Bulletin Announcement: Oil City
9/15/2024 Planning Your Wedding?
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Planning Your Wedding?
An Engagement Encounter weekend is scheduled for January 17-19, 2025, at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. EE satisfies diocesan requirements for marriage in the Church. Catholic and interfaith couples are encouraged to attend. Contact the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or by email at familylife@erieRCD.org. Visit our website at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ for more information and registration. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime."
Parenting Pointers 9-15-2024
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Is your family broken? (divorce, infidelity, the painful loss of a child or spouse...) all of these things, and others, can shatter a family. Be patient with yourself. If your own family is OK for now, does a family you know need support?
Marriage Moment 9-15-2024
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Sept. 16 is Independence Day in Mexico. Although US citizens celebrate July 4 as Independence Day, independence and dependence are concepts bigger than one’s country of origin. Healthy marriages involve both freedom and helping with your beloved’s needs. Which is easier for you?
A Family Perspective 9-15-2024
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If commitment is the choice we make to give up other choices, then it is about “losing ourselves”. If we try to be independent from others by “saving ourselves”, we end up lonely and alone. Happiness is found in commitments. The gospel is true: We save our life by losing it!
Parenting Pointers 9-22-2024
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Are you tired of repeating yourself over and over to your kids? Step 1 - Get at eye-level with your child, then start to speak. Step 2 – Ask for an "Echo” Let your child repeat what you've said. (Family Minute)
Marriage Moment 9-22-2024
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Listening is not the same as being quiet. After the quiet, an effort to show your beloved you understand should follow. It may not require words, but it takes paying attention.
A Family Perspective 9-22-2024
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Disagreements are common in families. But what would you say if Jesus posed the same question “What are you arguing about?” Is it silly and petty? Is it an attempt to impose your will and control on another, or to really solve a problem? Today Jesus tells us and his disciples to give it up. We are meant to serve each other, not control.
Marriage Moment 9-29-2024
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How do you tell your spouse something that may be difficult for them to hear? Honest but gentle face-to-face communication is an art that some of us are not that good at. Sometimes a sincere letter can work well.
Parenting Pointers 9-29-2024
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If your child is old enough to read, writing them a special letter can sometimes be more powerful than speech. Include 2 things – that you love them for who they are; then praise them for a couple of their unique abilities.
A Family Perspective 9-29-24
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The words in today’s gospel, “Whoever gives a cup of water in the name of Christ will not lose their reward” hits us at home. As parents we gain our “reward” when we bring a bottle to a crying infant in the middle of the night, or juice boxes to parched five-year olds, or hold ice chips to the fevered lips of a spouse. It is that simple and that sacred. In our homes we give until it hurts “in the name of Christ.’
A Family Perspective 10-6-2024
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Perhaps Jesus’ two-fold message in today’s gospel is a reminder to married couples to return to the innocence of the early years of their love—like children, loving each other with abandon. Do you know any couple who have recently married? Their love is contagious, and glowing, right? Married couples are called to be a sacramental reflection of God’s faithful and selfless love ….. a place where people live and love beyond rules and formulas.
Respect Life Month 10-06-2024
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“When we meet Jesus in the Eucharist, this encounter has the power to change us. The Eucharist has the power to transform the depths of our hearts
and the heart of our culture. United to the power of his Eucharistic Presence, may we work to ensure that each person has life—and has it in abundance.”
USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
Respect Life Reflection: “I Came So That They Might Have Life”
https://www.usccb.org/resources/rlp-24-reflection.pdf
10/6/2024 Consider Engagement Encounter!
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Consider Engagement Encounter!
Planning for your marriage in 2025? An Engagement Encounter is scheduled for January 17-19 at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. EE satisfies diocesan requirements for marriage in the Church. Space is limited, so please register early by calling 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. Visit our Web site at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ for more information. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.” Catholic and interfaith couples are encouraged to attend.
A Family Perspective 10-13-2024
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Having possessions is an illusion. In today’s gospel Jesus told the young man to give up his need to control and put his trust in God. He couldn’t let go! In families our need to control destroys relationships. We can lead, teach and encourage, but we can’t control anyone but ourselves.
Respect Life Month 10-13-2024
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"An old Irish proverb says, ‘It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.’ Indeed, we are created to depend upon one another and walk together
in suffering. But when family members or friends approach life’s end, we may not know how best to ‘shelter’ them. Here are some concrete ways we
can compassionately care for them: https://www.usccb.org/end-of-life-care ."
USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
Caring for Loved Ones at Life’s End
Child Protection 10-13-2024
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments – Is Your Child Street Smart? Being street smart means knowing how to keep yourself safe from strangers when you’re alone or with other kids. When your street smart you know your way around, you know how to handle yourself in tough situations and you can “read” people. Teach your child who are strangers - (-anyone they do not know or kind of know- and to never approach a strangers vehicle. Teach to your child to always tell you where they are. Teach your child to always go with a friend or two whether walking to school, bike riding or going to the store. Pick out safe spots where your child can go and get help. Places like police stations, stores, restaurants. Teach them how to spot safe places on their route and to avoid places that aren’t safe. Finally, teach your child to trust their instincts and to make a lot of noise if they are scared. For more information visit www.kidshealth.org. For additional resources visit www.eriercd.org/childprotection
Respect Life Month 10-20-2024
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"I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your
decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. …But
do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. …The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament
of Reconciliation.”
Pope Saint John Paul II, Evangelium vitae, no. 99. © 1995, Libreria Editrice
Vaticana. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae.html
10/20/2024 Make an Investment in Your Future
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Make an Investment in Your Future
“A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.” Invest in your marriage by attending Engagement Encounter. Spend a weekend away from the stress of planning for the wedding and enjoy the special moments of creating your future marriage together. Call the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. For more information and registration visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/. All couples are welcome. The next EE weekend is scheduled for January 17-19, 2025, at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie.
A Family Perspective 10-20-2024
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While many good books abound on marriage and parenting, Jesus tells us in today’s gospel the real secret: satisfying relationships depend on how well we sacrifice our needs to serve others. It is not about “getting,” it’s about “giving” ourselves.
Respect Life Month 10-27-2024
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“The witness of our Blessed Mother [in the Gospel account of her visit to her pregnant cousin, Elizabeth,] invites us to become more aware of the needs of
pregnant and parenting moms in our own parishes and communities. …Mary’s witness is an invitation to step out in love and compassion. It is a summons to make haste to help vulnerable women who may be isolated and alone.”
USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities
https://www.respectlife.org/called-to-serve-reflection
A Family Perspective 10-27-2024
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When Jesus asked the blind man “What do you want from me?” he asked for sight. If Jesus asked you the same question, what would you say? Pure and simple, that is prayer.
11/3/2024 Give your loved ones the gift of Engagement Encounter
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Give your loved ones the gift of Engagement Encounter
What better way to show your support of an upcoming marriage than with a gift that lasts a lifetime: Engagement Encounter. The next EE will be held at St. Mark Catholic Center January 17-19, 2025. Space is limited and early registrations are encouraged. Call the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. For more details and registration visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
A Family Perspective 11-3-2024
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In a family, children are taught to be respectful if they want to be respected, to share, if they want their fair share and to listen if they want to be heard. Family life rescues us from arrogance by teaching us to love others as we love ourselves.
Child Protection 11-10-2024
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Bullying is defined as any unwanted aggressive behavior by another youth or group of youths that involves an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. 20% of youth ages 12-18 experience bullying. When adults respond quickly to bullying behavior, they send the message that bullying is not acceptable. There are ways parents can make a positive difference. Parents can educate themselves on the signs that a child is being bullied or is a bully. Parents should keep the lines of communication open with their child and model for their child how to treat others. Encourage your child to be inclusive by welcoming others to join their activities and groups. For more information on how to prevent bullying in your community visit www.stopbullying.org.
For additional resources visit www.eriercd.org/childprotection
11/10/2024 Planning Your Wedding in 2025?
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Planning Your Wedding in 2025?
Congratulations! An Engagement Encounter weekend is scheduled for January 17-19 at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. EE satisfies diocesan requirements for marriage in the Church. Catholic and interfaith couples are encouraged to attend. Call the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261, or email familylife@erieRCD.org. For more information and registration visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime."
A Family Perspective 11-10-2024
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The widow in today’s gospel gave only a little, but it counted for a lot. In our homes there are many LITTLE MOMENTS which can have great significance and glue the family together. Seize these moments.
A Family Perspective 11-17-2024
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Today’s gospel teaches us UNCERTAINTY is normal. There are some things in life which “no one knows … only the Father.” Marriage and parenting are full of uncertainty for like the fig tree in the gospel, the people we love grow and change.
11/17/2024 Attention Engaged couples:
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Attention Engaged couples:
Planning your wedding in 2025? An Engagement Encounter is scheduled for January 17-19 at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. Call the Family Life Office at 814- 824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ for more information and registration. EE satisfies diocesan requirements for marriage preparation. Catholic and Interfaith couples are encouraged to attend. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
A Family Perspective 11-24-2024
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When we are young, our parents “tell us about Jesus” and we believe what our parents believe. At some point we must leave our parents faith and ask Pilate’s question: “Are you the King?’ Pilate is just asking these questions on our behalf.
11/24/2024 Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift?
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Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift?
