April 14, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Tuesday, April 22, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
The Diocese of Erie Information Bulletin advertises and promotes activities and events sponsored by diocesan entities such as parishes, schools, religious communities and groups. The IB is unable to advertise or promote activities or events not sponsored by such entities. Submissions may run a maximum of two editions. The administrative offices of the diocese reserve the right to edit submissions.
Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.
Planning ahead: Due to the Easter holiday, the deadline for submissions during Holy Week will be Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. The Saint Mark Catholic Center offices are closed from April 17-21. The next IB will be shared in the late afternoon of Tuesday, April 22. Thank you!
Good Shepherd Collection materials available
The annual Good Shepherd Collection for retired diocesan priests will be taken in parishes of the Diocese of Erie the weekend of May 10 and 11. Pastors are asked to make their staff aware of materials that are available to publicize this important collection. All materials are available at www.eriercd.org/Good-Shepherd-Collection-materials.html.
Please direct questions to Msgr. Daniel Magraw at Holy Trinity Parish at 814-454-0389 or dmagraw@ErieRCD.org.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached April edition of the International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter (English and Spanish versions are available). Pastors and parish staff are encouraged to read and share this publication with their parishioners, using all or parts of it for their parish bulletin, with credit to the author/source.
April edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope available now
The attached April edition of the Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope newsletter is now available. To recognize the Jubilee Year 2025, this newsletter – suitable for printing in parish bulletins or using in faith formation classes – provides both informative and interactive elements for children and adults. Each edition celebrates the monthly jubilee events recognized the Vatican and brings readers along for a spiritual pilgrimage. The April edition is attached, and previous editions can be found at https://www.eriercd.org/holyyear2025.html.
If your parish or group is hosting a jubilee event, going on a pilgrimage or recognizing the Holy Year in a special way, we would like to know! Please send information to ibeditor@ErieRCD.org.
Ministry Platform announces a free volunteer management enhancement
Volunteer Connect is an optional enhancement to Ministry Platform designed to make organizing, scheduling and managing volunteers easier than ever. Volunteer Connect helps interested parishes simplify scheduling with an intuitive, user-friendly experience; improve communication with automated request emails and one-click responses. MP describes Volunteer Connect as a more efficient way for volunteer coordinators and team leaders to manage and schedule volunteer teams, while also providing an intuitive experience for volunteers themselves to see and respond to upcoming volunteer assignments. MP’s content team has put together detailed how-to guides so you can hit the ground running. You can find it here: https://help.acst.com/en/ministryplatform/help-topics/life-apps/volunteer-connect. Join MP for a Volunteer Connect webinar on April 24 at 2 p.m. Sign up whether you can attend or not, so you get a recording of the webinar. Register here: https://acst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gJa9q5rUSHSg4GSrnm2y-A#/registration.
Staying Safe Online
Social media can expose personal information, so it's crucial to review privacy settings and control who sees your posts. Be cautious with friend requests from strangers and avoid sharing sensitive data publicly. Regularly update passwords and enable multi-factor authentication. Stay alert for suspicious links or offers. Promote responsible sharing and report any suspicious activities to maintain a safe online community. Educating ourselves about social media safety aligns with our values and fosters trust. Keep safe on social media with this guide from the NSA guide: https://media.defense.gov/2021/Sep/16/2002855950/-1/-1/0/CSI_KEEPING_SAFE_ON_SOCIAL_MEDIA_20210806.PDF.
Webinar Recap: Enhance Your Parish’s Financial Health Through Online Giving:
Missed our recent webinar on online giving? No worries! We covered why parishes should consider online giving, the importance of ongoing promotion and introduced MP e-giving—a new service from ACST in partnership with Vanco—that integrates into Ministry Platform. Why switch to MP e-giving? No monthly fees! Unlike other vendors, MP e-giving offers a cost-effective solution to enhance your parish's financial health. Online donations flow directly into Ministry Platform with no need to re-key or manually import transactions. Text-to-give allows people to donate on the fly—even pay for their Lenten meals without the need to swipe any cards. Watch now and learn how to make the most of online giving for your parish. Feel free to share this video with your finance council members: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XXhMRJwo0jw3Q1q6Tp5APNb-n9bTYibi/view?usp=sharing.
April Issue of the Young Adult and Youth Newsletter
The attached copy of the Young Adult and Youth Ministry newsletter is designed for anyone interested in or involved with Young Adult and Youth Ministry within our diocese, particularly those in leadership roles. Its goal is to provide informative, supportive, and uplifting content to encourage and strengthen our ministry community.
Job openings in the diocese
See the classified section below for the latest position openings. Here’s a quick link to diocesan, school and parish jobs: https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html. For Erie Catholic School System jobs only, go to https://www.eriecatholic.org/about/careers.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.ICSC Newsletter (English and Spanish) April edition of the Jubilee Newsletter April issue of YAYN Mysteries of the Rosary the Glorious Mysteries Comfort through Grief ministry International Pilgrim Virgin Statue Tour Catholic Charities Bingo Book Study: Forming Intentional Disciples St. Mary Spring Craft Show Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Bus Trip |
Crown Spring Craft, Vendor and Garden Show
St. Mary Parish, Crown, is hosting a spring craft, vendor and garden show on Sat., April 26 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the St. Mary Social Hall, 117 Lencer Dr. Crown. There will be dozens of craft and vendor tables, a bake sale, his and her scooter raffles, 50/50, a Chinese Auction and so much more. Refreshments and lunch are available for purchase. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Bethany Retreat Center offers Spiritual Retreats
Anawim Ministries’ Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd., Frenchville, is hosting a variety of spiritually based retreats. Please view the attached link to view more information: https://www.anawimministries.com/retreats.
