September 22, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, September 29, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 25, 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.
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 October newsletter is attached.
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the attached October 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.
2025 World Mission Sunday collection and WMS materials information
Please find attached Bishop Persico’s letter introducing the 2025 World Mission Sunday Collection, taken the weekend of Oct. 18 and 19. Parishes are asked to publicize this collection in a significant way on the weekend of Oct. 11 and 12. For new, young, or poor dioceses, the collection from WMS is essential on their journey to becoming self-sufficient. You should expect an envelope with WMS materials in the mail this week, and we have contribution envelopes available at the Mission Office. For more information and materials, contact Mission Office Director Indira Suárez at isuarez@eriercd.org or 814-824-1231.
October: Clergy Appreciation Month
October is Clergy Appreciation Month, a time for us to honor and thank the priests and deacons who walk with us in faith.
Clergy Appreciation Day, observed on Oct. 12, is a special moment for our parishes and schools to come together in thanksgiving for their service. The Office for Divine Worship has provided a prayer for this occasion, inviting parishes, schools and families to lift their hearts in gratitude to God for the gift of our clergy.
To help your parish celebrate, the Office of Communications and Advancement has created social media graphics, web banners, a bulletin insert and prayer card available on our parish resource pages. Please make use of these tools to invite your parish community into this celebration. Simple acts of gratitude, whether through prayer, words of encouragement or small gestures, remind our clergy that their witness matters and that they are deeply appreciated. Learn more about this month-long celebration here. Let’s join together this October in lifting up our priests and deacons, thanking God for their ministry and fostering a culture that encourages new vocations.
Nationwide Novena for Mental Health, Oct. 10 – 18
The Novena for Mental Health is an opportunity for all the People of God to join together in prayer for women and men experiencing or impacted by mental health issues and for all those who accompany them. The entire church in the United States is especially encouraged to pray this Nationwide Novena in solidarity with Catholics across the country from Oct. 10 to Oct. 18, beginning on World Mental Health Day (Oct 10), including Mental Health Sunday and concluding on the feast of Saint Luke the Physician (Oct 18), the patron of health care.
This nine-day prayer experience was developed in collaboration with the National Catholic Mental Health Coalition, a network of leaders representing organizations advising the USCCB and engaging in active work around mental health in Catholic communities nationwide. The Office of Communications and Advancement has created several resources for your use. Find them here: graphics, web banners and bulletin inserts.
Special report: Pope Leo XIV canonizes two young saints
Faith Catholic has released a special bulletin insert celebrating the canonization of Saint Carlo Acutis and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, two young Italian witnesses of faith who continue to inspire the world. We invite you to share this insert with your parish community as we rejoice in the church’s newest saints. The insert is attached and ready to be included in your parish bulletin.
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
The Diocese of Erie Communications & Advancement team, in collaboration with the Missions Office, has created materials for parish bulletins, websites and social media to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Let us come together and lift up our Hispanic parishioners, especially the faith community of Saint Stephen/San Esteban Parish in Erie, our diocesan home for Hispanic ministry. Download the prayer card attached.
#iGiveCatholic yard signs and donation envelopes available
#iGive Catholic yard signs and donations envelopes are available for all eligible participating Catholic schools, parishes and ministries. Each organization may request up to two yard signs and as many envelopes as they would like. The envelopes are ideal for donors who are unable to make online gifts or those who make large gifts and would like to avoid associated credit card fees. To place an order, contact Elizabeth Rathburn at the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania at erathburn@cfnwpa.org or 814-824-1257.
Office 2016 is going end of life this October – 10/14/2025
Once Office 2016 ceases to receive security updates from Microsoft, it can become a source of attack for malicious individuals. If you need Microsoft Office, email it@eriercd.org or call Kathy Papalia at 814-824-1184. To determine which version of Office you are currently using: Open Word > Click File > Click Account on the bottom left. You should see a column entitled “Product Information” that will specifically list the version of Office you are using. Microsoft Office is $40 per person per year.
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.Office for Divine Worship newsletter ICSC English and Spanish World Mission Sunday and Hispanic Heritage Month Saint Carlo and Saint Pier insert Helping Hands Gala Encountering Ministries- Weekend School of Healing Lament an opening to hope Taste of Poland Oktoberfest 31st Annual Rosary March |
Helping Hands Gala 2025
Get ready for an incredible evening of generosity and celebration at the Helping Hands Gala! Join Catholic Charities on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the Yehl Alumni Ballroom, Gannon University, Erie. We will celebrate Joe Tarquinio as the Helping Hands of Justice honoree and Chris and Maria Ehrman as the Helping Hands of Service honorees for their unwavering commitment to the church and community. Tickets are $100 each, or $750 for a table of eight. Proceeds directly support Catholic Charities. Enjoy a special performance by the Erie Playhouse Showstoppers. Please see the attached PDF for inclusion in your bulletin. Can't attend? Participate in our online silent auction, opening Saturday, Oct. 4, at https://givebutter.com/c/hhgala25/auction. Visit https://ccincerie.org/gala-tickets to purchase your tickets today!
Bethany Retreat Center events
Anawim Ministries of the Bethany Retreat Center, 1031 Germania Rd., Frenchville, is holding a variety of upcoming retreats. For more information or to sign up, please visit: https://www.anawimministries.com/retreats for a list of upcoming events.
