Covid-19 Parish and Liturgical guidelines from the Chancery
23-3-16 Update: Restrictions remaining in placeRecent Chancery communications
Lenten Practices 2023Letter to Pastors Regarding Faith Formation Changes, with norms September 2022
Eucharistic Revivial Letter from Bishop Persico July 2022
Diocesan Eucharistic Day Details
Decree promulgating the revised norms for Confirmation
Pastoral Planning
Click here for Parish and Church decrees.
Clergy Appointment Announcements
Bishop Persico has made the following clergy appointments:
Deacon Charles E. Adamczyk, Deacon Assistant at Saint James Parish, Erie, while continuing in Pastoral Ministry at Brevillier Village, Harborcreek, effective immediately (March 6, 2023) and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Richard C. Brogden, Deacon Assistant at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, effective immediately and until March 15, 2025.
Deacon Denis J. Coan, Deacon Assistant at Saint John the Baptist Parish, Erie, while continuing as Temporal Administrator of Stephen of Hungary Parish, Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Ralph A. DeCecco, Deacon Assistant at Saint Andrew Parish, Erie, Chaplaincy Ministry at the State Correctional Institution at Albion and Coordinator of Prison Ministry for the Diocese of Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Raymond A. Ehrensberger, Deacon Assistant at Saint Mary Parish, St. Marys, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Timothy G. Good, Deacon Assistant at Saint Boniface Parish, Wattsburg, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Douglas N. Konzel, Deacon Assistant at Saint Joseph/Bread of Life Community Parish, Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Dennis M. Kudlak, Deacon Assistant to Erie Presbyterian Lodge, Erie, effective March 1, 2023 and until July 23, 2024.
Deacon Kevin J. Kunik, Deacon Assistant at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Erie, while continuing to serve as Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for the Diaconal Formation Program, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon John D. Mang, Deacon Assistant at Our Lady of Peace Parish, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Richard P. O’Polka, Deacon Assistant at Saint Patrick Parish, Franklin, effective immediately and until October 9, 2025.
Deacon Jerome P. Peterson, Deacon Assistant at Saint Julia Parish, Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Frank C. Pregler, Deacon Assistant at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Richard D. Shewman, JCL, Deacon Assistant at Saint Luke Parish, Erie, and Judge in the Office of Matrimonial Concerns and the Tribunal, while continuing as Co-Director of the Diaconal Formation Program, effective immediately and until January 1, 2024.
Deacon Dennis J. Socash, Deacon Assistant at Saint Agnes Parish, Morrisdale, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Jeffrey D. Swanson, Deacon Assistant at Saint Peter Cathedral, Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Stephen J. Washek, Deacon Assistant at Saint George Parish, Erie, effective immediately and until August 1, 2028.
Deacon Raymond L. Wiehagen, Deacon Assistant at Holy Redeemer Parish, Warren, and Chaplain at Warren General Hospital, effective immediately and until August 1, 2025.
Deacon Glenn P. Kuzma, retired, effective immediately (March 6, 2023).
Deacon Richard J. Rueberger, resigned from his appointment as Deacon Assistant at St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Sharon, and from all diaconal ministry, effective February 24, 2023.
The Reverend Dennis J. Veltri, Sacramental Assistant to St. George Parish, Erie, with continued residence at St. Mark Catholic Center, effective February 9.
The Reverend Nicholas Fratus, granted a leave of absence from active ministry as Parochial Vicar at St. George Parish, Erie, due to health reasons, effective February 6.
Deacon Kenneth Reisenweber, granted a leave of absence from active ministry as Deacon Assistant at The Epiphany of the Lord Parish, Meadville, due to health reasons, effective immediately (January 30, 2023) for a period of six months.
Deacon Francis Lombardo, retired, effective immediately (January 30, 2023).
Due to the fact that The Reverend Matthew Strickenberger has, of his own volition, resigned as Pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Corry, and St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Union City, Bishop Persico has made the following clergy appointment:
The Reverend Gregory P. Passauer, temporary Parochial Administrator of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Corry, and St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Union City, including its mission of Our Lady of Fatima Church, Canadohta Lake, while continuing as Pastor of All Saints Parish, Waterford, effective January 5, 2023.
The Reverend Jason Mitchell, faculty of Gannon University, requested and was granted by Bishop Lawrence Persico a six-month leave of absence for health reasons, effective January 1, 2023.
