Throughout October, Catholics around the world honor Mary, our Blessed Mother, through the devotion of the Holy Rosary. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and draw closer to Jesus through the eyes and heart of His mother—a gentle reminder that prayer connects us, strengthens us, and brings peace to our hearts and homes. Last week, the Erie Catholic School System came together as one faith-filled community to pray the Rosary virtually. From classrooms across all five campuses, students, teachers, and leaders joined in prayer, each taking a decade of the Rosary as we lifted our intentions to God. The virtual Rosary was a beautiful expression of unity where voices, young and old, came together in rhythm and reverence. Each decade was led by a different campus, creating a living example of what it means to be one system rooted in faith and love for Christ and His Mother. “As our students prayed, they were reminded that every “Hail Mary” is a small act of love, a chance to quiet our hearts, to listen, and to grow in faith together,” said Travis Washko, president of Erie Catholic. “These moments, though brief, form the foundation of a lifelong relationship with God.” The Power of the Rosary at Home The Rosary is sometimes called “the Gospel on a string.” Each decade invites us to meditate on the life of Jesus and Mary—His birth, ministry, suffering, death, and resurrection. Praying it together as a family can be a meaningful way to bring faith into daily life. Here are a few ways families can keep the spirit of the Rosary alive at home: Start small: Pray one decade together before bedtime or dinner. Even a few minutes of prayer can bring peace and closeness. Make it meaningful: Invite each family member to share an intention for their decade, like someone they want to pray for or something they’re thankful for. Create a sacred space: Light a candle or place a small statue or image of Mary nearby to help center your family in prayer. Pray on the go: The Rosary can be prayed in the car on the way to school, while taking a walk together, or wherever your day takes you. As the final prayers echoed through our classrooms, the quiet reverence of our students lifting their voices together served as a powerful reminder of who we are and what binds us. In a world that moves quickly, moments like this slow us down and re-center us on what matters most. May the peace of the Rosary continue to fill our hearts and homes long after October ends, reminding us that when we pray together, we grow together in faith and love as one Erie Catholic community.

There’s no better time to experience the heart of Catholic education than during Discover Catholic Schools Week, and no better place to do it than right here at Erie Catholic. Starting Saturday, November 15th, our campuses will open their doors to welcome prospective families, alumni, parishioners, and supporters of Catholic education for a first-hand look at what makes Erie Catholic special. Whether you’re exploring Catholic education for the first time or returning to the halls that helped shape who you are, these open houses offer a meaningful way to reconnect, rediscover, and be inspired. Experience the Erie Catholic Difference Faith and learning go hand in hand at Erie Catholic. Our students thrive in an environment built on academic excellence, moral development, and a strong sense of community. Visitors will have the chance to tour classrooms, meet teachers and principals, talk with current families, and see how we nurture the whole child in mind, body, and spirit. Each school has its own unique personality and strengths, but they all share the same mission: to prepare students to lead lives of faith, integrity, and service. A Celebration for All Who Believe in Catholic Education Discover Catholic Schools Week isn’t just for prospective families; it’s a celebration for everyone who believes in the power and purpose of Catholic education. Alumni can stroll through familiar hallways and see how their alma mater continues to grow. Parishioners and supporters can witness the impact of their generosity in the smiles of our students and the vibrant learning taking place each day. When you walk through our doors, you’ll see more than classrooms. You will feel a sense of belonging, purpose, and hope for the future. Join Us: Register Today We invite you to visit one or more of our Erie Catholic campuses during Discover Catholic Schools Week. Come see how faith forms the foundation of everything we do and how it continues to transform lives every day. To view open house dates, times, and locations, visit eriecatholic.org/open-house. Come discover Catholic education. Come discover Erie Catholic.