September 27, 2021
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 4, 2021.
Deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 30, 2021, 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.
Last call for REEF grant funding in 2021
The application submission deadline for the fourth quarter granting cycle of the Religious Education Enrichment Fund (REEF) is Oct. 1. Individuals, parishes, schools and other diocesan affiliated entities are encouraged to apply for one of the three types of grants: 1) Leadership Training for professional education and training; 2) Creative Project for religious formation start-up projects; and 3) Ministry Training for conferences, workshops and non-degree certificate courses. Learn more and download the fillable applications at www.eriercd.org/schools/reefgrants.html. Not sure if your project qualifies? Contact REEF Administrator Kathleen Robbinson at 814-824-1220.
Red Mass scheduled for next month
The annual Red Mass invoking the Holy Spirit upon those in the legal profession will be celebrated by Bishop Lawrence Persico on Oct. 18 at 5:15 p.m. in the Mary Seat of Wisdom Chapel of Gannon University, 513 Peach St., Erie. The Mass is open to the public, especially those in the legal profession, judiciary and public life. All members of these professions, regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome to attend. All judges are invited to bring their robes and participate in the procession with the bishop. An optional dinner buffet that follows includes a talk by Father Nicholas Rouch titled, “Defending the Church Today: Insights from St. John Henry Newman.” For further details and to register for the banquet, see the attached flier or go to the Erie County Bar Association website at https://www.eriebar.com/events/member-registration/1734 or call the ECBA at 814-459-3111.
Rural ministry outreach continues
Seventeen religious sisters have volunteered to do rural ministry programming in the Bradford Deanery of the Diocese of Erie. They continue the work of Benedictine Sisters Phyllis Schleicher and Mary Hoffman, who recently ended their service in that area. Upcoming presentations are:
Topic: Becoming our Best Self with Prayer and Presence
Presenter: Sister Clare Marie Beichner, SSJ
• Oct. 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Sacred Heart Parish, Genesee
Topic: How Faith Informs Life
Presenter: Sister Carmen Maldonado, OSC
• Oct. 21 at noon to Oct. 22 at noon — Olmsted Manor, Ludlow
Retreat: Pope Francis’ Newest Letter on Social Friendship
Presenter: Sister Dorothy Stoner, OSB
$50 for overnight and meals (scholarships available)
Register by emailing srtinag@gmail.com
• Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon — St. Bernard Parish, Bradford
Topic: Being a Disciple of Jesus
Presenter: Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ
• Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon — St. Theresa Parish, Shinglehouse
Topic: Living with the Liturgical Year
Presenters: Sister Kathleen Dietz, FSO, and Sister Catherine Murphy, FSO
Register for any of these events by calling 814-824-1125. Contact Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ, at 814-824-1217 with any questions.
October Count starts this weekend
Pastors are reminded that October Count starts this weekend. Please make arrangements to have someone count weekend Mass attendance the first four weekends in October. Go to www.eriercd.org/October-Count.html to download the Mass Count form and instructions for submitting this year’s October Count.
Diocese promotes Re-membering Our Sunday Story videos
On the day he was introduced to the Diocese of Erie, Bishop Lawrence Persico said he had only one item on his agenda: to share with you the love of Jesus Christ. At the bishop’s request, the Office of Faith Formation, with the help of a task force, has created the Re-membering Our Sunday Story initiative designed to help parishioners discover a deeper appreciation for what it means to gather for Mass, to receive the Eucharist and to be part of a community. Watch for the theme as it appears in various outreach efforts through the end of the year, including video testimonials from parishioners across the diocese now available at www.eriercd.org/SundayStory.html. How might you use them to encourage conversation at the parish level?
International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter
The Catholic Foundation is happy to share the October edition of the International Catholic Stewardship Council newsletter found at https://catholicstewardship.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ICSC-Parish-eBulletin_OCT-21_F.pdf. 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.
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.
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Retreat opportunity for men
Bethany Retreat Center in Frenchville is offering a new retreat opportunity only for men Oct. 1-3. Come together to examine the role of a man in today's world, the characteristics of a healthy relationship with God, family, friends and co-workers from the masculine perspective. Take this time to reflect on the talents and gifts you have been given. For more information, call 814-263-4855 or visit www.bethanyretreatcenter.org.
