January 26, 2026
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 2, 2026. The submission deadline is Thursday, Jan. 29, at 4:30 p.m. Thank you!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.
2026 Catholic Services Appeal
The Catholic Services Appeal is the annual fundraising campaign of the Diocese of Erie and is essential to supporting the day-to-day work of the Catholic Church in northwest Pennsylvania. The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania facilitates the CSA campaign for the Diocese of Erie. Materials for the 2026 CSA will begin shipping soon to parishes. When materials arrive, check to be sure you received what was ordered. Please watch for additional emails with important information about the launch of the 2026 CSA. Contact Julia Cooney with any questions at 814-824-1253 or jcooney@cfnwpa.org.
2026 Lenten Practices
Please see the attached notice from the Chancery on the practices and regulations regarding the Lenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.
Free Toner cartridges
Free toner cartridges are available for select HP printer models, including two cartridges and one envelope feeder for the HP LaserJet M601, M602 and M603. For the HP M155, MFP M182 and MFP M183, one toner cartridge each is available in cyan, black and yellow. For more information, contact Kathy Papalia at it@eriercd.org or 814-824-1184.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached February 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.
Altar of Repose Times
For Holy Thursday, we are gathering Altar of Repose information from parishes across the Diocese of Erie so parishioners can easily find locations and times for evening prayer and adoration following the Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
Please share the following details for inclusion on our website:
- Parish name
- Mass of the Lord’s Supper – time
- Location of the Altar of Repose
- Adoration end time
Please email this information to ibeditor@eriercd.org by March 13. Thank you for helping make this Holy Thursday devotion accessible to parishioners throughout the diocese.
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week
Catholic Schools Week will be celebrated Jan. 25–31, 2026. The Diocese of Erie Office of Communications & Advancement has created bulletin inserts, social media graphics, and other resources for parish use. Parishes are encouraged to highlight Catholic education through prayer, parish communications and by sharing diocesan CSW materials. For daily themes and additional ideas on how to celebrate, visit the NCEA website.
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 February newsletter is attached.
Input Needed—Parish Sunday Bulletin Survey
Microsoft Publisher will be retired this October and parishes across the diocese are beginning to explore new ways to create their weekly Sunday bulletin. To better understand how everyone is preparing for this transition—and to identify any support or resources that may be helpful—we are inviting parish staff to complete a brief questionnaire: https://form.jotform.com/253016288669063. Your input will help us gain a clearer picture of how parishes are navigating this change and what the overall needs look like as we move forward together. We appreciate your time and insight as we navigate the next 268 days.
IT Security Awareness Scam Alert: Parish Contact List Theft
A phishing scam targeting parishes has resurfaced. Emails may appear to come from a pastor or trusted staff member and request a “PDF or Excel copy of the member directory.” Parish contact lists are highly valuable to scammers. Do not share directories without confirming the request directly with the sender. Learn more: https://eriercd.org/images/informationalbulletin/a11017edd1967c9e0f67db8754dd1045.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 https://www.eriecatholic.org/about/careers.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Lenten Practices ICSC Newsletter (English) ICSC Newsletter (Spanish) Office for Divine Worship Feb Newsletter Mardi Gras Celebration Soup, Salad and Soul Series SGMG Lenten Retreat Wild Game, Fish and Fellowship Dinner Discover the Roots of Catholic Faith Our Lady of Mercy Spaghetti Dinner |
Word Made Flesh altar server retreat
The Word Made Flesh Altar Server Retreat will take place on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cathedral Preparatory School, 250 W. 10th St., Erie, and St. Peter Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St., Erie. Open to altar servers in grades 6–12, the free retreat will include opportunities for prayer, learning and fellowship through talks, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession. Bishop Lawrence Persico will be present and will offer a reflection. Participants are asked to dress in Sunday attire and bring a water bottle. Registration is required by Feb. 21. For questions, contact Fr. Brandon Feikles at bfeikles@stgeorgeerie.org. To register, visit the online form here.
Pancake and Sausage Superbowl breakfast
St. Stanislaus Parish, 516 E. 13th St., Erie, will host a pancake and sausage breakfast on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 8, following the 9 a.m. Mass. Breakfast will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $6 and includes pancakes, sausage and coffee or tea. Tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit St. Stanislaus Parish.
Mardi Gras Celebration
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean, will host its 18th annual Mardi Gras celebration on Friday, Feb. 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. The event is open to adults age 21 and older. The cost is $20 per person and includes food and beverages, with homemade desserts available. Raffle and cash prize drawings will be held throughout the evening, including a $500 prize with the entry ticket and a “Show Me the Money” grand prize of $1,000. Tickets for additional drawings are $5 each or five for $20. Proceeds will support parish property needs and ongoing evangelization efforts. See the parish flyer for more information.
