75 YEARS

Sister Jean Baptiste DiLuzio, SSJ

 Diamond jubilarian Sister Jean Baptiste entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Holy Rosary Parish in Erie. She currently ministers in the development and communications offices of her congregation. She taught at Blessed Sacrament School, Erie; St. Agatha High School, Meadville; and St. Leo High School, Ridgway. For 25 years, she also taught at Erie’s Cathedral Preparatory School, where she was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1994. She served in administration at the former Villa Maria College, Erie, and served her religious community in various capacities, including as executive secretary-treasurer, treasurer, council member, formation team member and member of the board of directors. For 30 years, Sister Jean Baptiste was an auditor in the Diocese of Erie’s Tribunal Office, and also served on many community and church-related boards. She volunteered for Harborcreek Youth Services, Cathedral Prep and the Spanish Apostolate. In 1996, she was awarded the Papal Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice by Pope John Paul II. Her call to religious life, she says, was nurtured by the simple faith of her immigrant parents and years of example and encouragement of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Congratulatory messages

75 YEARS

Sister Mary Julia Scully, SSJ

 A native of St. Peter Cathedral in Erie, Sister Mary Julia taught for 25 years at several diocesan elementary schools, including: St. Patrick, Holy Rosary, Sacred Heart, St. Andrew and St. Ann schools, all in Erie; St. Mary in Reynoldsville; Holy Rosary in Johnsonburg; and St. Leo in Ridgway. She ministered at Saint Mary's Home of Erie and worked in the media library at the former Villa Maria College. She was a teacher and housemother at Harborcreek Home for Boys, and housemother at St. Joseph’s Home for Children. She graduated from Villa Maria College with a degree in elementary education. Sister Mary Julia believes that with God’s grace, she will continue to live the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, which is unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Kathleen Kirsch, SSJ

 Sister Kathleen entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Holy Rosary Parish in Erie. She currently ministers in the prayer call ministry of her congregation. She taught at Villa Maria Academy in Erie, St. Agatha High School in Meadville, and St. Francis High School in Clearfield. She was a caseworker for Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Erie and was an area supervisor for the organization in DuBois. Additionally, she was a counselor in mental health services at Saint Vincent Hospital, Erie, and was a team leader there in home care. She also served as an immigration counselor at the International Institute of Erie. In service to her religious community, she served as its councilor for personnel. She finds comfort and hope in Psalm 23: “Keep me always faithful to your teaching and never let me be parted from you.”

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Father Daniel C. Wolfel, OSB

 Benedictine Father Daniel Wolfel, a monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, is a native of St. Marys. During his 70 years of religious life, he served parishes in the dioceses of Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Altoona-Johnstown and Erie, all in Pennsylvania; and Youngstown, Ohio. From 1998 to 2002, he was pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, St. Marys, and from 2003 until his retirement in 2016, he served as senior priest at Queen of the World and St. Mary parishes, both in St. Marys. He received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Saint Vincent College in 1950, and a master’s of divinity from Saint Vincent Seminary. At one time, he was socius of novices at Saint Vincent, assistant curator at Saint Vincent Museum and a religious instructor at Saint Vincent Preparatory School, from 1953-54. At one time, he served as assistant treasurer of Saint Vincent Archabbey. Father Daniel has been spending his retirement years at Saint Vincent Archabbey.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Ann Marie Cappello, SSJ

 Sister Ann Marie entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Sacred Heart Parish in Erie. She currently ministers as mission effectiveness coordinator for her congregation and is co-director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Associate Program. She taught at many schools, including Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Peace, St. John the Baptist, St. Andrew, Holy Rosary and St. Ann, all in Erie, as well as St. