August 30, 2021
The next Information Bulletin is Tuesday, September 7, 2021, due to the Labor Day holiday.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 2, 2021, 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.
2021 Catholic Education Collection
Please find attached Bishop Lawrence Persico’s letter introducing the 2021 Catholic Education Collection, to be taken the weekend of Sept. 18-19. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of Sept. 11-12.
St. Joseph Parish, Lucinda, to host next stop in diocesan virtual pilgrimage
The virtual pilgrimage to the seven churches named for St. Joseph in the Diocese of Erie continues Sept. 19 at St. Joseph Parish in Lucinda. A pre-recorded Mass with Father Mike Polinek, pastor, will be available through a link on the parish YouTube channel. (Search St. Joseph and St. Michael Parish, Lucinda, PA, on YouTube.) The pilgrimage was initiated to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis. It will conclude on Dec. 8. An October date is being selected for the sixth stop in the pilgrimage at St. Joseph Church in Mount Jewett.
Parishioners share Sunday stories in video testimonials
Parishes are asked to share the following information in their bulletins: The Re-membering Our Sunday Story initiative includes a series of two-minute videos featuring testimonials from parishioners around the diocese. In it, they discuss how they have dealt with the challenges of the pandemic, what they experienced when they could not attend Mass or receive the Eucharist, and their hope as we begin returning to community life. Visit www.eriercd.org/sundaystoryvideos.html to see the stories and consider discussing with others.
Respect Life Month 2021 resources available
Every October the Catholic Church in the United States celebrates Respect Life Month. The first Sunday in October is observed as Respect Life Sunday. Materials for the 2021-22 program are now available and will focus on St. Joseph as a defender of life. The program is a nationwide effort to help Catholics understand, value and become engaged with building a culture that cherishes every human life. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) produces printed and digital tools and resources to help leaders integrate this message into their work or ministry. This year’s resources are available to order through the Respect Life Program Catalog or to download from the Respect Life Program website at https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month. Questions can be directed to Patrice Swick, director of the Social Justice and Life Office, at pswick@ErieRCD.org or 814-824-1254.
St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary is looking for new members
The St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary was established in 1945 to support St. Mark Seminary in Erie and to work toward inspiring priests for the Catholic Church. With an abundance of hope, the auxiliary is moving forward with planning a year filled with opportunities for fellowship and support of our seminarians through monthly meetings and the annual card party. The auxiliary is seeking new members and parish directors for several area churches. All are welcome to attend the first meeting on Oct. 13 beginning with Mass at 7 p.m. in the chapel of St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie. A business meeting and fellowship will follow. For more information, contact Kathy Holland at 814-440-3406 or go to Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/272074481187224/.
Marriage Matters newsletter now available
Attached is the September edition of the Marriage Matters newsletter of the Office of the Tribunal and Matrimonial Concerns of the Diocese of Erie.
2021 Catholic Foundation Fall Education Grant opportunity
So far this year, the Catholic Foundation has awarded $44,511 in grants to parishes, schools and diocesan offices for a wide variety of projects and programs. To read about these grant awards, go to www.cfnwpa.org/news/catholic-foundation-awards-44-511-in-spring-2021-grant-cycle. The Catholic Foundation’s Fall Education Grant cycle is now open; applications are being accepted through Sept. 24, 2021. Is your parish planning to bring in a presenter for a parish mission or Lenten program? Are your parish lay ministers or lay staff planning to attend a conference, workshop or retreat — in person or virtually — in 2022? Are you planning a new religious education or faith formation project for your parish or Catholic school? Is your school or faith formation program in need of updated technology? Your project may meet the criteria for this grant opportunity. Review the attached document outlining guidelines and criteria or go to www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines to learn more. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney, operations manager, at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1253.
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.
Attachments2021 Catholic Education CollectionEducation Grant guidelines Marriage Matters Golf flier Golf entry form
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.2021 Catholic Education Collection Education Grant guidelines Marriage Matters Golf flier Golf entry form |
Founder of Homeboy Industries to speak at Mercyhurst University
Father Gregory Boyle, SJ, will draw on his experience working with gang members when he delivers a lecture at Mercyhurst University in Erie Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. As the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation and reentry program in the world, Father Boyle will share a message of courage and hope. The lecture, titled “Be Fearless for Me: Courage and the Gospel of the Marginalized,” will be held at the renovated Mercyhurst Athletic Center and is free and open to the public. Father Boyle is a recipient of the California Peace Prize and has been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
Prayer service planned for aborted children
A prayer service will be held on the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children Sept. 18 at noon at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 5711 West Lake Road., Erie. Meet at the Knights of Columbus pro-life stone at the west end of the cemetery near the infant section. In case of rain, the service will be held in the cemetery chapel. For information about this important day, go to www.nationaldayofremembrance.org.
Force parish to hold golf outing
St. Joseph Parish in Force will hold its first annual Golf Outing and Bocce Tournament on Sept. 19 at Bavarian Hills Golf Course in St. Marys. There will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m. The cost for golf is $80 per person or $65 for members. It includes lunch, cart, greens fee, dinner, prizes and refreshments. The cost for a two-person bocce team is $50 per person, which includes lunch, dinner and prizes. Sponsors are needed. A flier is attached for convenience and distribution. Fill out the attached entry form and mail to: Father Mark Mastrian, Pastor, St. Joseph Church, P.O. Box 124, Force, PA 15841. For more information, contact John Bauer at 814-834-3602 or Father Mastrian at 814-787-4151, ext. 4.
Knights of Columbus to sponsor March for Life trip to Harrisburg
The Knights of Columbus in the Diocese of Erie are sponsoring their first Pennsylvania March for Life trip to Harrisburg on Sept. 27. Thanks to a generous donor, a 56-passenger commercial bus is available to depart from a location to be determined in each of the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie. There is no cost for a seat or to make the trip. Sign-ups are on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information on the trip, departure times and locations, or to reserve a seat, contact Dave Spacht at 814-464-4477. The march includes a 9 a.m. Mass and Adoration at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, an 11 a.m. rally on the front steps of the state Capitol Building, and a noon march.
Director of Parish and School Financial Services
The Diocese of Erie is looking for an organized, dedicated and detailed candidate for the position of director of Parish and School Financial Services. This position is responsible for overseeing the financial operation of all parishes and schools in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie and ensuring that they operate efficiently and that their assets are properly safeguarded. For best consideration, apply by Sept. 3. For complete position details and to apply, go to www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Preschool extended care supervisor needed
Mercy Center of the Arts in Erie is seeking an extended care supervisor for preschool. Hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 8. Send inquiries and/or resume to mercycenterofthearts@gmail.com.
Middle school English/language arts teacher needed
Seton Catholic School in Meadville is seeking to hire a middle school English/language arts teacher. This is a permanent, full-time position starting in the 2021-22 school year. An elementary or secondary teaching degree with a specialty in ELA is required. Go to www.eriercd.org/employment.html for a complete job description and the application process. For questions, call 814-336-2320.
Business manager needed
St. Michael Parish in Greenville is seeking a full-time business manager. Responsibilities include the accounting, posting and reporting functions for all receipts, disbursements, payroll, human resources and benefit activities for the parish church, elementary school and cemetery. Position reports directly to the pastor. Bachelor’s degree preferred; substantial relevant accounting/finance experience required. Proficiency with MS Office software required; experience with QuickBooks accounting software preferred. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Send cover letter, resume with education and employment experience, and letters of recommendation from three professional references to: Father Christopher M. Barnes, Pastor, St. Michael Parish, 85 North High St., Greenville, PA 16125.
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