FaithLife Q&A with Catholic Relief Services’ CEO Carolyn Woo. SEE PAGE 2
POPE TWEET Pope Francis @Pontifex “Our life is not a pointless wandering. We have a sure goal: the house of the Father.”
www.ErieRCD.org BI-WEEKLY NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF ERIE November 8, 2015 TRANSFORMATION: Bishop unveils plan for schools
BY MARY SOLBERG | FAITHLIFE Bishop Lawrence Persico Preliminary Proposal calls the proposed top-to-bot- ERIE AREA CATHOLIC SCHOOLS tom plan for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Erie both Could possibly close: Special considerations: “bold” and “transformational.” St. Boniface The Diocese of Erie is in Despite concerns raised by St. Peter Cathedral ongoing discussions with the parents mostly in the greater Sisters of St. Joseph of North- Erie area, the bishop is confi - Could possibly become pre-K western Pennsylvania regard- dent that the preliminary rec- through grade 5 only: ing how Villa Maria Elementary ommendations are necessary Blessed Sacrament School might participate in future and important to secure the fu- Our Lady’s Christian plans. ture of Catholic education in St. George Holy Family School could the 13 counties of the diocese. St. James become a separate corporation St. Luke and operate a K-5 format, serv- “We are at an important cross- ing as an inner-city ministry of roads in the history of our dio- Photo by Mary Solberg Being considered as middle the diocese. cese and I’m of the opinion that Bishop Lawrence Persico enjoys visiting a session of Catholic school educators and staff who gathered schools only: we must move forward boldly and Our Lady of Peace Likely to remain unchanged: without fear,” the bishop wrote in at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie to discuss the proposed plan for schools in the Diocese of Erie. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Erie Catholic Preparatory a letter to pastors and parishioners School (Cathedral Prep and Villa after the preliminary plan was an- enhance programs and planning. cators. “This is our moment Could possibly remain Maria Academy) nounced to the public Oct. 28. In a presentation to Catho- in the history of the Diocese WHAT'S THE PLAN? pre-K through grade 8: Mercyhurst Preparatory Under the proposal, two grade lic school principals and staff of Erie. So let’s take advan- St. Gregory, North East schools in Erie would close and at St. Mark Catholic Cen- tage of it and move forward.” others would lose their sixth ter Oct. 27, the bishop asked Like many bishops throughout FEEDBACK? WHAT’S NEXT? through eighth grades. Two mid- for feedback and prayers. He the country, Bishop Persico— See the proposed Erie plan Feedback on the proposed plan Bishop Lawrence Persico will dle schools would be established also requested open minds. even in his brief tenure as leader at right. The preliminary plan will be accepted through Dec.1. approve a fi nal plan in Febru- in the newly created Erie system, “We can be the agents of of the Diocese of Erie—has for schools elsewhere can be Submission forms and the full ary 2016. Implementation could viewed on PAGE 3. plan can be found at: begin at the start of the 2018-19 while several schools outside of change or the victims of change,” >>> See SCHOOLS, page 3 www.ErieRCD.org/planning.asp. school year, perhaps earlier. Erie would form a consortium to Bishop Persico told the edu-
WORLD NEWS Bishops plead for climate HOPE change action VATICAN CITY (CNS)— behind the The presidents of the U.S. and Canadian bishops’ conferences joined leaders of the regional bishops’ conferences of Asia, Africa, Latin America, Oceania RAZOR and Europe in signing an appeal for government leaders to reach a “fair, legally binding and truly transformational climate agree- ment” at a summit in Paris. WIRE Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai, president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, signed the appeal Oct. 26 at the beginning Inmates find of a joint news conference at the Vatican. The appeal is addressed to ne- gotiators preparing for the U.N. Climate Change Conference in God in prisons Paris Nov. 30 to Dec. 11. The bishops called for “courageous and imaginative political leader- ship” and for legal frameworks of Erie Diocese that “clearly establish boundaries Deacon Robert Hoover, Catholic chaplain at the State Correctional Institution-Houtzdale, and ensure the protection of the Clearfi eld County, shares a light moment with prisoners. ecosystem.” STORY and PHOTOS BY The bishops also asked MARY SOLBERG governments to recognize the [email protected] “ethical and moral dimensions of climate change,” to recognize Not many people would fi nd a productive member of society.” that the climate and the atmo- God in the prison cell where