June 4, 2012 - Diocese of Altoona

The Catholic
Register
Official Publication Of
The Diocese of Altoona - Johnstown
Volume LXXXVII, No. 2 Published Bi - Weekly
(USPS 094 - 280)
www.dioceseaj.org June 4, 2012
We Are A Marriage Building Church
Portage Couple Put Faith And Trust In God,
And In Each Other, To Keep Marriage Strong
Photo And Text
By Bruce A. Tomaselli
The formula for a solid
marriage is a simple one for
Ernie and Sylvia Enedy of Portage. “We handle our disagreements in a special way,” Sylvia
explained.
“Most of the time I tell him
how it is and he agrees with
me,” she laughed. Then, with a
twinkle in her eye, she added, “I
agree with him sometimes, but
not too often.”
“An important thing we try
to remember,” Ernie continued,
“is that sometimes as a spouse
you have to be able to give more
than 50/50. There are situations
that can only be resolved when
one of us bends a little more, and
we’ve both done that.”
Parishioners of Our Lady
of the Sacred Heart in Portage,
Ernie and Sylvia were married
nearly 33 years ago at Saint Joseph Church in Portage. Father
Daniel O’Neill witnessed their
union.
Ernie is a physically big
man, and strong, with an equally
tough gentleness about him. As
director of Maintenance for the
Altoona - Johnstown Diocese,
he oversees the care of diocesan
administrative complex and the
residence of Bishop Mark L.
Bartchak. He is the son of Ernie
and the late Ethel (Vandzura)
Enedy of Portage.
Sylvia is the first Deputy
Treasurer for Cambria County.
She is the daughter of Edith
(Scarton) and the late John
Geriak of Portage. She is stern in
her convictions, and has an easy,
reassuring smile.
Ernie and Sylvia have two
grown children. Russell is a physician’s assistant at CPG Urology in Johnstown and Rebecca
is a Criminal Justice major at the
Altoona Campus of Pennsylvania State University.
“We were young when we
got married, but I think we were
very mature, too,” reflected Sylvia. “We both had full - time
jobs and we were very sensible
about things.”
Ernie agreed and added, “I
don’t think our expectations of
marriage have changed much
since the beginning. Our faith
and trust in God has helped our
relationship both as a married
couple and parents.”
The two attended Portage
Area High School, but didn’t
begin dating until the summer
SYLVIA AND ERNIE ENEDY
after graduation. They dated two
years and were engaged for one.
“It was her kindness and
generosity that attracted me
to her,” Ernie said of his wife.
“She’d give anything or do anything to help another person.
She’s a very loving wife and
mother.”
(Continued On Page 11.)
Page 2
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Higher Education
Scripture Institute
Cresson:
The Mount
Aloysius College Ecumenical
Studies Center will host a four
- day scholarly discussion on
the unique place of women in
the New Testament. The Mount
Aloysius Summer Scripture Institute will open Tuesday, June
12 at 1:00 p.m. and will close
Friday, June 15.
Participants will enjoy
stimulating discussions and in depth presentations from Sister
of Mercy Doctor Marie Noel
Keller and Dr. Bonnie Bowman
Thurston.
Sister Marie Noel is a member of the Mid - Atlantic Community of the Institute of the
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She serves as executive director of the Institute on Sacred
Scripture at Misericordia University, Dallas.
SAINT ROSE OF LIMA: First Holy Communion was celebrated at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Altoona, on Sunday, May 6. Pictured are
(left to right) First row: Lori Stephens (teacher), Abby Yahner, Erin Yahner, Maeve Reilly, Brianna Stroh, Hannah Fraundorfer, Kaytlin
Jones, Marian Stephens, Marjie Frank (teacher). Second row: Father Carl Spishak (senior priest, in residence), Macy Adams, Justin Wolfe,
Trey Boore, Brennen Myrick, Logan Kline, Patrick Reilly, Trenton Hardie, Ronan Barnes, Patrick Irwin, Corey Craw (teacher). Third row:
Deacon James Woomer, Marisa Hooper, Collin Campbell, Matthew Haines, Jake McGinnis, Madison Hooper, Grace Brown, Alina Foor,
Father Brian Saylor (pastor). Fourth row: Elias Wesner, Delaney Rehm, Nathan Breton, Lucas Stienbugl, Sophia Simanski, Madeline Foor.
Not pictured are First Communion coordinator Cathy Damiano and director of religious education Bernice Shoenfelt.
(Continued On Page 6.)
SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST, BELLEFONTE, COMMUNION: First Holy Communion was celebrated Saturday, April 14 at
Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Bellefonte. Pictured are (left to right) First row: Aaron Trexler, Tiffania Grieb, Aidan O’Shea, Rachel
Smoyer, Lllian Coudriet, Samuel Yangula, Ryan Kresovich, Jacob Niemann. Second row: Ty Cronin, Ryan Miller, Gabrielle Brezler, Liam
Carey, Anna Cingle, Abagail Kellogg - Long, Lena Duque, Ty Kroell, Brynn Albright. Third row: Shaylin Ripka, Megan Marsh, Lee Przybys, Sarah Grove, Calvin Dechow, Eva Helms, Mallory McCauley, Samuel McElhinny. Fourth row: Father Mark Reid (parochial vicar),
Deacon Thomas Boldin and Father Neil Dadey (pastor).
BLESSED KATERI: Blessed
Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in
Spring Mills celebrated Confirmation on Friday, April 13. Father Neil Dadey is pastor. Those
confirmed included Chance
Feighner, Grace Gover, Matthew Hodgson, Kyle House, F.
Scott Johnson, Halie Kines, Emily Schuster and Thomas Ventura.
In The Alleghenies
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Page 3
OUR LADY OF FATIMA: Celebrating First Holy Communion
at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Altoona on Saturday, April 7 were
Madison Adamiak and Father James Zatalava (pastor).
NEWRY MAY CROWNING: May Crowning was celebrated at Saint Patrick Parish, Newry, on Friday, May 11. Bridget Frew was May queen, and Xavier Sibold and Brandon Fleck served as the crown
bearers. All three are second grade students at Saint Patrick School.
SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST, BELLEFONTE, CONFIRMATION: Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Bellefonte, Father Neil Dadey, pastor, celebrated Confirmation on Friday, April 13. Those
confirmed included: Emma Burke, Macy Decker, Kristin Dobransky, Tyler Dyke, Madelyne Falcone,
Nicholas Feather, Lawrence Flood, Nicholas Gingher, Keegan Girouard, Olivia Hardy, Paul Harrison,
Emily Jabco, Kalena Knepp, Morgan Kyle, Ben Leskovansky, Cole Long, Nathan Matsko, Derek Mindziak, Andrew O’Donnell, Garrett Pensak, Mary Pillot, Connor Poorman, Brooke Redfern, Olivia Ripka,
Chandler Ross, Katharine Scordato, Brittany Sherman, Alyssa Sinclair, Jacob Taylor, Diana Traxler,
Jacob Warefield.
SAINT BARTHOLOMEW: Celebrating First Holy Communion
at Saint Bartholomew Parish, Wilmore on Sunday, May 13 were (left
to right) First row: Michael Devitt, Victoria Spaid, Gavin Gouse.
