Bulletin Announcement: Greenville
Parenting Pointers 8-3-2025
Use this in your 08/03/2025 bulletin
Summer Sanity Tip: Even if you have the benefit of being home with your child on summer days, sometimes constant togetherness can take a toll. Try a quiet hour after lunch. They can read, play quietly in their room, listen to cicadas, or just daydream. They might not call it prayer, but learning to have quiet reflective time is an ingredient of prayer.
Marriage Moment 8-3-2025
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All married couples disagree at one time or another. Remember this rule for ‘fighting fair’: Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they merely are. (Marriage Encounter) Accept your spouse’s feelings even if you don’t share them. Share your own feelings without anger.
Milestone Anniversary Celebrations 8-3-2025
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Couples celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or more wedding anniversaries are invited to attend the annual Diocesan Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, August 24 at St. Tobias, Brockway at 3:00 pm. Celebration includes Mass with Bishop Persico followed by a light reception. To register for this event or to receive a certificate by mail, complete the online registration at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html , contact your parish office, or contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at (814) 824-1210. Registrations are being accepted until August 14 for the Brockway celebration or until September 11 to be mailed.
A Family Perspective 8-3-2025
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In today's gospel, Jesus teaches us: “One's life does not consist of possessions.” We spend so much time working to acquire more things that we neglect the people in our lives. What is enough? Are Jesus' words, “You fool,” meant for us?
A Family Perspective 8-10-2025
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In today’s gospel, a servant waited for the master to return. Waiting is a normal part of family life. We wait for a child’s birth, then for small legs to catch up. Later, we wait for teenagers to return home safely. Finally, we wait alone, anticipating a call or visit from an adult child. Waiting is sacred time, for even in the waiting, we are connected.
Marriage Moment 8-10-2025
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“When you work with people, it is a lot like mining for gold. You do not look for the dirt. You look for the gold.” (Andrew Carnegie) What affirming nugget can you say to your spouse today? It helps if it’s specific. It’s essential that it’s true.
Child Protection
Use this in your 08/10/2025 bulletin
Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Diocesan Requirements for working with children: Working alongside the Bishop, the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth reinforces the ongoing implementation of policies and procedures that protect children. All clergy, employees, and volunteers in the Diocese of Erie who work with children must undergo criminal record checks. The diocesan Policy for the Protection of Children and Youth screening guidelines and abuse prevention training programs emphasize the importance of knowing the employees and volunteers who have access to children in our schools and parishes. Parents should remain vigilant in insisting that those with access to their children have gone through an application process and obtained the required clearances and trainings before being granted access to their children. Visit www.eriercd.org/childprotection/ to see what is required for those who work with children and youth in our parishes/schools/agencies.
Wedding Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Persico 8-10-2025
Use this in your 08/10/2025 bulletin
The next Diocesan Anniversary Celebrations for couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60 or more years of marriage in 2025 will be held at:
Sunday, August 24 at St. Tobias, Brockway at 3:00 p.m.
Couples and/or Parish staff may complete registration online at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html, calling their parish office or contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at (814) 824-1210. Registrations for the Brockway celebrations are being accepted until Thursday, August 14 or mailed to you until Thursday, September 11.
Parenting Pointers 8-10-2025
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On Aug. 6 and 9 Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japan were bombed by the USA. The deaths of many parents, children, and bystanders is devastating and humiliating. Regardless of nationality, may each of us do our part to curtail harmful aggression in our homes and country today.
Milestone Anniversary Celebrations 8-17-2025
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Couples celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or more wedding anniversaries are invited to attend the annual Diocesan Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday, August 24 at St. Tobias, Brockway at 3:00 pm. Celebration includes Mass with Bishop Persico followed by a light reception. To register for this event or to receive a certificate by mail, complete the online registration at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html , contact your parish office, or contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at (814) 824-1210. Registrations are being accepted until August 14 for Brockway celebration or until September 11 to be mailed to you.
Parenting Pointers 8-17-2025
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“His mother pondered all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:51) You don’t have to be a mother to watch and ponder your child’s progress and set backs. Silently watch your child(ren) today and marvel at the ups & downs of their lives.
Marriage Moment 8-17-2025
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“Though I command languages both human and angelic – if I speak without love, I am no more than a booming gong.” (1 Corinthians 13:1) In other words, love is about more than pretty words. Say it with service or selflessness today.
