Court St. Rita Vita 1 Fall 2017
Court Saint Rita Vita
(Remember your Latin. Vita means LIFE!)
H. Editor, Prop. OUR AIM: Faith working through Love Price, per copy, Free
VOL. 1 TYRONE, PA, SEPTEMBER 2017 NO. 1
Greetings! Welcome, Gentle Reader, to
the inaugural edition of COURT ST. RITA VITA. The purpose of this Newsletter is promote fellowship and friendship along with information, faith ,and education for the members of Court St. Rita #523.
For this we will need your input. Please share your victories, milestones, concerns and comments to your Editor at [email protected] or by calling 814-359-8025 for inclusion in the newsletter that will then be distributed via email or mailed to you at home.
The newsletter will be published four times per year.
You may also be called for a brief phone interview or to confirm a news item.
Retirements, life goals, adventures, births, graduations, vacations, prayer requests...these are your personal stories that we hope to share. Please provide pictures as well. Committee chairs can provide acknowledgments and thank you’s as well.
We will also include Parish events and reminders, educational pieces and, as we grow and develop...who knows!?!
Also, Gentle Reader, please be kind as we launch this new endeavor. We are volunteers—working for excellence but daily, realizing our humanity.
In Unity and Charity,
Your Humble Editor
WHAT’S INSIDE
Officer and Court Info………....2
Fatima Centennial.……………..2
Upcoming CDA Events………..3
National CDA Events……….…3
Community Events…………….3
Catholic Quiz…………………..3
What Did CDA Do on Summer Vacation?...................................4-5
Member News…………………..5
Prayer Request…………………..5
Court Member News…………....6
Jovial Jottings…………………...6
Get to Know...…………………..7
SOCIAL MEDIA
Do you participate in social media, email and online communications? Pope Francis does! CDA is on Facebook! If not, consider it as another way to spread our good news. This newsletter will be made available to you. Please see Lisa Gehret to ensure we have your correct contact information. State website: cdapa.com National website: catholicdaughters.org
Pope Francis Verifiedac-count @PontifexAug.17MaynothingstopyoufromlivingandgrowinginyourHeavenlyFather’sfriendship,andfromwitnessingtoHisinfinitegoodnessandmercy.
The Vita
Quarterly Publication
Submission deadline: August 1
Fall: September to November
Submission deadline: November 1
Winter: December to February
Submission deadline: February 1
Spring: March to May
Submission deadline: May 1
Summer: June to August
Editor/Publisher of The Vita [email protected]
814-359-8025
Court St. Rita Vita 2 Fall 2017
Court St. Rita #523—The 2017-2018 Year Ahead
With the aid of our Patroness, The Blessed Mother Mary, let us band
together for the good of the order.
Volunteer when you can.
Share your ideas, opinions, and input.
Support our financial goals and be an active member as much as possible.
Pray for your Catholic Daughter sisters
Keep in mind the MISSION STATEMENT of The Catholic Daughters of the
Americas:
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAS STRIVE TO EMBRACE
THE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH WORKING THROUGH LOVE IN THE
PROMOTION OF JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND THE ADVANCEMENT
OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND HUMAN DIGNITY FOR ALL.
OFFICER INFORMATION
COURT ST. RITA #523 2017-2018
REGENT JENNIFER McKERNAN 814-632-7767; [email protected]
VICE REGENT LINDA MORRISON 814-684-1240; [email protected]
RECORDING SECRETARY LISA MARIE GEHRET 814-330-5716; [email protected]
TREASURER KATHLEEN HOYNE 814-684-8458; [email protected]
FINANCIAL SECRETARY SUE RONAN 814-632-8585; [email protected]
DISTRICT DEPUTY SANDY INZANA
CHAPLAIN REV. JOZEF KOVACIK 814-684-1480; [email protected]
Fatima Centennial Marked by Rosary Challenge
Led by Sarah Zakrzwski
At Noon on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Tyrone Hotel
Square at 10th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown
Tyrone, Isaiah 11:6 will be manifest as “a child will lead
them.”
Sarah Zakrzwski, a junior at Bishop Guilfoyle and daughter
of Catholic Daughter Debbie Zakrwski, will be the Captain of
a Rosary Challenge to
mark the 100th anniver-
sary of the apparitions of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
to three shepherd chil-
dren in Fatima, Portugal.
