August 12, 2013 - Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

In The AllegheniesThe Catholic Register, August 12, 2013 Page 3(Continued From Page 2.)AC Online used The NationalCenter for EducationStatistics (NCES), IntegratedPost-Secondary Education DataSystem (IPEDS), PayScale.com’s 2013 College EarningsReport, and The Carnegie Foundationto find their figures.“These are important listsfor prospective students to consider,”said AC Online founderDan Schuessler. “We’ve siftedthrough comprehensive datasources to find colleges and universitiesin Pennsylvania that offera high quality education withconsistent, long-term payoffs inthe workplace.”For more information aboutSaint Francis University, visitfrancis.edu.PrayerCarmelite NovenaLoretto: An Hour ofPrayer for Priestly Vocations isoffered at the Prince GallitzinChapel House, 357 St. MaryStreet, every Thursday, excepton Holydays and Holyday Vigils,beginning with Mass at 6:00p.m. and ending with Benedictionof the Most Blessed Sacramentat 7:00 p.m.For more informationplease call the Diocesan VocationsOffice at (814) 472 - 5441.Special SpeakerAltoona: The CathedralCharismatic Prayer Group willbe hosting Erin Brennan as aspecial speaker at the Monday,August 12 Prayer Meeting.Erin, an Altoona native, recentlycompleted a missionarytrip to Tanzania. She is a recentgraduate of Franciscan Universityof Steubenville and BishopGuilfoyle Catholic High School.Her presentation will bepreceded by praise & worship.Refreshments and fellowshipwill follow . All are welcome.The Prayer Meeting starts at7:00 p.m.MEMORIAL GARDEN: For his senior project, Matthew Hodgson constructed a Memorial Garden atSaint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Spring Mills. The garden was dedicated by Father Valentine Bradleyon Sunday, July 14, the feast day of Saint Kateri. The garden was constructed as a place for the parishcommunity to pray and remember deceased family and friends, including Hodgson’s cousin, JohnDaniel Klena.SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST, BELLEFONTE: Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Bellefonte,celebrated First Holy Communion on Saturday, April 20. Pictured are (left to right) First row: CathalineSaylor, Caleb Stock, Ruby Bjalme, Jocelyn Cooke, Peter Rose IV, Kathryn Gearhart, Brandi Carmack,Max Rossman, Dominic Scicchitano, Ava Calistri, Nathan Capparelle, Jayden Capparelle, Wesley Badger.Second row: Maura Cingle, Abigail Weiser, Cooper Funk, Madison Mindziak, Natalie Mattern,Erin Cronin, Alexis Chvala, Heather Leskovansky, Cecilia Stanton, Hannah Coslo. Third row: DominicCapperella, Olivia Smith, Alexandria Hacker, Allison Berkey, Nash Irwin, Pauline Alterio, EmmaMatsko, Isaac Dechow, Amara Cain, Alex Ebeling, Michelle Davis. Fourth row: Father Neil Dadey(pastor), Deacon Tom Boldin, Father Valentine Bradley (parochial vicar) and Phyllis Austin.Loretto: The year’s eighthnovena to Our Lady of MountCarmel and Saint Therese, theLittle Flower, conducted by theDiscalced Carmelite Nuns, willopen at the Carmelite MonasteryChapel on Thursday, August 22,the memorial of the Queenshipof Mary, and conclude Friday,August 30. All intentions willbe remembered in the prayers ofthe nuns and in the special novenaprayer recited after dailyMass.Those desiring to share inthe graces and blessings of thesenine days of prayer, and in theprivate prayers of the CarmeliteNuns during the novena, are requestedto send their petitions toMother Prioress, Discalced CarmeliteMonastery, P.O. Box 57,Loretto PA 15940.Every Sunday afternoon at4:00 p.m. and every First Fridayof the month, Benedictionof the Most Blessed Sacramentis given in the public chapel atCarmel, followed by venerationof the relic of Saint Therese.Prayers For Vocations(Continued On Page 6.)

