Priests of the Diocese of Erie Gather for Day of Recollection Focused on Vocations

By Kristine Rilling

03/17/2026

Priests from across the Diocese of Erie gathered on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, for a Priests’ Day of Recollection centered on prayer, reflection and renewed commitment to fostering priestly vocations. Held during the season of Lent, the day provided clergy with an opportunity to step away from their normal duties and focus more deeply on their relationship with God. Moments like this help priests renew their vocation, strengthen their spiritual lives and prepare to accompany the faithful through the Lenten journey toward Easter.

This year, the Priests’ Day of Recollection was held at St. Mark Catholic Center, Erie, and featured nationally recognized vocation advocate Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, who will lead a series of conferences exploring the theme, “Understanding and Responding to the Current Vocation Landscape in the U.S.”

The gathering brought together clergy from across the diocese for a day that balances spiritual renewal with practical insight into encouraging a culture of vocations within parish life. The day offered an opportunity for priests to deepen their own spiritual lives while also exploring ways to accompany and encourage those discerning a call to the priesthood.

“This priests’ day of recollection brought together 50 priests from around the diocese for prayer, reflection and fraternity,” said Father David Renne, director of continuing clergy formation. “We typically host two priests’ days of recollection each year, one during Lent and another in the fall. Presenters speak to the priests on a wide range of topics. This day of recollection, working in collaboration with the vocation office, we brought in a speaker who focused specifically on fostering priestly vocations in the Diocese of Erie. As many of our priests are spread out around the diocese and living alone, these opportunities for fraternity are increasingly important for all of us.”

“The future of the Church depends on hearts that are willing to listen to the voice of God,” said Bishop Lawrence T. Persico. “Moments like this Day of Recollection allow our priests to renew their own call while also reflecting on how we can invite and encourage the next generation to consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. Building a culture of vocations begins in prayer and grows through the witness of faithful priests and vibrant parish communities.”

The day began early, as priests arrived for fellowship and light refreshments before they began their Mid-Morning Prayer. Gruenewald opened the day by offering the first of three conferences, setting the tone for a day focused on understanding the realities of vocations today and responding with renewed pastoral creativity.

Her work through Vocation Ministry has helped dioceses and parishes throughout the country cultivate a culture that invites young people and adults alike to listen for God’s call. Drawing on years of experience working with bishops, priests and parish leaders, she offered practical insights into how local faith communities can support discernment and encourage vocations in today’s environment.

Rhonda Gruenewald facilitated the Lenten Clergy Day of Recollection with what Father Jabo, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Erie, described as an inspirational and motivating presentation on vocations.

“Her passion and commitment to promoting and supporting vocations was impactful for all the priests in attendance,” said Father Jabo. “She gave us prayerful yet practical and effective ideas about promoting vocations in our parishes to foster a culture of vocations throughout the entire diocese.”

Gruenewald also shared numerous success stories from other dioceses that have implemented intentional vocation efforts, offering hope and encouragement as the Diocese of Erie continues to address its own concerns about vocations and strengthen its response.

During the presentations, Gruenewald introduced a three-point plan designed to help strengthen a culture of vocations across the diocese. The plan encourages:

Prayer for vocations, including a strong encouragement that every parish host a monthly Holy Hour dedicated to praying for vocations.
The formation of parish vocation ministry teams that can assist pastors in promoting vocations and supporting discernment.
The implementation of “Called By Name,” an initiative that allows parishioners to submit the names of young men and women who demonstrate the qualities and characteristics of a potential religious vocation.

After additional sessions, the afternoon transitioned into a time of prayer and reflection. Priests gathered in the chapel for a Holy Hour, including the Rosary for Vocations and an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation. As the Church journeys through the season of Lent, this moment also provided priests the opportunity to receive the sacrament themselves as they prepare to offer God’s mercy to the faithful in their parishes.

Fraternal time together was not forgotten. The priests were offered an opportunity for friendship and conversation over dinner after a day of prayer and learning.

Throughout the day, the conferences and the Holy Hour offered meaningful moments to capture the spirit of the gathering, highlighting both the communal and spiritual dimensions of the event.

As a next step, parish-based vocation ministry teams will begin forming throughout the diocese. To support these teams, two workshop opportunities will be offered: one at St. Bernard Church in Falls Creek on Saturday, April 11, and another at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie on Sunday, April 12.

Feedback from the priests in attendance was highly positive, with many sharing that the day with Gruenewald energized, motivated and inspired them to continue building a culture of vocations throughout the Diocese of Erie.

The Priests’ Day of Recollection reflects the diocese’s ongoing commitment to supporting priests in their ministry while continuing to encourage a culture in which vocations to the priesthood and religious life can be heard, nurtured and joyfully embraced. As the Church prepares to enter the Easter season, the day also offered priests a renewed sense of hope as they continue their ministry in parishes across the Diocese of Erie.

This day of recollection is made possible in part through the generosity of those who support the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). Gifts to the CSA help sustain many of the programs and ministries that strengthen the life of the Church across the Diocese of Erie, including opportunities for the ongoing formation and spiritual renewal of our priests. The faithful support of donors ensures that moments like this – times of prayer, reflection and fraternity – remain available to those who serve our parishes and communities each day.

Through the generosity of our supporters and the commitment of our faithful priests, the Diocese of Erie continues to invest in the spiritual vitality of its people and in the future of vocations throughout the diocese.