September 30, 2024
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 7, 2024.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 3, 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.
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.
October Count begins this weekend
Pastors are reminded that October Count starts this weekend. Please make arrangements to have someone count weekend Mass attendance 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.
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.
Office for Divine Worship monthly newsletter
The Office for Divine Worship presents a monthly newsletter to aid in preparing celebrations that will occur in that particular month. The October newsletter is attached.
Free Canva Pro is available
Attention parish leaders: Canva Pro is available for free through the Canva for non-profit program. Parishes can apply at https://www.canva.com/canva-for-nonprofits/. Canva is an online graphic design tool that many are using to update Sunday bulletins. There is also a template library that helps to create brochures, programs, social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos and more. Please be aware that templates with a crown designation are not available without an upgrade to Canva Pro through the non-profit programs. Once approved, invitations for up to 50 parish/paid employees can be shared with the parish team. New to Canva? Courses are available here: https://www.canva.com/designschool/courses/. The essentials course is a great place for new users to start. A flyer is attached with more information.
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 Office for Divine Worship October 2024 newsletter Canva Pro for nonprofits flyer 2024 Helping Hands Gala flyer Pilgrims of Hope Bible study flyer Parish mission 2024 flyer The Chosen season four banner A Biblical Walk through the Mass poster Rosary March flyer |
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!
Helping Hands Gala
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at the Helping Hands Gala! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 6-8 pm at the Yehl Alumni Ballroom, Gannon University, Erie. We will celebrate the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania as the Helping Hands of Justice honorees and Dale DeMarco as the Helping Hands of Service honoree for their dedication to the church and community. Tickets are $100 each, or $750 for a table of eight. Proceeds directly support Catholic Charities. Enjoy a special performance by the Cathedral Prep Show Choir. Please see the attached PDF for inclusion in your bulletin. Can't attend? Participate in our online silent auction, opening Tuesday, Oct. 1, at https://hhgala24.givesmart.com. Visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/wpE/ to purchase your tickets today!
Pilgrims of Hope journeying toward the Jubilee: A fall study
As the Catholic Church prepares to enter a Jubilee Year in 2025, Pope Francis has encouraged all Catholics to be renewed by reflecting on the documents of the Second Vatican Council. A three-week study on Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World) will be held on Sept. 23, Sept. 30 and Oct. 7 at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek. This important document called the Church to listen to and to serve the wider world. This is the work of every baptized Catholic, not just the responsibility of professional religious. At 60 years old, this text continues to challenge and inspire. Gatherings will be at both 9 am and 6 pm, as long as there is interest in both time slots. Please see the attached flyer for inclusion in your bulletin. For more information, contact Irene at ilucas@ourladyofmercychurch.org or 814.899.6132.
Parish Mission
Mark your calendar for the annual Our Lady of Mercy Parish Mission held Oct. 13-15 at 6:30 pm (or 9 am on Oct. 14 and 15). The event, “The Heart of a Community: Building Gospel Courage and Spiritual Wholeness into Our Daily Lives,” will look to Scripture and our ancient tradition for the wisdom we need in our turbulent times. Irish-born Scripture scholar, poet and storyteller Tricia Hoyt will make us laugh, challenge us to think deeply and inspire us to live our Gospel calling more courageously. This mission is free and open to all. It will take place in the worship space at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek. If you have any questions, please contact the parish office at 814.899.5342. Please see the attached flyer for inclusion in your bulletin.
The Chosen season four series viewing
The communities of St. Boniface and St. John/Holy Rosary/Holy Trinity will offer special viewings of the fourth season of the video series “The Chosen.” Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 8, and continuing weekly through Nov. 26, from 6:30 to 8 pm, there will be a viewing of one episode a week with a discussion afterward. These viewings will be held in the St. Boniface cafeteria, 9367 Wattsburg Road, Erie. Please enter through the school's middle doors and follow directional signs. There is an elevator available on request. Registration is helpful, but all are welcome. To register, please call the St. Boniface Parish Office at 814.824.4439 or the St. John/Holy Rosary Parish Office at 814.454.2873. Please see the attached banner for inclusion in your bulletin.
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish offers “A Biblical Walk through the Mass” video series
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, North East, is offering a video series entitled “A Biblical Walk through the Mass” on the following dates: Oct. 2, Oct. 9., Oct. 23, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 from 6-7:30 pm. All events will begin with supper except for Oct. 23 which will be held at Our Lady of Mercy, Harborcreek, where a special teaching Mass will be led by Father Matt Kujawinski. The video series is presented by Dr. Edward Sri from the Ascension Publishing Group. There is no fee, and all are welcome! A flyer is attached with more information.
St. Mary’s Parish, St. Marys, annual Religious Item Rummage Sale open through Oct. 11
The annual “Religious Item Rummage Sale” at St. Mary’s Parish, St. Marys, will keep items available for sale in the cafeteria of the parish center, 325 Church St., St. Marys, until Oct. 11, every weekday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Evening appointments also can be arranged by calling the St. Mary's Parish Office at 814.781.1019.
Annual Diocesan Rosary March
The World Apostolate of Fatima Diocesan Division and the Legion of Mary are sponsoring the 30th Annual Diocesan Rosary March to be held on Oct. 13 from 2-4 pm at St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St., Erie. The Rosary March will begin outside the cathedral and participants will walk approximately one mile around downtown Erie. For those unable to walk outside, the rosary will be prayed inside the cathedral. The Rosary March will conclude with a prayer service inside the cathedral from 3-4 pm. Father Rich Toohey, pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, is the guest homilist. There will be Eucharistic adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Enrollment in the brown scapular will be available benediction. All clergy and laity of the diocese are invited to attend. For more information, contact John Walsh at 814.868.1100. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
There are no classifieds this week.
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