Theo- PRISON The fi ve state prisons and one sphere are common goods be- dore Sherlock was severely beaten. _ federal institution in the diocese of- INMATE Number of longing to all, to set a strong limit He and his cellmate allegedly got + fer weekly Masses and numerous on global temperature increase into a violent fi ght one evening last STATS Catholic 77%% spiritual opportunities, including and to promote new models of month at the State Correctional Insti- inmates Bible study, faith formation, retreats, development and lifestyles that tution at Albion in Erie County. in the 10,992 meditation exercises, and metanoias are “climate compatible.” Sherlock was rushed to the hos- Erie TOTAL Catholic (Cursillos in the prison setting). The appeal calls for decisions pital with blunt force trauma to his 1,560 population For Catholic inmates in state and that place people above profi ts, head. Less than a week later, he died. Diocese inmates federal facilities in northwestern Penn- that involve the poor in decision- Erie Bishop Lawrence Persico, in sylvania, these opportunities can be making, that protect people’s a pre-scheduled visit, walked into the Graphic by Elizabeth Butterfield life-savers. There are only about 1,500 access to water and to land, are prison only two days after the deadly al- Catholics out of nearly 11,000 pris- particularly mindful of vulner- tercation. He offered the sacraments, as “Someone can one from all religions oners currently incarcerated in this able communities and are specifi c well as a glimmer of hope and peace to fi nd God in prison, would get involved with region’s state and federal systems. in commitments to fi nance miti- the Catholic inmates gathered for Mass. but if they leave it,” Sgt. Zaleski says. Richard, a parole violator serv- gation efforts. “In my homily, I told them no mat- him at the gate No matter what you America’s criminal jus- ing a seven-year sentence at the State Colombian Cardinal Ruben ter what you do, no matter where when they’re re- “do, no matter where tice system continues to Correctional Institution-Forest in Salazar Gomez of Bogota, you are, Christ is with you…even leased, then more examine and debate the Marienville, attends metanoias and president of the Latin American in your cell,” Bishop Persico says. than likely they’ll you are, Christ is effect spiritual programs a Monasteries of the Heart pro- bishops council, spoke of the Such is the church of God in Amer- end up back here,” with you…even in have on recidivism, the gram led by Sister Marian Wehler, Amazon basin and the key role ica's prisons—where chaplains, volun- says Deacon rate by which someone OSB, and Sister Tina Geiger, RSM. it plays in the survival of South teers and law enforcement offi cers walk Ralph DeCecco, your cell. returns to prison after He regularly talks to Father America and the world. The a tightrope between violence and hope. director of prison — Bishop Lawrence Persico being released. It’s a re- Christopher Barnes, the Catho- Latin American bishops, he said, According to the Bureau of Jus- ministry in the volving door that many lic chaplain, and interacts with want an end to pollution, to the tice Statistics, the 2012 homicide diocese and facil- volunteers and prison other Catholic lay volunteers. destruction of the forests and the rate in state prisons stood at 7 per ity chaplaincy pro- offi cials seek to close. “I was a stranger to my faith, but disappearance of biodiversity, but 100,000. That’s not much worse gram director at SCI-Albion. “Many of these individuals are bro- coming back to the church here has al- they also want justice for their than most American cities today. Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. ken and they” have suffered some of the lowed me to get more guidance in my people, the majority of whom do Still, prisons remain communities Mark Zaleski says state troopers are worst that life can dish out,” says Joanne everyday life,” Richard says. “The big- not benefi t from the exploitation encumbered with a concentrated mix of investigating the Albion inmate death Torma, superintendent of SCI-Cambridge gest thing I’d want people to understand of resources taken from their anger, abuse, addiction and isolation. as a homicide. A Catholic and a 25- Springs, a minimum security prison for about prison is that it’s not about just countries. Those who minister behind the year police veteran, he believes nurtur- women in Crawford County. “I believe putting someone in jail to do their time. The appeal said that most razor wire and steel doors of pris- ing people’s faith may prevent crimes that faith and community support of It’s about a person learning about them- people recognize the planet as “a ons in the 13 counties of the Dio- that put people in jail in the fi rst