The Reverend T. Shane Mathew, faculty of Gannon University, effective January 1, 2023 through June 30, 2029, while continuing in residence at Our Lady of Peace Parish rectory, Erie, membership on the Presbyteral Council and service as Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese.
Deacon G. Franklin Hannah, Deacon Assistant at St. Bartholomew Parish, Sharpsville, while continuing as Deacon Assistant at Notre Dame Parish, Hermitage, and as Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Erie, effective immediately, until June 30, 2027.
Deacon Lawrence A. Tyers, Chaplaincy Ministry at Warren State Hospital, while continuing as Deacon Assistant at St. Joseph Parish, Warren, effective January 1, 2023, until January 1, 2026.
Deacon Miguel A. Alvarez, Jr., Deacon Assistant at St. Stephen of Hungary Parish, Erie, effective immediately, until November 30, 2023.
Deacon Denis Coan, Temporal Administrator of St. Stephen of Hungary Parish, Erie, while continuing as Deacon Assistant at St. John the Baptist Parish, Erie, effective immediately, until December 31, 2023.
Deacon Lawrence Caggeso, retired, effective immediately.
The Reverend Monsignor Henry A. Kriegel, retired, effective November 1, 2022.
The Reverend Michael G. DeMartinis, Pastor of Patrick Parish, Erie, while continuing as faculty member of Cathedral Preparatory School, effective November 1, 2022 until July 31, 2028.
The Reverend Andrew M. Boyd, Chaplain to the State Correctional Institution at Mercer, while continuing as Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Mercer, effective immediately (October 31, 2022) until June 30, 2028.
The Reverend Matthew J. Kujawinski, Pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Erie, while continuing as Administrator of the Office of Divine Worship, and an appointed member of the Presbyteral Council and College of Consultors, effective October 18, 2022 until July 31, 2028.
The Reverend Monsignor Edward M. Lohse, Pastor of St. Julia Parish, Erie, while continuing as Vicar General and all other assignments remaining unchanged, effective October 18, 2022, until July 31, 2028.
The Very Reverend Nicholas J. Rouch, Parochial Administrator pro tempore of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Erie, while continuing as Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, effective October 18, 2022 until the appointment of a new pastor.
The Reverend Monsignor Bruce R. Allison, retired, effective October 18, 2022.
Deacon Paul J. Barko, Temporal Administrator pro tempore of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Harborcreek, while continuing as Deacon Assistant at that parish, effective August 5, 2022 until the appointment of a new pastor.
The Reverend Thomas N. Trocchio, Parochial Administrator pro tempore of Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Harborcreek, while continuing as Pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Lawrence Park, and Mount Calvary Parish, Erie, effective August 5, 2022 until the appointment of a new pastor.
The Reverend William R. Barron, Parochial Administrator pro tempore of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Frenchville, with its mission churches of Ss. Peter and Paul, Grassflat, and St. Severin, Drifting, while continuing as Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Osceola Mills, and St. Agnes Parish, Morrisdale, with its mission church of Ss Peter and Paul, Hawk Run, effective August 1, 2022 through February 1, 2023.
Deacon Kevin Kunik, Coordinator of Pastoral Formation for the Diaconal Formation Program, while continuing as Deacon Assistant at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Erie, effective immediately (August 1, 2022) for a term of six years.
The Reverend Mark A. O’Hern, Director of Spiritual Formation for the Diaconal Formation Program, while continuing as Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, St. Andrew and St. Paul parishes, effective immediately (August 1, 2022) for a term of six years.
Deacon Richard D. Shewman, JCL, Co-Director of the Diaconal Formation Program, while continuing as Deacon Assistant of St. Luke Parish, Erie, and as Judge in the Office of Matrimonial Concerns and the Tribunal, effective immediately (August 1, 2022) for a term of six years.
Deacon Raymond J. Sobina, Co-Director of the Diaconal Formation Program, while continuing as Deacon Assistant at St. Peter Cathedral Parish, Erie, and as Assistant Master of Ceremonies to the Bishop, effective immediately (August 1, 2022) for a term of six years.
The Reverend Dave A. Perry, Pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Frenchville, with its secondary mission churches of St. Severin, Drifting, and Ss. Peter and Paul, Grassflat, requested and was granted, by Bishop Lawrence Persico, a six-month leave of absence for personal reasons, effective August 1, 2022.
Deacon Robert L. Ball, retired effective July 18, 2022.
Deacon Paul C. Bauman, retired effective July 18, 2022.
