March 9, 2020
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, March 16, 2020.Deadline for submissions is Thursday, March 12, at 4:30 p.m.
Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.
Diocesan protocols for coronavirus, flu and common cold
Bishop Lawrence Persico has released new directives to parishes and schools in the Diocese of Erie in light of the evolving spread of the coronavirus (COVD-19). The diocese is committed to monitoring the latest information available from reliable sources, offering appropriate responses to concerns, educating and communicating. For complete information and regular updates, go to www.ErieRCD.org/coronavirus.html.
Annual Conference for Priests scheduled in Philadelphia
Priests are invited to attend the July 21-23 Conference for Priests (“The Future of Marriage”), sponsored by the Thomistic Institute. Early discounted registration is due by March 31. See the attached flier for details or visit https://thomisticinstitute.org/events/conference-for-priests-2020 for more information.
Solemn intercession added for Good Friday
In 2019, Bishop Lawrence Persico mandated the addition of a solemn intercession for all victims of abuse at all Good Friday celebrations in the Diocese of Erie. Pastors and others entrusted with the care of souls are reminded to follow this mandate in 2020, resulting in 11 solemn intercessions during next month’s Good Friday liturgy. The Office of Worship suggests that instead of “tacking on” the intercession for abuse victims at the end of all intercessions, liturgy planners should insert it as #10 and make the intercession that is #10 in the missal #11. This avoids the perception of ending the Liturgy of the Word of Good Friday on a negative note. It makes the last word of the intercessions inclusive of many needs.
A document is attached that contains the intercession (including the invitation to pray, given by a deacon or lay person) and the intention (given by the priest). A sung setting is available from the Office of Worship for communities that usually chant these intercessions.
Please note that the third edition of the Missal removes the permission to select from the list of intentions. All solemn intercessions are to be prayed. For notes on standing and kneeling during the intercessions, check the Missal rubrics at paragraphs 11 and 12. For additional questions, please contact the Office of Worship at 814-824-1270.
Catholic Foundation grant application deadline approaching
March 23 is the deadline for Catholic parishes, schools and diocesan departments to apply for the first education grant cycle in 2020. To learn more, go to https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines.
Spiritual Formation Opportunity Day offered at three locations
The Faith Formation Office of the Diocese of Erie is offering a Spiritual Formation Opportunity Day at three locations in the diocese this month. Anyone working in faith formation ministry — including religious education leaders, pastors, catechists, parish ministry leaders and diocesan employees — is invited. Bishop Lawrence Persico and Dr. Sue Grenough, who created the religion curriculum guidelines for the state of Kentucky, are the featured speakers. To register, go to http://form.jotform.com/200153671332141 or call Jennifer Durney at 814-824-1265. The cost is $20, which includes lunch. All three events will be held from 9:30 a.m. (beginning with registration and refreshments) to 3 p.m. at the following locations:
- March 23, St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 East Grandview Blvd., Erie
- March 25, St. Joseph Parish, 17735 Bennetts Valley Highway, Force
- March 26, St. Brigid Parish, 383 Arch St., Meadville.
Mark your calendars for 24 Hours for the Lord
24 Hours for the Lord will be held again this year at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie. The 24 hours of Eucharistic Exposition and confession will begin after the 5:15 p.m. Mass on Friday, March 20, and conclude with the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday, March 21. Youth and prayer groups and others are encouraged to sign up for an hour of adoration. Attached is a flier that may be posted in parishes and schools. Please contact Sister Kathleen Dietz, FSO, at kdietz@ErieRCD.org or 814-824-1135 to sign-up for an hour of adoration or to learn more.
Take note of FCC changes regarding wireless microphones
The FCC has changed the rules for wireless microphones. The 600-megahertz spectrum/band has been re-allocated to commercial use only. Please contact your audio/visual supplier to see if your equipment remains usable. This pertains to all forms of wireless microphones, including lav/lapel mics. Rebates may exist to help defray the cost of replacing affected devices. T-Mobile already owns the 600 MHz band. As soon as it starts utilizing this frequency in your area, you are required to vacate the space.
Free parish websites still available
The Diocese of Erie offers free websites to parishes that currently have no website and parishes that currently have a website hosted elsewhere. Learn more about this opportunity at www.eriercd.org/parishplace.html or call 814-824-1184 to speak to Kathy Papalia.
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.
