February 20, 2024
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 26, 2024.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 22, 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.
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2025 Special collections schedule now available for parishes in the Diocese of Erie
The 2025 special collections schedule is attached. Please use this schedule when ordering collection envelopes for your parish(es). Feel free to contact the Chancery at 814.824.1126 with any questions.
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 18, 2024. Is your parish planning to bring in a presenter for a parish mission or Advent program? Are you planning a new religious education or faith formation project for your parish or Catholic school? Are your parish lay ministers or lay staff 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 this grant opportunity. Review the guidelines and criteria at the following web page: www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-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-announces-2023-fall-grant-awards.
‘Peace Must Begin with Me’ chosen as theme for Catholic Sisters Week 2024
Fifty-two weeks a year, women religious inspire the rest of us as they stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community, offer hope and so much more. Now an official component of Women’s History Month, Catholic Sisters Week, celebrated March 8 – 14, 2024, gives us all a time to remember their work, which began in our region in 1852, a year before the diocese was founded. Honor the sisters by reflecting on their theme: “Peace Must Begin with Me.” Downloadable resources for parishes to use can be found at www.eriercd.org/csw.html.
Parishes and diocesan offices are invited to apply for Faith Formation Grant funding
Are you involved in planning or implementing a faith formation project for your parish? Are you planning a parish mission or faith formation special event in the summer or fall of 2024 or in spring of 2025? Is your faith formation programming in need of a technology upgrade? Consider applying for a Faith Formation Grant from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania to help fund your project. Applications are now being accepted. For more information and to read the grant guidelines and criteria, go to the following web page: https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/faith-formation-endowment-guidelines. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney, operations director, at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1253.
2024 Mother-Daughter Teas announced
Mark your calendars for one of the two annual Mother-Daughter Teas hosted by the Virtue & Integrity Education Office. The first tea is set for April 21 at St. Mary’s Church, 315 Church St, St Marys; the second is April 28 at Saint Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie. Both will run from 1 to 4 pm. These special events are designed for girls ages 10 and above and their moms. Topics to be discussed include the emotional and physical changes of puberty and strengthening the parent-child bond through adolescence. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.eriercd.org/chastity/tea.html. See attachment for a graphic suitable for publication in parish bulletins.
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 http://ErieCatholic.org/careers.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.2025 Special collections schedule Mother-Daughter Teas Lent University Crown/Fryburg/Lucinda parish mission All Saints Lenten fish dinners St. George Soup, Salad & Soul St. Luke series on raising children St. Eulalia Women’s retreat Benedictine Lenten vigils Father John Dear to speak |
St. Jude Parish offers online Lent University opportunity
Register for Lent University from St. Jude Parish, Erie. Classes and seminars are open to everyone, regardless of parish. We are delighted to be working with local churches to make this Lent extraordinary! Lent University provides chances for service, spirituality and social companionship. Laity lead the majority of the classes, which focus on specific gifts and features. Learn more about Lent University at www.saintjude.church/lentu. A graphic, suitable for bulletins, is attached.
Course in spiritual direction made available
In response to the growing need for trained, competent and faithful Catholics to guide those who desire a closer relationship with God, this program is now being offered: Road to Emmaus is a two-year program, rooted in Catholic theology, to provide the knowledge and skills for individuals seeking to offer spiritual direction. Those who are interested can go online at http://rdtoemmaus.com or email Dr. Jan Satterlee at jansat101@gmail.com.
Bethany Retreat Center offers Lenten series on prayer
In prayer, not only do we call out to God, but God endlessly calls out to us, enfolding us in mercy, drawing us close in love. Yet prayer can be daunting. We may not be sure where to begin or how to continue. In Prayer, Biblical Wisdom for Seeking God, Michelle Franci-Donnay explores what Scripture teaches us about prayer with insightful commentary on three key passages. The voices of the psalmist, St. Paul and Jesus are guides in this rich volume on one of the most essential topics of the spiritual life. Join Sister Ruth Ann Madera, CA, on the following remaining Sundays: February 25 and March 3, 10 and 17 at 4 pm at the Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville. Books will be provided. RSVP: 814.263.4855.
