February 18, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 24, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 20, 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.
2025 Catholic Services Appeal Update
Please be reminded that this weekend, February 22-23, is Promotion Weekend for the 2025 Catholic Services Appeal. The following weekend, March 1-2, is Commitment Weekend. Parish CSA materials have been shipped and should have already arrived at your parish. Be sure to open boxes when they arrive and check the contents. Now is the time to put up posters, have CSA brochures available in your church and parish office and include announcements about the CSA in your parish bulletin and e-newsletters. Please note: The 2025 CSA video will be available to download the afternoon of Tuesday, February 18. For promotional materials, access to the CSA video and additional CSA resources, visit: https://www.eriercd.org/Catholic-Services-Appeal-CSA-Materials.html Contact Julia Cooney with any questions at 814-824-1253 or jcooney@cfnwpa.org.
Catholic Foundation Spring Grant Opportunities
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania’s Spring Grant Cycle is now open. Applications for Education and Faith Formation Grants will be accepted through March 31, 2025. Are you planning a parish mission or faith formation special event in the summer or fall of 2025? Are you planning a new religious education or faith formation project for your parish or Catholic school? Are your parish lay ministers, lay staff or youth planning to attend a conference, workshop or retreat this summer or fall? Is your school or faith formation program in need of updated technology? Your project may meet the criteria for one of these grant opportunities. There have been some changes to guidelines and criteria. Please review carefully. Education: www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines Faith Formation: https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/faith-formation-endowment-guidelines. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney, operations director, 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-announces-2024-fall-grant-awards-totaling-54-315.
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 March newsletter is attached.
Revival: A Lenten Devotional for Eucharistic Renewal
The National Eucharistic Revival has released a Lenten devotional to help Catholics deepen their faith this season. "Revival: A Lenten Devotional for Eucharistic Renewal" offers daily reflections focused on prayer, fasting and interior renewal, guiding you closer to Christ in the Eucharist. Available for just $10! Share this with your parishioners and enrich their Lenten journey. Order here: https://store.eucharisticrevival.org/products/revival-a-lenten-devotional-for-eucharistic-renewal?_gl=11hp11ka_gcl_au*MTA5OTA1ODE2Mi4xNzM5NDc0NDc4
Update computer technology to avoid security risk
Older devices often have weaknesses that make them easy targets for hackers. Many of them run outdated software, which means they don't have the latest security updates to protect against new threats. When devices stop getting updates from the manufacturer, they become even more vulnerable. Hackers are always looking for easy ways to break into systems, and an old device can be their entry point into the church's network. This can lead to unauthorized access and potentially compromise the entire system. Outdated devices to access church resources can put donor information at risk. By investing in newer, more secure devices, the church can protect its digital assets, safeguard member information and maintain the integrity of its operations. Keeping technology up to date is crucial for creating a safer environment for everyone involved. Reminder, Windows 10 will be retired by Microsoft on 10/14/25. To be safe, you should update your operating system or your computer before this date.
2026 special collection schedule for the Diocese of Erie
The 2026 special collection schedule is attached. Please use this schedule when ordering collection envelopes for your parish(es). Feel free to contact the Chancery at 814-824-1130 with any questions.
2025 CRS Rice Bowl Collection
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2025 CRS Rice Bowl collection taken during Lent. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of March 1-2.
Customizable banner site for your parish website
If you are looking for customizable banners for your diocesan hosted website (or Facebook) for the upcoming holiday season, please check out our selection found here: https://www.eriercd.org/ParishPlaceGraphics.html. This season please draw your attention to the Lenten dinner, Holy Week, Ash Wednesday and Easter basket blessing customizable banners. Graphics are designed to work with the Diocese of Erie website system but may work for websites from other developers. Instructions for downloading and using the graphic can be found at the top of the website. Templates exist in Ministry Platform if you would like to email your parishioners about these events. Instructions for using templates in MP can be found here: https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/computer/mp/specialeventsemail.pdf
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.Office of Divine Worship monthly newsletter St. Patrick’s Haven Shamrock Showdown Reverse Raffle Special Collection schedule 2025 CRS Rice Bowl Collection Pierogi and pancake batter orders Prince of Peace Center Mardi Gras |
Coffee tasting fundraiser to benefit St. Martin Center
Erie’s best coffee is back! Join us on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Zem Zem Shrine Club, 2525 West 38th St., Erie, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a coffee lover’s dream. Enjoy unlimited sips & samples from local coffee vendors, indulge in delicious bakery treats and shop from our coffee-themed product vendors. Plus, enjoy live music, fun activities for the kids, exciting raffles and a photobooth to capture the memories! Tickets: $10 per person | Kids under 12: free. All proceeds benefit St. Martin Center.
Third Annual Four-Leaf Clover Celebration
Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1626 West 26th St., Erie, is hosting their third annual Four-Leaf Clover celebration on Saturday, Mar. 8. Tickets are $5 and cover admission to the event and a chance to win cash prizes of $500 (7 p.m.), $1,500 (8 p.m.) and $3,000 (9 p.m.). Light appetizers will be provided. BYOB and snacks too. There will be Irish dancers, games of chance and music by Lisa Keating. Back by popular demand Deal or no Deal and Break the Balloon. Tickets are available at the parish office or at the door. Proceeds benefit Blessed Sacrament Church.
