October 2, 2023
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 9, 2023.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 5, 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.
Deadline extended for Erie County parishes to offer pastoral planning feedback
The deadline to respond to the preliminary pastoral plan for parishes in Erie County has been extended until Oct. 9. Significant, thoughtful and helpful feedback has been received from across Erie County, but the extension is being offered at the request of parishes and parishioners, some of whom are still holding town meetings and other gatherings.
2023 World Mission Sunday
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2023 collection for World Mission Sunday, to be taken the weekend of October 21-22. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of October 14-15.
October Count starts this weekend
Pastors are reminded that October Count starts this weekend. Please make arrangements to have someone count weekend Mass attendance for the first four weekends in October. Click https://www.eriercd.org/October-Count.html to download the Mass Count form and instructions for submitting this year’s October Count. Contact Kathy Papalia with questions at kpapalia@eriercd.org.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The IT office at the Diocese of Erie would like to make you aware that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month – week 1: Whether you know it or not, you play a major role in our organization’s security culture. That may sound intimidating, but chances are you’re already doing your part. Alerting co-workers about a fraudulent email or discussing a news-making cyber-attack with a coworker is security culture at work. To help kick off Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are sharing a short video discussing the basics of cybersecurity culture. Click the link below to watch what security culture is and why it’s important. https://training.knowbe4.com/modstore/view/561dccec-1cba-4015-80b8-23ba0a3eaa26. You and your coworkers are a vital part of our cybersecurity program.
Prayers for the Synod on Synodality released for use at Masses
Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, invites the faithful from around the world to prayerfully participate in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops that will open in the Vatican on Oct. 4. In order to facilitate participation and solicit the prayerful support of the synod from local communities, the General Secretariat of the Synod has prepared intercessory prayers for Sundays and weekdays and a "Solemn Blessing" to be used, in particular, at Sunday Masses (see the attachment or https://www.synod.va/en/news/without-prayer-there-will-be-no-synod.html. Contact Maripat Grant in the Office for Divine Worship at mgrant@eriercd.org or 814.824.1272 with any questions.
#iGiveCatholic yard signs and donation envelopes available
#iGive Catholic yard signs and donation envelopes are available for all eligible participating Catholic schools, parishes and ministries. Each organization may request up to two yard signs and as many envelopes as they would like. The envelopes are ideal for donors who are unable to make online gifts or those who make large gifts and would like to avoid associated credit card fees. To place an order, contact Elizabeth Rathburn at the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1257.
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.2023 World Mission Sunday Prayers for the Synod 40 Days for Life Are Horror Films Catholic? Annual Columbus Day spaghetti dinner Holy Hour Parish mission Middle School retreat (St. Brigid) Middle School retreat (St. Boniface) |
40 Days for Life
From Sept. 27 to Nov. 5, you are invited to participate in the 40 Days for Life initiative — a period dedicated to prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil, aiming to end abortion. The vigil will be held in the public right-of-way outside Rite Aid, 916 State St., Erie. The community outreach also seeks volunteers to help promote this significant cause. For more information or to volunteer, contact Joe Preston at 814.392.7964 or via email at studentsforlife@gannon.edu. Visit the website at www.40daysforlife.com/erie and see flier for additional details.
Are Horror Films Catholic?
The Thomas J. and Mary H. Loftus Lecture on Catholic Thought and Action Speaker Series at Gannon University presents an exploration of the relationship between Catholicism and horror films. The talk, titled Are Horror Films Catholic?, will be held on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Yehl Alumni Room. Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP, an award-winning film critic and writer, will delve into why horror films captivate and alleviate human fear beyond merely aiming to "scare the hell out of us," as Alfred Hitchcock once said.
Sister Rose holds a master's in education in media studies from the University of London and a doctorate in pastoral ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation. A media literacy education specialist, she has co-authored books on media education, film, scripture, and biographies, including one on actor Martin Sheen. Register online at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/TBsIOQ?vid=112quj. See flier for details.
Annual Columbus Day spaghetti dinner
The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville invites all to attend their annual Columbus Day spaghetti dinner on Oct. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Mary of Grace Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville. The option to dine in or carry out is available. The famous cannolis with homemade cream filling will be on sale for $2 each or three for $5. The menu features spaghetti with homemade sauce, two meatballs, salad, bread, a beverage and dessert. Additional offerings include a bake sale, cash-prize raffles, 50/50 and a gift basket auction. Adult tickets are priced at $12, tickets for children aged 5-10 are $6 and children under 5 eat free. Tickets may be purchased at the door, after Mass or in advance at the parish office. For more information, contact parish office at 814.336.1112. All proceeds will benefit the Epiphany of the Lord Parish. See flier for details.
Staff and building security webinar
The IT department of the Diocese of Erie would like to inform you that MinistrySmart (a division of PDS/Ministry Platform) will sit down with active police officers on Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. to find out what measures a church can take to enhance the security and safety of their guests, members and staff throughout the week. Register here: https://acst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ef4Kk5IJQAq-8Tqdm14mAQ#/registration.
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 Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. at Mount Calvary Church, 2022 E. Lake Rd., Erie. Contact the office with questions at 814.899.3000 or email office@smmc.church. See flier for details.
St. James Spaghetti dinner
St. James Parish in Erie is hosting Parish Day on Oct. 22 at the church, 2635 Buffalo Road, Erie. Nunzi's spaghetti dinner will be served from 12-5 p.m., available for dine-in or takeout. The event features bingo, a gift auction, gift basket raffles and children's games. For more information, contact 814.899.6178 or email rectory@saintjamesrcc.org.
Parish mission
Blessed Sacrament Parish in Erie welcomes you to their upcoming parish mission, Sent to be Eucharist in the World from Oct. 21-25, with Father Ed Nowak, CSP and Sister Judith Marie Blizzard, CSSF. See flier for details.
Diocesan middle school retreats this fall
Sponsored by the Diocesan Faith Formation Department and Catholic Schools Office, there will be a middle school NET retreat (all 6-8th graders) at the following churches:
- East: St. Boniface Church, Kersey, on Oct. 28
- North/West: St. Brigid Church, Meadville, on Oct. 29
The NET Retreat for 2023 is Jesus is Alive: True Presence, which complements the National Eucharistic Revival. Is Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist, and if so, how does that change our lives? The life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a teenager who is on his way to becoming a canonized saint, answers those questions by showing us that we don’t need to be very old to recognize the beauty and utmost importance of the Eucharist.
Register at https://www.eriercd.org/youth/net.html. Contact Jillian Zaczyk with questions at 814.824.1219. See fliers for details.
St. Martin Center volunteers
St. Martin Center in Erie is in need of volunteers for their food pantry. The food pantry is open Monday through Friday. Volunteers are needed for both 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. shifts and 1-3:30 p.m. shifts. Some heavy lifting is required. If interested, contact Stacey Hellmann at 814.452.6113 ext. 208 or email shellmann@stmartincenter.org.
2024 lector workbooks
St. George Parish has 25 extra 2024 lector workbooks that they are selling for $11 each. If interested, contact Maegan Levy at 814.864.0622 ext. 349 or office@stgeorgeerie.org.
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