place. faith are essential in an inmate’s trans- shared inheritance, who(se) fruits cese of Erie say that God is the “I think faith-based ministry in the formation to the person she will become >>> See PRISONS, page 4 are meant to benefi t everyone. only permanent, authentic way out. prisons is a must and I wish every- when she leaves here and tries to become 2 Snippets of Catholic headlines and stories from around the world Many questions have been raised from Catholic News Service about the athletic changes that may result from the creation of fi ve K-5 schools and Lego-loving priest combines Apostolic exhortation on family Editor’s two middle schools. Doug Chuzie, ath- building passion with ministry is expected soon letic director, is excited that the plan will Notes only solidify Catholic school athletics. MOSCOW, Pa. (CNS)—Bob Simon fell in love with two VATICAN CITY (CNS)—Cardinal Pietro Parolin, “We believe there will actually be ex- things at the age of 5: the Catholic Church and building Vatican secretary of state, said an apostolic exhortation Mary panded athletic opportunities under the with Legos. on the family following the recently concluded Synod of new model with our middle schools,” Now, as a 51-year-old priest, Father Simon has discov- Bishops could be released soon. SOLBERG Chuzie said. ered a way to merge both of these passions. The pastor of “I imagine that it won’t take long because usually these St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Moscow, Pa., fi nds that his things should be done in a relatively short time, otherwise Lego-building hobby not only provides him with a diver- it loses its strength a bit, its impact,” Cardinal Parolin told “Listen carefully: Any one of us is capable Speaking of sports, several Catholic sion from his ministry at a busy parish, but that it enriches Vatican Radio Oct. 28. “I think if the pope decides to do it, of doing what these men and women in pris- schools in the Diocese of Erie have rea- his prayer life and offers him a tool for evangelization on a he will do it relatively quickly.” on have done. We all sin and make mistakes son to celebrate this fall. large stage. The postsynodal apostolic exhortation follows a request in life. They are not worse than you or me.” The Mercyhurst Prep girls’ tennis Father Simon's 14-by-6-foot self-described “Lego Vati- made by the synod fathers in their fi nal report. —Pope Francis team won its fourth straight PIAA cham- can” is a featured display at the Franklin Institute Science pionship in Hershey. They joined the Museum in Philadelphia as part of its “Vatican Splendors” Wherever he travels, Pope Francis Kennedy Catholic boys’ basketball team exhibit, which opened Sept. 19 in time for Pope Francis’ Catholics deride 172-mile canal makes it a point to visit prisons. Dur- as the second District 10 athletic pro- visit to the city. The exhibit will close Feb. 15. MANAGUA, Nicaragua (CNS)—Catholic Church rep- ing his most recent visit to Philadelphia, gram to have earned PIAA champion- resentatives in Nicaragua are concerned about the potential the Holy Father met with inmates at the ship trophies four consecutive years. social and environmental impact of building a 172-mile- Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility. In Sharon, the Villa Maria Academy long canal through the country to link the Pacifi c and the “All of us are invited to Atlantic oceans. encourage, help and enable “We have said that it’s OK if the canal brings benefi ts to your rehabilitation,” he told the people, but the government needs to act with transpar- 100 men who gathered to ency and clarity, because there is not enough information,” meet him and listen to his Bishop Jorge Solorzano Perez of Granada told Catholic message of mercy. News Service. I can’t think of a bet- The concession to build and operate the canal for 50 ter way for FaithLife to in- years, renewable for another 50, was awarded in June troduce the coming Holy 2013 to a newly created Chinese-Nicaraguan consortium, Year of Mercy than with HKND Group. Last December, the Nicaraguan govern- the prison ministry fea- ment began paving a road for the project, which supporters ture that begins on page 1. CNS photo argue will boost the economy and create 250,000 much- In the past year, I visited Photo courtesy of Prep-Villa needed jobs for one of the poorest countries in the region. Father Bob Simon, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena three state prisons in our The Villa Maria Academy varsity soccer team is Parish in Moscow, Pa., places a Lego piece on a model The project, if fi nished, will connect the Pacifi c and At- diocese and talked to several lantic oceans across this Central American country of 6.1 pictured praying at the grotto located at the Prep and