A Christmas Prayer
seniors study
erie fhistory
The Mercyhurst College';Histori-
cal Institute has added a new di-
mension to the History Depart-
ment.
The senior thesis had been a for-
ty to sixty page research paper.
~ ^ ^ ^ |, the approach; and the
method were more an enlargement
of the term paper system than a
source of furthering historical
scholarship. To improve the situa-
tion, the college initiated the Mer-
cyhurst Historical Institute for
Original Undergraduate Research
in Local History. The aims of such
a program as this are to enable the
student to apply the theories of re-
search, to develop the techniques of
a research historian and to publish
at least one scholarly work before
;
graduation. '?
The seminar, which has been
changed from two to three credits
per semester, lasts the entire se-
nior year. At present three stu-
dents—Rosemary Barnum, Kather-
ine Gabryjolek and Judith Pitney—
are members of the institute.
Their first step has been to find
what sources are available and to
catalogue them. Such, sources in-
clude city hall records from 1806;
newspapers from 1820 and items
concerning Erie history found! at
the Customs House. I
Other sources being | considered
are the Erie County Historical So-
ciety, the Erie Museum, business
records, diocesan records as well as
those from individual parishes, fra-
ternal and charitable organizations.
In addition, appeals will be made
through the news,media for per-
sonal records such as diaries and
letters. Interviews will also be held
with those who have an adequate
background in Erie history.
By January the students expect
to have a large portion of the bas-
ics completed. It is the hope of the
institute that the work of these and
succeeding members will culminate
in a living history of Erie and
Erie county.
anthropologist
to join staff
Mr. Richard J. Kubiak, Chairman
of the Division of Social Science
has just announced the part-time
appointment of Mr. Charles F. Em-
mons as lecturer in Anthropology
for the Spring semester at Mercy-
hurst.
Profesor Emmons holds a B. A.
in languages from Gannon (1964),
and an M. A. in Anthropology from
the University of Illinois (1966).
He has also spent a summer in
Linguistics at Indiana University.
'Mr. Emmons is both a Woodrow
Wilson and an N.D.E.A. Fellow.
His master's e3say dealt with a
study of the Gheku, a Burmese
Hill Tribe.
He has had archaeological ex-
perience in excavations in Aphro-
disias, Turkey, as a staff member
of New York University's expedi-
tion in 1962.
Mr. Emmons, who speaks, reads,
and writes German, French, Span-
ish and Italian, is also conversant
with Greek and Latin.
He is married to the former Ber-
nadette Kopczak and resides in
Erie.
Christmas is Home, and candles bright.-jo™ w.
SSN3
: > # •
vol. xxxvii no, «.«V
seniors selected for who's who
Sister M. Matthew, Dean of Stu-
dents, released today the results of
nominations and balloting of Mer-
cyhurst seniors to "Who's Who in
American Colleges and Univers-
ities." Based upon scholastic excel-
lence, leadership, citizenship and
potential usefulness to society,
eight students were selected. They
are: Divinia Barbush, Rosalie Bar-
sotti, Barbara Branzovich, Karen
Butts, Suzanne Geltch, Nancy
McNamara, Judith Pitney, and
Marikae Sorvelli.
French Club president Divina
Barbush is the daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Serafino Barbush of
Reading, Pa. J She formerly served
on the merciad staff as the busi-
I Club. Barb, the daughter of Mr.
onwcircS Ecnicihts
^ art major from Farrell, Pa.
The 23rd season of intercollegiate
u i 4.V 11 **M * n «„^«
basketball competition at Gannon
/-« n u J.T. •„ — A nq, iAi
College began this month. The fol-
, . . . . .. , ., , .,
lowing schedule lists the teams the
Knights will play this season.
Dec. 20—Tennessee Sate H ,_ ,, . „ ..
Dec. 22—Illinois Wesleyan H ,'
^ I I
Jan. 3—Belmont-Abbey . . . . H
Jan. 7—Youngstown U
Jan. 11—Steubenville Col
Jan.
Jan.
14—Geneva College . . . . H
25—Buffalo State
Jan. 28-Bellarmine
„, HT 1
Jan. 30—Tennessee State . . . . A
Feb. 2-Providence
Feb. 4—Youngstown U
Feb. 6—Cheyney State
Feb. 9—John Carroll J . . . . . . . H
. Feb. 12—St. Vincent
|Feb. 16—Alliance College
Feb. 18—Fairleigh
Dickinson
1-. u nt n *~ 1 W 4.
Feb. 21—Central estate . . . . . . A
3 '6
Feb. 24—Parsons College . . . . H
Feb. 27—Steubenville Col
a ngi
u i
u i
Let us pray that strength 'hurst initiates
and courage abundant be giv-
en to all who work for a world
of reason and understanding. liason council
That the good that; lies in
Through the combined efforts of
every man's heart may day
Sister M. Carolyn, President of the
by day be magnified. I college and the Student Govern-
That men will come to see ment Association, Mercyhurst will
witness a new council in the work-
more clearly not that which ings this year. \
divides them, but that which
unites them. 1 It is the belief of Sister Carolyn
that communication between the
That each hour may bring administration, faculty and stu-
us\closer to a final victory, dents on a less formal basis is nec-
not of nation over nation, but essary to satisfy,the needs of an
educational institution.
of man over his own evils and
weaknesses. At least twice a month, Sister
Carolyn will meet with a group of
That the true spirit of this eight Mercyhurst students to dis-
Christmas season* — its joy, cuss pertinent college issues. Five
its beauty, its hope, and above of the girls will be permanent
all its abiding faith — may members of the group. They are
