A new school year begins across the Diocese of Erie
By Allison Mosier08/17/2026
Backpacks are being packed, classrooms are getting ready and parish halls are preparing to welcome young people as a new year of learning and faith formation begins across the Diocese of Erie.
Throughout the diocese’s 13 counties, thousands of children and teens will return not only to Catholic school classrooms, but also to parish faith formation programs where catechists, volunteers, pastors and families share in the important work of forming the next generation of Catholics.
For Catholic schools, the 2026-27 academic year brings new leadership and new opportunities.
Laura Blake begins her first full school year as superintendent of Catholic schools after assuming the role June 1. A longtime Catholic educator, Blake brings nearly 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, school president and diocesan administrator.
Several school communities are also entering new chapters. The Erie Catholic School System approaches its 10th anniversary this fall with a renewed emphasis on its shared identity across five campuses. The system also begins the year with Chandler Villanueva serving as director of campus ministry, supporting retreats, service, liturgical life and opportunities for students to deepen their faith.
In St. Marys, St. Marys Catholic Elementary School is expanding preschool opportunities for three- and four-year-olds, while the Kennedy Catholic Family of Schools in Hermitage enters the year with renewed stability and growing enrollment following several challenging years.
Catholic education, however, extends well beyond the walls of the diocese’s schools. In parishes throughout northwest Pennsylvania, catechists and volunteers are preparing classrooms, lessons and programs that will accompany children and families throughout the year.
Their ministry is an essential part of the Church’s mission. Week after week, catechists help young people encounter Christ, understand the teachings of the Church, prepare for the sacraments and discover how faith becomes part of everyday life.
This year also brings new opportunities to support those who form young Catholics. A Life Teen diocesan tour planned for September will bring conversations about forming Catholic youth today directly to catechists and leaders throughout the diocese. In November, Confirmation candidates from across the diocese will be invited to gather for a diocesan retreat centered on the message, “You are called, You are sent.”
As another year begins, the faithful of the Diocese of Erie are invited to pray for all young people — those attending Catholic schools, those participating in parish faith formation and those preparing to receive the sacraments. Pray, too, for their parents, teachers, catechists, pastors, administrators and volunteers. May everything they learn and experience this year ultimately lead them into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. 
Many of these opportunities are strengthened through the Catholic Services Appeal. Gifts to the CSA support Catholic education, Faith Formation and youth outreach throughout the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie, helping provide the formation, resources and experiences that allow young people to encounter Christ and grow as disciples.
As students return to classrooms and parish programs this fall, the entire diocesan community shares in that mission — accompanying a new generation as they learn, grow and discover the person God is calling them to become.
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