August 25, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I am writing to thank you for your generous support of Catholic education in the past. I also ask you to continue your generosity during the weekend of September 19-20 when our diocese will conduct the annual Catholic Education Collection.

This special collection supports the circle of lifelong Catholic education and faith formation throughout the Diocese of Erie, accompanying individuals and families at every stage of their faith journey. We have many reasons to be proud of the faith formation taking place at every level of Church life, from parish religious education and Catholic schools to baptismal preparation, OCIA and adult faith formation. Through these ministries, we teach the truths of the Catholic faith and form disciples of Jesus Christ.

Half of the funds raised from this collection remain in your parish to support local education and faith formation programs. The other half supports diocesan faith formation initiatives, tuition assistance for Catholic school students, educator leadership development, and the national collection for The Catholic University of America, as requested by the USCCB. I encourage you to support this collection generously. Your gift to the Catholic Education Collection strengthens the Church's mission of passing on the faith to future generations and nurturing lifelong discipleship.

Contributions can be made directly at your parish or online at https://www.eriercd.org/cec.html. Be assured of my prayers for you and your family.

With every best wish, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Lawrence T. Persico

The Most Reverend Lawrence T. Persico, JCL Bishop of Erie