December 1, 2025
Due to the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the next Information Bulletin is Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. The submission deadline is due Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4:30 p.m. Thank you!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.
Bishop Persico calls the diocese to pray for new bishop
As Bishop Persico celebrates his 75th birthday, he has shared a Prayer for a New Bishop. Beginning the First Sunday of Advent and continuing until a new bishop is appointed, we invite you to pray with us for the one whom the Holy Father will send to shepherd our Diocese of Erie.
The prayer will be offered at Mass after the Communion Rite, and at parish meetings and gatherings. Parishes that have not yet received their prayer cards should contact their dean.
CSA goals and instructions
The 2026 Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) parish goals have been finalized and are attached for review. Also, attached is a separate sheet explaining the currently constructed CSA formula. The billing system will once again use the same four payment schedules: April 30, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31. For questions about your individual goals, please contact Pat Barron at 814-824-1168.
#iGiveCatholic giving continues through December 2
#iGiveCatholic Advanced Giving is off to a strong start! Donations can be made online through Dec. 2 at erie.igivecatholic.org or directly to a parish, school or ministry by cash or check. Organizations may consider sending an email to supporters, posting a flyer at building entrances, posting a link to their organization on Facebook or inserting a notice in bulletins or newsletters. Don’t be shy about asking your supporters to donate to #iGiveCatholic! This might be the giving opportunity that speaks to them. Contact Elizabeth Rathburn with questions at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1257. For graphics suitable for parish bulletins or social media, visit https://www.eriercd.org/social-media-graphics.html.
Final Edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope Now Available — With a Special Message from Bishop Persico
The final edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope is now available. Marking the close of our Jubilee Year 2025 series, this concluding newsletter features a special message from Bishop Persico. We would like to thank everyone who has journeyed with us throughout the year.
Created for easy inclusion in parish bulletins, faith formation programs and classroom settings, each edition of Jubilee Journey offers both informative and interactive elements for children and adults. Month by month, it has highlighted the jubilee celebrations recognized by the Vatican and invited readers to walk with us on a shared spiritual pilgrimage. The December edition is attached, and previous editions can be found at https://www.eriercd.org/holyyear2025.html.
Thank you for being part of this journey of hope.
Stay safe online this holiday season
Protect your hard-earned cash from the scammers and hackers that pop up every year. Read more here.
Hosting an Advent or holiday event?
We’d love to help spread the word! If your parish, school or ministry is planning a celebration, service or special gathering, please share the details so we can add it to our diocesan calendar. Invite others across the 13 counties to join you in this beautiful season of anticipation and joy. Send your event information to: IBEditor@eriercd.org.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass times are needed
Advent begins Sunday, Nov. 30. To help parishioners plan ahead, the Office of Communications & Advancement is collecting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass times to feature on a dedicated page of the diocesan website. Please submit the following by Friday, Dec. 5:
- Parish name
- Parish town
- Parish contact person
- Parish contact person email
- Parish contact person phone
- Christmas Eve Mass times
- Christmas Day Mass time(s)
The page on our website will launch on Tuesday, Dec. 9. Note: For convenience, copy and paste the above categories and provide your information in an email to Rich Papalia, webmaster, at rpapalia@ErieRCD.org.
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.2026 Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) CSA Calculation Review December Jubilee Newsletter Go Tell It: A Shepherd’s Journey Christmas Program All Saints Spirit of Christmas concert Michigan Youth Mission Trip Advent Worship Music Concert at St. Joseph, Warren Community Prayer Service for the Jubilee of Prisoners Advent Vigils |
Lessons and Carols
St. Boniface Parish, 9367 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, will host their annual Lessons and Carols service of prayers and hymns to celebrate the true meaning of the season. This service will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m., in the church. All are welcome.