Page 4 The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013THE CATHOLICREGISTERSERVING THE DIOCESE OFALTOONA - JOHNSTOWNPublished Bi - weekly at925 South Logan BoulevardHollidaysburg PA 16648Phone (814) 695 - 7563FAX (814) 695 - 7517Subscriptions: $8.00 Parish Based$18.00 IndividualPeriodical Class Postage Paid AtAltoona PA and other mailing offices.Postmaster send change of address to:925 South Logan Boulevard(USPS 094 - 280)Member Publication OfThe Catholic Press AssociationPoint Of ViewEvery marriage has its upsand downs. It happens to allmarried couples. Many couplesmake it through the hard times;some even find that the struggleshave strengthened them.But many couples don’tweather those hard times well.Couples can get stuck in a roughspot and not know where to turnor what to do. For some spousesthe circumstances are quite challenging– depression, addiction,pornography, affairs.Other couples deal withstress over differing values, finances,parenting, jobs and extendedfamily. It takes a lot ofskill in communication, conflictresolution and problem solvingto work through the hard situationslife throws at us. Manyspouses simply don’t haveenough skill to make it through.After repeated situationsthat are unresolved or poorlydealt with, a marriage can feellike a battle zone or a cold, lifelessprison. When mutual respectand trust between spouseserodes, things can go down hillfast.Often even relatives andclose friends don’t realize thepain that a couple in a stressed isenduring. Marriage difficultiescan leave spouses feeling alone,helpless, hopeless, maybe evenembarrassed or ashamed.And with many couples,there simply isn’t a personalsupport system in place to encouragethem to keep trying andto find help. Let’s face it, our society’sattitude isn’t one that assumesthat marriages are worthsaving.But our Church does understandthe huge emotionalinvestment husbands and wiveshave in their marriage. A newministry to couples in hurtingmarriages has begun in the Dioceseof Altoona - Johnstown. It’scalled Marriage Care.Capable lay and deaconMarriage Care Couples havebeen trained to meet withstressed couples or individualspouses who don’t know whereto go or what they need to heal.The Marriage Care Couple willCapable lay and deacon Marriage Care Couples havebeen trained to meet with stressed couples or individualspouses who don’t know where to go or what they needto heal. The Marriage Care Couple will listen, pray withthem (if desired), help them figure out what they need,offer resources and trustworthy referrals, as well as encouragement.They will not take sides or act as counselorsor problem solvers. They can offer skill building sessionsif needed. (It always helps to have the right tool forthe job!) All this is free and confidential.Publisher:Most Reverend BishopMark L. BartchakEditor:Rev. Msgr. Timothy P. SteinManager:Bruce A. TomaselliSecretary:Frances M. LograndoTheBureau DrawerBy Susan StithMarriage Care:Hope, Help, Healinglisten, pray with them (if desired),help them figure out whatthey need, offer resources andtrustworthy referrals, as well asencouragement. They will nottake sides or act as counselors orproblem solvers. They can offerskill building sessions if needed.(It always helps to have the righttool for the job!) All this is freeand confidential.For spouses who knowthey need it, marriage counselinghas and still is available fora sliding scale fee at CatholicCharities in Altoona (944-9388;also for appointments in Lilly),Bellefonte (353-0502; also forappointments in Lock Haven),and Johnstown (535-6538). Thenew Marriage Care ministry isfor those who aren’t ready to goto a counselor, or don’t know ifthat is what they need.If you are in a hurting marriage,know that you need not bealone! Hope and help are waitingfor you. To connect with a MariageCare couple, check yourparish bulletin, ask your pastor,or contact MarriageCare@dioceseaj.org, 814-886-5551(just ask for Marriage Care; youneed not identify yourself). MarriageCare couples are availablethroughout the Diocese.AnotherPerspectiveBy Monsignor Timothy P. SteinWho Am I To Judge?On Friday, July 5, Pope Francis issued his first encyclicalletter, “Lumen Fidei,” a 19,300 word document about the light offaith which guides the life of every Christian. But it was on Sunday,July 28, when addressing an in – flight press conferenceon the return journey to Rome from World Youth Day in Rio deJaneiro, that the Holy Father uttered five words that may havean even greater impact than his lengthy encyclical.Asked about the presence of a gay lobby in the Vatican, asupposed group of homosexual priests and Bishops working atthe Vatican and protecting one another, Pope Francis said “Agay person who is seeking God, who is of good will - - well, whoam I to judge him?” Five simple words - - “Who am I to judge?”- - have generated thousands of words in headlines, in newsstories, in blogs, as commentators seek to explain what thePope really said, what he really meant, and whether or not thepontiff has somehow changed Church teaching on the questionof homosexuality.Pope Francis then quoted the Catechism Of The CatholicChurch which says that discrimination against people becauseof sexual orientation is wrong. He went on to say that any sortof “lobby” - - any group seeking to exercise pressure in an institutionfor its own advantage, is wrong. No, the Holy Fatherdidn’t signal a change in Church teaching. By couching hisanswer with the words “who am I to judge?” and by speakingof people of good will, Pope Francis has, rather, signaled achange in the tone of the conversation, and echoed the wordsof Jesus, who said to the man who asked Him to settle a disputeabout an inheritance “Friend, who appointed me as yourjudge and arbitrator?” (Luke 12:14).The words “Who am I to judge?” so simple, yet so eloquent,are a reminder to all of us that we are not judge and jury overany person, any situation, any issue that we are faced with.They remind us of another injunction from the Lord Jesus “Stopjudging, that you many not be judged” (Matthew 7:1).Pope Francis has in a few short months made many referencesto God’s mercy. I have always been drawn to that idea,and to the Hebrew word “Hesed” which defines mercy as thewillingness to stand in solidarity with another, the willingness tostep into their shoes, to support them and to walk with them tothe end. God’s mercy - - God’s hesed - - led God to becomeincarnate and to offer His life on the cross in atonement forour sins. God’s mercy presumes that we are people of goodwill and that we are worth the sacrifice. God’s mercy doesn’tspeak of judgment. It doesn’t demonize the other. It accepts,it embraces, it redeems.Pope Francis has not changed, redefined or weakened theChurch’s constant teaching on how we are to treat other people- - whether the other be of a different sexual orientation, skincolor, political or ideological persuasion, from another countryor another socio – economic group. He has simply toned downthe rhetoric and reminded us of the core of Biblical teaching,the very heart of the gospel: that God created all of us in Hisown image and likeness, and God created all of us good. Weare not to judge, but to love another as God has first loved us.How radical! How audacious! How true! - - and how difficultto put into practice.May God help us all to rise to the challenge!

