Around the Diocese
Rite of Election takes place in Erie and DuBois; dozens to be welcomed into the church at Easter
On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the first of two Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversions was celebrated at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie. Eighty initiates from 22 parishes and Gannon University were in attendance. On Sunday, February 25, the second Rite of Election in the Diocese of Erie took place at St. Catherine of Siena, the parish church of Holy Spirit Parish, DuBois. 21 candidates and 15 catechumens from 10 parishes were in attendance. Bishop Lawrence Persico was present at both ceremonies. The candidates will be fully initiated into the Catholic faith during Easter Vigil Masses held at each of their parishes on March 30. Photos/Diocese of Erie Office of Faith Formation; Canva/Melanie Sisinni
Father Chris Beran looks like a new man after St. George School fundraiser
Father Chris Beran, parochial vicar, is almost unrecognizable after a fun event at St. George School, Erie. Students at the school participated in a special assembly as a thank you for their hard work in fundraising for the school's parent-teacher organization. Throughout the fundraiser, the students sold tickets to reach different goal posts, including ice cream, a pizza party and the grand prize of shaving off Father Beran’s signature beard. Students were thrilled to have reached their goal. Photos/Erie Catholic School System, Collage/Melanie Sisinni
A unique way to celebrate Epiphany
On Saturday, January 6, 2024, the eve of the feast of the Epiphany, parishioners from St. Patrick Parish, Franklin, celebrated the gifts of the three wise men to the infant Jesus. Parishioners held a baby shower and were asked to emanate the Maji by bringing baby items to the shower as gifts. The gifts were donated to the Life Center in Franklin, which supports women in crisis pregnancies. The event included dinner and a presentation from Life Center Director Kim Simons on the work and ministry of the Life Center. Photos/St. Patrick Parish Facebook, Collage/Melanie Sisinni
Synod Listening Sessions-Interim Phase
All are welcome to Synod LIstening Sessions Interim Phase
200 reasons to be thankful
On Saturday, November 18, Mercy Center volunteers, clients and staff served a Thanksgiving lunch to 200 guests at the Erie City Mission. This is the third year for this collaboration and volunteers prepared for the day well in advance. UPMC Health Plan supplied backpacks full of warmth and hygiene essentials. The Hamot Health Foundation in partnership with generous community donors provided $10 gift cards to Country Fair. Pulakos Chocolates sent love in a delicious chocolate marshmallow pumpkin treat. Hundreds of cookies were donated by volunteer bakers. Photo/Mercy Center for Women
Favorite saints
St. Mary Parish in Reynoldsville witnessed an inspiring celebration of the lives of saints as children enthusiastically dressed up as their favorite saints to attend the Saturday evening Mass on November 4. The event, which also marked the second annual All Saints Day Fall Festival, brought a sense of community and family spirit to the parish, with families coming together to create a unique and joyful experience that embraced their faith and young members. As the parish looks toward its future, the commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity remains at the core of its mission. Photo/Melanie Sisinni
Raising saints: Lessons from the mother of Blessed Carlo Acutis
On the heels of the pilgrimage of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ relics through the Diocese of Erie last spring, Faith magazine had the opportunity to interview his mother, Antonia. She discussed her vocation as a mother with the Diocese of Erie after speaking at a Eucharistic congress in Philadelphia September 30. Inspired to understand and embrace her Catholic faith by the passion of her son, Antonia shared memories of Carlo — likely to become the first saint of his generation — and insights into the vocation of parenthood. Photo/Anne-Marie Welsh
2023 Helping Hands Gala
Catholic Charities, Inc., of the Diocese of Erie held its annual Helping Hands Gala on October 12, 2023, in Gannon University’s Yehl Alumni Ballroom. Helping Hands of Service and Justice join to raise funds for Catholic Charities. Pictured above, Bishop Lawrence Persico stands with this year’s Helping Hands award recipients (from left) Christine Beaver, Dr. Warren Beaver, and Tom Loftus. Photo/Melanie Sisinni
Confirmation retreat attracts more than 400 candidates
Joe Melendrez, a Catholic MC, musical performer, speaker and retreat leader took the stage at the Mary d'Angelo Performing Arts Center for the diocesan sponsored confirmation retreat held on October 14, 2023. More than 400 confirmation candidates from 30 parishes traveled to the retreat sponsored by the Diocese of Erie Office of Faith Formation. The all-day retreat included three guest speakers: Father Larry Richards, Joe Melendrez and his DJ, Staël Dantes. Each speaker gave testimony in his own way. The day concluded with Mass led by Bishop Lawrence Persico. Photo/Vince Dragone
Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse ordained as the bishop of Kalamazoo, Michigan
As the Ordination Rite began, Bishop-elect Lohse walked up and down the aisles of St. Augustine Cathedral, showing the official mandate from Pope Francis nominating him to the episcopacy to all who were present. Photo/Vince Dragone
Traveling relics draw crowds from all corners of the diocese
