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EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 2017

Student rises to the top | Great educators w w w. p i ttsb urghcatho l i c.org

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4 | Rules to live by: A former St. Benedict Academy student explains how the Benedictine Rule offers valuable life lessons.

6 | Sustaining our schools: pg

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Bishop Zubik writes that Catholic schools are critical to the future of the church and world.

8 | At the Crossroads: An education executive bids farewell to all, particularly the students she served.

12 | Rising to the top: Duquesne University student Grant Stoner continues his educational quest.

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26 | Great Catholic educators: How these men and women put their unique talents in service to others.

33 | Fall Events Guide: Attend a parish event or take a road trip to see the leaves changing color.

On the cover...

“The life of a teacher, as I know from personal experience, is very challenging and demanding, but it is also profoundly satisfying. It is more than a job, for it is rooted in our deepest convictions and values. To be intimately concerned in the development of a young person, of hundreds of young people, is a highly responsible task.

As teachers, you kindle in your students a thirst for truth and wisdom. You spark off in them a desire for beauty.

You introduce them to their cultural heritage. You help them to discover the treasures of other cultures and peoples. What an awesome responsibility and privilege is yours in the teaching profession.”

— Address of Pope John Paul II to the council, staff and students of the Institute of Catholic Education, Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 28, 1986

Cover design by Rita Cappella

Excellence in Education 2017

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Vol. 9, No. 3 Publisher | Bishop David A. Zubik General Manager | Ann Rodgers Editor | William Cone Operations Manager | Carmella Weismantle Excellence in Education Magazine Project Editors William Cone | Phil Taylor Associate Editors Phil Taylor (Special Projects) Matthew Peaslee (News) Staff Writer | John W. Franko Graphic Designers E. Denise Shean | Rita Cappella Advertising Director Carmella Weismantle Account Executives Michael A. Check | Paul Crowe Michael Wire Circulation Mgr./Parish News Coord.

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Advertising: ads@pittsburghcatholic.org Editorial: editor@pittsburghcatholic.org Marketplace: www.pittsburghcatholic.org Pittsburgh Catholic Excellence in Education Magazine is a complimentary publication available at all 188 Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Catholic Publishing Associates, Inc. Paid first-class delivered subscriptions are available.

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Benedictine Rule influences former academy student’s perspective on life

By VIRGINIA COOK Those of us who attended St. Benedict Academy in Ross Township, Allegheny County (before it closed in 1980), learned the 73 chapters of the more than 1,500-yearold Benedictine Rule by the example of the sisters who lived it. This is how the rule rubbed off on me:

“Not to be proud … not to be jealous … not to harbor envy … Not to nurse a grudge” — (Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4 (RB4)) The attached 1967 photo shows me (in the plaid coat!) and Carole Korenich Popchock (’69) on the tarmac at Greater Pittsburgh Airport embarking with Benedictine Sister Jane Frances Reilly on our first airplane flight. We were going to a forensic tournament in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

During ‘67 we also competed against one another in Dayton, Ohio, and, inadvertently, I was awarded the first-place trophy and monetary prize when, in fact, Carole had won it. Sister Jane Frances broke the news to us. Applying the Benedictine Rule as I had seen it lived, I immediately handed Carole the trophy and the check, and she handed me the second-place trophy (and no check). Since that day, we have joyfully continued our now 48 years of friendship without jealousy, envy or a grudge. Similarly, in ‘68, my lifelong friend, Marion Enzerra Kalbacker (’69), won the first prize, including a scholarship, in the Jaycees’ “Junior Miss” Pageant. I placed second. Again, Chapter 4 of the Rule prevailed — no jealously, no envy, no grudge; now, in the 60th year of our friendship, we enjoy traveling together, especially to hear Marion’s daughter’s operatic performances! Applying the Rule helped me to realize that winning a competition was one thing, but building and maintaining a friendship was far more important.

breast cancer. I remember her Requiem and being present at the graveside service. Years later, when Marion herself became a cancer survivor, Chapter 4 of the Rule prepared me to play “personal shopper,” sending all manner of things to her home in North Carolina, to buoy her spirits.

In the 80’s, Sandy Darcangelis Zak (’69) was cutting my hair in her beauty shop when the call came to the shop on New Year’s Eve that her husband had died. I skipped the New Year’s Eve party and spent the remainder of the day with her to help. In 1980, Sister Jane Frances asked me to be treasurer of her political campaign as a Democrat for the PA House of Representatives. It was only the second election in PA ever to be governed by campaign finance laws.

Driving out of the closed poll’s parking lot on election night, I learned via car radio that Ronald Reagan had won in a landslide and that Sister Jane Frances lost the PA House of Representatives seat polling more votes than any Democrat who had ever won it. Chapter 4 of the Rule certainly applied that night.

“To help in trouble … to console the sorrowing … ”

“Treat all Goods of the Monastery as vessels of the Altar ... ”

— (Rule of Benedict, Chapter 4 (RB 4)) In ‘67, two weeks before junior year classes started, Marion’s mother died of

— (RB 31) How well cared for the physical campus of SBA was! The floors were terrazzo;

4 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

the hallway walls and the science lab countertops were covered with stone; the lockers were un-scratched; the curtains on the auditorium’s stage were real velvet and other fine fabric and I played the “Star Spangled Banner” and accompanied the Glee Club on a fine baby grand piano there; the textbooks we were issued as well as those in the library were always in excellent condition. The Rule considers tangible goods as part of God’s creation to be respected. I apply it to my own books, car and artwork.

“To guard one’s tongue against … depraved speech” — (RB 4) From St. Benedict Academy I matriculated to Pitt. In the lobby of my freshman dormitory a student began ranting in words I did not understand.

Another student had to translate some of the words for me. I attribute my speech patterns to my parents, Sister Jane Frances and Chapter 4 of the Rule!

“To make peace with one’s adversary before the sun sets” — (RB 4)

Let Peace be your quest and aim” — (RB Prologue)

See Rule, Page 20 Excellence in Education 2017

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 5

We must do everything in our power to sustain our schools My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: The upside to my doctor’s orders to take it easy while recovering from back surgery is that I have ample time for praying, thinking and writing. This letter unites all three, as I think about the dedicated staff and teachers in our Catholic schools and pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate their hearts and minds, and those of the students, in the 2017-18 school term.

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Bishop David Zubik greets students Jan. 23 at Seton LaSalle High School in Mount Lebanon. Bishop Zubik, who celebrated Mass for the students, faculty and administration at Seton LaSalle, visits Catholic high schools throughout the diocese during the school year.

new experiences. We have begun to adapt what has been a 19th-century model of parish schools to 21st-century conditions. When most of our schools were founded, educational technology meant a chalkboard, religious sisters taught for virtually no pay and younger Catholic couples usually had several school-age children. Under those conditions, a typical parish could support a school. But that parish-school model is impossible for most parishes to sustain when we strive to pay a living wage, when digital technology brings new costs and when the population of school-age children has dropped dramatically. Many public school systems are facing the same population drop, and struggle with the same questions of reorganization.

For our Catholic schools to remain spiritually challenging, academically excellent and financially strong, they must cooperate, rather than compete, with each other. Where Catholics once thought of the Catholic school in the next town as a rival in sports or in competition to enroll students, they must now think of that school as a partner in raising their children. That is the basis of a new model of Catholic schools that is launching this fall in the North Hills.

All seven diocesan elementary schools in the North Hills are now a shared ministry, supported equally by all 32 parishes in that region. The schools will share resources and pool their purchasing power. This will keep tuition affordable while providing greater academic opportunities for the students and strengthening their Catholic identity. A

regional school board will oversee this and provide assistance with marketing and other crucial services.

Our Catholic schools are critical to the future, not just of our Church, but of our world. They educate the mind, the heart and the spirit. Their graduates succeed academically, and bring to their adult life a concern for others, especially the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalized. We must do everything in our power to sustain our schools so that they can continue to be “communities of faith, knowledge and service.”

Looking forward to our efforts together in being On Mission for The Church Alive!, and grateful for our belief that “Nothing is Impossible with God,” I am Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend David A. Zubik Bishop of Pittsburgh

Excellence in Education 2017

An inspirational year Two women reunite in Rome, fulfills heartful wish

By ANN LYON RITCHIE Her parents instilled generosity and Mercy values in Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Canterna Douglass, ‘67, from an early age. And, while a Mount Mercy student (now Carlow University), Douglass and more than 20 students and chaperones joined the historic 1965 March on Selma/ Montgomery, Alabama — a defining experience in her life.

Today, Douglass helps others in her profession as a clinical psychologist in Tucson, Arizona, and through her ministry of playing the harp for hospice patients.

In 2016, she established an endowment in gratitude for her upbringing, but what spurred her to give at this time is a personal story of deep abiding love.

In 1986, Douglass was thoroughly prepared, legally and mentally, to become a mother through international adoption.

When she met a precious 6-month old baby in Nepal, she knew immediately she wanted to adopt her. But government restrictions on the girl named Vandana prevented the adoption from taking place.

Douglass left Nepal childless and feeling a profound sense of loss. She stayed in touch with the Missionaries of Charity in Kathmandu, who were caring for Vandana — the same order founded by Mother Teresa. Douglass continued to feel a mother’s love for the baby girl she left in the sisters’ care, and even returned to Nepal to visit for the child’s fifth birthday.

When Vandana was 8 years old, a French family adopted her, and Douglass lost touch with the girl. Years later, thanks to communication with the sisters, social media, and unwavering determination, Douglass found an adult Vandana — now “Anna” — in France.

Pope Francis’ Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2016 inspired the two women to reunite in Rome. They celebrated the Vatican’s canonization of Mother Teresa and

Excellence in Education 2017

spent some private time with two sisters who had cared for Anna as a baby in Kathmandu.

Douglass returned from Rome having deepened a bond with the girl she mothered “in her soul” for so long. She felt compelled to give back and, in 2017, established the Mary Elizabeth Canterna ‘67 Endowment for the Social Justices Institutes at Carlow University.

Through the endowment, she leaves her legacy to support future generations of Carlow students and staff to be active at the forefront of social justice, to hold the vision of individual responsibility and respect for human rights, to support personal and professional growth, to foster community development and environmental justice, and to inspire and uphold the promise to represent those who don’t have the words or cannot speak for themselves.

In Liz’s own words: Why now?

This endowment is my way of giving back, for all that I have been given. My education allowed me to realize my dreams of doing meaningful work and service. It is my way of giving to other students and faculty to perpetuate the spirit of Mercy.

Once I learned of the Social Justice Institutes, their mission and purpose resonated deeply within me. Early on, my mother instilled the life-giving spirit of charity and community service in me.

She did a lot of work for the church, and specifically for the Sisters of Mercy. My father was high school educated and a hard-working laborer for U.S. Steel along the Monongahela River. He depended on the unions to speak for him, and this is why he instilled in me the importance of education and hard work, so that I could learn to speak for myself, stand up for what I believed in, and help others do the same. When it came time for me to apply for college, through the generosity of a benefactor and the Sisters of Mercy, I was offered a partial scholarship to study at

See Reunited, Page 24

Liz Canterna Douglass in 1986 holding 6-monthold Vandana in Nepal. Despite her efforts she was unable to become her mother through international adoption.

St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic School

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 7

Rouzier presents the Staff Award to Antonio Cheatom at the 2017 Scholar Achievement Awards.

OPEN HOUSE Crossroads Foundation executive All grades are welcome to tour.

Sunday, October 29 12:30-2:30 ��

director’s farewell message

She retires after seven years at helm

By FLORENCE ROUZIER

For over 100 years, SJHS has maintained a tradition of academic excellence within a family-like environment.

Come see for yourself!

Schedule your Tuesday to be a

Spartan-For-A-Day.

Admissions Director Mrs. Shane Palumbo ’92

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SaintJosephHS.com 8 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

We often use the word “transformational” when we talk about the many positive impacts of a Crossroads scholarship. And as I reflect on the nearly seven years I have served as Crossroads’ executive director, I cannot help but find myself using the same word to describe how Crossroads has impacted my life.

My most vivid memory is the Senior Recognition Dinner for the Class of 2014 — the very first set of scholars whose full high school journey I had the privilege of witnessing. Even now I still get emotional when I recollect the room full of confident young men and women armed with goals, direction and tools for success.

Just four years earlier, those same scholars were an impressionable, insecure and often immature freshmen class full of promise, and now I was seeing that promise actualized. That Crossroads enabled these young people to reach that capstone event really sunk in, and I was filled with pride to be a part of that community.

Over the years, I’ve marveled at the resiliency of many of our scholars. I’ve watched freshmen so affected by family

tragedy they could barely speak, turn into outgoing, joyous seniors excited for their futures. I’ve watched unmotivated scholars battling depression turn around poor grades and earn college scholarships.

Crossroads’ committed, invested and caring team of professionals was always there to help them through these challenges so they could realize their full potential. During these same years, I lost both my brother and husband to cancer.

Our scholars’ inspirational fortitude helped me access my own resiliency and strength during those tough times.

I also think with great pride at all the ways Crossroads itself has transformed over the past six years. We’ve increased enrollment by 30 percent and correspondingly, boosted the staff and organizational capacity to better meet the needs of our scholars. Our foundation has embraced data-driven analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and improve our services. We have systematically raised the expectations for our scholars with astounding results.

Our move to the Calland Center in December ‘15 finally provided Crossroads with a hub for our programs and a second home for our scholars. The Aspire Endowment campaign helped to shore

See Crossroads, Page 29 Excellence in Education 2017

Land O’ Lakes statement on Catholic higher education turns 50

By CAROL ZIMMERMANN Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Not all Catholics are familiar with the Land O’ Lakes statement, a document on Catholic higher education with a cool sounding name, but this landmark text needs no explanation for Catholic college and university leaders.

The document’s official name is “Statement on the Nature of the Contemporary Catholic University,” but its catchier title did not give it widespread acceptance. Ever since it was signed July 23, 1967, the text has been both revered and criticized.

Even conferences about the document on its 50th anniversary have different takes. Promotional material for an upcoming symposium co-sponsored by

St. Louis University and the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities says the statement has not gone uncontested, adding: “Some consider it a revolutionary road map for Catholic education in the modern world; others have declared a halfcentury of devastation. Others designate it a mixed legacy.”

This past January, the Cardinal Newman Society and the Institute of Catholic Culture sponsored a conference on the text that was described as a discussion of “the crisis in Catholic education under attack from the secularist agenda set forth 50 years ago by the disastrous Land O’ Lakes Statement.”

The document, which is still promoting such strong discussion, was put together

See Higher Ed, Page 10

It’s about Your passion, your path.

“

CNS PHOTO/SAM LUCERO, COMPASS

A student at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana prays at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes on campus in this 2010 file photo.

YOU

In the shadows of the Vatican, I served the homeless while learning Italian in my study abroad program. On campus and in the community back in Cleveland, my professors and classmates inspired me to act, innovate, and lead with confidence and heart. John Carroll has taught me how to be a person with passions, who cares about others, and who works to share this with the world.

The journey to fulfilling your purpose starts at

go.JCU.edu/aboutyou

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You are a leader called to engage the world. At John Carroll, we are committed to supporting you as you chart your own path. We will challenge you to integrate your thinking and provide the experiences that prepare you for a constantly changing world.

Excellence in Education 2017

Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 9

HIGHER ED Continued from Page 9 by a group of two dozen Catholic college educators at a retreat center in Land O’ Lakes, Wisconsin — hence the statement’s name.

The group — invited by Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh, then-president of the University of Notre Dame and Jesuit Father Paul Reinert, then-president of St. Louis University and what was the Jesuit Secondary Education Association — met to examine the role of Catholic colleges and universities in the modern world and, in the wake of the Second Vatican Council, to submit a paper to the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education.

The group’s members were primarily priests, including superiors from colleges’ sponsoring religious communities, Catholic scholars and a bishop, all of whom belonged to the North American region of the International Federation of Catholic Universities.