Go Tell It: A Shepherd’s Journey Christmas Program
St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, 136 W. Main St., North East, presents 'Go Tell it: A Shepherd's Journey.' on Sunday, Dec.14 at 2 p.m. The program tells the story of Fr. Ferrell Briody's journey to North East for the first Mass at St. Gregory Church on Christmas Eve in 1875, with music and narration. The concert features St. Gregory’s two choirs and special guests who will sing classic favorites along with other songs you will be sure to enjoy. We are excited to have students from St. Gregory School joining us as well. This concert is free and open to the public, however a free-will offering will be collected to support Project Love. See attached flyer for details.
Spirit of Christmas Concert
On Monday, Dec. 15, All Saints Parish, 11264 Rt 97 N, Waterford, is hosting a Spirit of Christmas concert featuring the Millcreek Area Community Band and the All Saints Youth Choir. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the All Saints Youth Choir performing at 6:15 p.m. and the Millcreek Area Community Band from 7-8 p.m. Light refreshments to follow. This is a free concert, but free will offerings will be accepted.
Living Rosary at Sacred Heart Church, Erie
On Friday, Dec. 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sacred Heart Parish, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, will be celebrating The Living Rosary. This will be followed by fellowship after in the auditorium.
Michigan Youth Mission Trip
Catholic Heart Work Camp is conducting a Youth Mission Trip to Montague Michigan June 14-20, 2026. Students in 8th to 12th grade from St. Gregory’s Parish in North East, St. James Parish in Erie and the Parishes of Meadville will be leaving from St. Mark’s in Lawrence Park via passenger vans. Students from all parishes are welcome to join. Adults with clearances are welcome as volunteers. Lodging will be at an air-conditioned high school. Three meals will be provided along with group snacks. $120 deposit is required with the remaining balance paid by fundraisers. First fundraiser will be a bingo on Jan. 24 at St. James Place, 2622 Buffalo Rd., Erie. For more information, please see attached flyers or contact Mary Shchouchkoff at 814-873-0492 or Mshchouchk@yahoo.com.
Advent Worship music concert at St. Joseph Parish, Warren
St. Joseph Parish, 600 Pennsylvania Ave. West, Warren, is hosting an afternoon of Advent Worship Music on Sunday, Dec 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the church. The concert is free but a goodwill offering is appreciated. Come and be moved by the music of Anna, Joseph and Nathanial. See attached flyer.
Community prayer service for the Jubilee of Prisoners
Saint James Parish, 2635 Buffalo Rd., Erie, will host a Community Prayer Service for the Jubilee of Prisoners on Friday, Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m., located at 2635 Buffalo Road, Erie 16510. Please join us as Deacon Dave Jacquel leads the community to pray for prisoners, families affected by incarceration, those harmed by crime and violence and for a justice system rooted in restoration. All are welcome. Please spread the word using the attached advertisement at your parish.
Activities at the Monastery of the Benedictine Sisters:
Monastery Tour and Advent Vigils
Tour the Monastery of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 East Lake Rd, Erie. Join us for a guided monastery tour at 4 p.m. on Dec. 6, followed by supper with the sisters in the monastery dining room, then join us for the Advent Vigil at 7 p.m. in the chapel. Reservations are needed for the tour and dinner because space is limited. Click here or call Michelle at 814-899-0614 ext. 2507. You are also welcome to attend all the Advent Vigils, each Saturday during Advent on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel with no reservations necessary.
Advent Lectio
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie invite you to an “Advent Lectio” to consider and give thanks for past, present and emerging rays of light in your life. Facilitated by Sisters Ann Muczynski and Colleen Leathley, this Advent lectio (sacred reading) encounter will include spiritual nourishment, prayer, reflection and sharing. Sessions will be held at Mount St. Benedict Monastery, 6101 East Lake Rd, Erie, on the following Thursdays, from 4 to 5:15 p.m.: Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Registration is required – register here or email retreats@eriebenedictines.org. Suggested donation is $10 per session. See attached flyer.
There are no classifieds this week.
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