Since the 1990's, the Diocese of Erie and the separately incorporated Catholic Charities, Inc. have collaboratively supported the ministry of charity and social justice in northwest Pennsylvania.  They are now jointly announcing the restructuring plan in support of those same ministries.

Currently, the diocese supports its own Catholic Charities department which includes two offices: the Mission Office and the Social Justice and Life Office.  The diocesan department also provides support to a network of seven Catholic Charities agencies based in various locations throughout northwest Pennsylvania.  At the same time, Catholic Charites, Inc. has focused on fundraising and the distribution of grants that financially support the network agencies.  Recently, Catholic Charites, Inc. has begun to expand its assistance beyond the network.

In the restructuring plan, the diocesan Catholic Charities department will merge into Catholic Charities, Inc....