Update on President Search for Erie Catholic

At Erie Catholic School System, we take great pride in nurturing students who embody academic excellence, strong moral character, and a commitment to lifelong learning. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students who placed in the top 15 spots for admissions at two of our local high schools. Not only does this recognition highlight the rigorous preparation and quality education offered at Erie Catholic schools, but it also demonstrates the dedication and resilience of our students and their families. As part of this prestigious honor, these students have been awarded scholarships toward their high school tuition, further supporting their journey of academic and personal growth. Our mission at Erie Catholic is to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. This recognition by top local high schools is a testament to the strength of our academic programs, faith-based learning environment, and the unwavering support of our dedicated teachers and staff. From foundational skills in the early grades to critical thinking and leadership development, our students are well-prepared to excel in their next chapter of education. Congratulations to Our Top-Performing Students We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following Erie Catholic students who have achieved this remarkable milestone: Cathedral Prep Lucas Maciak: Our Lady of Peace School, $2,500 Lillian Dufala: Saint George School, $2,500 Oliver Hudson: Saint Jude School, $1,000 Anthony Tellers: Saint Jude School, $1,000 Spyro Speros: Saint Jude School, $1,000 Finn Jackson: Saint George School, $1,000 Benjamin Dougherty: Our Lady of Peace School, $500 Samuel English: Saint George School, $500 Annie Theisen: Blessed Sacrament School, $500 Gabriel Sherman: Saint George School, $500 Mercyhurst Preparatory School Vidalia Kelly: Our Lady of Peace, $3,000 Oliver Hudson: St. Jude School, $2,000 Nicholas Pepperman: St. James School, $1,000 Izabella Stevens: St. Luke School, $1,000 Their hard work and determination have paid off, earning them a place among the best and brightest. A Legacy of Excellence for Bright Futures Erie Catholic students consistently stand out for their achievements both in and out of the classroom. This latest accomplishment is just one example of how our schools provide a strong foundation for success in high school, college, and beyond. Whether excelling in academics, participating in service projects, or leading on the sports field, Erie Catholic students continue to make us proud. We are grateful to the families who trust us with their children’s education and partner with us in fostering a community where students can thrive. Together, we are shaping a future generation of leaders who are not only intelligent and capable but also kind, compassionate, and grounded in faith. Join Our Tradition of Excellence If you’re seeking an educational experience that prioritizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a supportive community, consider Erie Catholic for your family. Enrollment is open, and we would love to share more about how our schools can help your child achieve their fullest potential. Schedule a tour or shadow day at one of our six campuses today.

Photo provided by Ms. Damore, where she is receiving the award from Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Chair of the Foundation.

Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity, is just around the corner, and we are thrilled to join the #iGiveCatholic movement to support our Erie Catholic School System. This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on our students, teachers, and school communities by funding exciting projects at each of our six campuses. At Erie Catholic, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional faith-based education, and with your help, we can ensure our schools have the resources they need to thrive. This year, each of our schools has identified a unique project to enhance the educational experience. Here’s how your generosity can make a difference: At Our Lady of Peace School , the focus is on improving campus communication through a much-needed upgrade to the school’s PA system. This improvement will ensure better connectivity, safety, and efficiency throughout the school. Across town at Saint Jude School , students will benefit from brand-new furniture in middle school classrooms, creating a welcoming and inspiring environment that encourages learning and collaboration. Meanwhile, the playgrounds at Blessed Sacrament School and Saint George School are about to get a significant boost. Blessed Sacrament is working to add new equipment that will bring excitement and joy to recess, while Saint George School plans to transform their playground into a safe and engaging outdoor space for students to enjoy. Over at Saint Luke School , the spotlight shines on the arts. With plans to expand their theater program, the school will use funds to purchase play rights and costumes, opening the door for students to express their creativity and grow in confidence through the magic of performance. At Saint James School , the focus is twofold: the primary classrooms will be equipped with new, ergonomic desks to better support young learners, and the cafeteria will see an upgrade with new tables and chairs, ensuring all students have a comfortable place to gather for meals and community time. For those who want to make an even bigger impact, donations can also be directed toward system-wide initiatives that support all six schools. These contributions will help Erie Catholic continue its mission of providing an exceptional, faith-based education that inspires students academically, morally, and spiritually. How to Give Giving is easy! Simply visit iGiveCatholic.org and search for your favorite Erie Catholic School or donate to support the entire school system. Why Your Support Matters Your generosity allows us to continue providing a Christ-centered education that fosters academic excellence, moral character, and a strong sense of community. Every donation, big or small, helps us create the best possible environment for our students to grow and succeed. Mark Your Calendars for Giving Tuesday! Advanced Giving Period: November 18, 2024 - December 2, 2024 Giving Tuesday : Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Let’s come together as a community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for your prayers, your support, and your commitment to Catholic education. Let’s make this year’s iGiveCatholic campaign our most impactful yet!

As Thanksgiving approaches, our Erie Catholic School System students are embracing the true spirit of the season—gratitude, kindness, and service. This year, they’ve poured their hearts into a special project: creating “Happy Thanksgiving” cards for the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner. These thoughtful cards are more than just a creative activity; they are a reflection of our commitment to fostering compassion, service, and community within our students. Campus Ministry plays a vital role in our schools, inspiring students to live out their faith through acts of service. By engaging in projects like these, students learn the value of giving back and the joy of uplifting others. The cards will bring cheer to the recipients while reinforcing in our students the importance of sharing God’s love through small, meaningful gestures. The purpose of this initiative goes beyond simply creating cards—it’s about teaching our students to act with purpose, empathy, and a heart for others. It’s about building a foundation of service that will guide them as they grow into leaders in their families, communities, and beyond. While this year’s photos highlight the wonderful students of Saint Jude, Saint Luke, and Our Lady of Peace, all of our schools participated in making this Thanksgiving extra memorable for those attending the annual dinner. Every school’s participation is vital, and together, we are showing what it means to be a community united by faith and service. Together, the students created over 1,000 cards for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Thanksgiving Dinner. Stay tuned to our social media platforms for heartwarming images that capture the spirit of Thanksgiving alive in our classrooms. These moments remind us that by nurturing a culture of service and compassion, we’re not only enriching the lives of those we serve but also shaping the character and faith of our students. Let’s continue to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness and faith-filled service. Together, we’re not just teaching lessons; we’re building lives rooted in love, gratitude, and a desire to make a difference.

Erie, PA – The Erie Catholic School System launched a nationwide search for its next president. The search, which is now officially underway, aims to identify a visionary leader who will guide the system in fulfilling its mission of providing a premier Catholic education. The position will be available starting July 1, 2025. The Erie Catholic School System, which includes six preschool-through-eighth-grade Catholic schools, serves nearly 2,000 students across the Erie area. The incoming president will have the opportunity to oversee the system’s Catholic mission and identity, academic programs, strategic planning, and institutional advancement, working closely with the Board of Directors to drive the system’s growth and success. “The Erie Catholic School System is committed to being the school system of choice for families by instilling in its students strong moral character, academic excellence, and a passion for service to others, all rooted in the principles of the Catholic faith,” said Ann Carlin, current chair of the Erie Catholic School System Board of Directors. “The next president will play a key role in ensuring that this mission continues to thrive for generations to come.” The ideal candidate for this leadership role will be a practicing Catholic with a master's degree or higher, at least five years of management experience, and a demonstrated track record of leading change in complex situations. The position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on Catholic education in the Erie region. Interested candidates may learn more about the position by visiting www.eriecatholic.org/president-search. Applications are now being accepted and all inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.