October 23, 2023
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 30, 2023.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 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.
CSA assessment spreadsheet
Attached is the 2024 Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) assessment spreadsheet for all parishes in the Diocese of Erie. Due to the new CSA initiative spearheaded by Our Sunday Visitor, parishes are receiving CSA assessments much earlier than in previous years. Our billing system will once again use the same four-payment schedules as in the past: April 30, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31. The formula used to calculate CSA assessments is the same formula as used in previous years. Questions or comments related to individual assessments should be directed to Patrick Barron, director of parish and school financial services, at 814.824.1168.
Masses for peace
Please see the attached letter from Bishop Persico encouraging prayers for peace in Israel, Ukraine and other parts of the world. Also included with the bishop’s letter are designated Masses for Various Needs and Occasions, sample intercessions for the Universal Prayer and the Prayer for Peace by Pope Francis. Should you have any questions, you may direct them to Father Matt Kujawinski at 814.824.1270 or email mjkujawinski@eriercd.org.
Marriage Matters newsletter
Please see the attached Marriage Matters newsletter from the Tribunal.
Parishioners, employees: Be cautious about sharing personal information
Parishioners and staff at several parishes have recently received an email from a scam artist claiming to be their pastor. The email starts with a request similar to this: “Do you have a flexible schedule? I have an errand for you to kindly handle for me.” When the person responds, they get the second email with the hook. “I have been working on incentives and I aimed at surprising some of our diligent staff with gift cards. This should be confidential until they all have the gift cards and you can keep one for yourself too.” When you reply that you are willing to assist with this fun project, a third email explains what cards to buy and how much to spend. Then they ask you to scratch off the back of the card and send the numbers through email. Emailing the codes is where the money is actually stolen. Visit https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2021/09/your-boss-isnt-emailing-you-about-gift-card to learn more. There is no way to block such a scam – especially since it is spread over several emails. The only way to protect your co-workers and your parishioners from these kinds of scams is through education. Please include the following notice in your weekly bulletin and forward it to your employees and volunteers to keep everyone safe from fraud. Here is the suggested notice to be published:
A scam is being perpetrated across the country by malicious individuals preying on churches and members of the clergy. The scam plays on your sympathies or your natural inclination to be helpful. Any communication asking you to purchase gift cards should be considered a scam. You should always verify such requests by calling the parish directly. Don’t use phone numbers in the fraudulent email. Always look for the parish’s official phone number found on our website or in your Sunday bulletin. In this age when personal data can be misused by scam artists, please be aware that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, its clergy, and entities such as parishes and schools will never solicit your personal or business information by any method unless initiated by you. Should you receive an unsolicited request for money or personal information – including a request for gift cards of any type – exercise extreme caution. Contact the person or entity by using official contact information only. Do not use contact information provided in the potential fraudulent request.
Customizable website banners
Attention parishes: If you are looking for customizable banners for your diocesan-hosted website for the upcoming holiday season, please check out our selection found here: https://www.eriercd.org/ParishPlaceGraphics.html. This season, please give your attention to the feather party, Christmas market and Christmas Mass times banners. Graphics are designed to work with the Diocese of Erie website system but may work for websites from other developers. Instructions for downloading and using the graphic can be found at the top of the website.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The IT office at the Diocese of Erie would like you to know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Week 4: RED ALERT! A hacker has made it inside our offices and has spotted an unlocked workstation. Can you use enough cybersecurity knowledge to stop the hacker before they compromise our network? In this browser-based mini-game, answer security awareness training-related questions correctly, and you will move closer to the workstation. Answer incorrectly, and the hacker will move closer. Stop the hacker, get to that workstation, and save the organization. Learn more here: https://www.eriercd.org/ncsm.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 http://ErieCatholic.org/careers.
