Diocese of Erie celebrates Clergy Appreciation Month

By Allison Mosier

10/01/2025

Clergy Appreciation Month

Each October, churches around the country observe Clergy Appreciation Month, a time to pause and reflect on the incredible gift of our clergy. The Diocese of Erie joins the faithful across the nation in honoring the bishops, priests and deacons who dedicate their lives to Christ and to his church. These men walk with us through the many seasons of life, baptizing our children, celebrating the Eucharist, witnessing marriages, comforting the sick and offering prayers at the hour of death. They bring Christ’s presence to our parishes and communities, often in unseen and sacrificial ways.

This month provides an opportunity to say a heartfelt “thank you.” Our clergy are men of prayer who stand at the altar on behalf of the people of God. They listen, encourage, guide and intercede for us daily. Their lives are not their own; they are a living witness to the Gospel. A card, a meal or kind words may seem small, yet these simple gestures bring deep encouragement to those who have given their lives in service to Christ and his church.

Clergy Appreciation Month also shines a light on the challenges of vocation. Priests and deacons carry significant responsibilities. They are expected to be spiritual leaders, administrators, teachers and companions, often all at once. While they give selflessly, they too need support, understanding and prayer. Their families make sacrifices as well, sharing in the unique demands of ministry. As a diocesan family, we are called to remember their humanity and to encourage them in their vocation.

"The Diocese of Erie is blessed with faithful clergy, but the need for new vocations to the priesthood remains great," said Bishop Lawrence Persico. "The call to the priesthood and diaconate is one that must be nurtured by the whole church. When young men see the joy and witness of our clergy, and when they hear encouragement from their families and parishes, they are more open to considering how God might be calling them to serve. Every gesture of gratitude shown to our clergy today also becomes an invitation to the next generation: an invitation to imagine a life of service rooted in Christ."

Clergy Appreciation Day, observed on the second Sunday of October, offers a special moment for the church to come together in thanksgiving. The Office for Divine Worship has provided a prayer for this occasion, inviting all parishes, schools and families to lift their hearts in gratitude to God for the gift of our clergy. Prayer, after all, is the foundation of support. It sustains those who serve and opens hearts to hear God’s call.

As we celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month, let us thank God for the priests, deacons and bishops who guide us in faith. Let us continue to support them not only with words and gestures but also by fostering a culture of vocations in our communities. May our gratitude encourage those who already serve and inspire new generations to answer God’s call.

Here are some ways to show your gratitude this month:

Personal Gestures

Write a handwritten note or card of thanks.
Commit to offering daily prayers, rosaries or Mass intentions for your clergy.
Drop off a homemade meal or baked goods at the rectory.

Parish & School Activities

Create a “Blessing Tree” or bulletin board filled with thank-you notes, children’s artwork and prayers.
Have schoolchildren draw pictures of their priests or deacons to display.
Share weekly announcements in the bulletin, website or parish social media to highlight your clergy’s service.

Gifts & Tokens

Give gift cards to local restaurants, coffee shops or bookstores.
Pool donations for a retreat, spiritual resources or continuing education fund.
Create a scrapbook or framed photo of the parish family as a lasting keepsake.

Ongoing Support

Show appreciation by volunteering your time in parish ministries or offering help with office and grounds tasks.
Pray for and encourage vocations to the priesthood and diaconate in honor of your clergy’s witness.

Social Media

Below you will find graphics that can be shared on your own personal social media pages, where you can share your appreciation for your pastor. Simply right click and save the image.

Let us thank God for the gift of our clergy and continue to support them with our prayers, words and acts of love.

Prayer card: