Editor’s Notebook (December, 2024)

By Kristine Rilling
12/16/2024

When I accepted a position with the Diocese of Erie, my thoughts immediately turned to my grandmother, Baba. Born in 1912 and living to the remarkable age of 104, she was a devout Catholic, deeply committed to her faith. Baba and I shared a unique bond beyond just our Oct. 4 birthdays — she always called me her "birthday girl.” We also shared a love for our faith. One of her favorite phrases, "Praise the Lord!" became a beloved family motto, a joyful expression of faith that I carry with me in everything I do.

Parallels like these continued to surface as I stepped into my new role at the diocese. I follow in the footsteps of Anne-Marie Welsh, who, after serving as the notable editor of Faith magazine for many years, has retired. We share more than just similar career paths — we both believe deeply in the power of storytelling to inspire and evangelize.

Anne-Marie presented an important question in her final Editor’s Notebook that is often asked by Bishop Persico: “What are you doing about evangelization?” I see my work here as a continuation of that calling. It’s not just about communication, it’s about helping others grow in their relationship with Christ. By sharing powerful stories of Catholics across the Diocese of Erie and beyond, we can shine a light on how faith is lived and celebrated every day and in so many ways.

I find it especially meaningful that my first Editor’s Notebook falls during the Christmas season. Christmas has always held a special place in my heart, as it does for many of us. It’s a time of joy, a time to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ and to honor the traditions that make this season so sacred. My family cherishes this time of year, and one of our unique traditions involves Nativity scenes. As a child, after Christmas Eve Mass, my family would delicately unwrap our Nativity to place on our mantle. This tradition continues with my own family now with my husband’s growing collection of Nativity scenes from around the world. Each set tells a story — a different cultural perspective on the same universal message of hope, love and salvation that we celebrate at Christmas.

As we enter this season of joy, we also look toward a new beginning with the upcoming Year of Jubilee in 2025. Pope Francis has called on the Catholic Church to embrace this special year as a time for renewal, forgiveness and joy. Bishop Persico has expressed his excitement for this year and is implementing opportunities so everyone in our diocese can participate in this sacred celebration. The jubilee invites us to reflect on the hope and new beginnings that Christ’s birth brings, reminding us that our faith is always evolving, always deepening.

I encourage you to embrace the Christmas season in your own special ways, whether through long-standing family traditions, like my family’s Nativity collection, or by finding new ways to express and share your faith. Let this be a time to “Praise the Lord” for the blessings we have, and for the hope and renewal that Christ’s birth brings into our lives.

Wishing you a blessed and joyful Christmas!