Walking together: Brotherhood at the 43rd Emmaus Clergy Convocation

By Allison Mosier

06/11/2025

Each year, the Diocese of Erie’s clergy step away from the daily rhythm of ministry to walk the road to Emmaus together - a time to rest, reflect and renew their commitment to Christ and to one another. Much like the disciples in Luke’s Gospel who encountered the risen Jesus along the way, our priests and deacons return from the Emmaus Clergy Convocation with hearts rekindled and eyes opened anew to God’s presence in their lives and service.

Now in its 43rd year, the Emmaus Clergy Convocation will be held June 23–26, 2025, at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA. This year’s gathering also coincides with the assembly of permanent deacons from June 25–27. Priests and deacons will share in this time of spiritual renewal and fraternity, including a special Mass and banquet to honor clergy celebrating milestone jubilees. Bishop Lawrence Persico will preside at the Mass on Wednesday, June 25, followed by a celebratory dinner at the Fred Rogers Center, a joyful setting to honor those who have given their lives in service to Christ and his church.

The convocation offers more than just a pause from routine; it creates sacred space for brotherhood. It’s where stories are shared, friendships are renewed and clergy are reminded that their journey is one they walk together. In quiet conversations and shared prayer, they find strength, clarity and encouragement.

This year’s featured speaker for the priest portion of the convocation is Fr. Greg Friedman, OFM, a Franciscan Friar from Albuquerque, New Mexico. With decades of experience in media ministry through Franciscan Media and the USCCB, Fr. Greg will guide priests through the profound questions found in the Gospel of John, questions of identity, trust and mission. His Franciscan insight will invite reflection on hearing God’s voice anew amid the realities of modern ministry.

Deacons will be joined by Fr. Patrick Carrion from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, a respected pastor, seminary educator and contributor to Priest Magazine. Fr. Carrion will lead sessions focused on pastoral communication and effective collaboration in parish life, offering practical tools and spiritual nourishment to help deacons serve their communities and support their pastors more fully.

Yet the deepest blessings of Emmaus often come in the unscripted moments, in the laughter, prayer and shared meals that remind our clergy that they are never alone. As they journey together, faith is strengthened, community is built and they return renewed, brothers in Christ, ready to shepherd with joy.

Please join us in praying for all the priests and deacons attending this year’s Emmaus Clergy Convocation. May their time together be filled with grace, healing and the joy of the risen Lord.

We invite the faithful to pray for our priests and deacons as they step away this weekend, please find the prayer below.