November 6, 2023
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 13, 2023.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 9, 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.
Parishes and other diocesan entities be aware of these solicitors
- The organization Food for the Poor is prohibited from working in the Diocese of Erie in any capacity. This has been the case for more than a decade. Please do not accept any requests from Food for the Poor to cover Masses or do any other solicitation in diocesan parishes, schools or institutions.
- The sale of olive wood carvings by any individual or vendor is similarly prohibited at any parish, school or other Catholic institution in the Diocese of Erie.
Please contact Sister Kathleen Dietz at the Chancery with any questions at 814.824.1130 or kdietz@eriercd.org.
2023 Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Pastors and administrators will find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2023 collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way the weekend of November 11-12.
November is Black Catholic History Month
November is Black Catholic History Month, and currently, there are six Black candidates being considered for a possible declaration of sainthood. You are invited to celebrate the contributions of Black Catholics and learn more about Black Catholic history. Resources are available from the Catholic University of America at https://cultural.catholic.edu/resources/bchm.html and the USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs at https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/links. Contact Elizabeth Slaby at the Office of Social Justice and Life at 814.824.1254 or eslaby@ccincerie.org with any questions.
Microsoft Office announcement
Attention clergy: Microsoft has announced discontinued support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 clients. This will impact clergy who check their eriercd.org email accounts with older versions of Outlook – for example, Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2019. To view your Outlook version number, open Outlook and click ‘File.’ Select ‘Office Account.’ Choose ‘File.’ You'll find your version and build number under Product Information. If you don't see the ‘Office Account’ option, choose ‘Help.’ You'll see the product version on the right side of the page. Contact it@eriercd.org to upgrade your Microsoft Office for $36/year.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached November 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.
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.CCHD Collection ICSC newsletter (English and Spanish) Mysteries of the Rosary Bereavement Ministry VRCS fundraiser An Evening of Hope Thanksgiving bake sale Christmas market Bible study – Daniel Building and grounds custodian |
Mysteries of the Rosary
Celebrate Christmas with Mysteries of the Rosary at St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean. Sessions start Nov. 6 and continue through the third week of Advent. Choose from Monday sessions, 6:30 to 8 p.m., or Wednesday sessions, 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Irene Schneider at 814.476.7657 ext. 7 or evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org. Embrace the holiday spirit with contemplation and prayer. See flier for details.
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean offers support to those grieving, emphasizing that everyone processes loss differently. Utilizing resources from Good Mourning Ministry, a Catholic bereavement apostolate, they provide a prayerful and personal approach to grief. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences in a safe environment. For details, contact Joyce Traenkner at 207.735.3366 or Barb Duchini at 814.528.1736. Meetings are every second Thursday, starting Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church, 8880 Main St., McKean. See flier for details.
VRCS fundraiser
Venango Regional Catholic School is hosting a fundraiser featuring the Route 8 Band, dancing, cash bar, raffles and hors d’oeuvres on Nov. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Venango Catholic High School, 1505 W. First St., Oil City. The cost is $25 per person or $40 per couple. See flier for details.
An Evening of Hope
Maria House project invites you to An Evening of Hope, a celebration of Father Peterson’s 100th Birthday (Nov. 14, 1923 - May 14, 2013) on Nov. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38th St, Erie. The event will feature He Ain't Heavy, He's My Son by Justin LeRoy and Barb Emory, offering a profound mother-and-son perspective on addiction, recovery and healing. Experience firsthand the love of God and learn how the Maria House Project upholds Father Pete's mission. Light refreshments will be served in the church vestibule, post-program. All are welcome to join this inspiring evening. See flier for details.
Holy Hour
Please join Deacon Dave Jacquel and the parishioners of St. Mark and Mt. Calvary parishes for a Holy Hour for the National Eucharistic Revival on Nov. 18 at 3:15 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 695 Smithson Ave., Erie. Call the office with questions at 814.899.3000 or email office@smmc.church.
VRCS schedules events for sixth-graders
Venango Region Catholic Schools (St. Stephens and Venango Catholic Jr/Sr HS) have scheduled two recruitment events for current sixth-grade students to stimulate interest in attending grade seven at VC Jr/Sr HS next year. The events are:
- Mother/Daughter High Tea and Craft project event to be held on Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VCHS cafeteria, 1505 W. First St., Oil City.
- Father/Son Steelers Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off on Dec. 3 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the VCHS cafeteria, 1505 W. First St., Oil City.
Please contact Ray Feroz, interim president, with any questions at 814.677.3098 or ray.feroz@venangocatholic.org.
Thanksgiving bake sale
St. Anthony Parish in Sharon is hosting a Thanksgiving bake sale on Nov. 22 from 12 to 3:00 p.m. Delight in a selection of baked goods including pogach, breads, cinnamon rolls and more. Those interested can place their orders with Launa at 724.342.2489 or Linda at 724.866.7488. Note: All orders must be placed by Nov. 19. The sale venue is at the church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon (entry via Sherman Avenue). The hall is also handicap accessible. Don't miss out on these delicious treats. See flier for details.
Christmas market
Holy Trinity Parish Education Program presents its annual Christmas market on Dec. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., and Dec. 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Social Center, 23rd and Reed streets, Erie. Orders, which are due by Dec. 4, 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 flier for details.
Bible study – Daniel
Our Lady of Peace Parish in Erie is hosting a Bible study that introduces a comprehensive look into the Book of Daniel, exploring faith under challenging circumstances. Registration is set to open in 2024. Sessions are slated for Tuesday evenings, Jan. 9 to March 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., or Wednesday mornings, Jan. 10 to March 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the social room at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38th St., Erie. Participation costs $10, encompassing a workbook and materials. See flier for details.
Confidential executive assistant
The Catholic Schools Office is seeking a conscientious, enthusiastic, organized, and professional individual to assist as a confidential executive assistant. The confidential executive assistant will ensure administrative activities of the Catholic Schools Office are conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures and make decisions involving office routines and tasks that promote the mission of Catholic education in schools across the diocese. For full position details and how to apply, visit https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Building and grounds custodian
St. Mark and Mt. Calvary parishes in Erie are seeking a building and grounds custodian to maintain and provide an inviting and effective location for members and guests to grow in their faith. The job can either be full-time or part-time with a flexible schedule. See attachment for details.
If I.B. attachments do not open, click here to download the latest Acrobat Reader. If problems persist, email Kathy Papalia or call 814.824.1184.
If your email address or your status for receiving the Information Bulletin changes, please notify the Office of Communications so that we can update our mailing list.
To access the Information Bulletin online, visit www.ErieRCD.org and click on Information Bulletin under the News and Information drop-down menu. As with the email version, pastors and department heads will still need to enter their password to access secure information.
If you would like to unsubscribe to the Information Bulletin, please notify the Office of Communications and type “unsubscribe” in the subject line.