Spaghetti Dinner
Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 816 West 26th St., Erie, is hosting a spaghetti dinner in their auditorium on Sunday, Mar. 9 from noon to 5 p.m. Buffet dinner and take-outs available. Traditional spaghetti and meatballs and includes salad, bread and a cannoli for dessert. Cost for adults are $15 and children are $10. Bucket of meatballs and sauce to go are $10. There will be 50/50 tickets, a bake sale and theme basket raffle. For more information, please call 814-452-2982 or visit www.stjoseph-sacredheart.org.
Shamrock Showdown
The Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, will be the setting for the Shamrock Showdown, Mar 15. from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. This trivia competition will be emceed by Drs. Walter and Mary Iwanenko, President and First Lady of Gannon University and will benefit St. Patrick’s Haven. Register your eight-member team and compete to take home this year’s trophy. There will be a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres, snacks and beverages, a 50/50 and basket raffles and a cash bar. Please see the attached flyer for more information and to register your team using the QR code. You can also visit https://stpatrickshaven.org/shamrock-showdown/ or call 814-836-4153.
Reverse Raffle
St. Boniface Parish, 9367 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, will be the setting for a St. Pat’s Party reverse raffle. Mar. 15 the doors will open at 6 p.m. at the Coleman Center and the raffle starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased until Mar. 13 through the church office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. No tickets will be sold at the door. They are $40 for admission for two adults and includes beer, wine, water, pop and raffle. Bring your own food/snacks. Please see flyer for more information.
Lenten dinner announcement
Faith magazine is arriving in mailboxes this week! This edition includes the announcement for Fish Fry dinners within the diocese. As parishioners receive the magazine and check our website for Fish Fry locations, we encourage all parishes hosting a Fish Fry or Lenten dinner to submit their event for listing.
Additionally, the Diocese of Erie will feature a Fish Fry announcement in the Feb. 26 edition of Diocese of EriE-News. If your parish is hosting a Fish Fry or Lenten dinner and would like to share it on our website—free of charge—please email the details to ibeditor@eriercd.org as soon as possible. Don't miss this opportunity to spread the word!
Pierogi and Pancake batter orders
Holy Trinity Parish, 509 E. 26th St., Erie, is accepting orders for pierogies and potato pancake batter from Feb. 1 through Mar. 1. Pierogies are available for $20 per dozen or $11 per half-dozen, while potato pancake batter is priced at $5 per pint, $8 per quart or $15 for two quarts. Payment is required at the time of ordering. To place an order, call Liz at 814-722-0015. Credit cards are accepted and payments can also be mailed to Holy Trinity Parish, 509 E. 26th St., Erie, PA 16504. Orders can be picked up at the Holy Trinity Social Center, located at East 23rd and Reed St. in Erie, on Weds., Mar. 5, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., or Sat., Mar. 8, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more details, please see the attached flyer.
Prince of Peace Center to host Mardi Gras Happy Hour
The Block, located at 23 Chestnut Ave., Sharon, will be hosting a happy hour on Tues., Mar. 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join in a magical evening with live music, signature cocktails and French Quarter inspired bites. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets include one free drink, themed hors d’oeuvres and lots of fun. See attached flyer for more information.
Pre-Lenten Retreat
The Office of Virtue & Integrity Education of the Diocese of Erie is sponsoring a Pre-Lenten Retreat Friday, Feb. 28 through Saturday, Mar. 1 at St. Thomas More House of Prayer, 365 Hill City Rd, Cranberry. Our retreat master for the weekend will be Father Chris Beran. The retreat will focus on the strength, beauty, wisdom and goodness of God’s plan to bring us back to him. The last day to register is Feb. 21. For more information and to register, visit https://www.eriercd.org/chastity/retreat.html. Questions? Call or email Cassondra at 814-824-1216 or by email at cdragone@eriercd.org.
Chancery Administrative Assistant
The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Erie is seeking one full-time individual to provide a professional level of administrative support. The successful candidate will also be responsible for special projects in the Chancery Office.
Key responsibilities and abilities of the successful candidate include but are not limited to the following:
- Communicate professionally and politely with those who contact the administrative offices of the Diocese of Erie.
- Compose, proofread and format letters and other correspondence.
- Process invoices, receipts and cash expense reports.
- Prepares correspondence for the signature of the Bishiop, Vicar General, Chancellor or Vice Chancellor as required.
For best consideration, please apply by Feb. 28, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Full position profile and application may be found at https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, references and a signed and completed job application form in one of two ways:
- Email all materials to: hrinfo@eriercd.org . (Application form must be completed, signed and scanned.)
- Mail to HR, Attn: Chancery - Administrative search, 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504
St. Patrick Parish, Erie, seeks Office and Financial manager
St. Patrick Parish, 130 E 4th St, Erie is seeking two individuals to manage the office and perform financial duties. Applicants should be proficient in standard computer programs such as: Quick Books, Excel, Office and Publisher. Please submit resume to stpats@neo.rr.com.
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