Marian celebrations have
taken place in the Dio-
cese since May of 2017.
The message of Fatima
includes a call to conver-
sion of heart, repentance
of sin, prayer (especially the Rosary), and devotion to the Im-
maculate Heart of Mary.
Sarah came upon this idea, organized it and will be the Cap-
tain on that Saturday. Please come out in support of this won-
derful project and statement in the heart of our community.
Participation in these celebrations are in keeping with the
ways in which the faithful may obtain a plenary indulgence
during the Centennial Fatima Observance as announced by
Pope Francis.
Court St. Rita Vita 3 Fall 2017
Upcoming events for Court St. Rita
♦ W 9/6: Monthly meeting & Pot Luck Dinner
W 9/6 to W 10/4: Create baskets for Basket Raffle
Sa 9/9: Catholic Daughters Diocesan Meeting
9 AM to 3 PM, Harkins Hall
W 10/4: Monthly meeting 6:30 PM
Baskets collected for Raffle
10/7 & 10/8 CDofA Membership Drive Weekend
Th 10/12: Basket Raffle set up
Su 10/15: Catholic Daughters Sunday
♦
W 11/1: Monthly meeting 6 PM
Sa 11/4: St. Matthew School Fall Craft Fair
Community Events
Community Yard Sale—September 9
Burgmeier Haul Away Days—week of Sept 11
Rotary Farm City Day—Saturday, Sept 16
Essential Oils, free education—9/7 and 9/21 at 5pm at
TSPL
Columbus Day—Monday, October 9
Trick or Treat, Tyrone-Thursday, October 26
Thanksgiving—Thursday, November 24
Library Concert Josh Gallagher—May 2018 tickets on
sale now at Tyrone Snyder Public Library
Handy Tyrone Phone Numbers
St. Matthew Office (814)684-1480
Tyrone Hospital (814) 684-1255
Chamber of Commerce (814) 684-0736
Tyrone Post Office (814) 684-0330
Tyrone Snyder Library (814) 684-1133
WTRN – Radio (814) 684-3200
The Daily Herald (814) 684-4000
Tyrone Area School District(814) 684-0710
WTAJ-TV10 Altoona (814) 944-2031
Burgmeier’s Hauling (814) 943-8975
National CDA Events
Oct 15: National Catholic Daughter Sunday
Oct 22-Nov 3: 2017 CDA Pilgrimage: “The Shrines
and Abbeys of Ireland”
2018
July 17-22: National Convention- Sioux Falls, SD
Upcoming Parish Events
Th 9/21: Feast of St. Matthew. 7PM Parish Feast
Day Mass & Social
Sa 10/21: Diamond Club Mass w/Reception 5PM
Sa 10/21 & Su 10/22: Refreshment Weekend
Catholic Quiz
There are currently ten Roman Catholic approved
Marian apparitions.* Can you name the five that did
NOT happen in France?
*An approved apparition is one that has been examined by the Congregation for
the Doctrine of the Faith and has been granted approval either through the local
Bishop based on the direction of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the
Faith or received a direct approval from the Holy See.
What’s the buzz tell me what’s happening….
Gob Sales (Saturdays) 9/16: Farm City Day, Tyrone 10/1: Ciderfest, Gallitzen 10/14: Hartslog Day, Alexandria
NOT in France
Guadalupe, Mexico 1531
Knock, Ireland 1879
Fatima, Portugal 1917
Beauraing, Belgium, 1932
Banneaux, Belgium, 1933
France
Laus, 1664-1718
Miraculous Medal, Paris, 1830
LaSalette, 1846
Lourdes, 1858
Pontmain, 1871
*Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1981, investigation started by
The Church in 2010
Court St. Rita Vita 4 Fall 2017
Last Day of School Breakfast, June 1, 2017 at Harkins Hall No, they didn’t eat candy! That’s Mrs. Homan’s Kindergarten class having a Candy Store at the end of the school year. Just a reminder to take your phone or camera with you to all CDA and parish events and forward your pictures to [email protected]. National Anthem Auditions, June 7, 2017 at The Bull Pen
New in 2017 were National Anthem Auditions for the chance to sing at the opening of one of the three days of the Central PA Rodeo.
It will happen again in May 2018 so spread the word to individuals, groups, du-os, trios or anyone you know who may want to sing and help the worthy efforts at the Central PA Rodeo to support our St. Matthew School.
