September 28, 2026
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 5, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 1, 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 righat to edit submissions.
Email your Information Bulletin items to the editor.
October Counts
Pastors are reminded that October Count starts this weekend. Please make arrangements to have someone count weekend Mass attendance for the first 4 weekends in October. Click https://www.eriercd.org/October-Count.html to download the Mass Count form and instructions for submitting this year’s October Count.
2027 Official Catholic Directory updates (Kenedy Directory)
The Official Catholic Directory, also known as the Kenedy Directory, lists every Catholic entity in the United States. It is used to confirm tax exempt status for these entities under the USCCB group ruling with the IRS.
Parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations must update their entries each year online. The Official Catholic Directory sent an email on Sept. 23 to every organization that has provided an email address. Highlights from that email and tips for using the update system are attached.
Institutional representatives must log in to https://ocdedits.com/login to complete their updates for the 2026 Official Catholic Directory by Oct. 23. Please contact Maria Caulfield (814-824-1274, mcaulfield@eriercd.org) or Brianna McAndrew (814-824-1130, bmcandrew@eriercd.org) with any questions.
World Mission Sunday — October 17-18
The Diocese of Erie will join Catholics around the world in celebrating the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday on Oct. 17-18. This annual observance supports more than 1,125 mission dioceses around the world, providing essential assistance to new, young and poor dioceses as they work toward becoming self-sufficient and share Christ’s love, mercy, hope and peace.
The Diocese of Erie’s Office of Communications and Advancement, in collaboration with the Mission Office, has developed a World Mission Sunday parish toolkit with bulletin and pulpit announcements, flyers, social media graphics, homily assistance, talking points and other resources. Parishes should also receive additional World Mission Sunday materials by mail. Contribution envelopes are available through the Mission Office. All are invited to celebrate World Mission Sunday Mass on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Parish, 952 Buffalo St., Franklin, with Father Christopher Singer as celebrant. Visit www.eriercd.org/wms-toolkit.html for the parish toolkit and additional information. Questions may be directed to Mission Office Director Indira Suárez at isuarez@eriercd.org or 814-824-1231.
Parish communications resources available
The Office of Communications and Advancement offers ready-to-use resources to make parish communications and promotion easier throughout the year. Materials are available for diocesan campaigns, events, initiatives and special collections, along with graphics for parish websites, bulletins and social media.
Visit MyDioErie and refer to Section 4: Parish Staff, where you will find:
- Parish Resources and Toolkits page — resources for diocesan campaigns, initiatives and events
- Special Collections Resources and Toolkits page — promotional materials for diocesan special collections
- Web banners and bulletin ads — downloadable banners sized for ParishPlace homepages and graphics for parish bulletins
- Web graphics — downloadable graphics for social media
New materials are added throughout the year. Parish staff are encouraged to check these pages regularly for current resources. Visit MyDioErie and refer to Section 4 (Parish Staff).
Clergy Appointments
Bishop Lawrence T. Persico has announced deferred retirements for Deacon Anthony J. Alleruzzo, Deacon Miguel A. Alvarez, Jr., Deacon Frank A. Luciani and Deacon Raymond L. Wiehagen. Each will continue serving in his current assignment through Aug. 30, 2027. Please keep these deacons and the communities they serve in your prayers. See the announcement attached.
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.
Respect Life Month resources available
October is Respect Life Month, and parishes are invited to help promote and observe the month throughout October. The Diocese of Erie has created a Respect Life Month toolkit with materials for parish use, including social media and bulletin graphics, a flyer, bulletin announcements and pastor announcements. Resources also highlight Walking with Moms.
Respect Life Mass: All are invited to celebrate life on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph Church/Bread of Life Community, 147 W. 24th St., Erie, with The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico presiding. Fellowship will follow in the community center, and pro-life groups are encouraged to attend together. For questions, contact Elizabeth Slaby at 814-824-1254 or ESlaby@CCIncErie.org. Visit the Respect Life Month toolkit for all materials and resources.
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.
Transitus service at St. Boniface, Erie
"Transitus: The Easter of Saint Francis of Assisi" is a special commemoration of the death of this remarkable saint and his journey home to God 800 years ago. The Secular Franciscans of Canticles of the Son fraternity invite all to their Transitus service on Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon at St Boniface Church, 9367 Wattsburg Road, Erie, followed by a light reception. Saint Francis spoke of dying as "embracing Sister Death." This ritual is solemn but not sad and inspires participants to richly live the Gospel until the end of their days. RSVPs not required but helpful: marytodpt@gmail.com or 814-746-6783.
St. Lawrence/ St. Philip Parish fall roast beef dinner
St. Lawrence Parish fall roast beef dinner is being held at the St. Lawrence Parish Center, 129 East Pearl St., Albion, on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. or until sold out. Cost is $15 per person and includes: roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn or green beans, applesauce, coleslaw, a roll with butter and pie. There will also be an auction, bake sale, raffle and 50/50.
