November 13, 2023
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 20, 2023.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 16, 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.
#iGiveCatholic Advanced Giving starts today, runs through Giving Tuesday
Starting today and running through Nov. 28, #iGiveCatholic donations can be made online at erie.igivecatholic.org or directly to a parish, school or ministry by cash or check. Organizations may consider emailing supporters, posting a flyer at building entrances or inserting a notice in bulletins and newsletters. It is also time to post #iGiveCatholic yard signs. Contact Elizabeth Rathburn with questions at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814.824.1257.
Communications Office requests parish Christmas Eve, Christmas Mass times
Having Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass times all in one place on the diocesan website makes it easy for the public to access this important information. Therefore, the Communications Office of the Diocese of Erie asks each parish to please provide the following information by Dec. 8. Updates can be made to the site after that date, but it will be launched with the information available on Dec. 15. Please submit the following:
- Parish name
- Parish town
- Parish contact person
- Parish contact person email
- Parish contact person phone
- Christmas Eve Mass times
- Christmas Day Mass time(s)
Note: For convenience, copy and paste the above categories and provide your information in an email to Rich Papalia, webmaster, at rpapalia@ErieRCD.org.
Parishes and other diocesan entities be aware of these solicitors
- The organization Food for the Poor is prohibited from working in the Diocese of Erie in any capacity. This has been the case for more than a decade. Please do not accept any requests from Food for the Poor to cover Masses or do any other solicitation in diocesan parishes, schools or institutions.
- The sale of olive wood carvings by any individual or vendor is similarly prohibited at any parish, school or other Catholic institution in the Diocese of Erie.
Please contact Sister Kathleen Dietz at the Chancery with any questions at 814.824.1130 or kdietz@eriercd.org.
November is Black Catholic History Month
November is Black Catholic History Month, and currently, there are six Black candidates being considered for a possible declaration of sainthood. You are invited to celebrate the contributions of Black Catholics and learn more about Black Catholic history. Resources are available from the Catholic University of America at https://cultural.catholic.edu/resources/bchm.html and the USCCB Subcommittee on African American Affairs at https://www.usccb.org/committees/african-american-affairs/links. Contact Elizabeth Slaby at the Office of Social Justice and Life at 814.824.1254 or eslaby@ccincerie.org with any questions.
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.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Mysteries of the Rosary Bereavement Ministry Holy Hour Thanksgiving bake sale Blessed Sacrament craft show Christmas market Advent Art by Dark Bible study – Daniel National Eucharistic Congress pilgrimage Building and grounds custodian |
Mysteries of the Rosary
Celebrate Christmas with Mysteries of the Rosary at St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean. Sessions start Nov. 6 and continue through the third week of Advent. Choose from Monday sessions, 6:30 to 8 p.m., or Wednesday sessions, 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Irene Schneider at 814.476.7657 ext. 7 or evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org. Embrace the holiday spirit with contemplation and prayer. See flier for details.
Bereavement Ministry
The Bereavement Ministry at St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean offers support to those grieving, emphasizing that everyone processes loss differently. Utilizing resources from Good Mourning Ministry, a Catholic bereavement apostolate, they provide a prayerful and personal approach to grief. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences in a safe environment. For details, contact Joyce Traenkner at 207.735.3366 or Barb Duchini at 814.528.1736. Meetings are every second Thursday, starting Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church, 8880 Main St., McKean. See flier for details.
Holy Hour
Please join Deacon Dave Jacquel and the parishioners of St. Mark and Mt. Calvary parishes for a Holy Hour for the National Eucharistic Revival on Nov. 18 at 3:15 p.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 695 Smithson Ave., Erie. Call the office with questions at 814.899.3000 or email office@smmc.church.
VRCS schedules events for sixth-graders
Venango Region Catholic Schools (St. Stephen and Venango Catholic Jr/Sr HS) have scheduled two recruitment events for current sixth-grade students to stimulate interest in attending grade seven at VC Jr/Sr HS next year. The events are:
- Mother/Daughter High Tea and Craft project event to be held on Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the VCHS cafeteria, 1505 W. First St., Oil City.
- Father/Son Steelers Tailgate and Chili Cook-Off on Dec. 3 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the VCHS cafeteria, 1505 W. First St., Oil City.
Please contact Ray Feroz, interim president, with any questions at 814.677.3098 or ray.feroz@venangocatholic.org.
