The Erie Catholic School System is expanding its Erie Knights Lacrosse program to include all K-8 grade levels within the system, now including kindergarten through second graders. Since its launch five years ago, Erie Catholic Knights Lacrosse has steadily strengthened in participation, coaching, and vision. When the program first began, the long-term goal was always to create an athletic pathway that would eventually welcome students of all ages. That vision now becomes reality as Erie Catholic introduces the sport to its youngest learners at a time when lacrosse is experiencing unprecedented interest across the country. “We are so excited to continue growing lacrosse at the youth level as this has been the goal since we started this program,” said Andrew Smykowski, coach for the team. “It’s been great to get lacrosse in front of as many boys and girls as possible. It is truly for everyone and we want to share that in a fun, fast paced environment that focuses on the development of our students.” Over the past two decades, lacrosse has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing team sports in the United States, with national participation more than tripling since the early 2000s. This trend is especially strong at the youth and scholastic levels, where more families seek sports that blend conditioning, skill development, strategy, and teamwork. This national surge underscores that Erie Catholic is not simply expanding a program—it is opening the door for students to participate in a sport whose momentum and appeal are rising across the country. “Athletics help form confident and capable students,” said Travis Washko, president of Erie Catholic. "Providing our youngest students the opportunity to experience a sport like lacrosse allows them to grow in ways that support their whole development.” Lacrosse supports coordination, balance, and spatial awareness while also encouraging communication, cooperation, and confidence, which is developmentally aligned with how younger children learn best. National youth clinics show that roughly 85% of new players are experiencing lacrosse for the first time in early elementary grades, demonstrating how well the sport fits the needs and interests of young learners. “Beginning with foundational skills is fundamental to athletic success as our students move on to competitive programs,” said Tanner Verplancke, athletic director at Erie Catholic. “It creates a natural and healthy developmental pathway that benefits students in athletics and in the classroom.” Students interested in playing may attend an upcoming clinic before season registration begins in March. For more information, parents may download the information flyer in PlusPortals or reach out to Coach Smykowski directly: andrew.smykowski@cathedralprep.com.

Middle school students from the Erie Catholic School System and Mother Teresa Academy came together this week for the annual Great Mass, a longstanding Catholic Schools Week tradition that brings students, teachers, and clergy together in shared worship. The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Lawrence Persico, along with parish pastors from each campus, and Erie Catholic’s chaplain, Fr. Kevin Holland. Held during Catholic Schools Week, the liturgy offers students a chance to unite as one community in prayer, reflection, and celebration. Erie Catholic President Travis Washko said the gathering reflects the momentum he’s seen building across the system. “As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I’ve been reflecting on the remarkable movement already underway throughout our schools,” Washko said. “In these first months, I’ve seen a community ready to come together in new ways.” This year’s national theme—Unity in Faith and Community—aligns closely with Erie Catholic’s priorities. “The theme feels especially fitting as we step into a new era as a system,” Washko said. “This is a time when our shared Catholic identity guides us, our collaboration strengthens us, and our mission calls us to move forward together.” A central focus of Catholic Schools Week is service, something Washko says is rooted deeply in Erie Catholic’s culture. “Service isn’t just something we do—it’s a way of life we form in our students. You can see it when students support each other, when families rally around someone in need, and when our schools and parishes work side by side. That spirit of compassion and love is the heart of Catholic education.” The Great Mass also marks a moment of looking ahead. Erie Catholic will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in Fall 2026, a milestone that will shape the future direction of Catholic education in the region. These next years will define how Erie Catholic strengthens its Catholic identity, deepens unity across campuses, and ensures every child entrusted to us grows in mind, body, and spirit. Throughout the week, each Erie Catholic school has been celebrating the daily themes highlighted nationally by Catholic Schools Week. These include days dedicated to celebrating parishes, community, students, the nation, vocations, faculty and staff, and families. Classrooms across all five campuses have participated in activities ranging from special prayer services and service projects to classroom reflections and schoolwide events. The intention of each theme is to help students understand the many people and partnerships that shape their education and to recognize the ways Catholic identity is lived out in everyday school life. About Catholic Schools Week Catholic Schools Week is a national celebration held each year to highlight the value of Catholic education in the United States. According to the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), the week recognizes the faith formation, academic excellence, and community service that define Catholic schools. Events often include Masses, open houses, service projects, and activities that honor students, families, educators, parishes, and local communities. To learn more, visit ncea.org .