Second row: Jacob Milller. Easton Toth. , Noah Teeter, Kirk Bearjar.
Third row: Deacon Richard Golden, Tammy Graessle (catechist),
and Father Robert Reese (pastor).
Page 4
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
THE CATHOLIC
REGISTER
SERVING THE DIOCESE OF
ALTOONA - JOHNSTOWN
Published Bi - weekly at
Logan Boulevard
Hollidaysburg PA 16648
Subscriptions: $8.00 Parish Based
$18.00 Individual
Periodical Class Postage Paid At
Altoona PA and other mailing offices.
Postmaster send change of address to:
925 South Logan Boulevard
(USPS 094 - 280)
Member Publication Of
The Catholic Press Association
Publisher:
Most Reverend Bishop
Mark L. Bartchak
Editor:
Rev. Msgr. Timothy P. Stein
Manager:
Bruce A. Tomaselli
Secretary:
Frances M. Logrando
Phone (814) 695 - 7563
FAX (814) 695 - 7517
Point Of View
When we listen to memories of older family members,
we often hear such stories as,
“We used to join my brother
and sister for family dinners at
Grandma’s house every Sunday.” Or “When it came time to
bring in the hay, all the cousins
helped.” Or “Even though my
mom was widowed when I was
very young and never remarried,
I learned what a good marriage
is by the time I spent with my
aunt and uncle every summer.”
Being in touch with the
broader family was good then.
What about now? Is it worth the
time and effort? Here are a few
examples.
Kayla’s parents insisted
that the children attend PapPap’s 75 birthday party which
was out-of-town, which meant
the kids would miss playing in
a big game. Of course the kids
complained! But, that experience sent the message that they
were not the center of the world.
It taught an important lesson that
being family means being there
for one another. Plus they got
to play with their cousins from
Ohio whom they rarely see.
Jerry, who is single, makes
it a point to invite his nephew
to go fishing with him several
times every summer. Though
this teenage nephew doesn’t
get along well with his parents,
through his Uncle Jerry he is being exposed to positive family
values his parents hold dear.
Being unexpectedly divorced has been tough for Theresa, but spending time with
her cousins and an elderly aunt
helps ease a bit of her loneliness.
She belongs to a supportive net-
The
Bureau Drawer
By Susan Stith
The Treasure
Of Extended Family
work of people who have known
her all her life.
Even for married couples,
extended family connections
are important. There are others to encourage us, challenge
us, go to for advice, socialize
with. Spouses can, in fact, “put
too many eggs in one basket,”
by expecting their partner to be
everything for them. That puts
stress on even a good marriage.
A marriage isn’t an island, it is
one branch of a larger family
tree.
Yet it’s getting harder and
harder to stay connected with
those in our extended family.
Geographical distance is now
more common. Family members
move away for work.
We have to carve out time
to be together physically and
use technology to connect “virtually.” But if this isn’t a priority, it won’t happen. If we’re not
intentional about it, less important, more superficial activities
will flood our lives.
Even when families do live
close to one another sometimes
don’t make a habit of seeing
each other. For instance, many
parents become so focused on
their children’s activities that
there just isn’t time to see rela-
tives. It’s not that attending our
children’s games isn’t good
family fun – it is! But when
those activities crowd out time
with extended family, the children miss out on something extremely valuable. And so do the
adults.
God inserted each of us into
the stream of history in an extended family. We have so much
to give and receive from being
in touch. Even if we don’t like
each other, the experience of being connected is good for us!
We are irreplaceable to one
another. The family history we
share, contribute to together and
pass on is a precious treasure!
Don’t miss it.
Another
Perspective
By Monsignor Timothy P. Stein
Raised By The Church
I have more than a passing interest in the history of Catholic
child care institutions. That interest is natural enough - - after all,
for 26 years I’ve worked within the confines of the former Catholic
Child Center in Hollidaysburg, now the Diocesan Administration
Center. My office, in “Building C” was part of the nursery where
infants were housed.
In the very earliest days of our Diocese the Sisters of Mercy
cared for orphaned and homeless children at their former Saint
Aloysius Academy in Cresson. Then, for many years, the Diocese provided for such children at Saint John and Saint Mary
Homes in Cresson, staffed by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Babies were cared for by the Sisters of
Saint Joseph at Saint Joseph Infant Home in Ebensburg. It’s not
so many years ago that these homes were still in operation; from
time to time we receive obituary notices of Sisters who served at
the Cresson and Ebensburg facilities. The Hollidaysburg Catholic Child Center was phased out only in the early 1970s.
Popular imagination would have it that such homes were
grim and joyless places, “institutions” in the very worst sense of
the word; places where children were warehoused and treated
with little or no consideration for anything other than the barest
necessities of their physical well – being. A book published a few
months ago paints an entirely different picture, and shows Catholic child care homes in a much more positive light.
Raised By The Church: Growing Up In New York City’s
Catholic Orphanages (Fordham University Press, December
2011), was written by Edward Rohs and co – author Judith Estrine. Rohs, a social worker, was born to unwed parents in 1946.
From the age of six months to 19, he was brought up in a succession of Catholic orphanages in Brooklyn - - two staffed by the
Sisters of Mercy, one staffed by Marianist Brothers, and a fourth
with a lay staff under the direction of a priest. Rohs writes with
biting honesty of the shortcomings of such homes, but also with
loving gratitude for the efforts made by the Sisters and Brothers
to do their very best for their young charges. It is assumed by
many people that orphanages were places where sexual abuse
was common - - and Rohs did in fact suffer two instances of molestation. But, he points out, one was by a lay employee, and
the other by a visiting Brother from out of state. The Sisters and
Brothers who cared for him daily, he emphasizes, always made
him feel safe and secure.
Rohs was lucky, too, that one of the Sisters of Mercy took a
special interest in him, and in turn her sister became his “Aunt
Katherine” and took him under her wing, giving him the sensation
that “Here was someone who said ‘This one’s special. He’s my
Eddie.’” So grateful was Rohs for what he received while being raised by the Church that he eventually returned to his last
“home” Saint Vincent’s Home, as a professional staff member,
doing his best to make life better for a whole new generation of
lost and lonely boys.
At a time when so many authors and commentators are
quick to paint the Catholic Church, it’s clergy and religious with
the blackest of brush strokes, it was heartening to read the memoir of a man who while not ignoring the problems in the system,
feels on the balance that the gifts he received were greater than
the things he lacked. Edward Rohs reminds us that the Church
has always done her best to meet the needs of the day, to do
what Jesus would do to help a hurting world, and that those who
receive care from her, have an obligation to give something to
others, in return.
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
‘Ad Limina’ Summary: Secular Society
Needs Catholicism, Pope Tells U.S. Bishops
By Francis X. Rocca
Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -In five speeches over a period of
six months, Pope Benedict XVI
warned visiting U.S. bishops of
the threats that an increasingly
secularized society poses to the
Catholic Church in America, especially in the areas of religious
liberty, sexual morality and the
definition of marriage.