Give your loved ones the gift of Engagement Encounter 8/17/2025
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What better way to show your support of an upcoming marriage than with a gift that lasts a lifetime: Engagement Encounter. The next EE will be held at St. Mark Catholic Center, Erie February 6-8, 2026. Space is limited and early registrations are encouraged. Call the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ for more details and to register. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
A Family Perspective 8-17-2025
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Today, Jesus warns us that His Word will create conflict between parents and children. In a permissive society that promotes individualism and consumerism, parents must steadfastly teach and embody the gospel values of respect, service to others, forgiveness, generosity, and compassion. A Christian family is a countercultural family.
Consider Engagement Encounter! 8/24/2025
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Planning for your marriage in 2026? An Engagement Encounter is scheduled for February 6-8 at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. EE satisfies diocesan requirements for marriage in the Church. Space is limited, so please register early by calling 814-824-1261 or visit our Website at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ for more information and to register. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.” Catholic and interfaith couples are encouraged to attend.
Wedding Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Persico 8-24-2025
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Congratulation to all couples celebrating their Milestone Anniversaries today at St. Tobias, Brockway
Couples celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or more wedding anniversaries are still welcome to receive a certificate mailed to you. Registrations are accepted through Thursday, September 11. Couples and/or Parish staff may complete registrations online at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html, calling their parish office or contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at (814) 824-1210.
Marriage Moment 8-24-2025
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“Marriage is our last, best chance to grow up.” (Joseph Barth) Don’t waste it by always having to have your way.
Parenting Pointers 8-24-2025
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As summer winds down and many parents’ thoughts turn to school, prepare your child by talking about bedtime and morning routines, hopes for the year, and safety tips. Review past routines, consider changes with the start of the new school year.
A Family Perspective 8-24-2025
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The phrase in today’s gospel, “I don’t know where you're come from,” is often echoed by parents about their children and vice versa. With rapid changes, one generation often has little in common with another. To bridge this gap, we must rely on love, trust, and mutual respect.
A Family Perspective 8-31-2025
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A well-lived family life affirms Jesus' words in today’s gospel: “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Commitment, intimacy, loyalty, and love are the rewards of humble service and care for one another.
Milestone Anniversary Celebrations 8-31-2025
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Couples celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or more wedding anniversaries are still welcome to receive a certificate mailed to you. Registrations will close on Thursday, September 11. Couples and/or Parish staff may complete the registration online at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html, calling their parish office or contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at (814) 824-1210.
Parenting Pointers 8-31-2025
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Give your child the gift of a quiet space and time each day. Maybe after dinner, before bed, whatever. Whether done as a family or individually a reflective pause during the day can set a foundation for a meaningful life.
Wedding Anniversary Celebration with Bishop Persico 9-7-2025
Use this in your 09/07/2025 bulletin
Couples celebrating 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or more wedding anniversaries are still welcome to receive a certificate mailed to you. Registrations will close on Thursday, September 11. Couples and/or Parish staff may complete the registration online at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html, calling their parish office or contact the Marriage and Family Life Office at (814) 824-1210.
A Family Perspective 9-7-2025
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Today’s gospel is clear: commitment to another involves sacrifice. Before we accept commitments such as marriage or parenting, we must plan carefully, like the king in today’s gospel. These are serious commitments that demand complete self-giving and are not for the faint-hearted or selfish.
C
Use this in your 09/14/2025 bulletin
**Note: Please mail/email the September Parish Bulletin containing the September announcement to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.
Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Diocesan Child Protection Policies: The Diocese of Erie, is committed to protecting minors who are entrusted to our care. The Diocese has policies and procedures in place to address the national problem of child abuse, to aid in the prevention of abuse and to develop and maintain safe environments. All those who minister to minors are screened, trained, and agree to a Code of Conduct. To read the Policy that includes the Code of Conduct, go to: https://www.eriercd.org/childprotection/policies-1.html For more information, contact the diocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Youth at 814-824-1195.
Child Protection
Use this in your 09/14/2025 bulletin
**Note: Please mail/email the September Parish Bulletin containing the September announcement to the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth.
Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Diocesan Child Protection Policies: The Diocese of Erie, is committed to protecting minors who are entrusted to our care. The Diocese has policies and procedures in place to address the national problem of child abuse, to aid in the prevention of abuse and to develop and maintain safe environments. All those who minister to minors are screened, trained, and agree to a Code of Conduct. To read the Policy that includes the Code of Conduct, go to: https://www.eriercd.org/childprotection/policies-1.html For more information, contact the diocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Youth at 814-824-1195.