Interfaith candlelight vigil for the Earth
All are invited to attend an interfaith prayer service on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. in Perry Square in downtown Erie or via livestream on Facebook. Participants of all faith traditions will come together on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi to pray for a stronger commitment to care for creation and all that has been gifted to us by God. This event is co-sponsored by the diocesan Social Justice and Life Office. More details may be found at the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/216652373677494 or by using the QR code on the attached flier. Questions may be directed to Patrice Swick, director of the SJ&L office, at pswick@ErieRCD.org.
Fall labyrinth retreat offered at Bethany Retreat Center
A fall labyrinth retreat will be held at Bethany Retreat Center Oct. 8-10. Participants will discuss Celtic saints and feast days in October, learn about the Celtic cross and the Seven Celtic Christian Distinctives, and walk an indoor and outdoor labyrinth. Learn the benefits of labyrinth walking and experience a cornucopia of reflective practices. You will connect with the deeper part of yourself through a group gratitude labyrinth walk and also reap the gifts of the day in small group sharing circles. For more information, call 814-263-4855 or visit us at www.bethanyretreatcenter.org.
Get fit for People for Life’s run/walk
All are invited to participate in People for Life’s eighth annual Life Run 5K/10K & Fun Walk on Oct. 9. Online registration, for both participants and business sponsor/advertisers, is available at www.peopleforlife.org/runinfo.
Celebrate Oktoberfest at St. Boniface
St. Boniface Parish in Erie will have an Oktoberfest celebration on Oct. 1 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event is centered on a beer-tasting experience featuring St. Boniface’s own parish-brewed selections, including a German Altbier, American Pilsner, Octoberfest, and Irish Dry Stout. Food and lawn games also will be provided.
Hungry for Chuck & Ginny’s spaghetti?
St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Erie is hosting a Chuck & Ginny’s spaghetti dinner Oct. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium, 2801 W. 6th St. The cost is $10 per person; $5 per child. Take-outs are available at the door. Featuring Erie’s own Ginny’s sauce from Chuck & Ginny’s.
Medicine, Bioethics and Spirituality Conference scheduled for February
Healthcare Professionals for Divine Mercy are hosting their Medicine, Bioethics and Spirituality Conference on Feb. 11-13, 2022. This virtual conference is open to anyone interested in healthcare and the role of bioethical principles, as well as spirituality that helps bring forth definitive healing to the infirm and those suffering in any way. Healthcare professionals may obtain continuing medical education credits. Conference registration can be completed at www.thedivinemercy.org/healthcare or by calling 1-800-462-7426. See more information at www.marianweb.net/archives/pdfs/events/em17th_Annual_span_style_1678.pdf.
Win a Corvette!
St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Erie is sponsoring a charity car raffle. Win a 2021 Corvette Stingray 1LT or $40,000 at a live drawing on Christmas Eve 2021. Tickets are $100 (only 3,000 tickets are being sold). For complete details, go to www.stjudeapos.org or www.winavette.com.
Art teacher needed
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools in Hermitage is in need of a high school arts and humanities teacher. For details about the position and how to apply, go to www.eriercd.org/employment.html.
Diocese of Greensburg hiring director of faith formation
The Diocese of Greensburg is searching for a dedicated Catholic to support and enhance catechetical efforts throughout the diocese, focusing primarily on faith formation and youth ministry. Submit resumes to CatholicSchools@dioceseofgreensburg.org.
Assistant executive director needed for spirituality center
Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center (VMESC), a retreat center in Villa Maria, Pennsylvania, and a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, is seeking a full-time assistant executive director. A commitment to faith-based ministry is required, as well as executive leadership qualities and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment. A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s is preferred, or a combination of equivalent experience and education. A job description is available upon request. To apply, e-mail resume to jmkudlacz@humilityofmary.org or send to: Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center, 2067 Evergreen Road, P.O. Box 424, Villa Maria, PA 16155.
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