May 11, 2020
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, May 18, 2020.Deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m.
Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.
Diocese announces plan for gradual return to public worship during pandemic
As all 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie move into the yellow phase for reopening, Bishop Lawrence Persico has announced the diocese will take a gradual approach to restoring public worship in northwest Pennsylvania. General protocols, including the suspension of public Masses, remain in effect, but permission has been restored for pastors to schedule periods of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as well as times for confessions, effective yesterday, May 10.
Bishop Persico will host a virtual town hall on the topic through Zoom on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. Parishioners will be invited to sign up for the event through a link on the diocesan homepage later this week, and will be able to submit questions for the bishop by email. In addition, the event will be posted on the diocesan website after it is over. To read the full release about the plan, visit www.eriercd.org/news/News-releases.html.
St. Mark Catholic Center to remain closed at least through May 26
St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie will remain closed at least through May 26 and possibly beyond, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of employees who work at SMCC continue to work remotely and are able to respond to email and voicemail messages. The diocese is committed to monitoring the latest information available from reliable sources regarding the pandemic. Go to the diocesan website at www.ErieRCD.org for all of the most up-to-date information on the pandemic and its impact on the diocese.
Memorial Day Mass cancelled
The annual Memorial Day Mass at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Erie that was scheduled for May 25 has been cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week’s fundraising best practices during the pandemic
The Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania offers these suggestions for fundraising during the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Your parishioners want their parish to be successful. They want to help.
- The No. 1 reason people give is because they have been asked to give.
- Every fundraising adviser agrees that asking for donations now, as we endure the pandemic, is both appropriate and recommended.
If you are livestreaming Mass online, don’t forget to mention offertory at the preparation of the gifts. Attached are suggested scripts for your consideration.
COVID-19 emergency relief effort continues
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diocese of Erie is collaborating with the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie, Inc., to broadly offer support and promote Catholic giving for immediate needs. The intent is to encourage local Catholic giving with the ease of three online platforms:
- A Community Relief Fund has been established through Catholic Charities, Inc., to support specific emergency outreach efforts through agencies, diocesan ministries and parishes. Pastors are welcome to apply for funds to provide direct assistance to those in need.
- A Parish Offertory Support effort is being made with the assistance of the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania. This gives parishioners an opportunity to make their offertory donations online if they are not already set up to do so.
- The #iGiveCatholic program in which our diocese participated last fall has been activated to facilitate online emergency fundraising. Many Catholic schools, parishes and ministries throughout the Diocese of Erie used this as a successful platform for a one-day online fundraising effort on Giving Tuesday 2019.
All three platforms can be accessed easily through the COVID-19 Relief Effort banner on the diocesan homepage, www.ErieRCD.org. Everyone is encouraged to share this information broadly through whatever channels of communication are available to them. Questions about these initiatives may be directed to the following:
- Parish Offertory
Catholic Foundation, Lisa Louis at llouis@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1237
- Community Relief Fund
Catholic Charities, Ann Badach at abadach@ErieRCD.org or 814-824-1252
- #iGiveCatholic
Catholic Foundation, Michelle Basista at mbasista@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1192.
Computer Security Awareness Training
Most computer threats arrive in your email inbox. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/Computer-Security-Awareness-Training.html to learn how to spot the red flags in a dangerous email. While you are on the Computer Security Awareness Training page, be sure to check out past topics.
Important notes from the Good for You Wellness Initiative
There is still time to participate in the Good for You Wellness Initiative for full-time employees covered by the Diocese of Erie’s wellness plan. Just complete four easy steps to earn your $150 reward. Learn more at https://www.eriercd.org/wellness.html.
Also, remember to take daily stock of your energy level, stress level, sleep quality and self-esteem. It is helpful to record these wellness measurements every day. Attached are some tips for assessing your daily wellness in each of these four areas.
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.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Suggested offertory script Wellness Initiative Case manager position, Prince of Peace Maintenance position, Prince of Peace Young People Who Care program director |
There are no activities to announce this week.
Two positions available at Prince of Peace Center
The Prince of Peace Center in Farrell is seeking applicants for two part-time positions: a case manager with its Family and Emergency Supportive Services program and a maintenance worker. See the attachments for more information on the positions and the application process.
Erie Catholic School System seeking principal
The Erie Catholic School System is seeking a full-time principal for a preschool to grade 8 school. Appointment to this position will begin effective July 1, 2020. Go to http://ErieCatholic.org/careers for further details. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Young People Who Care, Inc. hiring program director
Young People Who Care, Inc., (YPWC), a Clearfield County nonprofit organization, is seeking a program director. See the attachment for full details.
Director of liturgical music/organist
St. Peter Cathedral in Erie is seeking a full-time director of liturgical music/organist. For complete details on the position and how to apply, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
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. Scroll down to “3a Clergy” and log in.
Principal position available at Mother Teresa Academy
Applications are being accepted for the position of principal at Erie’s Mother Teresa Academy. For complete information, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Teacher position available in Hermitage
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools in Hermitage is seeking a full-time high school English teacher. For details, go to https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
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.
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.