Encountering Ministries - Weekend School of Healing
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean, is hosting "Encounter Ministries-Weekend School of Healing," on Dec. 5-6. Jesus never proclaimed the Gospel without demonstrating it in power and love. Jesus’ healing ministry is at the heart of His Gospel of power, and he expects his disciples to minister his healing on the earth (cf Mt 16:18-19). This class provides a foundation for partnering with the Holy Spirit to bring healing to the world around us. Friday begins with understanding Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Impartation. Saturday dives into the Theology of Healing, Role of Faith & Prayer Model, Understanding Redemptive Suffering & Overcoming Discouragement, and the Power of Testimony & Words of Knowledge. The evening ends with a public healing service where participants will be able to put what they learned into practice as prayer teams. The cost is $75. Space is limited. For more information you can contact Irene at 814-476-7657 x7.
Erie Crop Walk
The 50th Annual Erie CROP Walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 28. You can help fight hunger in our community by walking with the team sponsored by Emmaus Ministries, 345 E. 9th St., Erie, or by making a donation to support their efforts. This year’s walk has a special goal of raising $100,000 in honor of its 50th anniversary. To learn more or ask questions, call Emmaus Ministries at 814-459-8349, or visit events.crophungerwalk.org/crophungerwalks/event/eriepa.
Lament: An Opening to Hope Prayer Service
Mount St. Benedict Monastery, 6101 East Lake Rd., Erie, will host a special prayer service of lament and hope on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. in the monastery chapel. The Mercyhurst University Liturgical Dance Ensemble will take part, helping to express the prayer through movement alongside music, chant and spoken word. Rooted in the Old Testament, the prayer of lament acknowledges the sorrow we experience in a world marked by suffering and injustice and, when shared communally, leads us to renew our hope and trust in God’s faithfulness and promise. This service offers all pilgrims of hope an opportunity to lift their voices and hearts together. See the attached poster and event link for more details.
Taste of Poland
St. Stanislaus Parish, 516 E. 13th St., Erie, will host its annual Taste of Poland Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 12 to 5 p.m., with takeout also available. The meal will include pierogi, sausage, golabki, mashed potatoes and gravy, kupusta and bread with butter, at a cost of $16 for adults, $6 for children ages 6–12 and free for those under 5. Czarnina and frozen pierogi will also be for sale, along with a large bake sale, theme basket auction, special raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit St. Stanislaus Parish. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
18th Annual Oktoberfest
St. Luke and Mount Carmel Parish, 1552 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie, will host its 18th annual Oktoberfest on Friday, Oct. 3, from 5 to 11 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 4, from 12 to 11 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The festival will feature authentic German food, a beer and wine tent, live music, a kids’ fun zone, a wiener dog race, a Bavarian coffee house, games of chance and more than 150 theme baskets. Guests will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for the chance to win a 2025 BMW Roadster or $50,000.
All Shook Up Musical
Cathedral Preparatory School, 250 W. 10th St., Erie, will present All Shook Up, a hilarious and heartfelt musical featuring Elvis Presley’s greatest hits including Heartbreak Hotel, Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel and Jailhouse Rock. Performances will be held in the H. David Bowes Auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 9, Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and $5 for students (cash only).
31st Annual Rosary March
The 31st annual Rosary March will take place at St. Peter’s Cathedral, 230 W. 10th St., Erie, on Sunday, Oct. 12, beginning at 2 p.m. Sponsored by the Diocesan World Apostolate of Fatima and the Legion of Mary, participants are invited to gather outside the cathedral at 1:45 p.m. to march and pray the Rosary through downtown Erie, while the Rosary will also be prayed simultaneously inside the cathedral. A prayer service will follow at 3 p.m., with Bishop Lawrence Persico presiding.
Sips and Sings Karaoke fundraiser
Catholic Charities Counseling & Adoption Services will host a Sips and Sings Karaoke Fundraiser at South Shore Wine Co., 1120 Freeport Rd., North East, on Friday, Oct. 17, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres and wine sampling. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on the flyer: https://eriercd.org/images/informationalbulletin/55be3b974318399e366e374ec2e74c74.pdf.
Part-Time Volunteer needed at St. Martin Center
St. Martin Center, 1701 Parade St., Erie, is hiring a part-time volunteer receptionist. Interested applicants should apply at their website: https://www.stmartincenter.org/volunteerapp.html.
World Apostolate of Fatima seeks leadership positions
The Diocese of Erie World Apostolate of Fatima is inviting candidates to apply for future leadership positions within this lay apostolate. Open roles include president, vice president and additional board members. Training will be provided by those currently serving in these positions, with an expected time commitment of approximately 2–4 hours per month. This voluntary service calls for strong organizational and interpersonal skills, along with a sincere dedication to promoting the Fatima message and fostering Marian devotion throughout the diocese. Interested individuals are asked to submit a brief letter of interest including name, address, city, phone number, email and a summary of qualifications to: Fr. Jerry S. Priscaro, Diocesan Spiritual Director for the World Apostolate of Fatima, P.O. Box 984, Erie, PA 16512-0984. For more information, please contact Father Priscaro at 814-464-6913.
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