The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013 Page 5During Visit To Brazil, Pope’s Simple, Artless ActionsResonated Powerfully With PeopleBy Francis X. RoccaCatholic News ServiceRIO DE JANEIRO (CNS)-- If Blessed John Paul II had anactor’s mastery of the dramaticgesture and Pope Benedict XVIengaged the faithful most effectivelythrough his learnedand lucid writing, Pope Francisshowed the world on his first internationaltrip that his forte asa communicator is the simple,seemingly artless action thatresonates powerfully in context.During his visit to BrazilJuly 22-28 Pope Francis saidlittle that he had not already saidmore than once during his stillyoungpontificate. He repeatedforceful calls for social justice,a more humble and empatheticchurch leadership and a moreactive and engaged laity.But given the historic natureof the occasion -- the first LatinAmerican pope returning to hisnative continent -- he must haveknown that everything he saidand did here would take on specialsignificance, and he madeextensive use of the setting.The display began evenbefore he left Rome, when thepope was photographed carryinghis own briefcase onto the plane,sending a characteristic messageof humility: the menial work ofcarrying the bag was a task hereserved for himself.Pope Francis’ entrance intothe city of Rio in a modest compactvan instead of the usuallarge sedan -- an image that instantlyturned the Fiat Idea intoa world-famous model -- wasan exhortation to simplicity forclergy and laypeople alike, consistentwith his previous complaintsabout spending on luxuriesin a world where childrenstarve.It was during that ride thatPope Francis used his alreadyfamous gift for spontaneity tosalvage what could have been adispiriting mishap. The swarmingof his car by pedestriansCNS Photo/Giampiero Sposito, ReutersPOPE FRANCIS BOARDS PLANE: Pope Francis carries a bagas he boards a plane at Fiumicino airport in Rome Monday, July22. He was making his first trip abroad as pope to join more than300,000 young people in Brazil for World Youth Day.and the driver’s decision to enterrush-hour traffic, where thepapal motorcade promptly gotstuck, briefly seemed to auguronly more chaos.Instead, the incident becamea chance for the pope to displayhis almost magical rapport withcrowds, when he was seen openinghis window and greeting thevery people that members of hissecurity detail were franticallypushing away.Images of Pope Francis’visit to a Rio “favela” -- his walkdown the streets of shanties, andthe tears in his eyes behind thealtar of the slum’s little chapel-- will surely leave more lastingimpressions than anything hesaid there.Similarly, his speech towhat the Vatican called the “rulingclass of Brazil” -- a gentlecall to dialogue and “social humility”in a country shaken bymassive anti-government protests-- was clear and thoughtful,yet less eloquent than his embraceof a recovered drug abuserand former favela resident onthe stage before the dignitaries.Pope Francis said nothingduring the trip about movesto liberalize Brazil’s abortionlaws because, as he told reporterson his plane back to Rome,“young people understand per-fectly what the church’s pointof view is.” But he symbolicallyespoused the defense of unbornhuman life during the culminatingMass of World Youth Day,when he welcomed a marriedcouple and their baby born withonly part of her brain; they hadchosen not to abort even thoughcurrent Brazilian law wouldhave permitted them to do so.The surprise inflight pressconference was the pope’s finalsymbolic act of the trip, remarkableabove all for the sheer factthat he did it and for the way thathe carried it out. Known duringhis days as a cardinal for refusinginterviews, he proved with ano-holds-barred exchange that,though he may usually be toobusy for journalists, he certainlyis not afraid of them.Having already charmedthem on the flight from Romeby greeting each one personally,he then spent 80 minutes gamelyanswering their questions, followingseven days of activitythat had left all the reporters exhausted.In that way, the 76-yearold pope also showed that, in thegame of dealing with the press,he is well prepared to stay ahead.