the four executive officers of Stu-
live among us. dent! Government, ; Judy Pitney,
Kathy Icardi, Sally Koss and Mary
That the blessings of peace
Ann Bosco and the Day Student
be ours — the peace. to build Organization President, Marikae
and grow, to live in harmony
Sorvelli.
and sympathy with others,
and to plan for the future The remaining three members
will consist of three different stu-
with confidence. dents for each session. Three stu-
dents will be asked to volunteer for
each meeting. This will give the
students who take an interest 1 in
their college an opportunity to talk
over student problems and con-
cerns.
mercy hurst college erie, pa december 20, 1966 This past week the first meeting
was held. Suggestions were pre-
sented for making a psychiatrist
available to students who wish
to talk over personal problems. ;
In the future other such student
concerns will be discussed.?
ness manager.JDivina is-a French James McNamara of Ridgewood,
major, is also a member of the New Jersey. L
Glee Club. |
Ex-merciad associate editor and
Rosalie Barsotti, an English ma- present SGA president, Judy Pit- glee club
jor from Ellwood City, Pa., i3 pre- ney is the daughter of Mr. and
sently Senior Class president. She Mrs. Jerome Pitney, Jr. of Sara-
has also served as Orientation toga Springs, New York. In addi-
Chairman, Sophomore Class presi- tion to student government involve-
slates plans
dent, and member of SGA. Rosalie ment, Judy is also the president of Mercyhurst through the efforts
has been active in Sigma Tau Sig- Speculum. In her junior year, she of its Glee Club contributes jits
ma, Sodality, Glee Club, Literary served as Library Commission Rep- expression of the joys of the
Club and the Praeterita staff. She resentative. Judy's plans for next Christmas season in an annual con-
is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. year revolve around a history con- cert.
Deno Barsotti. centration in graduate school.
\ This year's concert on December
Dorm Council president, Barbara Erie resident Marikae Sorvelli is 18, consisted of two parts. The first
Branzovich served as Mistress of a biology major, presently serving half began with two-piano arrange-
Candidates of the Sodality last
year. Among other activities she
as DSO president. Her past
achievements include the Mathe-
ment of Bach's "Sheep May Safely
Graze," played by Martie Cross and
lists the Glee Club and the Art matics Award in her freshman Arthur Pomeroy.
year. SGA membership, NFCCS
and Mrs John
* junior | representative
Branzovich, is*an Class president. Marikae is the and Junior Also included in the first part of
the presentation were three vocal
„ £ § | . < __ i daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John solos called Mystical Songs. The
Karen Butts, Senior Class secre-
. « . , . first of these, "the angels bidding
tary, is a Sociology major from L. Sorvelli. i
J the shepherds to come to the child
/ ' . * u , ., ^
Erie. She is a past member of the As a result of SGA legislation, Christ," was sung by Jane Pros-
ser. Suzette Aleci sang of "Christ-
social
committee, SGA, and DSO. full-time faculty members and se- mas Day as the birthday of Jesus"
Karen is the daughter of Mr. and niors are eligible to nominate* stu-
'?' and Marlene Kelly of "the meaning
Mrs. Fred Butts. dents to "Who's Who." In previous of this joyous event to the world."
J 1 i years, only SGA members and fac-
Biology major, Sue- Geltch5 has The second half of the concert
« „__. ,, , , ,. ulty were permitted to vote.
made^SGA one of her outstanding was "The Ceremony of Caroles" by
H a c t i v i t i e s d u r i n g h e r four years at English composer Benjamin Brit-
ten, a story in musical form;
A Mercyhurst. She served as its vice-
in medeival style and language.
H
president in her junior year and
has held a membership in the gov- news briefs Harp accompaniment by Mrs.
Elaine Shu3ter accentuated this
ernment each e a r The
A y ' daughter "story in music."
* of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Geltch of . . . Mr. Hubert Haisoch of the
. £gr M g y v.'Ci-- I Efforts by director Sister Mary
•i Youngstown, Ohio. Sue is the irres- Mercyhurst College Art Depart- Helen Jean and the Glee Club mem-
.A i d e n t o f t h e S c i e n C e Seminar and ment has recently been awarded
bers were not unrewarded. WICU
A gigma Tau Sigma. She formerly first place honors in the Ashta- television in Erie has video-taped
H has been a member of the Praeter- bula Art Show. Receiving second a twenty-five minute section of the
ita staff, the Athletic Association place in the same show was Mr. concert to be presented on the air
Dan Burke, a student in the Art Christmas Eve.
A and the Sodality.
Department at the college. With the completion of the
H Nancy McNamara, active in
. . . A new member of the Mer- Christ program, the Glee Club does
Mercyhurst's dramatic productions,
not rest, however. The Club has
H is president of the \ Greeneleeves cyhurst College Lay Advisory
planned a busy spring schedule in-
1A Players. Nancy, an Elementary Board, Atty. William C. Sennet of
* * }ie, was named state attorney cluding a joint concert on March
Education major, wa3 formerly the
general in the administration of 16, with the Villanova University
i
V ce P - resident of her class. She is
Glee Club.
H the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Governor-elect Raymond P. Shafer.
/
 Tuesday, December 20, 1966
Page 2 the merciad

