October 19, 2026
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 26, 2026.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 22, 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.
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2026 Local Needs Collection Toolkit Now Available
The 2026 Local Needs Collection will take place the weekend of November 14-15. This annual collection supports local organizations working to address poverty and injustice, empower communities and uphold human dignity. 100% of contributions remain within the Diocese of Erie. A parish resource toolkit is now available to help promote the collection, including pastor and bulletin announcements, graphics and promotional materials. Parishes are encouraged to use these resources to share the importance of this collection with parishioners. Access the toolkit: www.eriercd.org/local-needs.html. Bishop Persico's letter is attached.
Reminder: Official Catholic Directory updates due
Every parish, school system and Catholic organization needs to submit their updates for the 2027 Official Catholic (Kenedy) Directory by Friday, October 23. The update website will shut down after that date. Instructions for accessing the online system are attached. Please contact Maria Caulfield at 814-824-1274 or mcaulfield@eriercd.org with any questions.
Deadline approaching for #iGiveCatholic registration!
Registration is still open for the annual #iGiveCatholic giving day campaign. Parishes, schools, and ministries interested in participating must be registered and approved by Nov. 1! Contact Elizabeth Rathburn of the Catholic Foundation at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1257 with any questions.
Staying Safe online - One weak password can be all it takes
A hacker known as Zestix gained access to more than 50 companies because some users had not enabled multi-factor authentication (MFA). Cybercriminals routinely buy stolen passwords and use automated tools to test them against online accounts. Protect yourself by enabling MFA wherever it's offered, using an authenticator app when possible, and never reusing passwords. Learn more about MFA at: https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/multi-factor-authentication.
Sacramental Remuneration
Attached is the decree revising remuneration and honoraria for Mass and Confession coverage at parishes. The decree takes effect November 28, 2026, beginning with the anticipated Masses for the First Sunday of Advent. Remuneration and stipend payments are expected to be issued within 30 days of the service provided. Additional guidance for schools and other non-parochial settings is currently under consideration.
Black Catholic History Month — November 2026
The Diocese of Erie invites all parishes to celebrate Black Catholic History Month throughout November. To help parishes recognize this important month and honor the faith, history and contributions of Black Catholics, the diocese has prepared a variety of resources, including social media graphics, web banners, bulletin announcements, a prayer card, pastor announcements and educational materials. Parishes are encouraged to incorporate these resources into their communications and activities throughout November. All materials are available at https://www.eriercd.org/BCHM-toolkit.html.
Clergy Appreciation Month resources available for parishes
Throughout October, the Diocese of Erie invites parishes, schools and families to celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month. The Office of Communications and Advancement has developed a collection of resources, including social media graphics, bulletin materials, prayer cards and activity sheets for parishioners of all ages. Parishes are encouraged to use and share these materials to express gratitude and offer prayers for our priests, deacons and bishop. Access Clergy Appreciation Month resources here: https://www.eriercd.org/ClergyApp-materials.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.
St. Francis of Assisi Mass
Our Mother of Sorrows Parish is hosting a special Mass at St. Casimir Church, 630 Hess Ave., Erie, on Sunday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. October 2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Special plans are being made and those attending will receive a plenary indulgence. Refreshments will follow in the St. Casimir Church Social Hall. All are welcome.
Praise and Worship at St. Luke, Erie
St. Luke Parish, 421 E. 38th St., Erie, is hosting a Praise and Worship in Adoration of our Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. See attached flyer for details.
St. Boniface Fall Festival
St. Boniface Parish, 9367 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, is hosting a Fall Festival and Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 1 from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. in Coleman Hall. There will be a delicious pork and sauerkraut dinner, raffles, crafts, a live polka band, crafts, a basket auction, bake sale and more. There will also be a chance to win a top prize of $1000. See attached flyer for more information.
