Parish, School or Site | Contact Us
Home / Informational Bulletin / July 12, 2021

July 12, 2021

The next Information Bulletin is Monday, July 19, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, July 15, 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.


Hymnal renewal
This is the time of year when parishes order hymnals and seasonal publications. While diocesan COVID-19 protocols currently do not allow for their use, the Office of Worship is expecting that by the First Sunday of Advent, they will in all likelihood be permitted. Despite the unpredictability of COVID-19, the office believes the risk in ordering publications for use is minimal. If parishes wish to discuss the right direction for their particular situation, please call the Office of Worship at 814-824-1271.

Gluten intolerance post COVID-19
With the distribution of the Precious Blood still suspended, new vigilance is needed in caring for parishioners and guests with different levels of gluten intolerance. Without the option to receive the Precious Blood, a new challenge has arisen for those with gluten intolerance who may be unfamiliar with the practice of the church in which they find themselves attending Mass. Parishes should determine the best way to inform parishioners and guests how to let someone know they need a low-gluten host to be consecrated in order to receive Holy Communion. Some parishes prefer people come to the sacristy to let the presider know; others would rather people tell a church greeter who can deliver the information. Each parish community is different. Please be aware of people with acute needs (some you may not be aware of) and how your parish can make them feel welcome.

St. Joseph Parish, Force, to host next stop in diocesan virtual pilgrimage
The virtual pilgrimage to the seven churches named for St. Joseph in the Diocese of Erie continues July 18 at St. Joseph Parish in Force. A pre-recorded Mass with Father Mark Mastrian, pastor, will be available through a link on the parish website at www.stjosephforce.org. The pilgrimage was initiated to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis that will conclude on Dec. 8. A September date is being selected for the fifth stop in the pilgrimage at St. Joseph Church in Lucinda. Father Michael Polinek will offer the Mass.

Feast of Mary Magdalene, July 22
In 2016, the Holy See raised the liturgical rank of the memorial of St. Mary Magdalene to a feast, with the date remaining July 22. A new preface before the Eucharistic Prayer for the feast also was promulgated. The proper liturgical text in English (including musical notation) of the preface in honor of St. Mary Magdalene can be found in the attachments. Also attached is the sung text. Other texts for this feast are found in the liturgical books, including the rest of the Mass formulary in the Roman Missal, Third Edition. The “Gloria” also is sung or said for this Mass, and the Proper of Saints readings found in No. 603 of the Lectionary for Mass are proper, not optional.

World Day for Grandparents and Elderly
Pope Francis has established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, to be held each year on the fourth Sunday of July. This date was chosen because it is close to the feast day of Ss. Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. In 2021, the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly is Sunday, July 25.

The following are resources to aid preparing for the day:

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

Catholic Social Ministry Grant application deadline approaching
The deadline to submit an application to the Catholic Foundation’s Catholic Social Ministry Grant opportunity is Friday, July 23. Grant requests for up to $15,000 are being accepted. Affiliate agencies of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie, Inc., departments of the Diocese of Erie, and parishes working in collaboration with diocesan offices are eligible to apply for a grant. Is your project or program a good fit for this grant? Review the attached document or learn more at https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/catholic-social-ministry-grant-guidelines-criteria. This is the only Catholic Social Ministry Grant cycle in 2021. Questions? Contact Julia Cooney at 814-824-1253 or jcooney@cfnwpa.org.

Environmental advocates needed
Two years ago, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Environmental Justice Program (EJP) launched a pilot called the Laudato Si’ Advocates (LSA) Program. This initiative is designed to accompany college-age young adults as they advocate for policies promoting integral ecology. The LSA Program is seeking 15 advocates in 15 different states. Advocates earn a monthly stipend, attend a training summit in Washington, D.C., receive monthly formation, are given instruction in environmental policy and work about five hours a week during the school year (September to May). Applications are open through Aug. 1 on the USCCB website: https://www.usccb.org/resources/laudato-si-advocates-program-applications-0. Questions can be directed to Patrice Swick, director of the Social Justice and Life Office, at pswick@ErieRCD.org.

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 newsletter
2021 Catholic Social Ministry Grant guidelines

Parish Bulletin Announcements


PW Protected Attachments:

Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.

Mary Magdalene preface
Mary Magdalene sung preface
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly homily suggestions
Marriage Matters newsletter
2021 Catholic Social Ministry Grant guidelines


x

Award-winning author to lead retreat
Anne Kertz Kernion, the award-winning author of Spiritual Practices for the Brain, is returning to Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville to lead a retreat July 16-18. As the world emerges from a difficult year, everyone can benefit from some time to nurture their brains and bodies. Participants will explore how certain breathing exercises can help us live in the present, manage stress, and increase focus, concentration and overall well-being. There also will be exploration of the latest in neuroscience research. The cost of the retreat is $235, which includes meals, accommodations and teachings. For more information or to register, visit www.bethanyretreatcenter.org or call 814-263-4855.

