February 13, 2023
Due to the Presidents' Day holiday the next Information Bulletin is Tuesday, February 21, 2023.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 16, 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 special collection schedule for the Diocese of Erie
The 2024 special collection schedule is attached. Please use this schedule when ordering collection envelopes for your parish. Call the Chancery at 814.824.1130 with any questions.
Resources for the Revised Order of Penance
The first use for the newly revised Order of Penance will be permitted on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. Mandatory use will be the Second Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy), April 16.
The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC) has prepared free downloadable resources for use at your parishes. They may be duplicated locally for use as an aid in the confessional or as a catechetical tool when preparing adults or children for the sacrament. Cards for the confessional or catechesis can be found at https://fdlc.org/penance/:
- Options for the Prayer of the Penitent (8.5” x 11”, to be printed back-to-back)
- A simple order of service for “The Order of Reconciling an Individual Penitent” (large print, full sheet to be printed back-to-back)
- A simple order of service for “The Order of Reconciling an Individual Penitent” (half sheets, printed back-to-back).
2023 Catholic Services Appeal update
The Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) — the annual fundraising campaign of the Diocese of Erie — is essential to supporting the day-to-day work of the church in our diocese. As you prepare for Commitment Sunday on Feb. 19, here are some helpful hints for a successful CSA campaign:
- Promote the CSA in your bulletins, on your parish website and from the pulpit.
- Plan a great parish project to which people will be inspired to give.
- Use the video by putting a link on your parish website or showing it in your church prior to Commitment Sunday. The video, along with additional materials, can be accessed here: https://www.eriercd.org/Catholic-Services-Appeal-CSA-Materials.html.
Contact Julia Cooney, operations director, with questions at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1253.
2023 Lenten Practices
Pastors and administrators will find attached the 2023 Lenten Practices from the Chancery. Of particular note are the regulations for St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on a Lenten Friday this year. Please contact the Chancery with any questions at 814.824.1130.
Mass time websites for vacationers may have incorrect information
The following websites provide Mass times to travelers and others: masstimes.org, discovermass.com, parishesonline.com, catholicmasstime.org and ourcatholicneighborhood.com. These organizations may list out-of-date information for your parish. The Diocese of Erie does not directly authorize these sites to list its information. Parish staff are asked to regularly check information on these websites to ensure information is up-to-date and accurate for visitors to our area.
St. Mark Seminary and Diocese of Erie Vocations Office Facebook pages
St. Mark Seminary and the Diocese of Erie Vocations Office recently created Facebook pages. They can be found at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083214737933&mibextid=LQQJ4d and https://www.facebook.com/DioceseofErieVocations?mibextid=LQQJ4d.
Catholic Foundation spring Education Grant opportunity
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania’s spring Education Grant cycle is now open. Applications are being accepted through March 20. Is your parish planning to bring in a presenter for a parish mission or Advent program? Are your parish lay ministers or lay staff planning to attend a conference, workshop or retreat — in person or virtually — this summer or fall? Are you planning a new religious education or faith formation project for your parish or Catholic school? Is your school or faith formation program in need of updated technology? Your project may meet the criteria for this grant opportunity. Review the guidelines and criteria at the following web page: www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines. Contact Julia Cooney with questions at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1253.
To read about our most recent group of grantees, go to https://www.cfnwpa.org/news/catholic-foundation-of-northwest-pennsylvania-awards-77-991-in-fall-2022-education-grant-cycle.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Special collection schedule Lenten Practices 2023 St. Elizabeth Eucharistic miracles presentation Blessed Sacrament fish dinners St. Luke fish dinners Holy Cross fish dinners Holy Hour for Vocations Our Lady of Mercy Eucharistic miracles presentation Gen Z and Mental Health David Kauffman Song & Story |
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Eucharistic miracles presentation
St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Smethport is hosting a free multimedia presentation, Eucharistic Miracles, by neuropsychologist Dr. Jaci Phillips on Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 307 Franklin St., Smethport. The event includes dinner and a discussion. RSVP at 814.558.2314. See flier for details.
