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The Good News - Fall 2006



THE GOOD NEWS

Didacus Wilson was chosen by the poet laureate of Virginia to be the featured poet for October. Go to: www.carolynforonda.com/index.htm.Click on �Poet�s Spotlight� and then click on the archives tab titled, �Peruse Poet�s Spotlight Pages of Past Honorees.��� Under October you will find a brief biography of Didacus and six of his poems.� Congratulations, Didacus!� You�ve made us proud!

John Kerr helped to organize a gathering of church people throughout Minneapolis on October 8 which revolved around the title, �Faith in Democracy: Renewing the Promise.�� John was in charge of turnout for the event and 1,000 people attended to pray, sing, imagine a just world and listen to speakers on economic justice and candidates for public office.� John, wearing his habit, did a short dialogue with an African-American man with whom he�s working to gain community benefits from the city.

Robert Juroszek was a part of an ecumenical blessing of animals that took place in October in a lot next to the Episcopal church.� He, along with an Episcopal priest, offered the traditional blessing of the animals.� Among the expected coterie of dogs and cats, Robert reports that there were two rats.� The tarantula that was expected to be present was a no-show.� No laying-on-of hands there!

On August 21, 22, and 23 the Province was visited by representatives of Praesidium to continue the process of seeking accreditation.� Praesidium is an organization working in conjunction with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men to ensure that religious communities are in full compliance with the United States Bishop�s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.� The Province can be proud that the audit went well.� We were told that there are no significant obstacles to our accreditation.�� It is expected that the process will be completed by the end of the year.�


♦�� Empty Mount Carmel School and Convent Leased

The Mount Carmel School and Convent buildings have housed students and religious sisters for nearly 85 years.� Ten years ago Mount Carmel School consolidated with eight other Altoona city parishes and became Altoona Central Catholic School.� In December, 2005, the school consolidated buildings once again and the Mount Carmel building became vacant.� The Franciscan Sisters of Scotland vacated the convent nearly a year earlier.� In January, 2006, Frank� Scornaienchi formed a committee to investigate leasing the convent and school buildings.� The committee met twice to discuss what was necessary to lease the buildings.� During this time, Frank was approached by Northwestern Human Services of Pennsylvania who desired to utilize both buildings for their autistic children�s program.� The committee had to face bringing the buildings up to code.� This work was accomplished, a Certificate of Occupancy was issued by the City of Altoona, and a lease was negotiated.� With the rent received, the parish will be able to continue paying the bills for the buildings, help replenish the money taken from savings to bring the building up to code, and put money aside for any needed repairs.� Northwestern Human Services provide mental health and family services.� The agency as a whole has committed itself to providing high quality services to individuals within the autism spectrum.� The first program brought to the School building in July was �Stepping Stones.�� This is an after school and day care program focusing on communication and social skills.� In September, a specialized, private school began at the Mount Carmel School building.� A member of the Northwestern Human Services staff said, �We are very happy and excited about the new space and want to say thank you very much for making us feel so welcome!�� Frank said that the parish was very pleased to be able to provide them with the space that they needed; we are so blessed to be able to have this ministry in our buildings.��

(Submitted by Frank Scornaienchi)


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