lettersletterslettersletterslettersletterslettersletterslettersl (

I every other week; Saturday after-

what is true or lasting, Ian un- men to wait it out until they can lieved God." ? |
Ed. Note: The opinions express- n o on El Ed Club members spent
dergraduate will adopt any new figure it out! But modernity has a good press
ed in these letters and in all let- {thought at all. By trial and er- 1 time with the orphans at St. Jo-
By way of example: St. Peter agent, and g in its midst today's
ters and all editorials which ap- ror methods he comes to a be- was prey to this same | to nip tat ion young Christian might feel cha- seph's — two or three girls attend-
pear in THE MERCIAD are not lief of his own, not perfect, not to indentify his notion of Godfwith grined that he can't be more origin- ed. And there were other apostolic
necessarily thejopinions of the complete, but his own." outlets available. Few girls w e
his own little ideas. BEFORE the al, that he accepts? such an old
editorial J staff * but rather- the involved, the handful mentioned
From the Christian point of view, Passion experience, Peter insists on answer. And while others bemoan above out of an/ enrollment of
articulation of the |jfacultyl and
this is untenable. We believe that his own identity: "Even! if they God's silence for grope in the dark about 450. Is institutional or indi-
student 3 body. Since the news- God has spoken, in historical fact, ALL fall away, I will not deny of Sartre's "absurd universe," the vidual responsibility lacking here?
paper is a sounding-board for all in the Scriptures and definitively you!" (Mark 14, 29.) But it was young Christian might feel embar- These students did not respond to
student and faculty opinion, this in Jesus Christ. Nowhere in Chris- only after the sobering experience rassed by tenaciously claiming the these opportunities to fexpress
page lis dedicated to the free- tian, or even Jewish tradition, is a of the death and rising of his Lord lumen Christi as guide.
dom to express all those opin- apostolic zeal.
man told to find his truth within that Peter was stripped of all his PH He will not be free of this
ions whether or not they dissent human self-reliance and cocksure- feeling until he realizes that the At the same time, 1962-1964,
himself, v •$
from the common or popular ness. Only then could he understand light of Christ is given to him so every Theology! professor, except
view. Because of the overwhelm- If you *will read I and study the
what his life meant. Later, when he may reflect it to others. Unless one, waspScripturally! oriented.
ing response of various religion- Scritures (which is one of the most
Christ confronted Shim, Peter was Christians seel this, the twentieth What better source of inspiration
slanted articles; in the last J edi- essential things a ''becoming Chris-
content to let the Lord decide. "You century could go down in history as can a student be led to then the
tion, this page will be devoted to tian has to do), you will see that the
know everything. You know that the classic example of the blind WORD OF GOD. Was it the fault
those and other letters received sin which has marked! man from of the Theology courses that most
I love you." (John, 21, 15).JFrom leading the blind.
by the editors at this time. the beginning is precisely that of students did not respond as Chris-
'here on, Peterfwould not go his Faith, though, is not purchased
WANTING |TO IMPRISON HIM-
own way, but will be-*led along a without r-pain. No older Christian tians to Apostolic opportunities?
SELF I A N i r | ALL CREATION Is a change in Theology curricu-
road not of his own choosing. can say to the younger, "Take this
"Can a Catholic WITHIN fTHE TERMS? OF HIS
Peter learned, and so must we, gift, in peace, without price/' What lum NOW going to jiform Chris-
OWN? SMALL HUMAN! VISION.
that we do not find the way to is priceless will cost much. In the tians ?
Become A Christian Man has always wanted/to be his
Christ in ourselves. Christianity is affluent! society, perhaps it's as I agree* that the apparent^ re-
own judge of right and wrong: in
a faith of history, not of intro- easy to forget that faith must be sults of Catholic Education are
At? Mercyhurst?" the words of Genesis—"To be like
spection. Like Christ himself, fought for and won as that people often disappointing. I hope Mercy-
God, knowing good and evil." Man
Christianity is never understood still starve and die. What Fr. Ber- hurst will^ always be honest and
An unanswerable question? Per- has always wanted to define his
once for all by any of us. It. is, riganf says seems true, so many objective in evaluating its insti-
haps. Does a Catholic, does la God in terms of himself: to identi-
simply, a mystery. "have not learned to associate an- tutional! purpose. But/' in the point
Christian become anything of him- fy -himself and the? universe iby
means of J hisj own 3 talents j and ac- The goal of Christian education guish! with the life of faith." The brought up, I say the crux of the
self? No. A Christian is {brought is not to cause the deep mystery of anguish, like hunger, can>be acute;
to fulfillment by God alone. While complishments. Man's sin was pin- problem is more a need for individ-
ned down accurately enough well God to "go away". It is not to put but the faith, like bread, is worth ual change rather than institutional
fie operates through men and even aside and eventually forget the all the effort it takes to get it. . . | change.
institutions like schools, Godfgives over a thousand yearsf, ago when
the prophet Habacuc said that Is- "vertical relationship" man has
salvation and wholeness to man as with the unique God in favor of SR. MARIA No person or institution can
a gift, not a man-accomplished rael's sin';and man's is "To make imake me be or become a Christian.
his own might his God." (Hab. 1, more engaging relationships with Theology Department Only if I have a living relation
feat. our fellow human beings. Man was
II.) What God told men THEN is with Christ will I be and become a
Every Christian is required} to as true for us TODAY when we made first for God, then for others.
Sociology, History, the humanities Christian. To do this I must be
re-live personally and as a part of try to capture God in our con-
in general are to serve, not replace
A Reply to a Query willing to change. I will change
the people of God, the basic re- cepts without his help; "As far as I only if I listen to Christ'sfWords,
ligious experience of Israel, the the East is from the West are your or smother Theology. Can a Catholic learn to be a
Christian? Twelve years of obser- live His life as I am daily living
first people |of the true God. The thoughts from myf thoughts.' n Christian education, by develop- pny own, and love our Heavenly
Christian does|not select the way ing the powers and talents of men vation lead to apositive conclusion, Father and my brothers and sis-
in which he and his life are Chris- We Christians believe that Christ and women, strives to make them provided the Catholic wants to be ters as He loved them. This listen-
tianized, for there is one one way. entered sinful, mixed-up human more humane, i. e., both reverent a Christian. J
ing, living and loving in union with
The way God moulded and taught history to re-direct it to his Fath- and knowing before the Mystery of Your query could be the begin- Christ are what make a Christian.
Israel of old is the same way and er. He chose to let God his Father the great God who calls them and ning of much thinking, exchange of
show his power through the ap- their fellow men to life with him. ideas, raising of questions and And if we are honest, most of us
the same God forms and teaches would have to admit, we needs lotsS
/

