February 3, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 10, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 6, 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.
Clergy Traveling to Ireland
The Archbishop of Dublin recently sent a reminder for priests who travel to the Republic of Ireland. Every priest must be vetted and cleared by the Irish Police before he can exercise public ministry in the Republic of Ireland. This requirement is in addition to the usual letter of good standing. Priests should contact the diocese they intend to visit at least a month before they hope to minister publicly. The local diocese can help facilitate police clearances.
Permanent Deacons are uncommon in Ireland. Any deacon who wishes to exercise public ministry during a visit to the Republic of Ireland should give the local diocese as much notice as possible. Questions may be directed to the Chancery at 814-824-1130.
February edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope is available now
The February edition of the Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope newsletter is now available. Each edition includes a special message relating to the monthly Jubilee celebrations along with fun facts, activities and ways to engage. Please print this newsletter to insert into your parish bulletins or choose sections to include. The February edition is attached, and previous editions can be found at https://www.eriercd.org/holyyear2025.html.
If your parish or group is hosting a jubilee event you would like to promote, please send information to ibeditor@eriercd.org.
2025 Catholic Services Appeal
The Catholic Services Appeal is the annual fundraising campaign of the Diocese of Erie and is essential to supporting the day-to-day work of the Catholic Church in northwest Pennsylvania. The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania facilitates the CSA campaign for the Diocese of Erie. Materials for the 2025 CSA will begin shipping soon to parishes. When materials arrive, check to be sure you received what was ordered. Please watch for additional emails with important information about the launch of the 2025 CSA. Contact Julia Cooney with any questions at 814-824-1253 or jcooney@cfnwpa.org.
Confirmation Liturgy Information
There are several updates to Confirmation Masses in 2025. Thoroughly review the Confirmation Liturgy Packet that is attached. If you have any questions, please contact the Office for Divine Worship at 814-824-1271.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached February 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.
Microsoft Publisher is going away effective October 13, 2026.
In most instances, Microsoft will reach the software from your device on that date. You should use the next 21 months to decide whether to delete Publisher files or convert them to other formats. Microsoft Word would be appropriate for simple documents. Parishes who use Publisher for their Sunday Bulletin may wish to follow the lead of parishes from across the country who are moving to Canva. The diocese will be developing a Sunday Bulletin template to share with parishes who decide to switch to Canva. If you haven’t already done so, every parish should sign up for Canva Pro for free through their non-profit program: Canva is an online graphic design tool. Create brochures, programs, social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more with Canva’s incredible template library. Apply here: https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/. Rough instructions for getting through the approval process can be found here: https://eriercd.org/images/informationalbulletin/53b94f81b956a4d40a0e173d2af13646.pdf. Canva training can be found here: https://www.canva.com/designschool/courses/.
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.Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope newsletter Confirmation Liturgy Packet ICSC Newsletter in English and Spanish Prince of Peace housewarming kits St. George Penance series Free day retreat at Our Lady of Mercy |
Beatin the Winter Blues
The Polish Falcons Nest 123, 602 East 19th St., will be hosting a Beatin the Winter Blues event on Saturday, Feb. 22. Doors open at 4 p.m. and music provided by the Blues Beaters will be performed from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include: food, beer and pop. Cash bar also available. Proceeds benefit the St. Stanislaus Parish. For ticket information, please contact Val: 814-636-9184 or text Chris: 814-572-1276.
12th Annual Men’s Conference 22:32
Join men from across the Diocese of Erie and beyond for the 12th Annual 22:32 Men’s Conference. This day of inspiration and spiritual growth, open to men of all faiths, will feature national speakers Dan DeMatte and Jeff Joaquin. The conference will be held on Saturday, Mar. 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and there are multiple ways to attend:
- Live in-person at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, 2801 W. 6th St., Erie
- Live-streamed to hosting parishes; participating parishes are listed on our website, www.2232men.com;
- Live-streamed to your home.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your relationship with the Lord through inspiring national speakers and opportunities for prayer, Reconciliation and Mass. All you need to have is an open heart!
The event is $25. Group discounts available. For more information and to register, visit www.2232men.com or call 814-455-7364.
Prince of Peace Center to distribute housewarming kits
Prince of Peace Center, 502 Darr Ave., Farrell, PA, is set to launch its community service initiatives in 2025 by distributing housewarming kits to individuals and families who have previously been unsheltered or are fleeing domestic violence. These kits are generously provided by Catholic Charities, Inc. of the Diocese of Erie, of which Prince of Peace Center is an affiliate agency.
The housewarming kits contain essential items for various areas of the home. Bedroom necessities include new sheets, a comforter and pillows; kitchen essentials contain dishes, glassware, silverware, a can opener and pots and pans; and bathroom items consist of bath towels, cleaning supplies and toilet paper. In collaboration with employees from Primary Health Network, the kits will also include medicine cabinet essentials to compliment the other items. To add a personal touch, each kit will feature a “God Bless This Home” sign, helping recipients feel more settled in their new living spaces.
For more information, please contact Sarah Worthington at 724-346-5777, ext. 120 or via email at sarah.worthington@princeofpeacecenter.org. See attached flyer for more information.
St. George Parish to host February Penance series
Every Thursday in February, St. George Parish, 5145 Peach St., Erie, will be conducting a different theme during the penance series. The first kicks off on Feb. 6, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with Fr. Brandon Kleckner with a discussion on penance, bring your questions. The following week, Feb. 13, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:45 is Movie Night featuring the movie I Confess. This will be held in the Saint George School multipurpose room. Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will have Fr. Patrick Smith from the Archdiocese of Washington D.C. speaking on the sacrament with Confessions to follow. The last week, Feb. 27 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. will wrap up the series with a Holy Hour followed by fellowship in the Saint George School multipurpose room. See flyer for details.
St. Stanislaus Parish Super Bowl Sunday pancake breakfast
On Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, St. Stanislaus Church, 516 E. 13th St., Erie, will be hosting a Super Bowl Sunday pancake breakfast from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $6 per person and includes: Pancakes, sausage, coffee or tea and orange juice. Please join us for 9 a.m. Mass before the breakfast.
Food distribution volunteers needed
St. Martin Center, 1701 Parade St., Erie, needs Food Pantry volunteers (18 yrs of age or older). We’re looking for dedicated volunteers to help in our food pantry. Whether you have a few hours a week or just one day a month, your time can make a huge impact on families in need. Hours needed are: Monday through Friday, 8:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m.– 3:30 p.m.; Contact Wanda at 814-452-6113, ext. 227 or Stacey ext. 208.
Free day retreat at Our Lady of Mercy
A free Sanctus retreat will take place on Saturday, Mar. 1, beginning with a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and concluding with 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass. This will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek. Meals are included. To register, please complete the bottom portion of the flyer and return it to the Religious Education office or in the collection basket by Feb. 16. For any questions, please contact Irene at 814-899-6132 or by email at: ilucas@ourladyofmercychurch.org. See flyer for registration.
There are no Classifieds this week.
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