September 29, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, October 6, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, October 2, 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.
October Count Reminder
Pastors are reminded that October Count starts this weekend. Please make arrangements to have someone count weekend Mass attendance every weekend 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.
2026 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 should log in to https://ocdedits.com/login to complete their updates for the 2026 Official Catholic Directory by October 29, 2025. Please contact Brianna McAndrew (814-824-1130, bmcandrew@eriercd.org) or Maria Caulfield (814-824-1274, mcaulfield@eriercd.org) with any questions. You may also contact the publishers directly at ocdedits@nrpdirect.com.
October edition of Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope available now
The attached October edition of the Jubilee Journey: Pilgrims of Hope newsletter is now available. To recognize the Jubilee Year 2025, this newsletter – suitable for printing in parish bulletins or using in faith formation classes – provides both informative and interactive elements for children and adults. Each edition celebrates the monthly jubilee events recognized the Vatican and brings readers along for a spiritual pilgrimage. The October edition is attached, and previous editions can be found at https://www.eriercd.org/holyyear2025.html.
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.
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.
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.October Jubilee newsletter Office for Divine Worship newsletter ICSC English and Spanish Paul Fey free organ concert Chosen Season 5 viewing and discussion Helping Hands Gala SSJ Open House Cathedral Prep Open House Respect Life Conference Encountering Ministries Weekend School of Healing |
Paul Fey free organ concert
St. Peter Cathedral Parish, 230 W. 10th St., Erie, will be hosting world-renowned German organist Paul Fey. Paul will be performing an organ concert on the magnificent Casavant Organs on Friday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public. To learn please see the attached flyer.
The Chosen season five viewing and discussion
St. John the Baptist Parish, 509 East 26th St., Erie, will be hosting a weekly viewing and guided discussion series on The Chosen, season 5. The viewing of each episode will begin at 6:30 p.m. starting Oct. 1, and every consecutive week through Nov. 19, with a discussion to follow each week. All are welcome. See attached flyer for more details.
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!
Sisters of Saint Joseph, Open House on October 25
The Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation invites you to an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 3-5 p.m. at the SSJ Community Living Center, 5031 West Ridge Road. This special gathering will celebrate the Sisters and their 165 years of ministry in the Catholic Diocese of Erie. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, brief tours with the Sisters and live entertainment by Me and Julio. A Blessing of the St. Joseph Mural will take place at 4 p.m. Please RSVP by Oct. 14 to 814-836-4202 or almi.clerkin@ssjerie.org. See attached flyer for more details.
Cathedral Prep Open House
Cathedral Preparatory School, 250 W. 10th St., Erie, invites all middle school students to attend an Open House to tour the campus, meet students, teachers and coaches and to find out what it’s like to be a Rambler. The Open House will take place on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 12-3 p.m. To pre-register, please visit: www.cathedralprep.com/oh2025registration. See attached flyer for more details.
Respect Life Conference 2025 “Be a Sign of Hope”
Catholic Charities Office of Social Justice and Life invites you to attend the 2025 Respect Life Conference “Be a Sign of Hope” on Nov. 1 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (doors open at 8:45 a.m.) at Saint Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie. Presentations will be given on a variety of respect life topics: Walking with Moms in Need, post-IVF ministry, hospice care, and human trafficking. Tickets are $15/person, $8/student, and scholarships are available. Registration includes lunch. For more information, please contact Social Justice and Life Director Elizabeth Slaby at ESlaby@CCIncErie.org or 814-824-1254. A flyer is attached with more information and a registration link.
Engagement Encounter: Feb. 6–8, 2026
Pastors are encouraged to invite engaged couples to participate in a weekend retreat at St. Mark Catholic Center, 429 E. Grandview Blvd., Erie. This retreat fulfills diocesan marriage preparation requirements and is open to both Catholic and interfaith couples. Registration and details: eriercd.org/familylifeoffice. “A wedding lasts a day, but marriage is a lifetime.”
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, ext.7.
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/volunteer-application.html.
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