Their statement said in part that Catholic

CNS PHOTO/JONATHAN ERNST, REUTERS

People walk on the campus of Georgetown University in Washington in this 2012 file photo.

universities must have institutional autonomy and academic freedom along with their commitment to Catholic faith and life. It raised eyebrows at the time,

and now, for its wording about university autonomy that some say has contributed to the secularization of many U.S. Catholic universities.

St. Wendelin School The students at St. Wendelin School range from preschool through eighth grade and receive a superior education from highly qualified educators. The weekly student Mass unites the students with the faith and church community showing that the school is a true mission of the church.

Although St. Wendelin School provides a variety of extra activities for students to participate, academic excellence is top priority in the school building at all times. The teacher student ratio is low to enable academic excellence and high performance through individualized instruction, technological advancements and best instructional practices, which are incorporated into every classroom.

• Busing available from Butler, South Butler, Karns City, Moniteau and Armstrong School Districts

• Apple TVs

• Updated facilities

• Low student to teacher ratios

• Primary and Middle school iPads

• Full day kindergarten

• Low tuition rates

• Grades K-8 grade mobile tablet carts for technology classes

• Extracurricular activities

• Extended Day Program available

• Mission of St. Wendelin Church

• Highly qualified staff

• Full and half day preschool opportunities

• We will have a booth at the Butler Fall Festival on September 23

• Smart boards in every classroom

St. Wendelin School • 211 St. Wendelin Rd., Butler, Pa. 16002 • (724)285-4986 • www.stwendelinschool.com 10 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Excellence in Education 2017

Critics have primarily focused on this sentence: “To perform its teaching and research functions effectively the Catholic university must have a true autonomy and academic freedom in the face of authority of whatever kind, lay or clerical, external to the academic community itself.”

Leaders in Catholic higher education who spoke to Catholic News Service said the document should be judged on its entirety and by what it helped to promote — the success of Catholic colleges in today’s academic environment.

Michael Galligan-Stierle, president and CEO of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, said the group that gathered at Land O’ Lakes, “wasn’t a bunch of renegades or people who didn’t love the church and didn’t want Catholic education to advance.”

He also said the document should be examined and compared to “Ex Corde Ecclesiae” (“From the Heart of the Church”), an apostolic constitution issued in 1990 by St. John Paul II that outlines the identity and mission of Catholic colleges and universities and provided universal

norms to ensure colleges maintain these standards.

At its essence, Galligan-Stierle said the statement was meant to be a “a way to strengthen our schools” to be competitive with other universities and provide options for students to want credible degrees.

The fruit of the document, he said, is in the success today of Catholic colleges and universities — where enrollment has doubled what it when the document was written.

Marc Pugliese, assistant professor of theology and religion at St. Leo University near Tampa, Florida, said before the document was written, Catholic universities were already taking some of the steps it outlined, particularly in making their governing boards and theology staffs include more lay people.

He said one weakness of the document is that it says Catholic colleges and universities need to be a strong Catholic presence but it is vague about what that means.

But the document itself acknowledged it wasn’t covering all the bases.

Holy Cross Father John Jenkins, the current president of Notre Dame, writing about the Land O’ Lakes statement in an America magazine article posted online July 11, said that “despite the brevity of a document composed swiftly,” the statement “presented a bold, hopeful vision informed by Vatican II.” “The document’s limitations left questions to be addressed, but the vision in broad outline is one that makes truly serious Catholic research universities possible for our time,” he added, stressing that Catholic leaders should acknowledge and correct the limitations of the text but also “continue to strive to realize its vision.”

Jesuit Father Christopher Collins, St. Louis University’s assistant to the president for mission and identity, said the tension that Catholic universities face today are not unlike those the Land O’ Lakes writers considered.

In many ways, he said, today’s Catholic universities are living out that call of Pope Francis, to be at the peripheries.

“It’s messy and confusing, but it’s exciting. It’s good stuff,” he said.

“Central really gave me the foundation I needed.

If it wasn’t for Central, I can guarantee I would not be singing right now. ” — Colin Aikins, ‘18 Baginski Scholar • Opera Singer

Learn more about Colin and apply online: centralcatholichs.com/admissions

Join us for our upcoming admissions events: Viking for a Day • Oct. 13 Open House • Nov. 5 Excellence in Education 2017

Central Catholic High School 4720 Fifth Ave • Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.208.3400 • centralcatholichs.com Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 11

Despite a rare neuromuscular disorder, Duquesne student rises to the top

By PAULA A. SMITH Correspondent Grant Stoner does not want his disability to define him or dictate his future. Although he was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type II at the age of 13 months and by adolescence had lost most of his motor skills, he was determined to go to college.

He earned an undergraduate degree from Duquesne University last May. Because Stoner’s disease is genetic, progressive and neuromuscular, he received his first motorized wheelchair when he was two years old.

His disease does not affect his cognitive abilities and his parents and family

Have you HEARD? We speak miracles at

Learn more or make a gift at www.DePaulHearingAndSpeech.org

12 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

encouraged his desire to learn and engage in activities that require deep thought and discussion. “Grant’s thirst for learning was evident from a very young age,” said Claudia Stoner, his mother.

From the moment Stoner entered preschool, the only child in the school district in a wheelchair, his mother began to assist others in recognizing her son’s full potential. Although many administrators and teachers were uncertain they would be able to successfully educate him, his superior cognitive abilities and wonderful personality changed their perspectives.

He credits the sacrifices made by his family for his educational achievements.

“I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without their help,” he said.

Besides family, he appreciates friends from gaming and the university. “They are always willing to accommodate me, especially when we see each other outside of either video games or the classroom,” he said. [They ask] “Is the movie theater accessible? Is the bar accessible? Can Grant effectively play this game with us? I have never had to ask them for assistance. They are always willing to include me.”

Numerous hospital stays have marked his five years on campus, but still Stoner soared in the classroom, earning a 3.8 GPA. His mother attends all classes with him to take notes, as he can’t write, type or feed himself and is confined to a wheelchair.

His achievements were recognized on May 12 at the McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts diploma ceremony, where Stoner received the Liberal Arts General Excellence Award.

“I was shocked when they told me,” he said. “I thought they would have given it to someone who has done more than me.” It is that humility that makes Stoner stand out, said Mike Dillon, associate professor of journalism and multimedia arts.

Duquesne University student Grant Stoner and his mother, Claudia.

“His optimism and perseverance in the face of profound challenges have made a tremendous impression on his peers,” Dillon said.

Add to his personality a spark of humor.

“Having a physically debilitating disease can certainly take its’ toll on my well-being,” Stoner noted. “I love making people laugh and I love making myself laugh, especially as a means to recuperate from an exhausting day.”

But he was serious when a school project led him to create a virtual reality experience for students. When tasked with finding and producing a story in Brookline for his magazine journalism class in 2015, he chose to take the fact that the neighborhood is full of hills, steep curbs and has few ramps to give readers a glimpse of obstacles to mobility faced by disabled residents in that community. Dillon said it is just one of many examples of Stoner not letting his disability hold him back.

“I feel as if there is still a stigma surrounding people with disabilities in the sense that we are viewed as lesser,” Stoner said. “We’ll never go to school or get a job. We’ll simply live off of disability at the expense of others. So yes, I do think that people can learn from my experience.”

Stoner is continuing his education, entering the public history graduate program at Duquesne.

“I love it here,” he said. “Everyone has been so kind to me. It’s like a family.”

Excellence in Education 2017

Explore

Chatham University Visit us this fall to learn about our rigorous academics, explore our stunning campuses, and meet our faculty. Can’t make it to one of our events? Plan a visit for one of our Saturday tour days.

UNDERGRADUATE Register today at chatham.edu/fallvisitdays

r FALL OPEN HOUSE Saturday, September 16, 9:30 a.m.

r ACADEMIC VISIT DAY Monday, October 9, 9:30 a.m.

r FALL OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 15, 9:30 a.m.

r ACADEMIC VISIT DAY Friday, November 17, 8:30 a.m.

GRADUATE Register today at chatham.edu/gradopenhouse

r EDEN HALL CAMPUS OPEN HOUSE Saturday, October 14

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 13

CNS PHOTO

Students take part in a May crowning May 5 in the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Classical School in Denver. Lourdes Classical is part of a classical education approach to Catholic schooling, a movement gaining momentum in schools across the country.

Classical approach to education gains momentum among Catholic schools

By JOSEPHINE VON DOHLEN Catholic News Service Locally, Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh has been drawing upon the classical approach to education since the doors opened in 1996.

Founded by parents, Aquinas Academy located in Hampton Township, is a kindergarten through Grade 12 Catholic school that yearly achieves among the highest scores in standardized testing such as the IOWAs and SATs. “Our overall goal is that the graduating Aquinas student has gained knowledge, wisdom and virtue together with a comprehensive world view; has gained an appreciation for the true, the good, and the beautiful,” according to Dr. Ruth Quinlan, founding parent and member of the board of directors.

WASHINGTON — Each year on Nov. 1, the feast of All Saints, the classrooms at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Classical School in Denver are not full of students, but of little saints.

14 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

“When we look at classical Catholic education, just the benefits it has to offer are numerous.”

— Kevin Kijewski, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Denver Dressing up as the saints is what the principal, Rosemary Anderson, describes as part of her students’ “joyful witness of the faith,” which serves as the foundation of Lourdes Classical.

Students at Lourdes attend Mass four times a week, recite ancient poets, such as Ovid, and begin learning Latin in kindergarten.

Lourdes Classical is part of a classical education approach to Catholic schooling, a movement gaining momentum in schools across the country.

“Classical education is really an

integration of the whole person’s formation,” Anderson said to Catholic News Service in an interview July 19.

“You’re teaching virtue in every lesson, just because what they’re learning about is relevant to them, they aren’t just reading it out of a textbook.”

In 2012, the parish school at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish in Denver shifted from a traditional Catholic school, to a classical educational approach.

At the time, they had fewer than 100 students.

“The school had to do something to attract people, it was on the verge of closing,” Anderson said. “But also, I was discovering as a Catholic school teacher how fulfilling a Catholic classical education is in regards to being a teacher and being in service to the church.”

Today, 224 students, prekindergarten through eighth grade, are registered for the upcoming school year.

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See Classical, Page 19 Excellence in Education 2017

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 15

Mission and Ministry launches Campus Kitchen Days

By SYDNEY HARSH ‘17 This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of The La Roche Courier, La Roche College’s student newspaper.

Think. Eat. Save.

These few words will soon inspire students of La Roche College to end food waste and hunger around the world.

The Office of Mission and Ministry plans to end food waste and hunger on campus and throughout the community through

its new volunteer experience: Campus Kitchen Days.

Sister Karina Conrad, coordinator of service for the Office of Mission and Ministry, said, “The Campus Kitchen Days were created because an international student shared their experience about food waste with me. Also, in the U.S., there is so much food waste. The campus and community can work together to help tackle food waste and hunger.”

Sister Karina added that the student noticed a lot of food being thrown out when

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16 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

it could be given to people who are hungry.

Mariana Benitez, a sophomore biology major, was that one student who spoke up about ending food waste on campus and donating it to those in need.

“It made me realize that we are privileged to eat three meals a day when there are people who don’t even get to eat one meal a day,” she said.

The food that is being thrown out in the cafeteria, she added, could feed an entire small village in most countries.

“By delivering food to places,” Benitez said, “we are giving a warm plate of food to a person that needs it.”

The Office of Mission and Ministry works directly with SAGE Dining Services to prepare the food for donation to Light of Life Mission and Northside Common Ministries.

“Throughout the week, SAGE freezes the leftover food,” Sister Karina explained.

“Their daily role is to pack the food that was not eaten and freeze it until delivery day. Light of Life Rescue Mission picks up the food on Fridays. The students and I take the food on Monday evenings.”

Campus Kitchen Days take place every Monday evening at 7 p.m. in the Cantellops Dining Hall.

“This experience will bring others satisfaction, especially since we are collaborating with the community for a good cause,” Benitez said. “It also makes me feel that I am making a difference by helping those who are in need and not wasting food.”

Sister Karina suggests that students keep these three words in mind: think, eat, save.

• Think. Wasting food is often a subconscious act. Become aware of how much food you throw away.

• Eat. Become a more mindful eater.

Eyes bigger than your stomach? Serve yourself smaller portions if you are unsure whether you will like the food.

• Save. Save your food, save your money and save the environment. Donate to food banks and become a conscious consumer.

“Allegheny County has a population of 174,110 people who are food insecure.

Excellence in Education 2017

“Allegheny County has a population of 174,110 people who are food insecure. That’s 14.2 percent of people who are not guaranteed a meal each day — whether it be hot or cold.”

— Sister Katrina Conrad That’s 14.2 percent of people who are not guaranteed a meal each day — whether it be hot or cold,” she said. “The rate is even scarier for children. There are approximately 42,170 children who do not get fed each day. That’s 17.8 percent of children who are not getting the nutrition they need to go about their day.”

However, La Roche students can make a difference in the community.

“Students can become food rescuers, and make the world a better place,” Sister Karina said.

Student Taylor Rosso, left, and Coordinator of Service Sister Karina Conrad package leftover soup for donation to Light of Life Mission and Northside Common Ministries.

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Excellence in Education 2017

CLASSICAL Continued from Page 14

strong education in pursuit of the true, the good and the beautiful, Lourdes Classical allows for students to encounter virtue “in all the circumstances of life,” according to Anderson.

“We don’t have an anti-bullying program,” Anderson said. “We don’t have anything like that because we don’t need it. The kids understand the meaning of Christian charity.”

It isn’t just its countercultural education that sets the school apart. Lourdes Classical places strong emphasis on the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s call for parents to be the “primary educators of their children.”

“We try to reinforce and support the parents in understanding the importance of that role,” Anderson told CNS. “Modern culture and years of progressive education have tried to strip that right away from parents. What we try to do is say, ‘No, what you’re doing at home, we’re here to help and support that.’”

Lourdes Classical is not the only Catholic classical school in the Archdiocese of Denver. Frasatti Catholic Academy will open its doors for the first time this fall, and Bishop Machebeuf Catholic High School recently added an optional classical track to their curriculum.

“When we look at classical Catholic education, just the benefits it has to offer are numerous,” said Kevin Kijewski, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Denver. “It is education for its own sake.”

Classical education finds its roots in the classical world of art, literature and philosophy, which then developed through Western education, according to Michael Van Hecke, president of the Institute for Catholic Liberal Education.

“They are time-tested truths that we learn from great men and women that we can emulate in our society today,” Kijewski said in an interview with CNS July 19. “It’s almost equipping our kids with the tools, tips, and techniques they need to have in order to survive in this really rapidly changing world where secular thought is pretty much taking over.”

But for Catholic schools using a traditional education models, classical themes can still be introduced.

Excellence in Education 2017

While not exclusively classical, the Catholic Curriculum Standard expands upon several classical themes.

Twelve U.S. dioceses implemented the use of Catholic Curriculum Standards, spanning over 390 schools and 119,258 children. In addition, other schools have adopted the standards for use in various capacities.

The Institute for Catholic Liberal Education hosts several conferences and programs throughout the year, as well as teacher formation programs. In addition to service programs in schools, they founded the Catholic Textbook Project, a textbook series specifically for Catholic Schools, which are used in almost 100 dioceses.

“It takes these same principals of education and puts them into a usable textbook by a typical teacher at a typical school,” said Van Hecke in an interview with CNS July 21. “So it starts to introduce some of the light and joy that we experience in classical schools, into the curriculum of any school, no matter what their acting philosophy or curriculum is.”

In addition to being president of the Institute of Catholic Liberal Education, Van Hecke is publisher of Catholic textbooks and headmaster at St. Augustine Academy in Ventura, California.

Not only are schools throughout the nation adopting a classical approach to education, but they’re helping others establish classical schools of their own.

Parents and parishioners of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Hyattsville, Maryland, came together to write a new curriculum program for St. Jerome’s Academy, which not only turned into a plan for their school, but has been an influence on schools around the country, such as St. John Bosco Schools in Rochester, New York, which uses part of the St. Jerome’s classical education plan.

“We like to believe that our school is really trying to get to the heart of exposing them to the beauty and the rich traditions of the Catholic Church that have been laid out over time,” Flynn said in an interview with CNS July 24.

“With much support from the Archdiocese of Washington, both financially and philosophically, St. Jerome’s Academy now thrives as the only classical Catholic school in the archdiocese.

The classical school movement isn’t just circulating among elementary schools, but high schools as well.

On Sept. 4, nine students planned to embark on a four-day canoe camping trip to start off their school year, engaging the students in “sacramental imagination,” according to Deacon Chris Roberts, president and theology teacher at Martin Saints Classical High School.

While not the only classical high school in the Philadelphia area, Martin Saints Classical High School will open north of Philadelphia this fall. The school is part of the Chesterton Schools Network, which provides curriculum and support for parents seeking to establish their own classical high schools.

“I think the most important thing in Catholic education is to introduce our children to Jesus and his church, to give them a sacramental imagination, a sacramental way of seeing the world, an appetite for seeking truth, beauty, and goodness, a sense for history, but finding classical as a means to an end to do that,” Deacon Roberts said. “Classical is a discipline, but it’s not an absolute end to itself.”

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RULE

Continued from Page 4 Our instruction at the academy was so excellent that I was able to earn 12 college credits through advanced placement tests. With those credits and the scholarship Sister Jane Frances coached me to win, I finished college with a double major in English and French and entered law school. For 41 years I have been applying Chapter 4 of the Rule, practicing how to make peace with one’s adversary before the sun sets. It is often difficult, stressful and time consuming work; but it is always necessary and always worth the effort.

“Receive each guest as Christ” ­­— (RB 4) From their foundations, Benedictine monasteries extended the hospitality of a safe bed and a good meal to travelers.

This hospitality was called forth because the divinity and dignity of Christ was acknowledged in each guest. My favorite

20 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

way of practicing this hospitality is by addressing by their first name those who wear name badges while they are working.

This simple mark of respect often results in exceptional service to me and has even resulted in friendships forming.

“Listen with the ear of your heart ….”

— (RB Prologue) At my law office, I take a new client into an uncluttered conference room and ask him or her why he or she has come. Then, I listen. I do not interrupt “the story.” When the client has finished, only then do I start asking questions to get the details I need and begin to take notes and sketch out for the client the possible solutions to the problem. In these interactions, I have come to realize how infrequently others have someone who truly listens. As a parent, I try to listen to my children first and then to speak.

Listening quiets the emotions of the other and starts to create peace between the speaker and the listener.

“Prefer nothing to the love of

Christ.”

— (RB 4) When life handed me some hard knocks in the mid-90’s, I had to decide who and what I really loved. I chose my family, my faith, art and music. I traveled frequently with my children. I began visiting art museums, collecting American art and building a personal art library; I joined the Diocesan Choir, with which I sang for St. John Paul II in Saint Peters’ Square. Most importantly, I entered a one year formation program to become an oblate at St. Benedict monastery. When Benedictine Sister Raphael Frank, handed me my study copy of the Benedictine Rule, I was amazed: I had imagined that this Rule that I had witnessed being lived for more than 40 years and which had endured for more than 1,500 years, was something that took up as many shelves in the library as the Internal Revenue Code. Instead, it was a slim volume of 73 short chapters that set out a way to cherish Christ above all.

Cook is a member of St. James Parish in Wilkinsburg.

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‘Mission is all the time’: FOCUS ministry doesn’t stop with school year

By CAROLYN MACKENZIE Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — With students gone for the summer, campus ministries across the country focus on summer conferences and mission work and prepare for thousands of new freshmen as the fall semester approaches.

For the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, ministry spreads beyond campuses during the summer, taking college students on mission trips around the world.

A national outreach program that sends missionaries to college campuses, the fellowship led several trips to Ecuador this July. Kelly Kuzma, a rising senior at the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, traveled with the program to minister and volunteer in San Vicente, Ecuador.

Kuzma, a theology major, explained that with a desire to serve but a limited time frame, the fellowship’s summer mission trip worked out well for her. After two weeks of

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catechesis and manual labor, Kuzma said that transitioning back to everyday life has come with its challenges.

“That’s one of the hardest parts: the transition from an intense couple of weeks, and a lot of work, intense encounters with all these people, and then you have to go back to daily life,” Kuzma told Catholic News Service. “They were really good about talking about how ‘mission is all the time,’ and it’s just kind of carried out in our daily life.”

As she approached the beginning of another semester, Kuzma said the mission trip reminded her of the importance of taking time for silent prayer, both during the summer and throughout the school year.

Kuzma remarked that she and other participants were struck by the realization that through their work, they were participating in Christ’s instructions to the disciples “to go out and spread his word across all nations,” as Kuzma worded it, making her eager to go on another mission trip.

The group consisted of 13 participants from the U.S., four of whom were missionaries for the fellowship.

“They’re so down to earth,” Kuzma said of the missionaries. “They just graduated from college, they’ve been in our shoes, and they literally just want to be our friends. And so they have a really good way of bringing in God with friendship.”

Founded in 1998 at Benedictine College

by Curtis Martin, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students, known as FOCUS, will have more than 660 missionaries on 137 college campuses for the 2017-2018 academic year.

In the Diocese of Pittsburgh a grant was awarded to campus ministry at Slippery Rock University in Butler County. The funds were used to secure a four-person team of FOCUS missionaries. The team will spend a year reaching out to university students.

At the university they are collaborating with Father Robert Seeman, director, and Diane Magliocca, campus minister in campus ministry at the Newman Center.

Rebecca Feldcamp is the team’s leader and third-year missionary.

The role of the FOCUS team throughout the year will be to engage students in

personal contact, to invite them into small groups, to equip student leaders to reach out and to provide one-on-one discipleship training with certain students.

The expectation is that the FOCUS team will add a peer-to-peer element to both the evangelization and formation efforts of campus ministry at the university.

The fellowship’s programs — on campuses in more than 38 states and on two campuses in Austria and one in England — have engaged more than 20,000 students and an estimated 2,175 mission trip participants. Every other year, the program presents SEEK, a conference that boasts nearly 13,000 attendees.

A 2009 study by the Pew Research Center found that almost 80 percent of those who leave the Catholic faith do so by age 23. As such, campus ministers are striving to find new ways to bring the word of Christ to college students.

Jared Smyth, the program’s regional director for the West, stressed the importance of meeting students “where they’re at,” explaining that dynamic friendship, rather than structured programming or outreach, is often how missionaries evangelize.

“Pope Francis talks about encounter, accompaniment and spiritual evangelism,” Smyth told CNS in a phone interview. “Bible studies, one on one mentorship, outreach on campus, mission trips, conferences, you kind of name it, it’s a relational evangelization.”

Smyth has been involved with the program for over a decade and helps manage several campuses from Colorado to California, working closely with the team directors that are present on college campuses.

Veronica Halbur has been involved with the organization for about four years.

Halbur, who did not have any missionaries from the fellowship on her campus, heard about the program from her brother-inlaw, who was helping to support another missionary financially. Inspired to look into the opportunity, Halbur chose to follow the desire she had to serve the Catholic Church.

“I was experiencing in college a deep

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 23

Liz visits with Vandana on her fifth birthday in Nepal.

REUNITED

Continued from Page 7 Mount Mercy College.

This legacy of gifts that I was given, I would like to pass on to the lives of students

FOCUS Continued from Page 22 longing in my own heart to encounter God’s love,” Halbur told CNS in a phone interview.

Halbur spent two years as a missionary at Mount St. Mary’s University. Now a team director at Boston University, Halbur is responsible for supporting a group of five missionaries. Halbur explained that the program’s approach evangelization seeks to follow the method that Jesus displayed with the disciples: He became friends with them.

“Each missionary is going to take that model of investing in students and take the idea of building up students through friendship, prayer and vision, and it’s going to become personal to who they are and who the students are that they’re working with,” Halbur said.

This approach, which Halbur called “spiritual multiplication,” is captured perfectly in an outreach effort that Halbur described to CNS. Their weekly “cookie outreach” is just what it sounds like, with a sign that reads: “Free cookie if

24 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Liz and Vandana, now “Anna,” who lives in France, reunited in Rome in 2016 with some of the Missionaries of Charity who cared for her as an infant in Kathmandu. The sisters were on hand for the canonization of Mother Teresa, founder of their community.

and faculty members who will also be touched by and who will perpetuate the Spirit of Mercy. Many students would like to participate in various types of experiential learning but are unable to afford to do so. It is my hope that this endowment will support their dreams

through their Mercy-centered education, and inspire their work for social justice, wherever they are called.

We can’t ignore the pain of the world.

We can’t withdraw to a private isolated spirituality. Social justice is key to our spiritual life, our faith, and our future.

you answer a question.”

Halbur explained that although missionaries are not allowed to approach students, if students come to them, then they can engage in conversation.

The questions they ask prompt both secular and theological conversations.

Halbur gave many examples, such as: “What does friendship mean to you? What was the last thing you did that brought you joy? After you die, what do you want to be remembered for?”

“Being able to ask questions that are meaningful could launch into a discussion on the faith,” Halbur said.

A cookie and a conversation can lead to shared prayer, an invitation to dinner or participation in a Bible study. During the summer, Halbur said that she and her team have continued their Bible studies on an online platform and stay in touch with their students through social media. This, she hopes, helps students to remain strong in the faith when school is not in session.

“One of the biggest challenges that we encounter with the students on campus is just the devastating reality of relativism,”

Halbur said. “It slowly breaks them down and makes them even afraid of sharing their beliefs because they’ll be ostracized.”

Remarking that some students she knows have encountered criticism in the classroom for sharing their beliefs, Halbur said the fellowship looks to the words of St. John Paul II for inspiration: “Do not be afraid.”

Missionaries strive to show students that they are not alone.

During the summers, the program’s missionaries participate in training for six weeks. Smyth listed Scripture, evangelization, discipleship, Catholic worldview and fundraising as some of the main topics. The fundraising element continues after their training ends, as these missionaries are responsible for fundraising their salaries.

“I think that summer training is one part boot camp, one part retreat, and I think the missionaries after learning everything in the summer, after fundraising, they’re just ready to roll on campus,” Smyth said.

Pittsburgh Catholic Staff contributed to this report.

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Great Cathol

Portrait: Sister M. Fides Glass

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton A convert to Catholicism, Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821) was confirmed into the faith by the Right Rev. John Carroll, the first and only Catholic bishop in America at that time. Elizabeth then founded an academy for young women, but enrollment numbers dwindled as news of her conversion to Catholicism spread, as anti-Catholicism was still prevalent. During this troubling time, Elizabeth sought the spiritual counsel of a visiting priest, the Abbé Louis Dubourg, a French émigré of the Society of SaintSulpice. The Sulpicians were in the process of establishing the first Catholic seminary in the United States, and Dubourg invited Elizabeth to join them in their mission in Emmitsburg, Maryland. A year later in 1810, Elizabeth established the St. Joseph’s Academy and Free School dedicated to the education of young Catholic women and made possible by the financial support of Samuel Sutherland Cooper, a wealthy convert and seminarian at the newly established, nearby Mount Saint Mary’s University. Around this time, Elizabeth also founded the first congregation of religious sisters in the United States, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, which was dedicated to the care of the children of the poor. Mother Seton, as she was henceforth known, dedicated the rest of her life to nurturing Catholic education in America,

26 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

St. John Bosco knowing that instilling the seeds of faith in the nation’s youth was the best way to cultivate the church in America. Pope Paul VI officially canonized Mother Seton on Sept. 14, 1975, making her the first native-born American saint. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton is honored as the patron saint of Catholic schools for the tremendous impact she had in the nascence of American Catholic education Father John Bosco, which in Italian is translated Don Bosco, began his work in Turin, Italy, in the mid-1800s by gathering poor boys and young men that had no place to live and little education.

He established a place called an oratory where these young people could gather and call their home. Don Bosco started with the help of many lay people, which he later organized into a lay association in the church, called the Association of Salesian Cooperators. From among the young men at the oratory, he founded a religious congregation, the Salesian Society, which consisted of priests and brothers. It was named after St. Francis de Sales who was known for his kindness and simple spirituality. With the help of Sister Maria Domenca Mazzarello, he founded a society for woman, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, known as the Salesian Sisters.

Dr. Maria Montessori

St. Thomas

He died in 1888 and was canonized a saint in 1934. Since then his Salesian Society has been known as the Salesians of Don Bosco.

The Salesians continue his ministry today working with youth that are poor or at risk.

Dr. Maria Montessori (1870-1952) was an Italian physician, educator, and innovator, acclaimed for her educational method that builds on the way children naturally learn. She opened the first Montessori school — the Casa dei Bambini, or Children’s House — in Rome on Jan. 6, 1907. Subsequently, she traveled the world and wrote extensively about her approach to education, attracting many devotees. There are now more than 22,000 Montessori schools in at least 110 countries worldwide. She was born in the provincial town of Chiaravalle, Italy. She was wellschooled and an avid reader — unusual for Italian women of that time. The same thirst for knowledge took root in young Maria, and she immersed herself in many fields of study before creating the educational method that bears her name. When she graduated from medical school in 1896, she was among Italy’s first female physicians.

Thomas Aquinas was born in a hilltop castle in Roccasecca in central Italy

Excellence in Education 2017

lic Educators Portrait: Carlo Crivelli

s Aquinas

St. John Baptist de la Salle

in 1225. At the age of five, his studies began at the abbey of Monte Cassino.

When the monastery became a battle site — Thomas was transferred by his family to the University of Naples. It was here that he came into contact with the “new” Aristotle and with the Order of Preachers or Dominicans, a recently founded mendicant order. He became a Dominican and eventually went north to study, perhaps first briefly at Paris, then at Cologne with Albert the Great, whose interest in Aristotle strengthened Thomas’ own interest. He returned to Paris, completed his studies, became a Master and for three years and occupied one of the Dominican chairs in the Faculty of Theology. The next 10 years were spent in various places in Italy, with the mobile papal court, at various Dominican houses, and eventually in Rome. In 1274, on his way to the Council of Lyon, he fell ill and died.

The writings of St. Thomas cover almost every conceivable topic in more than 50 works. He is best known for his “Summa Theologiae” that explores all aspects of creation including the role of God, angels, and human beings. Since his death there have been many forms of Thomistic thought in the subsequent centuries and his influence on Catholic intellectual life remains immeasurable. St. Thomas was

Excellence in Education 2017

Fr. Theodore Hesburgh

made a Doctor of the Church at the First Vatican Council (1869-1870). The term Doctor of the Church designates a saint of eminent learning and great sanctity.

John Baptist de la Salle was born at Rheims, France. He was the eldest of 10 children in a noble family. He studied in Paris and was ordained in 1678. He was known for his work with the poor.

John was very involved in education. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (approved in 1725) and established teacher colleges (Rheims in 1687, Paris in 1699, and Saint-Denis in 1709). He was one of the first to emphasize classroom teaching over individual instruction. He also began teaching in the vernacular instead of in Latin. His schools were formed all over Italy. In 1705, he established a reform school for boys at Dijon. John was named “patron of teachers” by Pope Pius XII in 1950. His feast day is April 7.

Holy Cross Father Theodore Hesburgh (1917-2015), president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame, was one of the most influential Catholic priests in 20th century American history. He made his mark not only on higher education but also on many of the era’s pressing

St. Benedict social issues, including civil rights, Third World development, and nuclear proliferation. When he stepped down in 1987 after 35 years as head of Notre Dame, Father Hesburgh was the longestserving among active presidents of the nation’s college and universities. His then 110 honorary degrees, the most awarded a living person, confirmed his stature as the elder statesman of American higher education.

