August 26, 2024
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next Information Bulletin is Tuesday, September 3, 2024.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, August 29, 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.
2024 Catholic Education Collection
Pastors and administrators will find attached Father Nicholas Rouch’s letter introducing the 2024 Catholic Education Collection. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of September 7-8.
Office for Divine Worship monthly newsletter
The Office for Divine Worship presents a monthly newsletter to aid in preparing celebrations that will occur in that particular month. The September newsletter is attached.
#iGiveCatholic registration is now open for eligible organizations
The Catholic Foundation is facilitating the annual #iGiveCatholic giving day campaign for the Catholic community of the Diocese of Erie on December 3. Eligible parishes, schools and ministries should have received a registration email from Elizabeth Rathburn. Registration deadline is November 1. The Catholic Foundation is ready to help your organization be successful with #iGiveCatholic! Contact Elizabeth at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1257 with questions.
2024 Catholic Foundation fall Education Grant opportunity
The Catholic Foundation’s fall Education Grant cycle is now open and applications are being accepted through September 30. 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 $71,365 so far this year in grants to parishes, schools and diocesan offices for a wide variety of projects and programs. Visit the following link to read about these grant awards: https://www.cfnwpa.org/news/catholic-foundation-of-northwest-pennsylvania-announces-2024-spring-grant-awards-totaling-71-365.
NFP outreach plans Mass and picnic for Sept. 29: all are welcome!
Circle Sunday, Sept. 29, on your calendar as the Office of Virtue & Integrity Education/NFP hosts Mass and a picnic at Our Lady, Queen of the Americas Parish, 155 S. 9th St., Conneaut Lake. The event begins with Mass at 10:30 am. After Mass, enjoy an afternoon picnic filled with delicious food, faith formation and fun activities for all ages. Enjoy this perfect opportunity to connect with other families and deepen your understanding of God's plan for your family. Graphic suitable to use as a poster or bulletin insert is attached. All are welcome — bring your family, friends and a joyful spirit! More information and RSVP: https://www.eriercd.org/chastity/picnic.html.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached September 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.
Copyright information from the Office for Divine Worship
The Office for Divine Worship has issued a document addressing the legalities of copyright, serving as both a reminder and potentially new information for pastors and parishes. The document is attached for reference.
Staying safe online - Mail display name spoofing
It’s a sneaky trick used by cybercriminals: Mail display name spoofing makes an email look like it’s from someone you know or trust. Perpetrators change the name that appears in the “From” field of the email, but the actual email address is different. For example, an email may look like it’s from your boss, but the email address is not your boss’s real address. This tactic is often used in phishing attacks to trick people into sharing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.
Stay alert and always double-check the email address to keep your information safe! If you get an email asking you for money or gift cards, or if you get an email asking you to click on links or log into an account, double check the email address, not just the name. Display name spoofing is especially effective on mobile devices where you might only see the display name and not the full email address. The screen size on a mobile device is smaller than on a laptop or desktop. As a result, the amount of information that can be displayed is far less — and mail clients on mobile devices are adapted for this. Most, if not all, mail clients on mobile devices don’t display the sender’s email address, and instead show only the display name. This is a major advantage to attackers. Don’t trust the name. Always verify the email address. Or, better yet, call the person to verify the legitimacy of an email.
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.Catholic Education Collection letter Office for Divine Worship September newsletter NFP Picnic ICSC newsletter (English) ICSC newsletter (Spanish) Copyright information from the Office for Divine Worship Blue Mass |
Blue Mass offered at St. Stanislaus Church in Erie
All are welcome to participate in a Blue Mass to honor the work of public safety personnel and veterans, active and retired, on September 4 at 6 pm at St. Stanislaus Church, East 12th and Wallace streets, Erie. Presiders include Father Jason Glover, chaplain, Erie Police Department; Father Scott Jabo, chaplain, Retired State Police Assn. of PA, NW Branch; and Father Philip Pinczewski, chaplain, Erie Fire Department. Reception follows the Mass. Show appreciation and support by attending the Mass and praying for first responders, veterans and their families. Poster attached.
Meadville parish offers informal setting for those interested in renewing their relationship with the Catholic Church
The Epiphany of the Lord Parish, Meadville, is offering a series of free, informal listening sessions, “Catholics Returning Home,” on six consecutive Tuesdays beginning Sept. 17 at 6:30 pm. Conducted in a support-group format by Catholics who have returned to the church and converts, the series is an invitation to Catholics who have been away to renew their relationship with the Catholic Church. For details, call 814.336.1112 or visit www.epiphanymeadville.org/about-5. The gatherings are at St. Mary of Grace Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville. All are welcome.
Erie parish offers monthly Patriotic Rosary
St. Joseph Bread of Life Parish, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, welcomes all who would like to pray the Patriotic Rosary on the fourth Monday of every month at 10:30 am, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother to protect and guide our nation. Questions? Email Leslie Jennings at daleandleslie@gmail.com. A special Election Day Patriotic Rosary is planned at the church for Election Day, Tues., November 5 at 10:30 am.
5K race and fun walk to benefit parish food pantry in Sharpsville
St. Bartholomew Parish in Sharpsville will hold its annual 5K race ($20 fee) and one-mile fun walk ($10 fee) on Sat., November 9, starting at 9 am at the parish center, 311 W. Ridge Road, Sharpsville. Registration opens Sept. 3 at www.smileymiles.com. Same-day registration available in person at 8 am. All proceeds benefit the St. Bartholomew Food Pantry.
Retreat center in Frenchville lists fall retreats
Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville has several upcoming retreats among which are: Prayer with Mary, October 7, and Centering Prayer, Oct. 17. For a complete list of their fall offerings visit the “retreats” tab on their newly updated website at https://www.anawimministries.com.
Register now for annual Catholic Charismatic ‘Greater Things’ Conference
Faith on Fire will hold its annual Catholic Charismatic ‘Greater Things’ Conference on Sat., October 19, from 9:30 to 3:30 pm at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38th St., Erie. The event will feature Father David Baetzold, OFM Cap., who will speak on deliverance and healing. Register at https://bit.ly/SWORD24 or call 814.636.1800 to register by phone. $25 fee includes lunch.
There are no classified advertisements this week.
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