August 18, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, August 25, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, August 21, 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.
Special Collection for the people of Gaza
The USCCB has requested an emergency special collection to provide humanitarian relief in Gaza and surrounding areas. A collection will be taken in our diocese the weekend of September 6-7, 2025. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of August 30-31, 2025. Bishop Persico’s letter is attached.
2025 Catholic Education Collection
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2025 Catholic Education Collection, taken the weekend of Sept. 20-21. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of Sept. 13-14.
2025 Catholic Foundation Fall Education Grant Opportunity
The Foundation’s Fall Education Grant cycle is now open, and applications are being accepted through Sept. 22. Grants are available for funding towards a wide variety of religious education projects and ministry training/spiritual formation opportunities. Funding is also available for technology upgrades in schools and faith formation programs. Review the guidelines at the following link to learn more: https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney, Operations Director, at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1253.
The Catholic Foundation has awarded $83,434 this year in grants to parishes, schools and diocesan offices for various projects and programs. Visit the following link to read about these grant awards: https://www.cfnwpa.org/news/cfnwpa-announces-2025-spring-grants.
September parish graphics are ready!
The Office of Communications & Advancement has prepared September graphics for feast days, holidays, events and more. Use them on your parish social media, bulletins or website.
Celebrate Respect for Life Month as a parish webinar offered by the USCCB
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is offering a free webinar on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. to help parishes prepare for Respect Life Month in October. USCCB staff will walk participants through the newly released 2025 Respect Life Month resources and the perennial Respect Life Month Action Guide during the session. This introductory webinar is perfect for parish staff and volunteers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to enhance your parish’s outreach, this webinar will offer helpful tools and ideas to make a meaningful impact. Register online at https://usccb.zoom.us/webinar/register/3317540630501/WN_tYMeOBQ0SbiO0kyehGB6cw#/registration.
PA March for Life resources now available
The Diocese of Erie Office of Communications has created a resource page for the Pennsylvania March for Life this September. Whether you plan to attend in Harrisburg or participate from home, tools are available to help you get involved. A social media graphic, parish bulletin graphic and web banner are available for download on the parish resource page. Visit our March for Life page to learn how you can take part and help spread the word: https://www.eriercd.org/pamarch.html.
Identifying Cyber Threats
Cyber threats like phishing, malware and ransomware can harm our church community. Educating members helps them recognize scams and protect sensitive data. Regular training builds awareness and promotes vigilance. Learn more about common cyberattacks in this article from Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/security-101/what-is-a-cyberattack.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Special Collection for the people of Gaza Catholic Education Collection Fall Festival at Immaculate Conception Three Women of Advent Retreat Comfort Through Grief Series |
Fall Festival at Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Conception and St. Dominic Churches will host their annual Fall Festival Sept. 5–7 on the school grounds at 82 Summit St., Brookville. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Highlights include a $2,500 cash raffle, a large flea market, craft and Christmas room, cabbage rolls (pre-order only), gift auction, sweet shop, theme basket room, children’s gift raffle, outdoor games and a variety of food. Kids’ activities will be available on Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, a take-out roast beef dinner will be served starting at 11:15 a.m., priced at $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 5–10. Prize drawings will begin at 3 p.m. For a full schedule of events and cabbage roll order forms, visit https://icbrookville.com.
Catholics Returning Home Series
The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville offers a free six-week series, Catholics Returning Home, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Agatha church office, 353 Pine St., Meadville. These informal listening sessions welcome Catholics who have been away to reconnect with the church. Held in a supportive, group-style format, the evenings will be facilitated by former returnees and converts and will include updates on the Catholic faith. All are welcome. For details, call 814-336-1112.
New Minister Cohort
An online cohort is available for new ministers—faith formation leaders, youth ministers, newly ordained priests and others—beginning their first or second year in parish ministry. Sessions will be held during two time options: 6:30–7:30 a.m. or noon–1:00 p.m. on five consecutive Tuesdays: Aug. 26, September 2, 9, 16, and 23. Register at: https://forms.office.com/r/a1cszDXEbE.
The Three Women of Advent: Connecting the Dots to Their Life, Legacy and Lessons
Join Sister Patricia McMahon, OSF, and Sister Theresa Schneider, OSF, for a retreat that invites participants to prepare their hearts for the coming of Christ. Through prayer and reflection, explore the lives of Mary, mother of Jesus; Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist; and Anna, the prophetess who recognized the Messiah in the temple. The retreat will be held at the Center of Renewal at Stella Niagara, 4421 Lower River Rd., Stella Niagara, NY, with two date options: Saturday, Nov. 22, or Wednesday, Dec. 3. Both sessions run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the $40 registration fee includes the retreat and lunch. An optional companion book is available on Amazon but is not required. Space is limited, with reservations due by Nov. 7 for the Nov. 22 session and Nov. 18 for the Dec. 3 session. To register or learn more, call 716-754-7376, ext. 2. See the attached flyer for additional details.
Comfort Through Grief Ministry
St. Joseph Church Bread of Life Community Center, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, will be the location for the next Comfort Through Grief speaker series on Monday, Aug. 25. Fr. Steve Schreiber will be the guest speaker with his program entitled “The Church and the Priest in Times of Grief." Doors open for registration at 5:30 p.m. Program runs from 6:15-8 p.m. All are welcome. See attached flyer for more information.
Internal job openings at Saint Mark Catholic Center:
There are no new internal job openings this week, but several positions remain available. Visit our website for details: https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
External job openings:
St. Martin Center seeks volunteers
St. Martin Center, 1701 Parade St., Erie, is looking for compassionate and dedicated volunteers to help support their food pantry. Whether you have a few hours a week or one day a month, your time can greatly impact families in need. Volunteer opportunities include:
- Sorting and organizing donations
- Packing food boxes
- Assisting with distributions
- Helping with pantry setup.
For more information or to sign up, contact Alma at 814-452-6113, ext. 215 or email info@stmartincenter.org.
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