St. Benedict was born in Norcia in Umbria about 480. He studied in Rome, and then turned his back on the world and lived in solitude at Subiaco. Disciples came to him and he went to Monte Cassino, where he founded a monastery. He wrote his Rule, which established the spirituality and way of life of monastic communities ever since. He died in 547. St. Benedict was one of the many abbots who wrote a Rule for monks. In the course of two centuries the use of the Rule spread and it was due to the influence of Charlemagne that it acquired a monopoly in the West. In this way, St. Benedict came to be considered the founder of the “Order of Saint Benedict.” The church has recognized for centuries the contributions of Benedictine communities of men and women in the field of education worldwide.

Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 27

New 2017-18 school year notable for the new changes it will bring

By DR. MICHAEL A. LATUSEK Superintendent of Catholic Schools Not since becoming superintendent for Catholic Schools have I seen so much change as I am surveying in the 2017-18 school year. Aside from regionalization of schools, which is an enormous challenge and change, I am particularly excited about changes inside the classroom.

First of all, we had informed all the schools and parents of students this past spring that we were changing the type and timing of our standardized testing. As I indicated in my March 1 letter, the new Iowa Suite of Assessments were designed, developed, subjected to an extensive review process, tried and field tested with input from educators, students, and parents, to provide reliable information to prepare our children for continuing

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Dr. Latusek, left, speaks with educators Aug. 25 during an event for teachers and administrators at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School in Cranberry Township.

education and career readiness.

In addition to a change in the assessments, the testing period has been changed from spring to fall, because fall assessments provide more current information about students, which enables the teachers to plan lessons to more closely meet individual needs and promote academic growth and skill development. Giving the tests in mid-September 2017 will enable results to be back to the schools in October 2017 with reports available for parents to review at the first-parent conferences.

The new assessment program will provide our instructional staff with reliable student data that is aligned with research-based performance benchmarks. Using this information, our schools will continue to make effective instructional decisions.

I am also enthusiastic about the results we are seeing from STREAMbased curriculum in our schools.

STREAM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, the Arts and Math. This acronym includes

the cutting edge parts of a STEM curriculum and incorporates a focus on religion and the arts.

STREAM is not a new curriculum, but a framework for incorporating critical skills important to make our students successful in the future. We believe this STREAM initiative provides our students with the necessary curriculum and technology to become critical thinkers and future innovators.

Research suggests that helping students make connections among subject areas strengthens learning.

Including a focus on the arts is important, which does not mean just fine arts like painting and music, dance and theater. It also encompasses virtually all areas of study outside the pure and applied sciences, such as literature history, social studies — the subjects that we need to know about in order to function in society and communicate with our fellow man.

As was noted 30 years ago by E.D. Hirsch, Jr. in his book “Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know,” if we focus only on specialization and

Excellence in Education 2017

technical skills, those who are not technicians or specialists will not be able to communicate with them. Not only must we continue to try to impart skills to our students, we need to give them the contexts surrounding those skills — as Hirsch described it, the shared background knowledge. “We will be able to achieve a just and prosperous society only when our schools ensure that everyone commands enough shared background knowledge to be able to communicate effectively with everyone else.”

While the original lists of thousands of items that people need to know has certainly changed in 30 years, the basic concept — shared background knowledge in order to communicate effectively in an increasingly diverse society — is still a sound educational principle.

And while the new school year is notable for the changes it will bring, it is most notable for what will stay the same — a faith-based education, rooted in the mission of the Catholic Church. In all of our schools, religion is ensured as a priority. Faith formation is integrated into every subject. If indeed we continue the focus on our identity, then building “communities of faith, knowledge and service,” our theme over the past several years, holds out the same promise for the future success of our schools. Working with our national, state and diocesan partners in education, we look forward to the 2017-18 school with a heightened sense of enthusiasm and commitment to the mission of Catholic education.

CROSSROADS Continued from Page 8 us up financially against future economic downturns and provide the funds to sustain our growth. And our newly completed five-year strategic plan is envisioning an ambitious and far-reaching direction that will significantly expand Crossroads’ already impressive impact on the Pittsburgh region.

I want to thank Board President Dean Calland and all of our incredibly dedicated board members for entrusting me to lead this important organization and for their leadership in helping me shape a culture that is nurturing, collaborative and open to new ideas. And most importantly, I want to thank all of our foundation, corporate and individual donors whose generous support

enables all that we do.

At its core, Crossroads helps underserved youth — at the most vulnerable time in their lives — to not only step into the light, but to also discover the light within themselves. And in the end, witnessing these wondrous transformations first-hand is what I will miss most of all.

I have been blessed by Crossroads, and wish God’s continued blessings on this wonderful organization.

(Crossroads’ director of research and program development, Esther Mellinger Stief, succeeded Rouzier as executive director in July. “Florence was a mentor,” says Esther, “and I am honored to continue her legacy and build on the strong foundation she left behind.”)

LIKE us on Facebook: Pittsburgh Catholic FOLLOW us on Twitter: @ PGHcathnews Excellence in Education 2017

Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 29

Promoting Catholic High Schools

PROMOTING CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS HIGH SCHOOL Bishop Canevin

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Central Catholic

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, October 29 Noon-­‐3:00pm Sunday, October 29 Sunday, November 5

St. Joseph

Sunday, October 29 12:30-­‐2:30pm

Oakland Catholic

Sunday, November 5

Quigley Catholic

October 29, 2:00-­‐4:00pm

Serra Catholic

Tuesday, October 10 7:00-­‐9:00pm Sunday, October 15 Saturday, October 28 11:00-­‐1:00 Sunday, October 29 12:00-­‐3:00pm Thursday, November 2 6:30-­‐8:30pm Sunday, October 15 1:00-­‐3:00pm Tuesday, February 7 5:00-­‐7:00pm Wednesday, March 13 Noon-­‐3:00pm

Seton LaSalle Aquinas Academy Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Vincentian Academy Holy Family Academy

30 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

SHADOW DAYS

VISITATION

October through April

By Appointment

By Appointment

Anytime By Appointment

October 6

Anytime By Appointment

By Appointment

November through March October 6

By Appointment Anytime October 20

By Appointment November through April October 13

By Appointment Tuesdays, October through April October 6

By Appointment Up to 7 students at a time 7 Dates-­‐November through April October 13

By Appointment September 29, October 25, November 15, December 8, January 12, February 16, March 9 and April 13

By Appointment Thursdays, November through April September 22

By Appointment Anytime By Appointment October 26 Anytime By Appointment None

Excellence in Education 2017

How your business can help Catholic schools

By DEACON JACK MILLER The Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program allows qualified businesses to fulfill their state tax burden while supporting financial aid to eligible educational and scholarship programs. The Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit program allows qualified businesses to fulfill their state tax burden while supporting financial aid to eligible low-income students who reside in lowachieving school districts in Pennsylvania.

Both require a two-year commitment in order to qualify for the maximum tax credit under both programs.

PHOTO BY JOHN FRANKO

See Aid, Page 32

Supporters of the REACH Foundation traveled to the state capitol in Harrisburg in May for the annual Educational Improvement Tax Credit birthday party.

Have fun with your faith with the Pittsburgh Catholic Bible Quiz Booklet The Bible Quiz Booklet:

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$20* per book (includes standard shipping • Offers captivating & handling) by completing the coupon below. questions and answers to challenge anyone!

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Send your order form with payment to: Bible Quiz, c/o, Pittsburgh Catholic, 111 Blvd. of the Allies, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1613; e-mail to khanlin@pittsburghcatholic.org; or fax to 412-471-4228. *Teachers, discounted pricing is available; call Karen at 412-471-1252, ext. 3573.

Excellence in Education 2017

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 31

AID Continued from Page 31 The EITC program awards tax credits to businesses that make contributions to certain educational organizations. The EITC and OSTC are direct, dollar-for-dollar tax credits applicable against the donor’s tax liabilities, not a tax deduction. If a business pays certain corporate taxes to Pennsylvania, the EITC program allows that firm to contribute almost all of those tax dollars to a qualifying educational organization.

Businesses that apply and qualify for the EITC program receive a tax credit equal to 75 percent of its donation to an approved nonprofit scholarship or educational improvement organization. The tax credit

increases to 90 percent if the business commits to making the same level of donations for two consecutive years.

A business (or business firm) is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership that is organized as a for-profit entity. The statutory definition of “business firm” does not include sole proprietorships or entities not subject to Pennsylvania tax (nonprofit entities or governmental entities).

In 2014, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania passed legislation that expanded the definition of a “business firm” to include special purpose entities formed specifically to participate in the EITC program or OSTC program. Typically, these SPEs are formed as a pass-through limited liability company, the sole purpose of which is the making of contributions to qualifying scholarship or educational programs, and

The School at McGuire Memorial …

A recognized leader in child-centered special education services for students from age 3 through 21 with autism, intellectual disabilities, and/or multiple disabilities.

We offer limited class size, knowledgeable and well-trained staff, individually tailored services/support, comprehensive curriculum, and a nurturing environment. In addition, we offer customized programs to meet your child’s needs.

The School at McGuire Memorial is a Pennsylvania Approved Private School (APS) and can be a cost-effective answer for school districts and parents of students with complex support needs.

To learn more about the School, contact Kim Lieb, Director, at 724-891-7222 or by email at k.lieb@mcguirememorial.org.

mcguirememorial.org 2121 Mercer Road • New Brighton, PA 15066 Located in Beaver County, The School at McGuire Memorial is easily accessible to students from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer counties.

32 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

whose members are comprised of owners or employees of other business firms.

Here is how this type of SPE works: 1. The entity will apply for EITC and/or OSTC tax credits.

2. Once awarded, it seeks individual, qualified members with the goal of raising an amount equal to the number of tax credits it receives.

3. It requires a minimum investment and two-year commitment from each member.

4. It then contributes all invested dollars to EITC- and OSTC-qualified organizations.

5. It receives a 90 percent (for a twoyear commitment) or 75 percent tax credit (for a one-year commitment) from the commonwealth for those contributions, which it passes through to members on a pro-rata basis.

6. The donation may also qualify for a federal charitable income tax deduction based on the member’s personal federal tax situation.

7. It provides K-1s and gift substantiation letters to members prior to the tax filing deadline.

8. Additionally, it may allow members to designate which qualified organizations receive funds (specific individuals cannot be designated as beneficiaries of the donations).

Individuals who are owners of singlemember LLCs, or are owners or employees of business entities, are able to form their own SPE or join an existing SPE for the purpose of supporting Catholic education.

It should be noted that interests in SPEs qualify as securities and are subject to the regulation of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Pennsylvania Securities Commission.

Individuals interested in forming their own SPE are encouraged to seek qualified legal counsel for assistance in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

More information on SPEs, including a copy of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue ruling pertaining to SPE eligibility to participate in EITC and OSTC programs, may be found by clicking on the “Ways to Support Catholic Education” link at www. diopitt.plannedgiving.org. The link is in the upper left-hand corner of the home page.

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. People interested in exploring SPEs as a means to support Catholic education in Pennsylvania should consult their personal advisers for guidance.

Deacon Jack is the diocesan director of development and public policy

Excellence in Education 2017

2017

FALL

events Guide

The following pages include a listing of events being held in the fall months throughout the Diocese of Pittsburgh submitted to the Pittsburgh Catholic.

SEPTEMBER 14 | BIBLE STUDY “Walking Toward Eternity: Daring to Walk the Walk,” 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, starting Sept.

14, Queen of Peace Church meeting room of St. Peter Parish, 907 Middle St., Pittsburgh’s North Side. To register, call 412-321-3186.

14-17 | ELFA RETREAT Epiphany Life Formation Academy (ELFA) 2017 retreat, “Formation of the Christian Heart,” Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Times vary each day.

Cost is $450 per person, and includes materials, continental breakfast, lunch and snacks.

To register, and for more information, call 412-341-7494 or 1-877-324-6873, or visit www. epiphanyacademyofformativespirituality.org.

15 | GOLF OUTING & DINNER 1 p.m. (noon-12:30 p.m. registration), Shannopin Country Club, 1 Windmere Road, Ben Avon Heights. Proceeds benefit Assumption Parish and School in Bellevue. For information, and to register, visit www.assumptionschool.org.

15-17 | RETREAT “Beginning Experience,” a weekend retreat to help those widowed, divorced or separated, Martina Spiritual Renewal Center, 5244 Clarwin Ave., West View. For information, and to register, call 412-523-2405 or 412-720-8694, or visit www.BeginningExperience.org.

15-16 | PARISH NURSE COURSE Times vary, UPMC Mercy, 1400 Locust St., Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood. Sponsored

Excellence in Education 2017

by Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Program. Course continues on Saturday, Sept.

30, and Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, with times varying. Training course offers education and resources to faith community nurses and lay ministries. Modules include spiritual care, ethics, legal aspects, grief, care coordination and more. Cost is $395 for registered nurses, $200 for non- registered nurses. For information, and to register, call 412-232-5815.

16 | OKTOBERFEST 7-10:30 p.m., Word of God Parish, 7446 McClure Ave., Swissvale. Highlights include food (catered by Veltre’s), music by Disc Jockey Deacon Len and several small games of chance.

Tickets are $25 for food and entertainment, and $35 with the addition of beer and wine. Must be 21 and older to attend. Tickets only sold in advance. call 412-241-1372.

16-17 | OKTOBERFEST 11 a.m.-9 p.m., noon-8 p.m. on Sept. 17, Green Tree Park, 905 Greentree Road, Green Tree. Visit to support St. Margaret Parish’s Basket raffle.

17 | CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW Noon-4 p.m., Fr. Weirauch Hall of St. Malachy School, 343 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Township.

17 | BIBLE STUDY “The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation,” Sundays through April 22, 10 a.m.-11:15 a.m., St. James Parish, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley.

Video series presented by Jeff Cavins will take participants through the entire Bible. Cost is $35. To

register, call Duane Smith at 724-709-4041, or e-mail smith131house@gmail.com.

18 & 25 | DVD SERIES Matthew Kelly’s “Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose,” 7-9 p.m., St. Margaret Parish, 310 Mansfield Ave, Green Tree.

19 | ADORATION 1-6:30 p.m. (following noon Mass), St. Malachy Parish, 343 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Township.

19 | WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY “Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for You,” Tuesdays, through Nov. 7, 1-3 p.m., Duch Pastoral Center of St. Scholastica Parish, 309 Brilliant Ave., Aspinwall. Sponsored by Fox Chapel Area Women’s Catholic Bible Group. Cost is $25 for materials. To register, call 412-963-0198.

19 | SPEAKER SERIES 7 p.m., St. Malachy, 343 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Township. Mike Aquilina will present, “Walking with Angels,” about the Catholic devotion to the angels, and how it applies to everyday life. Reception will follow. Series is free and open to the public.

19, OCT 17, NOV. 21 | SUBSTANCE ADDICTION MINISTRY

7 p.m. (6:30 p.m. rosary), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie. Includes prayer & presentation. For information, visit www.SEAScarnegie.org.

20 | BIBLE STUDY “The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation,” Wednesdays through April 11, 1-2:30 p.m. St. James Parish, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Video series will take participants through the entire

Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 33

Keep your mind and faith sharp!

See Pg.31

See Page 31 to order your own Bible Quiz Booklet today!

(Answers to puzzle found on page 31.)

WIN FOUR SEATS TO SEE “A MUSICAL CHRISTMAS CAROL” Submit this coupon to be entered in a drawing to see “A Musical Christmas Carol” this holiday season!

Name Address City

State Zip

Phone #

RULES/DISCLAIMER: To enter, complete the entry form here and mail it no later than Saturday, November 4, 2017, to: A Musical Christmas Carol, PITTSBURGH CATHOLIC, 111 Blvd.of the Allies, SUITE 200, PITTSBURGH PA 15222-1613; FAXES ACCEPTED AT 412-471-4228. Employees of the Pittsburgh Catholic Publishing Associates and Diocesan headquarters are not eligible. One entry per household.

