Monsignor Edward J. Zeitler, who has served three parishes in Mercer County, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination at noon Mass on Sunday in Church of Notre Dame, 2325 Highland Road, Hermitage.

A reception will follow in the multi-purpose room of Notre Dame School, 2335 Highland Road, Hermitage.

The Erie native graduated from St. John the Baptist Grade School, Cathedral Preparatory School, and St. Mark Seminary, all Erie. He is a son of the late George and Agnes Keller Zeitler.

Monsignor Zeitler attended Gannon University, Erie, and completed his priestly studies at Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure, N.Y.

He was ordained to the priesthood May 15, 1958, in St. Peter Cathedral in Erie.

Monsignor Zeitler, beginning in 1985, served for 13 years as Notre Dame’s pastor and returned in 2007 as its senior associate. Before returning to Notre Dame, Monsignor Zeitler was pastor of Church of the Beloved Disciple in Grove City. A new church building was constructed under his watch.

He is affectionately known in all of his parishes as “Father Z.”

Before coming to Notre Dame as pastor, he was chairman of the Diocesan Presbyteral Council and held membership in the College of Consultors, Pastor Advisory Board and the Committee for the Continuing Education of Priests. He also was a vice chairman from 1988 through 1994 of the Priests Personal Board.

At Notre Dame, Monsignor Zeitler was on the board of Kennedy Catholic High School, Hermitage; Prince of Peace Center, Farrell; Serra Club and the diocesan Marriage Encounter Team. He continues as diocesan chaplain for Marriage Encounter.

While at Notre Dame, he was elevated to “Chaplain of His Holiness” by Pope John Paul II at a ceremony held by Bishop Donald Trautman on Feb. 22, 1992 in St. Peter Cathedral.

Monsignor Zeitler was pastor from 1979 through 1985 of Our Lady Queen of the Americas Church, Conneaut Lake. There he was president of the County Ministerial Association and chaplain to the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

He was parochial vicar between 1969 and 1979 at Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion; and chaplain to Neuman Center at Clarion University.

Monsignor Zeitler served as parochial vicar from 1967 through 1969 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Farrell; and 1959 through 1967 at St. Peter Cathedral.

His first assignment was in 1958 at St. Bernard Church, Bradford, Pa.