February 23, 2026
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, March 2, 2026. The submission deadline is Thursday, Feb. 26, 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.
2025 Catholic Services Appeal Impact Report
The Diocese of Erie has released the 2025 Catholic Services Appeal Impact Report, sharing how the generosity of parishioners continues to strengthen ministries across our 13 counties. Thank you for your ongoing support of the CSA. Parish resources — including bulletin content, website banner graphics and social media materials — are available to help you share the impact and significance of the appeal with your parishioners. The Impact Report is attached for your review.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached March edition of the International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter (English and Spanish versions are available). Pastors and parish staff are encouraged to read and share this publication with their parishioners, using all or parts of it for their parish bulletin, with credit to the author/source.
Catholic Sisters Week 2026 - "Stories of Hope and Heart"
Each year, March 8–14, the church in the United States observes Catholic Sisters Week. The 2026 theme for 2026 is “Stories of Hope and Heart.” This year, parishioners are invited to share a brief story reflecting how a sister has impacted their life. Stories may be submitted at: www.eriecatholicsisters.org.
Parishes are encouraged to celebrate this week in a significant way. Materials have been created to assist in local promotion and participation. Parish bulletin graphics, a printable prayer card and additional resources are available on the parish resource page at www.eriercd.org/ParishPlaceGraphics.html. A social media campaign can also be found on our website: www.eriercd.org/csw-socialmedia.html. Please see the letter attached from Bishop Persico to share with your pastor
Help us share Easter Mass times
As we prepare to celebrate the joy of Easter, the Diocese of Erie is gathering Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Mass times to be shared on the diocesan website. If your parish is hosting Easter services, please send times and location to RPapalia@ErieRCD.org. Thank you for ensuring that all who seek to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ can find a place to worship.
2027 special collection schedule for the Diocese of Erie
The 2027 special collection schedule is attached. Please use this schedule when ordering collection envelopes for your parish(es). Feel free to contact the Chancery at 814-824-1130 with any questions.
Catholic Foundation Spring Grant Opportunities
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania’s Spring Grant Cycle is now open. Applications for Education and Faith Formation Grants will be accepted through March 30. Are you planning a parish mission or faith formation special event in the summer or fall of 2026? Are you planning a new religious education or faith formation project for your parish or Catholic school? Are your parish lay ministers, lay staff or youth planning to attend a conference, workshop or retreat this summer or fall? Is your school or faith formation program in need of updated technology? Your project may meet the criteria for one of these grant opportunities. Education: www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines Faith Formation: https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/faith-formation-endowment-guidelines. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney, Operations Director, at jcooney@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1253.
To read about our most recent group of grantees, go to https://www.cfnwpa.org/news/cfnwpa-announces-2025-fall-grant-awards.
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 March newsletter is attached.
P.O. Box 10397
To create a consistent way of contacting the offices at St. Mark Catholic Center, the use of SMCC’s P.O. Box 10397 is being eliminated. This transition process is expected to be complete by March 31, 2026. All mail should be sent to the physical address:
St. Mark Catholic Center
429 E. Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA 16504-2603
Your prompt attention to this matter and your support in ensuring a smooth transition is appreciated. Please notify any of your constituents who utilize the post office address currently to update them of the change. A draft of a letter regarding this matter to those constituents is attached for your convenience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jim Tometsko at St. Mark Catholic Center at 814-824-1111.
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.2025 CSA Impact Report ICSC Newsletter (English and Spanish) Catholic Sisters Week letter and parish suggestions 2027 Special Collections Schedule Office for Divine Worship March newsletter P.O. Box address change for SMCC Word Made Flesh alter server retreat Sacred Heart Spaghetti Dinner Damascus Summer Camp Benedictine Monastery Tour and Lenten Vigils |
Palm Sunday Discernment Weekend
Is God calling you to be a priest? Are you interested in learning more about the priesthood? The seminary? Discernment? The Palm Sunday Discernment Weekend, March 28-29, 2026, is for any young man, junior in high school and older, interested in learning more about priesthood, seminary life, and vocations. Spend time at St. Mark Seminary and meet the seminarians, pray with other men who are seeking to know God’s call for them, and learn more about how God is calling you personally for a special vocation. There is no cost to attend the weekend. Young men from dioceses other than the Diocese of Erie, such as Altoona-Johnstown, Buffalo, Greensburg, Rochester, etc. should contact the vocation director from their home diocese before applying.
