October 7, 2024
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 14, 2024.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 10, 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.
2025 Official Catholic Directory updates needed (Kenedy Directory)
The Official Catholic Directory, also known as the Kenedy Directory, lists every Catholic entity in the United States. It is used to confirm tax-exempt status for these entities under the USCCB group ruling with the IRS.
Parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations must update their entries each year online. The Official Catholic Directory sent an email on Oct. 2 to every organization that has provided an email address. Highlights from that email and tips for using the update system are attached.
Institutional representatives should log in to https://ocdedits.com/login to complete their updates for the 2025 Official Catholic Directory by Nov. 8, 2024. Please contact Maria Caulfield with any questions at 814.824.1130 or mcaulfield@eriercd.org. You may also contact the publishers directly at ocdedits@nrpdirect.com.
2024 Collection for World Mission Sunday
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2024 collection for World Mission Sunday, taken the weekend of October 19-20. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of October 12-13.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached October 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.
Customizable holiday banners are available
Attention parishes: If you are looking for customizable banners for your diocesan-hosted website (or Facebook) for the upcoming holiday season, please check out our selection found here: https://www.eriercd.org/ParishPlaceGraphics.html. Please draw your attention to the Feather Party, Christmas Market and Christmas Mass banners. Graphics are designed to work with the Diocese of Erie website system but may work for websites from other developers. Instructions for downloading and using the graphics can be found at the top of the website.
Ministry Platform offers the same capabilities as Flocknote
Attention pastors, parish secretaries or religious education leaders: Are you using or considering Flocknote? Did you know Ministry Platform (MP) offers the same features for free? If you’ve been sending basic/plain messages through MP, you might not be aware MP can create visually appealing and highly formatted emails using templates. Plus, we’ve just added texting to MP. After a $25 setup fee, MP’s texting is available for $9 per quarter plus $0.00592 per text — much more affordable than Flocknote. To learn more about sending visually pleasing emails through MP, email it@eriercd.org or call Kathy Papalia at 814.824.1184. Enhanced communication can be achieved through Ministry Platform.
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.World Mission Sunday 2024 letter 2025 directory update notice and hints flyer ICSC-2024-October-eBulletin-English ICSC-2024-October-eBulletin-Spanish International Mission Nights flyer A Parish Mission flyer 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory flyer Spaghetti dinner flyer Benedictine Peacemakers poster St. Marys job opening flyer 2024 |
International Mission Nights
Join the Missions Office in celebrating “World Mission Month” through a series of International Mission Nights. These events will be a great opportunity for conversation, friendship, sharing and learning. Enjoy themed food from a specific country each week. From Italian cuisine to the Americas, each night will be sure to offer a special experience.
- Oct 10 | St. Jude Parish, Erie
- Oct 17 | Epiphany of the Lord Parish, Meadville
- Oct 24 | St. Marks Catholic Center, Erie
Please see the attached flyer for additional information. Please RSVP to jaswarm@eriercd.org or call 814.824.1263.
St. Luke and OLMC present “A Parish Mission with Father Larry Richards”
St. Luke Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishes, Erie, present “A Parish Mission with Father Larry Richards” event series. This series will take place at St. Luke Parish, 421 East 38th St., Erie. The four-night series will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm from Oct. 14-17, 2024, and will feature a different theme each night. The series is free and open to the public. A flyer is attached for your parish bulletin.
OLP to host “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory” discussions
Our Lady of Peace is hosting small group discussions called “33 Days to Eucharistic Glory” based on Matthew Kelly’s book 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory. These are free events that will take place Oct. 20 – Nov. 24 at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie. The small group sessions will be held on Sunday at 9:30-10:30 am in the cafeteria; on Tuesday at 6:30-7:30 pm in the church; and on Wednesday at 10-11 am in the church. Join in the promise of renewal, re-commitment and a deeper devotion to Jesus through the Eucharist. A flyer is attached with more information.
St. Jude Parish to host spaghetti dinner
Saint Jude School, 606 Lowell Ave., Erie, will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 11 am – 5 pm for a choice of homemade meatballs or chicken parmesan for $17. Dinner includes soup, salad, homemade bread and dessert. There will be a special early bird takeout option on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 4-7 pm. In addition to the dinner, attendees will have the ability to take chances on basket drawings, purchase Winavette tickets and much more. Please see a flyer appropriate for church bulletins attached.
Holiday craft show at St. George Parish
Saint George Parish will be hosting a holiday craft show in their gymnasium, 5145 Peach Street Erie, on Nov. 23 and 24 from 9 am - 4 pm. Admission is $3 at the door. Contact Pat Rossi at 814.881.1975 with any questions, to volunteer or to become a vendor.
Applications are open for the Benedictine Peacemakers
Applications are now open for the Benedictine Peacemakers, a year-long monastic immersion experience with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. This program is open to women who are 22-30 years old and is a model for approaching personal formation, spiritual community and good work in the Benedictine spiritual and monastic tradition, with a particular focus on the practice of peacemaking. For more information, visit https://eriebenedictines.org/benedictine-peacemakers/. Applications are due February 28, 2025. A flyer is attached with more information.
Adoration at St. Francis Xavier Parish – all are welcome!
Please join us for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with Praise and Worship available every Thursday from 8-9 pm at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main Street, McKean. As we spend time before our Lord in song, there will also be a time of silence and Scripture. This is a great opportunity to enter into the National Eucharistic Revival. In addition to this opportunity, please join us for silent/simple Adoration available on Tuesday evenings from 5-8 pm and Thursday mornings from 8 am to noon. Again, all are welcome to spend some time with our Lord. Invite a friend to join you!
St. Marys Interparish Faith Formation seeks youth minister & faith formation coordinator
St. Marys Interparish Faith Formation, 325 Church St., St. Marys, is seeking two dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to serve as a youth minister and a 6-8 grade faith formation coordinator. If you are passionate about nurturing the faith of young people and have a heart for ministry in a close-knit, rural community, this may be a perfect fit for you.
Position Overview:
- Youth minister - Inspire and guide the parish’s youth in their spiritual journey. Plan and lead engaging activities, retreats and service projects that foster a deep connection with Christ and the church.
- 6 – 8 grade faith formation coordinator - Coordinate and teach the faith formation program. Help students explore and understand the richness of the Catholic faith as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
To apply, send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and passion for youth ministry to sminterparishff@gmail.com. A flyer is attached with more information. Join us in guiding the next generation on their faith journey.
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