church he is building in a spare room in his rectory. inmates who shared their Villa Events Center in Erie. million people. It will be about 570 yards wide and nearly stories of struggle and hope. 100 feet deep. Also featured in the article are a cross country team captured the D-10 Pope requests aid to earthquake few of the many clergy, sisters and Class AA girls’ crown, while Cathe- victims in Pakistan, Afghanistan lay volunteers who told me about the dral Prep’s team was the district’s large- VATICAN CITY (CNS)—As the death toll from an ups and downs of prison ministry. school team champion. earthquake in Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to rise, Mercy Sister Tina Geiger, who meets The Villa Maria water polo and the Pope Francis has called for prayers and concrete aid for sur- with the inmates at the State Correction- Cathedral Prep water polo teams won vivors. al Institution-Forest in Marienville, likes their respective Western Conference The magnitude-7.5 temblor Oct. 26 left at least 380 peo- to say that “God is hidden in plain sight” championships, moving them on to the ple dead and thousands of homes and buildings badly dam- in the prison environment. state tournament. aged. In addition, Villa won its second con- “Let us pray for the dead and their relatives, for all those secutive PIAA AA golf state champion- who are wounded and the homeless,” Pope Francis said at Bishop Lawrence Persico announced ship. the end of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square Oct. last week the preliminary plan that is ex- Congratulations to all! 28. pected to bolster and enhance the Catho- He asked that God offer consolation and courage to CNS photo lic schools in the Diocese of Erie. Mary Solberg is the editor of FaithLife. those who were suffering and struggling. Further, he asked Fisherman Joseph Enoch Rodriguez sits on a log Sept. 9 Everyone is welcome to respond to Email: [email protected] that “these brothers and sisters not be lacking our concrete in Boca de Brito, Nicaragua, a small community on the those proposals until Dec. 1 by going to Call 814-824-1171 solidarity.” Pacifi c coast. www.ErieRCD.org/planning.asp. Twitter: @ERIERCDsolberg
Q&Awith Carolyn Woo: Faith—Action—Results
Carolyn Woo, president and the people we serve. It I don’t think we have to do it all. helped you in your position at CEO of Catholic Relief Services, is empowering the local Mother Teresa had the right CRS? delivered the prestigious Thomas people, our local com- idea. She just served whoever she J. and Mary H. Loftus Lecture on munities and our local could reach and whoever was in CW: My parents left everything Catholic Thought and Action Oct. partners. We are not just need. She was not trying to solve behind in China, fi rst during 21 at Gannon University in Erie. giving things to people; poverty. She couldn’t give them World War II and then dur- While CRS “encounters people we are actually chang- what she didn’t have. ing the Communist revolution. in the deepest of suffering,” Woo ing their own capacity so This is the mentality of peo- I actually understand migrants told her audience: “Good-hearted- that they can be more re- ple of faith. We have a part to and refugees. I can see them as ness is not enough. How do we use silient, more prosperous, do, but God has a part to do, people of hope and people of our talents in order to serve the best more independent. too. CRS promotes four actions: dreams, not just people of need. we can?” prayer, learning (if we don’t open There is a whole work ethic of The following is a question- Q: In spite of all the our eyes, we can never open our the immigrant family and there and-answer session with Woo and world's problems, how hearts), and action and giving. is strength of family and com- FaithLife. Photos by Mary Solberg can the average person We want to surrender what is our munity. It just nurtures so much make a difference? best. in terms of a sense of belonging and a sense of can-do, a sense that Q: How has the work of CRS building, working with disabled the Catholic principles that dis- CW: There are four things you Q: You often write about you’re not in the world alone. changed since it was founded in children and health systems. We tinguish us. We have the strongest can do, but, overall, we must your own family. How have they 1943? are going for holistic solutions. priority on the very poorest of have a general spiritual orienta- Integral human development is a people. We go for those who are tion. God puts us on earth to be CW: Most of our work in 1943 Catholic concept that says a prob- truly at the margins. for each other. I think we are sup- was emergency relief. Today, we lem has root causes. So, hunger is Another thing is that Catholic posed to serve each other and we