February 1, 2021

The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 8, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 4, 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.

2022 special collection schedule
The 2022 special collection schedule for the Diocese of Erie is attached. Please use this schedule when ordering collection envelopes for your parish(es). Feel free to contact the Chancery at 814-824-1135 with any questions.

Catholic Foundation 2021 Spring Education Grant opportunity
Are your parish lay ministers or lay staff planning to attend — virtually or in-person — a conference, workshop or retreat this year? Are you planning a new religious education or faith formation project for your parish or school? Is your school or faith formation program in need of updated technology? Your project may be a good fit for the Catholic Foundation’s 2021 Spring Education Grant opportunity. Catholic parishes, Catholic schools and departments of the Diocese of Erie are eligible to apply. Applications are being accepted through March 5, 2021. To learn more, go to https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines.

Reminders to priests
The Clergy Office of the Diocese of Erie reminds all priests:

You will be receiving in the mail this week an invitation to the Lenten Priests’ Day of Recollection. It will be on Tuesday, March 9, from 1 to 6:30 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion. More information is in the letter, as well as a reply card.
If you have not already done so, please complete the Priest Wellness Survey that was mailed to you earlier this month and return it to Msgr. Rossetti at the Catholic University of America. Your submission is anonymous, but your participation will help all of us. If you have lost the copy sent to you, please contact the Clergy Office at 814-824-1144.
Add the following upcoming events to your calendar. (More information will be shared in coming months. For any questions, call the Clergy Office at 814-824-1144.)
March 9 – Priests’ Day of Recollection
March 29 – Chrism Mass
May 1 – Ordination of Transitional Deacons (details TBD)
May 28 – Ordination of Permanent Deacons (details TBD)
June 21-24 – Emmaus Convocation for Priests
September 20-24 – Diocesan-Sponsored Priest Retreat
October 14 – Priests’ Day of Recollection.

NFP coordinator offers assistance to clergy
In light of the current dispensation of marriage preparation in the Diocese of Erie, clergy will find an attached letter from Cathy Dornisch, NFP coordinator for the diocese, offering assistance in helping couples prepare for marriage and Natural Family Planning instruction.

Catholic Social Ministry Gathering offered to parish, community leaders
The annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, organized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is scheduled Feb. 6-9. The theme, “Make Justice your Aim: Rebuilding Together,” compels all of us to pray, learn and advocate on the disparities revealed by COVID-19 with new models of justice and solidarity. This year, the Social Justice and Life Office of the Diocese of Erie will cover the registration cost for any interested parish leader in our diocese. Opportunities for community dialogue and debriefing with neighboring parishes will be provided. For details about the conference, go to https://web.cvent.com/event/b25a3d2e-387a-4c33-8203-a3506a14b501/summary. To register or ask questions, contact Patrice Swick at pswick@ErieRCD.org or 814-824-1254.

2021 Catholic Services Appeal update
The Catholic Services Appeal is the annual fundraising campaign of the Diocese of Erie, supporting the day-to-day work of the Catholic Church in northwest Pennsylvania. As you prepare for Commitment Sunday, here are some helpful hints for a successful CSA campaign:

Promote the CSA in your bulletins, on your parish website and from the pulpit
Plan a parish project to which people will be inspired to give
Use the video by putting a link on your parish website or showing it in your church prior to Commitment Sunday. It can be accessed at https://www.eriercd.org/Catholic-Services-Appeal-CSA-Materials.html.
Thank people who give.

All CSA materials are available at https://www.eriercd.org/Catholic-Services-Appeal-CSA-Materials.html. If you need additional materials, contact the Catholic Foundation at 814-824-1253 or jcooney@cfnwpa.org.

Parishioners, employees: Be cautious about sharing personal information
Parishioners at several parishes recently received an email from a scam artist claiming to be their pastor and requesting financial help. Please include the following notice in your weekly bulletin and forward it to your employees and volunteers to keep everyone safe from fraud. Here is the suggested notice to be published:

In this age when personal data can be misused by scam artists, please be aware that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, its clergy, and entities such as parishes and schools will never solicit your personal or business information by any method unless initiated by you. Should you receive an unsolicited request for such information – including a request for gift cards of any type – exercise extreme caution. Contact the person or entity by using official contact information only. Do not use contact information provided in the potential fraudulent request.

Important notes from the Good For You Wellness Initiative
The Diocese of Erie’s Good For You Wellness Initiative will help you be the best version of yourself. This program is for full-time employees covered by the diocese’s wellness plan. Just complete four easy steps to earn a $150 reward. Learn more at https://www.eriercd.org/wellness.html. Also, keep in mind that deficiency of vitamin D during the winter months can make you feel rundown and unmotivated. Read the attached document for a 30-day program to keep your spirits lifted.

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.

Attachments

2022 special collection schedule
Wellness, mood

Parish Bulletin Announcements

PW Protected Attachments:

Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.

2022 special collection schedule
NFP assistance
Wellness, mood

There are no activities listed this week.

Fundraising and development coordinator needed
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie, Inc. has an opening for a fundraising and development coordinator. Find complete details at https://www.eriercd.org/charities/employment.html.

If I.B. attachments do not open, click here to download the latest Acrobat Reader. If problems persist, email Kathy Papalia or call 814.824.1184.

If your email address or your status for receiving the Information Bulletin changes, please notify the Office of Communications so that we can update our mailing list.

To access the Information Bulletin online, visit https://www.eriercd.org/list-informationalbulletin.php. As with the email version, pastors will still need to input their password to access secure information.

If you would like to unsubscribe to the Information Bulletin, please notify the Office of Communications and type “unsubscribe” in the subject line.