September 14, 2026
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, September 21, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 17, 2025, 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 righat to edit submissions.
Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.
Tech Support Scams
Fraudsters pose as Microsoft/Apple support, claiming your computer is infected: That scary pop-up saying your computer is infected? It’s probably a scam. That call you got from Microsoft or Apple? That’s a scam too. Fraudsters pretend to be tech support, then trick you into paying for fake fixes. Remember: real companies don’t cold-call you about problems. Learn how to avoid these scams with the FTC’s guide: https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/pass-it-on/impersonator-scams/tech-support-scams and https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/05/shutting-down-tech-support-scams.
#iGiveCatholic yard signs and donation envelopes available
#iGive Catholic yard signs and donations 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. To place an order, contact Elizabeth Rathburn at the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1257.
October Count approaching
The October Count begins Oct. 3. Pastors are asked to visit www.eriercd.org/October-Count.html to download the form and instructions for submitting October Count figures electronically. All figures must be submitted by Nov. 11. For questions, please contact Kathy Papalia at 814-824-1184.
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.
Bus transportation added for Altar Server Retreat
Bus transportation is now available for the Word Made Flesh Altar Server Retreat, Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Tobias Church in Brockway. The retreat is free for students in grades 6-12 and includes lunch.
Two bus pickup locations are available: St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean, departing at 7:30 a.m. and returning at approximately 6:30 p.m., and Beloved Disciple Parish in Grove City, departing at 8:30 a.m. and returning at approximately 4:30 p.m. Bus transportation is limited to 50 students and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. See updated flyer attached. Registration and all required forms are completely digital and can be completed online. Visit the diocesan website for complete retreat details, bus transportation information and online registration: https://www.eriercd.org/altar.html.
St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary seeks new members and parish directors
The St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary has begun its 2026-27 year, and all are invited to attend the next meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13, with Mass at 7 p.m. at St. Mark Seminary. The Auxiliary is a meaningful way to support our seminarians through prayer, fellowship and service. Parish directors are especially needed for Our Lady of the Lake, St. Gregory and Holy Cross/St. John the Evangelist. For more information, contact Auxiliary President Alice Ballentine at aah1224@gmail.com or 814-897-3548.
Seminary Discernment Weekend
Any college-age young man, 18 years old or older, who is interested in learning more about the seminary, priesthood, or discernment is invited to attend a Seminary Discernment Weekend The retreat is Oct. 24-25 at St. Mark Seminary, 429 E. Grandview Blvd, Erie. There is no cost to attend. However, those interested must contact Fr. Scott Jabo, Vocation Director, at 814-824-1198 or by email at SWJabo@eriercd.org. More information can be found at www.erievocations.org. See attached flyer.
Strengthening Our Daily Prayer Through Mary Retreat
The Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd, Frenchville, is hosting a day-long retreat on Monday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The cost is $25 per person and includes lunch. Monica Nachman wilwill be the facilitator. This retreat will explore how Mary can lead us into a deeper relationship with Jesus and the Holy Trinity and offer an opportunity for prayer, lection and spiritual renewal. For more information, see the attached flyer. To register, please go to: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/strengthening-our-daily-prayer-through-mary-anawim-ministries-bethany-retreat-center-12671422?_wbc#about-this-trip.
Respect Life Mass
October is Respect Life Month. All are invited to celebrate life on October 4 at 10:45 a.m. at the Respect Life Sunday Mass, with The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico presiding at St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community, 147 W. 24th St., Erie. There will be fellowship immediately after in the community center. Prolife groups are encouraged to attend together. For questions, please contact Elizabeth Slaby at Catholic Charities, Office of Social Justice and Life at ESlaby@CCIncErie.org or 814-824-1254. A downloadable flyer is available.
St. Charles and St. Eusebius will be hosting Adoration and Catechesis
Join us on Wednesdays beginning September 23rd. After a brief Adoration, we will head to the Social Hall for unpacking the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Each session will run two times. Once at St. Charles in New Bethlehem and the next week at St. Eusebius in East Brady.
This will be open to anyone who would like to join us and it is entirely free of cost. We ask that participants bring their Bibles and a Catechism if they have one. We will have some available if they don't. See flyer for more information.
Erie Irish Festival
St. Patrick Parish, 130 E. 4th St., Erie, will celebrate Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Friday, Sept. 18, from 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The weekend will feature Luck of the Irish games of chance and basket raffles, Irish memorabilia for purchase, Irish brews including Irish beers, whiskeys, coffee and mead, and Irish grub and fare including Reubens, Irish stew and shepherd’s pie. Admission is free.
Seton Catholic Dueling Pianos
Seton Catholic School, 385 Pine St., Meadville, will host its fifth annual Dueling Pianos event on Friday, Nov. 6. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the event running from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Monday, Sept. 14, and typically sell out quickly. Tickets may be purchased at the school office or parish office. Please see the attached flyer for additional information.
Benedictine Sisters of Erie Prophet of Peace Award event
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 East Lake Rd., Harborcreek, will host a prayer and presentation service on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 4 p.m. in the monastery chapel, followed by a light reception. This year’s honoree is Mary Nelson. Visit https://eriebenedictines.org/pages/prophet-of-peace-2026.html to register or for more information.
Sipping with the Saints
Join the Shenango Valley Catholic Parishes for a brand-new five-part series for adults 18+. Each session will spotlight a different saint and feature a dynamic speaker, food inspired by the saint’s homeland, live music and plenty of time to gather and connect with fellow Catholics. The first event will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Parish, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, and will feature Father Charles Maria Rooney speaking on St. Pope John Paul II. Please see the attached flyer for details on upcoming sessions, dates and speakers. For questions, email YouthForChrist@DioceseOfErie.org.
Catholics Returning Home
The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville will offer “Catholics Returning Home,” a free series of informal listening sessions held on six consecutive Tuesday evenings beginning Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Agatha Church office, 353 Pine St., Meadville. The series is an invitation for Catholics who have been away from the Church to reconnect and renew their relationship with the Catholic faith. Sessions will be held in a supportive, informal setting and facilitated by Catholics who have returned to the Church or entered the faith as converts. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 814-336-1112.
Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System launches search for next President
Villa Maria Cathedral Preparatory Catholic School System, 250 W. 10th St., Erie, has announced the search for its next President. The next leader will build upon the proud legacies of Cathedral Preparatory School, Villa Maria Academy and Mother Teresa Academy while advancing the system’s Catholic mission, academic excellence and long-term vitality. The full position description is attached. Visit the school system’s website for additional information about the position and application process: https://www.cathedralprep.com/page/employment-opportunities.
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