Pennsylvania Representative Bob Merski presented Erie's women religious with a proclamation in honor of Catholic Sisters Week at a press conference held at St. Mark Center in Erie. Representatives of the different communities of women religious working in the Diocese were present. Bishop Lawrence Persico was present to thank the women for their long years of service in the Diocese. Sister Stephanie Schmidt, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, third from right, received the proclamation in the name of the Benedictine Sisters.

Catholic Sisters Week takes place each year March 8-14, beginning on International Women's Day. It intends to shine a light on the spirituality, mission and community building of women religious. The 2024 message of Catholic Sisters Week is "Peace Must Begin with Me." Find more information here including a 30-second video highlighting Erie's Catholic sisters and downloadable resources including a prayer service for peace, bulletin announcements, posters, and prayer cards.

Erie Benedictine Sister Linda Romey reflects on peace in this opinion piece published on GoErie: What can change the world?

The Catholic Sisters Week website offers a wider look at the role of women religious.