Catholic Chronicle

Parish mission begins Feb. 26 at Sandusky Holy Angels

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:01:00 +0000

SANDUSKY—Capuchin Franciscan preacher and author Richard Hart is to conduct a parish mission at Sandusky Holy Angels Feb. 26 to March 1. The theme of the renewal is “Sharing the Good News.”

The parish mission program is an event designed to renew faith and strengthen convictions within a parish setting. There are to be evening programs Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7 p.m., and a closing liturgy Thursday night. Fr. Hart is also to preach at the weekend services.

There is no charge for this event.

Fr. Hart is from Milwaukee, Wis., and has written several books including “Powerlessness: Passion for the Possible,” “Preaching: The Secret to Parish Revival,” “Preacher as Risk Taker” and “How Christian are You?”

He is the head of the Capuchin Preachers of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph and has preached worldwide.

The Capuchins are an international community of friars modeling themselves after St. Francis of Assisi. The brothers of the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, headquartered in Detroit, serve in a variety of ministries including social service, schools, chaplaincy, retreat houses and parishes in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, Minnesota, California, Nicaragua and Panama.

Holy Angels is located at 428 Tiffin Ave. For more information, call 419-625-3698.

New novice joins Benedictine community at St. Meinrad

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:01:00 +0000

ST. MEINRAD, Ind.—In a brief ceremony Jan. 19 at the monastery entrance, Matthew Scheeser was clothed in the Benedictine habit at St. Meinrad Archabbey, St. Meinrad, Ind.

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.

Conference highlights dignity of the human person

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 08:00:00 +0000

GYPSUM—The Port Clinton Immaculate Conception and Marblehead St. Joseph Respect Life Ministry and Truth Ministries are sponsoring a human dignity conference Sept. 25 at The Church of Truth Ministries.

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.

Grants available for parishes

Laurie Stevens Bertke — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0000

SANDUSKY—The Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation is accepting applications for Community Grants. Charitable organizations, churches, governmental or other entities including 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply.

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.

Conference highlights dignity of the human person

Angela Kessler — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 08:00:00 +0000

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 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.