Yet the pope did not advise
that American Catholics withdraw from a largely hostile environment in order to preserve
their values and faith. Instead, as
part of his call for a new evangelization within the church and
beyond, he urged believers to
engage even more closely with
wider society for the benefit of
all Americans.
Pope Benedict addressed
five of the 15 regional groups
of U.S. bishops making their
periodic “ad limina” visits to
the Vatican, which began in late
November and ended May 19.
The speeches touched on themes
applicable to dioceses across the
country.
One constant was the pope’s
warning against the demoralizing effects of secular culture,
which he said had led to a “quiet
attrition” among the church’s
members, who must therefore
be the first targets of “re-evangelization.”
Yet the pope argued that
moral decay is also threatening
the stability of secular society itself. He noted what he called an
“increased sense of concern on
the part of many men and women, whatever their religious or
political views” that a “troubling
breakdown in the intellectual,
cultural and moral foundations
of social life” has imperiled the
“future of our democratic societies.”
Therefore, he said, “despite
attempts to still the church’s
voice in the public square,”
Catholics should insist on providing “wisdom, insight and
AD LIMINA: Bishop Mark L. Bartchak received a gift from Pope
Benedict XVI during an audience December 1, 2011 at the Vatican.
Bishop Mark and other Pennsylvania Bishops were making their “ad
limina” visit to the Holy Father.
sound guidance” to “people of
good will.” Using the non-religious “language” of natural law,
he explained, the church should
promote social justice by “proposing rational arguments in the
public square.”
This duty is incumbent not
only on bishops, the pope said,
but also on Catholic politicians,
who have a “personal responsibility to offer public witness to
their faith, especially with regard to the great moral issues
of our time.” He identified the
issues as “respect for God’s gift
of life, the protection of human
dignity and the promotion of authentic human rights.”
In particular, Pope Benedict
called Catholics to the front lines
in defense of “that most cherished of American freedoms, the
freedom of religion,” which he
said was especially threatened
by “concerted efforts” against
the “right of conscientious objection ... to cooperation in intrinsically evil practices.”
The pope’s presumed reference there was to an Obama
administration plan, vociferously protested by U.S. bishops,
which would require that the
private health insurance plans of
most Catholic institutions cover
surgical sterilization procedures
and birth control.
American society also is
served by the church’s promotion of sexual morality, Pope
Benedict said, since a “weakened appreciation of the indissolubility of the marriage
covenant, and the widespread
rejection of a responsible, mature sexual ethic grounded in the
practice of chastity, have led to
grave societal problems bearing
an immense human and economic cost.”
The pope characterized the
bishops’ defense of traditional
marriage against proponents of
same-sex unions as a matter of
“justice, since it entails safeguarding the good of the entire human community and the
rights of parents and children
alike.”
Even in connection with the
church’s most terrible scandal in
living memory -- the widespread
sexual abuse of minors by
priests -- Pope Benedict noted
benefits that the church can offer
the non-Catholic world.
“It is my hope that the
church’s conscientious efforts to
confront this reality will help the
broader community to recognize
the causes, true extent and dev-
astating consequences of sexual
abuse, and to respond effectively to this scourge which affects
every level of society,” he said.
Although designed to serve
Catholics, the church’s educational institutions also enrich society at large, the pope said.
Catholic schools’ “significant contribution ... to American
society as a whole ought to be
better appreciated and more generously supported,” he said. And
Catholic universities, following
in a tradition that professes the
“essential unity of all knowledge,” can be a bulwark against
a current trend toward academic
overspecialization.
Unity among Catholics can
Page 5
also promote harmony across
American society, the pope said.
Noting the “difficult and
complex” legal, political, social
and economic issues surrounding immigration in the U.S. today, the pope suggested that a
closer “communion of cultures”
among the ethnic groups that
make up the church in America
could reduce ethnic tensions
outside the church.
“The immense promise and
the vibrant energies of a new
generation of Catholics are waiting to be tapped,” the pope said,
“for the renewal of the church’s
life and the rebuilding of the
fabric of American society.”
Page 6
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
(Continued From Page 2.)
Dr. Bowman Thurston
taught at Bethany College,
Wheeling Jesuit University, and
held the William F. Orr Chair in
new Testament at the Pittsburgh
Theological Seminary.
Sister of Mercy Helen Marie Burns, vice president of Mission Integration at Mount Aloysius noted that the event will
explore the New Testament’s
treatment of women. Participants will aos have an opportunity to view a 17 - piece exhibition of the Saint John’s Bible
on display in the college library
from June 11 - 13.
The registration fee for resident attendees is $310.00 and
includes room and board for
three nights. The commuter fee
is $235.00 and includes conference materials and all meals for
three days.
Online registration is available at www.mtaloy.edu/gospel.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Sister Helen Marie at (814) 886 - 6510, or
[email protected].
CATHEDRAL OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT: First Holy Communion was celebrated Sunday, April 22 at the Cathedral of the
Blessed Sacrament in Altoona. Pictured are (left to right) First row: Deacon John Szwarc, Olivia Butler (server), Avery Reid, Mia DeStefano, Tia Bartkowiak, Peter Shivas, Kaydee Dambeck, Karen Duffy, Joseph Ball. Second row: Betsy Eger (catechist), Kyle Hite, Nicole
Boslet, Emmett Dolphin, Aidan Bender, Samantha Auerbeck, Caroline Egan, Drew Egan (server). Third row: Monsignor Robert Mazur
(rector), Josh Krish (server), William Shivas (server). Fourth row: Clare Saguban, Caitlyn Maher, Colin Butler, Gabrielle Genua, Madison
Adamiak, Katelyn Krish, Christina Laraia (director of religious education). Fifth row: Wilson Saguban III and Father John Gibbons (parochial vicar).
Prayer
Sacred Heart Sisters
Cresson: The Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart
of Jesus announce two programs
of prayer celebrating feast days
in June.
(Continued On Page 10.)
SAINT FRANCIS AND SAINT MICHAEL: Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Michael the Archangel Parishes, Johnstown, celebrated
Confirmation on Wednesday, May 9. Taking part from Saint Francis Parish (left photo) were (left to right) First row: Jessica Elizabeth
Smith, Dakota Francis Sprincz, Daniel Christopher Maslo, Giovanni Roco Vitalie, Tyra Marie Hewitt. Second row: Joshua Michael Pavlosky, Patrick Christopher Callahan, Conventual Franciscan Father Anthony Francis Spilka (pastor) and Marcy Olek (coordinator). Pictured
from Saint Michael Parish (right photo) are (left to right) Olek, Emily Marie Stem, Lauren Elizabeth Oleksa, and Father Anthony Francis.
RESURRECTION: Resurrection Parish, Johnstown, celebrated First Holy Communion (left) on Sunday, May 6 and Confirmation (right)
on Wednesday, May 9. Pictured at left are (left to right) First row: Father Alan E. Thomas (pastor) Jaydyn Vogel, Lauren Anderson, Kylie
Kadas, Kaitlyn Kasisky, Marcy Olek (director of sacramental formation and religious education). Second row: Brady Oswalt, Joshua Beblar, Jesse Volocko, Benjamin Ruszkoski, and Evan Gardenhour. Pictured at right are (left to right) first row: Rebecca Anne Zajdel, Courtney
Anastasia Horvath, Lauren Therese Olek, Kendra Madeline Slis, Olek. Second row: Father Thomas, Luke Anthony Spishak, Chandler John
Mical, and Brian Raphael Mesteller.