Page 6 The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013MOST HOLY TRINITY, HUNTINGDON: Most Holy Trinity Parish, Huntingdon, celebrated Confirmation on Thursday, April 25 and First Holy Communion on Sunday,May 5. Pictured at left are (left to right) First row: Kerigan Ammerman, Rachel Johnson, Natalie Romano, Samantha Ochs, Ian Kidd, Joseph Dell - Heaton. Second row: FatherDavid Arseneault (pastor), Haley Myers, Amber Cook, Erin Mills, Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Katherine O’Neil, Sebastian Passalacqua, Samuel Gilda and MariroseRisbon. Pictured at right are (left to right) First row: Vito LoPiccolo, James Matter, Theresa Smith, Olivia Galloway, Marco Scaccia, Maya Feagley, Jordan Houck, PatrickEscaudro, Tyler Gutshall. Second row: Ryan Sullivan, Jessica Heffner, Adria Russell, Kendal Carlin, Maria Miller, Maiya Linn, Norah Grace McClain, Jordyn Patrick, EvanGoodman. Third row: Sister Katherine, Father Arseneault, Elaine Porter and Denise Gutshall.In The Alleghenies(Continued From Page 3.)Mass For YouthJohnstown: Bishop MarkL. Bartchak will celebrate aMass for young adults at SaintPatrick Church, 609 Park Avenue,on Sunday, August 25, at5:00 p.m. The Liturgy and willfulfill the Sunday obligation.All young adults (ages 18-39) from throughout the Dioceseare welcome. A light receptionwill follow, and guests willhave the opportunity to greet theBishop and ask him questions.During this Year of Faith,Bishop Mark is reaching out tovarious groups, including youngadults. Men and women in thatage group are encouraged to attendthis special gathering.SAINT THERESE, JOHNSTOWN: Celebrating First Holy Communion at Saint Therese Parish,Johnstown, were (left to right) First row: Kayden Rolley, Caleb Sarka, Hannah Fetzer, George Churilla,Matthew Bence. Second row: Faith Mascuch, Kendall Shingler, Agnes Hewitt, Sarah Kibler, OliviaSlovensky, Katherine Goas. Third row: Franciscan Sister Mary Catherine Paff (director of religiouseducation), Joshua Bence (server), Franciscan Father Bernard Karmonocky (pastor), Christopher Bence(server) Daniel and Margaret Hutchison (catechists).Photo By Bruce A. TomaselliCHECK PRESENTATION:Gerry Krall and Joseph Kaddas,state representatives for theKnights of Columbus, presentedBishop Mark L. Bartchak withchecks totallying $5,000.00 toaid priests’ vocations and theirretirement fund. The presentationwas made on behalf of thestate council. Pictured (left toright) are: Krall, Bishop MarkL. Bartchak; and Kaddas. Krallis the Knights of Columbus stateadvocate; and Kaddas is the paststate deputy. The presenationwas made Monday, August 5at the Diocesan AdministrationCenter in Hollidaysburg.

The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013 Page 9COLONNADE: High above Bernini’s Colonnade which encirclesSaint Peter’s Square, pilgrims’ eyes were drawn to such details as acolorful clock (above) and statues of saints and a representation of aPope’s coat of arms (below).PILGRIMS’ GOAL: The long, wide nave of Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican drew pilgrims to theirgoal on Wednesday, July 10 - - the chance to pray at the ornate high altar, beneath which rest the remainsof Saint Peter, Apostle of the Lord and first Pope.(Continued From Page 8.)Christine is currently ateacher at Our Mother of SorrowsSchool in Johnstown,where she’s taught for the past37 years. She also taught threeyears at West End Catholic. “I’mexcited to see Pope Francis andall of the churches and museumsof our Christian faith,” she said.Among the diocesan officialsmaking the pilgrimagealong with Bishop Mark were:Teresa Stayer, chancellor; MonsignorRobert C. Mazur, directorof liturgy and rector of theCathedral of the Blessed Sacramentin Altoona; Father JohnSlovikovski, director of ongoingformation of clergy; Charity SisterDonna Marie Leiden, directorof education; Tony DeGol,secretary for communications;and Deacon Robert Bailey, secretaryand master of ceremoniesto the bishop.These diocesan priests alsomade the pilgrimage: FatherAnthony Legarski, pastor ofSaint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg;Father Donald Dusza, pastorof Saint Thomas the ApostleParish in Bedford; and FatherD. Timothy Grimme, pastor ofSaint Therese of the Child JesusParish in Altoona.Three buses shuttled passengersfrom points in Johnstown,Altoona; and State Collegefor the cross - state journeyto New Jersey.“I’m pretty excited. I’mexcited to see everything, PopeFrancis, the Vatican, all of themuseums, the architecture,” saidanxious Nicole Cicero of MunsterTownship.A graduate of Bishop CarrollCatholic High School, Ebensburg,Nicole is a member ofSaint Francis Xavier Parish inCresson.She was braving the tripalone because “this is somethingthat I’ve always wanted todo before I get married and thechildren arrive. This trip came atthe right time.”“We’re going to do everythingwe can do and see sinceit’s the only time we’ll get here,”said Louise Oblinsky of SaintPaul Parish in Greensburg. Oblinskywas making the pilgrimagealong with her sister, AgnesWaksmunksi of Our Lady of theSacred Heart Church in Portage.They were anxious and excitedto get to Rome. Waksmunskisaid she was really looking forwardto her first trip to Italy.The pilgrim spirit began inearnest the next day, Wednesday,July 10, with a 6:00 a.m. wakeup call, breakfast, and a short7:00 a.m. bus ride to Mass at thespiritual capital of the world forCatholics, Saint Peter’s Basilica.The Liturgy was celebrated atthe Altar of Saint Joseph.(Continued On Page 10.)

