Mission & Ministry Meet-Up offers inside look at diocesan life and episcopal transition
By Kristine Rilling08/28/2026
Representatives of faith-based organizations, community ministries and local nonprofits gathered at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie for a Mission & Ministry Meet-Up hosted by The Nonprofit Partnership.
The meet-up series is designed to connect organizations that share a commitment to service, stewardship and measurable community impact. Through site visits and conversation, participants explore how religious and secular nonprofits can collaborate, share resources and strengthen the communities they serve.
“Mission & Ministry Meet-Ups with The Nonprofit Partnership give faith-based organizations a chance to step outside of their day-to-day work, connect with peers, learn from one another, and find new ways to collaborate,” said Emmy Geiger, director of strategy and partnerships for The Nonprofit Partnership. “Each host brings something unique to the conversation, and we love being able to showcase the incredible spaces, people and ministries serving our community.”
During the August 28 gathering, visitors received an inside look at the ministries of the Diocese of Erie and learned about an especially significant moment in its history: the process of preparing for a successor to Bishop Lawrence Persico.
Father Christopher Singer, chancellor of the Diocese of Erie, traced the role of bishops to Christ’s commissioning of the apostles to preach the Gospel and continue his ministry. The apostles and their successors established and coordinated the work of the Church in communities throughout the world. Over time, a close relationship developed between local bishops and the bishop of Rome – the Pope – who is recognized as the successor of St. Peter.
That connection remains central to the appointment of bishops today. The next bishop of Erie will ultimately be selected by Pope Leo XIV following an extensive process of consultation, research and prayerful discernment.
“At some point in the next couple of months, we’ll have another bishop chosen by the successor of Peter, Pope Leo,” Father Singer said. “That’s a beautiful thought.”
Father Singer explained that canon law requires a bishop to submit his resignation to the Holy Father upon reaching age 75. Bishop Persico did so following his 75th birthday and continues to lead the Diocese of Erie until his resignation is accepted and a successor is appointed.
The process involves the Dicastery for Bishops in Rome and the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., which serves as the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in the United States. Information is collected about the diocese, including its ministries, geography, demographics, economy, culture, strengths and challenges. Bishops from the surrounding region also may be consulted about the diocese’s needs and possible candidates.
Although many details remain confidential, a list of candidates is eventually presented to the Pope. After reviewing the recommendations and seeking any additional information he may need, the Holy Father prays and discerns before making the final selection. The chosen candidate is then contacted by the Apostolic Nuncio and asked whether he accepts the appointment.
Father Singer described three broad stages in the transition: selection, announcement and ordination or installation. The Diocese of Erie is currently in the selection phase.
When an appointment is made, it will be announced by the Vatican at noon in Rome – 6 a.m. in Erie. The Diocese of Erie will then notify clergy, parishes, schools, agencies and the wider community. A news conference will likely be held later that morning at St. Mark Catholic Center to introduce the bishop-designate.
If the person selected is a priest, he will be ordained a bishop. If he is already serving as a bishop elsewhere, he will be installed as the Bishop of Erie. The liturgical celebration will take place at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie, typically several weeks after the public announcement.
One of the most significant moments will occur when the new bishop is seated in the cathedra, the bishop’s chair at the cathedral. The chair symbolizes his responsibility to teach, govern and sanctify the people entrusted to his pastoral care. The word “cathedral” itself comes from “cathedra,” identifying the church that contains the bishop’s official chair.
“It’s when he sits in that chair that represents his solemn pastoral responsibility for all these people, that he takes upon himself that authority,” Father Singer said.
The chancellor has an important role in formally documenting that the apostolic letter of appointment was presented and that the new bishop took possession of the diocese.
Father Singer acknowledged that the transition will be bittersweet. Bishop Persico has guided the diocese through challenging changes within the Church and across northwestern Pennsylvania. Although his successor will begin a new chapter, Bishop Persico plans to remain in Erie and is expected to continue assisting with Masses and other ministries as he is able.
“Bishop Persico has served us incredibly well for the past 13 years and through some rough waters,” Father Singer said. “He has guided the Church through some difficult times in our Church family, but also in our part of the world.”
Father Singer said diocesan offices have been preparing for nearly two years so that communications, events, liturgies and administrative transitions can move forward quickly when the call comes.
“There’s an enormous amount of machinery that has to be in place for the news conferences, the communication and the events, but also just the transition as Bishop Persico goes out and the new bishop comes into all of his roles,” Father Singer said.
He described the transition as a powerful reminder that the Church in northwestern Pennsylvania is part of something much larger.
“It’s a beautiful moment where we feel our connection with the universal Church,” Father Singer said. “We’re not just here all by ourselves, but we are connected with this universal Church of Christians throughout the world.”
The gathering concluded with a tour of St. Mark Catholic Center. Opened in 1960 as a high school and college seminary, the building later became the home of diocesan offices that had previously been located throughout Erie. It continues to house the seminary program, where seminarians live and receive spiritual and personal formation while completing academic coursework at Gannon University.
Guests visited the seminary chapel and learned about its stained-glass windows, sacred artwork and theological symbolism. Images of the Old Testament prophets face depictions of the four evangelists, illustrating how the promises of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ and proclaimed through the Gospels.
The Mission & Ministry Meet-Up provided more than a tour of a diocesan facility. It offered nonprofit and ministry leaders an opportunity to learn from one another, better understand the Catholic Church’s work in the region and consider how organizations grounded in shared values can collaborate in service to the wider community.
As the Diocese of Erie prepares to welcome its next shepherd, the faithful and the broader community are invited to participate in this historic transition.
All are encouraged to pray for Bishop Persico, Pope Leo XIV, those involved in the selection process and the future Bishop of Erie. Those who wish to support the Church’s continuing mission also may make a financial gift to help sustain the diocesan ministries and programs serving individuals, families, parishes and communities throughout northwestern Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit: https://www.eriercd.org/transition.html.
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