November 17, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 24, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 20, 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.
USCCB Fall Plenary Assembly Recap
U.S. bishops, including Bishop Persico, recently gathered in Baltimore for the 2025 Fall Plenary Assembly, a meeting focused on strengthening pastoral ministry, addressing national concerns and renewing the church’s mission across the country. Key discussions centered on the dignity of migrants, updates to Catholic health-care directives and ongoing momentum from the National Eucharistic Revival and the synodal process. Archbishop Paul Coakley was elected president of the Conference and Bishop Daniel Flores as vice president. For a brief overview of the assembly’s major actions and highlights, please see the attached USCCB infographic or download it here: https://www.usccb.org/resources/November%202025%20Plenary%20Infographic.pdf.
#iGiveCatholic Advanced Giving starts today, runs through Giving Tuesday
Starting Monday, Nov. 17 and running through Dec. 2, #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.
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.
Diocese of Erie liturgical calendar
Attached is the liturgical calendar for the Diocese of Erie as prepared by the Office for Divine Worship. The purpose of the document is to provide all who are involved with liturgies (pastors, deacons, music directors, etc.) with as much information as possible for the celebration of the Sacred Mysteries. It does not replace the Ordo from Paulist Press. It does, however, provide much more information for liturgical celebrations in the Diocese of Erie. This is a “living document” that will grow and be refined each year. Any insights, corrections and suggestions are welcome as Liturgical Year 2026 unfolds. Please contact Maripat Grant at 814-824-1271.
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.
Scam Alert: Parish Directory Phishing Attempt
We’ve been made aware of a phishing attempt targeting churches. The scam involves an email that appears to come from a trusted parishioner—often someone in a leadership role, like a Finance Council member—requesting a PDF of your parish directory. Your parish directory is a gold mine to scammers. Be careful who you send it to. Learn more by reading the attachment.
Advent resources now available
Advent begins Sunday, November 30. The Diocese of Erie offers a variety of resources to help you celebrate in a meaningful way. Find graphics for social media, webpage banners and bulletin announcements on our resource pages, and explore family-friendly reflections and activities on our Advent microsite. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/advent.html to get started and journey with us through this sacred season.
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/.
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.USCCB Fall Plenary Assembly Recap Office for Divine Worship Newsletter and Liturgical Calendar Retired Religious Collection Phishing Scams and MFA setup Answer the Call Lessons and Carols in Concert Community Outreach Group Annual Clothing Distribution Party Seminary Discernment Weekend Getting in the Christmas Spirit Concert Encounter Ministries Weekend School of Healing Legacy Gala Honorees |
Answer the Call Lessons and Carols in Concert
St. Joseph Parish, 147 W. 24th St., Erie presents Answer the Call Lessons and Carols in Concert on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Fifty singers, musicians and narrators will present Answer the Call with original music and lyrics by Michael Malthaner. The concert is free and any donations collected will support the Kinship Ministries of Erie. See attached flyer for more information or call 814-490-8707.
Community Outreach Group- Annual Clothing Distribution Party
The Community Outreach Group will be holding its annual Clothing Distribution Party on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the St. Paul Center, 453 W. 16th St., Erie. Free clothing available for men, women and children. Free snacks and refreshments. All are welcome, no questions asked. For more information, please contact Tim Nowakowski: TimmNow.CommOutrchGrp@gmail.com or 814-566-6435. Please see flyer for more information.
OLP Boy Scout Christmas Garage Sale
The annual OLP Boy Scout Troop-59 Christmas Garage Sale will take place Dec. 6 and 7 from 8 a.m. until noon at the Our Lady of Peace School Café, 2401 W. 38th St., Erie. Drop-off nights will be Monday, Nov 24, and Monday, Dec. 1, from 6-8 p.m. at the Our Lady of Peace Scout House on the corner of W. 38th and Pacific Ave. Donations from this Christmas decorations sale will benefit OLP/West Lake FD Troop-59 activities.
OLM Hosts A Merry Mercy Christmas
A Merry Mercy Christmas Christmastime extravaganza will take place Sunday, Dec. 14, from 1-5 p.m. Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek is hosting this event filled with food, vendors, music, crafts, games and Santa and his reindeer.
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.
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.)
SMCC Housekeeping Position
St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, is hiring a part-time Housekeeping position. This position will work a minimum of 20 hours a week in the seminary and residential units. For more information, please visit https://www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
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