are still a very big emergency not just a lack of food; it could be social teaching calls for solidarity are served by others. The second agency, but two-thirds of our a lack of productivity. It could be and subsidiarity. Subsidiarity calls thing is I don’t think God gives us work is about long-term develop- a lack of land rights. It could be for us to develop the capacity of what we cannot handle, and third, ment and transformation. Today, literacy issues or refl ected in mal- we are now in over 103 countries. nutrition. Our work spans 11 or 12 sectors, including education, livelihood, Q: What makes CRS different At EHCA, your job teaching people how to start from other organizations? small enterprises, use of water for can also be your mission agriculture and hygiene, peace- CW: I would say CRS follows For employment
The bi-weekly newspaper of the Catholic Diocese of Erie. opportunities, visit Local Catholic - Family Owned St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 East Grandview Blvd. Erie, Pa. 16504 our website Publisher: The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico www.ehca.org Executive Editor: Anne-Marie Welsh Website: www.ErieRCD.org Editor: Mary Solberg Volume 11, Issue 20 An Equal Opportunity Employer Physical Therapy, LLC Graphic Design: Rich Papalia (KUHQ7URVW037$7&&HUW0'7 Advertising Manager: Brenda Williams Member of the Catholic Press Association The mission of EHCA is to 2ZQHU3K\VLFDO7KHUDSLVW Advertising Design: Elizabeth Butterfi eld Subscription: $10/year NEW BUSINESS LOCATION: assist people with disabilities 68 Years of Excellence Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with Airfare Included in this price- Since 1947 from anywhere in the USA Several trips to different destinations: the Holy Land; Italy; France, Portugal, & Spain; Poland; Medjugorje, Lourdes, & Fatima; Ireland & Scotland; England; Austria, Germany, & Switzerland; Greece & Turkey; Viking Cruises; Caribbean Cruises; All your collision needs. Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of Guadalupe; Special Wash, Wax/Interior - $100.00 plus tax Colombia; Brazil; Argentina; Domestic Destinations; etc… 453-6185 :HDOVRVSHFLDOL]HLQFXVWRPWULSVIRU%LVKRSV3ULHVWVDQG 'HDFRQV Call us 24/7 +DEODPRV(VSDxRO ZZZSUR[LPRWUDYHOFRP [email protected] Dave Ras Amy Ras Carol Ras Jim Winarski owner office office mgr. 3 EVENTS do we restructure the schools Schools to be effi cient and viable?” St. Martin Center to benefi t from coffee event Continued from page 1 Several educators, school staff, priests and religious who attended ERIE—The public is invited to a coffee sampling Nov. 15 from the schools summit at St. Mark ex- noon to 4 p.m. to benefi t St. Martin Center, Erie. The Erie’s Best been forced to close and consoli- pressed concerns about the plan’s Coffee event will be held at the Ambassador Center’s garden atrium, date schools in face of declining viability and implementation. 7794 Peach St., Erie. populations and fi scal concerns. Msgr. David Rubino of Mer- All proceeds will ben- The new proposal calls for cyhurst University asked about efi t St. Martin Center, the possible closing of two long- tuition models and discounts to 1701 Parade St., Erie. time elementary schools and families. Kathy Grisier, advance- The afternoon a restructuring of several oth- ment director at Our Lady of will include coffee ers, but in the long view it may Peace School, Erie, asked for and other beverages, secure Catholic schools here clarifi cation on how the proposed pastries and chocolate. for the future, the bishop said. middle schools were selected. Celebrity judges will Currently,kindergarten Sister Kevin Berdis, princi- choose Erie’s best through 12th grade enrollment pal at Holy Family School, ex- coffee. Tickets cost in the diocese stands at 7,743. pressed concerns about elimi- Photo by Mary Solberg $10 per person; free to That’s a decline, particularly in nating sixth through eighth Holy Trinity principal, Sister Mary Kevin Berdis, OSF, right, and children 12 and under. the primary grades, even from grades at her inner-city school. Tickets can be purchased at the door, at the St. Martin Center Mary Detwiler, principal at St. Leo School, Ridgway, discuss just six years ago. Research con- “Where they are right now Catholic identity during the Catholic schools summit on Oct. 27. offi ce, on Facebook or online at www.stmartincenter.org. ducted by the diocese through is where they feel comfort- its consultant, Meitler of Mil- able,” Sister Kevin said. “It Information Night scheduled at DCC waukee, Wis., indicates that high has to be done gradually. Others, like Lisa Panighet- “I think the plan is great, es- DuBOIS—The secondary enrollment committee of DuBois school enrollment is stable in Erie These students are different.” ti, principal