Congratulations to the following winners of our Kennywood Ticket Contest – Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine: Senior Life & Resource Guide 2017: Rose Gizzo, Cathy Sayut, Patricia Tarcha, Sheila Wagner and Aliceann Chybrzynski 34 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Excellence in Education 2017

2017

FALL

events Guide

Bible. Cost is $35. To register, call Tharshini Wilson at 412-801-2646, or e-mail tharshini. wilson@me.com.

20, Oct. 4 & 18, Nov.1 & 15 | PUB THEOLOGY Young adult formation series, held on the first and third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m.

Somma Restaurant, 380 Route 909, Verona.

Sponsored by St. John the Baptist Parish, 444 St. John St., Plum.

20 & NOV. 15 | SERIES “Walk Through Scripture with Sr. Annie,” 7-8 p.m., Grotto Chapel of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/ Marshall Township. Visit www.stsjohnandpaul. org.

20, OCT. 18 & NOV. 15 | SUPPORT

GROUP Listening Friends, Suicide Loss Support Group meeting, 7-8:30 p.m., Seton Center, 1900 Pioneer Ave., Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood. Call 412-508-5383.

20-Oct. 1 | NOVENA TO ST. THERESE 7 p.m. Mass, with Masses weekend of Sept.

30-Oct. 1 in honor of St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall. Reception will follow all Masses on weekend. Concludes on Oct. 1, with procession of statue at 11 a.m. Mass.

21 | YOUNG ADULT COOKOUT 7 p.m., Holy Child Parish, 212 Station St., Bridgeville. Young adult Catholics, age 21 and over, are invited to a free outdoor evening of fellowship, food hot off the grill, cold drinks, music, games and bonfire. Guest speaker is Father Adam Potter.

21 | BEREAVEMENT GROUP “Journeying Through Grief,” Thursdays through Oct. 26, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Good Samaritan Parish, 725 Glenwood Ave., Ambridge.

Sponsored by Our Lady of Peace, St. John the Baptist and Good Samaritan Parishes. To register, call Sister Mary Lou at 724-266-6565, ext 19 or e-mail outreach@goodsam1.org.

21 | CHRISTLIFE SERIES Thursdays through Nov. 9, 6:30-9 p.m., Bentleyville campus of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, 126 Church St., Bentleyville. Includes meal, prayer, video and small group discussion.

Program is free and open to the public. To

Excellence in Education 2017

Crafts from Little Sisters of the Christmas Boutique, be held Sept. 28-30.

register, call 724-209-1370, ext. 406, or e-mail ChristLifeFive@gmail.com.

21 | SPIRITUAL THERAPEUTIC RECOVERY Thursdays for 12 weeks, 7-8 p.m., children’s chapel of St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Road, Hampton Township. Directed by psychologist David Gentile, program is for families struggling with addiction. To register, call 412-486-6001.

21 | JESUS 101 Adult faith formation series, held on Thursdays, 7 p.m., Annex of St. John the Baptist Parish, 444 St. John St., Plum.

22 | 50 PERCENT OFF FLEA MARKET 5-8:30 p.m., St. Nicholas Parish, 24 Maryland Ave., Millvale. Featuring two floors of items selling at 50 percent off, including clothing, collectibles, electronics and much more. Also featuring food and ethnic baked goods. For information, call 412-821-1893.

22 | ST. PADRE PIO MASS 7 p.m. (confessions at 6:50 p.m.), St. Augustine Church of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 225 37th St., Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Following Mass is veneration of relics of St. Padre Pio.

22-24 | WOMEN’S RETREAT 4:30 p.m. through noon on Sunday, Sept.

24, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Call 412-381-7676.

23 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “St. John of the Cross,” 9 a.m.-noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Dr. Susan Muto is facilitator. Cost is $20. To register, call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner.epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

23 | STEPHEN MINISTRY WORKSHOP 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (registration begins at 8 a.m.), St. Bernard Parish, 311 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon. Program is an introductory workshop to the Stephen Ministry, a lay caregiving ministry, and includes three sessions. Cost is $15 per person, or $50 per congregation (four or more). To register, call Stephen Ministries at 314-428-2600, or visit www.stephenministry. org/workshop.

23 | DUCK RACE Sponsored by St. John the Baptist School, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Plum Creek Park on New Texas Road in Plum Borough.

23 | SPORTS RAFFLE & BARBECUE Gates open at 11:30 a.m., Roman Catholic Men’s Club, 128 Mens Club Lane, Herman.

Sponsored by St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Herman. Donation is $25, with prizes given away every 10 minutes, including bows, cash, vacations, guns and more. Food menu includes beef, pig and chicken barbecue. For tickets, call the following: Gary Martin, 724-991-3370; Leann Bauer, 724-285-7124; Betty Hoffman, 724-285-8513; St. Mary Parish, 724-285-3285.

23 | HERITAGE DAY 5-10 p.m., St. Juan Diego Parish, 201 Ninth St., Sharpsburg. Varied heritages of parish are celebrated with ethnic food, music, raffle and Chinese auction.

23 | MOVIE NIGHT 6-9 p.m., Upper Cardinal DiNardo Center of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township.

Visit www.stsjohnandpaul.org.

23 | SCHOOL ALUMNI DAY For Most Holy Name School in Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood, 6 p.m. alumni

Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 35

Ham and Potato Casserole Submitted by Miriam Bertha St. Pius X Parish, Brookline

2017

FALL

events Guide

Mass, Most Holy Name Parish, 1700 Harpster St., Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood, followed by reception in school hall that will feature display of memorabilia. St. Anthony Chapel will also be open from 4-5:30 p.m. Alumni day is part of parish’s 150th celebration. To register, call 412-231-2994, answers 24 hours a day. Deadline for registration is Sept. 11.

23 | DIAMOND JUBILEE GALA “Celebrating Our History,” sponsored by St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pleasant Hills, in celebration of the parish’s 75th anniversary, 6:30 p.m. cash bar, 7:30 p.m. dinner, South Hills Country Club, 4305 Brownsville Road, Whitehall.

Cost is $40 per person, $75 per couple. Attire is coat and tie for men, dress or pant suit for women.

Registration deadline is Sept. 18. For tickets, call 412-882-8320.

23 | OLD SCHOOL DANCE

Ingredients 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes 3/4 cup shredded Monterey jack or cheddar cheese 1 cup diced, fully cooked ham 1/4 cup diced green onion 1/2 cup green pepper & 1/2 cup red pepper cut small 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk 1/4 tsp. black pepper 1/8 tsp. salt 4 beaten eggs Directions In a two-quart square baking dish arrange potatoes evenly on bottom of dish.

Sprinkle with layer of cheese, ham, onion and peppers.

In medium bowl combine eggs, milk, pepper and salt. Pour egg mixture over potato mixture. Cover and refrigerate dish at least overnight. Can be kept for a few days.

Bake in morning at 350 for 40-45 minutes.

Let stand before serving.

36 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

“This is How We Do It,” 6:30-10:30 p.m., Power Center Ballroom on campus of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood.

Sponsored by Diocesan National Black Catholic Congress Team-Pittsburgh. Featuring music from the 1960s-1980s. Donation is $50, and includes food, wine, beer and surprises. Tickets are $45 for groups of 10 or more. For tickets, call Gwendolyn Young at 412-294-6627, Janice Simmons at 724-443-5589, or e-mail nbccpgh@gmail.com.

23 | FUNNY FUND-RAISER 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), St. Pamphilus Parish, 1000 Tropical Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Three-act professional clean comedy and magic show, featuring Collin Chamberlin, Doc Dixon and David Kaye. Cost is $20, and includes beverages, beer and light snacks. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Guests can bring their own bottle and snacks, with cutlery and paper products. Must be 21 and older to attend. For tickets, call Bobbi at 412-418-1077, Debbie at 412-760-7135 or Friary at 412-341-1000.

23 & 24 | ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE Before and after all Masses at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie. Drive up to church to deliver non-perishable items for parish’s St. Vincent de Paul food pantry. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council #11143.

23 & 24 | FESTA ITALIA “Come Back to the Olde Country,” noon-9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, noon-6 p.m. .on Sunday, Sept. 24, St. Michael Parish, 432 Center

Ave., Butler. Attractions include Italian Village shops (ice cream parlor, bakery, cafe bistro and Ristorante), peoples choice contest - bruschetta, theme baskets, youth activities, rosary makers shop, Pflueger’s Candy and Gifts, wine tasting and sale by Starr Hill Winery, raffles, door prizes and more. Menu at ristorante features a la carte items on Saturday, including beans and greens, chicken piccata, eggplant parmesean, hot sausage, meatball, Italian roast beef sandwich, lasagna, pasta primavera, wedding soup, caprese salad, Italian love cake and more. Sunday menu is spaghetti and meatball dinner, with garlic bread, salad and dessert. Entertainment schedule: Saturday, 2 p.m., Butler School of Dance, 3:30 p.m. Michael Sonata’s “Tribute to Frank Sinatra,” 5:30 p.m., Mirella the Musician; Sunday, Sept. 24, 1 p.m. John Gabriele on accordion; 2 p.m. Butler Center for Performing Arts.

24 | PANCAKE BREAKFAST 7 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Luke Hall of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Green Tree.

Sponsored by Knights of Columbus, with proceeds benefiting St. Vincent de Paul’s food pantry.

24 | BLOOD DRIVE “Green Tree Community Blood Drive,” 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., St. Margaret School cafeteria, 310 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree. To schedule an appointment, call Karen at 412-921-0745.

Walk-ins welcome.

24 | PARISH 100TH ANNIVERSARY 11 a.m. Mass, St. Michael Parish, 97 Highland Ave., Avella. Dinner and dance will follow at the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse, 565 PA Route 18 in Burgettstown. Social hour is at 2 p.m., with buffet dinner at 3 p.m. For dinner reservations, call 724-587-3570.

24 | BENEFIT FASHION SHOW “Fall into Fashion,” 11 a.m., South Hills Country Club, 4305 Brownsville Road, Whitehall. Proceeds benefit Anna Seethaler Hospital in Mexico. For

Excellence in Education 2017

reservations, send $35 (made payable to Ann Seethaler Hospital), to 4844 Old Boston Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227.

24 | MUSIC PLUS CONCERT “Broad + Beyond,” 3 p.m. (2:30 p.m. preconcert), St. James, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley.

Featuring Allan Snyder in a cabaret style program of songs. Concert is free and open to the public.

For information, call 412-741-6650, or e-mail s.schaefer@comcast.net.

24 | KICKOFF For 40 Days for Life, 5 p.m., St. Boniface Church of Holy Wisdom Parish, 2208 East St., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Kurt Kondrich is speaker.

For information, e-mail Susan David at smfreedy@ aol.com.

In Hand.” Goodwill offering accepted. Visit www. stsjohnandpaul.org.

27 | GRIEF SUPPORT Wednesdays through Nov. 1, 7-8:30 p.m., Our Lady of Joy Parish, 2000 O’Block Road, Holiday Park. Program includes a Mass of Remembrance on Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. To register, call Liz Bachtel at 724-337-0049.

27, OCT. 25 & NOV. 29 | PATRIOTIC ROSARY 7 p.m., Transfiguration Parish, 100 McKrell Road, Russellton.

27-NOV. 5 | 40 DAYS FOR LIFE Daily from 7- a.m.-7 p.m., Planned Parenthood, 933 Liberty Ave., Downtown Pittsburgh. Includes

prayer and fasting for an end to abortion.

For more information, e-mail Susan David at smfreedy@aol.com.

28 | SPECIAL PROGRAM “Intercessory Prayer: Bringing God’s Shalom to Your Neighborhood,” 10-11:30 a.m. and again from 7-8:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Cost is $8. To register, call 412-381-7676.

28-30 | CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily, Auditorium of Little Sisters of the Poor Home for the Aged, 1028 Benton Ave., Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights neighborhood.

29 | OKTOBERFEST

24 | SCRIPTURE STUDY Sundays, through Oct. 29, following 10 a.m.

Mass, St. Maurice Parish, 2001 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills. Series will follow Bishop Barron’s Pivatol Prayers Video series, and include discussion. Program is free and open to public. To register, call 412-271-0809.

24-26 | PARISH MISSION “How to Pray For Your Sons, Daughters and Loved Ones,” 7-9 p.m. nightly, St. Margaret Mary Parish, One Parish Place, Moon Township.

Presented by Vernon Robertson from his series “Seminar of Hope” on EWTN. Program is free, but registration is requested so a free manual can be provided. To register, call Chris Stasa at 412-269-0505.

24, OCT. 8, 22, NOV. 12, 26 | EXPOSTION with Benediction, 1:30-4:30 p.m., St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Road, Ross Township.

25 | CHRISTLIFE “Following Christ,” Mondays through Nov. 6, 7 p.m., Assumption Parish, 45 N Sprague Ave., Bellevue. Program is free and open to public, To register, call 412-766-6660.

25, OCT. 23 & NOV. 27 | “WINE, CHEESE & GOSPEL” 6:30-8 p.m., social hall of St. Paul Cathedral Parish, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Led by Father Kris Stubna, program offers participants a chance to learn about Catholic faith and grow in fellowship with others.

27 | THEOLOGY NIGHT CLUB 7-9 p.m., Upper Cardinal DiNardo Center of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township. Helen Paharik will present, “I Love Jesus, But I’m Not Wild About the Church — Why the Two Go Hand

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Angel’s Floral & Gifts, Inc. Stop in to see Angel’s Floral & Gifts new location.

Mention the Promotion Code to receive a discount.

Don’t forget that Homecoming and Grandparents Day are just around the corner.

t

Heidi M. Miller - Designer/Owner 5992 Steubenville Pike, Suite 994-D, McKees Rocks, PA 15136

Phone: (412) 787-2017 • Fax: (412) 787-1406 Angelsfloralandgifts.com • Angelsfloralandgifts.heidi@gmail.com

Please mention Promotional Code #4061009 on orders of $40.00 or more, and you will receive a $5.00 discount on your order.

Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 37

2017

FALL

events Guide

6-10 p.m. (dinner served from 6-9 p.m.), St. James Parish, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Featuring children’s games and tractor rides in an outdoor atmosphere with friendly fireside setting. Menu includes German potato salad, hot dogs, pork and beans, applesauce, German chocolate cake, Macaroni and cheese, sauerkraut and kielbasa.

Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. Cost is $12 for adults, $3 for children up to 7th grade, $5 for youth in 8th-12th grade, with drink included.

29 | PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING For those on Holy Land Pilgrimage (Oct. 30-Nov. 8), 6:30 p.m., St. Joseph the Worker, New Castle.

Pizza and drinks will be served.

29 | MASS, WITH SPECIAL INTENTION 7 p.m., Transfiguration Parish, 100 McKrell Road, Russellton. Mass is for special intention of spiritual deliverance for drug users and former users, and for drug dealers to turn away from this demonic business. For information, call 412-496-8582.

29-OCT 1 | WOMEN’S RETREAT “Louve is Our Mission, It is Yours?” 8 p.m. through noon on Sunday, Oct. 1, Martina Spiritual Renewal Center, 5244 Clarwin Ave., West View.

Presented by JoAnn Paradise. Cost is $130. To register, call 412-931-9766, or visit www.martinacenter.com.

29-OCT. 1 | WOMEN’S RETREAT 4:30 p.m. through noon on Sunday, Oct. 1, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Call 412-381-7676.

30 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “Fiction and Formation,” 9 a.m.- noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Steve Geitgey is facilitator. Cost is $10. To register, call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner.epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

30 | FALL FESTIVAL 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., St. John Parish, 668 Clearfield Road, Fenelton. Featuring huge indoor garage sale.

Food menu includes apple dumplings, homemade soups, hot dogs, hot sausage and stuffed cabbage.

30 | BLESSING OF ANIMALS Noon, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall.

30 | SPAGHETTI DINNER 5-7:30 p.m., St. Kilian School cafeteria, 7076 Franklin Road, Adams/Cranberry Townships.