Thanksgiving Trivia Night
St. Gregory Parish School, 140 W Main St., North East, is hosting a Thanksgiving Trivia Night. Saturday, Nov. 14, doors will open at 5:30 with trivia beginning at 6. Cost is $10 per person. Gather friends and family, bring your favorite food and snacks and settle in for an evening of fun and friendly competition. There is also a basket raffle.
Elf the Musical
Mercyhurst Prep Performing Arts, 538 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, is presenting Elf the Musical on Thursday, Nov. 19; Friday, Nov. 20; Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 21 and 22. Tickets are: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students. MPS students, faculty and staff are free. Tickets are available at the door one hour before curtain. See attached flyer for more information.
Seminary Discernment weekend
St. Mark Seminary, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, is hosting a discernment weekend, Oct. 24 and 25. This weekend is for Catholic college aged men 18 years old and older. To register, please see the attached flyer. For any questions, please contact Fr. Scott Jabo, vocation director, at 814-824-1198 or via email: swjabo@eriercd.org.
St. Nicholas Annual Pork Dinner
St. Nicholas Parish, 3028 Shannondale Rd., Mayport, is holding their annual Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner on Sunday, Nov. 1, from noon to 2 p.m. It will be held in the church social hall with tickets costing $15 for adults and $5 for children, those under 5 are free. There will be a quilt raffle and country store. Take out is also available.
Kennedy Catholic Bags and Bourbon Bingo
Kennedy Catholic High School, 2120 Shenango Valley Fwy., Hermitage, is hosting a Bags and Bourbon Bingo on Saturday, Oct. 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with bingo beginning at 7 p.m. It is an exciting evening of designer handbags, premium bourbon, bingo and great fun. There will be a basket raffle, and food and beverages are available for purchase. Bingo tickets are $35 per person and are available on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kennedycatholicschools.
Cathedral Preparatory School presents Man of La Mancha
Cathedral Preparatory School, 250 W. 10th St., Erie, will present the Tony Award winning hit musical Man of La Mancha. Performances will be held in the H. David Bowes Auditorium on Thursday, Nov. 12; Friday, Nov. 13; Saturday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door (cash only): $10 for adults and $5 for students.
DuBois Central Catholic Christmas Bazaar
DuBois Central Catholic School, 200 Central Christian Dr., DuBois, is hosting a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a variety of vendors, including school age child vendors, a grand prize, raffle auction, baked goods and a special appearance by Santa. Cost for a table is $10 for school age children or $30 for adult table. For more information, please contact: holyspiritoutreach24@gmail.com.
Upcoming events at Our Lady of Mercy
- The Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek will host a dance featuring live music by “The Groove” on Friday, Nov. 6, from 7 to 11 p.m. in the parish gym, 837 Bartlett Road, Harborcreek. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased after Masses or at the parish office Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and the event has sold out in previous years, so early ticket purchases are encouraged. See the flyer for additional information.
- Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 837 Bartlett Road, Harborcreek, will host its annual free Trunk or Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. All are welcome and no registration is required. Those interested in distributing candy may contact the parish office at 814-899-5342 to reserve a parking space. Trunk decorating is optional, but attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite decorated trunk, with a prize awarded to the winner. The event will be held rain or shine, with activities moving indoors in the event of inclement weather. See the attached flyer for additional information.
Cathedral Prep Open House
Cathedral Prep invites all middle school students to attend Open House on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 12-3:00 p.m. Join us for student-guided tour of campus and meet our students, teachers and coaches. Discover our unique Academic Path Programs that focus on experiential, high-impact learning and career exploration. Explore a variety of clubs, activities, service projects, mission trips, performing & visual arts and varsity athletics. Learn more about college credit opportunities, tuition assistance and scholarships. Most importantly, find out what it’s like to be a Rambler! To pre-register for Open House, visit www.cathedralprep.com/oh26registration.
Faith Formation Director needed for CPOECC
The Catholic Parishes of Eastern Clearfield County, 123 Good St., Houtzdale, are hiring a full-time Faith Formation Director. Anyone interested in applying can view the full job description at www.cpoecc.org.
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