June 16, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, June 23, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, June 19, 2025, 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.
Emmaus Prayer
Our priests and deacons will be attending their annual Emmaus Clergy Convocation between June 23–27, 2025. This gathering is a time for spiritual renewal, fraternal support and deepening their love for Christ and his church. We ask that you keep them in your prayers throughout their time together.
Attached you will find The Emmaus Prayer, which may be shared with your parishioners in any way that fits your community, whether in the bulletin, on your website or via social media. Thank you for helping us support our clergy in prayer during these important days.
Catholic Foundation Offers Catholic Social Ministry Grant Opportunity
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for its Catholic Social Ministry Grant opportunity through July 28. Those eligible to apply for these grants are Catholic 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving people within the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie, departments of the Diocese of Erie and parishes. Each organization must have programs supporting family ministries, justice and peace, respect life, parish social ministry, ministry to persons with disabilities or natural family planning. Grant guidelines and criteria can be found on the Catholic Foundation website at https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/catholic-social-ministry-grant-guidelines-criteria.
Anniversary Masses: Erie & Brockway
The Diocese of Erie, with Bishop Lawrence Persico presiding, is hosting two special Milestone Anniversary Masses, one in Erie and one in Brockway, to honor couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 50th, 60th or beyond wedding anniversaries. Please share this celebration with your parishioners, using the bulletin insert on our resource page for the Mass nearest you, and direct them to register now at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/anniv.html. Social media graphics are also available on the parish social media resource page. For questions or assistance, contact Faye Froess, administrative assistant, at ffroess@eriercd.org or by phone at 814-824-1210. Thank you for helping us honor these couples and the Sacrament of Marriage!
Pastoral Planning in the St. Marys Deanery
At the request of several pastors and after prayerful consideration, Bishop Persico has initiated a pastoral planning process for the St. Marys Deanery. Monsignor Richard Siefer and Deacon Marty Eisert will co-chair this effort, beginning with one-on-one conversations with pastors. Parish leaders will also be invited into the process later this summer. Updates and resources will be shared as the process continues, with a goal of strengthening our parishes for the future.
Annual Parish Report for Child Protection Compliance
This is a reminder that the Annual Parish Report for Child Protection Compliance is due by June 13, 2025. Completion of this report is mandatory for all parishes. The information collected is critical for the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth to fulfill the requirements of the annual USCCB Charter Audit for Child Protection Compliance. Attached you will find the report form, detailed instructions and the parish volunteer chart. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Cindy Zemcik at 814-824-1195 or czemcik@eriercd.org.
2025 Peter’s Pence Collection
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2025 Peter’s Pence collection, taken the weekend of June 28-29, 2025. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of June 21-22, 2025.
Regional Eucharistic processions on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
On Sunday, June 22, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, all clergy, religious and lay faithful are invited to take part in one of the regional Eucharistic processions being held throughout the diocese as part of the Eucharistic Revival that began two years ago. The Office for Divine Worship encourages each parish to participate as a community, with parish organizations such as the Rosary Society, Legion of Mary and others also represented. Banners and flags representing parishes and their groups are welcome.
Please refer to the attached schedule for the locations and times of the regional processions. Parishes are asked to select the most appropriate site for participation and to share the procession details, including time, location and any other pertinent information as widely as possible. If you are unable to attend, please designate someone to coordinate the participation of your parish and its organizations.
Additional processions are planned, but information was not available at the time of publication. If your parish is planning an event and would like it to be included, or if you have questions or need more information, please contact the Office for Divine Worship at worship@eriercd.org or 814-824-1271.
New contact information for Our Lady of the Lake Parish
Please update your records for Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 128 Sunset Drive, Edinboro. The new parish office email is: office@ololake.com and the parish finance office is: finance@ololake.com. Please delete the former email: ololchurch.office@gmail.com. If you have any questions, please contact the office at: 814-734-3113.