the new Israel, the Church of parent weakness of human efforts. hopefully deepening of faith.
His way of obedience, humiliation, FR. BIEBEL, of practice.
Christ. jp|-May I begin by saying that'my
of utter service, of love to the very Mercyhurst College-Chaplain idea of BEING a Christian includes If Teilhard de Chardin is the
The experience of Israel and of uttermost limit of death—accepted BECOMING a Christian. It seems ONLY person who has made Chris-
the Christian ^church is that man's as the only way back to the Father impossible that any girl could leave tianity meaningful "to the jmodern
Way to perfection, to life, is that of and for all men, is the direct op- Mercyhurst "a Christian" in the educated mentality, then there is
the Cross. A Cross has two bars: posite of all the features that sec- Reflections | sense that she is a finished product little hope for Christianity. I would
one horizontal, one vertical. Man ular man would use to define him- of a Christian. offer a challenge to any and every
has. a. horizontal, relationship to self: success, authority, unlimited After Reading . . . student at Mercyhurst who is seri-
other human beings, and, at the personal freedom, the good of life This bringsjus to the comment ous about living the Christian life.
Menl have repeatedly asked one that "too many of us have a faith
same time, a relationship to a itself. question. If they did not phrase untempered by reason." How true The Challenge is to give life to
greater Being, which may be de- it so brazenly as "Who started this is, and especially true of edu- Christ's message of Love with your
scribed as vertical. From the mo- It is Christ, not man, who has God" they asked, "What start- own life wherever you are. It is a
ment the child is conceived fruits given meaning to human living. ed religion?" Seventy five years cated! Catholic women! But if a moment to moment living for Him
mother's womb, it is related to all To the Christian, Christ turns and ago Durkheim theorized that so- person does not use his reason is — in classrooms, in dorms, on sum-
humanity, and yet simultaneously says unequivocally: "Without me ciety was the real instigator. As this the responsibility of the insti- mer jobs, with friends on vacation,
related to the God who gives*life, you can do nothing". (John 15, 53 this notion dropped into oblivion tution in which he is educated or
at Mass, everywhere and for a life-
and who, in Baptism, welcomes it Yet, how much different all this (till revived by merciad) other pos- is it his own responsibility?
sounds when compared with state- sibilities came into vogue. Freud in- time. • f 2 J
into deeper life. As for not refusing, "shelter and
ments made in the Merciad like timated that subconscious father- food to the needy wayfarer", the S. M. IMMACULATE, R. S. M.
K
It is a fact of Judeo-Christian these: query was suggesting that "too few Du Bois Hospital
figures catapulted religion into ex-
tradition that God, the God who en- have internalized the mind and Du Bois, Pa.l-
"The collegian is no longer that istence ; Marx had already suggest-
tered history, has chosen a people spirit" to the point that their char-
naive, idealistic, teenager who ed that it was spawned by the mal-
of his own. Man's salvation is not ity is expressed in a real way. Dur-
jlistens, I accepts and obeys .$. . ice of capitalism. \ For people not
j u s t a personal or even societal ing my last two years at Mercy-
He accepts only that which he particularly attracted to either of
way of belief or acting, it is a way
those I answers, there was always hurst these practical means of ex- The Other Side of the
of life effectediby God by bring- has found to be true," | £
Comte's hypothesis that religion pressing charity were open to all
ing the individual to life as a mem- "The student may be said to have girls interested: tutoring negro I •
ber of this visible, historical com- a religion when he possess and was only a stage in the childhood Issue
of the human race.| children at Gannon — approximate-
munity, the Church. Thus, religion practices such virtues as good- ly two cars of students'.j attended I was pleased to see the much
for the Christian, while deeply ness, justice and personal integ- weekly; working with negro youth controverted articles which present-
rity." * Believers, i then and'now, bought
personal, is also community or in- through NAACP — one car of stu- ed WHAT SEEMS TO BE SO-
none of those. To the astonishment
•
stitutionally orientated. Goodness? How? Unless the forces of many in today's world, the dents attended these meetings held CIETAL attitudes toward religion,
of one's life are directed along the Christian!believes fthat religion is (continued on page 3, col. 1)
For the Christian, then, religion
is of only one kind, Christ's. In pattern marked out by Christ? a | response, an J answer in a dia-
Justice? By whose standards? logue opened;; by God. Christianity Published Every Three Weeks!
establishing oneself in the truth as I the merciad
a Christian, first priority must be One's own? If notfbyithe stand- rejects completely the idea that re-
ards of Christ, justice can be only ligion came out of a man's sub- Mercyhurst College, Erie, Pa |
given to the Scriptures, to the
Church which professes to be a relative term, contorted and conscious or rose in phantasy fash- Editor in Chief ^ *"" **'»<> ******* 1
Christ's, not the opinions of self- twisted to suit one's own needs. ion from his yearning for a para- Executive Editor.. Jane Carney

