October 30, 2023
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, November 6, 2023.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 2, 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.
2023 Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development
Pastors and administrators will find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2023 collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way the weekend of November 11-12.
Microsoft Office announcement
Attention clergy: Microsoft has announced discontinued support for Office 2016 and Office 2019 clients. This will impact clergy who check their eriercd.org email accounts with older versions of Outlook – for example, Outlook 2016 and Outlook 2019. To view your Outlook version number, open Outlook and click ‘File.’ Select ‘Office Account.’ Choose ‘File.’ You'll find your version and build number under Product Information. If you don't see the ‘Office Account’ option, choose ‘Help.’ You'll see the product version on the right side of the page. Contact it@eriercd.org to upgrade your Microsoft Office for $36/year.
Marriage Matters newsletter
Please see the attached Marriage Matters newsletter from the Tribunal.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached November edition of the International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter (English and Spanish versions are available). Pastors and parish staff are encouraged to read and share this publication with their parishioners, using all or parts of it for their parish bulletin, with credit to the author/source.
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 or text. 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.
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.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.CCHD Collection Marriage Matters newsletter ICSC newsletter (English) ICSC newsletter (Spanish) Spiritual formation opportunity Turkey bingo Dance with The Groove |
Pork and sauerkraut dinner
St. Charles Parish in New Bethlehem invites the community to a pork and sauerkraut dinner on Nov. 5 from 12 to 2 p.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 3028 Shannondale Rd., Mayport. Adult dinners are priced at $10, while youth dinners cost $5. Children under five eat free. The event will also feature a quilt raffle and a country store. Takeout options are available. For more information, contact the parish at stcharles@dioceseoferie.org or 814.275.3446.
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.
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.
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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