January 27, 2020

The next Information Bulletin is Monday, February 3, 2020.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, January 30, at 4:30 p.m.

Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.

Document on Lenten practices and regulations available
Please see the attached document for Lenten practices and regulations in 2020. Details on fasting and abstinence and special days during Lent are included, along with the time for the beginning of the Easter Vigil.

2020 Catholic Foundation grant opportunities
Are you involved in planning or implementing a faith formation project for your parish or diocesan department? Are you planning an education project for your parish, school or diocesan department? Consider applying for a grant from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania. To learn more about eligibility, go to https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers.

Faith formation grant applications are being accepted through Feb. 28.
Education grant applications will be accepted from Feb. 10 through March 23, and from Aug. 15 to Sept. 26.

CRS Rice Bowl now accepting orders for Lent 2020
Orders for Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) annual Rice Bowl program for Lent 2020 are now being accepted. CRS is in the process of updating its order information. If you wish to receive Rice Bowl materials for Lent 2020, you must place an order online by going to https://www.crsricebowl.org/ and clicking “order materials” or by calling 1-800-222-0025. If your order is not placed, either online or by phone, you will not receive Rice Bowl materials for Lent 2020. 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.

2020 Catholic Services Appeal update
Commitment Sunday is Feb. 23, 2020. 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. Parishes are asked to hold their Commitment Sunday no later than Feb. 23.

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 matter 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
Special edition of Faith magazine (mailed to homes)
Pledge envelopes for in-pew solicitation and follow-up mailings
Pledge cards
Parish Leadership Handbook.

Catherine’s Club grants applications 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. Agencies applying for grants must be located within one of the 13 counties of the Catholic Diocese of Erie. Grant applications are available by contacting Edie Hudson at 814-824-2516, ehudson@mercynyppaw.org or the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 444 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie. Applications must be postmarked by March 15.

2020 diocesan directories have arrived
The Office of Communications has received its shipment of the 2020 Diocese of Erie Directory and is preparing a bulk mailing to those who already have ordered a copy. Directories are $25 each plus $6.50 shipping and may be purchased at https://www.ErieRCD.org/news/directory.html. For questions or to place an order by phone, please call Brenda Williams at 814-824-1161.

Job openings in the diocese
See the classified section below for current position openings. Here’s a quick link to diocesan, school and parish jobs: https://www.ErieRCD.org/employment.html.

Attachments

Lenten practices, regulations
Holy Trinity Lenten Market

Parish Bulletin Announcements

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Lenten practices, regulations
Holy Trinity Lenten Market

Order your special Lenten foods soon
Holy Trinity Church in Erie is holding its annual Lenten Market, offering special Lenten foods for pick-up next month. See the attached flier for complete details about pre-orders and pick-up times.

Do you have an inner artist yearning to be set free?
The Inner-City Neighborhood Art House, 201 E. 10^th St., Erie, is offering art classes through its “Discover Your Inner Artist Series” from February to April. To see full details and to register for classes, go to www.neighborhoodarthouse.org/events/details/discover-your-inner-artist. All materials are included. No previous experience needed.

Bulldog Boogie planned Feb. 15
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing and refreshments at the Bulldog Boogie at Blessed Sacrament Church’s Geiger Hall, 1626 W. 26^th St., Erie, on Feb. 15 from 7 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. The featured band is The Groove. The cost is $25 per person. BYOB. Snacks will be provided or bring your own. All proceeds benefit the Blessed Sacrament Scholarship Fund. Must be 21 to attend. For information and to purchase tickets, go to www.eriecatholic.org/bss or go to the school or parish office.

Attend Outdoor Adventures event to benefit L’Arche
L’Arche Erie will host its annual Outdoor Adventures Raffle on Feb. 15 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. Pre-sale ticket prices are $20 each, or two for $30 (pre-sale ends Feb. 13). Tickets at the door are $20 each. Ticket and event information can be found at www.larcheerie.org or by contacting Sandie Wheeler at development@larcheerie.org or 814-452-2065. Admission includes food and beverages and a chance to win one of the 20 door prizes.

Save the date for Lenten concert and mission
Jeanne Cotter, a liturgical composer, author and retreat leader, will give a Lenten concert and mission at Notre Dame Church, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage, March 15-17. She will speak and perform at all weekend Masses. There will be a dinner March 15 at 5:30 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. featuring Notre Dame's children and adult choirs. Mission evenings will be held at 7 p.m. March 16 and March 17. Cost for the dinner and concert is $20. For special dinner/concert family rates, contact Gretchen Wagner at 724-813-5245. Concert-only tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Gear up for Mardi Gras celebration
St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean is hosting its annual Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission only for those 21 and older. Tickets are $15 each. Cost includes pulled pork sandwiches, Smith hot dogs, jambalaya, beer, soda, snacks and a dessert table. A basket raffle and separate large item raffle will be held, as well as instant bingos and tip boards on numerous items. There will be $5 chances on two tickets to the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitols game March 7 (seating is in the Captain Morgan Section). For admission tickets and/or Penguins chances, call the church office at 814-476-7657.

Youth minister needed at Our Lady of Mercy, St. Mark
The parishes of Our Lady of Mercy, Harborcreek, and St. Mark the Evangelist, Lawrence Park, are seeking an energetic, creative person dedicated to working with teens as a youth minister. This is a full- or part-time position. For details, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.

Oil City parish hiring director/coordinator of faith formation
St. Joseph Parish in Oil City is seeking a director/coordinator of faith formation. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports directly to the pastor and supervises numerous volunteer catechists and parent volunteers. For information about the position and how to apply, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.

Administrative assistant needed
The Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Erie is seeking an organized, dedicated and energetic person to provide full-time clerical and technical support for the Catholic Schools Office. For a full position profile and instructions on how to apply, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.