Diocese of Erie Office of Faith Formation

06/11/2026

As AI continues to shape our world, Pope Leo XIV's Magnifica Humanitas reminds us to keep the human person at the center of every technological advancement.

Take a moment to explore these helpful graphics summarizing key themes from the Holy Father's encyclical.
You can read the full document here: https://vatican.va/.../20260515-magnifica-humanitas.html

06/10/2026

Today our Faith Formation team gathered for our monthly all-staff meeting, and one of our favorite traditions was on the agenda...celebrating birthdays! This month, we had the joy of celebrating Faye and all she brings to our team.

One of the tools that has helped shape our culture is Amazing Parish, which reminds us that healthy ministry begins with healthy teams. Through intentional prayer, collaboration, and celebrating one another, we're building a team that is better equipped to serve the people of our diocese.

Taking time to recognize birthdays may seem like a small thing, but it's a meaningful reminder that every person is a gift and that ministry is ultimately about relationships.

💛 Happy Birthday, Faye! Thank you for sharing your gifts, faith, and joyful spirit with all of us.

06/08/2026

Summer is here, and while religious education classes may be on break, faith formation doesn't have to take a vacation.

The good news? Some of the best opportunities for growing in faith happen right at home. Be in the backyard, around the dinner table, on family road trips, and through simple moments of prayer together.

Looking for ideas? We're sharing a wonderful collection of Catholic summer activities, crafts, prayers, and family traditions from Catholic Icing to help keep your children engaged in the faith all summer long.

👉 Resource: https://www.catholicicing.com/?s=summer

Remember: you don't need to do everything. Choose one simple activity, say one extra prayer, or have one faith-filled conversation. Small moments can plant seeds that last a lifetime.

💬 What's your family's favorite way to keep faith alive during the summer months?

Did your kids have some of their favorite activities canceled this year? Yeah. Mine, too. As a mother, have you been looking for some fun and safe activities you can enjoy as a family this summer? Me too! So why not have an at-home VBS program with your kids this year?! I put this Catholic vacation....

06/05/2026

🎓✨ Congratulations, Graduates! ✨🎓

As graduation season comes to a close, we celebrate all those who have reached this important milestone. Your hard work, perseverance, and faith have brought you to this moment and exciting new adventures await.

As you begin the next chapter, may you always remember that God walks with you wherever life leads. May He bless you with wisdom for the decisions ahead, courage to follow His call, and confidence in the gifts He has given you.

🙏 “For I know well the plans I have for you, says the Lord.” — Jeremiah 29:11

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are praying for you and cheering you on.

💬 Tag a graduate you'd like to celebrate today!

06/04/2026

June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“Everything that God wanted to tell us about himself and about his love, he placed in the Heart of Jesus.”
— Pope St. John Paul II

Throughout June, the Church turns her attention to the Sacred Heart of Jesus a powerful reminder of Christ's endless love, mercy, and compassion for each of us.

This year, as our nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026, praying for healing, unity, and renewal in our country.

Key Details & Ways to Participate

The Main Event: The formal consecration will occur during a special Votive Mass on Thursday, June 11, at 11:00 am CT with bishops gathering in plenary assembly.

National Livestream: The Mass and consecration will be broadcast live on the USCCB YouTube Channel.

Local Observance: A special Mass will also be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., Friday, June 12, at 5:15 pm.

Spiritual Preparations
In the lead-up to the consecration, the USCCB is encouraging parishes and individual Catholics to prepare by engaging in the following initiatives:

250 Hours of Adoration: Spend time in Eucharistic adoration for the healing and unity of the country. www.usccb.org/250-hours-adoration

250 Works of Mercy: Perform acts of charity within your local community. www.usccb.org/250-works-mercy

Prayer Resources: https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus draw us closer to Him and to one another.

💬 What intention would you like to place in the Sacred Heart of Jesus this month?

06/03/2026

📚 Aaron's Bookshelf 📚

Looking for a thought-provoking summer read?

This month's recommendation is The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

Haidt explores how digital culture can contribute to anxiety, depression, and social isolation—especially among young people—and offers practical ways families can reconnect with reality, community, and one another.

Many of his recommendations echo practices deeply rooted in our Catholic faith:

🙏 Stillness, Silence, and Focus → Prayer
🍞 Embodiment → The Eucharist
🤝 Transcending the Self → Service to Others
❤️ Slow to Anger, Quick to Forgive → The Lord's Prayer & Reconciliation
🌲 Finding Awe in Nature → Gratitude for God's Creation

As Catholics, we have timeless tools to help us build meaningful relationships with God and each other even in a digital age.

💬 What book has challenged or inspired your faith lately?

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We are grateful for their sacrifice and pray for all military families who carry their memory.

May God grant them eternal rest and let His perpetual light shine upon them.

05/24/2026

In the middle of busy schedules and endless distractions, Sunday gives us a chance to slow down and reconnect with God and with one another.

Today, try one simple faith-filled activity as a family:
📖 Read the Sunday Gospel together
🙏 Pray a decade of the Rosary
🚶 Take a prayer walk outside
💌 Share one thing you’re grateful to God for

The little moments matter. Faith grows best when it’s lived together at home.

💬 What’s one simple way your family keeps Sunday special?

05/21/2026

Confirmation Retreat 2026

The countdown is on! We’re already getting excited for the November 7th Confirmation Retreat at Clarion University and we’re thrilled to welcome Damascus back to lead the day again this year!
https://www.damascus.net/

Get ready for powerful worship, fun, community, and opportunities to encounter Jesus in a real and meaningful way.

Damascus believes: “Jesus isn’t boring. His Church isn’t either.” And we can’t wait for our students to experience that truth firsthand.

Mark your calendars now — November 7, 2026!

💬 If you attended last year’s retreat, what was your favorite part?

05/11/2026

Mother–Daughter Tea Recap

What a beautiful day celebrating the gift of the mother–daughter relationship! 💕

Our Mother–Daughter Tea, held on May 2, 2026 at St. Mark Catholic Center, was filled with laughter, meaningful conversation, and special moments of faith shared together. 43 mothers and daughters gathered for this joyful afternoon, making it such a vibrant and grace-filled event.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this event so special. Your presence brought such joy and life to the day!

Thank you for being part of this beautiful tradition.

💬 What was your favorite moment from the tea?