A Prince In The Service
Of The Great King
The Servant Of God
Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin
1770 - 1840
Sisters Of Saint Joseph
Missionaries Like Gallitzin
On Saturday, June 2, the
Diocese of Altoona - Johnstown honored Sister Patti Rossi
with the Prince Gallitzin Cross
Award. As assistant director
of the diocesan Mission Office,
and as a veteran missionary who
served in Brazil, Haiti and Jamaica, Sister Patti embodies the
missionary spirit of the Servant
of God Demetrius Augustine
Gallitzin.
Sister Patti is a member of
the Sisters of Saint Joseph of
Baden, a religious order with
strong ties to the Prince - Priest
of the Alleghenies. The community was founded in Ebensburg in 1869 by Mother Austin
Keane, a Loretto native who had
been baptized by Father Gallitzin. In his honor, they named
their convent and school, Mount
Gallitzin.
But even before Mother
Austin Keane shared the Gallitzin spirit with the Sisters of
Saint Joseph, another Loretto
girl had made her religious profession in that community, serving as a Sister of Saint Joseph of
Carondelet (MO), and going on
Prayer For
Father Gallitzin’s Intercession
Gracious and loving God, in your providence you sent your
faithful servant, Father Demetrius A. Gallitzin, to sow the
seeds of faith among the people of the Allegheny Mountains.
May you listen to his intercession for us in our day, even as
we ask that we be allowed to invoke him publicly as our patron
with you.
Pour out your merciful love upon us and hear our prayer. We
humbly beseech you to grant us the favor of (name your intention).
Finally, we ask for the courage to serve you faithfully and to
give you praise. May we do it in the strength of your Spirit, in
witness to Jesus, as did Demetrius when he preached your
Word and baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
+ + +
Kindly send information about favors granted to:
The Cause for the Servant of God
Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin
Diocese Of Altoona - Johnstown
927 South Logan Boulevard
Hollidaysburg PA 16648
SISTER PATTI ROSSI C.S.J.
numerous foundations throughout the United States.
Eliza Ellen (Eleanora) Ivory
was born September 18, 1824 in
Loretto, the daughter of Sarah
Ann and Jeremiah Ivory. Sarah
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Ann and Jeremiah were married
by Father Gallitzin at Saint Michael Church in Lroetto on May
19, 1819, and it was he who baptized Eliza Ellen.
As Sister Francis Joseph,
Eliza Ellen began her religious
life in Missouri, where the first
Sisters of Saint Joseph to come
to the United States from France
arrived in 1836. From their
home near Saint Louis, they established convents, schools and
hospitals throughout the United
States, and as a native - born,
English speaking Sister, Sister
Francis Joseph was sent out as
a pioneer member of many of
those communities.
She began her career as
a frontier missionary in 1851
when she was one of four Sisters of Saint Joseph sent to
Saint Paul MN to open a school.
Some 40 years later, from a New
York convent, after serving in
places as far apart as Binghamton NY and Kansas City KS,
Sister Francis Joseph wrote of
her introduction to the frontier
river town.
“We arrived at Saint Paul
during the night of November
2nd and when we woke up to
look at our new home. It looked
very dreary, the hills were covered with snow. The Captain
sent a messenger to the Bishop.
About 10:00 a.m. a French cleric
came down for us, took us to a
lady named Madam Tourpan,
Page 7
who received us very kindly
and treated us to a very good
dinner. After a rest, the Right
Reverend Bishop Cretin came
accompanied by a young cleric.
We then were shown our new
home, a small frame shanty on
the riverbank. We took our first
meal, supper, November 3, in
the vestry of the old log church.
We had difficulty to get water
enough to make our tea as there
was but one well in the town and
that was locked up. We rested in
the vestry until the students removed all their effects from their
Pro - Theological seminary. We
then took possession of our new
home. Opened school on the
following Monday, in the vestry.
I had charge of the English department, as all the other Sisters
were French . . . We had very
happy times, yet some days we
did not taste food until night. In
the Spring we moved the school
into the old church. We had the
building filled.”
Page 8
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Word of Life
The Pope
Teaches
By Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Tells U.S. Bishops
To Build Church Unity
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI urged American
Catholics to strive for greater unity, especially among ethnic groups
and between bishops and religious orders, in order to carry out the
church’s mission in an increasingly hostile society.
The pope made his remarks May 18 in a speech to U.S. bishops
from the Chaldean, Ruthenian, Maronite, Ukrainian, Armenian, Melkite, Syriac and Romanian Catholic churches, who were making their
periodic “ad limina” visits to the Vatican.
They were the last of 15 groups of U.S. bishops to make to make
“ad limina” visits since November 2011, reporting on the status of
their dioceses to Pope Benedict XVI and holding discussions with
Vatican officials.
In his speech, Pope Benedict called for greater “Catholic unity”
to counter the “forces of disaggregation within the church which increasingly represent a grave obstacle to her mission in the United
States.”
The pope echoed his earlier warnings to other U.S. bishops
about the dangers of secularization and state curbs on religious freedom.
“With the progressive weakening of traditional Christian values,
and the threat of a season in which our fidelity to the Gospel may
cost us dearly, the truth of Christ needs not only to be understood,
articulated and defended, but to be proposed joyfully and confidently
as the key to authentic human fulfillment and to the welfare of society
as a whole,” he said.
Pope Benedict noted efforts by various lay movements in the
U.S. to encourage Catholics “to move forward together, speaking
with one voice in addressing the urgent problems of the present moment.”
He also encouraged bishops to strengthen their “communication
and cooperation” with religious orders.
“The urgent need in our time for credible and attractive witnesses to the redemptive and transformative power of the Gospel makes
it essential to recapture a sense of the sublime dignity and beauty of
the consecrated life,” he said.
In an apparent reference to two recent investigations of American women religious, Pope Benedict thanked “many consecrated
women in your country” for their “example of fidelity and self-sacrifice,” and said he prayed that “this moment of discernment will bear
abundant spiritual fruit for the revitalization and strengthening of their
communities in fidelity to Christ and the Church, as well as to their
founding charisms.”
In his speech to the bishops, Pope Benedict noted the large
proportion of immigrants among American Catholics, and celebrated
them as a resource for evangelization, saying that the “immense
promise and the vibrant energies of a new generation of Catholics
are waiting to be tapped for the renewal of the church’s life and the
rebuilding of the fabric of American society.”
But he cautioned that the ethnic diversity which immigration
brings also poses the “demanding pastoral task of fostering a communion of cultures” within the church. That task requires a respect for
linguistic differences and the provision of social services, the pope
said, but also preaching and teaching “aimed at inspiring in all the
faithful a deeper sense of their communion” in the faith and their responsibility for the church’s mission.
