Faith, fellowship and vocation stories draw over 100 to St. George Lenten series
By Allison Mosier03/12/2026
Over 100 people gathered at St. George Parish on Tuesday, March 10, for another evening of the parish’s popular Soup, Salad and Soul Lenten series, a weekly opportunity during Lent to share a meal, prayer and reflection.
The evening began with Mass celebrated at the parish, concelebrated by Father Michael Scanga and Father Brandon Feikles. After Mass, parishioners and visitors moved to the school cafeteria where volunteers served a warm meal of sausage, potato and kale soup prepared by Chef Luigi, along with toasted bread and salad. The simple meal created a welcoming atmosphere for fellowship and conversation before the evening’s presentation.
The featured speaker for the night was Father Michael Scanga, parochial vicar at Holy Spirit Parish. During his talk, Father Scanga shared stories from his journey to the priesthood, reflecting on the friendships that have sustained him along the way and the experiences that shaped his vocation.
He spoke about the influence of Sister Clare Crockett on his discernment and how her witness helped him recognize God’s call in his life. Father Scanga also reflected on the ministries he finds most meaningful as a priest, including sharing his love of music with students and visiting those who are sick or receiving care in hospitals.
“Some of the most meaningful moments of priesthood happen quietly,” he explained, describing visits with patients and the opportunity to hear confessions in hospital settings. “Those encounters remind me how much people need to know they are not alone and that God is close to them.”
Father Scanga also emphasized the importance of the relationship between priests and the lay faithful. Parish communities thrive, he said, when clergy and laity work together to strengthen faith and support one another.
“Priests cannot live this vocation in isolation,” he told the crowd. “We need community, fellowship, each other and Jesus.”
Reflecting on what he is seeing in parish life today, Father Scanga noted signs of renewed spiritual interest among many people.
“I truly believe people are coming back to the Catholic faith very quickly,” he said. “There is a hunger for truth, for community and for Christ.”
He encouraged those present to remember what he called the “2-2-2 rule,” referencing Second Epistle to Timothy chapter 2, verse 2: passing on the faith that has been received so that others may share it as well.
“The faith that has been entrusted to us is not meant to stay with us,” Father Scanga said. “We are called to pass it on so it continues to grow.”
Among those attending the evening was Annie Moks from the Diocese of Erie’s Office of Communications and Advancement, who said the series creates a meaningful space for connection during the Lenten season.
“There’s something beautiful about gathering around a simple meal and hearing a priest share his personal story of vocation,” Moks said. “It reminds us that faith grows through relationships — through listening, learning and encouraging one another.”
Moks attended the evening with her mother, who said she appreciated the opportunity to hear firsthand about the life of a priest.
“It helps people understand the human side of a vocation,” she said. “You hear the joy, the challenges and the faith that sustains them.”
The Soup, Salad and Soul series continues throughout Lent at St. George Parish, offering parishioners and visitors an opportunity to deepen their faith through prayer, fellowship and shared reflection.
View photos here. Special thanks to Annie Moks for sharing this experience with the Diocese of Erie and for providing photos from the evening.
All are invited to attend future events:
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