Staying Safe Online
With more people trying to access our phones without permission, it’s important to keep them secure, especially since we rely on them to stay connected with our church and loved ones. To protect your phone, use a strong password or fingerprint lock, download apps only from trusted sources like the official app store, and regularly update your phone and apps. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, as it can expose your private information. You might also consider installing a trusted security app for extra protection. These simple steps can help keep your phone safe and ensure you stay connected with your community. Find out more here: https://www.wizer-training.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-mobile-phone-more-secure
St. Mark Catholic Center to eliminate P.O. Box 10397
To create a consistent way of contacting the offices at St. Mark Catholic Center (SMCC), the use of SMCC’s P.O. Box 10397 is being eliminated. The P.O. Box address will not be valid after March 31, 2026. However, you are asked to immediately begin using the SMCC physical address: St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd. Erie, PA 16504-2603.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and your support in shifting from the use of the PO Box address to the SMCC Physical address. We kindly ask that you inform any constituents who currently use the post office address of this change. For your convenience, a draft letter to share with them is attached. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jim Tometsko at St. Mark Catholic Center at 814-824-1111.
Share your stories!
We want to highlight the incredible individuals and groups in our community such as parishioners, educators, faith leaders, etc. who live out their faith every day. Do you know a family, individual or couple who exemplifies service, love and discipleship in their daily lives? We’re looking for stories from all 13 counties that connect people, inspire others and help bring them closer to our Catholic faith.
Has your parish come together in support of someone or something? Are there stories of faith formation, educators making a difference or any acts of love and service that stand out? Help us share these powerful examples of faith in action! We may feature these stories in our newsletter, social media and Faith magazine. Use the link below to share your GOOD NEWS and tell us how your community is living out the gospel.
Submit your news here: https://www.jotform.com/form/243095094658062.
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.Emmaus Prayer Child Protection Report Form Child Protection Detailed Instruction Child Protection Parish Volunteer Chart Peter’s Pence Collection Corpus Christi Processions P.O. Box address letter template Comfort through Grief Ministry |
Retrouvaille: A Lifeline for Struggling Marriages
Is your marriage going through a difficult time? Are you thinking about moving out, separating, or even divorcing? Don’t give up – Retrouvaille can help. The next Retrouvaille program in Pittsburgh begins on June 20th. This retreat is designed to support couples who want to rebuild and heal their marriage. To learn more or register, call 412-277-3434 or email the registration couple at 3041R@HelpOurMarriage.org. You can also visit HelpOurMarriage.org for more information.
Comfort through Grief Ministry
St. Joseph/Bread of Life Parish is hosting Comfort through Grief Ministry at their Community Center, 147 W. 24th St., Erie. The gathering will take place in the upstairs multi-purpose room. The next session will be held on Monday, June 23 with guest speaker Deacon Tony Alleruzzo. The program is entitled A Journey Shared by All and Welcomed by None. This program is used to highlight the elements that our Catholic Faith provides to assist us in our journey through grief. See attached flyer for details.
Annual Rummage Sale
St. Gregory's Parish, 140 West Main St., North East, is holding their annual Rummage Sale on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, June 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As well as Saturday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to noon. (Saturday is Bag Day).
St. Peter Cathedral Annual Parish Picnic on the Lawn
You're invited to St. Peter Cathedral’s Annual Parish Picnic on the Lawn! Join us on Saturday, June 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 230 W. 10th St., Erie, for an evening of food, fellowship and summer fun. This free event is open to everyone – parishioners and guests alike – as a way for our parish family to come together and celebrate the summer season. Please sign up after one of the Sunday Masses. And don’t forget to invite a friend!
Sisters Speak Out Event planned in Erie on June 24
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwest Pennsylvania, the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Benedictine Sisters of Erie and Network Advocates of Western Pennsylvania invite you to join a local “Sisters Speak Out: Prayer & Public Witness for Immigrants and a Just Economy” on Tuesday, June 24, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the corner of 18th and Ash Streets (across from the Erie County Prison). Parking is available in the lot on the southwest corner of that intersection. To learn more about the sisters, visit eriebenedictines.org.
