Serra Club of Erie celebrates faith and service at annual Installation Mass and dinner
By Melanie Sisinni06/03/2025
The Serra Club of Erie honored four extraordinary individuals at its annual Installation Mass and dinner on Tuesday, May 27. The night was filled with prayer, gratitude and heartfelt recognition of service to the Catholic Church.
The celebration began with Mass at Gannon University’s Mary Seat of Wisdom Chapel, followed by a buffet dinner and awards ceremony in Gannon’s Yehl Ballroom.
The official program began with the installation of new members and leadership. The current president, Charlie Rutkowski, took over as emcee for the night after dinner concluded. Rutkowski introduced the individuals who were honored that night for their service.
“This evening, the Serra Club is honored to publicly acknowledge four individuals for their steadfast commitment and significant contributions to serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” said Rutkowski in his opening remarks. “These individuals exemplify Christ’s infinite love, selflessness and compassion.”
Denny Deiner was named Layperson of the Year for his devotion to faith and community. A lifelong resident of Erie and an active member of St. John the Baptist Parish, Deiner has been a driving force in local Catholic ministries and a passionate promoter of the Serra Club.
“The Serra Club is a passion. Praying is a tireless but necessary duty of heart. It takes perseverance to keep your enthusiasm up, and I just love this,” Deiner shared in his acceptance speech. “Winning this award challenges me to be a better Catholic, a better husband and a better person.”
Deacon Ralph DeCecco received the Deacon of the Year award for his decades-long ministry to the incarcerated and his commitment to family and faith.
“Any good Catholic prays for an increase in vocations,” said Deacon DeCecco. “But we should also pray for more holy marriages and chaste single lives. Most vocations come from holy families.”
Sister Stephanie Schmidt, OSB, was recognized as Sister of the Year in honor of her lifelong service to education, the marginalized and monastic life. A member of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, Sister Stephanie has spent decades ministering to women in crisis and forming future religious.
“We need more people who are peacemakers, who are willing to get involved in what’s happening in our world today,” Sister Schmidt said in her remarks. “We’re all peacemakers in the spirit of Christ.”
Father Michael Kesicki, beloved chaplain and educator, was honored as Priest of the Year. With over 28 years of service to Gannon University and two decades in seminary formation, Father Kesicki’s impact on vocations has been profound.
“My thank you is not originally my own. It comes from words I read years ago. ‘The Divine Master assures us that anyone who gives up everything for His sake will receive a hundredfold,’” said Father Kesicki, “You are that hundredfold granted to me—friends, family and fellow laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.”
In his closing remarks and benediction, Bishop Lawrence Persico expressed gratitude to the Serra Club and underscored the essential role of families in fostering vocations.
“Thank you to the Serrans for all that you do and continue to do to promote vocations,” said Bishop Persico. “May our diocese continue to flourish in the spread of the gospel and the pastoral care of your holy people.”
As the evening concluded, members and guests left uplifted and united in their shared mission—continuing to pray and work for the future of the Catholic Church.
View photos from there evening on our website at https://dioceseoferie.smugmug.com/2025-Moments/Serra-Club-Installation-and-Mass.
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