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An E-Newsletter from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
June 2010
Volume II  Number  6
Welcome! 
 
Welcome to the June  edition of E-vangelist, a monthly E-Newsletter from the Communications Office of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. Summer is here and the Diocesan staff is ready to take advantage of the warm weather for several outdoor events. Outdoor Masses have resumed in Loretto, the Commission for Life and Justice is in the midst of a series of outdoor gatherings and Faith Day at the Blair County Ballpark is almost here. You can read more about these events in this edition of E-vangelist. Both sessions of Camp Zacchaeus are also right around the corner. We hope this summer is a time of relaxation and spiritual growth for you and your family.  
 
 
In This Issue
Ordination
Prince Gallitzin Cross
Faith Day Preparations
Congratulations, Graduates!
Life and Justice Events
Parish Milestone
Discernment Retreat
News and Notes
 
  
Ministry Quicklinks
 
Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
 
Independent Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
 
 
Pennsylvania Catholic Conference
www.pacatholic.org
 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
 
 
 
July guests on Bishop Joseph's Can We Talk? segment on Proclaim!:
 
proclaim!
 
July 4  -- On this Independence Day, Betsy Chilcote of Sacred Heart Parish in Altoona discusses how her faith sustains her as her son serves in the military and the support she receives from her parish family. 
 
July 11 -- Teen Talk co-hosts Samantha Slezak and Adam Wood interview Bishop Joseph about natural disasters.   
 
July 18 -- Prince Gallitzin Cross winners Joan Noonan of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Frugality and Douglas Puchko of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Johnstown talk about the time and talent they share with their parishes. 
 
July 25 -- Bill Hiergeist, Executive Director of the Independent Foundation of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, joins Bishop Joseph to mark the 20th anniversary of the Foundation.
 
 
 
Proclaim! airs every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on WWCP TV FOX 8. The live Mass from Saint John Gualbert Cathedral in Johnstown airs at 11:00 a.m. on WWCP and is rebroadcast at 9:00 p.m. on Atlantic Broadband Channel 9 in the Altoona area.
 
 
  
Coming up in the June 21 edition of The Catholic Register:

the catholic register
 
 
 
  • Bishop Joseph talks about change and the Priesthood in his "For the Good of the Household" column.
 
  • Msgr. Tim Stein pays tribute to parishes that have marked milestones in his "Another Perspective" column.
 
  
Bishop's Random Comments
 
francine swope 
 
Don't miss Bishop Joseph's blog Random Comments on the Diocesan website at www.ajdiocese.org.
Bishop Joseph writes about a variety of issues and invites readers to e-mail him questions and comments.
 
 
 
 
 
Radio Maria

francine swope
Listen to Radio Maria on WHHN 88.1 FM or go to the Diocesan website at www.ajdiocese.org and click on the Radio Maria button on the right.
 
 
 
Bishop Ordains One Priest, Five Permanent Deacons
 
ordination 2010On May 22, Bishop Joseph ordained John Michael Gibbons to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood and Charles Richard Ahearn, David George Hornick, Thomas Jerome McFee, Michael Lewis Russo and James Lynn Woomer, Sr., to the Sacred Order of Permanent Deacon. 
 
Father Gibbons was born in Albany, NewYork, and graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Accounting. After graduation, Father Gibbons sold computer software and hardware around the country for 30 years. He was married for 21 years before his wife passed away in 2002.  Father Gibbons attended the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corner, Wisconsin. As a seminarian, he served at Our Lady of the Alleghenies Parish in Lilly and Saint Andrew Parish in Johnstown. Father Gibbons will receive a parish assignment that will take effect in July.
 
deacon ordination 2010Deacon Ahearn has been assigned to Saint Mary Parish in Hollidaysburg; Deacon Hornick has been assigned to Saint Michael Parish in St. Michael; Deacon McFee has been assigned to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish in Altoona; Deacon Russo has been assigned to Saint John Gualbert Cathedral Parish in Johnstown; and Deacon Woomer has been assigned to Saint Rose of Lima Parish in Altoona. [Top photo: Father John Gibbons (center) joins Bishop Joseph and Father Brian Saylor, Diocesan Director of Vocations. Bottom photo: (left to right) Deacon Gene Neral, Diocesan Director of Diaconal Formation, Deacon Michael Russo, Deacon Thomas McFee, Deacon James Woomer, Deacon Charles Ahearn, Deacon David Hornick and Bishop Joseph.]
 