ONE MORE TIME: In the summer of 1968, religious Sisters serving in the Diocese of Altoona - Johnstown attended a Day of Recollection at Saint Francis Seminary in Loretto, and enjoyed a picnic supper
served by the Franciscan clerics.
If you are a Catholic and
have not heard about the news
that the Vatican’s Congregation
for the Doctrine of the Faith reprimanded the Leadership Conference of Women Religious,
you must be living on an island
somewhere with a news blackout.
Information, some of it accurate, some of it skewed, made
it into the Catholic press, but
also to CNN and most network
news shows. The issue became
fodder for columns in papers
such as The New York Times
and The Washington Post, as
well as National Public Radio.
For some Catholics in the
pews, the news struck a ho-hum
response. But for many more,
especially those educated and
involved, word of the document
with the reprimand ignited a
firestorm of debate in the blogosphere, the independent Catholic press, on Facebook and in
emails worldwide.
This is not a column about
that debate.
Instead, it’s about the response generated by a simple
idea that Jesuit Father James
Martin had when he got wind of
the document sent to the LCWR.
The organization represents
about 80 percent of the 57,000
women religious in the United
States.
For The Journey
By Father Eugene Hemrick
Where’s The Charity
In The Debate?
Father Martin decided
it might be a nice idea to let
American nuns know that, to an
enormous extent, they have been
a great gift to the church. He
launched an initiative on Twitter
inviting others to tell the cyber
world “what sisters mean to me”
in 140 characters or less.
Father Martin made it clear
he was not criticizing the Vatican
that handed down the reprimand.
Some, however, called his initiative “disingenuous,” insinuating
that by typing good things about
a sister who’d meant a great deal
to them, they were somehow issuing a doctrinal dissent. Not so.
Probably no group has
meant more to individuals in the
American church than women
religious. To be fair, the Vatican
acknowledged in the document
the tremendous contributions by
women religious.
However, the reprimand
led many to think that perhaps
some of the 70- or 80-year-old
religious sisters, no matter what
views they held of the docu-
ment, would be feeling pretty
dispirited.
For that reason, maybe now
is a great time to remind sisters
that they’re appreciated. That’s
not dissent. That’s reconciliation, respect, reverence. Those
are items we seem to be lacking
in our American ecclesial discussion right now.
“Gratitude is always in season,” Father Martin said.
In his Twitter initiative
“what sisters mean to me,”
many wrote in with some lovely
tributes. I could have written to
say, for example, that the Ursulines who taught with me at my
first teaching assignment led me
back to the church I had doubted
during college. I could have listed many sisters who aided my
faith life, including the elderly
Servite sister who’s willing to be
my spiritual director now.
(Continued On Page 9.)
Question Corner
By Father Kenneth Doyle
Communion
For The Divorced
Q. If a Catholic gets married
by a priest, later gets divorced,
then gets married by a judge, can
that person still receive the holy
Eucharist?
A. The short answer is
“no,” but there is so much more
to it than that. First, to explain
the rule: The church is a communion of persons linked by a
shared set of religious beliefs
-and practices. Reception of the
rsacraments, particularly the Eucharist, is an indication that an
individual accepts the beliefs of
the church and the guidelines of
its teaching.
One of those guidelines is
that a Catholic should marry
in a Catholic ceremony or, at
least, with the permission of the
church.
Assuming, as seems to be
indicated, that you have not obtained an annulment from the
first marriage, that marriage is
still considered by the church as
valid. As such, the second marriage would not be recognized
by the church.
I don’t think this should be
seen as the church’s presuming to render a judgment on the
state of a person’s soul before
God (for only God can safely do
that). It should be seen simply
as an indication that the church,
like any organization of human
beings, has rules that govern
membership and regulate behavior.
I would suggest that you
continue to attend Mass regularly.
I would also urge that you
sit down with a priest of your
choosing and discuss the circumstances of the first marriage
and the reasons for its breakup.
It could well be that, even if that
marriage lasted several years,
there might be grounds for the
church to consider an annulment
-- serious immaturity, for example, or emotional instability (on
the part of one marriage partner
or both) going back to the time
of the marriage.
It seems obvious that reception of the Eucharist is important
to you, so it would certainly be
worth the effort to open that possibility.
It should also be noted that
too often Catholics who are separated or divorced but who have
never remarried refrain from
taking Communion because
they feel that they have “broken
Paula Frasinetti
1809-1882
June 11
CNS
Paula was born in the politically turbulent early 19th century in
Genoa, Italy. With her priest- brother, she taught the poor children
of the parish of Quinto. When other women joined them, Paula
founded the Congregation of St. Dorothy. Despite many obstacles
and few resources, the new teaching institute eventually prospered
as Paula’s deep prayer life and wisdom became widely known. The
congregation spread to other Italian cities, Portugal and Brazil.
Pope John Paul II declared Paula a saint in 1984.
Saints
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
a big rule” and are therefore ineligible to receive.
The truth is this: The church
believes that, in fidelity to the
teaching of Jesus, marriage is
forever, and that spouses should
always enter a marriage with
this understanding and do their
best to make the marriage last.
However, there are some
situations (domestic abuse is
a clear-cut one, but there are
certainly others) where, for the
good of everyone involved, separation is advisable.
When the rift is irreparable, divorce is often a necessary consequence so that legal
obligations -- such as alimony,
child custody or child support
-- can be clarified and assigned.
(Sometimes this sad result happens even though the marriage
partners have done everything
reasonably possible to make the
marriage work.)
Divorce itself, without remarriage, does nothing to disqualify a Catholic from the sacraments.
Charity In The
Debate
(Continued From Page 8.)
So what happened with Father Martin’s Twitter project?
“If you’re thinking, ‘This is the
web. I’ll bet things get ugly,’
you’re right,” Father Martin later wrote. His project went viral;
then, vindictive, cruel, meanspirited comments took over.
People turned what had been
an occasion for individual tributes into harassment. In the forum of Twitter, not constructed
for debate or discussion, people
spewed vile comments not worthy of Americans and certainly
not worthy of American Catholics.
What’s wrong with us,
folks? Is it Internet anonymity
that has turned our discussions
into something so hateful?
I suggest we all take a deep
breath. Then let’s return to the
Gospel, where Jesus told us to
love. After that, let’s find a hurt
to heal, some feet to wash, some
hungry to feed and leave our anger behind.
Spirituality
For Today
Page 9
By Father John Catoir
The Nature Of
Catholic Marriage
When I attempted to explain to my gay nephew, whom I love
as a son, that the right to marry was not an absolute right for anyone, not even heterosexual Catholics in good standing, he was
not impressed.
I told him that heterosexual men and women are not permitted to marry in the Catholic Church unless they intend a permanent, exclusive union. Couples who come to us do not get to set
the terms of the marriage contract.
If they decide that they want to “marry,” but not for life, only
for as long as the good feelings last, we send them away. If they
want a union that is open to other partners, we do the same thing.
Catholic marriages are meant to be exclusive unions between
one man and one woman.
If Catholics of the same gender come to us to marry, we respect them, but we cannot marry them.
Under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, gay and
lesbian men and women can claim equal rights under the law, but
they cannot rewrite the law or the legal presumptions behind it.