Mysteries of the Rosary - The Glorious Mysteries series
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 W. Main St, McKean, will be hosting the Mysteries of the Rosary-the Glorious Mysteries. The series will begin on Thursday, April 24, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. and run through June 5 (Thursdays only). Dive deeper into the Glorious Mysteries. Please note, on Ascension Thursday, May 29th, the event will begin after the 6 p.m. Mass. For more information, please contact Irene: 814-476-7657, ext. 7 or evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org. See flyer for more information.
Comfort through Grief Ministries
St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community Center, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, is hosting guest speaker Anne-Marie Welsh and her program entitled “Hope within Grief: Notes on a conversation with the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis.” This presentation will take place on Monday, April 28, in the upstairs multipurpose room. Doors open for registration at 5:30 p.m. with the program running from 6:15- 8 p.m. See attached flyer for more information.
Faithful to the Finish 5k
On Saturday, May 10, Our Lady of Peace Parish will sponsor the 11th annual Faithful to the Finish 5k. The run will be held at Presque Isle State Park Erie Runners Club Pavilion at Beach 1. Start time is 8 a.m. Entry is $30 with registration before April 28 with t-shirt or $40 after April 29 with no t-shirt. Proceeds benefit the OLP Parish Endowment. Please make checks payable to: Our Lady of Peace. Registrants can mail entry and payment to: Faithful to the Finish, Our Lady of Peace, 2401 W 38th St., Erie, PA 16506 or register online: www. Runsignup.com. Please contact Cynthia Berarducci for questions: Cynthia.berarducci@olp.org or 814-833-7701/cell 814-392-9130.
Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit available for parishes and schools
The International Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit, which was designed and created by Blessed Carlo Acutis, is available for parishes and schools in the diocese to borrow. The exhibit is composed of approximately 160 panels that include beautiful images and detailed descriptions of Eucharistic miracles that have occurred throughout the centuries, in many countries around the world. St. Philip Church, 401 S. Mercer St., Linesville, has a copy of this exhibit, thanks to a generous REEF grant, and will allow our parishes and schools to borrow the exhibit free of charge. The exhibit is stored in 3 boxes and 2 bins for easy transport. For more information about the exhibit, please check out the website at: https://stspeterphilip.com/miracles-exhibit.html or email Amanda at eucharistic.miracle.exhibit@gmail.com.
International Pilgrim Virgin Statue Tour
The International Pilgrim Virgin Statue Tour is coming to the Diocese of Erie May 1-10. This amazing experience is sponsored by the World Apostolate of Fatima and Our Lady’s Blue Army, Mercer County Division. The world-famous statue was sculpted according to the specifications of Ven. Sister Lucia, seer of Fatima, and by Jose Thedim, the Michelangelo of Portugal. The statue was blessed by Ven. Pope Piux XII on May 13, 1947. She was named the Pilgrim Virgin Statue known as “Weeping Madonna”. To see all of her stops, please see the attached tour schedule. For more information, please contact Tina Scoccia at 724-877-0987.
Catholic Charities Bingo
Catholic Charities is holding a Bingo Night at the JPT Event Center, 2319 W 38th St., Erie, on Friday, April 25. Take a shot at winning great prizes like designer purses, electronics and cash. Enjoy a fun-filled evening while supporting a good cause. All proceeds go toward Catholic Charities programs. Tickets are available at: https://bit.ly/ccbingo2025. For more information, contact Tina at 814-824-1260 or tespin@ccincerie.org. Check the attached flyer for details.
Book Study: Forming Intentional Disciples by Sherry Weddell
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Conference room, 100 Penn Ave. Mercer, will be the setting for a book study on Saturdays in June (7, 14, 21 and 28) from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Registration deadline is April 28. The cost, which includes book and a study guide, is $20. Participants are asked to read the book and use the study guide in advance of the first session. The discussion will be thematic rather than chapter by chapter. See attached flyer.
- Register: https://ihmercer.org/forming-disciples/
- Facebook Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FFD44AAVb/
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine Bus Trip
Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek is planning a bus trip to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Lewiston, New York, on Saturday, May 31. In addition to a presentation by shrine staff, there will be an opportunity to explore the extensive grounds which include outdoor Stations, Rosary, Avenue of Saints, several chapels and a gift shop. We will join the shrine community for the Vigil Mass of Sunday. The cost of transportation is $65. Deadline for non-refundable reservations is April 27 (or as soon as bus is filled). Space is limited. See attached flyer for details.
Catholics Returning Home
The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville is conducting a free series of informal listening sessions, titled “Catholics Returning Home,” on six consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning Apr. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary of Grace Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville. The series is an invitation to Catholics who have been away to renew their relationship with the Catholic Church. These listening sessions will be conducted in a support-group format, with updates on the Catholic faith. Former returned Catholics or converts will facilitate the evenings. Everyone is welcome. For more details, call 814-336-1112.
Easter items for sale at Benedictine Gift Shop
The Benedictine Gift Shop, located at 139 Church Street in St. Marys, PA, is fully stocked and ready for Easter and Sacrament Season! Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for a loved one's special day or seeking religious items, we’ve got you covered. Stop by and discover a wide selection of meaningful gifts that are sure to inspire. We’re open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit us today or call 814-781-1019 for more information. Your one-stop shop for all things religious!
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