Register online at Palm Sunday Discernment Weekend or by contacting Fr. Scott Jabo, Vocation Director, by email at SWJabo@eriercd.org or by phone at 814-824-1198. A permission slip and additional information will be emailed after registering.
Calling all Kids of Christ!
We love seeing how families are engaging with Faith magazine, especially our youngest readers! Is your child working on the crossword puzzle? Reading Faith with a parent or grandparent? We’d love to see it. Submit your photos for a chance to be featured in the next Kids of Christ section in the May edition of Faith.
Please email photos to msisinni@ErieRCD.org and be sure to include the child(ren)’s name(s), age(s), parish (if applicable), and who should receive photo credit. Click here to view the photo permission form. We can’t wait to see your little ones growing in faith!
Word Made Flesh altar server retreat
Word Made Flesh altar server retreat will offer young altar servers a meaningful opportunity to deepen their love, reverence and understanding of the Mass. Participants will encounter Christ through engaging talks, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession, while also meeting consecrated religious brothers and sisters and connecting with fellow altar servers from across the diocese.
This free retreat will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathedral Prep, 250 W. 10th St., Erie, and St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St., Erie. The event is open to altar servers in grades 6–12 throughout the Diocese of Erie. Bishop Persico will be present to offer a reflection. Dress code is Sunday attire. Please bring a water bottle.
For questions, email Fr. Brandon Feikles at bfeikles@stgeorgeerie.org. To register, visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=zkKKlvgeqES--RX5OPxlBwHLrxbzP21Cld1RxOxPQCNUMERKMUU4R1JDMzNKQ085TDNBWEcxNzNLNSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl.
Sacred Heart Spaghetti Dinner
Sacred Heart Parish, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, will host its 73rd annual Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, March 8, from noon to 5 p.m. Dinner tickets are $15 and include spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread and butter and dessert. Children’s dinners (ages 10 and under) are $10. A bucket of meatballs and sauce will also be available for $10. The event will feature theme baskets, a bake sale and a 50/50 raffle. Both sit-down and takeout options are available. See the attached flyer for additional details.
Damascus Summer Camp
A week at Damascus Summer Camp at Summit Lake Camp, 7610 Hampton Valley Rd., Emmitsburg, MD, offers students in grades 6–12 the opportunity to step away from the distractions of daily life and experience high-adventure activities rooted in a high-adventure faith.
Camp sessions are scheduled for:
• High school students: June 14–19
• Middle school students: July 26–31
The registration deadline is Feb. 18. The cost is $400 — half of the standard $800 rate — made possible through the generous support of St. George Parish. Please see the attached flyer for additional details and registration information.
Monastery Tour and Lent Vigils
The Benedictine Sisters invite you to join them at 4 p.m. on March 7 for a guided tour of Mount Saint Benedict Monastery, 6101 E. Lake Rd., Harborcreek, followed by supper with the sisters. Guests are also welcome to remain for the Lenten Vigil at 7 p.m. Reservations are required for the tour and dinner. Please RSVP HERE or call Sister Katherine at 814-899-0614, ext. 2428. All are also welcome to attend the Lenten Vigils held each Saturday during Lent — Feb. 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28 — at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel. No reservations are necessary for the vigils.
Mercyhurst Prep Rowing Boosters Bingo
The JPT Event Center, 2309 W. 38th St., Erie will be the site of the MPS Rowing Boosters Bingo. The doors open at noon and bingo starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $30 and includes 10 bingo games. Don’t forget to bring extra cash for special added games, a 50/50 and raffle prizes. BYOBeverages and snacks. Tickets available through members of the rowing team or at the door. All proceeds go to the MPS Rowing Team and ensure that rowing and travel associated with it is available to all who wish to participate.
There are no classifieds this week.
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