In Christ, We Are One
01/30/2026
ENCOUNTER CHRIST
In the Sacraments 
Each spring, the Chrism Mass draws priests from across the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie During Holy Week, the Chrism Mass draws priests from across the Diocese of Erie's 13 counties to St. Peter Cathedral, where the bishop blesses and consecrates the holy oils used throughout every parish, mission church, hospital, prison, and campus ministry.
For Father Michael Kesicki—pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Albion with its mission church St. Philip in Crossingville, chaplain at State Correctional Institution Albion, and continuing chaplain at Gannon University—the Chrism Mass is a special moment: it provides the oils for celebrating the sacraments and expresses unity with the bishop and diocese as priests renew their priestly promises.
The oils connect to every place I serve," he reflects. "The Oil of Catechumens strengthens the elect for baptism; Sacred Chrism seals the Holy Spirit in confirmation; the Oil of the Sick brings Christ's healing presence to the suffering. The Chrism Mass reminds me that none of us serves alone.”
Behind this Mass stands essential work by diocesan offices—Office for Divine Worship, Pastoral Services, the Chancery, Communications—coordinating everything that allows these oils to reach every corner of the diocese.
"Every priest relies on this," Father Kesicki says. "These oils make possible the sacraments through which we carry Christ to the people entrusted to us. In Christ, we truly are one." 
LIVE CHRIST
Through Formation and Discipleship
To live Christ is to be shaped by moments that reveal who we are becoming in Him. For Sadie Pituch, that journey unfolded across a year filled with grace. She began by attending the 2024 diocesan confirmation retreat in Bradford, an experience that opened her heart to prayer, community and the Holy Spirit in a new way. “It was the first time I felt truly connected to something bigger than myself,” Sadie shared. “I understood that faith wasn’t just something I learned — it was something I could live.”
This past spring, she was confirmed at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, strengthened by the prayers of her family, parish and the wider diocesan community. Months later, her faith was deepened again as she joined more than 100 young people from across northwestern Pennsylvania at NCYC, where testimonies, worship and time with peers helped her see her place in the church’s mission.
Her story reflects why faith formation is vital. Through the united efforts of the Faith Formation Office, Catholic Schools Office, Pastoral Services and Communications, young people like Sadie receive the guidance and support they need to grow as disciples.
Across the diocese, students are experiencing the same life-changing formation — proof that, in Christ, we are one.
SHARE CHRIST
Through Missions and Mercy
Pope Leo XIV reminds the Catholic Church that the measure of our discipleship is found in how we treat the poor. “To neglect the poor,” he teaches, “is to neglect Christ Himself.” This conviction guides the work of the Diocese of Erie’s Missions Office, which supports outreach locally and abroad — including its long-standing partnership with the Archdiocese of Yucatán in Mexico.
For Dan Martuccio of St. Mark Parish in Emporium, mission trips to Mérida became an encounter with Christ in the faces of families who lacked basic necessities yet radiated profound faith. Father Paul Siebert and four adults from the parish, including Dan Martuccio, visited their sister parish and spent time with the families they sponsor through the Mission of Friendship. Serving alongside local parish communities, they witnessed hospitality, resilience and hope.
“I thought I was going there to give,” Dan says, “but I learned far more. I understood that in Christ, we are one family.” The Mission Office ensures that parishes across the diocese can respond to this call: coordinating mission trips, preparing volunteers, assisting fundraising and fostering relationships that extend beyond borders. Their ministry brings the Gospel to places where need is great and resources are few.
Through the CSA, the faithful of northwestern Pennsylvania participate in this mission of mercy. Together, we share Christ with the most vulnerable — living the unity we profess: In Christ, we are one.
Click here to learn more about the CSA
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