Annual “Greater Things” Conference: Revival in the Church
St. Joseph/Bread of Life Parish, 146 W. 24th St., Erie, is hosting a day of talks on Oct. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., by Sr. Rita D’Souza on Revival! Sr. Rita is the director of The Ark and The Dove Worldwide, based in Pittsburgh. The talks will be held in the church. Please contact T.A. Walkiewicz with any questions: 814-636-1800. For more information, see flyer attached.
Cathedral Prep Open House
Cathedral Prep invites all middle school students to attend Open House on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 12-3:00 p.m. Join us for student-guided tour of campus and meet our students, teachers and coaches. Discover our unique Academic Path Programs that focus on experiential, high-impact learning and career exploration. Explore a variety of clubs, activities, service projects, mission trips, performing & visual arts and varsity athletics. Learn more about college credit opportunities, tuition assistance and scholarships. Most importantly, find out what it’s like to be a Rambler! To pre-register for Open House, visit www.cathedralprep.com/oh26registration. For more information, see flyer attached.
Catholic Charities Helping Hands Gala
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie invites you to the Helping Hands Gala on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Yehl Ballroom at Gannon University, 124 W. 7th St., Erie. This year, Catholic Charities will honor Father John Jacquel with the Helping Hands of Justice Award and Joe and Rhonda Schember with the Helping Hands of Service Award. Tickets are $100 per person or $750 for a table of eight. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit our website: https://ccincerie.org/hhgala26.
32nd Annual Rosary March
The 32nd Annual Rosary March, sponsored by the Diocese of Erie World Apostolate of Fatima and the Legion of Mary, will be held Sunday, Oct. 11, at St. Peter Cathedral, 10th and Sassafras streets, Erie. The outdoor Rosary March will begin at 2 p.m., with participants praying the Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries while walking through downtown Erie. Participants are asked to arrive by 1:45 p.m. The Rosary will also be prayed inside the cathedral beginning at 2 p.m. A special prayer service will follow at 3 p.m. with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a Gospel reading, homily and Benediction. Father Jerry S. Priscaro will serve as this year’s guest homilist. For more information, contact John Walsh at 814-868-1100.
Epiphany of the Lord Parish spaghetti dinner
Epiphany of the Lord Parish will host a spaghetti dinner on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Mary of Grace Church, 1085 Water St., Meadville. Dinner includes spaghetti with homemade sauce and two meatballs, salad, bread, beverage and dessert. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 5-10. Children under age 5 eat free. Live music by Fifty Miles to Empty will be featured from 2 to 4 p.m. A gift basket auction, 50/50 and raffle will also be available. See the attached flyer for more information.
Parish Mission October 10-13, 2026
St. John the Baptist Parish will host a Parish Mission Oct. 10-13 featuring Father Jim Sichko, internationally known Catholic evangelist, author and storyteller. Father Sichko will preach at Mass on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 2220 Reed St., Erie, and Sunday, Oct. 11, at 8 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, 509 E. 26th St., Erie, and 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, 2701 East Ave., Erie. His mission presentation, “60 Minutes for Jesus,” will be held Oct. 11, 12 and 13 at 6:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church. A Papal Missionary of Mercy, Father Sichko has carried out acts of mercy in all 50 states. Visit frjims.com or see the attached flyer for more information.
OLP Knights of Columbus bingo
Knights of Columbus Council 11454 at Our Lady of Peace Parish will host a Cash Bingo on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the JPT Event Center, 2319 W. 38th St., Erie. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with bingo beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is $30 and includes 10 games of cash bingo. The event will also feature a 50/50, games of chance, basket raffles and tip boards. Proceeds benefit Knights of Columbus Council 11454. Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Pete at 814-600-5386 or through the Our Lady of Peace Parish office. Tickets will also be available at the door.
St. Gregory’s Wonder Workers Fall Fest
St. Gregory’s Wonder Workers will host their annual Fall Fest on Sunday, Oct. 11, in the St. Gregory Thaumaturgus School gym, 140 W. Main St., North East. Doors open at 1 p.m. with cash bingo beginning at 2 p.m. The event will also feature auction baskets, tip boards and 50/50 raffles. Admission is $30 per person, and a combo sub meal will be available for an additional cost. Pre-sale tickets are available at the Flower Cart during regular business hours.
Return: Homily Series & Book Study
St. Francis Xavier Parish, 8880 Main St., McKean, is offering both a Homily Series and Book Study in October and November to answer questions and give hope to those who are not practicing their faith. The Book Study begins Tuesday, Oct. 6, with two options to attend: 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. The Homily Series begins the weekend of Oct. 10 and 11. Please see the flyer for details and the QR code to register for the study or contact Irene Schneider for more information at evangelization@stfrancisxaviermckean.org or 814-476-7657, ext. 7.
There are no classifieds this week.
If I.B. attachments do not open, click here to download the latest Acrobat Reader. If problems persist, email Kathy Papalia or call 814.824.1184.
If your email address or your status for receiving the Information Bulletin changes, please notify the Office of Communications so that we can update our mailing list.
To access the Information Bulletin online, visit www.ErieRCD.org and click on Information Bulletin under the News and Information drop-down menu. As with the email version, pastors and department heads will still need to enter their password to access secure information.
If you would like to unsubscribe to the Information Bulletin, please notify the Office of Communications and type “unsubscribe” in the subject line.