The Reverend David Baetzold, Pastor of Holy Rosary Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish, both in Erie, with residence in the Holy Rosary Rectory, effective August 1, 2022 until June 12, 2025.
After presentation by Archabbot Martin Bartel, O.S.B., The Reverend Thomas More Sikora, O.S.B., Pastor of St. Mary Parish, St. Marys, with residence in the priory, effective July 20, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
After presentation by Archabbot Martin Bartel, O.S.B., The Reverend Eric Vogt, O.S.B., Senior Associate of St. Mary Parish, Sacred Heart Parish and Queen of the World Parish, all in St. Marys, with residence in the priory, effective July 20, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Reverend Raymond W. Hahn, Parochial Administrator of Holy Rosary Parish and of St. John the Baptist Parish, both in Erie, effective July 6, 2022 until a new pastor is appointed or other provisions are made.
The Very Reverend Matthew J. Kujawinski, VF, Member of the Presbyteral Council by direct appointment, effective July 6, 2022 until June 30, 2024.
The Reverend Jeffrey J. Noble, Vicar Forane (Dean) of the St. Marys Deanery and Member of the Presbyteral Council to complete the terms of the Very Reverend Ross Miceli, effective July 6, 2022 until June 30, 2024.
The Reverend Ian R. McElrath, Chaplain to the traditional Latin Mass communities in the Diocese of Erie, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend James P. Power, Sacramental Assistant to the traditional Latin Mass communities in the Diocese of Erie, while continuing as Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Crown, with its mission church of St. Ann in Marienville, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend Thomas J. Whitman, Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Sharon Deanery and Member of the Presbyteral Council, to complete the terms of the Very Reverend Matthew Kujawinski, effective July 6, 2022 until June 30, 2024.
The Very Reverend Richard J. Allen, EV, Pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish, Sharpsville, while continuing as Pastor of Notre Dame Parish, Hermitage, effective immediately until July 30, 2028. The Bishop has accepted the request of Father Allen to conclude his service as Episcopal Vicar of the Western Vicariate, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend Christopher M. Barnes, Pastor of St. Titus Parish, Titusville, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend William R. Barron, Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Osceola Mills, and St. Agnes Parish, Morrisdale, with its mission church of Ss. Peter and Paul, Hawk Run, with residence in the St. Agnes rectory, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Mister Christopher A. Beran, Deacon Assistant to St. Eulalia Parish, Coudersport, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Port Allegany, and St. Bibiana Parish, Galeton, with its missions which include Sacred Heart Church, Genesee and St. Augustine Church, Austin, with residence in the St. Eulalia rectory, effective July 6, 2022, until June 30, 2023.
The Reverend Andrew M. Boyd, Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Mercer, including its secondary church, St. Hermenegild Church, Pardoe, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend James C. Campbell, Pastor of St. Patrick Parish, Franklin, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Benjamin J. Daghir, Parochial Vicar pro tempore of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois, effective immediately until July 6, 2022; Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, DuBois, St. Bernard Parish, Falls Creek, St. Mary Parish, Reynoldsville, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Sykesville, with residence in St. Catherine rectory, and part-time faculty member of DuBois Central Catholic School effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Reverend Michael G. DeMartinis, Full-time Faculty Member of Cathedral Prep, effective July 6, 2022 until June 30, 2027.
The Reverend John J. Detisch, Pastor of St. Tobias Parish, Brockway, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Joseph V. Dougherty, Senior Associate of St. Eulalia Parish, Coudersport, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Port Allegany, and St. Bibiana Parish, Galeton, with its mission churches of Sacred Heart, Genesee, and St. Augustine, Austin, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Jason R. Feigh, Chaplain of Cathedral Prep, while continuing as Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, McKean, effective July 6, 2022 until June 30, 2027.
