September 2, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, September 8, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 4, 2025, 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.
#iGiveCatholic 2025 registration is now open!
The Diocese of Erie is hosting the annual #iGiveCatholic giving day campaign on December 2 and has once again partnered with the Catholic Foundation to facilitate the effort. Eligible parishes, schools and ministries should have already received a registration email from Elizabeth Rathburn. The registration deadline is November 1. The Catholic Foundation is committed to helping your organization make the most of #iGiveCatholic. For questions or assistance, please contact Elizabeth at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1257.
September edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope available now
The September edition of the Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope newsletter is now available. To recognize the Jubilee Year 2025, this newsletter is suitable for printing in parish bulletins and provides both informative and interactive elements for children and adults. Each edition celebrates the monthly jubilee events recognized by the Vatican and brings readers along for a spiritual pilgrimage. The September edition is attached and the graphics have been added to the parish social media page.
Listening sessions for the USCCB’s pastoral letter on the laity
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is requesting input from laity throughout the nation in preparation for a pastoral document on the laity. Parishes are asked to hold listening sessions in September. Please schedule these sessions as soon as possible.
Pastors have received information on identifying 2-3 listening session facilitators per parish. Pastors and facilitators should use the link below to sign up for a training session.
- Sept. 3: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
- Sept. 4: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
- Sept. 5: Noon – 1 p.m.
Link to register for facilitator training: https://forms.office.com/r/H2r5ebsV82. Please direct questions to Jillian Zaczyk at jzaczyk@eriercd.org.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached September 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.
Beware of AI voice scams
Deepfake technology is getting more convincing every day. Using AI, scammers are now able to clone the faces and voices of friends, family and even the IT personnel who support your computer systems. Use two factor authentication on your financial accounts. When it comes to family members, have a family password. Before giving information or login credentials to computer support personnel, call them separately using contact information you have saved locally before divulging any information or clicking on any links. Remember, scammers rely on urgency to get you to let down your guard. So, trust your gut. When the caller puts pressure on, pause and verify. Read more from the FTC: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/fighting-back-against-harmful-voice-cloning. Share this information with coworkers and friends/family.
Office for Divine Worship monthly newsletter
The Office for Divine Worship presents a monthly newsletter to aid in preparing celebrations that will occur in that particular month. The September newsletter is attached.
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.
PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.September Jubilee Newsletter ICSC English and Spanish Office for Divine Worship Sept Newsletter Nonviolence Training from a Benedictine Perspective Parish Care and Concern Ministry Columbus Day Spaghetti Dinner Lay Leader Conference Bible Study at Sacred Heart Auditorium St. Francis Xavier Events Sacred Heart Drive-Thru Chicken Dinner |
Fall retreats hosted by Bethany Retreat Center
As the seasons change and fall approaches, Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Road, Frenchville, invites you to take time for rest, renewal and spiritual growth. Our upcoming retreats are designed to nourish your soul, deepen your faith and offer moments of peace in the midst of life’s busyness. Visit https://www.anawimministries.com/ to view all the fall retreats. For more information or questions, please contact Lisa at 814-780-8101 or lisam@anwimministries.org. We look forward to welcoming you this fall!
Nonviolence training from a Benedictine perspective
On Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mount St. Benedict Monastery, 6101 East Lake Road, Harborcreek, Sister Anne McCarthy will lead an interactive workshop offering practical skills of nonviolence, presented through a Benedictine lens and grounded in Gospel nonviolence. A suggested donation of $40, or what you can afford, is requested. Lunch will be included in the monastery dining room. Please register by Friday, Sept. 5, as space is limited. Register here: https://eriebenedictines.org/pages/nonviolence-training.html.
St. Patrick Parish Irish Festival
The annual Erie Irish Festival will be held on the grounds of St. Patrick church, 130 East 4th Street, Erie, on Friday, Sept. 19, from 5 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy Irish games of chance, memorabilia, brews, pub fare and a traditional Irish bake sale. Live music, entertainment and Irish dancers will be featured throughout the weekend. For more information, visit www.erieirishfestival.com/new/.
Parish Care and Concern Ministry presentation
Are you eager to start or rejuvenate your parish social ministries and connect with fellow parishioners through meaningful service? Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie invites you to join our information session virtually or in person at St. Marks Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, on September 18 at 12 p.m. Come and explore the refreshed and revitalized Parish Care and Concern model of ministry. Please register at Parish Care & Concern Information Session. For more details, see the attached flyer.
