Preparing for Transition
The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico
09/08/2026
Transitions provide an opportunity not only to prepare for something new but also to step back, evaluate where we are, celebrate what is working well and identify opportunities that will strengthen our mission for years to come.
As I approach my retirement, I want to ensure that the work we have done together for more than a decade across our 13 counties continues to strengthen as we welcome the next shepherd.
A new bishop often arrives unfamiliar with the area, many of the priests and the people. Our diocese is complex. We serve a large and diverse geographic region. Each community has its own unique identity, priorities and needs.
As the Diocese of Erie prepares to welcome its next bishop, I have embraced this moment as an opportunity for thoughtful planning rooted in listening, reflection and evaluation.
Recently, I engaged the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI), an international Catholic apostolate that specializes in leadership and pastoral governance, to learn more about the work of the diocese and to make recommendations to strengthen our service to the parishes, Catholic schools, ministries and the people of God in the Diocese of Erie. This work is made possible through a generous grant from the Catholic Leadership Institute, supported by donors who recognize the importance of episcopal transitions.
The Catholic Leadership Institute sees transition time as a wonderful opportunity to help a new bishop step into his role and come to know the diocese that the Holy Father has called him to serve.
Throughout the Church, successful ministries are built upon a simple principle: good decisions begin with good information. Before determining future priorities, it is essential to understand the current realities of the people, ministries and communities we serve.
CLI has a well-established process for working with dioceses undergoing an episcopal transition. It has extensive experience in this area. It begins by administering surveys to our clergy and to those who work for the Diocese of Erie at St. Mark Catholic Center. It also shares the survey with groups of individuals who have key interactions with our offices and ministries at St. Mark Catholic Center on a regular basis. CLI also holds meaningful conversations with several of our lay faithful throughout the diocese.
This process allows us to gather significant insights from clergy, diocesan employees, parish leaders and other key people, creating a comprehensive picture of our strengths, our challenges and the opportunities before us.
This initiative is not intended to create a strategic plan for the next bishop, nor is it designed to prescribe solutions or predetermined outcomes. Rather, it reflects our responsibility as good stewards to undertake the work of assessment and preparation so that the next bishop begins his ministry with a clear understanding of the Diocese of Erie. The information gathered through surveys, interviews and organizational review will provide valuable context and thoughtful recommendations, while fully respecting his responsibility and authority to prayerfully discern his own vision, priorities and pastoral direction.
It is my prayer that the next bishop of Erie begins his ministry equipped with a deeper understanding of our people, our ministries and the countless opportunities to continue proclaiming the Gospel throughout northwest Pennsylvania.
-