Thanksgiving bake sale
St. Anthony Parish in Sharon is hosting a Thanksgiving bake sale on Nov. 22 from 12 to 3:00 p.m. Delight in a selection of baked goods including pogach, breads, cinnamon rolls and more. Those interested can place their orders with Launa at 724.342.2489 or Linda at 724.866.7488. Note: All orders must be placed by Nov. 19. The sale venue is at the church, 804 Idaho St., Sharon (entry via Sherman Avenue). The hall is also handicap accessible. Don't miss out on these delicious treats. See flier for details.
Blessed Sacrament craft show
Mark your calendars for the fourth annual Holiday Craft Show at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1626 W. 26th Erie, on Nov. 24 from 12 to 5 p.m., Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 26 from 12 to 4 p.m. Come and explore unique holiday crafts and gifts! See flier for details.
St. Mary and St. Ann Christmas Holiday Craft Show
The perfect present is just waiting to be discovered at the Christmas Holiday Craft and Vendor Show. This event will be held on Dec. 1-2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Mary Church Social Hall, 117 Lencer Drive, Crown. Admission is free. Dozens of tables will showcase handcrafted products, including holiday decorations, home decor, wooden toys, nativity sets, jewelry, apparel, wreaths and much, much more. The event also includes various home-based vendors. A soup and sandwich luncheon will be available for purchase. A gift auction, 50/50 raffle and the 12 Days of eating/shopping gift card raffle ($600 value) will also be held. Proceeds benefit the St. Mary Church faith formation program.
Advent Art by Dark
Sacred Heart Parish in Erie presents a three-part Taize-style prayer service series called Advent Art by Dark this Advent on Thursdays from 7 to 7:45 p.m. at the church, 816 W. 26th St., Erie. Engage in contemplative prayer accompanied by Honest Advent artwork by Scott Erickson. This hybrid experience combines visio divina, an art gallery atmosphere, and a self-guided retreat, offering a unique addition to Advent traditions, focusing on embracing darkness with trust in the Light.
Themes for each evening are:
- Dec. 7: Light & the Cosmic Church
- Dec. 14: Light & the Global Church
- Dec. 21: Light & the Mother Church
Attendees will receive a packet of Advent prayer and reflection resources. The services welcome all resonating with diverse Christian traditions and those who appreciate art and meditation. While RSVPs are not mandatory, they are welcomed via Sacred Heart Parish’s Facebook event listings at https://www.facebook.com/SacredHeartErie/events. See flier for details.
Christmas market
Holy Trinity Parish Education Program presents its annual Christmas market on Dec. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m., and Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Social Center, 23rd and Reed streets, Erie. Orders, which are due by Dec. 4, can be placed in advance as supplies will be limited during the market. Offerings include cookies, pierogi, nut rolls, sweet bread, oplatki and more. Credit cards are accepted. To order or for more information, call Liz at 814.722.0015 or visit www.holytrinityrc.org. Payment is required with all orders. See flier for details.
Bible study – Daniel
Our Lady of Peace Parish in Erie is hosting a Bible study that introduces a comprehensive look into the Book of Daniel, exploring faith under challenging circumstances. Registration is set to open in 2024. Sessions are slated for Tuesday evenings, Jan. 9 to March 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., or Wednesday mornings, Jan. 10 to March 6, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the social room at Our Lady of Peace Church, 2401 W. 38th St., Erie. Participation costs $10, encompassing a workbook and materials. See flier for details.
National Eucharistic Congress pilgrimage
The Diocese of Erie invites you to join a historic pilgrimage to the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis from July 17-21, 2024, the first such gathering in 83 years. The Diocesan Eucharistic Adoration Committee is coordinating the journey, with two motorcoaches set to depart — one from Our Lady of Peace in Erie and another from Holy Redeemer in Warren, including a pickup at Good Shepherd in West Middlesex.
A flier is attached for distribution. Additionally, social media posts are available for download at https://www.eriercd.org/nec.html. Parishes are asked to disseminate this information through bulletins, notice boards, email blasts, and social media platforms. The diocese seeks widespread participation and encourages all to extend this invitation to parishioners. For inquiries, contact Jo Feeney by email at eriedeac@gmail.com or by calling or texting 724.699.3340.
Confidential executive assistant
The Catholic Schools Office is seeking a conscientious, enthusiastic, organized, and professional individual to assist as a confidential executive assistant. The confidential executive assistant will ensure administrative activities of the Catholic Schools Office are conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures and make decisions involving office routines and tasks that promote the mission of Catholic education in schools across the diocese. For full position details and how to apply, visit https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Building and grounds custodian
St. Mark and Mt. Calvary parishes in Erie are seeking a building and grounds custodian to maintain and provide an inviting and effective location for members and guests to grow in their faith. The job can either be full-time or part-time with a flexible schedule. See attachment for details.
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