Welcome to Erie Catholic
Welcome to the Erie Catholic School System, a community where faith, learning, and growth come together to shape the hearts and minds of young people. At our school campuses, we believe education is about more than just academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child. Each day, our students experience a blend of rigorous academics, meaningful spiritual formation, and personal development, all within a warm, supportive environment. Our preschool-through-eighth-grade campuses include:
- Our Lady of Peace
- Saint George School
- Saint James School
- Saint Jude School
- Saint Luke School
Our dedicated teachers and staff are committed to fostering curiosity, encouraging character, and instilling values that last a lifetime. We focus not only on academic excellence but also on building a foundation of faith, kindness, and service. Here, children are seen, known, and loved, with individual needs met through personalized attention and small class sizes.
If you’re exploring the possibilities of Catholic education, we invite you to learn more about our schools, meet our passionate educators, and experience the community spirit that makes Erie Catholic special. Whether you’re interested in enrolling your child or simply learning more about who we are, we look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Latest News
ERIE, Pa. — Erie Catholic School System announced today the addition of two new team members who will support the system’s mission by strengthening communication across its school communities and deepening Catholic identity across all five campuses. Chandler Villanueva has been named Director of Campus Ministry. Through this role, Villanueva will focus on supporting faith formation, spiritual growth, retreat programming, service learning, and liturgical life for students, faculty, staff, and administrators across the Erie Catholic School System. Villanueva brings a strong foundation in Catholic ministry, theology, youth engagement, and service. He has served as a regional youth minister, religious education teacher, long-term volunteer missionary at San Lucas Mission in Guatemala, chaplain’s office intern at Gannon University, and chaplain’s assistant at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie. He also currently serves as part of the faith formation team at Our Lady of Peace Church, where he helps plan and present weekly curriculum for Reconciliation and Confirmation preparation programs. “As Erie Catholic continues to strengthen the ways our campuses form students academically, socially, and spiritually, the Director of Campus Ministry role represents an important investment in our mission and our faith,” said Fr. Kevin Holland, Erie Catholic School System Chaplain. “Chandler brings a heart for ministry, experience working with young people, and a sincere commitment to helping students encounter Christ through prayer, service, retreat experiences, and the daily life of our schools.” In this role, Villanueva will work collaboratively with Erie Catholic leadership, the system chaplain, school principals, parish priests, diocesan clergy, faculty, and staff to support retreats, service projects, school Masses, spiritual formation opportunities, catechist certification, and faith-based programming across the system. Erie Catholic also welcomes Megan Lane as Communications Manager. Lane brings extensive media and advertising experience to the team. Previously, she worked in various roles with iHeart Radio & Media, The Oklahoman/Gannett, KFOR News Channel 4, KWTV News 9, and freelance content writing for Hertz NeverLost GPS. “Strong communication is essential to building trust, supporting families, and telling the story of Erie Catholic with clarity and purpose,” said Travis Washko, President of Erie Catholic School System. “Megan’s background in media, writing, relationship-building, and strategic communication will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen how we communicate across our system and with the wider Erie community.” Together, these two new hires reflect Erie Catholic’s continued commitment to strengthening the student and family experience, supporting school leaders, and advancing the mission of Catholic education in Erie. “We are grateful to welcome both Chandler and Megan to Erie Catholic,” Washko said. “Their roles will support two areas that are central to who we are: forming young people in faith and communicating well with the families and communities we serve.” Both Lane and Villanueva begin their roles with Erie Catholic later this month.
Pictured: Saint James students pose for a class picture after receiving First Holy Communion at St. James Parish.
Each year, the Easter season reminds us that our faith is never meant to stand still. Spring arrives, the days grow longer, and the Church invites us to reflect on the promise of new life that comes through the Resurrection of Christ. Easter is an invitation to begin again, to renew our hearts, and to grow deeper in our relationship with God. For families in our Catholic school community, this season offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on how faith is lived each day — at home, at school, and in the life of the parish. Catholic education has always been more than what happens in the classroom. It is part of the larger mission of the Church, where parents, pastors, teachers, and students walk together in faith. We know that family life is busy, routines change, and it is not always easy to stay connected in the ways we hope to. Some families attend Mass every week. Others come when they are able. Some may feel that it has been a long time since they have been part of parish life at all. Wherever you find yourself today, know that the Church always welcomes you. Simple Ways to Begin This Easter Easter is a season that reminds us that we can begin again at any moment. If you have been thinking about reconnecting or diving deeper with the life of the Church, this season is a beautiful time to start. Even small steps can help families grow in faith and feel more at home in their parish community. You might consider: Attending Mass together, even if it has been a while. Simply being present is a meaningful place to begin. Visiting your parish for a Sunday, a weekday Mass, or a time of quiet prayer. Reintroducing prayer at home in a simple way, such as a short prayer before meals or bedtime. Participating in a parish event, service opportunity, or family activity when the chance arises. Talking with your child about what they are learning in religion class and sharing those conversations as a family. Reaching out to your parish if you have questions or are curious about ways to become more involved. No step is too small. Each moment we turn our hearts back toward God is a moment of grace. We are strongest when the partnership between family, school, and parish is alive and growing. When children see their parents living the faith, when they experience the joy of community, and when they know they belong to something greater than themselves, the lessons of Catholic education take root in lasting ways. This Easter season,take a moment to ask: Where is God inviting you to begin again? How can our family grow closer to Christ? How can we become more connected to the life of the Church? We pray for all of our students, families, pastors, and campus communities during this joyful season of Easter. May the hope of the Resurrection fill your homes with peace, strengthen your faith, and draw us ever closer to Christ and to one another.
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