at Our Lady of pecially for the middle schools,” Central Catholic will host the school’s annual Information Night and declining somewhat in high Rick Pendergast, a con- Mount Carmel School, said the Pfarr said. “I think parents, Nov. 15 beginning at 6 p.m. The open house is for students and their schools elsewhere in the diocese. sultant with Meitler, told the plan could benefi t students in at least at Our Lady’s Chris- families interested in learning more about Central Catholic Middle “There are no real population gathering that the preliminary the long run. Two years ago, tian, understand it is needed.” School and Central Catholic High School, 200 Central Christian growth projections,” said Father plan “is not the fi nal plan.” Mount Carmel welcomed sixth- Another area of great inter- Road, DuBois. Activities are planned for parents and students, and Nicholas Rouch, vicar for Edu- “It is the best thinking through eighth-graders from est as a result of the plan is the applications for next school year will be accepted. Call 814-371- cation. “So the question is how right now,” Pendergast said. nearby St. Boniface School. effect it may have on athletics. 3060, ext. 606, for details. “Sometimes different things Doug Chuzie, director of ath- need to happen in order for great letics for the diocese, said that as things to occur,” Panighetti said. the plan unfolds he and others Pancake breakfast remembers ‘pancake chef’ PROPOSAL FOR SCHOOLS Stacey Pfarr, a parent of three “are going to do our best to rec- ERIE—Mount Calvary Church will host a pancake breakfast in OUTSIDE ERIE children currently enrolled at ognize and honor many of our memory of Terry Skarupski, who was the church’s “pancake chef ” Our Lady’s Christian School, Parochial League traditions.” for a number of years. Consortium St. Patrick, Franklin Erie, said she’s excited for the Chuzie added, “We believe The breakfast will be held in Feeny Hall at Mount Calvary Eleven Catholic schools in the (pre-K - 8) new plan to be implemented. there will actually be expanded ath- Church, 2022 East Lake Road, Erie, on Nov. 15 from 9 to 11:30 diocese not already connected St. Stephen, Oil City Her family, she said, is plan- letic opportunities under the new a.m. Enjoy breakfast and a gift auction. For more information, call to a school system will form a (pre-K - 8, but could become ning to be affi liated with Catho- model with our middle schools.” the parish offi ce at 814-454-0061. consortium in order to improve pre-K - 12 at Venango Catholic lic schools “for the long haul.” academic quality and opera- High School) tional effi ciency. Schools in the Religious education program to benefit from consortium will include: Special cases: upcoming Christmas craft fair Immaculate Conception, St. Boniface in Kersey and Clarion (pre-K - 8) St. Leo in Ridgway both would ALBION—The St. Lawrence Parish Christmas craft fair will be Seton Catholic, Meadville continue with pre-K - 5 models held at the parish center in Albion Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (pre-K - 8) and become satellite campuses There will be crafters, a food concession and bake sale. Proceeds Ss. Cosmas and Damian, of Elk County Catholic School benefi t the St. Lawrence Religious Education Program. Punxsutawney (pre-K - 5) System. St. Bernard, Bradford, (K - 8) 3 current Catholic school St. Peter Cathedral continues concert series St. Francis, Clearfi eld systems will develop compre- ERIE—The St. Peter Cathedral Concert Series continues Nov. 22 (pre-K - 8) hensive strategic plans and/or at 4 p.m. with Allan Slovenkay, organist and choirmaster emeritus St. Gregory, North East update advancement plans: of Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church, Warren. He held a faculty (pre-K - 8) DuBois Area Catholic appointment and the post of college organist at the University of St. Joseph, Lucinda Elk County Catholic (pre-K - 6) Kennedy Catholic Family of Photo by Mary Solberg Pittsburgh at Bradford for 25 years. He was harpsichord soloist with St. Joseph, Warren Schools the Erie Chamber Orchestra and the Erie Renaissance Singers. The (pre-K - 5) Our Lady of Peace Principal Mary Beth Ek, center, makes a point concert is free and open to the public. St. Michael, Greenville at St. Mark Catholic Center during discussions about the proposed (pre-K - 8) school plan. OBITUARIES Father Jacques DePaul Daley, OSB Father Thomas S. Hoderny Benedictine monk Served as Maryknoll missionary, pastor in diocese Father Thomas S. Hoderny, and to the Hoderny was incardinated into early retirement due to ill health. was spiritual director 69, died Oct. 20 at the Bishop major semi- the Diocese of Erie. He served in a During his retirement, he was Michael J. Murphy Residence for nary in 1973. variety of