November 11, 2024
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 18, 2024.The deadline for submissions this week is Thursday, November 14, at 4:30 pm.
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.
Christmas Mass templates in Ministry Platform
Attention pastors and parish staff: Inform your parishioners about your Christmas Mass times by sending them an email through Ministry Platform with a Christmas Mass times template. Tip: once you create your own template, you can reuse it every year. Click this link https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/computer/mp/specialeventsemail.pdf to download the instructions. If you need email templates for other common parish events, please email it@eriercd.org. Additionally, if you’re looking for customizable banners for your diocesan-hosted website or Facebook page for the upcoming holiday season, check out our selection here: https://www.eriercd.org/ParishPlaceGraphics.html. This season, we have banners for the feather party, Christmas market, and Christmas Mass times. These graphics are designed to work with the Diocese of Erie website system but may also be compatible with other websites. Instructions for downloading and using the graphics can be found at the top of the website.
Parish Boundaries
Every diocese is divided into territorial parishes. Pastors are responsible for every soul within their territory, just as the diocesan bishop is responsible for every soul within his diocese. In light of parish restructuring, Bishop Persico has clarified or revised the boundaries of each parish. Many parishes will be receiving a decree to that effect in the mail. Boundaries for all the parishes can be found at https://eriercd.org/bishop/parishboundaries.html. Questions may be directed to Maria Caulfield at 814.824.1130 or mcaulfield@eriercd.org.
October Count concludes
Attention pastors: the October Count has ended. Please visit https://www.eriercd.org/October-Count.html to download the form and instructions for submitting October Count figures electronically. The deadline for submitting your figures is Nov. 15, 2024. Contact Kathy Papalia through email at it@eriercd.org or by calling 814.824.1184 with any questions.
Parishioners and employees: Be cautious about sharing personal information
There has been an increase in scammers posing as pastors of parishes who reach out to parish staff and parishioners in attempted scams. This is happening nationwide. The best protection is to be informed and educate yourself and your parish on safety. Please include the following notice in your next bulletin and forward it to your employees and volunteers to keep everyone safe from fraud. Here is the suggested notice to be published:
A scam is being perpetrated across the country by malicious individuals preying on churches and members of the clergy. The scam plays on your sympathies or your natural inclination to be helpful. Here are some useful reminders:
- Any communication asking you to purchase gift cards should be considered a scam. You should always verify such requests by calling the parish directly.
- Don’t use phone numbers in fraudulent email.
- Always look for the parish’s official phone number found on our website or in our Sunday bulletin.
Personal data can be used by scam artists in fraudulent ways. Please be aware that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, its clergy and entities such as parishes and schools, will never solicit your personal or business information by any method unless initiated by you. Should you receive an unsolicited request for money or personal information – including a request for gift cards of any type – exercise extreme caution. Financial fraud like the gift card scam can be reported to the FTC here: https://ReportFraud.ftc.gov. To learn more, read this FTC article: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams.
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.Saint Eusebius Parish annual turkey bingo Saint Andrew Church Christmas concert flyer Way of the Star - Vigil Project flyer A Journey to Joy – Frank Runyeon flyer Fall dinner and quilt raffle flyer Christmas market informational flyer Christmas market order form |
Saint Eusebius Parish annual turkey bingo
The Saint Eusebius Parish annual turkey bingo will be held at the Saint Eusebius Parish social hall, 301 E. 2nd St., East Brady, on Nov. 25 at 7 pm. There will be bingo, raffle prizes and food for purchase. A parish friendly flier is attached.
Free Christmas concert presented by Saint Andrew Church
Saint Andrew Church, 1116 West 7th Street Erie, presents Getting in the Christmas Spirit performed by Dave Vanamberg’s “The V Band” on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 1 pm. Donations are appreciated. All proceeds benefit the Community of Caring. An informational flyer is attached suitable for parish bulletins.
Saint Francis Xavier Parish presents The Vigil Project: Way of the Star mission experience
Saint Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 W. Main Street McKean, presents The Vigil Project: Way of the Star on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024, at 6:30 pm with doors opening at 6 pm. This event is a one-night Advent mission experience of scripture, music, art and Eucharistic encounter. Led by nationally renowned Catholic musicians, this event will guide the audience through meditations on the Infancy Narrative. After opening hearts to the mystery of the Incarnation through meditation, music and artwork, there will be a seamless transition into an encounter with the true presence of Christ in Eucharistic Adoration. This is a wonderful way to prepare for Christmas. This event is free and open to the public. A flyer is attached for parish bulletins. For questions, please contact the parish office: evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org.
Saint Bartholomew Parish presents A Journey to Joy with Frank Runyeon
Join actor Frank Runyeon as he performs gospel stories on Nov. 17-19 at Saint Bartholomew Parish, 311 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville. These free events are open to all ages. Details are included below and on the attached flyer.
Sunday, Nov. 17 at 5 pm | Luke, Stories on the Road
Monday, Nov. 18 at 6 pm | Salt and Light, followed by Sermon on the Mount
Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 7 pm | Hollywood vs. Faith
Saint Michael Rosary Society to host fall dinner and quilt raffle
The Saint Michael Rosary Society of St. Michael Parish is hosting a fall dinner and quilt raffle on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 11 am to 2 pm in their parish hall, 18765 PA-208, Fryburg. The dinner will feature turkey and ham with mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing, coleslaw and delicious desserts. Dinners cost $13 for adults, $6 for children and are free for pre-school age and under. Dine-in or take-out options are available. In addition to dinner, there will be a quilt and cash raffle featuring four prizes – 1st prize is a beautiful quilt handmade by members of the Saint Michael Rosary Society; 2nd prize is $500 cash; 3rd prize is $300 cash; and 4th prize is $200 cash. All cash prizes are sponsored by Fryburg Sportsman’s Club.
Holy Trinity Annual Christmas market
Holy Trinity Parish Education Program presents its annual Christmas market on Dec. 20, from 4 to 7 pm, and Dec. 21, from 9 am to 12 pm, at the Holy Trinity Social Center, 650 East 23rd Street, Erie. Orders, which are due by Dec. 2, can be placed in advance as supplies will be limited during the market. Offerings include cookies, pierogi, nut rolls, sweet bread, oplatki and more. Credit cards are accepted. To order or for more information, call Liz at 814.722.0015 or visit www.holytrinityrc.org. Payment is required with all orders. See the attached flyer for details.
For anyone wishing to order from Holy Trinity Parish Christmas Market, there is an order form available. The order form is attached for parish bulletins.
Saint Martin Center to host free series on financial wellness
A financial wellness series will be held Nov. 11 from 10-12 pm at Saint Martin Center, 1701 Parade Street, Erie. Come and join us for a class that will provide tools for tracking and managing expenses. We will look at how to prioritize spending when there isn’t enough money to pay all the bills in full and on time. After, schedule a session to organize your own budget, review your credit and get tips (one-on-one, confidential). All services are provided at no cost and are open to everyone!
Registration is required for all classes: please call 814.452.6113 ext. 206 to register or email housing@stmartincenter.org.
Switchboard/mailroom associate
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a full-time switchboard/mailroom associate. Go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html for complete position details and the application process.
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