The Transformational Impact of Your Support
By The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico
01/30/2026
In reminding us that “in the one Christ, we are one,” Pope Leo XIV invites us to recognize that every act of faith, service and mercy draws us deeper into the family God is forming, and strengthens the unity we share in Him.
That same spirit of unity shapes our diocesan life each year through the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). More than an annual appeal, the CSA becomes a moment to remember who we are as one church and an opportunity to make a transformational impact.
“In Christ, We Are One” is not simply this year’s Catholic Services Appeal theme; it expresses the very nature of our diocesan family. Whenever we gather for the sacraments, support one another in faith formation, or extend compassion to those in need, we reveal our identity as one Body in Christ. Sustained by gifts to the Catholic Services Appeal, the ministries of our diocese make this unity visible and alive.
In the coming pages, you will read how we encounter Christ, live Christ, and share Christ across the diocese — through the unity of our sacramental life, the formation of young disciples and service and solidarity beyond our diocesan boundaries. Our stories show this clearly and powerfully.
Encounter Christ
At the Chrism Mass, the oils blessed at St. Peter Cathedral become a visible sign of unity as they are carried to every parish, mission church, campus ministry, hospital and correctional facility. Through these oils, Christ goes out to meet his people in the pastoral ministry of our diocesan priests. The story of Father Michael Kesicki is one example of this ministry at work. Across our 13 counties, sacraments such as baptisms, confirmations and the anointing of the sick are each tied back to that one liturgy, that one altar, that one church—and to the universal Church, where we encounter Christ. Supporting these encounters is the work of diocesan offices, funded by the CSA.
Live Christ
We also live our faith in the formation of young disciples. Sadie Pituch’s journey tells that story beautifully. What began as a retreat experience in Bradford – made possible through diocesan collaboration from CSA support – became a year of transformation. Her story reflects thousands like it: students in Catholic schools, teenagers preparing for sacraments, families rediscovering prayer. These are all examples of critical moments that allow us to live our faith fully.
Share Christ
And the ripple of unity extends far beyond our diocese. The Mission Office – funded in part through the CSA – assists parishes across the diocese in sustaining relationships with communities in Mérida and throughout the Yucatán in Mexico. When parishioners from St. Mark in Emporium visited their sister community, they discovered not only people in need, but profound faith. And here at home, CSA funding has supported the offices that, over the past several years, worked diligently to make it possible for us to welcome two international missionary priests from Nigeria. These faithful men have been called to serve the Diocese of Erie, spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
These stories show how the CSA calls us to encounter Christ in the sacraments, live our faith through ongoing formation and share hope with the global church through mission. Every gift – no matter its size – becomes a concrete expression of unity here in northwestern Pennsylvania in ways no parish could accomplish alone.
This is the beauty of being one Body in Christ. This is the mission we share and is why your support of the Catholic Services Appeal is transformational.
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