Page 10 The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013(Continued From Page 9.)At the basilica senses beganto process a kaleidoscopeof spiritual wonders and architecturalaccomplishments thatat times seemed to defy humancomprehension. That feelingwould last the entire tour.In his homily, FatherGrimme said that most of usthink that the disciples werechosen to follow Christ. Justlike we all think we chose to followHim. “In reality,” he said,“Christ chooses His disciples.He chose the twelve, He choosesus.“He then commissions us,sends us forth into our world.We, for our part, are merelyresponding to the call or summons.”Father Grimme allowedthat the account of Joseph is of asummoning as well. Joseph wascalled and sent ahead of his familyto Egypt to prepare a placeand a welcome for them. “Theynarrowly avoided murderinghim. It is sometime difficult tosee the full extent of what Godis calling us to, and sometimeswe simply can’t believe that weare called, summoned to a task,”he said.“You may also think youchose to come on this pilgrimage.But, if we are summoned,our response may be unclear butlet God direct our memories ofthis trip into potentials as yet unforeseen,like Joseph; thus makeBELOVED LANDMARK: Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican is one of Catholicism’s most beloved landmarks. The loggia abovethe basilica’s main door was the focus of the world’s attention when the newly - elected Pope Francis made his first appearance there onWednesday, March 13. The jumbotron screen in front of the state of Saint Peter (left) is used to broadcast images of papal audiences andother ceremonies to people in the vast Saint Peter’s Square.this trip a more meaningful andmemorable experience.”Following Mass, the groupvisited the Vatican Museum withits hundreds of galleries of artand relics donated as tributes offaith throughout the centuries.Eagerly anticipated was the tourof the Sistine Chapel to view thefamous masterpiece of Michelangelo’s,a full wall fresco ofThe Last Judgement.Nothing touched the spiritualheart more than standingin Saint Peter’s Basilica on thesite where Saint Peter was martyred.There were more than afew moist eyes at the realizationof the spiritual and historicalsignificance of the site.Bruce Tomaselli’s accountof the diocesan Year of FaithPilgrimage will continue in theAugust 26 edition of The CatholicRegister, and will include descriptionsof a visit to Assisi, anda meeting with Pope Francis atCastel Gandolfo.ENJOYING THE LOCAL COLOR: (Left photo, left to right) Pilgrims Nicole Cicero, Diane Michura, Louise Oblinsky, Agnes Waksmunski and Pat Petrunak stop for abreak as the pilgrimage group toured Rome. Cicero, Oblinsky, Waksmunski and Petrunak share their thoughts about the trip in Bruce Tomaselli’s accompanying article. Atright, Michura, from Beech Creek, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Lock Haven, delights in the fresh fruit and vegetables displayed at an open - air market.

