September 8, 2025
The next Information Bulletin is Monday, September 15, 2025.The deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 11, 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 Count to begin
The October Count starts Oct. 4. Visit https://www.eriercd.org/October-Count.html to download the form and instructions for submitting October Count figures electronically. The deadline for submitting your figures is Nov.14. Contact Kathy Papalia at 814-824-1184 with any questions.
Deadline approaching for Catholic Foundation Education Grant opportunity
Catholic parishes and schools are invited to apply for an Education Grant from the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania. Already this year, funding has been granted to support a wide variety of faith formation and technology projects and programs throughout northwest Pennsylvania. Don’t miss this opportunity! Your project may be a good match for this grant. Read more at https://www.cfnwpa.org/grant-seekers/education-grant-guidelines. Contact Julia Cooney at jcooney@cfnwpa.org with any questions. The deadline to submit an Education Grant application is Monday, Sept. 22.
Faith Formation catechist training: Collaborative inservice
This training covers all topics required for the annual catechist formation. Parish leaders are encouraged to have their catechists attend in place of hosting separate mandatory sessions.
The training is offered in each Vicariate from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with lunch provided on the following dates: Eastern Vicariate on Oct. 12, Northern Vicariate on Oct. 19 or Western Vicariate on Oct. 26. Register online: https://forms.office.com/r/7KstHtBTtw.
Updating parish software
Microsoft has announced that it is ending support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14. Ensure your parish isn't left running unsupported software. Parishes running unsupported software are vulnerable to significant security risk and potential compliance violations. Click here https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/can-i-upgrade-to-windows-11-14c25efc-ecb7-4ce6-a3dd-7e2e24476997 to learn more about getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade.
Creating annual event templates
Let parishioners know about your upcoming Pet Blessing by sending them an email through Ministry Platform. We have created a Pet Blessing email template for your use. Once you create your own template, you can re-use it every year. Click this link to download instructions: https://www.eriercd.org/images/pdf/computer/mp/specialeventsemail.pdf. If you would like to see email templates for other common parish events, email it@eriercd.org.
#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.
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.
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.
AttachmentsSeptember Jubilee NewsletterNonviolence Training from a Benedictine Perspective Parish Care and Concern Ministry Columbus Day Spaghetti Dinner
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PW Protected Attachments:Clergy and Department Heads click here to login.September Jubilee Newsletter Nonviolence Training from a Benedictine Perspective Parish Care and Concern Ministry Columbus Day Spaghetti Dinner |
Bags and Bourbon Bingo
The Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools is hosting a Bags and Bourbon Bingo on Saturday, Oct. 11, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. in the Kennedy Catholic High School gymnasium, 2120 Shenango Valley Fwy, Hermitage. Enjoy an evening filled with exciting bingo games, amazing designer bags, bourbon prizes, charcuterie, a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle and so much more! General Admission tickets are $35 per person, VIP tickets are $50 per person.
Gather your friends, mark your calendars and join us for a night you won’t forget. Tickets will go fast—you won’t want to miss this! To purchase tickets, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6tf8yr.
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. 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.
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.
Pray for our Nation Signs
Pray for our Nation yard signs have been generously donated by Mr. James Toohey, Sr. and are available free of charge for anyone wanting to put them in their yard, business, etc. The purpose simply being to pray for the happiness, peace and strength of our nation. Please email amoks@eriercd.org if you’d like to receive one.
Internal job openings at Saint Mark Catholic Center:
There are no new job openings this week.
External job openings:
Elk County Catholic School System is Now Hiring: Preschool Aide (Part-Time)
St. Marys Catholic Elementary School, 114 Queens Rd., St. Marys, is seeking a kind, dependable and enthusiastic preschool aide to support teachers and help nurture the hearts and minds of young learners. This part-time position is offered during the school year, with hours Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The aide will assist in the classroom with daily routines and supervision, while helping to provide a safe, loving and faith-filled environment for children ages 3–5. To apply, please email your resume and a short statement of interest to Debbie Slay at slayd@eccss.org. For more information, visit https://eccss.org/jobs/.
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