January 31, 2022
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 7, 2022.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 3, 2022, 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.
CRS Rice Bowl orders for Lent 2022
Orders for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) annual Rice Bowl program materials for Lent 2022 are still being accepted. As a reminder, CRS is still updating its order information. If you have not yet ordered Rice Bowl materials for Lent 2022, you must place an order online at https://www.crsricebowl.org/ or call 800-222-0025. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Questions can be directed to Patrice Swick, director of the Social Justice and Life Office, at pswick@ErieRCD.org.
Conversion continues from PDS Church Office to Ministry Platform
The conversion from PDS Church Office to Ministry Platform is on track to be completed by the end of the year. To help achieve this goal, all parishes have been organized into nine separate groups, or “waves.” Wave 1 parishes successfully completed their conversion activities in late 2021. Wave 2 parishes will begin their conversion activities during the first quarter of this year. The remaining parishes (waves 3 to 9) recently received an email from Deacon Frank Hannah, vice chancellor of the Diocese of Erie, that identifies their respective assignments. See the attachment for the complete parish wave schedule. For questions or concerns regarding the wave schedule, contact Deacon Hannah at fhannah@eriercd.org or 814-824-1130. For questions or concerns regarding conversion activities, contact Kathy Papalia, network administrator, at it@eriercd.org or 814-824-1184.
Webinar regarding online giving option is available to view
Parishes interested in providing an online giving option for parishioners or learning how online giving will be integrated in the Diocese of Erie’s new parish management solution, Ministry Platform, may watch a recording of a recent webinar at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/5371774429147047432. The webinar introduces Vanco, which has been supporting parishes and their communities with online giving tools for more than 20 years. More than 25,000 churches rely on Vanco to increase generosity, drive member engagement, and share their accomplishments. During this webinar, Vanco shows how it partners with Ministry Platform to simplify contribution allocation. Parishes that already have an online giving solution should still watch this informative webinar. Ministry Platform integration with Vanco will result in time savings for parish office staff. Vanco’s zero monthly fee and competitive transaction rates can add up to significant cost savings for parishes. Email questions to Kathy Papalia at kpapalia@ErieRCD.org or 814-824-1184.
RCIA materials now electronic
The Diocese of Erie has transitioned its annual diocesan RCIA mailing to electronic format. The information that parishes used to receive in the mail each January was emailed Jan. 14 to priests and parish RCIA leaders. This letter is attached for convenience. Two important things to keep in mind this year are:
- The Rite of Election will be held in person on March 6 at St. Luke Church, Erie, and on March 13 at St. Catherine of Siena Church, DuBois.
- Paperwork to register catechumens and candidates is available via electronic forms at https://eriercd.org/faithformation/rcia.html. The Request for Faculty to Confirm form is available by PDF to be signed by the pastor and mailed to the Chancery. That form is attached.
- RCIA forms and Rite of Election RSVPs are due by Friday, Feb. 18.
For help in completing electronic forms, contact Faye Froess at 814-824-1210. For any other questions, contact Jessie Hubert, director of faith formation for parish support, at jhubert@eriercd.org or 814-824-1224.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached February edition of the International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter. 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.
What is the sensus fidei?
Pope Francis has asked all of us to contribute our insights to the 2023 Synod of Bishops on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Local consultations are taking place in our diocese in February and March. The Chancery has developed a series of educational articles concerning key terms that are important to the process. Parishes are asked to include these in their bulletins, either as articles or as inserts, in the month of February. One key term should be published each week. Today’s Information Bulletin includes key term #3, “The infallible belief of the faithful: What is the sensus fidei fidelium?” This series was first published in the Information Bulletin in December. It began again two weeks ago and will continue one more week. For more information, please visit https://www.eriercd.org/synodality.html or call the Chancery at 814-824-1130.
2022 Catholic Foundation spring Education Grant opportunity
In 2021, the Catholic Foundation awarded more than $135,000 in education grants to parishes, Catholic schools and departments of the Diocese of Erie. These grants provided funding for a variety of projects and programs throughout northwest Pennsylvania. Go to https://bit.ly/3G6xPYj to read about the fall Education Grant awards.
The Catholic Foundation’s spring Education Grant cycle is now open. Applications are being accepted through March 11, 2022. 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 attached document outlining guidelines and criteria or go to www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney, operations manager, at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1253.
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.Parish conversion schedule to Ministry Platform Faculty to Confirm form Rite of Election letter 2022 Synod key term #3 2022 Education Grant guidelines International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter |
Annual Pre-Lenten Retreat planned in February
The Diocesan Chastity Education Office is excited to announce the return of its annual Pre-Lenten Retreat. Singles and couples are invited to participate in the retreat Feb. 25-26 at St. Thomas More House of Prayer in Cranberry. Retreatants will have opportunities for community, talks, adoration, Mass and confession. Please complete registration by Feb. 18. For more information and to register, visit www.eriercd.org/chastity/retreat.html. Questions? Call or email Jacob Kessler, director of chastity education for the Diocese of Erie, at 814-824-1216 or jkessler@eriercd.org.
Just two more weeks until 22:32 Men
Are you looking to discover God’s will in your life? Do you want to bring hope into the world? Then join men from across the Diocese of Erie and beyond for the ninth annual 22:32 Men’s Conference on Feb. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 2801 W. 6th St., Erie. This day of inspiration, spiritual growth and worship, open to men of all faiths, will feature national speakers, adoration, reconciliation and Mass with Bishop Lawrence Persico. Visit www.2232Men.com or call 814-455-7364.
Save the dates for cash bingo events
Save the dates for this year’s cash bingo events sponsored by the St. Benedict Alumnae Board. Events are April 3, July 17, Sept. 18 and Nov. 13 at the Polish Falcons Club, 431 E. 3rd St., Erie. There will be a 50/50 and the kitchen and bar will be open. Doors open at noon; bingo starts at 1 p.m. Packets are $25 each. Proceeds will benefit the ministries of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.
Sacristan needed
The Franciscan Sisters at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, New York, are searching for a sacristan. The sacristan would care for the sanctuary of the chapel, including preparing for daily Mass and maintaining the linens/sacred vessels, candles, etc., for the altars. This is a part-time position (Monday through Friday) for approximately 20 hours, which are flexible. If interested, contact Sister Chris Treichel, OSF, at 315-246-8004. The application deadline is March 31, 2022.
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