styled "theologians" such as Cyril History has proved this. % dise <i lost. Associate Editor —--Peggy Meagher
Hariss. If it is a choice between Integrity? Unless one , is "in Page Editors J.I Rosemary Bamum
Christ" and related')to Him, the It has risked all in the faith that
the teaching of Christ and the mis- God has acted centrally and decis- Chriss Strong,
guided musings of Emile Durk- very core of his being is not Photography Editor.... A a M Canali R o s a l i e
> Hodas
brought into harmony with the plan ively in man's history in the send-
hehn or Kahii Gibran, there should ing j of his Son, Jesus. For this Headline Editor Kathy KeUey
be little doubt to whom the I real of his Creator. From the Christian Typing and Copy Editor" $ EmUy Fatica
overwhelming demonstration of
seeker of the truth must turn. point of *view, fpersonal integrity what I Paul calls "the kindness of Exchange Editor _ 7 Cathy Varca
in an effect of God's grace in man, our God," the Christian in his heart Business Editor..II~_~ " Jeanne Keim
But, in the last {issue of the not something achieved by man is grateful (i. e. religious). He Club News Co-ordUnatorZZLT Paula Semratl
Merciad a statement like this went working from the outside in. makes no claim to have "discov- Moderator i£ —Bonnie DeLuca
uncontested: Editorial Staff^ ^ i T n ' 7 Mr B a r r y
* McAndrew
The whole tone of approach to ered" God or to have measured
"When I speak of one's religion, life insinuated in several of the truth with his own individual mind. Durr Cath
I do not refer to a church creed; merciad articles is certainly at It is just that in the within of his Maureen Walsh Gene MoM ^ f ' y Funari,
Paula R s
one's religion is not the creed of odds with the teaching of Christ. own being, where freedom, love Peggy Caneila,' £ e a ! f S ' * £ ^ ° <*°'
and truth are no longer separate, Walsh
his church, but the belief he him- The Christ of the New Testament Kathy Humphries
Jeanne Merry.
B U r M fh SB S
' e t tey fB ^
a ^ *"*
«*ak, Marti Cross,
'
self forms. In the effort to find invites men to life. He does not tell he, like Abraham of old, has "be-
 f
1

Tuesday, December 20, 1966

the merciad Page 3

oreign. students relate kountrys christmas customs

This year, most Mercyhurst girls At the reveillon, the French f a m i
will observe a traditionally Ameri- day and an important holiday in
iiy feasts on oysters, wines, saus- Haiti. Since this is Haiti's day of
can Christmas—shopping for gifts, ages, a huge turkey, and thirteen"- independence, wishes for the new
decorating their homes, and en- deserts. Some people stay up aft- year are intermingled with parades,
joying the eagerness with which er the meal to usher in Christmas firecrackers, and political speeches.
their younger brothers and sisters morning with singing and dancing.
await the arrival of Santa Claus. Mexico
At noon on Christmas day there Christmas festivities begin early
A few students, however, are is another big dinner. All the mem-
used to celebrating the joyous holi- in December in Mexico, the home
bers |of the family assemble to of senior Lupita Duarte and soph-
day in ways unfamiliar to most eat, exchange gifts, and kiss under
Americans. These students are na- omore Naomi Ramirez.
the mistletoe. \
tives of France, Haiti, and Mexico, On every Saturday before the
and their Christmas customs are
I ptaiti actual holyday, groups of i people
both traditional and beautiful. Jesse Graham, affreshman, will dramatize the search for an inn
celebrate Christmas with a combin- made by Mary and Joseph in Beth-
In France, the home of our fro- ation of American and French tra- lehem. Carrying statues I of the
eign exchange student, Marie-Fran- ditions at her home in Haiti. The Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph,
coisejGamier, the religious aspect holiday spirit appears quite early the people visit three *homes, and,
of Christmas is accentuated. Multi- on this Caribbean island, since in song, request a place to stay.
colored flights are strung only in Christmas songs are broadcast
the streets of Paris, and most They are refused at the first
from the beginning of November. two .houses, but accepted with a
shops are decorated conservatively.
As December 25, appraches, the joyous song at the third house.
I Many French • families buy people shop in elaborately decorat- The final stop is usually followed
Christmas trees, but it is the ed stores, buy Christmas trees, and by a big dance and the children's
"creche," the manger scene beneath prepare {their homes for the great breaking of the "pmata," a | large
the tree, that is the center of the holyday. Everybody attends mid- paper figure filled with candy and
family's celebration of Christmas. night Mass on Christmas Eve, and toys. The rest of the family helps in The Christmas customs of
On Christmas Eve, a small even- every family participates in a "re- Besides their pre-Christmas play- the decoration of the house, the France, Haiti, and Mexico are dif-
ing dinner is followed by attend- veillon" similar to the Freeh ing with pinata, Mexican children Christmas tree and the manger ferent from those of America, but
ance at midnight Mass. After Mass Christmas meal. visit homes to sing for pennies dur-
the most important part of the 4 scene. Everyone attends midnight they are all fitting ways in which
Christmas day itself is, reserved ing December. If gthey want Mass on December 24, and the fam-
Christmas celebration,:the "reveil-j for visits and exchanging of gifts Christmas gifts, the children write to welcome the birth of the Christ
Ion" or "Christmas meal," takes with family and friends. ily gathers for a large dinner on Child.
| k to the Child Jesus, not|to Santa
place. § January 1, is both a great holy- Claus. Christmas day.

