicators at conference Youth event benefi ts Zach’s Baskets Medical course aids students

DuBOIS—DuBois Central Catholic students enrolled in Jenn Grae- ca’s medical technology course receive instruction from physical thera- pist Ruth Pifer on how a goniometer is used to measure joint range of motion. Pictured testing Riley Assalone are, from left: Libby Maurer, Frank and Jackson Frank. Looking on are Hope Martin, Alex- GRAMPIAN—St. Bonaventure Parish held its fall youth event, is Kosko, Noah Pettenati and Riley Meyers. “We Stand Together,” which featured a bonfi re Mass offi ciated by ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Sisters and communications profes- Father Mark Mastrian, pastor. This year’s charity was Zach’s Baskets sionals representing local religious congregations attended the recent benefi tting new parents and families of babies with Down Syndrome. conference of Communicators for Women Religious (CWR) in Albu- Activities included a color dance, hayride, volleyball and football, tail- querque. The conference featured several notable speakers, including gate games and a fi reside chat. Pictured getting sprayed, from left, are: ERIE DIOCESAN Father Richard Rohr, OFM, founder and director of the Center for Carter Cummings, Noah Mendat and Meghan Graece. Action and Contemplation. Pictured with Father Rohr, at center, are, CEMETERIES from left: Stephanie Hall, communications director of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania; Sister Margaret Frank, SSJ; Mausoleum/Niche space and Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ, vicar for religious of the Diocese of Erie; PRO-LIFE A CTIVITIES and Gary Loncki, communications director of the Sisters of Mercy of Full size/cremation grave space the Americas New York, Pennsylvania, Pacifi c West Community. ERIE MARCH FOR LIFE available January 9, 2016  11 A.M. CALL 814-838-7724 Gather at the stage in west Perry Square by 10:45 a.m. Local Catholic - Family Owned The March and Closing Program will finish by 12:30 p.m. PRO-LIFE BREAKFAST www.facebook.com/ProLifeBreakfast Physical Therapy, LLC January 16, 2016  9 A.M. (KUHQ7URVW037$7&&HUW0'7 NEW BUSINESS LOCATION: 2ZQHU3K\VLFDO7KHUDSLVW — Special Guest Speaker — ‡