Diocese of Erie invites Catholics to mark nation’s 250th anniversary through prayer, adoration and works of mercy
By Allison Mosier05/29/2026
As the United States prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Catholics throughout northwest Pennsylvania are being invited to participate in a nationwide spiritual initiative centered on prayer, mercy and public witness to faith.
The initiative, “We Hold These Truths,” launched by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), encourages Catholics across the country to reflect on the gift of religious freedom and the role faith continues to play in the life of the nation.
In the Diocese of Erie, the observance will include two local efforts taking place from June 11 through July 4: 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy.
The diocesan initiative invites individuals, families, parishes and ministries to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, pray for the nation and participate in simple but meaningful acts of charity within their communities. Catholics are encouraged to commit to at least one hour before the Blessed Sacrament during the monthlong observance, while also embracing opportunities to serve others through works of mercy.
Throughout the Diocese of Erie’s 13 counties, parishes are being encouraged to open their churches for additional hours of adoration and invite the faithful into deeper prayer and reflection. The Office for Divine Worship has collaborated with diocesan offices to create resources for parishes, schools and families to use throughout the observance, including prayer resources, bulletin materials, parish announcements and Eucharistic devotion tools.
Father Matthew Kujawinski, director of the Office for Divine Worship for the Diocese of Erie, said the initiative is an opportunity for Catholics to publicly witness to their faith while praying for healing, peace and unity.
“Religious freedom is not only the freedom to worship privately, but the freedom to live our faith openly and bring Christ into our communities,” Father Kujawinski said. “Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament reminds us where true peace begins. From that encounter with Christ, we are called to go out and love our neighbor, care for those in need and be visible witnesses of hope in the world.”
The initiative also highlights the connection between prayer and service. Catholics are invited to participate in works of mercy throughout June and early July by supporting ministries, visiting those who are lonely or homebound, helping neighbors, donating to charitable causes or intentionally praying for those who are suffering.
Diocesan leaders hope the initiative becomes a visible sign of faith across northwest Pennsylvania and encourages Catholics to rediscover the importance of Eucharistic devotion, prayer for the nation and care for one another.
Resources, parish participation opportunities and information about how to commit to an hour of adoration or participate in the works of mercy initiative can be found at: https://www.eriercd.org/250.html
The website includes parish resources, adoration opportunities and additional information connected to the national USCCB initiative.
-