l e t t e r s l e t t e r s l e t t e r s l e t t e r s lettersletterslettersletters
THE OTHER SIDE
(continued from page 2, col. 5)
These articlea| weren't written to
prove religious doctrine or to pass
judgment on the&rand of religion
letters I
readily byf girls who hate to take long vacation periods: i. e. Christ- and living. Of course, people with a detailed account of the other ex-
time from the already heavy sched- mas and Easter continue as relatives, j husbands and friends in hibit was obtained.
ules of our faculty members. There Thanksgiving, I am afraid all these Viet Nam are directly concerned LORRAINE WIENER
are girls on this campus who are plans are pointless. I would only with their immediate relation, but
ready to argue points of religion suggest that the library be open this concern is selfish.
even to the existence of God. What duringlthe afternoon fromfl to 5 The experience of loosing some-
I Intellectual
*

they really want is a place to go during vacation. one close is not pleasant. But
which some Americans and some
where they can dispute with some- The library staff has a respons-
I Atmosphere
college students profess. The ques- where is the concern of one human
one who will win. By losing the ibility to fulfill the needs of its being for another? Where is the Dear Editor,
tions these articles raised both im- On November 16, the Relihan
plicitly andfexplicitlyf deserve our argument, they will| have won faculty and students. By continuing concern for a soldier in a [hostile
something far more precious— such restricted hours the library is country, risking his life for prin- Memorial Lecture Series presented
consideration? today. an address by the eminent author,
faith. failing miserably to fulfill this re- ciples that he may not know or
We should usejithese articles — I I LINDA VARRICCHIO sponsibility. understand ? £& leucturer and publisher, Frank J.
backed by the authority of Harres Ii I SUSAN SUTTO Sheed. \
Most people accept the fact that
and Durkeim—as a gauge of the there is a war, but their complacen- For those i of us who attended,
CURRENT THINKING among col- Wishes
_ _ _ to Extend cy is appalling. They are oblivious the time was well spent. Mr.
lege students everywhere. NOW we , J| 1 \ For Whom the Bells to emotional and physical strain Sheed's views and commentary on
should take the next step. TODAY T h a n k s jfO C o m m i t t e e the state of the intellectual so-
Toll our men undergo. Their compas-
we should take a reading on our | \ ciety of today were* both appropri-
sion is basically self-centered. With
own campus. It is my opinion that .Dear Editor, f Dear Editor, ate and necessary, j
the majority of Americans feeling
some of the questions raised in so little it is a wonder that our Lectures of this nature are fun-
Although Mercyhurst was not I feel this minute point deserves damentally and traditionally a part
"Personal vs. Institutional Relig- the victor in the recentf. Winter some consideration by professors soldiers do 'not die from despair
\

ion" are being asked on our cam- Carnival, I feel recognition and of a college atmosphere. They pro-
who abuse it. A fifty or seventy- rather than mortar.
vide part of the outside intellectual
pus. £ £ thanks should be given to all those five! minute period means exactly P , * | | | | C H R I S T A VAUGHIN stimulation that is necessary in or-
I think that since we are a Cath- who put forth the "valiant effort." that: not 5 or 10 minutes longer der to develop the total person. And
olic College it is one of our chief Much time was given to this proj- after the bell has rung.
functions to find answers to as ect by Sheila Andrews, our Queen Some professors have almost
Erie Artist Overlooked ins't development of the total per-
son the primary aim of a college
many of the questions for as many Candidate; Mary Jean Kiebort, So- made it a habit to continue with Dear Editor, education.
of the students as possible. I feel cial Chairman; Nancy Ketchel, a ^lecture or to assign work after
these articles offer a challenge to Mercyhurst Winter Carnival Chair- The first issue of the |merciad Apparently not. The low student
the period is over — oblivious to was quite good, but I was disturbed attendance (approximately 40 stu-
the students and the faculty to find man; Joyce Scotinicki, Booth Dec- the fact that the class time has by the article on the Cleveland dents) is indicative of the intellec-
a successful organ to meet this oration Chairman; and Marlene Di- ended. We have 10 minutes between Museum of Art. It gave extensive tual! atmosphere at Mercyhurst.
need. | * Tullio, Booth Construction Chair- classes, this is true, and it is dis- coverage to the then current "Ac- & mS%?* TERRljMULLIGAN
I would! suggest that for the man. Also spending many an even- tracting to an entire class for a stu- quisitions Exhibit" at the museum,
present,! a series of coffee hours ing in constructing our booth were- dent to \ come late. Yet if a pro- but nowhere was mention given to
or publicized informal meetings be Donna' Lawton, Judy Williams, fessor makes an assignment or the exhibit of Richard Anuszkiew-
held for all interested students and Kathy Icardi, Betty Barczak, Susan lengthens a lecture beyond the jicz showing at the same time. This
faculty members with Father Chou, Sutto, Chris Keim, Jeanne Keim, limit, one has no choice hut to en- would have been of great interest
Father Bibel, Father Shanz and Mary Sipple, Sally Koss and Gret- ter a class tardy. to us, since the nationally-known
Sister Maria being present to guide chen Hinz. The booth showed the This is a plea for consideration artist is originally from Erie and
student thinking, and answer any fruits of all the effort that these on the part of everyone. For the received his basic training at our
questions students or faculty Have professor to end the class with Tech High School. It surprises me
on religious matters. | girb put into it* 8
An Interested Student the bell; for the student—to enter that this information was not
In the future I would like to see the class on time. known or not included when such
a religious! information center set t P, MEAGHER
up by the students to make ap- Library Hours
pointments fori fellow students or Good Books in All Fields
groups of students with knowlege- I Inadequate Viet Opinion ERIE BOOK STORE
able members off our faculty so
that any student or group may Dear Editor, \ Self-Centered 17 East 8th Street *
utilize this service. | With the announcement recent- Erie, Pa. § 452-3354
I feel it would be utilized more ly of the plans for the Learning Dear Editor, 2
Resource Center addition to the li- At present there are over 250,000
Yaple's Dairy brary, one question has come to my Burhenn's Pharmacy
United States troops fighting in
% and mind. Viet Nam. Each man, each unit of Corner 38th St. and Pine Ave.
Ice Cream Bar
4026 Pine Avenue
Will this area be as inaccessible
as our present library ? I am refer-
the statistic is a singular and com-
plex person. This seems to be for-
Phone 456-7762
Erie, Penna.
apparition
Phone 866-2441 ring toHhe library hours during gotten in the news broadcasts and
Thanksgiving vacation: two hours magazine articles that inform A helping hand and a sparkling
on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday Americans of their country's prog- smile are two outstanding charac-
and Sunday.! One can accomplish ress in this lethal game of hide- Barbato's Italian Restaurant teristics of this well-known campus
Beauty — Charm very little in such a short period. and-seek. personality. Her way of life is a
and Pizzeria? vivid portrayal of benevolence, for
It is certainly admirable that The majority of American citi- 1707 State Street Erie, Pa.
Lucille's Beauty Salon the administration is attempting to zens have adopted this same un- she is always willing to give a ra-
emotional attitude used in publiciz- Phone 521-2158 diant smile to all she meets. Who
3702 Pine Ave. Call 455-0740 do much with our library facilities.
However, if the hours during other ing the war as statistics of dead is this outgoing individual ?
 \