AttachmentsMasses for peaceMarriage Matters newsletter Bethany Retreat Center activities Spiritual formation opportunity Turkey bingo Dance with The Groove Bingo bash
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.CSA assessment spreadsheet Masses for peace Marriage Matters newsletter Bethany Retreat Center activities Spiritual formation opportunity Turkey bingo Dance with The Groove Bingo bash |
Trunk or treat
Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek is having a trunk or treat event on Oct. 28 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Find your best costume, bring some yummy candy, decorate your trunks and have a spooktacular afternoon with family and friends. If the weather doesn't cooperate, we will move into the gym. This event is free, and we are only asking that you RSVP and let us know if you are planning on trunking, treating or both. RSVP on our Facebook event page, at the display in the Gathering Space or by calling the parish office at 814.899.5342. All are invited. We are looking forward to the best trunk or treat event ever!
Bethany Retreat Center activities
The Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville is hosting several activities and retreats this fall, including a Thanksgiving pie sale, drumming retreat, icon painting workshop and many others. See attachment for full list of events, or visit www.bethanyretreatcenter.org.
Spiritual formation opportunity
The Faith Formation Office of the diocese is hosting a Spiritual formation opportunity in November. Father Jeff Lucas of the Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville will speak about Pillar One of the Eucharistic Revival. There are three chances to attend — one in each vicariate. See flier for details. Faith Formation leaders, catechists, parishioners and other ministry leaders are all welcome to attend. The cost is $15 and includes lunch. Please contact Mary Hickin with questions at 814.824.1222 or mhickin@eriercd.org. A link to register is included on the flier.
Cathedral Prep open house
Cathedral Prep’s open house for middle school boys and girls will be held on Oct. 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. Guided tours will include interactive classroom demonstrations, a look at Prep’s esports lab, visual arts studios, music studios, dance studio, engineering workshop and fitness center. Students can learn about the academic paths, including MedPath and the Gannon Scholar program. Students in attendance will be entered in a drawing for tuition discounts. Cathedral Prep is located at 250 West 10th Street, Erie. Please call 814.453.7737 ext. 3 with questions.
Turkey bingo
St. Anthony Parish in Sharon is hosting a Turkey Bingo event on Nov. 5. Doors open at 12 p.m., and bingo starts at 1 p.m. The church is located at 804 Idaho St. Admission costs are $25 for one pack, $30 for two packs, and $35 for three packs. Each pack includes 20 regular bingo games and five special games. The event will also feature raffles along with food and desserts available for purchase. See flier for details.
Card game fun
St. Luke Parish in Erie invites you to join Funtastics, a group of card-playing adults that meets regularly at the St. Luke cafeteria, 421 E. 38th St., Erie. The group enjoys games of Euchre as well as single-deck and double-deck Pinochle. Upcoming gatherings are scheduled for Nov. 9, Nov. 30, Dec. 14 and Dec. 28, all starting at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Kevin at 814.882.8070.
Dance with The Groove
The Our Lady of Mercy Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a dance featuring Erie’s most popular band, The Groove, on Nov. 10 in the gym, 837 Bartlett Rd., Harborcreek from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets are on sale after Saturday/Sunday Masses and are available in the parish office from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ticket price is $15 per person. The dance has been a sell-out in the past, so get your tickets early. Capacity is limited. See flier for details.
Bingo Bash
The Maria House Project invites you to its Bingo Bash on Nov. 12 at the JPTF Events Center, 2319 W. 38th St., Erie. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m., and bingo games will start at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online for $30 in advance or for $35 at the door, covering all regular games and the jackpot. Additional attractions include a basket raffle, 50/50 and instants. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, although Passalinqua's Pizzeria is attached to the hall for those wishing to purchase food. For further details, please visit www.mariahouseproject.org. See flier for additional information.
Jesus Caritas groups day of reflection
Priests in Jesus Caritas groups: A reminder that there is a day of reflection together scheduled for Nov. 29 at St Bernard Church, 95 E. Corydon St., Bradford, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch, Holy Hour, presentation and shared reflections are included. Please RSVP by contacting Father John Jacquel at JBJacquel@eriercd.org or 814.362.6825. They will gather in the office (former school) building.
There are no classifieds.
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