February 16, 2021
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 22, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 18, 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.
Bottles for holy oils needed
If parishes have holy oil bottles from previous years, please return them to the Office of Worship at St. Mark Catholic Center as soon as possible. You also may return them at the Priests’ Day of Recollection in Clarion on Tuesday, March 9. The bottles are needed for the Chrism Mass on March 29.
Important CSA 2021 update for pastors and parish staff
An email from Julia Cooney went out last week to all parish Catholic Services Appeal contacts. It included important instructions for setting up the 2021 CSA fund and for entering 2021 CSA pledges and payments. These instructions differ from previous years and it is important that they are followed closely. Do not set up your 2021 CSA fund or enter 2021 CSA pledges or payments without these instructions. If your parish CSA contact did not receive this email, please contact Julia Cooney at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1253.
New digital content available for the promotion of CSA
Three Facebook posts have been created for use by parishes to promote the Catholic Services Appeal campaign. The posts and suggested text are available along with other resources on the diocesan website at https://www.eriercd.org/Catholic-Services-Appeal-CSA-Materials.html. Contact the Catholic Foundation for assistance with any CSA matter at 814-824-1253 or at jcooney@cfnwpa.org.
CRS Rice Bowl orders for Lent 2021
Orders for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) annual Rice Bowl materials for Lent 2021 are still being accepted. As a reminder, CRS is still updating its order information. If you have not yet ordered Rice Bowl materials for Lent 2021, you must place an order by going to https://www.crsricebowl.org/ and clicking on the Resources tab or by calling 1-800-222-0025. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. Questions can be directed to Patrice Swick, director of the Social Justice and Life Office, at pswick@ErieRCD.org.
Lent 2021 virtual retreat
All ages are welcome to join Father Mike Polinek and youth ministers from the Diocese of Erie for a virtual Lenten retreat on Mondays Feb. 22, March 1, March 15 and March 22. These Zoom sessions will include discussion of how to personally strengthen your relationship with God. See the attached flier for details. Sign up through JotForm at https://form.jotform.com/210333866089157. Contact Father Polinek with any questions at mpolinek@ErieRCD.org.
2021 Catholic Foundation grant opportunities
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is currently accepting Education Grant and Faith Formation Grant applications. Review the information below and the attached documents to determine if you have a project that might qualify for a Catholic Foundation grant.
- Are your parish lay ministers or lay staff planning to attend a conference, workshop or retreat — in person or virtually — this year? 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 be a good fit for the Foundation’s Education Grant opportunity. Education Grant applications are being accepted through March 5, 2021. Review the attached document outlining guidelines and criteria or go to the following link to learn more: https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines. This is the first of two Education Grant cycles in 2021.
- If you are planning a project that promotes lifelong faith formation, provides spiritual support to the faithful, or welcomes absentee or non-Catholics into the church, your project may be a good fit for the Foundation’s Faith Formation Grant opportunity. Faith Formation Grant applications are being accepted through March 19, 2021. Review the attached document outlining guidelines and criteria or go to the following link to learn more: https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/faith-formation-endowment-guidelines. This is the only Faith Formation Grant opportunity in 2021.
People for Life invites high school students to oratory contest
People for Life in Erie is sponsoring its annual oratory contest for high school students on April 10. Cash prizes will be awarded. All details about this contest are available at https://peopleforlife.org/oratory/oratory.html. Schools, parishes and parents are asked to share information about this contest with high school students.
People for Life sponsors essay contest
Entries to People for Life's annual student essay contest are due by April 26. The top three winners in both the junior and senior categories will receive cash awards. If you are a student in seventh through 12th grade, join the competition. Learn details at https://peopleforlife.org/essay/essay.html.
Important info from Good For You Wellness Initiative
Give yourself the gift of a healthy lifestyle. Get involved and participate in the Diocese of Erie’s Good For You Wellness Initiative. This program is for full-time employees covered by the Diocese of Erie’s wellness plan. Just complete the four easy steps to earn a $150 reward. Learn more at https://www.eriercd.org/wellness.html. Also, keep in mind that eating well and in a way that enhances your health doesn’t have to bust your budget. To help make dieting easier and more affordable, use the tips offered at https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/wellness/EatBudget.pdf.
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.
AttachmentsLent virtual retreat2021 Education Grant guidelines 2021 Faith Formation Grant guidelines DuBois Lenten evenings of prayer St. Francis Parish Mission
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Lent virtual retreat 2021 Education Grant guidelines 2021 Faith Formation Grant guidelines DuBois Lenten evenings of prayer St. Francis Parish Mission |
Lenten evenings of prayer scheduled in DuBois
All are invited to attend Lenten evenings of prayer at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 123 S. State St., DuBois, on Feb. 21, Feb. 28, March 7, March 14 and March 21 at 6:30 p.m. There will be meditation, Scripture, music and a reflection by a guest speaker. The services will be in-person only. See the attachment for full details. Remember: COVID-19 regulations are in place for social distancing; those attending must wear masks.
St. Francis Xavier to hold parish mission
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 W. Main St., McKean, is hosting a parish mission March 8-11 from 7 to 9 p.m. each day. All are welcome to this free event that is designed to help you grow in love for God and give you hope and direction in your daily life. All COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced. See the attached flier for more information.
Principal needed at DuBois elementary school
The DuBois Central Catholic School System is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as the principal of the DuBois Central Catholic Elementary School for the 2021-22 school year. Go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html for position details and the application process.
Youngstown Diocese hiring two principals
Two elementary school principal positions are available in the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio. The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 24, 2021, or until the positions are filled. Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to: Dr. Jim King, Associate Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools, 144 West Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503; or jking@youngstowndiocese.org.
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