The Diocese of Erie was honored to host the traveling relics of Blessed Carlo Acutis and St. Manuel González García. The relics traveled to parishes and schools in Erie, Warren, St. Marys, Ridgway, DuBois and Oil City from May 23 to June 1. The presence of these relics was especially meaningful during this ongoing time of Eucharistic Revival in the United States. Congratulations to the Diocese of Memphis as the next diocese to venerate the relics. Photos/Vince Dragone, Jennifer Wortman, Graphic/Melanie Sisinni
No fear of heights at St. Catherine of Siena, DuBois
The bell tower of St. Catherine of Siena Church in DuBois is undergoing major restoration work, including tuckpointing, repointing and fixing the metal surrounding the tower, which has become loose and damaged from years of weather wear and tear. Msgr. Richard Siefer, pastor, and staff members went to the top of the lift to check out the restoration site. When the job is complete, the new work will blend seamlessly with the original beauty of the church. Collage/Alex Restoration and Masonry Repairs
Faith in action at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Harborcreek
As a Lenten almsgiving project, parishioners from Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Harborcreek, delivered 34 hospitality bags to Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services for distribution to refugee families recently arriving in Erie. Additionally, parishioners donated $300 over a 4-week period during each of the parish Lenten soup suppers. “It is heart-warming to watch faith in action,” said Father Matt Kujawinski, pastor. “As the bags of soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and various cleaning and laundry products multiplied each week, our gathering space became a bold witness to the Gospel directive to welcome the stranger.” Photos/Ann Badach, Canva collage/Melanie Sisinni
Meadville’s Seton Catholic School hosts first father-daughter dance
On Sunday, Feb. 26, Seton Catholic School in Meadville hosted its first father-daughter dance. Girls arrived in their favorite dresses, and dads looked dapper for their special ladies. When they walked into the building, fathers and daughters had their pictures taken before enjoying custom-made sugar cookies, lemonade and other tasty treats. Everyone was treated to face-painting and glow stick necklaces while the D.J. played some of their favorite songs. Contributed photos, Canva collage/Melanie Sisinni
Intergenerational faith-sharing at Sacred Heart Parish, Erie
In the autumn of 2022, Sacred Heart Parish in Erie launched “Faith Across Ages,” an intergenerational faith-sharing ministry. The model engaged an average of 60 people of all ages each week in an eight-week series built around The Chosen, a television drama about the life of Jesus and his followers. Participants watched each week's assigned episode on their own, then gathered at the parish for activities and themed refreshments from the episode. Participants broke into small groups for discussion on how the themes in each week's episode related to their own lives. At the end, the children performed a song and dance and shared their craft. Contributed photos/Canva collage, Melanie Sisinni
K of C campaign raises $120,000 for women's care center
The Knights of Columbus presented a check for $119,000 to the Women’s Care Center of Erie County on August 30, 2022. Donations continued into the month of September. This year, the Knights of Columbus distributed over 5,000 empty baby bottles at Catholic Masses in the Diocese of Erie during Mother’s Day weekend. They asked parishioners to fill the bottles with coins, cash and checks by Father’s Day, with the intention of using the funds toward the purchase of a mobile ultrasound machine for the Women’s Care Center of Erie County. Contributed photo
‘Remarkable women of faith’ moved to public gravesite
Father Michael Kesicki, one of the former chaplains for the nuns of the Monastery of the Holy Family, presided at the rite of committal for the reinterment of the nine Carmelites of the Monastery of the Holy Family at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In a moving private ceremony, the nine Carmelite nuns who had lived, prayed and been buried in the cloister of the Monastery of the Holy Family, were reinterred at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Erie, July 12. Those who benefited from their commitment can now pay their respects in person. Photo/Rich Papalia
United in prayer
DuBois Central Catholic and Elk County Catholic high school boys' basketball teams united in prayer for Luanne Varacallo, mother of DCC Coach Dom Varacallo, and all who battle cancer. Although Elk County won the District 9A championship game played March 5, 2022, at Clarion University, both teams have moved on to state play-offs. The athletes are big rivals in sports but get along well off the court. Their unity in prayer is genuine. Contributed photo
Addressing men's role in the church
The 22:32 Men’s Conference, a hybrid event with speakers and 350 participants gathered at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Erie, and in 12 small, parish-based groups via Zoom, was held on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. In his remarks, Bishop Lawrence Persico encouraged the group to be faithful disciples and bring others to God. He prayed for strength "that we may strengthen others." Featured speakers Bear Woznick, above left, and Father Anthony Marie Baetzold, CFR, above right, echoed the challenge. "Men, you have a vital role in the church. Work together as you begin to stand up for Jesus and step into the breach," created by the lack of clear and empowering expectations of masculinity, Woznick said.
