July 19, 2021
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, July 26, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.
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Dispensation lifted:
Obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days reinstated beginning Aug. 15
Although parishioners have been enjoying the opportunity to return to Mass in increasing numbers since pandemic restrictions have eased, the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania — including Bishop Lawrence Persico — are making it official. As of Aug. 15, 2021, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days will be lifted. As always, the obligation does not apply to those with serious illness or health risks, as well as their caregivers. Three documents are attached: Bishop Persico’s statement, a letter to the faithful which Bishop Persico asks pastors to publish in bulletins or post on websites, and a joint statement from Pennsylvania bishops. These attachments also are available at www.eriercd.org/news/News-releases.html.
Feast of St. 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 of the preface in English 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.
Ss. Martha, Mary and Lazarus, July 29
On Jan. 26, 2021, Pope Francis ordered the inscription of Ss. Martha, Mary and Lazarus into the General Roman Calendar to replace the existing celebration of St. Martha alone. Ss. Martha, Mary and Lazarus are celebrated each year as an Obligatory Memorial on July 29. The existing indications in the Lectionary for the Mass readings on this Memorial have been retained (see vol. II or III, Proper of Saints, no. 607): the Gospel Acclamation and Gospel are mandatory, but the first reading and responsorial psalm may be taken either from the Mass readings of the day or from the Proper of Saints. An interim Mass formulary is attached.
The Office of Readings for the Memorial:
Psalmody of the day. First and second readings with their responsories of the day (see General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours, no. 235d), and concluding prayer from the Common of Holy Men, or the collect of the Mass of the day.
The Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer for the Memorial:
Psalmody of the day. Other elements from the Psalter of the day or the Common of Holy Men. Concluding Prayer from the Common of Holy Men, or the collect of the Mass of the day.
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:
- Liturgy suggestions, the message of Pope Francis, pastoral guidelines and prayer https://www.usccb.org/topics/marriage-and-family-life-ministries/elderly-grandparents
- Homily notes and suggestions (see attachment)
- An article from Crux discussing the celebration of the day https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2021/06/world-day-for-grandparents-and-elderly-a-time-for-small-acts-of-kindness/
- An article from The Pillar: Call Your Grandma, Get an Indulgence, with further discussion and ideas https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/call-your-grandma-get-an-indulgence
- The website of the Catholic Grandparents Association offers graphics, among other resources catholicgrandparentsassociation.org/worlddayforgrandparentsandtheelderly/.
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.
#iGiveCatholic informational packets emailed to participating ministries
All eligible parishes, schools and organizations of the Diocese of Erie should have received an email on July 16 from Kathy Grisier at the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania with an attached packet, “Parishes, Schools and Nonprofits: 2021 Giving Day Participation Information.” Note that packets mailed through the U.S. Postal Service are by request only. If you did not receive your emailed packet, or to request a mailed packet, contact Kathy at 814-824-1236 or kgrisier@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.
AttachmentsBishop’s statement lifting dispensationPA Catholic bishops’ statement Bishop’s letter to the faithful 2021 Catholic Social Ministry Grant guidelines
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Bishop’s statement lifting dispensation PA Catholic bishops’ statement Bishop’s letter to the faithful Mary Magdalene preface Mary Magdalene sung preface Ss. Martha, Mary and Lazarus World Day for Grandparents and Elderly 2021 Catholic Social Ministry Grant guidelines |
Blueberry festival returns to Bethany Retreat Center
Come to the Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Road, Frenchville, for its blueberry festival July 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be games for all ages, arts and crafts for kids, basket raffles, 50/50, delicious food and refreshments and much more. Live musical entertainment will be provided by Heavenbound beginning at 2 p.m., and A Day Awaits at 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.bethanyretreatcenter.org or call 814-263-4855.
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.
Women of Grace Apostolate to offer virtual study event
The Women of Grace Foundational Study has been offered in parishes throughout the Diocese of Erie and beyond. The next study opportunity to engage with women in and out of the diocese is “Mary Queen of Militants,” scheduled on the following Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.: Sept. 18, Sept. 25, Oct. 9, Oct. 23 and Oct. 30, These meetings will be held via Zoom, with facilitator Chris Arnold, regional coordinator with Women of Grace for Western Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Chris at carnold@womenofgrace.com or 717-379-6041.
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.
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