38 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Cost is $8 adult advance ticket, $4 kid advance tickets, $10 adult ticket at the door, $5 kid ticket at the door, free for kids ages 3 and under. Includes spaghetti, bread, salad, beverage and dessert. For tickets, visit www.saintkilian.org/spaghetti.

30 | OKTOBERFEST 6-10 p.m., Teamster Hall Local 249, 4701 Butler St., Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Sponsored by Our Lady of the Angels Parish.

Menu includes brats and sauerkraut, German potato salad, red cabbage, pretzels and apple strudel. Entertainment includes German Dance

by Alpen Schuhplatter, from 7-7:30 p.m. John L. White will serve as singer and master of ceremonies. Cost is $15, with German Oktoberfest beers and wine available for $3. For information and tickets, call 412-682-0929.

Pumpkin turkey chili

Submitted by Michelle Berard St. Philip Parish, Crafton.

Recipe created by Liz Weiss, co-author “No Whine with Dinner.”

“I acquired this recipe while watching a medical television program in the doctor’s office waiting room. It is tasty and nutritious.”

OCTOBER

1 | CELTIC WAY 5K & FAMILY FUN RUN Sponsored by St. Kilian Parish/School, 8:30 a.m. registration (9 a.m. race begins), North Boundary Park, 1171 N. Boundary Road, Cranberry Township. Cost is $15 for walk, $25 for run and $55 for family. Features variety of prizes, contest and more. To register, visit www. saintkilian.org.

1 | CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Michael Parish, 101 McLay Drive, Elizabeth. Sponsored by Christian Mothers/Women’s Guild.

1 | ANOINTING MASS 11:30 a.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie. Lunch will follow. To register, call 412-276-1011., Ext. 221.

1 | BLESSING OF ANIMALS 1 p.m., steps outside Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 225 37th St., Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. Call 412-682-0929.

1 | LIFE CHAIN 1-2 p.m., various areas in and around Diocese of Pittsburgh. For more information, contact Mary Catherine at 412-781-6550, or call People Concerned for Unborn Child at 412-531-9272.

1 | ANNIVERSARY MASS For 39th anniversary of priestly ordination class of 1978, 3 p.m., St. Mary Church of St. Juan Diego Parish, 211 Garnier St., Sharpsburg.

2 | LECTURE 7-9 p.m., Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Township. John Haught will present “Evolution and Faith:

Ingredients 2 teaspoons canola oil 1 small onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice

(1 cup) 1 pound lean ground turkey 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes, undrained 1 15-ounce can 100 percent

pumpkin puree 1 15-ounce can pinto beans,

drained and rinsed 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Topping choices: shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese; light sour cream or plain yogurt; fresh cilantro.

Directions Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add onion and turkey, breaking up large pieces of meat. Cook until meat is no longer pink and onion softens (about five minutes). Add tomatoes, pumpkin, beans, corn, chili powder, cumin and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until the flavors are blended (about 20 minutes). Serve with optional toppings. Makes eight servings.

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What is at Stake?” Cost is $20. To register, call 412-366-1124 or e-mail kearns@cdpsisters.org.

2 & 14 | HOLY HOUR 7 p.m. (5 p.m. on Oct. 14), St. Therese of Lisieux, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall.

3 | CONCERT FOR AUBERLE “Voices Carry,” 6-10:30 p.m., Stage AE, 400 N. Shore Drive, Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Concert features an array of artists. Tickets range is $850 for high top table of four-$135 for stadium seat, with proceeds benefitting youth and families served by Auberle. For tickets, visit one.bidpal.net/voicescarry/welcome.

3 | HOLY HOUR 7 p.m., St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 2510 Middle Road, Glenshaw.

3| TRANSITUS OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI 7:15 p.m., Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 225 37th St., Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

3 & Nov. 7 | SUPPORT GROUP Listening Friends Suicide Loss Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Madonna del Castello Parish, 2021 S. Braddock Ave., Swissvale.

Call 412-508-5383.

3 | ADULT BIBLE STUDY “The Acts of the Apostles,” Tuesdays for 20 weeks, 7 p.m., Holy Child Parish, 212 Station St., Bridgeville. Program uses video lecture series by Jeff Cavins. Cost is $30, and includes workbook. To register, visit www.holychildrcparish.org.

4 | PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE “Lectio Divina,” 7-8:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Presented by Passionist Fathers Gerald Laba and Timothy Fitzgerald.

Cost is $8. To register, call 412-381-7676.

4 | FALL BOOK DISCUSSION Wednesdays through Nov. 15, 7:30-9 p.m., Ministry Center Library of St. Scholastica Parish, 309 Brilliant Ave. Cost is $20, payable at first session. Group will read and discuss “Seeking Spiritual Balance in an Off-Kilter World,”

by Kathy Hendricks. To register, e-mail Andrew Bechman at andybechman@saintscholastica. com, or call 412-781-0186, ext. 18.

4 & NOV. 1 | SUPPORT GROUP Listening Friends Suicide Loss Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., St. Joseph Parish, 342 Dorseyville Road, O’Hara Township. Call 412-508-5383.

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5 & NOV. 2 | DAY OF ADORATION

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

8 a.m. through rosary and Benediction at 6 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie.

“More “Morethan thanaaride ride......it’s it’san an SM SM Experience!”

Experience!”

5 | THEOLOGY, TEA & BREAKFAST 8 a.m. Mass, followed by breakfast and program, 8:30-10 a.m., Ascension Church of St. Philip Parish, 114 Berry St., Ingram. Topic is “Healthy Ways to Handle Stress in Our Lives.”

Also includes spiritual message and prayer. To register, call 412-922-6388.

5 | ADULT BIBLE STUDY “The Acts of the Apostles,” Thursdays for 20 weeks, 9:30 a.m., Holy Child Parish, 212 Station St., Bridgeville. Uses Jeff Cavins video lecture series. Cost is $30 for materials. To register, visit www.holychildrcparish.org.

September through December 18

Hours:

10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays Last Trolley Tour at 3:00 pm

5-7 | NATIONALITY FESTIVAL 4-10 p.m. on Oct. 5, 4-11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2-10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, St. Malachy Parish, 343 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Township. Large variety of nationality food booths, including German, Italian, Slovak, Mexican and American. Plus gyros, pierogies, cookies, funnel cakes, raffles, instant bingo and children games.

6-7 | OKTOBERFEST 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 7, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall. Fun for whole family, including variety of ethnic food, funnel cakes, bake sale, entertainment, fire pit, raffles and much more.

6-8 | FALL FESTIVAL 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 6, 1-6 p.m. on Oct. 7 and 8, SS. Peter & Paul School grounds, 370 E. End Ave., Beaver. Features variety of food, games, prizes, auction, bingo and more. For information, call 724-774-4450, e-mail ssppBeaverPTG@ gmail.com.

Pumpkin Patch Trolley

October 13-15, 20-22, 28-29

Santa Trolley

(On-line advance tickets recommended)

November 24-26 December 2-3, 9-10, 16-17

Trolley and Toy Trains December 1, 8 & 15

6-8 | WOMEN’S RETREAT 4:30 p.m. through noon on Sunday, Oct. 8, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Members of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Glenshaw, will be participating in this retreat. To register, call 412-381-7676.

6, 20, Nov. 3 & 17 | PRAISE & WORSHIP First and third Fridays of the month, 7-8:15 p.m., St John the Baptist, 444 St. John St., Plum.

6 & NOV. | FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONS • Exposition and Benediction, 7:30 a.m. through Benediction at 7 p.m., St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Road, Ross Township.

1 Museum Road Washington, PA 15301

724-228-9256 patrolley.org Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 39

2017

FALL

events Guide

• Mass & hour, 8 a.m. Mass, followed by holy hour, St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 821 Herman Road, Herman.

• 24-hour Eucharistic adoration, 9:30 a.m.-8:45 a.m. on Saturday, St. John the Baptist, 444 St. John St., Plum.

• Adoration vigil, 8 p.m. through 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township.

• Adoration vigil to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 8 p.m. through 10 a.m. on Saturday, Penn campus of St. Maria Goretti Parish, 5323 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh’s Garfield neighborhood.

• Nocturnal adoration, 10 p.m. through 7 a.m. on Saturday, St. Margaret Parish, 310 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree.

7 | CRAFT SHOW 8 a.m., St. Thomas More Parish, 126 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park.

7 | FLEA MARKET 8 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, One Grove Place, Pleasant Hills. Sponsored by Respect Life Group.

7 | WOMEN’S RETREAT DAY 9 a.m.-noon, St. Paul Cathedral, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

Capuchin Father Scott Seethaler will present, “Don’t Let Worry Win.” Sponsored by the Ladies of Charity, program is free with goodwill offering accepted. Registration deadline is Sept.

30. To register, contact the following: Gerry, 412-967-0468, gasparellagm@icloud.com; Wendy, 412-688-0831, wendysuewho@hotmail.com.

7 | CRAFT EXTRAVAGANZA 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Providence Heights, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Township. Sponsored

by Sisters of Divine Providence. Featuring more than 60 crafters, selling jewelry, woodworks, ceramic, seasonal items and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.cdpsisters. org/2017CraftExtravaganza.

7 | PURSE BASH 11:45 a.m. doors open, St. Joseph School, 825 Second St., Verona. Drawing for designer purse every 15 minutes, starting at 12:30 p.m..

Designers include Michael Kors, Coach, Kate Spade, Vera Bradley and more. Cost is 35, and includes lunch, beer and wine. Must be age 21 and over to attend. Only 250 tickets sold. For tickets, call 412-818-8305, or 412-559-4689.

40 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Crafts from Little Sisters of Poor’s annual Christmas Boutique.

7 | ANIMAL BLESSING 3:30 p.m., parking lot of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/ Marshall Township. Visit www.stsjohnandpaul.org

7 | FIRE NIGHT Faith Intergenerational Religious Education (FIRE) 6 p.m., Our Lady of Joy Parish, 2000 O’Block Road, Holiday Park. Includes Mass, followed by dinner. To register, call 412-795-3388.

7 & 8 | PARISH RUMMAGE SALE 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Oct. 8, St. Aloysius Parish, 3614 Mount Troy Road, Reserve Township. Featuring 18 rooms of items.

7 & 8 | CRAFT & VENDOR HOLIDAY SHOW 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Parish Center of Prince of Peace Parish, 81 S. 13th St., Pittsburgh’s South Side. For information, call 412-481-8380.

7 & 8 | ANOINTING MASSES 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m. on Oct. 8, SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township.

8 | BLOOD DRIVE 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lourdes Center of St. Bernadette Parish, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville.

To register, visit www.centralbloodbank.org, and use code G0040058. Walk-ins welcome.

8 | SUPER BINGO 12:30 p.m. doors open (1:30 p.m. early bird), Holy Spirit Parish, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin. Cost is $25 per person. For information, call 412-346-0477.

8 | FALL FUN FEST 1-6 p.m., social hall and courtyard of Holy Family Parish, 787 Freeport Road, Creighton.

Featuring food, games, basket raffle, cake wheel.

Menu will include haluski, kielbasa, German potato salad, apple dumplings and apple cider.

Disc jockey will provide entertainment.

9 | GOLF OUTING 11th Annual St. Thomas A Becket golf outing, 10 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. lunch, noon start time, South Hills Country Club, 4305 Brownsville Road, Whitehall. Registration fee includes range balls, golf, cart, lunch, cocktails, dinner, drink ticket and prizes. Live entertainment provided by Chris Highbee, founder of PovertyNeck Hillbillies.

Non golfers are invited to come and enjoy dinner, raffle, auction and entertainment. For information, and to register, call 412-650-1505, or visit www.birdeasepro.com/sttb10. Proceeds benefit parish’s recreation center project.

9 -11 | PARISH MISSION St. Joseph Parish, 1304 Fourth Ave., Coraopolis. Franciscan Father John Petrikovic will lead mission, titled “When you follow Jesus, you don’t know where you are going. You must trust, walk in faith and live in mystery.” For information, call parish at 412-264-6162 or visit www. stjosephcatholicchurch.net.

9 &16 | MEAL & PRESENTATION 6 p.m. meager meal, followed by presentation on the life of St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall. Call 412-462-8161.

10 | PRESENTATION

BY BRAD MATES Following 6:30 p.m. Mass, St. Anne Parish, 400 Hoodridge Drive, Castle Shannon. Speaker is host of “Life Issues,” a daily radio commentary on abortion and other life issues. For information, call parish at 412-531-5964.

10-12 | CATHOLIC KENTUCKY TRIP St. Valentine Parish in Bethel Park is planning a Catholic Kentucky trip. Highlights include Ark Encounter, historic Bardstown Basilica of St. Joseph Proto Cathedral, Abbey of Gethsemeni and more. Cost is $499 for double, $489 trip and $679 single and includes three meals,

Excellence in Education 2017

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Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine 41

2017

FALL

events Guide

admissions, tips and tour manager. For reservations, call 412-608-2939.

11 | HEALING MASS 7 p.m., St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Court, Munhall. Sponsored by Fraternity of Pittsburgh Priests.

12 | PERU MISSION DINNER 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, Sheraton Station Square Hotel, 300 W. Station Square, Pittsburgh’s South Side. Sponsored by Chimbote Foundation, to benefit diocesan mission in Chimbote, Peru. For information, and to register, visit www.chimbotefoundation.org.

Featuring all homemade food, with entertainment throughout the day.

14 | SPAGHETTI DINNER 4-7 p.m., Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave., Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights neighborhood.

Menu features spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce, salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Takeout available. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for those age 65 and over, $5 for children age 2-12. Featuring home cooked meal, gift basket auction and raffle.

For information, call 412-307-1100.

13 | ADMISSION EVENT “Viking for a Day,” for eighth-grade boys, Central Catholic High School, 4720 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Call 412-2083400, or visit www.centralcatholic.com.

14 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “ER for the Soul: Commitment to Prayerful Living,” 9 a.m.-noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood.

Presented by Dr. Susan Muto. Cost is $25. Call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner.epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

14 | CARD PARTY & LUNCHEON 10 a.m.-2 p.m., social hall of St. Richard Parish, 3841 Dickey Road, Richland Township. Cost is $15, and includes catered lunch, raffle, door prizes and more. Sponsored by the parish’s ladies group.

For tickets, call 412-605-7074. No tickets sold at the door.

14 | CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Holy Spirit Parish, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin. For information, call 412-466-7125.

14 | OKTOBERFEST 11 a.m.-2 p.m. lunch, 3-8 p.m. dinner, held in conjunction with monthly rummage sale (8 a.m.-2 p.m.), Most Holy Name Parish, 1700 Harpster St., Pittsburgh’s Mount Troy neighborhood.

42 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

15 | INDOOR PUMPKIN PICNIC 1:30 p.m., St. Margaret School cafeteria, 310 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree. Featuring pumpkin decorating and games for all ages. Hamburgers and hot dogs provided. For more information, call Karen at 412-921-0745, ext. 13.

15 | “FAITH AFLOAT” For high school age students, 3-6 p.m., Gateway Clipper Riverboat Fleet’s “Empress.” Includes dinner, talk by Father Tom Sparacino, witness

by Theresa Sullivan and praise and worship with Dave Beikowski. Father Mike Ackerman will serve as emcee. Cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Registration deadline is Oct. 2. To register, visit www.PGHPriest.com.

12 | AUTUMN GALA To benefit the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, South Hills Country Club, 4305 Brownsville Road, Whitehall. Includes gourmet dinner, basket raffle and more. Cost is $75 per person, $275 for 1/2 table (4 people) and $525 for table of eight.

For reservations, call 412-885-7232, or e-mail info@osfprov.org.

I Center. Celebration continues with cocktail hour and dinner at LeMont Restaurant, 1114 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood.

15-18 | PARISH RENEWAL

14 | FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 5:30 p.m. Mass, 7-8:30 p.m. festival of praise, Our Lady of Joy Parish, 2000 O’Block Road, Holiday Park.