Two things are in play: the rights of others, and the separation of church and state.
It must be understood that as soon as a person’s legal rights
come into conflict with the legal rights of another or others, the
matter must be adjudicated in a court of law and it could be up to
the Supreme Court to decide, if necessary.
One example of something similar is the Occupy Wall Street
protesters. They have the constitutional right of free speech and
assembly, but it is not an absolute right. If they disturb the peace
or misuse public property, which exists exclusively for the common good, they lose their license to assemble.
The marriage laws are equally complex. What is a gay marriage? Gays and lesbians differ in their beliefs. Some believe in
the right to be polygamous; some demand the right to be promiscuous; some are committed to a lifelong relationship; some are
not.
Marriage laws must be applied equally. All parties must accept the same definition of the marriage contract.
The U.S. is a democracy, and we the people have the right
to oppose any law deemed to be unjust. In the United States majority rules, and the homosexual community will not advance its
chances of gaining a majority vote to change the law by strident
political tactics, which often alienate sympathetic observers.
Even if they won a majority vote, creating an amendment to
allow gay marriage, even if it is passed under the banner of equal
rights under the 14th Amendment, there is still the issue of the
separation between church and state.
A U.S. law can never be used to command religious institutions to change their laws, which they deem to be a divine precept: namely, the concept that marriage is a contract between
one man and one woman.
As a practical matter, all I can do for my nephew and his
long-standing partner, both of whom are good and decent human
beings, is bless them and wish them good health, long life and
much happiness.
But, I cannot attempt to “marry” them in the church or anywhere else without violating church law.
I tell them they have a right and a duty to follow their conscience and then trust in God’s love.
Page 10
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
In The Alleghenies
(Continued From Page 6.)
On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 10,
there will be exposition of the
Most Blessed Sacrament in the
chapel of Sacred Heart Convent,
866 Cambria Street, preceding
a 2:00 p.m. procession in the
convent grounds, with stops at
three altars, concluding with
Benediction in the chapel of the
John Paul II Manor, 856 Cambria Street. Refreshemtns will
follow.
The Sisters will also hold
a Triduum in honor of the Most
Sacred Heart of Jesus, beginning
Tuesday, June 12. Mass will be
celebrated each day in the con-
vent chapel, followed by all day
adoration of the Most Blessed
Sacrament. Rosary at 6:30 will
precede a 7:00 p.m. Mass, Devotions and a conference. The
same program will be followed
on Wednesday, June 13 and
Thursday, June 14.
On Friday, June 15, the
Solemnity of the Most Sacred
Heart of Jesus, Rosary at 6:30
will be followed by 7:00 p.m.
Mass will be followed by
a social on the convent lawn,
featuring light refreshments,
bonfire, square dancing and
fireworks. Participants are invited to bring friends, a musical
instrument, a blanket or lawn
chair, and a favorite snack.
Bishop’s
Appointments
Bishop Mark L. Bartchak has made the following appointments:
REVEREND LEO F. ARNONE, appointed Pastor of
Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Cresson and All Saints
Catholic School in Cresson. This appointment is effective June 27, 2012.
REVEREND MATTHEW E. MISURDA, appointed
Pastor of Saint Clare of Assisi Parish in Johnstown.
This appointment is effective June 27, 2012.
REVEREND ANDREW DRAPER, T.O.R., as presented by the Minister Provincial, Reverend Nicholas Polichnowski, T.O.R., appointed Pastor of Our Lady of the
Sacred Heart Parish in Portage. This appointment is
effective June 27, 2012.
REVEREND JOSEPH JANISZEWSKI, T.O.R., as
presented by the Minister Provincial, Reverend Nicholas Polichnowski, T.O.R., appointed Parochial Vicar
at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Portage,
under the pastorate of the Reverend Andrew Draper,
T.O.R. This appointment is effective June 27, 2012.
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Portage
Couple
(Continued From Page 1.)
Sylvia liked the fact that he
is very kind, a hard worker, and
a very thoughtful person. “He
used to send me flowers for any
occasion,” she said with a hint
of love and pride in her voice.
“He did that before it became
too expensive. We decided the
money would be of better use to
the children or to help with the
upkeep of our house. He never
missed an opportunity to send
me flowers,” she smiled.
They have and continue to
make a conscious effort to be an
example of good Catholic Christians to their children.
Everything revolves around
the family unit, and when the
children were younger, they always managed to eat their dinner together.
“We maintained our relationship while raising our children simply by including them
in everything we did,” Sylvia
said.
“We always had our kids
with us when we went somewhere. We never took a vacation, went out to eat, or went to a
movie without them.”
They did a lot of camping
and fishing with their children.
“That was a good time to discuss things with the children as
a family,” Ernie added. “It gave
us some time to solve many of
their problems.”
A lot of water flows under
the bridge over 33 years of marriage and things change. They
feel their relationship is more
mature. “Like I said, we were
very young when we married, so
I guess we basically grew up together,” Sylvia remarked.
“I think our expectations
haven’t changed, but we are
much more realistic. In the years
we’ve been married we have
learned each other’s habits and
needs. We have learned to accept each other’s faults and embrace each other’s strengths.”
Sylvia admitted that marriage isn’t always easy, but the
most important thing, she said,
is to never give up on one another. “The most enjoyable part
of our marriage is that we work
well together. We share the responsibilities of keeping up the
house and we can always count
on each other for a hand, when
we need it.”
Ernie commented that
knowing they can always count
on each other, no matter what, is
very important,” Ernie said.
“The children grow up and
get married or move away to
start their own lives and we will
still have each other.”
The Portage couple said
they are truly blessed to have
a loving marriage. Seeing their
children grow up and become
successful and thoughtful adults
has been one of their greatest
joys.
There are no secrets to a
solid marriage. Most couples
will tell you that it takes communication and work for it to
continue to grow. “You need to
be kind and considerate of each
other,” Sylvia said. “Don’t keep
secrets and don’t spend beyond
your means.”
Ernie and Sylvia feel the
most important part of their
marriage is keeping God in their
lives. “It’s important to make
time for prayer, Mass, and receiving the Sacraments. With
Page 11
God’s help you can be the best
husband or wife for each other,”
they said.
Page 12
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
SAINT PETER: Saint Peter Parish, Somerset, celebrated Confirmation on Sunday, April 15. Pictured
are (left to right) First row: Olivia Mayak, Dylan Landis, Ian Hicks, Sydney Myers, Megan Lenzi,
Molly Hoover, Laekyn Jano, Brittany Emerick, Melissa Hauger, Kathleen Miller. Second row: Charles
Troll III, Jacob Nickelson, Christopher Yaros, Drew Hemminger, Jared Svonavec, Caleb Leonard, Ian
Stiffler, Michael Flyte, Jacob Close, Derick Mostoller, Samantha Emert and Lillian Thompson. Father
Daniel J. O’Neill is pastor.
SAINT MARK: Saint Mark Parish, Altoona, celebrated Confirmation on Wednesday, May 23. Pictured are (left to right) First row: Nathan Pearlman, Allison Gressler, Brianna Luciano, Ryan Knott.
