A Year of Celebration
by Allison Mosier
05/05/2025
Honoring Faith, Legacy and Renewal in the Diocese
The year 2025 marks a time of extraordinary celebration throughout the Diocese of Erie. Across our communities, we gather to honor the milestones that have shaped our faith, strengthened institutions and inspired generations. From healthcare and education to parish life and service, these anniversaries remind us of the unwavering commitment of those who built and sustained our Catholic presence in northwest Pennsylvania..png)
At the heart of this year is the Jubilee of Hope, a Holy Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, calling Catholics to renewal, unity and joy. As we reflect on the past and embrace the future, we celebrate the profound legacy of our diocese and the boundless possibilities ahead.
THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH –
165 years of leadership and service
For 165 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have lived their mission of uniting people with one another and with God. Their ministries – including education, healthcare, social services and advocacy – have shaped lives and communities across generations. They founded or sponsored institutions such as Saint Vincent and Spencer Hospitals, Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, Villa Maria Elementary, Villa Maria Academy and Villa Maria College, the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network and St. Patrick’s Haven and St. James Haven. As founding members of Gannon University through Villa Maria College, their impact on Catholic education endures. In 2025, commemorations will include a celebratory Mass hosted by AHN Saint Vincent and Gannon University, and a pilgrimage to honor their foundress and deceased sisters. The legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph continues to inspire service rooted in faith and compassion.
AHN SAINT VINCENT HOSPITAL –
150 years of healing and innovation
Since its founding in 1875 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital has been a pillar of medical excellence. From its humble beginnings as a 12-bed facility, it has grown into a stateof- the-art hospital leading advancements in heart surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care and maternal health. Rooted in a tradition of faith and service, Saint Vincent remains dedicated to compassionate care, ensuring world-class treatment for generations to come. As it marks 150 years, the hospital honors its legacy while looking ahead to the future of medical innovation and patient-centered care.
ST. PETER CATHEDRAL –
150 years as the spiritual heart of the diocese
For nearly a century and a half, St. Peter Cathedral has stood as a beacon of faith and worship in the Diocese of Erie. Its cornerstone, laid in 1875, marked the beginning of a church that would become a spiritual home for thousands. This Gothic Revival masterpiece has been the site of countless sacraments, celebrations and moments of prayer. Recent restorations, including to the historic organ, preserve its beauty while ensuring its role as a sacred space for future generations. As the mother church of the diocese, St. Peter Cathedral remains a cornerstone of faith, calling all to worship, community and spiritual renewal.
CHURCH OF THE BELOVED DISCIPLE –
100 years of faith in Grove City
A century of worship, service and community marks the 100th anniversary of Church of the Beloved Disciple in Grove City. The roots of Catholic life in the area trace back to the late 19th century when missionaries traveled to celebrate Mass. By 1925, the growing Catholic population established a parish, creating a lasting foundation for faith. Over the years, the church has adapted to meet the needs of its congregation, including the construction of a new worship space. The addition of the Beloved Disciple Pastoral Center in 2008 further strengthened its mission of faith formation and service. Today, the parish continues to thrive, welcoming all to celebrate its century of faith and commitment to the Gospel.
ST. GREGORY THAUMATURGUS PARISH –
150 years of faith and fellowship
Generations of Catholics have found a home at St. Gregory Thaumaturgus Parish, North East, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. Established by Irish immigrants, the parish has grown from a small mission church into a thriving community of faith. As part of the celebration, St. Gregory held a Lenten Journey program focused on gratitude, joy and hope to commemorate this special anniversary. Throughout the year, events will honor the parish’s legacy and the enduring faith of those who have kept it strong for 150 years.
GANNON UNIVERSITY –
100 years of academic excellence
Since 1925, Gannon University has been shaping minds and hearts through faithbased education, leadership and service. Founded by Archbishop John Mark Gannon, he sought to create an opportunity for all to attain a college education. For the decades since, Gannon has grown into a nationally recognized institution, preparing ethical leaders in engineering, healthcare, business, humanities and social sciences. As Gannon marks its centennial, alumni and supporters will come together to honor its legacy and look ahead to a future of innovation and impact. With a mission that reaches beyond the classroom, the university continues to transform lives through service-learning and global outreach, ensuring its influence endures for generations to come.
A YEAR OF FAITH, HOPE AND RENEWAL
These remarkable anniversaries align with an even greater celebration: the Jubilee of Hope 2025. This Holy Year invites all Catholics to pause, reflect and renew their faith. A particularly joyous occasion will be the ordination of two new priests, Deacons Brandon Feikles and Michael Scanga, on May 23. Their call to serve is a testament to the ongoing vitality of the Catholic Church and the enduring work of the Holy Spirit. As we move through this year, we do so with deep gratitude for the past, pride in the present and excitement for the future. This is our time – to celebrate, to honor and to embrace the mission that continues to guide us forward.
JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
Make 2025 a year to remember. Stay connected with upcoming events and ways to participate. To see other milestones in the Diocese of Erie this year, visit www.ErieRCD.org.
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