Soup, Salad and Soul Series—Lent 2026
St. George Parish, 5145 Peach St., Erie, will host a Lenten dinner and speaker series each Tuesday during Lent. Evenings will begin with Mass at 5:15 p.m., followed by dinner and a guest speaker at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Each week will feature a different priest sharing his vocation story, how he serves and supports the lay faithful, and reflections on the needs of the Church today and hope for the future. Speakers include Fr. Brandon Feikles on Feb. 24, Fr. Luke Daghir on March 3, Fr. Michael Scanga on March 10, Fr. Joseph Petrone on March 17 and Fr. Ben Daghir on March 24. See the attached flyer for more information.
St. Giuseppe Moscati Guild Lenten Retreat
St. Joseph/Bread of Life Parish, 147 West 24th St., Erie, will host a morning Lenten retreat on Saturday, Feb. 28, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by Mass and a light breakfast. Rev. Joseph Petrone will lead the retreat, offering reflections to help participants prepare for the Lenten season. Attendees are asked to bring any writing materials needed for personal reflection. Time for the Sacrament of Confession will be available. The cost is $15, payable by cash or check. Members of the St. Giuseppe Guild may attend at no cost. See the attached flyer for additional information.
Wild Game, Fish and Fellowship Dinner
Knights of Columbus Council #4321 and St. George Parish, 5145 Peach St., Erie, will host a Wild Game, Fish and Fellowship Dinner on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. The evening will feature a meal of freshly prepared wild game and fish, time for fellowship and a special guest speaker. Tickets are available through the rectory office. The cost is $25 for adults and $12 for children. See the attached flyer for more information.
Discover the Roots of our Catholic faith
Learn about the major people, places and events of the first 500 years of church history in this 10-week seminar. Seminars with morning and evening options begin Jan. 19 at 9:15 a.m. and Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. in the St. George Parish meeting room, 5145 Peach St., Erie. Cost is $22 and includes workbook and Early Church chart. For more information, see attached flyer or contact Anthony Ferralli at 814-864-2548 or tony@ferralli.com to register.
St. Bartholomew Spaghetti Dinner
St. Bartholomew Parish is holding its famous homemade spaghetti dinner on Feb. 1 from noon-4 p.m. at the parish social center, 311 W. Ridge Ave., Sharpsville. Tickets are: $12 for adults, $8 for kids 10 and under. Dinner includes homemade pasta, sauce and meatballs, fresh Italian bread, spumoni ice cream and salad. Live music by Sam Tonelli. Also featuring a basket raffle, bake sale, 50/50 and other raffles. For tickets call: 724-962-7130, email secretary@saintbartholomews.com or visit: https://www.wesharegiving.org/App/Form/d96ae2d5-9a5b-4111-8cb3-72ee30fbbef4. Tickets at the door are limited in number and a sellout is expected, pre-purchase is highly recommended.
Our Lady of Mercy Spaghetti Dinner
Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek, will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Choice of entrée: Meatballs or chicken parmesan (pre-sale only), refreshments, side salad, Italian bread and cookies. Basket raffle to support the religious education department. Pre-sale price $14 for a full plate/$8 for half. Door sale price $15 for full plate/$9 for half. Sit down and to go options available. See flyer for details.
French Theme Dinner
Saint Hippolyte Parish will be hosting a French dinner on Saturday, Feb. 7, in the church social hall, 26012 N. Frenchtown Rd., Guys Mills. Cost is $20 per person, by advanced reservation only. Dinner will be served on the hour: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. This year’s menu includes: French Onion soup, salad greens with vinaigrette dressing, chicken cordon bleu, rice pilaf, roasted carrots and mousse for dessert, French bread and beverages. Reservation deadline is Jan. 24 and seating is limited. Please call Kathy at 814-573-6410.
Confidential Executive Assistant
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a full-time Confidential Executive Assistant to support the Catholic Schools Office. The ideal candidate will be organized, professional and committed to the mission of Catholic education. Responsibilities include serving as the first point of contact for the office, preparing communications, providing administrative support and assisting with personnel and program management. A high school diploma with related administrative experience and proficiency in Microsoft Office is required; school experience preferred.
To learn more and apply, visit our website at https://eriercd.org/employment.html.
Administrative Assistant to the Vicar General
The Vicar General and Clergy Office for the Diocese of Erie is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join the team as a full-time administrative assistant. This important position supports the mission and daily operations of the diocesan clergy office. To learn more or apply, visit the Diocese of Erie employment page.
Parish Bookkeeper Position
Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 128 Sunset Dr., Edinboro, is seeking a qualified individual to be the parish bookkeeper. This is an ideal position for a newly retired CPA or bookkeeper accountant who is interested in part-time work. For more information, please see the attached flyer.
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