A time of transition: Walking with faith through clergy changes

By Kristine Rilling

07/30/2025

Each year, the Diocese of Erie experiences a season of transition as some clergy receive new assignments. It’s a time marked by emotion and prayer as pastors and parishioners absorb the changes and try to figure out how to harness this as an opportunity to grow in faith together.

While official announcements have already been shared, the real story unfolds in the hearts of pastors and parishioners navigating these moves. Saying goodbye to a beloved priest and preparing to welcome a new one is never just administrative – it’s deeply personal. The Diocese of Erie is also unique in its geographic area spanning 13 counties. Often pastors are called to move halfway across the state, not just across town. And yet, it can be deeply spiritual and rewarding to witness the profound impact our pastors have on the lives of our parishioners.

“Our connection to a parish is significant,” said Bishop Lawrence Persico, bishop of Erie. “These transitions invite us to remember that, while a pastor may change, Christ remains at the center of every parish. The generosity of our priests to fully give themselves to the Holy Spirit is remarkable. I am truly grateful.”

New assignments are made in response to the evolving needs of each individual diocese and to support pastoral care at college campuses, hospitals, diocesan schools, prisons and nursing homes. Pastor assignments typically span six years, fostering stability and continuity for both pastors and parish communities. When it is time to be reassigned, a pastor is asked to finish his ministry in one location and begin anew at his next.

Fortunately, in the Diocese of Erie, our priests and parishioners share strong connections, built through shared experiences such as youth gatherings, Confirmations, pastoral planning meetings, Ordination, Chrism Mass, Rite of Election, men’s and women’s conferences, retreats, various diocesan celebrations and times of fellowship. These relationships can be especially helpful during times of transition.

Upon learning of his new assignment as parochial vicar in DuBois, Father Michael Scanga said, “In the past years, the brother priests I have served with and have looked up to have inspired me deeply. I see their dedication, their presence with the parishioners, their prayerful intimacy with God and their authenticity. Each of them brings the unique gifts God gives them into the ‘vineyard’. Now, as a priest, I am constantly thinking of my brother priests as I live out my own priesthood.”

These sentiments continued with Father Mike Polinek who will be moving across the state. He said, “I was privileged to be a part of the Catholic communities of Crown, Fryburg, Lucinda, Marienville, and most recently Clarion and East Brady. Our parishes, several of them newly partnered and merged, made a great team. I am sad to leave, but excited to work with and build up a great team in my new appointment as Pastor of St. Jude Parish, St. Andrew Church and St. Stephen Parish in Erie!”

Many pastors describe their departure as both joyful and heartbreaking. They find joy in the hope of new ministry, and heartbreaking because of the bonds formed through years of shared faith. For those newly assigned, there’s often a sense of anticipation mixed with vulnerability.

“When I laid my life down at ordination for the people of God and took my promise of obedience to the bishop, I meant it with all my heart,” shared Father Brandon Feikles who was just ordained this past May.

“I know God is doing big work in this diocese, and I'm honored to be a part of it. I’m very excited to begin my assignment at St. George Parish and Penn State Behrend,” Father Feikles continued. “I have no idea what’s coming, and frankly, that is fine! God knows what He's doing; I need only to remain faithful and say Yes to Him every day. The rest will fall into place. Come Holy Spirit!”

Father Jason Feigh is one of the priests who is traveling to a new part of the diocese. When asked how he is adjusting to the transition, he shared, “I am feeling very optimistic because God, as he did at St. Francis Xavier Parish (McKean) and at Cathedral Prep (Erie), has also blessed the communities of Clarion, East Brady/Rimersburg with great people who are also open to the opportunities to journey together. I am coming with an open heart and arms, and hope that they too will offer the same.”

Many of our priests, including Father Feigh, are asking for prayers.

“None of us like change,” he continued, “but what is constant is our relationship with God and one another. We just need to have patience with the moves and with getting used to journeying with one another. I have walked alongside my parishioners and students through moments of joy and tragedy. I will carry the many lessons learned on how to be a shepherd and Man of Christ for his church and people.I will carry with me the openness to new opportunities.”

As Father Feigh moves away from St. Francis and Cathedral Prep, the faithful will welcome Father Ben Daghir who accepted his placement as pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish, McKean, and as Chaplain of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie. This will be his first assignment as pastor of his own parish. He currently serves as parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Parish, DuBois, and as the chaplain at DuBois Central Catholic.

“I’ll carry deep gratitude and inspiration from the people of Holy Spirit Parish and DuBois Central Catholic. Their faith, grit and generosity shaped me profoundly over these past three years,” shared Father Daghir. “I’m excited and humbled. During times of transition and change, we must hold firm to the One who permanently remains - Christ crucified and risen. I’ve been incredibly inspired by witnesses who live this way, and our diocese has many remarkable witnesses.”

As parishioners, our response can help set the tone for a priest’s next chapter – whether they are coming or going. It’s a moment for communities to practice hospitality, patience and love.

Whether you’re saying goodbye or hello (or both!), here are tangible ways to walk this journey together:

To Honor a Departing Priest:

Plan a Farewell Reception: A simple gathering after Mass allows time for farewells and blessings.

Create a Memory Book: Invite parishioners to write notes of appreciation, share memories or include photos.

Offer Spiritual Gifts: Organize a spiritual bouquet – a collection of prayers, Rosaries or acts of service offered for the departing priest’s new ministry.

Give a Thoughtful Gift: Consider a gift card, framed parish photo or something personally tied to his interests.

Express Public Gratitude: Include a bulletin insert, letter of thanks or testimonial in the parish newsletter.

To Welcome a New Priest:

Introduce Yourself (several times!): Don’t wait for him to remember names – say hello often and with warmth.

Host a Welcome Weekend: Include a parish potluck, breakfast after Mass or an informal meet-and-greet.

Prepare a Welcome Basket: Include gift cards to local restaurants, parish swag, a map of the area or notes from parishioners.

Share Parish Life: Offer a quick reference guide to parish ministries, key contacts, Mass times and traditions.

Offer Patience: Remember, your new priest may be adjusting to new surroundings, names and responsibilities.

Pray for Him by Name: Add his name to the intercessions and encourage others to do the same.

No matter what the approach is, the most important thing is simple:be present.

The journey of priest and people is one of shared discipleship – rooted in the Eucharist, strengthened by community and guided by the Holy Spirit.

The full list of clergy appointments is available at:eriercd.org/news/News-releases.html