Catholics who travel abroad are often moved by the universality of the church they encounter. Whether in Europe, Australia, Asia, or Erie, Pa., the truths of the Catholic Church—and the celebration of the Eucharist at the heart of its existence—are the same and have been across millennia.

This truth brings comfort as the Diocese of Erie prepares for a major strategic planning initiative in the coming years. The goal? To ensure that its resources are being used in the best way possible to fulfill its mission as a diocese: providing spiritual nourishment in a welcoming community and outreach to those in need, while assuring that the faith will be passed into the future.

Parish life is the focal point of touchstone events in the lives of the Catholic faithful. The celebration of the sacraments, including baptism and Eucharist, as well as confirmation, are highlights of family life. Healing is brought through the sacrament of the sick and through reconciliation. The rituals involved in the celebration of marriage and ordination create lifelong bonds not only for the people receiving the sacraments, but also for the community as a whole.

At the end of each Mass, the presiding priest blesses the people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

He then offers a command to, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.” Having been strengthened by the Word of God and the Eucharist at Mass, Catholics in northwest Pennsylvania—and throughout the world—are charged with the mission of sharing the Good News with all whom they encounter.