It was a fun evening of games and prizes as well. Local radio personalities served as judges of the ten people who came to audition.
Ideas and input for next year can be directed to Dave Panasiti and Catholic Daughter Maureen Drain.
St. Matthew School Rodeo, June 16-18, 2017 at Huntingdon Fairgrounds
Catholic Daughter Ann Good with good eats!
Two ‘fers: Father and Roberta Woomer on the Post Office wall!
Many Court members are very involved with this annual fundraiser for St. Matthew School. Great fun and lots of work continues to make this a success after thirteen years.
What Did Catholic Daughters Do On Summer Vacation? Court Events Since May 2017 Meeting
Court St. Rita Vita 5 Fall 2017
Faith Day at Delgrosso Park, July 2, 2017
Bishop Bartchak saying Mass Lots of fun, family, and food.
A prayer request…
For over four years the Prayer Request for Baby Edwin Coltabaugh has been in the bulletin weekly at St.
Matthew’s. Known as Eddie, or EddieSketty, he is the four year old son of John and Kate Bickle Coltabaugh.
This is the little boy we are praying for. He was born prematurely in April of
2013. His congenital heart issues have been evident since birth. Then after
many fevers and health scares he was diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome,
a chromosomal anomaly of a small segment of chromosome 22. There is no
cure. In addition to his heart problems, he has had frequent infections, is cur-
rently non-verbal and experiences other developmental delays. He has a
feeding tube for his nutritional needs. He lives with his parents and a dachs-
hund named Henry.
Most recently he started K4 in the regular classroom after a year of Special Ed in pre-school. Kate asked
for prayers for him before the first day of school. Her prayer was, ”Lord, please be with him
tomorrow. Please don't let the kids laugh at him when he can't talk, or say "ew" if he spits
his food out because he doesn't eat. Please be with his teacher and his amazing Para and let
them be patient with him - it's not always easy. And please be with this Mama when she
walks away from him tomorrow.” Needless to say he was fine. This was but his latest chal-
lenge, you see, he had open heart surgery only six weeks earlier.
Kate and John’s summer was all consumed with Eddie’s open
heart surgery on July 21. Much anxiety and preparation leading
up to it and days spent at UPMC Children’s Hospital. He came
through the surgery like the little champion that he is everyday.
At the right you see him two days after surgery. Alert, out of bed
and charming all with whom he came into contact.
The family continues to need our prayers as everyday can bring the threat of
new infections. He had pneumonia in August. He has great therapists and is continu-
ing to improve. Please continue to pray for Eddie and his family.
What Did Catholic Daughters Do On Summer Vacation?
Court St. Rita Vita 6 Fall 2017
OBITUARY—Dolores T. Sickler
Dolores T. Sickler, 86, Tyrone, died Wednesday., June 28, 2017
She was born in Tyrone, daughter of the late William C. and Janet Robison Trimble. On June 27, 1953, she married Harry K. Sickler Jr. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Tyrone.
Surviving are her husband; five children: Linda (Russell) Suda, Colleen Sickler Mertiff, Mary Suzanne Tomer, Deborah Sickler and Timothy W. Sickler (Kerry); 13 grandchildren: Ryan Grabill, Matt and Tyler Mertiff; Russell, Lauren and Alex Suda; Shemron, Gilad and Shawntal Tomer; Noelle Hess, Leah Heaton, and Talon and Tage Sickler; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Trimble.
She was preceded in death by a son, Harry K. Sickler III; and a brother, William Trimble.
Dolores was a 1949 graduate of Tyrone High School. While in high school, she served as the first head majorette. After graduation, she was employed as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone Co. .
She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Court St. Rita #523, Tyrone Service League, and she served as an organizer of her THS class reunions. Dolores enjoyed trips to Notre Dame football games and the evenings beforehand spent with special friends Ara Parseghin and Tony Androski. She also liked the beach and enjoyed spending many summers there. Dolores loved her home and was very strong in her Catholic faith.
A funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Tyrone, Father Jozef Kovacik celebrant. Interment is in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to St. Matthew
Elementary School, 1105 Cameron Ave., Tyrone, PA 16686.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR—2017
In May, the officers of Court St. Rita voted Sue Chambers our WOMAN OF THE YEAR for 2017.
