January 25, 2021

The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 1, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, January 28, 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.

2021 Rice Bowl
Pastors and administrators will find attached Bishop Lawrence Persico’s letter introducing the 2021 Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl collection, to be taken up during Lent. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of Feb. 13-14.

2021 Catholic Services Appeal update
Commitment Sunday is Feb. 14, 2021. Some pastors have requested flexibility with that date in their parishes. As a result, the specific date on CSA promotional materials has been intentionally left off this year. Please plan to hold your Commitment Sunday by Feb. 14. Parishes should have received all CSA materials. Some CSA materials are available at https://www.eriercd.org/Catholic-Services-Appeal-CSA-Materials.html. Contact the Catholic Foundation for assistance with any CSA matters at 814-824-1253 or at jcooney@cfnwpa.org. The following resources are available to assist with your CSA appeal:

poster
brochure
bulletin insert
CSA video
February edition of Faith magazine (mailed to homes)
pledge envelopes and pledge cards
parish leadership handbook.

2021 Catholic Foundation grant opportunities
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the Education Grant and Faith Formation Grant cycles for 2021. Grant guidelines and criteria, as well as lists of past grant recipients, can be found at https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers. Applications will be accepted as per the following schedule:

Spring Education Grants: Jan. 25 through March 5
Faith Formation Grants: Feb. 8 through March 19
Fall Education Grants: Aug.16 through Sept. 24.

Marriage Matters newsletter now available
Attached is the January edition of the Marriage Matters newsletter of the Office of the Tribunal and Matrimonial Concerns of the Diocese of Erie.

Domain name renewal scam
Please carefully examine any domain name renewal invoices received through the U.S. mail or email. Scammers will attempt to steal your money by invoicing you for the renewal of a domain name or for listing your domain in a fake directory. Sometimes, invoices will try to bill you for other organizations’ domains. For example, one parish was fraudulently invoiced for the renewal of the Diocese of Erie’s eriercd.org domain name. Often, fraudulent invoices include “Internet Domain Name Services” or “Internet Networx” as the business name or in the logo. In most cases, the legitimate cost of domain name renewal is in the $15 range. However, scammers will invoice you for much higher dollar amounts. Remember, if you have accepted a web page through the Diocese of Erie and have transferred your domain to the diocese, the only domain name invoice you will receive will come directly from Kathy Papalia at the Diocese of Erie. Whether you have accepted a web page through the diocese or not, email kpapalia@ErieRCD.org if you have questions concerning the validity of any domain name renewal invoices you may receive.

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.

Pre-orders being accepted for the diocesan directory
The Office of Communications is accepting pre-orders for the 2021 Diocese of Erie Directory. The cost is $31.50 each (includes shipping and handling). A mail-friendly order form is attached, or you can place an order online at https://www.ErieRCD.org/news/directory.html. Anticipated mail distribution is late February. For questions or to place an order by phone, call Brenda Williams at 814-824-1161.

Catherine’s Club grant applications for non-profits now available
The Catherine’s Club Giving Circle, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, invites qualified non-profit agencies to apply for grants aimed at initiatives supporting women and children. The Giving Circle promotes the economic self-sufficiency and/or well-being of women and children with needs resulting from limited financial resources, illness or inadequate education. Agencies applying for grants must be located within one of the 13 counties of the Catholic Diocese of Erie. Grant applications are now available by contacting Edie Hudson at 814-824-2516, ehudson@sistersofmercy.org or at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 444 E. Grandview Blvd, Erie. Applications must be postmarked by March 15.

Two important notes from the Good For You Wellness Initiative
Did you ever consider participating in the Diocese of Erie’s Good For You Wellness Initiative? Well, it’s not too late. This program is for full-time employees covered by the Diocese of Erie’s wellness plan. Just complete four easy steps to earn a $150 reward. Learn more at https://www.eriercd.org/wellness.html. Also, Healthy Weight Week is Jan. 24-30. Discomfort relief, a healthier heart and a lower risk of diabetes are a few of the many benefits of being a healthy weight. A 30-day wellness calendar found at https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/wellness/30Days_Weight.pdf will guide you in the right direction.

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

Marriage Matters
2021 Diocesan Directory order form

Parish Bulletin Announcements

PW Protected Attachments:

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Rice Bowl
Marriage Matters
2021 Diocesan Directory order form

22:32 Men’s Conference offers in-person and Zoom format
The eighth annual 22:32 Men’s Conference, typically offered to hundreds of men at one location, will be held Feb. 27 at separate parishes in the Diocese of Erie. Men will gather at their own parishes in small groups to minimize the spread of COVID-19. The half-day event still features acclaimed Catholic speakers and witness stories that may be heard via Zoom beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at noon. With the cooperation of pastors, Mass and confessions may still be available before or after the formal presentations. For more information about hosting the conference at your parish or for your men’s group, contact Dave Wayman at taichiguy@icloud.com or 814-397-2809.

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.

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