November 16, 2026
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 23, 2026.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 19, 2026, 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 righat 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 Dec.1, #iGiveCatholic donations can be made online at erie.igivecatholic.org or directly to a participating parish, school or ministry by cash or check. Organizations may consider emailing supporters, posting on social media or inserting a notice in bulletins or newsletters. It is also time to post #iGiveCatholic yard signs. Contact Elizabeth Rathburn with questions at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1257.
Retirement Fund for Religious – Parish toolkit available
The 2026 Retirement Fund for Religious collection is Dec. 13. A parish communications toolkit is now available, including a letter from Bishop Persico, bulletin and Mass announcements, bulletin inserts, flyers, social media graphics and other promotional materials. Parishes are encouraged to use these resources to help promote the collection and honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church. Access the toolkit: https://www.eriercd.org/RFR-toolkit.html.
Office for Divine Worship monthly newsletter
The Office for Divine Worship presents a monthly newsletter to aid in preparing celebrations that will occur in that particular month. The December newsletter is attached.
Advent Parish Toolkit – Weekly Bulletin Materials Available
Prepare your parish bulletins for Advent with our weekly Advent materials! Simply download and save the graphics and insert the appropriate one into your bulletin each week throughout Advent. These ready-to-use resources make it easy to share the spirit of the season with your parish community. Access the toolkit at: https://www.eriercd.org/advent-toolkit.html
Sensory-Friendly Mass Resource Guide Available
The diocesan Office of Faith Formation and Office for Divine Worship have developed a Sensory-Friendly Mass Resource Guide to help parishes create welcoming environments for individuals with sensory needs. Scholarships are also available for educational courses through the National Catholic Partnership on Disability, thanks to funding from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania and the Office of Faith Formation. See the attachment or contact Dr. Aaron Kerr in the Office of Faith Formation at AKerr@ErieRCD.org to learn more.
Encountering Christ in the Poor – Conference and Parish Toolkit
Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te, Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Erie Office of Faith Formation will host Encountering Christ in the Poor, March 12 and 13, 2027, at Holy Redeemer Church in Warren. The conference will explore Catholic Social Teaching and practical ways to serve those most in need. Friday is designed for clergy and parish professionals; Saturday welcomes all interested in putting faith into action. Parishes are encouraged to promote this opportunity using the communications toolkit, which includes bulletin and pastor announcements, flyers and graphics. Conference details and toolkit: http://eriercd.org/poor.html.
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.
Lunch with St. Nick
Christ the King Parish, 123 Good St., Houtzdale, will host Lunch with St. Nicholas on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the parish center. The event will feature crafts, Christmas carols, lunch, story time and gift distribution with St. Nicholas, followed by an opportunity for photos.
St. Francis Xavier weekly Advent Series
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean, invites parishioners and visitors to prepare their hearts for Christmas through its weekly Advent homily series, Make Room. The 10:30 a.m. Mass is also livestreamed on YouTube. See the attached flyer for more information.
Grief Recovery Support Group
St. Joseph Church, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, will host a 13-week GriefShare recovery support group on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., Nov. 18 through Feb. 10. The program offers support and guidance for those grieving the loss of a loved one. For more information, contact Andrew Heinlein at andrew.heinlein@olp.org or 814-833-7706, ext. 206. To learn more about GriefShare or to register, visit www.griefshare.org.
Upcoming Events at St. Mary-Crown:
St. Mary Parish, 117 Lencer Dr., Leeper, will host its Christmas Holiday Craft Show on Dec. 4 and 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parish social hall. The event will feature dozens of craft and vendor tables for holiday shopping, refreshments and a soup lunch available for purchase, a Chinese auction and a 12 Days of Eating and Shopping raffle. Admission is free. See the attached flyer for more information.
St. Mary Parish, 117 Lencer Dr., Leeper, will celebrate the Nigerian Christmas traditions of Father John on Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. The evening will feature Scripture readings and Christmas carols, offering an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas while experiencing traditions from Father John’s Nigerian heritage. See the attached flyer for more information.
