Six Inducted into Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick in Erie
By Allison Mosier03/16/2026
On Saturday, March 7, the community gathered at St. Patrick Church in Erie for the 48th Annual Induction of the Knights and Ladies of Saint Patrick, celebrating faith, Irish heritage and a tradition of service that continues to shape the life of the parish and the wider Erie community. The evening began with Mass at 5 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony and dinner at Gannon University’s Yehl Ballroom.
The Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick organization, founded in 1978, honors individuals who demonstrate dedication to their faith, family, parish and community. Over the years, the group has supported the mission of St. Patrick Church while helping organize beloved Erie traditions such as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival.
This year, six new members were welcomed into the organization: Mary Frick, Sheila Dwyer Grove, Mary Kathleen Hoffman, Diane McCarthy, Betsy Squeglia and William “Bill” Vahey. Each honoree represents a life of service expressed through parish ministry, volunteer work and community leadership.
In his reflections, Father Mike DeMartinis, pastor of St. Patrick Parish and chaplain of the organization, drew on the symbolism of the Celtic knot — the ancient Irish design that appears as an endless interwoven loop.
“The Celtic knot is a popular and ancient representation of all things Irish,” Father DeMartinis wrote in the program reflection. “Its ropes intertwine in a continuous loop, never showing a beginning or an end. Trace your finger along the knot and you come to understand God’s never-ending love for us.”
He noted that the symbol mirrors the enduring spirit of the Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick, whose members continue to serve the parish and the greater Erie community year after year.
Sir Paul W. Causgrove, president of the organization, also reflected on the significance of the evening and the individuals being honored.
“This month we recognize our Irish heritage, our devotion to St. Patrick and the good people of the Erie community,” Causgrove shared. “In particular, we recognize the unique talents and service of six people who are being inducted as new members of the Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick.”
The annual induction continues a tradition that has grown from just six members in 1978 to a vibrant organization of more than 150 living Knights and Ladies today.
As the newest members received their green sashes and joined the ranks of those honored in previous years, the evening served as both a celebration of Irish heritage and a reminder of the enduring call to serve others — a legacy the Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick continue to uphold in Erie.
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