St. Mark and Mount Calvary to host parish mission
St.  Mark the Evangelist and Mount Calvary parishes in Erie invite everyone to their outdoor parish mission July 18-20. Father Steve Schreiber will lead the event by focusing on the fruitfulness, mercy and love of God in our lives. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m., with presentations beginning at 6 p.m. Bring your own chair. After each presentation, a social event (ice cream social, cook-out and taco bar) will be provided. For childcare, a children’s mission will be offered.  RSVPs for the parish mission are not required but are recommended by calling 814-899-3000 or emailing office@smmc.church.

Novena to Good St. Ann scheduled in July
All are invited to attend the 102nd annual novena in honor of St. Ann July 18-26 at St. Ann Church, 921 East Ave., (E. 10th and East Avenue). Redemptorist Father Dennis Sweeney from Washington, D.C., will be the guest preacher, confessor and celebrant for the nine days. Daily Masses will be celebrated Monday through Friday at 8:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday Masses are 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and Sunday Masses are 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The following special celebrations will be held at each Mass on the dates noted:

  • Coffee and donuts, St. Ann Social Hall, July 18
  • Anointing of the Sick, July 21
  • Blessing of religious articles, July 23
  • Blessing of children, July 24 and July 25
  • Blessing with relic of St. Ann, July 24, July 25 and July 26
  • Blessing of parents and grandparents, July 26 (Feast of St. Ann)

For more information, please contact Father Jerry Priscaro at 814-464-6913 or JsPriscaro@eriercd.org. Check the parish website at www.motherofsorrowerie.org/ for information on virtual participation.

Our Lady of Peace to hold Vacation Bible School
Students in grades kindergarten through four are invited to attend the Aug. 2-6 Vacation Bible School at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie. For complete details and to register, go to www.olp.org/faith-formation/vacation-bible-school.  

St. Paul Italian Festival features procession
St. Paul Parish, W. 16th and Walnut streets, Erie, is hosting its annual Italian Festival Aug. 6-8. There will be free shuttle service from Northgate Commons (old Central Mall, W. 16th and Sassafras streets) that Friday and Saturday. On Friday, a pasta fagioli dinner and activities will begin at 5 p.m., with live music from 6 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a 4:30 p.m. Mass, activities from 1 to 10 p.m., kids’ activities from 1 to 5 p.m., and live music from 6 to 10 p.m. On Sunday, Bishop Lawrence Persico will preside at the 11 a.m. Mass, followed by a procession of the Blessed Virgin Mary through “Little Italy.” There will be a spaghetti dinner on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., with activities from noon to 7 p.m., Italian music from 3 to 7 p.m., and a $15,000 drawing at 7 p.m. For more information, go to www.stpaulrcerie.org (events tab) or call 814-456-6256.

Grounded Grieving Retreat offered at Bethany Retreat Center
When you’ve lost a loved one, the grief journey can be lonely and exhausting. Consider attending the Aug. 6-8 Grounded Grieving Retreat at Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville. Participants will share stories, engage in creative expression, spend time in nature and deepen into the place where grief is grounded. The retreat facilitator is Jackie Naginey Hook, a spiritual director, Life-Cycle celebrant and end-of-life doula whose work helps people find hope, healing and wholeness. The $235 cost includes meals, accommodations and all retreat sessions. For more information or to register, go to www.bethanyretreatcenter.org or call 814-263-4855. A commuter option is available.



Business manager needed at St. Michael Parish, Greenville
St. Michael Parish in Greenville seeks a full-time business manager. Responsibilities include the accounting, posting and reporting functions for all receipts, disbursements, payroll, human resources and benefit activities for the parish church, elementary school and cemetery. Position reports directly to the pastor. A bachelor’s degree is preferred; substantial relevant accounting/finance experience is required. Proficiency with MS Office software is required, and experience with QuickBooks accounting software preferred. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Send cover letter, resume with education and employment experience, and letters of recommendation from three professional references to Father Christopher M. Barnes, Pastor, St. Michael Parish, 85 North High St., Greenville, PA 16125. Applications will be reviewed as received; expected position start date is Sept. 1, 2021.

If I.B. attachments do not open, click here to download the latest Acrobat Reader. If problems persist, email Kathy Papalia or call 814.824.1184.

If your email address or your status for receiving the Information Bulletin changes, please notify the Office of Communications so that we can update our mailing list.

To access the Information Bulletin online, visit www.ErieRCD.org and click on Information Bulletin under the News and Information drop-down menu. As with the email version, pastors and department heads will still need to enter their password to access secure information.

If you would like to unsubscribe to the Information Bulletin, please notify the Office of Communications and type “unsubscribe” in the subject line.