10K/ 5K Race and Walk
Calling all runners and walkers! Knights of Columbus Council #4071 invites you to their annual Liberty 10K/5K Race and Walk on Friday, July 4. The event will take place at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 837 Bartlett Road in Harborcreek. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m., and the race begins promptly at 8 a.m. The entry fee is $35. You may register online at runsignup.com/Race/PA/Harborcreek/Liberty10k or on race day. The first 125 participants will receive a free t-shirt. Make it a fun event for the whole family! Trophies will be awarded to 1st and 2nd place winners, and all finishers will receive a medallion. Refreshments will be provided. Ten percent of all proceeds will benefit St. Paul's Soup Kitchen. For more information, call Mark at (814) 392-3526.
Diocesan positions at Saint Mark Catholic Center: These roles are based in offices at Saint Mark Catholic Center and are employed through the Diocese of Erie. To learn more and apply, visit www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Full-time position: Director of Faith Formation for Young Adult and Youth Ministry
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a dynamic, faith-filled leader with a passion for serving young adults and youth to fill the role of Director of Faith Formation for Young Adult and Youth Ministry. This individual will play a key role on the Faith Formation Team, contributing to the ongoing development of a collaborative vision for lifelong faith formation across the diocese. The position reports to the Executive Director of Faith Formation.
Full-time position: Switchboard/Mailroom Associate
The Diocese of Erie is seeking an energetic, organized and courteous individual to serve as the Switchboard/Mailroom Associate. This full-time position includes answering incoming calls and directing inquiries, greeting and announcing visitors while following security protocols, scheduling conference rooms using a computerized system and processing mail with appropriate postage. For best consideration, apply by June 13, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Administrative Assistant: Missions Office
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a professional, organized individual to serve as Administrative Assistant for the Office of International Missions. This role supports the director and staff at St. Mark Catholic Center, welcoming visitors and responding to inquiries with warmth and professionalism. Responsibilities include creating print and digital materials, supporting events and workshops, managing data and mailings, and generating acknowledgments for donations.
Coordinator of Government Programs: Catholic Schools Office
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a conscientious, enthusiastic, organized and professional individual to assist the Catholic Schools Office in a full-time position as a Coordinator of Government Programs. The person in this position is responsible for fulfilling the mission of Catholic schools by successfully managing and facilitating the federal and state programs for nonpublic schools in the diocese. This position is the liaison among Catholic schools, school districts, Intermediate units and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Supervisor of Academic and Educational Support
The Diocese of Erie is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Supervisor of Academic and Educational Support in the Catholic Schools Office. This role supports the mission of Catholic education by guiding school administrators in the planning and implementation of curriculum, instruction and assessment. Candidates should demonstrate strong skills in collaboration, organization, time management, instructional technology integration, critical thinking, strategic planning and data management. The supervisor will promote Catholic identity and academic excellence while upholding the philosophy, mission and values of the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Erie.
External job openings:
Faith Formation Coordinator - St. Joseph Oil City
St. Joseph Church is seeking a faith-filled individual to direct our K–9 Faith Formation program. Responsibilities include recruiting and training catechists; coordinating bi-monthly Sunday school sessions, sacramental retreats and parent meetings; maintaining regular communication with families and volunteers; and liaising with diocesan leadership as needed. This is a part-time position, with the potential to become full-time for a candidate who can also expand our youth ministry for grades 10 and up—adding social, service, educational and devotional activities. A third, optional tier—with additional compensation—would involve teaching theology at the nearby St. Stephen Catholic Grade School in Oil City. Interested applicants should contact Pastor Fr. Richard Allen at rjallen@eriercd.org.
Preschool Teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School
St. Mary's Catholic Elementary School, 114 Queens Rd., St. Marys, has an immediate opening for a preschool teacher. Successful candidates will be responsible for planning and implementing daily classroom lesson plans, as well as ensuring the safety of children in the preschool classroom. A degree in early childhood education, child development or a related field is preferred.
Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to:
Debbie Slay, Principal
St. Marys Catholic Elementary School
114 Queens Road
St. Marys, PA 15857
slayd@eccss.org
Cathedral Preparatory School seeks Assistant Principal
Cathedral Preparatory School is seeking a dedicated and dynamic assistant principal to join our educational leadership team. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the principal in the administration of the school, fostering an environment conducive to student learning and growth. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills who is committed to enhancing the educational experience for all students. To learn more about the position and apply, visit www.cathedralprep.com/jobs.
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.