14 | MYSTERY DINNER THEATER “Mobsters, Molls & Marinara,” 5:30-10 p.m., Our Lady of Peace Parish, 1000 Third Ave., Conway. Cost is $30, and includes dinner and audience participation show. For tickets, call Jackie at 724-869-9908, or Ellen at 724-869-3320.

14 | CHILI COOK-OFF 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Lourdes Center of St. Bernadette Parish, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville.

Featuring a variety of chili, home baked breads, brownies and Texas sheet cake. Also includes music, line dancing, bake sale and after event chili sale. Drinks, except iced tea and coffee, extra charge. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for those age 3-11 and free for those age 2 and below. For information, call parish at 412-373-0050.

14 | FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 7-8:30 p.m., St. Albert the Great Church of Holy Apostles Parish, 3171 Churchview Ave., Baldwin.

Adoration service includes contemporary worship music, homily and witness testimonials.

15 | 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHURCH For St. Mary Church of St. Juan Diego Parish.

Mass at noon, St. Mary Church, 211 Garnier St., Sharpsburg, with reception in parish’s John Paul

St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 2510 Middle Road, Glenshaw. Led by Father Dennis Chriszt and Margaret Saliga.

17 | SPEAKER SERIES 7 p.m., St. Malachy Parish, 343 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Township. Father Zach Galiyas will speak on “Our Lady of Good Success.” Refreshments will follow. Free and open to public. Call 412-771-5483, or e-mail parish@stmalachypgh. org.

18 | XLT Praise, worship and adoration, 6:30-8 p.m., SS. John and God Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township. Goodwill offering accepted. Visit www.stsjohnandpaul.org.

18 | XLTEEN PARTY 8-10 p.m., Upper Cardinal DiNardo Center of SS. John and Paul, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township. Visit www. stsjohnandpaul.org.

18 | CENTERING PRAYER “A Call From the Heart of Spirit,” Wednesdays through Nov. 22, 7-9 p.m., Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Township.

Presented by Sister of Divine Providence Margie Modro. Cost is $5 per session. To register, call 412-366-1124, or visit www.cdpsisters.org/kearns.

19-20 | CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT 5 p.m.-3 p.m., Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Township. This silent prayer will help participants experience God through centering prayer. Cost is $95, and

Excellence in Education 2017

includes accommodations and meals. Call 412-3661124 or visit www.cdpsisters.org/kearns.

19 & 26 | PROGRAM “Healing Life’s Hurts: Forgiveness as the Key to Inner Healing,” 7-8:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Participants are encouraged to attend both evenings. Cost is $8 per night. For information, and to register, call 412-381-7676.

20 | GALA DINNER & REVERSE RAFFLE “A Night in the French Quarter,” 6 p.m., St. Ursula Parish social hall, 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison Park. Evening features social hour, catered dinner, with New Orleans flair, and a chance to win cash prizes. Cost is $100, and includes a reverse raffle ticket for chance to win cash prizes including $1,000 jackpot. Ticket holder is entitled to bring one guest to gala dinner at a cost of $50. For tickets and information, call 412-654-4721, or e-mail jkowalski02@yahoo.com.

20 | DINNER & AUCTION To benefit St. Anthony School Programs, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. dinner, David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Featured speaker Lauren Potter, actress and advocate for those with intellectual disabilities. Tickets are $150. For information, call 724-940-9020, ext.

104. For tickets, visit www.stanthonykids.org.

20-21 | OCTOBER FUN FEST 4-8 p.m. on Oct. 20, noon-8 p.m. on Oct. 21, Rock Catholic Newman Center of St. Peter Parish, 342 Normal Ave., Slippery Rock. Attractions include Paint & Sip, Ninja Warrior Course, Big Six Wheel, face painting, basket raffle, homemade bake sale, bounce house, biergarten and more.

Carnival food menu includes kielbasa and kraut, homemade meatball sandwich, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, chicken fingers, funnel cakes and much more.

20-22 | WOMEN’S ALANO RETREAT 4:30 p.m.-11 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Call 412-381-7676.

20 | ORGAN CONCERT 7:30 p.m., St. Paul Cathedral Parish, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

Featuring Matthew Dirst. Call 412-621-6082, or e-mail pittsburghbeckerath@verizon.net.

21 | CARMELITE RETREAT “Mary Our Hope,” 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Martina Spiritual Renewal Center, 5244 Clarwin Ave.,

Excellence in Education 2017

West View. Sponsored by the Lay Carmelites of Pittsburgh. Program led by Father Lawrence Manchas, OCDS. Cost is $40, and includes breakfast and lunch. To register, call Elisha at 412-657-9317, Cecilia at 724-452-6677, or e-mail laycarmelites@yahoo.com

21 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “St. Elizabeth of the Trinity,” 9 a.m.-noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Lori Mitchell McMahon is facilitator. Cost is $20. To register, call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner.epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

Refrigerator nut cookies Submitted by Barbara Mesher St. John the Baptist Parish, Plum Borough “My mom always would bake them for me every time I came home from nursing school at Mercy. They were always a mainstay in our freezer, and so delicious!”

21 | SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE 9-11 a.m., Providence Heights Alpha School, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Township. For information, call 412-366-4455, or visit www. alphaschool.org.

21 | RED WAGON LUNCHEON Sponsored by Christ Child Society of All Saints Parish in Etna, 10 a.m., Pittsburgh Field Club, 121 Field Club Road, Fox Chapel. Cost is $40.

Proceeds benefit their mission to provide services to underserved children, including layettes, new winter coats, special needs camp and more. For reservations, call 412-485-9581.

21 | CASH BASH 5:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie. Sponsored by Christian Mothers and Guild. For information, visit www.

SEAScarnegie.org.

21 | CHANGE A HEART GALA “Circus is in Town,” gala for Change a Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:30-9:30 p.m. recognitions and auctions, Cardinal DiNardo Center of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township.

Led by ringmaster Doug Shields, and appearances

by Giggles the Clown and magic by O’Ryan the O’Mazing. Cost is $50 per person, $350 for table of eight. For tickets and more information, call 412-821-0861, or e-mail volunteers@sosf.org.

21 | GALA & REVERSE RAFFLE “Last Shamrock Standing,” St. Kilian Parish, 7076 Franklin Road, Adams/Cranberry Townships. For information and tickets, visit www. saintkilian.org/lastshamrock.

21-26 | PARISH MISSION Part of parish’s 75th anniversary celebration,

Ingredients 1 stick soft butter or margarine 1 cup granulated sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 1 egg (unbeaten) 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup chopped nuts Directions Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.

Beat in egg and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients together. Gradually add to butter/sugar mixture, beating after every addition. Shape into long rolls on wax paper (2-2 1/2 inches). Chill for several hours, or overnight. (May be used for future use if frozen).

Slice 1/8-1/4 thick (on hot days slice thicker). Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for seven minutes. Check frequently as not to burn. Yields about six dozen.

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St. Elizabeth Parish, One Grove Place, Pleasant Hills. Led by Capuchin Father Simeon Gallagher.

For more information, call 412-882-8744.

22 | PANCAKE BREAKFAST “All You Can Eat,” 8 a.m.-1 p.m., St. James School cafeteria, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, fruit cup and more. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under and free for children under 5.

rent and former players from the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins and more. Featuring refreshments and buffet, with music by the Duquesne University Jazz Band. Highlight is presentation of 2017 North Side Hall of Fame Award to Bishop David Zubik, with a special tribute to Daniel M. Rooney.

Donation is $100. For reservations, send check (made payable to Diocese of Pittsburgh/North Side Catholic & Neighbors), and mail to 111 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

24 | ORGAN CONCERT 7:30 p.m., St. Paul Cathedral Parish, 108 N.

22 | CELEBRATE LIFE LUNCHEON Sponsored by People Concerned for the Unborn Child (PCUC), 12:30 p.m. social, 1 p.m. lunch, Family Life Center of St. Thomas More Parish, 126 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park. Guest speaker is Dr. Rocco Adams. Cost is $35 each, $300 for table of 10. For tickets, call 412-531-9272, or visit www. pcuc.org.

22 | SPECIAL PROGRAM “Spiritual Warfare: Resisting the World, the Flesh and the Devil,” 1-8:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Cost is $45, and includes dinner. To register, call 412-381-7676.

22 | GOLDEN WEDDING CELEBRATION For couples celebrating 50th wedding anniversary any time this year, 2:30 p.m., St. Paul Cathedral, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Bishop Zubik is celebrant.

Light reception to follow. Couples should contact their parish to register.

23 | THEOLOGY NIGHT CLUB 7-9 p.m., Upper Cardinal DiNardo Center of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township. Father Joe Freedy will present, “From the Gridiron, Back to God.” Goodwill offering accepted. Visit www. stsjohnandpaul.org.

24 | PITTSBURGH SPORTS NIGHT 6-9 p.m., UPMC Club at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh’s North Side. Sponsored by North Side Friends and Neighbors, with proceeds benefiting Northside Catholic School. Guests can meet cur-

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28 | MAGNIFICAT BREAKFAST 9 a.m.-noon, DoubleTree by Hilton, 910 Sheraton Drive, Cranberry Township. Speaker is Maria Vadia, founder of the Glory of God Foundation.

Breakfast is sponsored by Magnificat Pittsburgh, a ministry for Catholic Women. Cost is $23. To register, e-mail info@magnificatpittsburgh.org, or visit www.magnificatpittsburgh.org.

28 | OKTOBERFEST DINNER 3-7 p.m.-St. Christopher Parish, 229 N. Franklin St., Prospect. Menu features pork roast, kielbasa, sauerkraut, potato pancakes, corn, mashed potatoes and more. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-10 and free for children 5 and under. Also featuring flea market. Takeout available.

28 | HALLOWEEN OLDIES DANCE Most Holy Name Parish Hall, 1700 Harpster St., Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood. Call 412-231-2994.

22 | PARISH FEAST DAY 12:30 p.m., St. Ursula Parish, 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison Park. Public is invited to join parish family in celebration of St. Ursula’s feast. For information, call 412-654-4721, or e-mail jkowalski102@ yahoo.com.

To register, visit www.pittsburghmercy.org/ parish-nurse-program.

Dithridge St., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

Featuring Giancarlo Parodi. For information, call 412-621-6082, or e-mail pittsburghbeckerath@ verizon.net.

26-29 | FLEA MARKET 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 9 a.m.-noon on Oct. 29, McDowell Hall of Epiphany Parish, 164 Washington Place, Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood. Treasures for everyone, including donations from Mahla & Co. Antiques, located in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

26 | FALL AUCTION 6 p.m., Clairvaux Hall of St. Bernard Parish, 311 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon. Call 412-341-5444, or visit www.stbschool.net.

28 | HEALTH MINISTRY SYMPOSIUM “Celebrating Health Ministry — Our Past, Present and Future,” 25th annual Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Symposium, 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m., Auditorium of UPMC Mercy, 1400 Locust St., Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood.

Guest speaker is Marlene Feagan, president of Health Ministries Association Inc. Cost is $40 for registered nurses to receive continuing education credits (CEU), $30 for those not receiving CEUs, $20 for undergraduate nursing students, seminarians and religious clergy. Includes brunch and free parking. For more information, call 412-232-5815 or e-mail ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org.

29 | HEALTH FAIR 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall. Flu shots available.

29 | HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES • For students in grades 6-11, noon-3 p.m., Bishop Canevin High School, 2700 Morange Road, Crafton. Call 412-922-7400.

• For all grade levels, 12-2:30 p.m., St. Joseph High School, 800 Montana Ave., Natrona Heights.

Call Director of Admissions at 724-226-4932, or e-mail admissions@saintjosephhs.com.

• Noon-3 p.m., Our Lady of Sacred Heart High School, 1504 Woodcrest Ave., Moon Township.

Call 412-262-3300, or visit www.olsh.org.

• 1:30-3:30 p.m., Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, 1617 Route 228, Cranberry Township. Visit www.cwnchs.org.

• 2-4 p.m., Quigley Catholic High School, 200 Quigley Drive, Baden. Visit www.QCHS.org.

29 | ROSARY MAKING WORKSHOP 1:30-3 p.m., St. Margaret School cafeteria, 310 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree. Goodwill offering accepted. Call Karen at 412-921-0745.

NOVEMBER 2 | MASS OF REMEMBRANCE 7 p.m., St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall.

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2 | THEOLOGY, TEA & BREAKFAST 8 a.m. Mass, followed by gathering, Ascension Church of St. Philip Parish, 114 Berry St., Ingram.

Topic, “Scrapbooking: The Perfect Gift.” Call 412-922-6388.

3-5 | WOMEN’S RETREAT 4:30 p.m.-noon on Sunday, Nov. 5, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. To register, call 412-381-7676.

4 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “Richard Rolle,” 9 a.m.-noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Steve Geitgey is facilitator. Cost is $20. To register, call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner@epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

4 | FIRE CONFERENCE “Faith, Intercession, Repentance, Evangelism (FIRE) for the New Millennium Conference,” noon, Robert Read Performing Arts Center of

Gateway High School, 3000 Gateway Campus Blvd. in Monroeville. Speakers include Bishop Edward Malesic, Sister Ann Shields, Dominick Albano, Nicole Abisinio and Greg Capozzi.

Sponsored by St. Bernadette and North American Martyrs Parishes in Monroeville. To register, visit www.namcatholicchurch.org/ fire-conference, or e-mail 1026hernandez@ gmail.com.

4 | ORGAN RECITAL 4 p.m., Most Holy Name Parish, 1700 Harpster St., Pittsburgh’ Troy Hill neighborhood.

Part of parish’s 150th anniversary celebration.

Hors d’oeuvres reception to follow.

4 | FIRE NIGHT Faith Intergenerational Religious Education, (FIRE), 6 p.m., Our Lady of Joy, 2000 O’Block Road, Holiday Park.

5 | ALL SAINTS TEA 2-4 p.m., Parish Center of St. Maurice Parish, 2001 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills. Formal tea,

with sandwiches, scones and desserts. Featuring reflection on saints, and an activity. Cost is $10 per person. To register, call 412-271-0809.

6 & 19 | HOLY HOUR 7 p.m., St. Therese of Lisieux, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall.

7 | HOLY HOUR 7 p.m., St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, 2510 Middle Road, Glenshaw.

7 | ORGAN CONCERT 7:30 p.m., St. Paul Cathedral Parish, 108 N. Dithridge St., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Featuring Margaret Hooper.

For information, call 412-621-6082, or e-mail pittsburghbeckerath@verizon.net.

8 | BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY Wednesdays, through Dec. 6, St. Therese of Lisieux, 1 St. Therese Ct., Munhall. For more information, call 412-462-8161.

Our Mission The Catholic Cemeteries Association (CCA) is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. The mission of the CCA is to:  Administer the Corporal Work of Mercy of burying the dead and to care for their resting places.  Preserve, promote and protect the Church's teachings on death and resurrection.

 Console the bereaved.  Encourage prayers for the deceased, especially in our Catholic cemeteries.

Thousands of people have turned to The Catholic Cemeteries Association for over 60 years as a trusted advisor in planning for their final arrangements in the Catholic tradition.

TO RECEIVE INFORMATION ABOUT PRE-PLANNING AND A FREE CATHOLIC RECORD FILE CONTACT US:

Call Toll Free: 1-877-886-7526 Email: questions@ccapgh.org Visit: www.ccapgh.com

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9 | LECTURE 7-9 p.m., Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless Township. Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer will present “Faith in Violence: Is Religion Killing Us?” Sponsored by Association of Pittsburgh Priests. Cost is $20. To register, call 412-366-1124, or e-mail kearns@cdpsisters.org.

10 | BINGO 5 p.m., social hall of St. Kilian Parish, 7076 Franklin Road, Adams/Cranberry Townships. For tickets, visit www.saintkilian.org/bingo.

10-12 | MEN’S RETREAT 4:30 p.m. through noon on Sunday, Nov. 12, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Call 412-381-7676.

