Local Catholic universities welcome new disciples of Christ 

The movement of the Holy Spirit was palpable on Sunday, April 27, as both Gannon University and Mercyhurst University celebrated the profound joy of welcoming new members into the Catholic Church. At Christ the King Chapel on the campus of Mercyhurst University and at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Chapel at Gannon University, students gathered with their communities to be fully initiated into the life of faith. Each celebration was a radiant testament to the living church at work within our local Catholic universities.

At Mercyhurst, six students were received into the church during a beautiful liturgy celebrated by Father Luke Daghir, joined in concelebration by Fathers Alex Amico, Jim Gutting and Mark Nowak. Across the city at Gannon, four students were welcomed into the church at Mass celebrated by Father David Renne and supported by the campus ministry team. Through the sacred rites of Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, these young men and women entered more deeply into the mystery of Christ and embraced the mission entrusted to every disciple: to live and proclaim the Gospel.

The witness of these students stands as a powerful affirmation of the work of Catholic higher education—not only forming minds but shaping hearts for Christ. At Gannon, the spirit of discipleship was especially evident as several students who had previously completed the OCIA process returned to serve as sponsors for their peers. "It is inspiring to see how our students are spreading the faith and bringing one another to Christ," shared Statia Brown, Campus Minister.

Though these young people may be with us for only a brief time, their faith will continue to take root and flourish both on campus and as they return to their home communities. Their bold response to God’s call echoes the church’s universal mission: to bring the love of Christ beyond the borders of our diocese and into every corner of the world.

The Diocese of Erie gives profound thanks for the dedicated work of the campus ministry teams at both Gannon and Mercyhurst, who joyfully accompany students in their journeys of faith and prepare them to be ambassadors of the Good News wherever life leads them.

Following the Mass at Mercyhurst, the community gathered for a special reception in the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, where they honored Fathers Jim Gutting and Mark Nowak for 50 years of priestly ministry, as well as Father Alex Amico, who celebrates 52 years of priesthood this month, and Father Luke Daghir, marking his first year. During his homily, Father Daghir reflected on the extraordinary impact of a lifetime of priestly service, noting, “a priest of 50 years may celebrate upwards of 25,000 Masses, hear as many as 100,000 confessions and baptize thousands of souls into new life.”

The diocese rejoices in the abundant fruits borne from decades of faithful priestly ministry and the vibrant witness of our Catholic universities. Together, they continue to form a new generation of disciples, setting hearts ablaze with the love of Christ.

We give thanks for the Spirit’s movement in our midst—and for the many ways Christ’s light is shining forth from our local church and into the world beyond.

View photos from Gannon and Mercyhurst below:
Thank you to GU Campus Ministry, Mercyhurst Campus Ministry & Melanie Sisinni for capturing these photos.