 
gallitzin cross 2010Bishop Joseph Presents Eleven with Gallitzin Cross
Bishop Joseph presented eleven people with the Prince Gallitzin Cross during a ceremony on June 5 at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson. The Bishop created the award in 1990 as a way of honoring those who exhibit the "evangelizing spirit" of the Prince-Priest Demetrius A. Gallitzin. Among the 2010 awardees were Father Alan Thomas, Pastor of Resurrection Parish in Johnstown; Monsignor Samuel Tomaselli, Senior Priest; and Sister Nancy Spence, CCW, Parochial Administrator of Saint Joseph Parish in Renovo. The other eight honorees -- Gaye Boyer of Saint Aloysius Parish in Cresson; Marie Brown of Holy Rosary Parish in Altoona; Lois Drahnak of Holy Name Parish in Ebensburg; Joan Noonan of Saint Joan of Arc Parish in Frugality; Douglas Puchko of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Johnstown; James and Mary Agnes Roccio of Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown and Susan Stith of the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Loretto were recognized for their work on a parish and/or Diocesan level.  [Photo: (front row, left to right) Susan Stith, Marie Brown, Lois Drahnak, Sister Nancy Spence, CCW, and Joan Noonan; (Back row, left to right) Douglas Puchko, Gaye Boyer, Father Alan Thomas, Bishop Joseph, Monsignor Samuel Tomaselli, and Mary Agnes and James Roccio.]
 
 
Prince Gallitzin CrossFaith Day Preparations
The Diocese is preparing for the second annual Faith Day at the Blair County Ballpark. The event will be held on June 26. Bishop Joseph will celebrate Mass on the field at 4:30 p.m. The Mass will fulfill the Sunday obligation. Games and activities for kids will be featured after Mass and during the game. A Parade of Parishes -- with representatives from parishes throughout the Diocese -- will be held before the game. You need a game ticket to enter the ballpark for Mass. All those who come to Faith Day are asked to bring nonperishable items for Catholic Charities or make a cash donation. Those who do so will be eligible for prizes. For tickets, call the Altoona Curve at 1-877-99 CURVE or visit the Curve's website at  www.altoonacurve.com.

 
Guilfoyle Graduation 2010Congratulations, Graduates!
Graduation Masses and ceremonies were held for the three independent Catholic high schools in the Diocese. Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School graduation was held on May 26 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona; Bishop Carroll Catholic High School graduation was held on May 27 at Holy Name Parish in Ebensburg; Bishop McCort Catholic High School graduation was held on May 28 at Saint Benedict Parish in Johnstown. Bishop Joseph was the Celebrant of all three Masses. The Bishop reminded the graduates to remember who they are as Catholics. He also told graduates that just as a plant or tree must bear good fruit, so must they bear good fruit throughout their life.               Prince Gallitzin Cross 
[Top Photo: Bishop Guilfoyle graduates Melissa Wolfe, Lauren Spahn and Marissa Stayer. Bottom Photo: Bishop Carroll award winners -- (Left to right) Kristie Wolfe, Principal; Savannah Settle, French Award; Elyse Zabrzeski, Ursula J. Pawloski Award; Karlee Ertter, Science Award; Emily Waksmunski, Salutatorian and History and Religion
Award; Cara Semelsberger,
Art Award; and Bishop
Joseph.]
 
 
 
 
 
Tom BakerCommission Celebrates Works of Life and Justice
The Diocesan Commission for Life and Justice is hosting a series of events in June spotlighting works of life and justice in our parishes and our communities. Outdoor gatherings were held in Altoona on June 6 and in Johnstown on June 13. The last gathering is scheduled for June 27, at 2:00 p.m., at Holmes Foster Park in State College -- rain or shine. All are welcome to come and share their story. For more information, please visit the Diocesan website at www.ajdiocese.org[Photo: Tom Baker of Saint Michael the Archangel Parish in Hollidaysburg talks about the "Over 80" ministry at Saint Michael during the June 6 Life and Justice gathering in Altoona.]
 