11 | CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR 9 a.m.-3 p.m., St. Januarius Parish, 1450 Renton Road, Plum Borough.

9 | MEMORIAL MASS & SPEAKER 6:30 p.m. Memorial Mass to honor deceased loved ones, Our Lady of Peace Parish, 1000 Third Ave., Conway. Following Mass, Capuchin Father Scott Seethaler will speak on surviving the holidays while grieving, followed by reception.

11 | CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR 9 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Ursula School cafeteria, 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison Park. Shop from selection of handmade art and craft creations, and also find products by popular home-based business representatives. Refreshments available. Call 412-654-4721.

11 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “Fiction and Formation,” 9 a.m.-noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Steve Geitgey is facilitator. Cost is $20. Call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner.epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

11 | CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., new church hall, Holy Rosary Parish, 246 Muse Bishop Road, Muse.

Featuring a variety of items and crafts for sale, as well as food and bake sale. Proceeds benefit parish’s CCD program.

11 | CRAFT SHOW 10 a.m.-3 p.m., DeLuca Hall of North American Martyrs Parish, 2526 Haymaker Road, Monroeville. Admission is free, and features high-quality handmade items like jewelry, wooden blanket

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Divine Providence Sister Ana Leticia Plasencia Barrios shows items at the vendor table during the sisters’ annual craft extravaganza.

racks, decorations and handmade items from around the world. Lunch is also available for sale, including homemade pierogies and baked goods.

11 | CROATIAN HERITAGE DAY Lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner 3-8 p.m., Most Holy Name Parish, 1700 Harpster St., Pittsburgh’s Troy Hill neighborhood. Featuring homemade foods, live entertainment and large display of historical Croatian items.

11 | BAKE SALE Noon-6 p.m., Holy Family Hall of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie.

Sponsored by Christian Mothers and Guild, sale features homemade breads and other treats.

11 | GRIEF SUPPORT “Surviving the Holidays,” 3:30-5 p.m., multi purpose room of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township. Visit www.stsjohnandpaul.org.

11 | NIGHT AT THE RACES 5:30 p.m. doors open (7 p.m. races), Holy Spirit Parish, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and includes buffet dinner, beverages and one horse.

Call 412-346-0477.

11 | FESTIVAL OF PRAISE 7-8:30 p.m., St. Albert the Great Church of Holy

Apostles Parish, 3171 Churchview Ave., Baldwin.

Adoration service with worship music, homily and testimonials.

14 | SPEAKER SERIES 7 p.m., St. Malachy Parish, 343 Forest Grove Road, Kennedy Township. Capuchin Father Scott Seethaler is scheduled speaker. Refreshments will follow talk. For information, call 412-771-5483, or e-mail parish@stmalachypgh.org.

14 | MASS CELEBRATING BEATIFICATION 6:30 p.m., St. Augustine Church of Our Lady of the Angels Parish, 225 37th St., Pittsburgh Lawrenceville neighborhood. Mass is in celebration of beatification of Capuchin Father Solanus Casey.

15 | SPECIAL PROGRAM 7-8:30 p.m., St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Passionist Father Junesh Xavier will present “Let Go and Let God.” Offering is $8. To register, call 412-381-7676.

17 | PARISH FEAST DAY Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Parish, One Grove Place, Pleasant Hills, with all day Eucharistic adoration, and an Easter European dinner. For

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reservations, call parish office at 412-882-8744.

17 | TURKEY BINGO 7 p.m. (early bird at 6:30 p.m.), St. James School cafeteria, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Cost is $10 for 20 games. Prizes include certificate for turkey or chicken. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council 5367.

17-19 | MEN’S RETREAT 4:30 p.m. through noon on Sunday, Nov. 19, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Call 412-381-7676.

18 | WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP CONFERENCE “Brave,” 7:45 a.m., Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School, 1617 PA Route 228, Cranberry Township. Speakers include Helen Alvare, Father Dave Pivonka, Father Joe Freedy and more. For updates and information, visit www.cwfpitt.org.

18 | CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., St. Louise de Marillac Parish campus, 320 McMurray Ave., Upper St. Clair.

Show features 121 crafters, as well as bake sale, Chinese auction, lunch and snacks. Admission is $2. By order of Upper St. Clair fire marshall, strollers are not permitted. For information, e-mail rrcassidy@verizon.net.

18 | FAMILY VOLUNTEER DAY 9-11 a.m., Clairvaux Hall of St. Bernard Parish, 311 Washington Road, Mount Lebanon. For information, call 412-341-5444, or visit www. stbschool.net.

18 | MEDITATING WITH THE MASTERS “Benedict of Nursia,” 9 a.m.-noon, Epiphany Association, 820 Crane Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Dr. Susan Muto is facilitator. Cost is $20. To register, call 412-341-7494, or e-mail vbittner.epiphanyassociation@gmail.com.

18 | PLASTIC MAT WORKSHOP 9:30 a.m., St. Luke hall of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie. Sponsored by the Ladies of Charity. Participants will crochet plastic bags into waterproof mats for the homeless. Volunteers who do not crochet are also needed to help cut the “plarn” (plastic yarn). Visit www.SEAScarnegie.org.

18 | INSPIRATIONAL PROGRAM “Find Your Greatness — An Inspirational Evening with Dr. Allen Hunt,” 6-10:30 p.m., SS. Peter and Paul Parish, 200 Third St., Beaver.

Hunt is nationally known speaker and best selling author, and serves alongside Matthew Kelly on the Dynamic Catholic team. Evening

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features live music and a bag of Dynamic Catholic resources. Tickets are $25. For information, call 724-775-4111 or visit www.DynamicCatholic. com/Aliquippa.

19 | SUPER BINGO Doors open at 12:30 p.m., early bird at 1:30 p.m., Holy Spirit Parish, 2603 Old Elizabeth Road, West Mifflin. Cost is $25 per person. Call 412-346-0477.

19 | MUSIC PLUS CONCERT 3 p.m. (pre-concert with local musicians at 2:30 p.m.), St. James Parish, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Cynthia DeAlmeida, principal oboe with Pittsburgh Symphony, will perform music written for the oboe. Goodwill offering accepted.

Reception follows concert. Concert is free and open to the public. To register, call 412-741-6650, or e-mail s.schaefer@comcast.net.

23 | THANKSGIVING DINNER 1:30-3:30 p.m., Lourdes Center of St. Bernadette Parish, 245 Azalea Drive, Monroeville.

Dinner is free and open to all, especially those who may be alone for the holiday. Call 412-373-0050 for planning purposes.

24-26 | MEN’S ALANO RETREAT 4:30 p.m. through 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 26, St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center, 148 Monastery Ave., Pittsburgh’s South Side. Call 412-381-7676.

WEEKLY SUNDAYS • Tridentine Masses, 8 and 11 a.m., St. John XXII Quasi Parish, 2208 East St.,Pittsburgh’s North Side • Signed Mass for deaf community, 11:30 a.m., St. Mary of the Mount, 403 Grandview Ave., Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood.

• Mass for Korean Catholic Community, 11 a.m., St. John Cantius of St. Juan Diego Parish, Sharpsburg. Call 412-737-1254.

• Mass in Spanish, noon, St. Regis Parish, 32335 Parkview Ave., Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.

• Mass in Spanish, 1 p.m., St. Catherine of Siena, 1810 Belasco Ave., Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood.

MONDAYS • Bingo, doors open at 5 p.m., Resurrection Parish, 1100 Creedmoor Ave., Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood.

• Bingo, 5:30 p.m., Bishop Canevin High School, 2700 Morange Road, Crafton.

Sponsored by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Carnegie.

TUESDAYS • Men’s Faith Sharing, 6:30 a.m., St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave.,Carnegie. For information, visit www.SEAScarnegie.org.

• Adoration, 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Grotto Chapel of SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park/Marshall Township.

• Adult Faith Sharing, 2 p.m., Bayley Building of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie.

• Farmer’s market, 3-7 p.m., St. Thomas More, 126 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park.

• St. Peregrine novena, 6:30 p.m. Mass, followed by novena prayers, Corpus Christi Parish, 2515 Versailles Ave., McKeesport.

• Bingo, 7 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.), St. Ursula Parish hall, 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison Park.

Cost is $20. For information, call Bob Jarvis at 412-486-1591.

WEDNESDAYS • Adoration & Worship, Eucharistic adoration from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., concluding with praise and worship music led by Katy Blythe, starting at 6 p.m. Benediction is at 6:50 p.m., with Mass at 7 p.m, St. Raphael Parish, 1154 Chislett St., Pittsburgh’s Morningside neighborhood. For information, call 412-661-3100, ext. 111.

• Faith Sharing for Adults, 7 p.m., Bayley Building of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 330 Third Ave., Carnegie. For men and woman. For information, visit www.SEAScarnegie.org.

• Six Steps to Sanity, 7-8:30 p.m., SS. John and Paul Parish, 2586 Wexford Bayne Road, Franklin Park, Marshall Township. Program is to help support family members of adult addicts.

FRIDAYS Farmer’s Market, through Oct., noon-5 p.m., lower parking lot St. Ursula Parish, 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison Park. Features baked goods from parish bakers, as well as locally grown produce from Sturges Orchards.

SATURDAYS Farmer’s market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., St. James Parish, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley.

Max Vanko mural tours, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Nicholas Parish, 24 Maryland Ave., Millvale.

Call 412-407-2570.

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Fall Road Trip:

Encounter with Our Lady of Fatima

By PEGGY ZEZZA

The entrance to Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lakawanna, New York.

“It is a journey of prayer, an encounter with the Lord and the holy mother of the church,” said Pope Francis in May when speaking of his pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal. He took the journey this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to three Portuguese children, Jacinta and Francisco Marto (now St. Jacinta and St. Francisco), and their cousin Lucia dos Santos (also known by her religious name, Sister Maria Lucia of Jesus). Apparitions occurred on the 13th of the month from May to October 1917 in the mountainous region of Portugal.

Those seeking a similar encounter during the 100th anniversary year of Fatima can look to the Niagara region of New York. A four-hour road trip by car, via interstates 79 and 90 from Pittsburgh, will bring you to this encounter at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston, New York.

As you come upon the shrine you walk along the impressive Avenue of Saints, featuring 130 life-size marble and bronze

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statues representing saints from different nationalities and walks of life. The pathway continues to the rosary pool, where you come upon a giant heart-shaped rosary, said to be the largest outdoor rosary in the world. The rosary is comprised of 59 lights, ending with a marble crucifix. Surrounding the rosary are life-size statues of the apostles. A plenary indulgence may be gained by those who recite the rosary here.

The focal point of the shrine is the domed basilica, layered in glass and Plexiglas, featuring a contour of the northern hemisphere of the globe. Aside from the main worship area under the glass, there are side chapels for quiet prayer devoted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and Blessed Sacrament. Mass is celebrated inside Monday through Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Sunday at 9 a.m., noon and 5 p.m.

If physically possible, a great way to get an overview of the shrine is to climb the 63 steps outside the basilica to the top of the dome. There stands a 13-foot-high,

10-ton statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which looks over the shrine. This vantage point is perfect to see the natural beauty of the campus and the surrounding countryside, especially in the fall.

Whether you are inside or outside, you will be drawn to spend the entire day (or days) at this serene holy place that offers many locales to encounter Mary and the Lord in prayer and silence. One of those places is a meditation area that includes statues of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, Vietnamese martyrs and more. Another beautiful location is the waterfall. There you find the “Angels of Fatima,” a statuary group that represents the appearances of an angel to the three children prior to the apparition of Mary. This is near the Little Chapel of Fatima, a replica of the first chapel built in Fatima, Portugal. You can pray at shrines dedicated to St. Anne and St. Joachim, Mary’s parents, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Frances Cabrini, St. Jude and more.

To help navigate the area, maps are available in the comfortable pilgrim center that includes a cafeteria and store.

While in the area, you should also plan to visit the majestic Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica in Lackawanna, New York. The basilica was the dream of Father Nelson Baker, who after visiting Our Lady of Victory in Paris, France, wanted to honor Our Lady in the same way in America. His dream came true in 1926 when the shrine was dedicated.

Father Baker used the finest materials and workmanship, and it shows as soon as you come upon the basilica, built of white marble with a 165-foot-high copper dome.

There is so much to be impressed by as you walk through the huge bronze doors to the worship space. You barely notice the gently sloping floor that allows an unobstructed view of the main altar.

Your eyes come upon the works of art surrounding the 80-foot dome, including

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One of 1,000 angels at Our Lady of Victory Basilica.

View of giant outdoor rosary, surrounded by statues of apostles.

One of many places to reflect and pray on campus.

FOR MORE INFO

Inside glass Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

the assumption of Mary and the coronation of the Blessed Mother.

Every detail of the basilica is striking and symbolic, from the African mahogany pews, to the life-like Stations of the Cross.

Aside from Masses, there are opportunities to pray at the many side chapels and shrines dedicated to St. Patrick, St. Aloysius and more.

The true focal point of the basilica is angels, since it was designed to have an

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angel placed in every sight line. They are in the lamps, candleholders, Stations of the Cross and elsewhere. Father Baker said there are 1,000 angels in the building, but estimates put the number at 1,500 to 2,500.

Tours are given of this architectural masterpiece. You can visit for Mass, confessions or sit in prayer among the angels.

After your pilgrimage is complete,

Visit the following informative websites that offers directions, lodging and points of interest.

National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima: 1023 Swann Road, Youngstown, NY 14147; phone 1-716754-7489; www.fatimashrine.com.

Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica: 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218; rectory, 1-716-828-9444; for tours, 1-716-828-7517; www.ourladyofvictory.org.

For extensive information on the Niagara region, visit www.niagarafallsusa.com. you can stay in the area for an extended vacation. There are a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy. You can visit the great natural wonder of Niagara Falls, participate in outside adventures like fishing and hiking at several of the region’s parks or visit historic sites like Old Fort Niagara.

Zezza is circulation manager and parish news coordinator for the Pittsburgh Catholic.

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Comics project promoted wide range of social messages from 1949-67

The National Social Welfare Assembly’s Comics Project was a collaboration between The National Social Welfare Assembly and National Comics, the company which became DC Comics. A committee of experts from social agencies developed the concepts, messages and scripts.

Then, editors and artists at National Comics created and printed the comic pages.

When the project was conceived, comics were both an extremely popular medium and under attack as negative influence on youth.

The project leaders, who included members of the National Assembly,

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experts from other youth and social service agencies, and representatives from National Comics, hoped to positively influence the large comics reading audience. National Comics also hoped that the project would improve the comic industry’s negative public image.

The nation’s Catholic bishops were among the many organizations that supported and promoted the project.

The project lasted from August, 1949 to July, 1967, and produced over 200 comic pages. Over the life of the project, the comics promoted a range of social messages including fair play, racial and religious understanding

and equality, a democratic vision of U.S. history, international relations and America’s role in the post-war world, personal values, health and safety and citizenship. Superman and Superboy appeared in these wholesome stories, along with other characters such as Peter Porkchops, Buzzy, and Binky.

The one-page social message comics appeared in 10 million magazines a month with an estimated readership of 40 million. Reprints of selected pages were also distributed to teachers, counselors, librarians, social agencies, and civic groups and used as stand-alone teaching tools.

Excellence in Education 2017

Excellence in Education 2017

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IF IT WASN’T FOR A DEGREE IN MARKETING, I CAN HONESTLY SAY I WOULDN’T BE WHERE I AM TODAY. I’M A SELF-TAUGHT PHOTOGRAPHER, BUT LA ROCHE TAUGHT ME THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MARKETING AND RUNNING A COMPANY, WHICH IS WHAT I DO EVERY DAY. - CHRISTINA SHIELDS PEARSON ’12 Fashion Photographer Christina Emilie, New York City

OPEN HOUSE SEPT. 23 | laroche.edu 52 Pittsburgh Catholic Magazine

Excellence in Education 2017