Confirmation retreat brings young Catholics together from across the Diocese of Erie
By Allison Mosier11/02/2026
Young Catholics from across the 13 counties of the Diocese of Erie will come together this weekend for an annual confirmation retreat designed to deepen their faith, build community and encourage them to embrace their call to become disciples of Jesus Christ.
Organized by the Diocese of Erie’s Office of Faith Formation, the retreat brings together young people preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation for a day of prayer, reflection, conversation and fellowship. The experience offers participants an opportunity to step away from their everyday routines, connect with others on a similar journey of faith and reflect on what it means to live as Catholics in today's world.
The retreat will be led by Damascus Ministries a Catholic organization known for its dynamic approach to youth evangelization. Through engaging presentations, small-group discussions, prayer and interactive experiences, Damascus missionaries help young people encounter Christ in ways that are meaningful and relatable to their lives. Rather than simply learning about their faith, participants are encouraged to consider how they can put that faith into action through their relationships, decisions and everyday experiences.
“Confirmation is not simply a milestone in a young person's faith journey. It is an invitation to take a more active role in living as a disciple of Jesus Christ,” said Dr. Aaron Kerr, interim executive director of the Diocese of Erie's Office of Faith Formation. “This retreat gives our young people an opportunity to recognize that they are part of something much larger than their own parish. They belong to a community of faith that stretches across our entire diocese, and each of them has something meaningful to contribute to the life of the Church.”
A special part of this year's gathering will be a public expression of faith as participants process together to Mass, offering a visible witness to their shared commitment to Christ and the Catholic Church. Father Jason Feigh will celebrate the liturgy, bringing the day together through the Eucharist, the source and summit of Catholic life.
Making this annual experience accessible to young people throughout the diocese is an important priority. Thanks to the generous support of the Catholic Foundation of Northwestern Pennsylvania, which provides an annual grant, and contributions through the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA), the Office of Faith Formation is able to offer the retreat at no cost to participating families.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in the spiritual formation of young Catholics and ensuring that financial considerations do not prevent young people from participating in meaningful opportunities to grow in faith.
Beyond the activities and presentations, the annual retreat serves as a reminder that the future of the Church is being shaped by young people who are discovering their faith, asking important questions and learning what it means to follow Christ.
As these young Catholics gather this weekend, the Diocese of Erie invites the faithful across all 13 counties to keep them in prayer. May this experience strengthen their relationship with Christ, deepen their connection to the Church and inspire them to carry their faith into the world with courage, joy and hope.
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