The Reverend V. David Foradori, Episcopal Vicar of the Western Vicariate, while continuing as Pastor of Beloved Disciple Parish, Grove City, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Nicholas J. Fratus, Parochial Vicar pro tempore of St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, North East, effective immediately until July 6, 2022; Parochial Vicar of St. George Parish, Erie, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Reverend Daniel R. Hoffman, Pastor of St. Eulalia Parish, Coudersport, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Port Allegany, and St. Bibiana Parish, Galeton, with its mission churches of Sacred Heart, Genesee and St. Augustine, Austin, with residence in the St. Eulalia rectory, while continuing as Judge in the Matrimonial Tribunal, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Mark A. Hoffman, Pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Edinboro, with sacramental ministry to the students at Pennsylvania Western University – Edinboro Campus, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Kevin O. Holland, Pastor of St. Boniface Parish, Kersey, while continuing campus ministry at Elk County Catholic School, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Very Reverend Robert Horgas, VF, Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Clearfield, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend John B. Jacquel, Pastor of St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bradford, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Bradford, including the mission church of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Lewis Run, with residence in the St. Bernard rectory, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Brandon M. Kleckner, Pastor of St. Michael Parish, Greenville, with its mission church of St. Margaret, Jamestown, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Very Reverend Matthew J. Kujawinski, VF, Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Erie, while continuing as Administrator of the Office for Divine Worship, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Ian R. McElrath, Chaplain of Mercyhurst Preparatory School and Chaplain to Campus Ministry at Penn State Behrend, with residence at Our Lady of Mount Carmel rectory, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Very Reverend Ross R. Miceli, VF, Pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Erie, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Mister Cory L. Pius, Deacon Assistant at St. Peter Cathedral Parish, Erie, effective immediately until June 30, 2023.
The Reverend Monsignor Richard R. Siefer, EV, Pastor of St. Bernard Parish, Falls Creek, St. Mary Parish, Reynoldsville, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Sykesville, while continuing as Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Michael the Archangel parishes, DuBois, and as Episcopal Vicar of the Eastern Vicariate, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Marc J. Solomon, Pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish, Albion, with its mission church of St. Philip, Crossingville, and Chaplaincy Ministry at the State Correctional Institution, Albion, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2028.
The Reverend Edward J. Walk, Senior Associate of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, DuBois, St. Bernard Parish, Falls Creek, St. Mary Parish, Reynoldsville, and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Sykesville, with residence at Assumption rectory, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Reverend Christopher A. Wheeler, Parochial Vicar pro tempore of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie, effective immediately until July 6, 2022; Parochial Vicar of St. Eulalia Parish, Coudersport, St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, Port Allegany, and St. Bibiana Parish, Galeton, with its mission churches of Sacred Heart, Genesee, and St. Augustine, Austin, with residence at St. Eulalia rectory, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Reverend David A. Whiteford, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Peace Parish, effective July 6, 2022 until July 30, 2025.
The Reverend Stanley J. Swacha, reappointed to Chaplaincy Ministry at St. John XXIII Home, Hermitage, effective June 25, 2022 until July 30, 2027.
The Reverend Raymond C. Gramata, Retired, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend Raymond W. Hahn, Retired, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend Monsignor Charles A. Kaza, Retired, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend Walter E. Packard, Senior Associate at St. Luke Parish, Erie, with residence in St. Luke rectory, effective July 6, 2022.
The Reverend Scott W. Jabo, Rector of St. Mark Seminary, Erie, and Director of Seminarians, while continuing as Vocation Director for priestly vocations, effective July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2027, or until the diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.The Very Reverend Michael T. Kesicki, full-time priestly ministry at Gannon University, including continuing as University Chaplain, with residence at St. Peter Cathedral rectory, effective July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2027.
The Reverend David M. Renne, Vice-Rector of St. Mark Seminary, Erie, and member of the faculty of Gannon University, Erie, effective July 1, 2022 until June 30, 2027, or until the diocesan Bishop determines otherwise.
The Very Reverend Richard C. Tomasone, Vicar Forane (Dean) of the Bradford Deanery and member of the Presbyteral Council, to complete the term of the Reverend Vincent Cieslewicz, effective immediately until June 30, 2024.
The Reverend Matias Quimno, reappointed to Chaplaincy Ministry at Christ the King Manor, DuBois, effective April 7, 2022 until July 30, 2027.
The Reverend Monsignor John J. Herbein, retired effective April 25, 2022.
The Very Reverend Michael P. Ferrick, V.F., Parochial Administrator of St. Lawrence Parish, Albion, with its mission, St. Philip Church, Crossingville, while remaining Rector of St. Peter Cathedral Parish, Erie, and Vicar Forane of the West Erie Deanery, effective immediately (April 25, 2022) and until a new pastor is appointed or other provisions are made.
The Very Reverend B. LaMounte Sayers, V.F., Parochial Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, Franklin, while remaining Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Clarion, and Vicar Forane of the Oil City Deanery, effective April 25, 2022 and until a new pastor is appointed or other provisions are made.
Deacon Richard P. O’Polka, Temporal Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, Franklin, while remaining Deacon Assistant of that same parish, effective April 25, 2022 and until the appointment of a new pastor or until other provisions are made.