A Family Perspective 9-14-2025
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Parents are like the shepherd in today’s gospel; they don’t give up and can’t rest if one of their children has wandered away. A parent’s persistent love offers a glimpse of the unconditional love God, Our Father, has for each of us. A parent is a window to the Divine
A Family Perspective 9-21-2025
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Despite all our time-saving gadgets, we still have less leisure and family time. To address this, we created the Myth of Quality Time. Don’t be fooled: Quality Time is Quantity Time. Jesus counsels us today that we "cannot serve two masters" and expect to be happy. Dedicate time to your family. No one in their final hours regretted not spending more time at work.
A Family Perspective 9-28-2025
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In today’s gospel, the rich man died and was condemned to “a place of torment” because he ignored the poor. He asked Lazarus to go and warn his five brothers to change their ways, revealing ignoring the poor was a family pattern. What is your family’s attitude toward those who are poor?
A Family Perspective 10-5-2025
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Faith is one of those things we just can’t get enough of! In today’s gospel, the apostles asked Jesus to “Increase our faith.” Where do you need an increase in faith: in yourself, your spouse, your children or in God? Faith helps us to overlook annoyances, forgive others, and seek forgiveness. “Lord, increase our faith!”
A Family Perspective 10-12-2025
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In today's gospel, we see the lepers who, despite their intention to thank Jesus for their healing, got so caught up in their excitement that they never got 'around to it.' This is a situation we can all relate to. Often, we become so absorbed in our own lives that we forget to appreciate the blessings we have and the people who have helped us. This week, let's make a conscious effort to take nothing for granted and express our gratitude to those who deserve it.
Child Protection
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments – October is Respect Life Month: Our faith calls for us to uphold the value of human life and the dignity of the human person. The protection of children and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of the entire Church, including the faithful. The protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults from abuse and other harm is a respect life issue, and we must all do our part to uphold this ideal. Anyone who suspects or knows of abuse should report it immediately. For information on reporting child abuse visit https://www.eriercd.org/childprotection/
A Family Perspective 10-19-2025
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In today's gospel, the widow is praised for her perseverance. In our homes, perseverance is essential for resolving differences in marriage and for teaching lessons and skills to our children. It is always an act of faith and trust in the goodness of others.
A Family Perspective 10-26-2025
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In today's gospel, Jesus says, "…who humbles himself will be exalted." It's not the occasional big events, but the daily, humble routines of family life and "ordinary time" that create bonds and relationships that last a lifetime. Embrace this approach, and you'll see the difference.
A Family Perspective 11-2-2025
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Today is All Souls Day. A special day when we remember and pray for all the people who have died, especially those who are in Purgatory. It's a time to think about our loved ones who have passed away and to pray that they are at peace with God. This day helps us remember that our prayers can help those who are no longer with us. Can you think of someone special who has passed away that we can pray for today?
A Family Perspective 11-9-2025
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Jesus reminds us that the day will come for ‘the children of God’ where the complications of our earthly life will no longer matter. Just as parents recognize the sound of their children’s voices, when you call out “Lord," will God say, “Who’s there?”
Child Protection
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Know the Warning Signs of a Predator: Perpetrators are not waiting on the street to snatch kids; only 10% of sexually abused children are abused by strangers. 90% are abused by someone known and trusted by the child/child’s family. Perpetrators integrate themselves into everyone’s life, not just the child. They build relationships so that they are trusted to be alone with the child. One of the most important ways to ensure the safety of children in our environments is to know the warning signs of adults who present a risk of harm to children. Among these signs are when the person (1) always wants to be alone with a child in areas where no one can monitor the interactions, (2) allows a child to do things their parents would not permit, (3) is always more excited to be with children than with adults, and (4) discourages others from participating in activities involving kids. Visit www.eriercd.org/childprotection/ for more information and resources.
A Family Perspective 11-16-2025
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Parenting is challenging with so many conflicting voices and influences. In today’s gospel, Jesus encourages parents to bravely give testimony and trust that He will provide the “wisdom” needed to be good parents. Remember, you are not alone in this journey; a loving Father is standing with you.
A Family Perspective 11-23-2025
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Today’s gospel reminds us the Kingdom of Heaven is not like Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Admission to Christ’s Kingdom is paid with the currency of acceptance, forgiveness, attention to the poor, and love of one’s enemy.
Child Protection
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Bullying is defined as any unwanted aggressive behavior by another youth or group of youths that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. 20% of youth ages 12-18 experience bullying. When adults respond quickly to bullying behavior, they send the message that bullying is not acceptable. There are ways parents can make a positive difference. Parents can educate themselves on the signs that a child is being bullied or is a bully. Parents should keep the lines of communication open with their child and model for their child how to treat others. Encourage your child to be inclusive by welcoming others to join their activities and groups. For more information on how to prevent bullying in your community visit www.stopbullying.org.
For additional resources visit www.eriercd.org/childprotection