March 21, 2022
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, March 28, 2022.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 24, 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.
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Pope Francis consecrates Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Pastors of parishes and others entrusted with the care of souls might wish to encourage their people to participate in some way in the Act of Consecration offered by Pope Francis for Ukraine and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Office for Divine Worship offers the attached document that includes suggestions and the texts of three items that may be useful.
Bishop Persico to offer consecration at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie
In response to the Holy Father’s request for all bishops and priests to lead an Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Bishop Lawrence Persico will do so immediately following the 6:30 a.m. Mass at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie, on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation. The Mass and consecration will be available by livestream at https://stpetercathedral.com/live-stream/. Many parishes will offer the consecration as well. EWTN has announced it will broadcast Pope Francis’ Act of Consecration live at noon EST. The Diocese of Erie will share additional links to the event in Rome when they become available.
2022 Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land
Please find attached Bishop Lawrence Persico’s letter introducing the 2022 Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land, to be taken on Good Friday, April 15. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of April 9-10.
Annual Missionary Cooperative Plan resumes
Pastors are informed that, after a two-year COVID hiatus, the Missionary Cooperative Plan (MCP) will resume in 2022. The MCP is one of the ways that dioceses in the United States fulfill their canonical responsibility to support the Catholic Church’s evangelization outreach (canons 782, §2; 791). The MCP invites Catholic missionaries from around the world to visit each of our parishes once a year. This is designed to educate parishioners about the missionary work of the Catholic Church and the role each of us plays in this work by virtue of our baptism. A second purpose of the MCP is to raise funds for these missionary endeavors to help spread the Gospel in nearly 1,150 missionary dioceses worldwide. Participation in the MCP is mandatory in the Diocese of Erie.
Soon, the Erie Mission Office will provide parishes the name of their assigned mission group. Shortly thereafter, the missionary group will call the pastor to schedule the date for the 2022 MCP visit. Feel free to contact Mission Office Director Indira Suarez at isuarez@eriercd.org or 814-824-1231 with any questions. Due to continuing COVID concerns, visiting missionaries will be reminded that they are required to be fully vaccinated and must wear a mask while distributing communion. Missionaries are responsible for their own transportation and housing. Parishes may choose to offer transportation or housing but are not obliged to do so.
Hosting a parish festival? Faith magazine is accepting ads for the June and August editions
Space is now available for parishes interested in advertising parish festivals or other events in one or both of the next two editions of Faith magazine, arriving in homes in late May and late July. Ad sizes range from one-eighth page to full page, and discounted rates are available for multiple parishes sharing a page.
Those interested in reserving space for an ad in the June edition should contact Anne-Marie Welsh in the Communications Office at amwelsh@eriercd.org by this Friday, March 25. The same deadline applies to parishes that wish to be included in a shared listing — no graphics or photos — for a smaller fee. Parishes with festivals or dinners in July/August/September are encouraged to let Anne-Marie know of their intention to advertise in the August edition.
Notice to Synod facilitators and parish secretaries/administrative assistants
To allow more people of the Diocese of Erie to participate in the Synod on Synodality, here is a link to the survey for those who were unable to attend listing sessions: https://forms.office.com/r/6bR23f2ZqB. This survey link is posted on the diocesan Synod website at https://www.eriercd.org/synod.html. Please publish this notice in your bulletin and on your parish website for people to access. The form will be available to fill out until 6 p.m. on March 31. Deacon Steve Washek and the Faith Formation team thank you for all the work you have done to ensure the success of the Synod.
Time to plan for World Youth Day
Journey with the Diocese of Erie to Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day 2023. This event is a chance to enliven your faith, and also an opportunity to meet new people and see new places. Celebrate our faith with millions of other Catholic young people representing nearly 150 countries. There also will be a chance to sleep out under the stars! For the itinerary, pricing and registration details, visit www.versoministries.com/erie and see the attached flier. Contact Jillian Zaczyk in the Faith Formation Office at 814-824-1219 or jzaczyk@eriercd.org with any questions.
Pastors: Sneak peek at Ministry Platform templates
As part of the ongoing series of video demonstrations of Ministry Platform, the Diocese of Erie introduces pastors to Ministry Platform templates. Ministry Platform templates let you create eye-catching messages to help nurture parishioner relationships. This effective tool was built to streamline communications and increase participation. Please see the attached handout and watch a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aICNRU2DVk.
Faith Formation grant applications accepted through March 25
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 fall? Have you realized a need in the past year for increased online or digital resources for faith formation? Consider applying for a Faith Formation grant from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania.