Blessed Sacrament Parish Lenten fish dinners
Blessed Sacrament Parish in Erie is serving fish dinners on Feb. 24, March 10 and March 24 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria, 1626 West 26th St., Erie. Dine-in and take-out service is available. See flier for details.
Holy Cross Lenten fish dinners
Holy Cross Parish in Fairview is serving fish and shrimp dinners on Feb. 24 and on March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, 7100 West Ridge Rd., Fairview. Dine in and take out is available. Contact Jo Ann with questions at 814.474.2605. See flier for details.
St. Luke Knights of Columbus fish dinners
The Knights of Columbus Council 11229 is sponsoring Lenten fish dinners on Feb. 24 and on March 3, 10 and 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at St. Luke Café, 421 East 38th St., Erie. Take out is available. For more information call Marty Drabic at 814.460.6338. See flier for details.
Holy Hour for Vocations
Please join Deacon Dave Jacquel and the parishioners of St. Mark and Mt. Calvary parishes for a Holy Hour for Vocations on Feb. 25 at 3:15 p.m. at St. Mark Church, 695 Smithson Ave, Erie. Contact the parish office with questions at 814.899.3000 or email at office@smmc.church. See flier for details.
Eucharist: Food for the Journey
The DuBois Area Roman Catholic Churches will host the third of their five-part series, The Eucharist: Food for the Journey, on
March 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary's Church, 607 East Main St., Reynoldsville. Msgr. Charles Kaza will be the guest speaker with a reflection titled The Eucharist as Sacrifice. Each session consists of a reflection by a guest speaker, time for Eucharistic adoration, an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, meditative music, activities for children and a light meal. The event is free of charge and open to the public. Funding for this series is provided by a grant from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania.
Our Lady of Mercy Eucharistic miracles presentation
Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek is hosting a free multimedia presentation, Eucharistic Miracles, by neuropsychologist Dr. Jaci Phillips on March 8 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Barlett Rd., Harborcreek. The event begins after 5:30 p.m. Mass, with soup being served at 6:10 p.m. Jaci will begin her presentation at 6:45 p.m. All are welcome. See flier for details.
Gen Z and Mental Health
The Office of Faith Formation is pleased to offer a live Zoom webinar with national speaker Steven Ellair of Springtide Research Institute and St. Mary’s Press, presenting Gen Z and Mental Health: What Faith Leaders Need to Know on March 9 at 7 p.m. Mental health is a top issue in the lives of young people. This presentation will give an opportunity for religious leaders, parents and other trusted adults to understand how faith can play an important role in combating the unfolding mental health epidemic. See flier for registration details. Call Mary Hickin for more information at 814.824.1222.
David Kauffman Lenten retreat
Notre Dame Parish music ministry in Hermitage is hosting David Kauffman as part of their Song & Story Lenten Mission on March 13 at 7 p.m. at Notre Dame Church, 2325 Highland Rd., Hermitage. David is the founder of Good for the Soul Music and composer of the popular Mass of Renewal. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Gretchen Wagner at 724.981.5566 ext. 105 or at grandmaluia@hotmail.com. See flier for details.
St. George 100-year celebration finale
St. George Parish in Erie is celebrating its 100th year anniversary on April 22 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Ambassador Banquet & Conference Center, 7794 Peach St., Erie. The event includes a buffet, cash bar and dancing. The cost is $50 per person. RSVP by April 5 by contacting the St. George Rectory Office at 814.864.0622.
Free TV stands for parish or school
Cathedral Preparatory School has several leftover TV stands that are being given away to any parish or Catholic school within the diocese that can use them. To view pictures of the stands, go to https://www.eriercd.org/TV-stand.html. Contact Matt Costa, operations manager at Cathedral Preparatory School, at matt.costa@cathedralprep.com.
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