Matthew Scheeser (Photo courtesy of St. Meinrad Archabbey)

Mr. Scheeser, 34, a Sandusky native, begins a year of monastic formation, including study of the Rule of St. Benedict and monastic history.

Mr. Scheeser is a graduate of Sandusky St. Mary Central Catholic High School and former member of Sandusky SS. Peter and Paul Parish.

In 2000, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in music with a voice concentration from the University of Dayton. He holds a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from George Mason University.

Mr. Scheeser worked for nine years as a music director at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsburg, W. Va., and Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax, Va. From 2006 to 2010, he was the conductor and managing director for Choralis, a nonprofit chorus in Falls Church, Va.

As a novice, he will take a year off from formal studies or trades. The novitiate is a time of prayer and learning intended to help a novice discern his vocation as a monk.

At the end of this year, a novice may be permitted to profess temporary vows of obedience, fidelity to the monastic way of life and stability in the community of Saint Meinrad.

Located in the former Portage Elementary School at 745 S. Lake St. in Gypsum, the Break the Chains conference is designed for teens, young adults and those who love them.

The conference, which is from 2-5 p.m., includes sessions on fetal development and abortion by Fostoria Teens for Life, 40 Days for Life by Ann Barrick and human trafficking by Second Chance. Food, live music, door prizes, information tables and adult and teen breakout sessions round out the conference.

The event is free and open to high school teens, young adults, college students, parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone interested in learning more about the dignity of the human person.

For reservations and more information, contact Anne Cook at dcook@winesburg.com or 419-797-0096.

The Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation continues a tradition of mindful, effective grantmaking addressing a variety of needs throughout Erie County. These include, but are not limited to arts and humanities, community development, education, environment, health and social services and youth services.

The foundation encourages proposals for projects that enhance collaboration among Erie County organizations, build organizational capacity, leverage additional resources, demonstrate sustainability and yield substantial community benefits. The minimum grant award is $1,000 with a general range of $1,000 to $20,000 and typically awarded for one year. Grant projects must serve Erie County residents.

Grant guidelines, instructions and applications are available at the foundation’s office or at www.sanduskyfoundation.org. Completed applications must be received in the foundation office by 5 p.m. Aug. 1.

Applications may be mailed to Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation, 135 E. Washington Row, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Grant writing assistance is offered by appointment at the Volunteer Center of Erie County, 419-627-0074.

Located in the former Portage Elementary School at 745 S. Lake St. in Gypsum, the Break the Chains conference is designed for teens, young adults and those who love them.

The conference, which is from 2-5 p.m., includes sessions on fetal development and abortion by Fostoria Teens for Life, 40 Days for Life by Ann Barrick and human trafficking by Second Chance. Food, live music, door prizes, information tables and adult and teen breakout sessions round out the conference.

The event is free and open to high school teens, young adults, college students, parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone interested in learning more about the dignity of the human person.

For reservations and more information, contact Anne Cook at dcook@winesburg.com or 419-797-0096. Those who register for the event by Sept. 1 receive a free T-shirt.

Msgr. Anthony Frontiero is to address international and local concerns during a presentation in the Sandusky State Theater April 17.

Msgr. Anthony Frontiero

The evening is intended to give insight into the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI and the Church in regard to current social justice issues, says Father David Nuss, pastor of Sandusky St. Mary.

“I’m hoping that it’s going to be a powerful source of inspiration for activities of peace and justice locally, that people will take to heart the call of Christ, which is the call of the Church, to champion justice on behalf of all people, from conception to natural death,” Fr. Nuss says.

Msgr. Frontiero’s presentation at 6:30 p.m. is free and open to the public, but tickets are being distributed in advance.

A reception at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 5 p.m. are to precede the presentation. Tickets for the dinner may be purchased for $25 at Sandusky St. Mary, SS. Peter & Paul and Holy Angels parish offices.

Msgr. Frontiero, is a priest of the Diocese of Manchester, N.H., and has served at the Vatican since 2006. He previously worked as a diplomatic attaché for the papal nuncio to the United Nations and served in several positions for the Diocese of Manchester.

To obtain free tickets for the presentation, send a self-addressed envelope to the St. Mary Parish office, 429 Central Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870. Up to four tickets may be requested.