Columbus Day Spaghetti Dinner
St. Mary of Grace Parish, 1085 Water Street, Meadville, will host its annual Columbus Day spaghetti dinner on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 5 to 10 and free for children under 5. The dinner includes spaghetti with homemade sauce and two meatballs, salad, bread, a beverage and dessert. Guests can also enjoy a raffle with cash prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a gift basket auction. Dinner and raffle tickets will be available at the door, after Mass or in advance at the parish office. For more information, see the attached flyer or call 814-336-1112. Proceeds benefit Epiphany of the Lord Parish.
NCYC to be held in Indianapolis this November
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is taking place Nov. 20-22 in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium. 20,000 Catholic high schoolers from across the country will gather to experience prayer, worship, music and community. There will be powerful speakers, and a chance to meet Pope Leo virtually! The cost is $310 (includes travel and hotel) with a deposit of $100 due Aug. 31. Graphics to promote this event are available on the parish social media resource page and the parish bulletin/web banner resource page. For more information or to register, visit www.eriercd.org/youth/ncyc.html or contact Jillian at 814-824-1219 or jzaczyk@eriercd.org.
2025 Lay Leaders Conference in Steubenville, Ohio
The St. Paul Center invites you to their first-ever Lay Leaders Conference, a three-day gathering designed to empower and inspire participants in their ministry. Taking place October 10–12, at the center located at 1380 University Blvd., Steubenville, Ohio 43952, this special event will feature highly respected scholars including Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma and others.
This is an opportunity for attendees to join with others who are passionate about becoming lay apostles in their communities for three days of in-depth formation, fellowship and spiritual renewal. Together, participants will be encouraged and equipped to live out their faith more deeply and effectively in service to the church.
Please prayerfully consider encouraging others to attend, or inviting your friends to join them, for this one-of-a-kind event. More information is available on the attached flyer or by visiting stpaulcenter.com/events/layleadersconference2025.
The Augustinian Journey: An Exploration of Pope Leo XIV's Mission
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Pope Leo XIV’s mission through the lens of Saint Augustine’s teachings. Join Rev. Peter M. Donohue, President of Villanova University, for The Augustinian Journey: An Exploration of Pope Leo XIV’s Mission on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 5 p.m. This free webinar will offer personal stories, theological insights and practical takeaways for incorporating Augustinian values of truth, charity and community into your own faith journey. Live attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Even if you can’t join live, register now to receive the recording, visit the website today to secure your spot: https://go.sadlier.com/religion/the-augustinian-journey-a-exploration-of-pope-leo-xiv-formation-september-10-2025.
Purpose and Edge Training for Faith Formation
Immaculate Conception Parish will be hosting a one-day training presented by LifeTeen staff, at the Our Lady of Clarion Center, 715 E. Main St., Clarion. The training will take place on Saturday Sept. 13, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. New Purpose and Edge ministers and new faith formation leaders are expected to attend. Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/a1cszDXEbE.
Bible Study on the Acts of the Apostles
Sacred Heart Parish, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, will host a study on the Acts of the Apostles beginning Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6:30-8 p.m. in their auditorium. Deacon Tony Alleruzzo and Dale Jennings will lead participants through discussion and reflection on how the early church grew through the work of ordinary people. The cost is $10, which includes the book and materials. Please register by Sept. 15. A registration form can be found on the attached flyer.
Becoming a Saint Study
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean, is offering a study through Christendom College's online courses. The subject is Becoming a Saint is not as far off as we might perceive. Meetings will be held on Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 17, from 10-11 a.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. This 7-week course will provide an actionable approach to this age-old pursuit by providing simple, practical strategies drawn from the timeless wisdom of St. Thomas Aquinas. Contact Irene Schneider for more information 814-476-7657 x7 or evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org. See attached flyer for additional information.
Cash Bingo - St. Francis Xavier Parish, McKean
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St. in McKean, will host Cash Bingo on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages, and there will be chances to win additional prizes throughout the afternoon. Proceeds benefit the Sunshine Circle Ministry. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Parish Office at 814-476-7657. See the attached flyer for details.
Sacred Heart Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ Dinner
Sacred Heart Parish, 816 W. 26th St., Erie, will host a drive-thru chicken BBQ dinner on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinners are $18 each or two for $35 and include ½ BBQ chicken, baked beans, Mason Farms sweet corn, a mini croissant, bottled water and a cookie. Proceeds support the charitable works of Sacred Heart Council #11818. Meals can be purchased with cash, debit or credit card. See the attached flyer for details.
Immaculate Conception and St. Dominic Churches Fall Fest Date Correction
The dates for the Fall Fest on the School Grounds at Summit St., Brookville, have been changed. The dates for this year’s festival are: Friday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The chili cook-off is Saturday, Sept. 13.
Internal job openings at Saint Mark Catholic Center:
There are no new job openings this week.
External job openings:
There are no new job openings this week.
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