Saint Mary anniversaryAltoona Parish Marks Milestone
Saint Mary (Immaculate Conception) Parish in Altoona celebrated its 150th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving on June 13. Bishop Joseph was the Celebrant and Homilist; Monsignor Timothy Stein, Pastor of Saint Mary; and other priests of the Diocese concelebrated. Saint Mary is the second-oldest parish in the city of Altoona. It was formally incorporated in 1860 and dedicated in December of that year. From its inception, the parish served German immigrants in the city of Altoona and, to this day, boasts a large German-American congregation. Bishop Joseph offered thanks and congratulations to parishioners. He reminded the Saint Mary family to "remember who they are" and encouraged them to be living examples of God's grace.   [Photo: Bishop Joseph and Msgr. Stein accept Offertory Gifts from Alicia Greiner and Doug Wise.]
 
Vocation Discernment Retreat
Are you called to the Priesthood? A "Come and See! Discernment Retreat" will be held July 21-23, 2010, at Saint John the Baptist Retreat Center in New Baltimore. The retreat begins at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and concludes after lunch on Friday. The retreat is open to single men age 15-50 interested in serving Jesus Christ and His people, the Church.
The retreat will include: spiritual conferences; Eucharist and Liturgy of the Hours with Diocesan seminarians; Sacrament of Reconciliation; time for personal prayer; picnic and free time at Shawnee Lake; and a Vocations Mass, conversation and lunch with Bishop Joseph. For reservations, contact:
     Father Brian Saylor, Director of Vocations
     Prince Gallitzin Chapel House
     P.O. Box 99
     Loretto, PA  15940
     Phone: (814) 472-5441
     E-mail: [email protected]

 
News & Notes from Around the Household of God
  
Prince Gallitzin Cross"Theology on Tap -- The Conversations Continue" will be held on June 21, at 7:00 p.m., at PJ's Tavern in Cresson. Young people from the ages of 18-35 are invited for a gathering of friends and some engaging conversations on matters religious and otherwise. Local guitarist Bruce Shettig will provide entertainment. No cover charge!
 
 
 
The Johnstown office of Catholic Charities, Inc., is moving on July 1, to the Seifert Professional Building. The new address is: 321 Main Street, Suite 5G, Johnstown, PA  15901. Phone: (814) 535-6538; Fax: (814) 535-2235.  The Johnstown office will be CLOSED the week of June 28-July 2. The office will re-open at its new location on Tuesday, July 6.

 
 
Outdoor Sunday Masses are celebrated each Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the summer (through Labor Day weekend) at  the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of the Alleghenies in Loretto. Please bring a lawn chair. In the event of inclement weather, the Mass will be celebrated in the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel. The Prince Gallitzin Chapel House, adjacent to the Shrine, will also be open to the public on those same Sundays, beginning at 1:00 p.m. and closing at 6:00 p.m.
 
 
 
Upcoming Events 
 
June 21; 7:00 p.m.
Theology on Tap -- The Conversations Continue
P.J.'s Restaurant/Tavern, Cresson 
 
June 26
Faith Day Mass at 4:30 p.m.; Game at 7:00 p.m.
Blair County Ballpark
 
June 27; 2:00 p.m.
"Discover Life and Justice Ministries" State College Event
Holmes Foster Park
 
July 5
Independence Day Observance
Diocesan Offices Closed
 
July 21 - 23
Discernment Retreat
Saint John Retreat Center, New Baltimore
 
July 25
Camp Zacchaeus, Week 1
 
Prayer for Vocations 
 
Lord of the harvest, your Word finds a home in our hearts, calls us into community and invites us to generous service of the human family. Bless with courage and spirit your priestly people, called to full participation in the one Body of Christ. May many choose to respond in public service to your call offered in Jesus' name. Amen.
                                                                                                          Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin (1928-1996)
                                                                                                  
Contact Information
E-vangelist is published by the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown Office of Communications
Mr. Tony DeGol
Secretary for Communications
925 S. Logan Boulevard
Hollidaysburg, PA  16648
(814) 695-5579
[email protected]