February 8, 2021
The next Information Bulletin is Tuesday, February 16, 2021, due to Presidents' Day.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February 11, 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.
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The Rite of Election
Bishop Lawrence Persico has delegated pastors to celebrate the Rite of Election in their parishes on or around the first Sunday of Lent. Clergy will find attached three documents related to ritual instructions for the Rite of Election. The information also will be available on the Office of Worship’s web page at https://www.eriercd.org/bishop/worship.html.
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 online by going to https://www.crsricebowl.org/ and clicking “order today” 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.
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.
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.
Reminders to priests
The Clergy Office of the Diocese of Erie reminds all priests:
- You received in the mail an invitation to the Lenten Priests’ Day of Recollection 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 the 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
Sept. 20-24 – Diocesan-Sponsored Priest Retreat
Oct. 14 – Priests’ Day of Recollection.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the February edition of the International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter at https://catholicstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ICSC-Parish-Enews_FEB-21_F.pdf. This newsletter is packed with information on the upcoming Lenten season. Pastors and parish staff are encouraged to read and share it with parishioners or use all or parts of it for parish bulletins, with credit to the author/source.
Mass time websites for vacationers may have incorrect information
The following websites provide Mass times to travelers and others: masstimes.org, discovermass.com, parishesonline.com, catholicmasstime.org and ourcatholicneighborhood.com. These organizations may list out-of-date information for your parish. The Diocese of Erie does not directly authorize these sites to list its information. Parish staff are asked to regularly check information on these websites to ensure information is up-to-date and accurate for visitors to our area.
Important notes from the Diocese of Erie’s Good For You Wellness Initiative
Punxsutawney Phil, that infamous groundhog, has predicted six more weeks of winter. Now is the time to prepare for spring and summer by participating 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 take four easy steps to earn a $150 reward. Learn more at https://www.eriercd.org/wellness.html. Also, February is Heart Health Month. Keeping your heart healthy is essential to living a long and happy life. Follow this program at https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/wellness/30Days_Wellness.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 retreatDuBois Lenten evenings of prayer St. Francis Parish Mission
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Rite of Election – Liturgy of the Word Rite of Election – Small Group Rite of Election – Within Mass Lent virtual retreat DuBois Lenten evenings of prayer St. Francis Parish Mission |
Interfaith Zoom retreat offered on Ash Wednesday
Begin the sacred season of Lent by attending Stella Niagara’s Center of Renewal Devotion-by-Distance Ash Wednesday Retreat on Feb. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon. This interfaith retreat will be held via Zoom and will feature Scripture readings, discussions, songs and contemplative interludes. Pre-register by Feb. 15 by calling 716-754-7376, ext. 2 or 1, or emailing centerofrenewal@stellaosf.org. The retreat is offered at no cost, but a goodwill offering is gratefully welcomed.
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.
Director of music and liturgy position open
Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek is seeking a full-time director of music and liturgy. Go https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html for full position details and information on how to apply.
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