November 10, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 17, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 13, 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.
2025 Retirement Fund for Religious Collection
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the Retirement Fund for Religious Collection, taken the weekend of Dec. 13 and 14. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way the weekend of Dec. 6 and 7.
Clergy with ErieRCD.org accounts and parishes using diocesan email hosting
Following a recent email security incident, we remind everyone to protect their accounts with long, strong passwords. Passwords should be at least 14 characters and include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. To change your diocesan email password, go to office.com, click your name in the lower left corner, select view account, then security info and choose change password. We also encourage you to enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added protection. MFA requires a second verification step—such as a code sent to your phone—so even if someone learns your password, they can’t access your account. Simple setup instructions are attached.
Staying safe online
Old online accounts can quietly put your security at risk. Unused and often lacking safeguards like multi-factor authentication, these dormant accounts are easy targets for cybercriminals who can use them to steal data, commit fraud or access other systems—like a forgotten, unlocked door. Take a few minutes to review and delete any accounts you no longer use. Learn more: https://www.rd.com/article/old-online-accounts-security-risk/.
End-of-year giving statements
We encourage all parishes to help members print their own end-of-year giving statements. Parishioners can access their giving history through the Diocese of Erie website using the Ministry Platform portal or by adding a free widget that connects your parish website to the same system. These self-service statements are secure, easy to use, and help reduce printing and mailing costs for parish staff.
If you prefer to link directly to the diocese portal, use: www.eriercd.org/portal.html. For help installing the portal on your parish website, contact Kathy Papalia at it@eriercd.org or call 814-824-1184.
November edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope available now
The November edition of the Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope newsletter is now available. To recognize the Jubilee Year 2025, this newsletter—suitable for printing in parish bulletins or in faith formation classes—provides both informative and interactive elements for children and adults. Each edition celebrates the monthly jubilee events recognized by the Vatican and brings readers along for a spiritual pilgrimage. The November edition is attached, and previous editions can be found at https://www.eriercd.org/holyyear2025.html.
Parishioners, employees: Be cautious about sharing personal information
Scammers are impersonating pastors and parish staff, asking for gift cards or personal information. These messages are fraudulent and are affecting churches nationwide. Always verify unusual requests by calling your parish directly—use only the official phone number listed on the parish website or in the bulletin. The Diocese of Erie, its clergy and parishes will never request personal or financial information unless you initiate contact. Report gift card scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Learn more at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams.
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.Retirement Fund for Religious Collection ErieRCD MFA and passwords November Jubilee newsletter Seminary Discernment Weekend Healing and Liberation at St. George Parish Getting in the Christmas Spirit Concert Encounter Ministries Weekend School of Healing Legacy Gala Honorees Holy Trinity Christmas Market Peter Pan at Mercyhurst Prep |
Seminary Discernment Weekend
Any college-age young man, 18 years old or older, who is interested in learning more about the seminary, priesthood, or discernment is invited to attend a Seminary Discernment Weekend Retreat Dec. 6-7, 2025, from noon Saturday until noon Sunday, at St. Mark Seminary, 429 E. Grandview Blvd. Erie. There is no cost to attend. However, those interested must contact Fr. Scott Jabo, Vocation Director, at 814-824-1198 or by email at SWJabo@eriercd.org. More information can be found at www.erievocations.org or by viewing the attached flyer.
Healing and Liberation at St. George Parish
St. George Parish, 5145 Peach St., Erie, will host Healing and Liberation presented by Dry Bones Ministries with Father Joe Freedy and Father Adam Potter on Tuesday, Nov. 18. All are invited to come as they are and leave healed in Christ. The evening will include confession and Eucharistic adoration at 5:30 p.m., a talk on spiritual warfare at 6:30 p.m., followed by Mass and a blessing with relics at 7 p.m. For more information, see the attached flyer or visit www.drybonespgh.org/liberation.
Blessed Sacrament 6th Annual Holiday Craft Show
Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1626 W. 26th St., Erie, will host its 6th annual holiday craft show on Friday, Nov. 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3 for ages 12 and up; children under 12 are free. Each paid adult admission includes two free raffle tickets. Enjoy shopping with over 90 crafters offering handmade goods, local honey, maple syrup, baked treats, chocolates and candies. Mini pancakes, gourmet coffee and popcorn will be available for purchase. The event also features live demonstrations and a face painter. Gourmet coffee will be served by Bill Staab with Kafe Klatch, and Dawn’s Grazing Creations will offer concessions. Parking is free, and proceeds benefit Blessed Sacrament Parish.
Getting in the Christmas Spirit Concert
St. Andrew Parish, 1116 W. 7th St., Erie, invites you to Dave VanAmburg’s The V Band: Getting in the Christmas Spirit on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will support the Community of Caring. See the attached flyer for details.
Encounter Ministries: Weekend School of Healing
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean is hosting "Encounter Ministries-Weekend School of Healing," on Friday, Dec. 5 from 5:30-9 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.–10 p.m. This class provides a foundation for partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring healing to the world around us. Friday begins with understanding Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Impartation. Saturday dives into the Theology of Healing, Role of Faith & Prayer Model, Understanding Redemptive Suffering & Overcoming Discouragement, and the Power of Testimony & Words of Knowledge. The evening ends with a Public Healing Service where participants will be able to put what they learned into practice as Prayer Teams. Cost is $75. A free healing service will be held on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For more information you can contact Irene at 814-476-7657 x7.
Cathedral Prep’s Legacy Gala honors Bishop Lohse
Cathedral Preparatory School is proud to announce Bishop Edward Lohse as one of the honorees for the 2026 Legacy Gala. Bishop Lohse was a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Parish, served the Diocese of Erie in many roles, including faculty of the Campus Ministry Office of DuBois Central Catholic Middle and High School, vocation director, chancellor, vicar general and moderator of the Curia. His leadership and dedication to the church have inspired generations of faithful across northwestern Pennsylvania. All are invited to join Cathedral Prep in celebrating Bishop Lohse and the other honorees at the Legacy Gala on February 7 at the Bayfront Convention Center.
Visit www.CathedralPrep.com/LegacyGala for more details. (Parish flyer attached.)
Holy Trinity Annual Christmas Market
The Holy Trinity Parish Education Program will host its annual Christmas Market at the Holy Trinity Social Center, 650 E. 23rd St., Erie, on Friday, Dec. 19, from 4–7 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 20, from 9 a.m.–noon. Preorders are due by Dec. 1 as supplies are limited. Featured items include cookies, pierogi, nut rolls, sweet bread, oplatki and more. Credit cards are accepted. To order or learn more, call Mary Ann at 814-456-0671 or visit www.holytrinityrc.org. Payment is required with all orders. An order form is attached for parish bulletins.
Mercyhurst Prep presents Peter Pan
The Mercyhurst Prep Performing Arts Center, 538 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, will present Broadway’s timeless musical Peter Pan on Nov. 20–22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 22–23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available one hour before showtime: $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 students and free for MPS students. See the attached flyer for details.
Webinar on the Beguines
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie are hosting a webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. with Benedictine scholar Laura Swan, on the Beguines, a remarkable group of medieval women. She will engage us in this webinar with voices from the past that call to us with their message—one we desperately need in our lives today. We see this as a nudging of the Holy Spirit, a call to listen because we are in time of reformation and impasse and in need of guidance. Register here.
There are no classifieds this week.
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