St. Joseph Parish, Force, offers fish/shrimp Lenten dinners
Fish/shrimp dinners will be available at St. Joseph Church, 17764 Bennetts Valley Highway in Force every Friday through Good Friday, March 29, from noon to 6:30 pm or until sold out. Dinners include choice of haddock fish or fantail shrimp, choice of potato, coleslaw, salad or soup, and bread and drink. Cost is $15; take-outs and limited delivery available. Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our annual Lenten dinners.
Fish dinners available at All Saints Parish, Waterford
All Saints Parish, 11264 Rt. 97N in Waterford, is offering Lenten fish dinners February 23, March 1, 8, 15, and 22 from 4:30 pm to 7 pm. Cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and toddlers will eat for free. Choose from baked or fried whitefish, baked potato or French fries, coleslaw, roll & butter, applesauce, coffee, juice, water and homemade desserts. Takeout available by calling the parish at 814.796.3023 after 4:30 pm on Fridays. Flyer attached.
St. George Parish, Erie, hosts Lenten series: Soup, Salad and Soul
Join St. George Parish, 5145 Peach St., Erie, as they host their 16th annual Lenten series, Soup, Salad and Soul, on Tuesday evenings during Lent. Mass begins at 5:15, followed by a meal of homemade soup and salad, after which a guest speaker will be featured. The lineup this year includes Father Jason Feigh on Feb. 20, Father Ross Miceli on Feb. 27, Father Marc Stockton on March 5, Father Chris Beran on March 12 and seminarian Joe Preston on March 19. Dinner begins at 6 pm in the school cafeteria. This is a free event, however donations are always accepted. Flyer attached.
Parishes in Crown, Lucina and Fryburg offer mission
The partnered parishes of St. Mary in Crown, St. Joseph in Lucinda and St. Michael in Fryburg invite you to their parish mission. Together, they are hosting Dr. Ray Guarendi on March 10, 11 and 12. Dr. Guarendi is a Catholic father of ten adopted children, a clinical psychologist, author, professional speaker and national radio and television host. His radio show, “The Doctor is In,” can be heard on 500 stations and Sirius XM channel 130. His TV show, “Living Right With Dr. Ray,” can be seen on EWTN Global Catholic Network and is aired in 140 countries. Topics and locations include:
Sunday, March 10 – St. Michael, Fryburg: Parents and Grandparents: Standing Strong
Monday, March 11 – St. Mary, Crown: Marriage: Men and Women
Tuesday, March 12 – St. Joseph, Lucinda: Faith: The Logic of Being Catholic
Admission is free. A flyer suitable for publicizing the event can be found in the attachments.
St. Luke Parish, Erie, offers free sessions on raising children in today’s society
Do you have questions that preoccupy you? We have compiled specific topics for each age group. Our knowledgeable speakers will be concise. Especially in today’s society, there is such competition for our children’s attention. Any useful tool is an asset for a child’s mental, emotional and spiritual health. We welcome you to join us for any or all parts of this free parenting series. Visit the St. Luke Parish website at www.stlukeerie.org for more information or see the attached flyer. The events, which began last week, will be held at St. Luke Church, 421 E. 38th St., Sundays at 2 pm.
March 20: Part 2 – Grade School Years
April 14: Part 3 – High School Years
Parents, grandparents, adoptive parents, legal guardians and caregivers who have a role in a child’s life are invited.
Bethany Retreat Center hosts retreat, Adoration and Benediction Feb. 25
Are you looking to deepen your spiritual relationship with the Lord? If so, this Lenten event at Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville, may be just what you’re looking for. Join us on February 25 for a retreat on prayer and finding God in the silence followed by Adoration and Benediction with Father Mark Mastrian. Dr. Jan Satterlee will present prayer as communication with God, providing examples of prayer and unpacking the three expressions of prayer: vocal, meditative and contemplative. Visit www.BethanyRetreatCenter.org for details on this chance to pause in the busyness of the world, take a breath and reflect on the living God of creation.