Catholic parishes and departments of the Diocese of Erie can apply for grants for parish- and/or diocesan-based faith formation projects that focus on the following:
- Promote life-long faith formation activities
- Welcome absentee and/or non-Catholics into the church
- Promote faith formation through technology
- Provide spiritual support to families, singles, youth and young adults.
Grant requests ranging from $500 to $5,000 are being accepted now through March 25. To learn more, go to www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/faith-formation-endowment-guidelines. This is the only Catholic Foundation Faith Formation grant cycle in 2022. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney at 814-824-1253 or jcooney@cfnwpa.org.
Insurance coverage
All parishes, schools, agencies and other entities that have service agreements with the Diocese of Erie are asked to update their files with the current contact information for insurance carriers:
- Property/Liability, Gallagher Bassett Services Inc.
Paul Kenkel
513-779-2980
Paul_Kenkel@gbtpa.com
- Workers Compensation, Amtrust North America Insurance Co.
866-272-9267
Amtrustclaims@qrm-inc.com
- Boilers, Liberty Mutual Insurance
James R. Rosenberger
570-975-7066
James.Rosenberger@Libertymutual.com
Diocese of Erie’s Good For You Wellness Initiative offers important information
It’s not too late to participate in the Diocese of Erie’s Good For You Wellness Initiative for full-time employees covered by the Diocese of Erie wellness plan. Just complete four easy steps to earn a $150 reward. Learn more at https://www.eriercd.org/wellness.html.
Also, participants may access wellness coaching by calling the Blues on Call number on the back of their insurance card, or they may call the wellness coaching line directly at 800-650-8442. For further assistance, see the attached coaching flier.
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.Ukraine, Russia Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land Ministry Platform templates World Youth Day 2023 Catholic Rural Ministry series Wellness Initiative coaching flier The Sanctuary Course |
Catholic Rural Ministry offers spring events
Attached is the updated spring program schedule for Catholic Rural Ministry in the Bradford area. Consider attending a series of spiritual opportunities this spring offered by religious sisters in the Diocese of Erie.
Blessed Carlo Acutis exhibit offered at St. George Church
St. George Church in Erie is sharing a sampling of panels from Blessed Carlo Acutis’ The Eucharistic Miracles of the World exhibit through Lent. The exhibit will remain on display through Lent in the main church, located at 5145 Peach St. Known as the Cyber Apostle of the Eucharist, Blessed Carlo Acutis cataloged hundreds of eucharistic miracles before his death at a young age. The exhibit at St. George highlights 24 of the miracles. The church is open after 8 a.m. Mass through 3 p.m. Monday through Friday (except for Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. for the school Mass) and on Saturdays after the 8 a.m. Mass and before the 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass. For more information, call the rectory office at 814-864-0622 or email office@stgeorgeerie.org.
McKean parish presents eight-part mental health course
All are invited to St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean, for the Sanctuary Course for Catholics, an eight-part series designed to raise awareness and start conversations in local parishes regarding mental health. Meet in the gathering space on the west side of the church on Saturdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on April 2, May 7, June 4, July 9, Aug. 6, Sept. 10, Oct. 1, and Nov. 5. See the attached flier for more information.
Communion Breakfast scheduled at St. Boniface Parish
The Knights of Columbus of St. Boniface Parish, 9367 Wattsburg Road, Erie, welcome everyone to its annual Communion Breakfast on April 3, immediately following the 7:30 a.m. Mass. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for a family. The guest speaker is Joe Torquinio, administrator of Maria House Project. Questions? Call Martin Zapolski at 814-323-2913.
Women of Grace Conference offered in Harrisburg Diocese
The Diocese of Harrisburg is sponsoring a Women of Grace Conference at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Harrisburg, on April 2. Johnnette Benkovic Williams will lead the conference with the theme “Faith, Fortitude and Femininity.” In conjunction with this conference, there will be a Young Women of Grace retreat for girls, ages 12 to 17. For information, go to https://shop.womenofgrace.com/product/WOG040222-Harrisburg-LP/events or contact Chris Arnold at carnold@womenofgrace.com or 717-379-6041.
Job opening for part-time director of music ministries
Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek is seeking a director of music ministries who will be actively engaged in the worship life of the parish and support the song of the assembly at weekend and special liturgies. Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent experience and have knowledge and understanding of Catholic liturgy. Additional requirements include the ability to plan liturgies, excellent organizational and communication skills, and adaptability. For a pastoral musician with additional skills, this part-time music director position can be expanded to full-time coordinator of liturgical ministries.
Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to info@ourladyofmercychurch.org. For more information and a complete job description, contact the parish at 814-899-5342. To learn more about Our Lady of Mercy Parish, go to www.ourladyofmercychurch.org.
Chastity education director needed
The Office of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Erie is seeking a part-time director of chastity education. For details about the position and how to apply, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
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