June 7, 2021

The next Information Bulletin is Monday, June 14, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, June 10, 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.

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Diocesan Day in Honor of St. Joseph
Pastors, music directors and office personnel are reminded that Bishop Lawrence Persico has asked that on June 20, 2021, all parishes of the Diocese of Erie observe the Year in Honor of St. Joseph by celebrating a Diocesan Day in Honor of St. Joseph. This day will take the place of the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Musicians are advised that there are a few easy choices for music that can be used for the day. Music suggestions are attached. Pastors and parish personnel may find liturgical directives at https://www.eriercd.org/bishop/worship.html under the heading “Liturgy Reminders Archive.” Please contact the Office of Worship at 814-824-1271 with any questions.

2021 Peter’s Pence Collection
Pastors and administrators will find attached Bishop Lawrence Persico’s letter introducing the 2021 Peter’s Pence Collection, taken the weekend of June 26-27. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of June 19-20.

St. Joseph Parish, Sharon, 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 June 20 at St. Joseph Parish in Sharon. A pre-recorded Mass with Father Tom Whitman, pastor, will be available at http://www.stjosephs-sharon.org/. The pilgrimage was initiated to celebrate the Year of St. Joseph announced by Pope Francis that will conclude on Dec. 8. Please mark your calendars for the fourth stop in the pilgrimage at St. Joseph Church in Force on Sunday, July 18. Father Mark Mastrian, pastor, will offer the Mass.

REEF grant opportunity
The Religious Education Enrichment Fund (REEF) of the Diocese of Erie is accepting applications through July 1, 2021, for the third quarter grant cycle. Three types of funding opportunities are available for individuals, parishes, schools, and other diocesan affiliated entities: 1) leadership training funding for professional education and training; 2) creative project funding for religious formation start-up projects; and 3) ministry training funding for conferences, workshops and non-degree certificate courses. Learn more and download the fillable applications at www.eriercd.org/schools/reefgrants.html. Contact REEF Administrator Kathleen Robbinson at 814-824-1220.

Catholic Foundation announces new grant opportunity
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania board of directors is pleased to announce the addition of the Catholic Social Ministry Grant to its existing competitive grant processes. The Catholic Foundation will award grants in this area to support ministries and projects that embrace and align with Catholic social teaching and that answer the Gospel call to respond to needs within the community. Read about this new grant opportunity at www.cfnwpa.org/news/catholic-foundation-announces-new-grant-opportunity. Grant guidelines and criteria can be found at www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/catholic-social-ministry-grant-guidelines-criteria. Applications will be accepted June 14 through July 23.

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.

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St. Joseph music

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St. Joseph music
2021 Peter’s Pence Collection

CRS: Jerusalem and the West Bank virtual event
All are welcome to join a virtual event hosted by Catholic Relief Services regarding CRS’ work in Jerusalem and the West Bank. Join the Social Justice and Life Office of the Diocese of Erie on June 16 at 7 p.m. to hear from Bill O’Keefe, executive vice president of Mission and Mobilization for Catholic Relief Services. Parishes are encouraged to livestream the event as a community. To register, visit https://form.jotform.com/211525919129054. Please direct questions to Patrice Swick, director of the Social Justice and Life Office, at pswick@ErieRCD.org.

Priest and former Pittsburgh Pirates player to lead parish mission
Blessed Sacrament Parish in Erie is sponsoring a parish mission/retreat featuring Father Kevin MacDonald, CSsR, a Redemptorist priest from Woburn, Massachusetts, and a former professional baseball player with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The retreat will be held at the church, 1626 W. 26^th St., Erie, June 12-16 beginning at 7 p.m. each day. Each evening’s program will last about one hour and consist of a proclamation of the Word, reflection, singing and prayer. Father MacDonald is a member of the Boston College Hall of Fame and currently is assigned to the Redemptorist community in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. For more information about Father MacDonald, go to https://www.redemptoristmission.com/preview or visit the Blessed Sacrament Parish website at www.bsparisherie.org.

Explore SoulCore
SoulCore is a movement that combines core strengthening, stretching and functional exercises with the prayers of the rosary. This is a sensory experience combining candlelight, music, Scripture, reflections and movement to nourish body, mind and soul and to encourage deeper meditation on the mysteries and virtues of the rosary. SoulCore will be offered at St. Brigid Parish, 383 Arch St., Meadville, beginning June 16 at 7 p.m. SoulCore is not affiliated with any other exercise disciplines; it is not yoga, nor are yoga poses or Sanskrit referenced at any time. Bring a towel/mat. For more information, contact Hope Fiely at hfiely@zoominternet.net or visit www.soulcore.com.

Summer service days with Young People Who Care
As the needs of families grow, the Young People Who Care Center in Frenchville is increasing its Direct Service Ministry work. Volunteers are needed to help tackle projects in the community on the following dates: June 12, June 19, July 17, Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21. Coming from a distance? There are rooms ready for overnight stays. If interested, send an email to DeborahBRC12@gmail.com or call 814-263-4855.

Blueberry Festival at Bethany Retreat Center
Mark your calendars for the blueberry festival at Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville on July 31 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be games, arts and crafts, raffles, a corn hole tournament, live entertainment, refreshments and, of course, blueberry picking. To learn more, go to www.bethanyretreatcenter.com or call 814-263-4855. Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available.

Volunteer opportunity at Zabawa
Looking for a great opportunity to help out over the summer and be involved in one of the Erie Diocese’s most well attended events? Then Holy Trinity’s Zabawa is the place for you! Ten to 12 energetic volunteers (teenagers and up) are needed for each shift to serve food. Shifts are Aug. 27 from 4:30 to 9 p.m.; Aug. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 5:30 to 9 p.m.; and Aug. 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sign up for as many hours as you’d like by contacting Sarah Schermack at schermack@eriefamilylaw.com. Note that this is an ideal way for high school students to get service hours.

Vice chancellor position available in Diocese of Erie
The Diocese of Erie is seeking an organized and enthusiastic individual to assume the position of vice chancellor. The successful applicant will be responsible for assisting the chancellor in overseeing the various work entrusted to the Chancery and to assist the diocesan bishop and vicar general as needed. For complete details about the position and the application process, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.

Administrative assistant needed for Office of Religious/Seminary/Vocations
The Diocese of Erie is seeking a dedicated, organized and enthusiastic individual to become the administrative assistant for the Office of the Religious, St. Mark Seminary and the Vocation Office at St. Mark Catholic Center. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that is split between the three departments. For complete details on the position and the application process, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.

Pastoral musician job opening
Our Lady of Mercy Roman Catholic Church in Harborcreek is seeking a part-time director of music ministries who will lead a music ministry program that includes a mix of cantors, singers and instrumentalists. For a full position profile and details on how to apply, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html or learn more at https://www.ourladyofmercychurch.org.

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