November 23, 2020
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 30, 2020.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 26, 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.
Special Christmas Mass permission
In light of the continuing COVID pandemic and the need to social-distance in churches, the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments recently issued an indult (special one-time permission) for bishops to allow their priests to celebrate four (4) Masses on Christmas Eve and four (4) Masses on Christmas Day, which Bishop Lawrence Persico has agreed to do. This means that, in the Diocese of Erie, priests may if needed personally celebrate as many as four Masses between 4 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve; and as many as four Masses from 12 a.m. (midnight) through the appropriate times on Christmas Day — a total of eight possible Masses between the Christmas Eve Vigil and the end of Christmas Day. This permission is granted only for Christmas 2020. Please contact the Worship Office with any questions at 814-824-1271 or worship@ErieRCD.org.
Sunday obligation reminder
As COVID cases rise, pastors and people are reminded that Bishop Persico continues to dispense the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days. This dispensation also applies to the upcoming Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, The Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. These holy days are still to be celebrated in parishes this year — even with more than one Mass if needed. However, everyone is reminded that if they are not well or are high-risk or have contact with someone who is high-risk for COVID, they are not obligated to attend, and it may be safer to stay home. Those unable to attend Mass in person are warmly encouraged to visit www.ErieRCD.org to find a list of Masses that are livestreamed by parishes in the diocese.
Pre-orders now accepted for diocesan directory
The Office of Communications is now accepting pre-orders for the 2021 Diocese of Erie Directory. The cost is $25 each. Orders received by Dec. 31, 2020, will receive free shipping. Orders received Jan. 1, 2021, and later will pay $6.50 shipping and handling. A mail-friendly order form is attached, or you can place an order online at https://www.ErieRCD.org/news/directory.html. Anticipated mail distribution is late January. For questions or to place an order by phone, call Brenda Williams at 814-824-1161.
Marriage Matters newsletter now available
Attached is the November edition of the Marriage Matters newsletter of the Office of the Tribunal and Matrimonial Concerns of the Diocese of Erie.
#iGiveCatholic advanced giving continues through Nov. 30
#iGiveCatholic donations that are made online through Nov. 30 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.
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.
Attachments2021 Diocesan Directory order formMarriage Matters Sample #iGC bulletin message Books
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.2021 Diocesan Directory order form Marriage Matters Sample #iGC bulletin message Books |
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.
Books available
Father Rocco Tito is offering books free to anyone who wants them. See the attached list of available books, listed by title, author and date printed. If interested, call Helen Quimby at 814-827-1437 to make arrangements.