Attachments24 Hours for the LordMeadville Lenten Parish Mission Easter Market order form Good Friday intercession
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Priest conference 24 Hours for the Lord Meadville Lenten Parish Mission Easter Market order form Good Friday intercession |
Physician-assisted suicide topic of upcoming event
Rita Marker, a practicing attorney and executive director of the Patients’ Rights Council in Steubenville, Ohio, will be the guest speaker March 26 at 7 p.m. at an event scheduled at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 111 Petroleum St., Oil City. Her talk is titled, “Physician-assisted Suicide — Why Not?”
Interested in pre-ordering special Easter foods?
Orders are being accepted through March 30 for pierogi, potato pancake batter, assorted homemade Polish breads and cookies through the Holy Trinity Parish Easter Market. To order, go to www.holytrinity.org, fax 814-461-1150, or order with a credit card by calling Edith at 814-456-9970. The Easter Market will be held at the Holy Trinity Social Center, E. 23rd and Reed streets, Erie, April 3 from 4 to 7 p.m., and April 4 from 9 a.m. to noon. For your convenience, an order form is attached.
Plan to attend St. Boniface Communion Breakfast
The Knights of Columbus Council #13427 of St. Boniface Parish in Erie will hold its Communion Breakfast March 29 immediately following the 7:30 a.m. Mass at the church, 9367 Wattsburg Road, Erie. Guest speaker is Joe Tarquinio, administrator of the Maria House Project. The cost is $8 in advance, $9 at the door, and $25 for a family of four. Breakfast includes homemade “Bonibuns,” which also will be on sale after Mass at a cost of $5 for a small pan and $10 for a large pan. Call 814-824-5333 to place your Bonibuns order or to order your tickets for the Communion Breakfast.
Get ready for Designer Purse Bingo
Harborcreek Youth Services invites the public to its third annual Designer Purse Bingo event April 26 at St. Boniface Coleman Hall, 9367 Wattsburg Road, Erie. Doors open at noon. Bingo starts at 1 p.m. There will be pull tabs, tip boards, a 50/50 and a gift auction. Pre-sale tickets are $25 through April 25. Tickets are $30 the day of the event. Reserved tables of eight are available for $160. A ticket includes 15 bingo games (six cards per game) and a bingo dauber. For more information, email pursebingo@hys-erie.org or call 899-7664, ext. 330, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All proceeds benefit the HYS Client Care Fund.
Save the date: Mercy Sisters to host April gala
The Sisters of Mercy in Erie are hosting an “Irish Spring with the Sisters of Mercy” gala April 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. at their motherhouse, 444 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie. This marks the kickoff of celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of the Mercy presence in northwest Pennsylvania. The gala will feature Irish music, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a juried art show, and an opportunity to win gift packages and a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland, to see the Notre Dame vs. Navy football game Aug. 29. For tickets or more information, call Sister Bernadette Bell, RSM, at 814-824-3635. Tickets for the Ireland trip are $20 each. For tickets to the gala and for more information, visit the motherhouse or call Sister Bernadette.
Church items available
Religious items from the former St. Joseph Church in DuBois are available to ecclesiastical entities, such as parishes, schools and religious communities. Pictures can be found at www.eriercd.org/mydioerie-cat.php and scroll down to “3a. Clergy” and login.
Catholic Community of Meadville hiring youth minister/religious ed director
The Catholic Community of Meadville is hiring a youth minister/religious education director. For complete details and application instructions, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Erie Catholic Preparatory School System seeks president
The Erie Catholic Preparatory School System (Cathedral Preparatory School, Villa Maria Academy and Mother Teresa Academy) is accepting applications for the position of president. For complete information on the system and the position, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Teacher, principal and president positions available
The following job openings are available elsewhere in the Diocese of Erie. For details, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
- Full-time high school English teacher, Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools, Hermitage
- Principal, St. Michael Elementary School, Greenville
- President, Shenango Valley Catholic School System
- Principal, St. Gregory School, North East
Director of liturgy and music/elementary music teacher
Immaculate Conception Parish in Clarion is seeking a full-time director of liturgy and music/elementary music teacher. Competitive compensation package. For complete details, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html. Interested candidates should e-mail a resume and letter of interest to Kim Kroh of the Liturgy and Music Task Force at KimKroh@comcast.net.
McKean parish hiring director/coordinator of parish evangelization
St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean is hiring a full-time director/coordinator of parish evangelization. For a detailed description of the position and the application process, 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.