Second row: Brennan Luciano, Father Ronald Osinski (pastor), and Tyler Negri.
HONOR GRADUATES: The Family Life Committee of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Altoona,
honored this year’s high school graduates at Mass on Sunday, May 20. Pictured are (left to right) First
row: Olivia Vellone, Kayla DeCriscio, Chelsey Ergler, Arlene Ivory. Second row: Steven Franco, Jacob
Myers, PR Carracciolo, Matthew Morgan, and Third Order Regular Franciscan Father Frank Scornaienchi (pastor).
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL: Celebrating First Holy Communion at Our Lady Of Mount
Carmel Parish, Altoona on Saturday, May 12 were (left to right) First row: Hannah Hatfield, Angela Durbin, Hannah Soyster, Mayah Marasco, Macy Yost, Avery Burchfield, Ava Adams, Alana Stultz.
Second row: Nathan Rice, Lukas Caracciolo, Stevie Jones, Dominic Caracciolo, Ireland Dunn, Abby
Smearman, Christian Strawmier, Brooke Harrington. Third row: Third Order Regular Franciscan Father Terrence Smith (parochial vicar), Karen Snowden (catechist), Giovanna Caracciolo, Jayla Nartatez,
Mya Weatherwalk, Mary Hoover, Kyle Colombo, Dona Baughman (director of religious education) and
Third Order Regular Franciscan Father Frank Scornaienchi (pastor). Not pictured is Logan Persing.
SAINT BENEDICT, CARROLLTOWN: Celebrating First Holy Communion at Saint Benedict Parish, Carrolltown (top photo) on Sunday, April 29 were (left to right) First row: Megan Chuhran,Marissa
Berzonsky,Isabella Barrett,Paige Farabaugh,Loryn Zaliznock,Benjamin Hite, Braden Thomas, Brandon
McNulty,Aydin Swander,Luke Behe. Second row: Autmn Duman, Alexis Duron, Emma Kent, Magdalena Schirf, Jerica Cooper, Camron Gaida, Garrett Lamason, Michael Penrod, Steven Yeckley, Nathan
Nihart. Third row: Katelyn Brady, Grace Jasper, Courteney Venesky, Lyndsey Kitchen, Kendall Conrad, Madison Bender, Hunter Hayes, Blaine Farabaugh, Henry Warner, Adam Ford, Logan Behe. Fourth
row: Benedictine Brother Michael Miller (teacher), Kathy Lamont (principal), Benedictine Father Jude
W. Brady (pastor) Benedictine Brother Francis G.Ehnat (deacon) and Suzanne Bills (director of religious
education). Celebrating Confirmation were (bottom photo, left to right) First row: Michael Crimaldi,
Luke Trinkley,Ryan Caretti, Joseph Loughran, Cody Seymore, Cody Shaw, Kaylea Lute, Ashley Johnson, Alexandra Lieb, Margaret Lallemand, Shelby Mishler. Second row: Jeremy Thomas,Tristin Irwin,
Julien Panaro, Evan Contorchick, Alexander Eckenrode, Megan Lamb, Hannah Bearer, Kaitlyn Cunningham, Justine Nealen, Victoria Caretti. Third row: Brennan McMurray, Donald Contorchick, Ty
Forsythe, Kenneth Cunningham, Nathan Bearer,Jamie Snedden, Breanna Tomiczek, Alexandra Murphy,
Alyssa Shank and Robert McGowan (catechist).
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Page 13
Page 14
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Now Showing
Faith In The Footlights:
Religion Takes A Bow
On Broadway
By David DiCerto
Catholic News Service
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Can
it be? Has Broadway found religion?
According to one recent
article, a bumper crop of faiththemed shows, like “Jesus Christ
Superstar,” “Godspell,” “Book
of Mormon” and “Sister Act,”
has transformed Broadway into
a “highway to heaven.”
So why the great awakening
on the Great White Way?
“I think there is a “God moment” breaking out in the entertainment culture that’s partly
driven by a quest for profits in
difficult economic times, but
also by people’s never-ending
quest for transcendent meaning,” said Tom Allen of Allied
Faith and Family, an agency that
is trying to promote shows like
“Sister Act” to Christians.
The Tony-nominated musical is emblematic of this religious revival: flashy and brash,
yet earnestly spiritual.
“I think people are tired
of hearing about selfish people
feeling sorry for themselves,”
said Fred Applegate, who plays
a pastor in “Sister Act” and who
believes the uptick in religious
productions underscores a need
“for hope.”
Allen concurred. “What’s
happening now is almost like our
collective conscience prompting
us to think again about what really matters,” he said.
While not all recent offerings are necessarily reasons to
shout “hallelujah,” Allen said he
feels that, overall, the spotlighting of spirituality is a net gain
for religion, and hopes the faith
community supports shows like
“Sister Act.”
Based on the screen comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg,
Sunday Mass
Broadcast Live from
the Cathedral of
the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona
10:00 a.m. WFBG Radio, 1290 AM
Sunday Mass Telecast
Live from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral
Downtown Johnstown
11 a.m. - Noon WWCP - TV FOX Channel 8
Proclaim!
10:30 a.m. (Early Edition 5:30 a.m.)
A half - hour of local Church news and features
“Sister Act” centers on an aspiring singer, Deloris (Raven-Symone), who is on the run from
mobsters after she witnesses a
murder and who must hide out
in a cloistered convent.
Beyond Alan Menken’s
roof-raising score, there’s a lot
to like about the production. The
scenic design evokes a Catholic
nostalgia -- from the confessional in the theater’s lobby to
the rose window that dominates many of the musical numbers. Though the set suggests a
church interior, to avoid offending those who might deem the
backdrop as inappropriate for
rapping nuns in hip-hop habits,
no mention is made of Mass.
“The creators of the show
were very careful about that,”
said Applegate, who identifies
himself as Catholic. “There is
no altar, no tabernacle, none of
the hallmarks of a sacred space,
except stained glass.”
Catholic theatergoers, however, may wish the same sensitivity and respect had been applied to the, at times, irreverent
humor, including a reference to
the Eucharist as “holy wafers”
and a “moral high colonic,” and
Applegate invoking “the Father,
the Son and the you know who.”
“The show was not created
by daily communicants,” said
Allen, who acknowledged its
theological shortcomings. “But
(their) hearts are definitely in the
right place.”
Rather than mocking them,
“Sister Act” displays a sincere
affection for the nuns and an appreciation of faith as a positive
force in people’s lives.
Equally miraculous for
Broadway, is the show’s sympathetic portrayal of the traditional-minded Mother Superior
(Carolee Carmello), whose soulful “Here Within These Walls”
provides a surprisingly heartfelt
CNS Photo/Joan Marcus
SISTER ACT: Raven-Symone stars in a scene from the Broadway
production of “Sister Act” at the Broadway Theatre in New York.
Faith-themed shows such as this have transformed Broadway into a
“highway to heaven,” says one theater observer.
defense of contemplative life
and counterbalances the more
dissenting “The Life I Never
Lived,” sung by a young postulant.