capacities, including as able to serve as chaplain to the LATROBE—Father Jacques Father Retired Priests in Erie. He traveled parochial vicar at St. Andrew Par- Sisters of Mercy at their mother- DePaul Daley, OSB, a monk Jacques Father Hoderny was born June to missions ish, Erie; Immaculate Conception house in Erie. of Saint Vincent Archabbey in served in a 3, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, the in Korea Parish, Clarion; and St. Catherine Besides his parents, Father Latrobe, died Oct. 25. number of son of the late Chester and Ju- in the mid- of Siena Parish, DuBois. He was Hoderny was preceded in death Ordained in Greensburg 44 assignments lia Hoderny. In 1951, his family 1970s, and parochial administrator of Our by a sister, Angela Feeney. Survi- years ago, Father Daley gave re- at Saint Vin- moved to Erie, where he attended was or- Lady Help of Christians Parish, vors include his sisters, Kathleen treats to religious communities cent College Holy Rosary School. He contin- dained to the Oil City, from 1987-89, and of Ss. Walker and Marilyn Amento; and and parishes throughout the Unit- and Saint ued his education at Maryknoll priesthood Peter and Paul Parish, Hawk Run, many nieces and nephews. ed States. Also, he was a spiritual Vincent Junior Seminary in Clarks Sum- on May 19, Father Thomas and Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Bishop Lawrence Persico was director to many seminarians, Seminary. mit, Pa., graduating in 1964. He 1979. After S. Hoderny Grassfl at, in 1994. He served as the main celebrant at a funeral priests and religious throughout A Mass then entered Maryknoll College his ordina- pastor of St. Mary Parish, Crown, Mass Oct. 24 at St. Francis Xavier western Pennsylvania. of Christian Father Jacques Seminary, remaining there for tion, he earned a master of divin- and St. Ann Mission, Marienville, Parish, McKean. Burial was at In the Diocese of Erie, he Burial was DePaul Daley, two years before serving in the ity degree in 1979, and a master’s from 1994 to 2003, as well as of Calvary Cemetery. served as parochial vicar of Sa- celebrated OSB U.S. Air Force from 1967-71. He in pastoral counseling in 1980. He St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Memorials may be made to the cred Heart Church, St. Marys, Oct. 28 in later earned his bachelor’s degree was assigned to South America DuBois, from 2003-04, and St. Bishop Michael J. Murphy Resi- from 1977–80. the Archabbey Basilica, followed in psychology at Pennsylvania in 1981, but had to return to the Francis Xavier Parish, McKean, dence for Retired Priests, 400 East Father Jacques was well known by the Rite of Committal at the State University. United States in 1983 due to ill- from 2004-07. He was senior as- Gore Road, Erie, PA 16509; or to for his work with Mother Angeli- Mary, Mother of Mercy Mau- Father Hoderny returned to the ness. sociate at St. Catherine of Siena St. Francis Xavier Church, 8880 ca of the Eternal Word Television soleum Chapel at Saint Vincent Maryknoll community in 1972 At the end of 1984, Father from 2011-12, and then began an West Main St., McKean. Network (EWTN) from 1995 to Cemetery. 2006. He was a regular guest on Memorials may be made to Mother Angelica’s EWTN, where the Benedictine Health and Wel- he served as host and commenta- fare Fund, Saint Vincent Archab- tor for three mini-series. bey, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, In his monastic community, Latrobe, PA 15650. The region’s only Catholic College of Distinction like. tweet. follow. snap. mercyhurst.edu /HurstU @MercyhurstU @MercyhurstU MercyhurstU 4 IInmatesnmates findfind GGodod inin prisonsprisons ofof thethe diocesediocese Correctional Institutions State in the Diocese of Erie: (Source: Prison Ministry of the Diocese of Erie, September 2015) SCI-Albion (medium security, men) 2,274 inmates; 328 Catholics Catholic chaplains: Deacon Tom McAraw, Father Phil Oriole SCI-Cambridge Springs (minimum security, women) 1,081 inmates; 225 Catholics Catholic chaplains: Father David Poulson, Deacon Tom McAraw SCI-Forest, Marienville (close security, or maximum, men) 2,305 inmates; 231 Catholics Catholic chaplains: Father Christopher Barnes, Deacon Michael Dittman SCI-Houtzdale (medium security, men) 2,492 inmates; 288 Catholics Catholic chaplains: Father Marc Solomon, Deacon Robert Hoover SCI-Mercer (minimum security, men) 1,420 inmates; 238 Catholics Catholic chaplains: Father Jim Kennelley, Deacon Richard Rueberger Mercy Sister Tina Geiger, center, and Benedictine Sister Marian Wehler go over material with an inmate at the State Correctional Institution-Forest. Correctional Institution Federal in the Diocese of Erie: PRISONS, from page 1 (Source: FCI-McKean, October 2015) selves and applying that knowledge rather serious all