Page 4 the merciad Tuesday, December 20, 1966

//ios/i sponsor orphan party
On December 17, the gym was
decorated and everything was
ready for the seventy children from
St. Joseph's Home for children and
from Immaculate Conception parish
who arrived at Mercyhurst for the
annual Christmas party sponsored
by the freshman class. Jeanne Ba-
ker served as general chairman for
the event. J Concerning Santa and gifts, in a
Each child was greeted by his
big sister who had the responsibil-
ity of that child for the afternoon.
Christmas spirit filled the air as
all of the children participated in
the entertainment planned. This in-
eluded the singing of old favorites
like "Jingle Bells" and "Up on the
Housetop/' I were the best."
With the arrival of Santa Claus
sga news around the nation
Ed* note: Thei following• article is
this issue's report from, the United
States National Student Associa-
tion, f
In the November 1966 issue of
College Management Magazine, a
poll finds that thirty per cent of
college presidents disagree com-
pletely with the following state-
ment: | fee during the week and profes-
"Students should be allowed to in-
vite and to hear any person of their
own| choosing. While fthe orderly
scheduling of facilities may require
the observance of routine proce-
dures before a guest speaker is in-
vited on campus, institutional con-
trol of campus facilities should nev.
er.be used as a device .of censor-
ship. It should be made clear to
the academic! and large communi-
ty that sponsorship of guest speak-
ers does not necessarily imply ap-
proval or endorsement of the views
expressed either by the sponsoring
group or the institution."
Thislmeans|that|jn close t o l a
third of the colleges and universi-
ties in America, administrators feel
that they have the right—possibly
the responsibility —< to enforce
speaker bans on students.
The poll indicated ?; that twenty-
two per cent of the presidents
agreed with the statement com-
pletely, and forty-one per cent
agreed in substance. Thus, a| ma-
jority of university presidents up-
hold the right of students to in-
vite and listen to any speaker of
their choosing.
apparition
f
later in the afternoon, each child found that besides Santa Claus
received a toy donated by various and gifts, the traditional Christmas
companies in Erie. tree rates pretty high, especially
Each ofv the children looks for- the angel atop the tree. This, the
ward to the visit of Santa at the children picked! as their J favorite
orphanage. Some of them even re- ornament. They liked this the best
membered Santa's visit last year because -j they felt the angel was
when he came down the chimney "looking over them" from its perch
with gifts for everyone, i J on the tree top.
Christmas to the children at the
pre-party interview a few weeks orphanage also means the annual
ago, the merciad interviewed sever- play in which many have parts. For
al small children from St. Joseph's those who are not in the play other
Home to find out just:what they attractive features are offered —
like most about Christmas. The to play in the band or just to sit
general consensus among the chil- in the audience and enjoy the en-
dren, all of whom were about six tertainment. At any rate, this event
years old, was that the "presents requires that all children dress in
» their Sunday's finest, an aspect
From the interview the merciad which they look upon with* the
greatest excitement* tagious and which should rightly be Christmas but kids, presents, San
A spirit of Christmas fills these present in everyone at this time of ta Claus, plays — and most im
children — a spirit which is con- the year. For .after all, what is portant — the Birth of the Lord.
In the f November issue of the
Association for Higher Education
Bulletin (1966), Professor Van Al-
styne, Professor of Law at Duke
University, discusses this poll in
it's new, it's different, it's fun!
an particle entitled "Campus Free Insecure? Come to the Inn Se- This past summer, a group from Father Petula, Reverend Jeffrey
Speech: Notes on a Puzzling Poll." cure! As you walk in the door, you Gannon decided that the college Moredock, Reverend Lawrence
A short excerpt gives an idea of are met with the darkness of a cof- students of the area should have Smellie, Mrs. Ted Buczek and Miss
his line of argument: \ feehouse, but you find;more than a*place to sit, talk and have cof- Marilyn Welte. Also Mr. Fred Liv-
ingston, Mr. Theodore H. Weiss,
"Even more surprising than the coffee, darkness, smoke, and a few
percentage of college presidents guitars. sional entertainment on the week- Mr. Benjamin Lane, Mr. Kevin
who completely disagree with the Maybe you have waked into a ends. Mead, Mr. William Lander, Mrs.
A A UP position were some of their lively discussion about the com- With this in mind they pro- Starrett, Mr. Lyman H. Cohen, and
reasons. The president of a small parative values of the trimester ceeded to call organizational meet- James and Elaine Kevington. A
Midwestern college was reported and the inner-session curriculums, ings in order to J plan for such a contract was signed with the Kess-
as explaining: "Students should not or perhaps a group of college "pol- place, but no-one could secure the ler Estate renting two building on
be free to invite individuals to the iticians" are comparing popularity necessary financial backing. East Seventh Street, and the Inn
campus whose presentations might polls, or a group of the extremists After nearly abandoning the
had a potential home.
harm the image of the institution." are forming a Utopian college sit- project, they found that Father Jo-
uation. seph Petula, a Gannon Iinstructor, Presently, the Inn Secure is
According to this view, freedom of
Every interest seems to be con- could obtain for them a donation meeting 5 at St.^ Paul's Chapter
inquiry should be subordinate to
i sidered at the Inn Secure which is from the Erie Council of Churches. House at 134 West Seventh Street.
maintenance of community good meant to be a center of liberal With this and several hundred dol-
The supporters hope to move to 11
will. It would follow that if a sig- discussion and entertainment for lars from anonymous donors, the
project began to look hopeful. East Seventh Street after Christ*
nificant portionjjof the community the liberally-educated college stu-
* • ^
mas and are encouraging students
were opposed to the appearance of dent. j^ Fourteen interested^ adults
Who started it? When? Why? agreed* to become incorporators: to help with the work.
one whom students were interest-
The coffeehouse hopes to offer
ed in hearing, the college would be
justified in banning the speaker.
But how are the students of his-
mepe at work in the future frequent newsletters,
showings of recent movies, and ap-
The Mercyhurst College Parents' rents enjoyed a coffee hour, tours pearances of speakers in allocate-
tory, philosophy, or political | sci-
of the campus and a luncheon with
ence to reconcile this with what Association was first proposed in
the spring of 1966. Mr. and Mrs. the faculty.
they have read in John Stuart
Mill's ESSAY ON LIBERTY?
Robert Keim offered their services
The MCPA is not simply a social
calendar
as chairmen of the group.
or service association. Its main ob-
" I f all mankind minus one were of The first event sponsored by the jective is to establish a certain
'December
one opinion, and only one person Committee was the Parents' Re- unity among the parents of Mercy-
20—Christmas Vacation begins
were .of contrary opinion, man- ception held September 11, the day hurst students. The organization is
after classes
kind would be no more justified in of freshman arrival. On October also helpful to the parents of fresh-
22 and 23, a I Freshman parents' men who usually have many ques- January
silencing the one person than he, weekend was timed to be climaxed tions not answered in the college 3—Classes Resume
if he had the power, would be jus- by the Freshman Investiture Cere- catalogue and fears concerning 19-25—Semester Examinations
tified in silencing mankind.'" mony. During the weekend the pa- their daughters' welfare {during
26-29—Semester Break
their college years. These problems
30—Second Semester Begins
computer matchings can be discussed withlthe parents
of upperclassmen and graduates
French Club meeting (date
to be announced)
Today is the age of automation. cerning church preference, physical who often can inform and reassure. "Feast of the Kings"
Computers have become a fact of characteristics and social habits. Art film: LE HARICOT
To date, the MCPA has three
life in this day of progress. No Information was sought as to in- Demonstration: French
longer must we rely on the fallibil- terests in art, music, politics and committees. The Communications Christmas Pastry
ity of man in such important mat- importance of education. Upon Committee informs the parents by Miss Forray '.?
ters^ as accounting, space j travel completion of the papers, the girls about college happenings and plans
and placement of students in ^uni- submitted them to representatives the functions sponsored by the As-
versities. At last, machines have of the Blue £Key. The fraternity BONANZA^
sociation. The Recruitment Com-
taken the hazards out of the peril- members then had them processed STEAK HOUSE
ous area of romance. At one time and run through a computer. Sim- mittee hopes to serve the admis-
we entrusted the momentous de- ilar to the "Univac" on a once pop- sions department by being avail-
cisions of this sort to the young able to discuss with parents seek- . $1.59
ular T. V. show. Mechanically, me-
man and woman involved. How ri- thodically, magically, out jumped ing a college in which to enroll % Char-Broiled
diculous to let mere people take the name of the perfect date. The Chicken Dinner . $1.59
their daughter, their reasons for
the future in their hands! Realiz- students went to the Gannon audi- Chopped Sirloin Platter .. • • $av«f
ing the urgency of the situation being happy that their daughter is
torium 15 minutes before the actual
the Blue Key Honor Fraternity a Mercyhurst student. The Fund- 4125 Peach St. Erie, Pa
start of the dance to meet their
held its 2nd Computer Dance on raising Committee is inactive ) at Phone 864-4994
escorts for the evening.
Friday, December 2, to open its
Winter Carnival.
Quality Dry Cleaning
present. '

