Diocesan Pastoral Ministries
We are pleased to provide you with a sample of opportunities in order to experience God’s love and/or healing in a variety of concrete ways.
As a Catholic family, we all have a responsibility to live the Gospel values by reaching out to one another whenever a need exists.
We hope you find this information both helpful and useful as you take your next steps of faith.
Please be assured of the prayers of each of us who work and volunteer in these ministries.
Contact us if you have any questions, or would like more information. Meanwhile, know that we are all companions on this journey and you are never alone.
If you have questions or need a comprehensive listing of the ministries and outreaches in the Diocese of Erie visit www.erieRCD.org or call 800.374.3723. May God bless you and all those you love.
The following is a list of opportunities offered by the Diocese of Erie family.
Cancer Support Group
A peer-led, monthly support group open to anyone who has been touched by cancer and its effects. Visit www.erieRCD.org/healing.asp or call 814.882.6669.
Cursillo (“short course”)
Led by a team of laypersons and clergy, Cursillo is a weekend experience for adult men or women who are seeking a better understanding of their Christian faith, a closer relationship with Christ and others while experiencing true Christian Community in Action. A unique and powerful weekend that is offered 9 times/year. Visit www.eriecursillo.org or call 814.824.1118. St. Mary’s Parish contact: Ray & Rose Ann Ehrensberger: (814) 594-9074
Disability & Deaf Ministries
Specialized ministries that welcome people with all disabilities and their families into the Church through advocacy, specialized programs, retreats and accommodations for inclusion in all aspects of spiritual life. Call 814.824.1257.
Life in the Spirit Seminars
The Life in the Spirit Seminar is intended for anyone who desires a new awareness and deeper relationship with God, especially through the working of the Holy Spirit, in order to be more spiritually equipped in everyday life. It is an invitation to “stir into flame” the gift of the Holy Spirit that was given at Baptism and Confirmation. Contact 814.824.1286.
PALS (People After Loss from Suicide)
A grief support group that offers encouragement and education to all who suffer from the loss of a loved one due to suicide. Visit www.erieRCD.org/healing.asp or call 814.824.1265.
Pastoral Outreach & Rural Ministries
Specialized ministries in several counties throughout PA that offer pastoral and ecumenical outreach, spiritual support, education, and enrichment opportunities for persons of all ages and stages of life. Clarion, Venango, Crawford, Forest: 814.677.2032. Potter, McKean: 814.544.8017.
Pregnancy Counseling Services
A specialized ministry that offers pregnant women counseling services and, in some cases, material goods in an effort to encourage and support their decision to parent their expected child. Visit www.cccas.org or call 800.673.2535.
Professional Counseling Services
Offered in 12 satellite locations throughout the Erie Diocese, professional counseling services are available to individuals, couples and families. Project Rachel is a network of healing composed of specially-trained caregivers who provide direct care to those who have been touched by an abortion enabling them to grieve and find peace. Visit www.cccas.org or call 800.673.2535.
Project Rachel
A network of healing composed of specially-trained caregivers who provide direct care to those who have been touched by an abortion enabling them to grieve and find peace. Visit www.cccas.org or call 800.673.2535.
Rainbows
A specially designed program for children that promotes healing and wholeness after loss due to the separation or divorce of their parents. Adult sessions are also available at concurrent times. Visit www.erieRCD.org/healing.asp or call 814.824.1265.
Retrouvaille
A weekend experience that offers healing and hope to wounded marriages. Held in complete privacy, Retrouvaille is designed to provide couples with vital tools needed to get their marriage back on track. Offered twice/year in the Erie Diocese. Visit www.retrouvaille.org or call 814.824.1261.
TEC (To Encounter Christ)
A 3-day encounter for older teens and young adults, To Encounter Christ is an encounter with the suffering, dying, and rising Jesus. TEC reveals to participants authentic Christian living in the Catholic tradition. TEC invites youth, young adults, and adults to participate together in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
TEC assists participants who are searching for a deeper meaning, purpose, and hope in life to find those things in a true relationship with God and a community of believers. It begins on Friday at 9:30 am and ends on Sunday at 6 pm.
TEC is offered several times per year. Visit www.erieRCD.org/vine.asp or www.divinemercytec.com. TEC offers a Catholic experience in Christian living based solidly on Gospel values and community life. Or call 814.452.2982.
Ten Great Dates
Designed as a fun, creative way to energize a couple’s marriage, this inexpensive, proven approach is low-key, purposeful and enjoyable in all ages and stages of marriage. Visit www.erieRCD.org/familylifeoffice.asp or call 814.824.1261.
Transitions
A specialized healing ministry that provides a safe place for healthy grieving due to the loss of one’s marriage by death, divorce or separation. Through monthly support groups and periodic specialized programs, this ministry offers companionship and hope to all who currently travel the journey of grief. Visit www.erieRCD.org/healing.asp or call 814.824.1265.
Tribunal
The work of the Tribunal and Office of Matrimonial Concerns is carried out by a compassionate staff of specially trained priests, deacons, religious and lay people who assist in matters relating to preparation for the Sacrament of Marriage. They assist persons who are separated or divorced and seek information about the annulment process. All persons who seek the services of the Marriage Tribunal are treated with equal care, respect and confidentiality. Visit www.erieRCD.org/tribunal.asp or call 814.824.1140.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter
A unique weekend experience designed to help revitalize Christian marriage with a focus on communication and reconnection. WWME is offered 3 times/year in the Erie Diocese. Visit www.WWME.org or call 814.823.4600.