If your family is planning a wedding in 2025, consider giving a gift that helps couples plan for lifelong marriage. Give your children the gift of Engagement Encounter. The next EE weekend will be held at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie January 17-19. Space is limited and early registrations are encouraged. For more information, contact the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or familylife@erieRCD.org. Register at https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
12/1/24 Give a Gift that Keeps on Giving
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Give a Gift that Keeps on Giving
Give the gift of Engagement Encounter. The next EE weekend will be held at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie January 17-19, 2025. Call the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org for more information. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ to register. Interfaith couples are encouraged to attend.
A Family Perspective 12-1-2024
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At this time of the year we are very conscious of our family as we make preparations for Christmas. Today’s gospel warns us not to be consumed by all the consumer activity. This Advent appreciates the gift of people in your life. The best gift this season might be your appreciation of others.
A Family Perspective 12-8-2024
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Today’s gospel shows John the Baptist and parents have similar vocations. Like the Baptist, parents are asked to make “rough ways smooth” and to “prepare the way of the Lord” for their families. This Advent ask: “Does my life hinder or help my family to know Jesus?”
Child Protection 12-8-2024
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Child Protection and Creating Safe Environments- Be Vigilant: It is vitally important that we are constantly vigilant concerning the behaviors of those who interact with children and communicating our concerns to the appropriate parties. Each one of us can play an important role in strengthening this culture of prevention. For example, we can better prevent abuse by ensuring that the signs of abuse are identified and reported. Noticing these warning signs, taking them seriously, and reporting them could prevent abuse in the future. When we witness inappropriate behavior or something that just doesn’t seem quite right, we must report our concerns through the appropriate channels. For particular questions in the Diocese of Erie, you may call the Office for the Protection of Children and Youth at 814-824-1195.
12/8/2024 Give your loved ones the gift of Engagement Encounter
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Give your loved ones the gift of Engagement Encounter
What better way to show your support of an upcoming marriage than with a gift that lasts a lifetime: Engagement Encounter. The next EE will be held at St. Mark Catholic Center, Erie January 17-19. Space is limited. Call the Family Life Office for details at 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. To register, visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
12/15/2024 Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift?
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Looking for the Perfect Christmas Gift?
If your family is planning a wedding in 2025, consider giving a gift that helps couples plan for lifelong marriage. Give your children the gift of Engagement Encounter. The next EE weekend will be held at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie January 17-19. Contact the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or familylife@erieRCD.org. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ for more information and registration. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
A Family Perspective 12-15-2024
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Today’s gospel tells us to SHARE! This Christmas resist the pressure to give token gifts. Instead, use those funds to give NESSITITIES to the poor. If our impoverished brothers and sisters are not on our gift list, we’ve missed the point of Christmas.
A Family Perspective 12-22-2024
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Mary was excited about her first pregnancy and rushed to tell her cousin. Sadly children are often seen as a liability, “another mouth to feed” or an “obstacle to my career.” It is said “Christmas is for children.” It is more accurate to say “Christmas is for adults to appreciate the gift of children!”
12/22/2024 Engaged? Congratulations!
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Engaged? Congratulations!
Planning your wedding in 2025? Consider attending Engagement Encounter at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie from January 17 to 19, 2025. Call the Family Life Office at 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ to register. EE satisfies diocesan requirements for marriage preparation. Catholic and Interfaith couples are encouraged to attend. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
A Family Perspective 12-29-2024
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Today’s gospel contains this truth about parenting: “but his parents did not know.” One of the reasons parenting is so difficult is because our children don’t tell us everything. If the Holy Family had trouble with their teenager, why do we think it will be easier for us?
1/5/2024 It’s not too late to register for EE…
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It’s not too late to register for EE…
Engagement Encounter still has openings for its January 17-19 weekend at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. Prepare your wedding with a weekend you’ll never forget. For information call 814-824-1261 or email familylife@erieRCD.org. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/familylifeoffice/ to register. Remember, “A wedding is one day, but marriage is for a lifetime.”
A Family Perspective 1-5-2025
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After meeting Jesus, the Magi returned home by “another way.” What in your family needs to be done “another way?” Do you need “another way to resolve differences, to communicate or show affection? This is a new year, time to change what isn’t working. Take a tip from some wise men, there’s always “another way.”
A Family Perspective 1-12-2025
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In today’s gospel Jesus was publicly AFFIRMED by his Father: “You are my beloved son, with you I am very pleased.” As parents we can become so focused on misbehaviors we overlook the good behaviors. Jesus needed AFFIRMATION and so do our children.
A Family Perspective 1-19-2025
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At Cana we get a good insight into Mary’s parenting style. She did not plead, argue, demand or manipulate. She merely pointed out the situation and trusted her son would make the best decision.