Last year Sue initiated a separate Basket Raffle fundraiser in support of the Carmelite Community of the Word Hands and Hearts Haiti Ministry. This is the order for Sister Karen and Sister Jane who greatly
welcomed this project.
“I was totally surprised. I cried tears of joy and surprise. It was not just me winning this award because without everyone working together we could not accomplish anything” said Chambers.
This project raised a total of $2250 of which $283 came from the school children of St. Matthew School.
The funds were hand carried to the Republic of Haiti by Sr. Maryland of CCW to ensure that 100% of the funds made their way to the Little Sisters of the Incarnation in the Catholic Diocese of Hinche, where their mission is “to become one with the peasants.”
Upon her return, Sr. Maryland visited SMS and presented to the students what she had seen in Haiti and spoke on what a difference the funds will make to children there.
Unity by working together. Charity in being a “zamni,” which is Creole for friend, to the people of Haiti. Congratulations, Sue Chambers.
Jovial Jottings
Please keep all of our members in your prayers. Also, please let us know about anyone who is facing health
issues or life challenges, is shut in or away from home. We have no way of knowing if we do not share.
Email at [email protected] or contact any Court Officer.
Please update your MEMBER information to RECORDING SECRETARY, LISA GEHRET for MEMBER-
SHIP GUIDE
PLEASE BE AN ANGEL
We need all members to pay dues in a timely manner. Thank you to those who have already responded and paid. Those who have not can pay the $20 to the Treasurer at our meeting or by dropping it in the collection basket at Mass in the envelope provided with your Welcome Packet.
Court St. Rita Member News
Court St. Rita Vita 7 Fall 2017
Get to know...our Court St. Rita Sisters
Get to know...Jen McKernan, Regent
Jen is serving her second year as Regent of Court St. Rita #523. A parking lot con-versation with Leona Haag after a Spiritual Life Committee meeting in 2002, gave Jen many insights and helped her decide to join Catholic Daughters. Jen, an active and faithful member since, has also served as Treasurer.
Jen’s husband Larry, a software engineer at Seimens, says he remembers her sing-ing an REO Speedwagon song in 8th grade. Jen does not share that recollection but suffice it to say they have been together since becoming high school sweethearts at Cambria Heights HS.
After college, careers took the McKernan’s to the Philadelphia area. Back in Central PA, first at St. Mark’s Parish in Altoona and at St. Matthew’s for eighteen years, Jen has been busy with parish life. Jen plays guitar and sings with the Glory and Praise choir, is Treasurer of Central PA Rodeo and was very active with Saint Matthew Home School Association. Jen works in the corporate office at Shoe Fly Stores.
Jen is the mother of four—Grace, 20, at Saint Francis University (and a member of their Campus Court); Ken, 18, a freshman at Penn State University Park; Logan, 16, a junior at TAHS; and, Rose, 10, a fifth grader at St. Matthew School.
Jen still has her “membership bear” from 2002. Jen looks forward to the coming year and says, “with the prayers and support of our members the Officers will guide our Court toward our goals for the new year.”
Get to know...Leona Haag, Life Member
Leona Haag is a lifelong member of St. Matthew Parish and a Life Member of Court St. Rita having been a member for close to seventy years.
Leona was one of a large group of cousins of the Schoch and Hagg families who settled in Tyrone back in the 1880’s. Her introduction to Catholic Daughters was, “because it was the thing to do. All the cousins from my class joined so I did too.” However, this easy decision became more interesting and important over the years. Leona was an officer and when she was Vice-Regent she was called upon to step up to Regent when the person serving could not complete the year. She then served a term as Regent. She has chaired many committees over the years and can always be called upon as a strong advocate of CDA.
“It is a good idea for women of the parish to get involved in Catholic Daughters because it gives you a chance to get to know people and get to know the func-tions and needs of the parish,” she said.
Leona and her husband Phil, who she essentially grew up with and was a family fried, raised and educated five children: Anthony, currently of Bozeman, MT; Larry, Tyrone; Alan, San Luis Obispo, CA; Bryan, Rome, NY and Jean Lehner, a Catholic Daughter of Court St. Rita. All together she has nine grandchildren.
Leona has remained active with Catholic Daughters and won the Calendar prize one year playing number 523!
By these stories, Your Humble Editor hopes to improve the fellowship among all members, those who have been with us a long time and those who are new. Let us know if you would like to be featured in our December newsletter.
Email to [email protected] to set up a time.