‘Be a Sign of Hope’ conference highlights dignity of life at every stage
By Melanie Sisinni11/04/2025
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie hosted the Be a Sign of Hope: Respect Life Conference on Saturday, Nov. 1, at St. Mark Catholic Center in Erie. The annual gathering drew participants from across the diocese for a day of reflection, learning and fellowship centered on the sacredness of human life.
All diocesan seminarians were present, along with representatives from parishes and local pro-life organizations. Tables lined the main hallway of St. Mark Catholic Center, where groups such as People for Life and Gannon University’s Students for Life offered informational materials and small takeaway items. A prayer intention table provided a quiet space for attendees to share personal petitions throughout the day.
Breakfast foods, coffee and juice were available in the back of the auditorium as participants arrived and greeted one another before the first session. Katie McMahon of Shiloh IVF Ministry opened the morning with her presentation, Hope through Infertility, Hope after IVF and Hope in Jesus, offering an honest and faith-filled reflection on the challenges couples face when navigating infertility. Her talk encouraged compassion and accompaniment for families seeking to trust God’s plan in difficult circumstances.
Next, Chelsey Gomez from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities spoke on Walking with Moms in Need. Gomez shared practical ways parishes can support pregnant and parenting women, emphasizing that pro-life ministry is rooted in mercy, presence and hope.
Following the morning sessions, attendees gathered in the St. Mark cafeteria for a lunch of sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. The afternoon featured presentations on hospice and end-of-life care by Jennifer Wallace and Erin Zahniser, MSSA, LSW, and a session on recognizing and combating human trafficking led by Eric Failing of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Each talk was followed by opportunities for questions and conversation, allowing participants to engage directly with the presenters.
Erin Tubbs, executive director of Catholic Charities, reflected on the day’s success, noting how deeply participants connected with the message of the conference.
“I was encouraged to see so much engagement from the attendees during the presentations — asking questions and sharing their own stories. You could see how much they wanted to learn how they can help people who are facing various challenges,” said Tubbs.
Elizabeth Slaby, director of the Office of Social Justice and Life, echoed that sentiment.
“Our presenters shared powerful testimony calling us to greater compassion and offered practical advice on how to accompany the most vulnerable at the most difficult moments of life, affirming their dignity and upholding the gifts of their lives — that is, how to be signs of Christ’s love, how to be signs of hope,” said Slaby.
Throughout the day, the spirit of community and shared mission was evident. Conversations over coffee, prayer intentions written with care and heartfelt discussions with speakers all reflected the day’s theme of being a sign of hope.
The conference was presented by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie with funding from the Catholic Social Ministry Endowment at the Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania and additional support from the Catholic Daughters of America.
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