November 16, 2020
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 23, 2020.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 19, 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
From Nov. 16-30, #iGiveCatholic donations made online at https://erie.igivecatholic.org/ or directly to a parish by cash or check count toward the Dec. 1 #iGiveCatholic Giving Day. Parishes may consider sending an email to parishioners, posting a flier at church entrances, or inserting a notice in bulletins encouraging people to visit https://erie.igivecatholic.org/ to make a gift of $25 or more. Once on the site, donors can search for [insert name of your organization]. A sample bulletin message is attached. It’s also time to post #iGiveCatholic yard signs. Don’t have any? Contact Michelle Basista at 814-824-1192 or mbasista@cfnwpa.org.
Pastors asked to fill out survey regarding COVID response
Dioceses across the state have been asked to report on the impact COVID-19 has had on them. Pastors should have received an email from the Communications Office last week, asking them to fill out a short survey for this purpose. As a reminder, the survey, which takes five to 10 minutes to complete, is accessible at https://form.jotform.com/203063746570050. Pastors are welcome to have a staff member complete it.
The information is for the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, which is collecting data so it can help legislators understand the significant role the church has played in assisting their communities during the pandemic. The deadline for responding is Friday, Nov. 20. Surveys will be sent automatically to the Communications Office.
Resources available for Retirement Fund for Religious collection
Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ, director of the Office for Religious, offers resources to parishes to promote the upcoming Retirement Fund for Religious collection. Please see the attachments (letter from Bishop Lawrence Persico, a parish bulletin insert, Mass resources and announcements and a fact sheet about the collection) or visit www.SupportTheSisters.org.
Take Back the Site vigils go virtual
The Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of Mercy and the Benedictine Sisters of Erie announce that Take Back the Site vigils for victims of homicide in Erie will resume virtually today with an online, pre-recorded prayer at 7 p.m., available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4YoXcUvAoM&feature=youtu.be. The 20-minute prayer service video will remember the first six homicide victims who died in Erie since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Sisters of the sponsoring communities will gather for the service in their respective community chapels. Four other homicide victims since late August will be honored in a second Take Back the Site vigil in weeks to come.
Parishes asked to promote annual Catholic Charities Appeal
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie has launched an annual appeal in order to bridge a substantial shortfall in funding to support people in need. Throughout this pandemic, Catholic Charities has provided front-line care and emergency services to parishes and affiliate agencies throughout the diocese. Funds collected will support the network of Catholic Charities agencies throughout the 13 counties of northwest Pennsylvania that assist people with everything from food and utility assistance to counseling and emergency social services.
Parishes are asked to promote this appeal in their bulletins, on their websites and through social media. To make a tax-deductible contribution, donors should go to https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=WeLzVV or make checks payable to Catholic Charities, Inc., and mail to: Catholic Charities, Inc., 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504. Include “Annual Appeal” in the memo line.
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.
AttachmentsSample #iGC bulletin messageRFR bishop’s letter RFR bulletin insert RFR resources and announcements RFR fact sheet
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.Sample #iGC bulletin message RFR bishop’s letter RFR bulletin insert RFR resources and announcements RFR fact sheet |
Advent retreat weekend scheduled at Bethany Retreat Center
Bridges to Contemplative Living is a retreat experience that leads participants on a journey toward spiritual transformation and a more contemplative and peace-filled life. This retreat is scheduled Dec. 4-6 at the Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville. It is designed for those with an established daily practice of Centering Prayer who wish to deepen the transforming love of God in the midst of silence and solitude. There will be opportunities for Centering Prayer, conferences with contemplative dialogue, personal time, home-cooked meals and Sunday liturgy. The weekend will be facilitated by Sister Ruth Ann Madera, CA, Bethany's onsite spiritual director and retreat leader. Register today at www.bethanyretreatcenter.org.
Bethany remains available for personal retreats
If you’re in need of a day or a few days of self-care, visit the Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville for a time of retreat and renewal Dec. 8-12. Daily Mass, spiritual direction and soul-friending are available during your stay. An offering of $88 per night includes accommodations and all meals. Space is limited, so register today at www.bethanyretreatcenter.org.
There are no classifieds this week.