jj| A Senior Sociology Major from
Akron, Ohio, Judy Bauer is our
"friend to all." A former officer
and a*present member of the So-
ciology Club, Judy hopes c to ma-
jor in casework counseling at grad-
uate school. Judy's interest in So-
ciology is'mirrored in her extens-
Questionnaires were distributed
to Gannon students and to girls at
Villa, St. Vincent's and Hamot
Nursing Schools'and {Mercyhurst.
The forms included inquiries con-
Shirt Laundry Service
/j Paris Cleaners
4025 Pine Ave. Erie, Pa.
866-7641
Plan Your Christmas Shopping Now
DIAMOND HOUSE IN ERIE
Use Our Convenient Lay-A way Plan
OPEN 9:30 TILL 9

Make Reservations Now At

ive work with retarded children, Martucd's Tavern
both in high school and college. 2641 Myrtle Street
Delicious Spaghetti & Ravioli
During December Mon. thru Fri
SAT. TILL 5:30 DAV JEWELERS
Cappablanca Travel Agency BRE AKIRON J E W E L E R S
718 State Street Erie, Pa. Corner 8th and State Streets
"The Pierced Earring Store of Erie
1 - • §

The merciad'thus honors Judy for Use Boston Store Charge

her dedication to Mercyhurst and Served from 4 to 10 p. m. 3702 P i n e Avenue—Erie, P a .
PHONE 455-2123
455-541l!
her: constant. service • to all.