Peter Mayer’s A Stars and Promises Christmas tour
St. Jude Parish, 2801 W. 6th St., Erie, will host Peter Mayer’s A Stars and Promises Christmas tour, “This Town,” on Monday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. Best known for his 35 years as lead guitarist for Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band, Mayer has also performed with Paul McCartney, James Taylor and other renowned artists. His career includes more than 20 albums, including four Christmas albums. All concert proceeds benefit Band Together Erie, which provides music and social opportunities for individuals with autism. Tickets available at www.bandtogethererie.org
Mercy Center for Women Hat/Glove/Sock Drive
The Mercy Center for Women, 1039 E 27th St., Erie, is collecting new or gently used gloves, hats and socks to provide warmth to the community. Donations can be dropped off at the Mercy Center Monday through Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., until Wednesday, Nov. 25. Please call ahead before dropping donations off: 814-455-4577.
Our Lady of Peace Boy Scout Garage Sale
Our Lady of Peace Parish, 2408 W. 38th St., Erie, invites the community to support local Scouts at its upcoming Boy Scout Christmas Garage Sale on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Our Lady of Peace School Café. Donations for the sale will be accepted Monday, November 23, and Monday, Nov 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Our Lady of Peace Scout House, located at the corner of West 38th Street and Pacific Avenue. Proceeds will benefit the activities of OLP/West Lake Fire Department Troop 59, helping support local Scouts and their programs. For questions or additional information, please contact Alyson Dana at 814-490-3493 or alysondana81@gmail.com.
SSCD School Christmas Bazaar
SS Cosmas & Damian School, 205 N Chestnut St., Punxsutawney, is hosting a Christmas Bazaar Saturday, Nov 21 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.in the school auditorium and gym. This is a free event with vendors, food available for purchase and a Nativity set raffle.
Blessed Sacrament 7th Annual Holiday Craft Show
Blessed Sacrament Parish, 1626 W. 26th St., Erie, invites the community to its 7th Annual Holiday Craft Show on Friday, November 27, and Saturday, November 28, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature more than 80 crafters offering handmade gifts and unique items, live pottery demonstrations and more. Admission is $3 for ages 12 and older, with two free raffle tickets included with paid adult admission. Children under 3 are free, and parking is available at no charge. All proceeds benefit Blessed Sacrament Parish Outreach Programs. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Advent Monastery Tour
The Benedictine Sisters of Erie, 6101 East Lake Road, Harborcreek, invite the community to join them on Saturday, December 12, for a tour and supper with the sisters beginning at 4 p.m., followed by an Advent Vigil in the chapel at 7 p.m. Reservations are required for the tour and supper. See the attached flyer for more information. Please use the attached registration link for more information and to reserve your spot. Click here to RSVP
Answer the Call Christmas Concert
St. Joseph/Bread of Life Community, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, invites the community to Answer the Call, a special Christmas concert on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 13, at 2:30 p.m. Featuring original music by Michael Malthaner, the concert will bring the Christmas story to life through 60 singers from area churches, a children's choir, instrumental accompaniment and narration. Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted to benefit Julia House for Hospice and Palliative Care. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
A Merry Mercy Christmas
The annual Christmas-time extravaganza is back at Our Lady of Mercy. Please join us on Sunday, Dec. 13 from 1-5 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy, 837 Bartlett Rd. Harborcreek, for holiday fun for all ages. Enjoy delightful music and delicious food. Families can have fun children's games and crafts and have visit with Santa. Get in last minute shopping by visiting the talented craft vendors in our Christmas Marketplace. Don't forget to take a stroll down Christmas Tree Lane and vote for your favorite decorated tree. This event is free and all are welcome, so bring your friends and family. Any questions, please contact the Parish Office at 814-899-5342. See attached flyer for more information.
Holy Trinity Christmas Market
Holy Trinity Parish, East 23rd & Reed Streets, Erie, is hosting their annual Christmas Market. The market features a variety of Christmas cookies, nut rolls and pierogies available to order from Nov. 7-Dec. 7, with pickup at the Holy Trinity Social Center on the corner of East 23rd and Reed on Friday, Dec. 18, from 4-7 p.m. or Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m.-noon. Please see the attached order form to place your order.
There are no classifieds this week.
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