'Jesus is the Light of the World!'
Although in this case, reports Tara Starr, director of religious education at St. Tobias Parish, Brockway, Monsignor Charles Kaza is the light of the room! Msgr. Kaza, pastor, discussed Jesus as the Light, and how we all can be a light to others, with students in the St. Tobias Elementary Faith Formation Program on December 18, 2021. Contributed Photos
'Box village' at Cathedral Prep, Erie
Cathedral Prep students in Erie participated in "Box Village — 24 Hours of Service," Dec. 4-5, a movement designed to raise awareness of the impact of hunger and homelessness. Students gave up their typical comforts to live outside as a community overnight. In addition to getting a glimpse at the life of those for whom homelessness is a reality, participants raised funds to benefit the Emmaus Soup Kitchen. On Sunday, Dec. 5, the Cathedral Prep Key Club held its 32nd Annual Christmas Dinner — a “to-go” event for the second straight year. New hats and gloves, gently used clothing and gifts for children also were available to anyone in need. Facebook photos
Diocesan youth are 'ablaze'
The theme of this year's National Catholic Youth Conference was "Ablaze", which acknowledges both the power of the Holy Spirit and the potential for youth to 'set the world on fire.' Young people represented the Diocese of Erie at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nov. 18-20. Contributed photo
Priests share prayer in song
Dr. Richard Robert Rossi, director of liturgical music at St. Peter Cathedral, Erie, has enlisted the vocal talents of priests in the Erie area to form a schola to lead the congregation in song for solemn vespers — evening prayer — during Advent. Schola members include Father Nicholas Rouch, Father Joe Petrone, Father Ian McElrath, Father Andrew Boyd, Father Michael Ferrick, Father Mark Hoffman, Father Jason Feigh and Father Pat McCormick — seen in the photos above with Dr. Rossi — and Msgr. Robert Brugger, Father John Detish, Father Larry Richards, Father Chris Singer and seminarian Chris Beran. Photos/Sheila Grove
Reunited in faith
St. Luke Parish, Erie, weathered the weather recently to welcome all to join in the weekly celebration of Mass. Much enthusiasm was reflected in the large group of participants — representing parish ministry groups — who processed through the neighborhood before gathering in the church for Mass and fellowship. Contributed photos
Tie dye fun
Sue Berdis, faith life coordinator at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, found a creative way to gather families to explore their faith. With the help of parishioner Kathy Papalia, who provided instruction in the art of tie-dye, and with an eye on COVID safety, small groups of families received white t-shirts that represented baptismal garb and transformed them into colorful apparel. Inspired by the beauty and light-hearted fun of the task, the participants reflected upon the gift of God's mercy and forgiveness on the "mess" of life that alters the white garment. Photos/Rich Papalia
French Creek Council's first female Eagle Scout
Kendra Kucharski, a member of Scout Troop 37 from St. James Parish, Erie, passed her Eagle Board of Review on June 29, 2021, making her the first female Eagle Scout in the French Creek Council. For her project, she refurbished the public women's room at St. Nick's Grove on Old French Road in Millcreek, which included demolition of walls, pressure washing, painting, and adding enhancements to the interior. Kendra recently completed eighth grade at St. James School, Erie, and will be attending Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie this fall. Contributed photo
1915 time capsule adds excitement to sesquicentennial celebration
Hundreds of people gathered at St. Andrew Church the weekend of July 30 through Aug. 1 to immerse themselves in the 150-year history of the west Erie parish. A focal point of the sesquicentennial celebration, Friday evening, was the opening of a time capsule that had been discovered recently in the cornerstone of the sandstone church, built 106 years ago to replace the original structure. On Sunday, the time capsule — filled with items reflecting parish and diocesan highlights from 2021 — was ceremoniously reinserted into the cornerstone. Photos/Mary Solberg and Sheila Grove
St. Jude Parish, Erie, celebrates 50 years
St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Erie was the scene of a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the dedication of its church on Sunday, July 18 2021. The well-known landmark near the entrance to Presque Isle State Park was designed by then 37-year-old architect and parishioner Edward A. Kern, AIA (1933-2005). Festivities included a Mass celebrated by The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, bishop of Erie, a picnic on the grounds and architectural tours of the building. Photos/Lisa Louis