The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013 Page 13PRIESTS’ DAY: The third annual Priests’ Day, a time for interaction between Bishop Mark and the presbyterate, was held Monday, July 29, in Loretto. The Bishop addressedthe assembled priests before dinner in Our Lady of Loretto Community Hall (photo at left). The day began with prayer in the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel (photoat right). Among those participating were (left to right) Monsignor Bernard Przybocki, Father Donald Boslett and Father Joseph Fleming.Bishop Hosts Third AnnualPriests’ Day GatheringPhotos And TextBy Msgr. Timothy P. SteinApproximately 60 priestsgathered in Loretto on Monday,July 29 as Bishop Mark L.Bartchak hosted the third annualPriests’ Day.Bishop Mark initiated theyearly gathering in the summerof 2011, a few months after hisepiscopal ordination and installationas Bishop of Altoona- Johnstown. The day is an opportunityfor him to interact withthe priests - - those actively ministeringand those enjoying seniorpriest status - - in a fraternalenvironment.The day began with Mid- day Prayer from the Liturgyof the Hours in the Basilica ofSaint Michael the Archangel.The gathering then moved toOur Lady of Loretto CommunityHall for social time, a questionand answer session, and dinner.At prayer, the assembly listenedto words from Saint Paul’sLetter to the Philippians:“Fill your minds, my brothers,with those things that aregood and that deserve praise:things that are true, noble, right,pure, lovely and honorable.“Put into practice what youlearned and received from me,both from my words and frommy actions. And the God whogives you peace will be withyou.” (Philippians 4:8 - 9)Bishop Mark called SaintPaul’s final words, about God’speace, the “punch line” of thereading, and noted that if wekeep the proper perspective“surely we will have God’speace.”The reading from the Letterto the Philippians, in the contextof a day of sharing and socializing“helps us look at our perspectiveas priests; who we areand where we are heading.”He urged the priests to readcarefully “Lumen Fidei,” the recentlypublished first encyclicalletter of Pope Francis, which hesaid provides a clear perspectiveon faith and its relevance to dailylife. The encyclical, BishopMark said, “reminds us to giveserious thought to what we believeto be true and worthy ofrespect.”Bishop Mark concludedby telling the priests how goodit was to gather with them forprayer and for fellowship. “It’sgood for us to have a day likethis,” he said.

Page 14 The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013Now ShowingReligious Rite ReducedTo Voodoo In‘The Conjuring’By Kurt JensenCatholic News ServiceNEW YORK (CNS) --Movies involving demonicpossession and Catholic faithpractices always are an uncomfortablemix, as in “The Conjuring”(Warner Bros.).The demons get a presumptionof truth and the run of theplot, while the solemn rite ofexorcism is reduced to a kind ofvoodoo practiced by entrepreneurialghostbusters with dubiouscredentials in cobwebbedNew England basements.Then again, the value ofhorror films is measured by authenticscares, not theology, nomatter how bent out of shape.“The Conjuring” has many intelligent,stylishly rendered frights,usually involving apparitionspopping out of the dark in tightSunday MassBroadcast Live fromthe Cathedral ofthe Blessed Sacrament, Altoona10:00 a.m. WFBG Radio, 1290 AMSunday Mass TelecastLive from Saint John Gualbert CathedralDowntown Johnstown11 a.m. - Noon WWCP - TV FOX Channel 8Proclaim!10:30 a.m.A half - hour of local Church news and featuresconfines. It’s satisfyingly highon the jolt meter and other genreconventions, but sub-par on Catholicism-- not in a derogatorymanner, mind you, but unburdenedby pesky things like, ohsay, facts.It’s the story of real-lifeparanormal investigators and“demonologists” Ed and LorraineWarren (Patrick Wilsonand Vera Farmiga), the coupleresponsible for uncovering,among other famous ghosts, theAmityville Horror. Like all Warrenexploits, it’s based on a “truestory,” and the screen informs usthat Ed (who died in 2006) wasthe only American layman permittedby the Catholic Church toperform exorcisms.That claim is redolent of thehinky-dink aroma of a carnivalmidway, but the Warrens alwaysused their Catholicism to givethemselves credibility with thepublic, if not exactly a firm sealof approval from church authorities.This story is set in 1971. In1985, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger(the future Pope Benedict XVI),then head of the Vatican Congregationfor the Doctrine of theFaith, banned laypeople fromperforming the exorcism rite.Anyway, exorcisms requirethe approval of a bishop.In this film, a parish priest justsays he’ll call the Vatican. Theapproval doesn’t come in time,so the Warrens, like John Wayneat the Alamo, cast out the demonCNS Photo/Warner Bros.THE CONJURING: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga and SteveCoulter star in a scene from the movie “The Conjuring.” The CatholicNews Service classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion PictureAssociation of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requiresaccompanying parent or adult guardian.themselves, scattering crucifixesabout. Otherwise, there’d be nobig finish.Director James Wan andscreenwriters Chad Hayes andCarey W. Hayes limn the storyof the Perron family. ParentsRoger and Carolyn (Ron Livingstonand Lili Taylor) movetheir five young daughters intoa rundown Rhode Island housewith creaking floorboards, peelingwallpaper, doors with hingesthat have never known oil, awalled-off basement -- in short,perfection.The property has long beencursed with a demon that infiltratesfirst the household, thenthe mother, forcing her to killher children. That’s what happenedin the 19th century to awoman named Bathsheba, whooccasionally pops up along withghosts of her daughter, whomshe hanged, and her son, slainwith a big knife. For good measure,a demon-possessed dollskitters around and leaves notes.Carolyn gets the worst ofit, of course, since the demonsqueezes her hard enough toleave bruises before taking herover entirely. Adding to thespookiness, it turns out that thePerrons never had their daughtersbaptized, since they’re notat all religious. An actual departureto the gates of hell musthave been too much for thefilm’s budget, however, sincethat’s not shown.The Catholic News Serviceclassification is A-III -- adults.The Motion Picture Associationof America rating is R -- restricted.Under 17 requires accompanyingparent or adult guardian.Coming Up On ‘Proclaim!’Upcoming guests on “Keeping The Faith,” BishopMark L. Bartchak’s segment of “Proclaim!” will include:August 18 - - Twin brothers Blake and Logan Wade,members of Saint Clement Parish in Johnstown andstudents at Bishop McCort Catholic High School, discussthe importance of their faith in their lives.August 25 - - Secretary for Communications TonyDeGol interviews Bishop Mark about the upcomingDiocesan pilgrimage to the Basilica of the NationalShrine of the Immaculate Conception in WashingtonDC, in celebration of the Year of Faith.