Opinions may vary on the
jumbo, glitter-ball, disco statue
of Mary, but, as Allen points
out, one person’s gaudy may be
another’s glorifying.
“She’s our Mother, whether
people realize it or not. What
better way to promote that fact
to the culture than by lighting
her up on a Broadway stage in
all her beauty and celebrating
her.”
Ultimately, “Sister Act” affirms St. Augustine’s maxim
that, to sing is to “pray twice.”
But perhaps it is Augustine’s
perception that our hearts are
restless until they rest in God
that best summarizes the show’s
countercultural message.
“Don’t get caught up in the
attractions and allures of the
world,” Allen said, boiling it
down. “The answers lie within
and above.”
“Perhaps writers have realized that faith is dramatic ... and
worthy of our thought and our
time in theater,” said Applegate.
Perhaps it’s the way these
shows present faith, not as something irrelevant and gloomy, but
vibrant and full of what G. K.
Chesterton called the “gigantic
secret of Christianity”: joy.
“It’s nice to see people of
faith portrayed as joyful, isn’t
it?” asked Applegate.
Can I hear an “Amen”?
Coming Up On ‘Proclaim!’
Upcoming guests on “Keeping The Faith,” Bishop
Mark L. Bartchak’s segment of “Proclaim!” will include:
June 10 - - On this Corpus Christi Sunday, “Teen Talk”
co-hosts Abbi Slezak and Nick Spinelli interview Bishop Mark about the significance of the Feast Day.
June 17 - - Father Sean Code, pastor of Saint Joan
of Arc Parish in Frugality and Saint Thomas Aquinas
Parish in Ashville, joins Bishop Mark to discuss the
upcoming “Fortnight for Religious Freedom.”
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
Bishop Celebrated Baccalaureate Masses
For Graduates Of Three Catholic High Schools
Page 15
(Continued From Page 16.)
“You the class of 2012 must
become the next Brother Matthias – the next one to inspire others wherever you find yourself,”
Bishop Mark told the graduates.
“You need to pass on the spirit
(of your school) so that others may be blessed by the same
values and inspiration that has
helped to shape your lives.”
The Bishop pointed out that
Brother Matthias never sought
fame, and most people do not
even know his story. He told the
graduates that following Brother
Matthias’ lead will provide great
personal rewards.
“In the end, the ones who
just might remember you for
being their inspiration will probably surprise you because they
won’t necessarily be the most
successful or the most famous,”
Bishop Mark said. “But they
will be much better off because
you cared about them and shared
your inspiration with them.”
The Bishop Guilfoyle Mass
was particularly emotional. Earlier that day, students, faculty,
and staff learned of the passing
of English teacher Doreen Fogle. The 42 year old died after a
long battle with cancer.
Bishop Mark offered the
Guilfoyle Mass in her honor,
and tied her legacy into his homily.
“I am sure that for many
of you at this bittersweet moment, Doreen Fogle has been
like a Brother Matthias for you
at Bishop Guilfoyle, whether
you are a student or a member
of the faculty,” he said. “During
this Mass, we all pray together
p in thanksgiving for them and for
: you who have been inspired and
assisted by them.”
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
”
High
School graduated 75 seniors – 99 percent of whom are
going on to higher education or
a trade school, excluding exn change students. Hyeon (David)
s Jegal, one of the exchange stue dents, was class valedictorian.
Forty six of Bishop Carroll’s 53 graduates are going on
GRADUATES GATHER: Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School graduates (left to right) Elyse Ferrell of Saint Michael Parish, Hollidaysburg; Colin Wolf of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Altoona; and Sarah Shanoudy of Saint Mina Coptic gather before
their graduation Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Altoona on Sunday, May 27
to higher education; two will
enter the military. The valedictorian was Josie Yahner of Saint
Benedict Parish in Carrolltown.
McCort Catholic graduated
104 students. All but two are going on to higher education. As of
deadline, the school had not yet
selected its valedictorian.
The fourth Catholic high
school in the Diocese – Saint
Joseph’s Catholic Academy in
Boalsburg – opened last fall to
freshmen and sophomore students only, so there was no graduation this spring. Bishop Mark
celebrated an end-of-the-year
Mass at the school on Friday,
May 25.
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School graduated 75 seniors
– 99 percent of whom are going on to higher education or a
trade school, excluding exchange students. Hyeon (David)
Jegal, one of the exchange students, was class valedictorian.
Forty six of Bishop Carroll’s 53 graduates are going on to
higher education; two will enter the military. The valedictorian was Josie Yahner of Saint Benedict Parish in Carrolltown.
McCort Catholic graduated 104 students. All but two are going on to higher education. As of deadline, the school had
not yet selected its valedictorian.
Page 16
The Catholic Register, June 4, 2012
GRADUATION MASS: Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School seniors (left to right) Jared Keller and Alyssa Rhone of Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish in Altoona and Nicole Bagley of Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Altoona attend their graduation Mass at Our
Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Altoona on Sunday, May 27.
Graduates Challenged To Inspire Others
Photos And Text
By Tony DeGol
PERIODICAL RATE MAIL
He inspired one of the best
baseball players in history, and
his example can help the class
of 2012 score a home run in life.
That was Bishop Mark L.
Bartchak’s message to seniors
from Bishop Carroll, Bishop
Guilfoyle, and Bishop McCort
Catholic High Schools during
graduation Masses in late May
and early June.
In the past, commencement
exercises for the three schools
were held after Communion
during the graduation Masses.
The Bishop served as celebrant
and homilist, and then conferred
diplomas.
This year, all three schools
held separate Masses and commencement
exercises.
For
Bishop Carroll, Mass was held
on Tuesday, May 29 at Holy
Name Parish in Ebensburg;
commencement exercises were
held on Wednesday, May 30 at
the JFK Center at Saint Francis
University. Bishop Guilfoyle
scheduled its Mass on Sunday,
May 27 at Our Lady of Mount
Carmel Parish in Altoona; commencement exercises were on
The Catholic
Register
Official Publication of the
Diocese of Altoona - Johnstown
Thursday, May 31 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in
Altoona. The Mass for Bishop
McCort seniors was on Friday,
June 1 at Saint Benedict Parish
in Johnstown; commencement
exercises were on Saturday,
June 2 at Penn Highlands Community College in Johnstown.
Bishop Mark was the celebrant
and homilist at all three Masses,
and he conferred diplomas at all
three commencement exercises.
In his homily, the Bishop
told the story of Matthias Boutlier, or Brother Matthias. He
was a teacher and dean of discipline at Saint Mary’s Industrial
School in Baltimore, an all-boys
school run by religious brothers
from the Congregation of Saint
Francis Xavier.
One of Brother Matthias’ students was a boy named
George Herman Ruth. The boy
was often in trouble and struggled academically and socially.
Under Brother Matthias’ direction, Ruth began to thrive in his
studies and even learned a few
skills. One of them was baseball. In fact, he ended up playing professionally at age 19. He,
of course, was the legendary
Babe Ruth. Later in life – during
a newspaper interview – Ruth
credited Brother Matthias for
being one of the biggest influences in his life.
(Continued On Page 15.)