New parish in Meadville gathers for inaugural Mass
Bishop Lawrence Persico celebrates the inaugural Mass at The Epiphany of the Lord Parish in Meadville on Sat., June 25, 2021. Pictured in the sanctuary from left to right, are Mary Burkett, cantor; Father Andrew Boyd, parochial vicar; Deacon Todd Sommers; Bishop Persico; Deacon Ed Horneman (behind Bishop Persico); Father Jeffrey Lucas, pastor; and Father Christopher Singer, chancellor for the Diocese of Erie, master of ceremonies. Photo/Nicholas Constantino
2021 Permanent Deacons
The new deacons and their wives sharing a moment together after the ordination ceremony with Bishop Persico on May 28 include, row 1, left to right: Deacon Frank and Carrie Hannah; Deacon Paul and Debbie Barko; Bishop Persico; Deacon Paul and Joan McCoy. Row 2, left to right: Deacon David and Peggy Jacquel; Deacon Lawrence and Anne Tyers; Deacon Joseph and Jennifer Glover and Deacon Dan and Frances Reilly. - Photo/Anne-Marie Welsh
The arts are thriving at St. Michael School, Greenville
The enthusiasm is palpable. Erin Warren, music teacher at St. Michael School in Greenville, was thrilled to showcase the talents of her students in grades 4-8 at a virtual instrumental concert May 4, 2021. She is eagerly anticipating the time when the concertchoir — which is often invited to perform in the community — will be able to sing together safely again. - Photos/Emily Zgonc, St. Michael School principal
It’s a most wonderful time of the year…
“This is just the beginning of the salute to our seniors!” reads the Facebook page of Mercyhurst Preparatory School in Erie. Teachers delivered yard signs to the homes of graduating students recently. The signs are reminiscent of the many creative ways school personnel around the Diocese of Erie sought to honor graduates when so many of their commencement festivities were canceled last year because of COVID-19. This year will be a hybrid of new and creative ways to honor students combined with time-honored traditions. - Facebook photo
Dedication for sacred purpose
On Sunday, April 18, 2021, students, alumni, benefactors, faculty and diocesan representatives witnessed the transformation of the altar and the chapel space around it at the dedication of Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Gannon University in Erie. As most of the churches in the Diocese of Erie were dedicated long ago, many Catholics in northwest Pennsylvania have not witnessed the richness of the rite that dedicated — or set aside for a sacred purpose — the place in which they worship. Pictured at left, master of ceremonies, Father Chris Singer, chancellor for the Diocese of Erie, assists Bishop Lawrence Persico. - Photo/Courtesy of Gannon University
Prep-Villa tech and innovation center
Bishop Lawrence Persico led a prayer service and joined Cathedral Prep-Villa Maria administrators, board members, students and community dignitaries to break ground April 15, 2021, officially beginning construction of the Salata Technology and Innovation Center at the downtown Erie school campus. Demolition of the existing athletic wing began immediately following the ceremony as the consolidation of the school’s two campuses moves forward. - Photo/Sheila Grove
ALLELUIA, Christ is risen!
These are the words glimmering on the windows of Elk County Catholic High School during these Easter weeks. Members of the Class of 2021 conspired with staff to greet the school community with this message of hope as they returned from Easter break. Remaining open all year is a testament to the hard work of many people, and this was the soon-to-be-graduates’ way of showing their gratitude. Click on the photo to view more. - Facebook photo
Chrism Mass
Priests extend their hands in a blessing at the Chrism Mass celebrated at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie on Monday, March 29, 2021. Although it was not open to the public, many were able to participate via livestream. Those who did witnessed a most powerful expression of the Catholic faith in the risen Christ and the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Oils blessed by Bishop Lawrence Persico were distributed to parishes throughout the diocese immediately following the Mass. Acknowledging the constraints that were inherent throughout the past year, during his homily, Bishop Persico shared his profound gratitude with his priests. Photo/Anne-Marie Welsh