MayThey RestIn PeaceSister M. StephanieMorholz C.S.F.N.Sister Mary StephanieMorholz, a member of the Sistersof the Holy Family of Nazarethfor 74 years, died Saturday,July 6 at Our Lady of LoretoConvent (Holy Family Manor),Pittsburgh. She was 92.She was born June 12, 1921in Pittsburgh.Sister Mary Stephanieserved locally at Saint Leonard’sHome, Hollidaysburg.Surviving are a niece and anephew.The funeral Mass for SisterMary Stephanie MorholzC.S.F.N. was celebratedWednesday, July 10, in the chapelof Holy Family Manor.Father Joseph C.Schnaubelt O.S.A.Augustinian Father JosephC. Shnaublet, 82, died Monday,July 22 at Bryn Mawr Hospitalin Bryn Mawr. He was a memberof the Saint Thomas of VillanovaMonastery communityat Villanova University in Villanova.Father Joseph was bornMay 30, 1931 in Altoona, theson of the late Joseph A. andMargaret (McIntire) Schnaubelt.He was preceded in death by abrother, Richard L., and is survivedby two sisters: MargaretL. Bratton of Blairsville andMary C. Grove of Altoona.He was a 1945 graduate ofSaint Mary School, Altoona, andattended Altoona Catholic HighSchool from 1945 - 1948.In 1948 he began his fourthyear of high school, as a postulant,at Augustinian Academy,Staten Island, NY. He was receivedas a novice on September9, 1949, and after a year at GoodCounsel Novitiate in New HamburgNY made first profession ofvows on September 10, 1950.Following first profession,he attened Villanova Universityfrom 1950 to 1954, graduatingwith a bachelor of arts in philosophy.He professed solemnvows on September 10, 1953.Father Joseph made histheological studies at AugustinianCollege, WashingtonDC from 1954 - 1958, and wasordained a priest by the lateBishop John McNamara at theNational Shrine of the ImmaculateConception on June 8, 1957.His first Solemn Mass was celebratedthe next day at SaintMary Church in Altoona.Father Joseph received amaster of arts degree in Classicsfrom The Catholic Universityof America, Washington DC, in1960.Father Joseph served atSaint Joseph Friary and MonsignorBonner High School,Drexel Hill from 1958 - 1960.From 1960 to 1963 he was parochialvicar at Saint Rita of CasciaParish in Philadelphia. From1963 to 1965, and again from1967 to 1970, he was assignedto Saint John of Sahagun Friaryand to Archbishop Carroll HighSchool, Washington DC, wherehe served as a teacher and guidancedirector. He taught at AugustinianAcademy from 1965to 1967.In 1970 he was assigned toAugustinian College and until1973 pursued graduate studiesat The Catholic University ofAmerica, leading to a doctoratein Medieval Latin and ComparativeRomance Languages in1976.In 1973 he came to SaintThomas Monastery and was appointedto teach and work in theAugustinian Historical Instituteat Villanova University, continuingin that position until he retired,because of failing health,in 1995.As director of the AugustinianHistorical Institute, FatherJoseph sponsored the Patristic,Medieval and RenaissanceConference, and organized aprogram about Augustinian architecturein Siena, Italy. Healso lectured in theology at Villanova,and served as presidentof the American Catholic HistoricalSociety of Philadelphia.Father Joseph was the authoror editor of numerous booksand articles. With long - timeARLINGTON, VA (CNS)-- Ana-Maria Cordoba, a wifeand mother, an active Catholicparishioner and an employee ofthe Arlington Diocese, who diedin a train crash in Spain July 24,was remembered two days laterfor the love she brought to everyaspect of her life.Cordoba was killed in atrain derailment that left 79 deadand more than 100 injured inthe Galicia region of northwestSpain.She was traveling with herhusband, Felipe, and the couple’sdaughter, Christina, a risingsenior at Bishop O’ConnellHigh School in Arlington. TheCordobas’ son, Santiago, hadjust completed a pilgrimage toSantiago de Compostela, andthe three family members wereen route to meet him.Felipe and Christina Cordobawere among the injuredand as of July 31 remained hospitalizedin Spain. A n -other American, Houston residentMyrta Lasalle Fariza, 58,was among those hospitalizedbut she died July 28 from the injuriesshe sustained in the crash.A preliminary report releasedby investigators July 30said that when the crash occurred,driver Francisco JoseGarzon Amo was talking on thephone