Catholic Rural Ministry in Oil City offers Lenten book discussion on Zoom
Mary T. Malone’s Four Women Doctors of the Church will be the subject of a series of Lenten discussions led by Sister Tina Geiger, RSM, and Sister Marian Wehler, OSB, of Catholic Rural Ministry in Oil City. All are cordially invited to the discussions on Zoom scheduled for Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 6 to 7:30 pm. Register by email at srtinag@gmail.com or by phone at 814.677.2032. Books are available at both OrbisBooks.com and Amazon. Featured are Sts. Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila and Therese of Lisieux.
Women’s retreat
The St. Eulalia Women’s Retreat, open to all women, will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2024. This spiritual gathering will focus on Understanding the Prayers of the Mass, presented by Father William Barron from the Moshannon Catholic Churches of Clearfield County.
Retreat Schedule:
2:30 pm: Welcome in the Gathering Space
3 – 5 pm: Presentation in the church
5 pm: Optional dinner in the Parish Center ($15)
6 pm: Eucharistic Adoration with an opportunity for confession.
Reservations can be made by contacting IVSKAS@zitomedia.net or calling 814.274.7732. Additional information is available at www.steulalia-stgabriel.org. The reservation deadline is March 1. Please make checks payable to CDA and submit with the reservation form in the collection basket. See the attachment for the registration form.
Benedictine Sisters of Erie offer monastery tours/supper/Lent vigil
Tour the monastery of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 East Lake Road, Harborcreek, on Saturday, March 9 at 4 pm. Following the guided tour will be supper with the sisters in the monastery dining room, as well as a Lent vigil at 7 pm in the chapel. Reservations are needed for the tour and dinner because space is limited. Visit https://eriebenedictines.org/spirituality/lent-tour-reservation-form.html or call Michelle at 814.899.0614, ext. 2507 by March 1 to RSVP. All are welcome to attend the Lent vigils on the remaining Saturdays during Lent — February 24, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 7 pm in the monastery chapel with no reservations necessary. See attached flyer.
Father John Dear to speak at Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Erie
Save the date: On Friday, April 5 at 7 pm, peacemaker, author and Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Father John Dear will speak at Mount St. Benedict Monastery about his new book and life's work: The Gospel of Peace: A Commentary on Matthew, Mark, and Luke from the Perspective of Nonviolence. It is the first-ever commentary on the synoptic Gospels from the perspective of active nonviolence in the tradition of Gandhi and Dr. King. In this original work, Father John walks us through every line of the three synoptic Gospels pointing out Jesus' practice and teachings on nonviolence, peace and universal love and his invitation to follow him. See attached flyer.
Our Lady of the Lake KOC members offer Chance of a Lifetime tickets
Tickets for the April 27, 2024, Chance of a Lifetime drawing by the Knights of Columbus are now available from any member of the Knights of Columbus Council 6191 at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 128 Sunset Drive, Edinboro. A $5.00 donation gives ticketholders 16 chances to win one of 16 prizes ranging between $1,000 and $15,000. The drawing will be held in King of Prussia, Pa., but winners need not be present. Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania State Council Scholarship Program and the Our Lady of the Lake Council. Tickets can be purchased at the parish Lenten fish dinners, Fridays Feb. 23, March 1, 8 15 and 22 from 4:30 pm until sold out.
Catholic Foundation seeks marketing director
The Catholic Foundation is seeking a marketing director to lead the development and implementation of activities related to marketing, communications, and events for the foundation in collaboration with other staff and its board of directors. The Catholic Foundation is the only community foundation in northwest Pennsylvania guided by Catholic values. For the full job description and details on how to apply, visit https://www.cfnwpa.org/employment. Applications will be accepted through March 8, 2024.
Part-time music minister, St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, North East
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish in North East is looking for a part-time music minister responsible for maintaining a comprehensive music ministry that supports parishioners in singing and being brought into deeper union with Christ. Among the main responsibilities are: Providing organ/piano music for weekend Masses as well as funerals, weddings and other special occasions; directing the choir and assisting with the direction of the youth choir; coordinating and preparing cantors and instrumentalists; planning for weekend liturgies; preparing the monthly worship aid and more. Must have or obtain appropriate clearances. For the full job description and details on how to apply, visit https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
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