the time,” he says. “If they’re and they’ve got to make repara- FCI-McKean, Bradford than become a stigma and a drain on society.” going to fi nd God in their life, they’re go- tion for what they did, but we have 1,350 inmates; 250 Catholics At SCI-Houtzdale in Clearfi eld County, ing to have to fi nd a little levity, too.” to help them do their sentence Catholic chaplains: Father Vincent Cieslewicz, Father Jorge Villegas Stephen is doing time for involuntary man- The picture isn’t all that bright inside the with dignity,” Rod Hartle says. slaughter. He credits Deacon Bob Hoover, penal institutions across America, consid- The Beislers and four others from 81, for inspiring him to consider becom- ered by the International Centre for Prison St. Anthony Parish, Cambridge ing Catholic. He enjoys attending Catholic Studies to have the largest incarceration Springs, visit inmates in nearby services and religious education classes. rate in the world. Nationwide, the state Saegertown two to three times “I’m going to keep pursuing being a and federal prison population stood at per week. They pray the rosary, Catholic because of him,” Stephen says. “If about 1.5 million as of December 2014. talk and offer Bible study classes. it wasn’t for his teaching, his understanding, “We are in great need of more priests to “One girl was strung out on his compassion, I wouldn’t even consider it.” come to the prisons and we’re also in need drugs and in solitary. All she did Upon hearing this compliment, Dea- of volunteers,” Deacon DeCecco says. “It was cry, so we’re trying to give con Hoover winks, saying that humor takes an open heart and an open mind to her enough to do to occupy her,” also seems to go a long way in opening look at someone who comes in after com- George Beisler says. “You can re- people to faith. “These guys have it too mitting a crime and know that the same ally see God’s hand in all of this.” Jesus that’s in them After inmates are released from is also in you.” prison, there is still a place to go in Prison ministry the diocese: Maria House Project. isn’t easy. Just ask Founded in Erie in 1971, it min- Want to volunteer... Rod and Rita Hartle isters to men with various back- who volunteer at grounds, including addictions, in the prisons of the Erie Diocese? SCI-Forest; George homelessness and incarceration. and Marlene Beisler, “Prison doesn’t end when you Contact Deacon Ralph DeCecco, director of who visit women walk back into the world. It stays prison ministry, at [email protected] or at inmates at the with you for a while,” says Joe Tar- Crawford County quinio, Maria House director. “We 814-756-5778, ext. 3376. Correctional Facil- have to help these people adjust, ity, Saegertown; and otherwise they resort back to crime.” Monetary donations to diocesan prison Kathleen Lipkov- Bishop Persico has offered Mass ministries may be mailed ich, who this past to the men at Maria House, and has (with the memo line “prison ministry”) to: spring sponsored made seven visits to the federal and four women receiv- state institutions in the diocese. Like ing the sacraments Pope Francis, he believes God’s mer- Diocese of Erie of baptism, con- cy overcomes the walls of any prison. fi rmation and fi rst “I look at these prisoners as part of Offi ce of Financial Services A prisoner at SCI-Forest depicts in his artwork the power of St. Mark Catholic Center Communion at SCI- my fl ock,” Bishop Persico explains. Cambridge Springs. “It’s just a different kind of church faith and love when faced with struggle. 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504 “These men of- building.” fended society The Fund for Prisoners The Joan Chittister Fund for Prisoners, an outreach sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of Erie and Benet- vision, was established in 2006 to provide free inspira- tional materials to prisons in the Diocese of Erie and across the United States. This year, the Fund for Prisoners has provided $68,000 worth of monastic-based materials to 95 prisons, in- cluding the Erie County Prison and state correctional institutions at Cambridge Springs and Forest. Rita and Rod Hartle stand on the prison To make a contribution to Fund for Prisoners, grounds of SCI-Forest. They are among many lay volunteers in prisons through- go to: www.joanchittister.org. out the diocese. Bishop Lawrence Persico, center, administers sacraments to inmates at SCI-Cambridge Springs. He is joined by Father Christopher Singer, left, and Father David Poulson. See photos from /QVJGT U 2KNITKOU 2KNITKOCIG VQ /GFLWIQTLG Around the Diocese Mother’s Pilgrims Pilgrimage to Medjugore CL CK in the next issue of April 2 - May , 201 FaithLife. REPAIRlet us give ;YPW:-LSSV^7PSNYPTZ you a hand... all types! 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