to an official of the trainThe Catholic Register, August 12, 2013 Page 15associate Professor FrederickVan Fleteren, he produced thecritically acclaimed CollectaneaAugustinia.He celebrated the goldenjubilee of his priestly ordinationon June 17, 2007, with a Massof Thanksgiving at Saint MarkChurch, Altoona.The funeral Mass for FatherJoseph C. Schnaubelt O.S.A.was celebrated Thursday, Julycompany and looking at somedocument. Officials said thetrain’s speed was 119 mph shortlybefore it derailed; 50 mph isthe speed limit on that part of thetrack. He has been charged withmultiple counts of negligent homicide.In Virginia, the Cordobasare members of St. AmbroseParish in Annandale. SantiagoCordoba is active in the youthministry program at St. Mary ofSorrows Parish in Fairfax.Father Andrew J. Fisher,pastor of St. Ambrose, describedthe love that Ana-Maria Cordobaexpressed in everything shedid throughout her life.“The family was always doingthings for others by volunteeringin the parish and playingan active role in the school,” hesaid. “They recently took a fewlocal girls on a kayaking trip andloved to share their faith and25 in the Church of Saint Thomasof Villanova on the VillanovaUniversity campus. Committalwas in the Augustinian plotat Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken.Memorial contributionsmay be made to the Care of Sickand Elderly Augustinians Fund,c/o Provinical Offices, 214 AshwoodRoad, P.O. Box 340, VillanovaPA 19085 - 0340.U.S. Woman Killed In SpanishTrain Crash Recalled ForLove Of Family, FaithBy Julia WillisCatholic News ServiceCNS Photo/Arlington Catholic HeraldANA - MARIA CORDOBAlove with young people. Ana-Maria and her husband have twoteenage kids of their own, but ina lot of ways, they take on the responsibilitiesof mother and fatherto most of the young peopleof our parish.”The train smashed into asecurity wall after careeningthrough a bend at more thandouble the legal speed limit inwhat The Washington Post hasreported as Spain’s deadliesttrain crash in four decades.Cordoba was 47 years oldand had worked in the diocesanOffice of Human Resources as abenefits specialist for more thanseven years. Her mother, MariaAngel, is the executive assistantto the vicar general, Oblate FatherMark S. Mealey.Cordoba encouraged herchildren to become involved inyouth ministry at St. Mary ofSorrows Parish.Brian Kissinger, St. Mary’syouth coordinator, said she was“the greatest supporter of theyouth ministry as well as mygreatest personal supporter.”“She was a source of gracefor both my family and our ministryand a clear sign of how tolove God throughout every aspectof your life,” he told theArlington Catholic Herald, thediocesan newspaper.Many diocesan employeesattended a Mass in Cordoba’shonor at the Cathedral of St.Thomas More July 26.

Page 16 The Catholic Register, August 12, 2013CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARS: Married 50 years, Andrew and Stella Grata of Transfiguration Parish,Conemaugh, presented the offertory gifts to Bishop Mark L. Bartchak at the Mass honoring marriedcouples, Sunday, July 28. Mr. and Mrs. Grata were married February 23, 1963.Bishop Says MarriageA Picture Of Divine LovePhotos And TextBy Msgr. Timothy P. SteinOn a picture - perfect eveningin Loretto, Bishop Mark L.Bartchak reminded several hundredworshippers at the Shrineof Our Lady of the Alleghenies,PERIODICAL RATE MAILthat “a picture is worth a thousandwords.”Celebrating a Mass honoringmarried couples on Sunday,July 28, Bishop Mark told thecongregation gathered on theverdant lawn that “every marriageof baptized persons, whichis itself a sacrament, is a livingpicture of the divine love of ourheavenly Father, that is communicatedin such a human way inthe person of Jesus Christ.”Bishop Mark pointed to aphoto published in the July 29edition of The Catholic Registeras a good illustration of hispoint.(Continued On Page 12.)The CatholicRENEWING THEIR VOWS: Tammy and Jeff Hollen of SaintMonica Parish, Chest Springs, hold hands and gaze at each otherwhile renewing their marriage vows at the Mass honoring marriedcouples celebrated by Bishop Mark L. Bartchak, Sunday, July 28, atthe Shrine of Our Lady of the Alleghenies in Loretto.RegisterOfficial Publication of theDiocese of Altoona - Johnstown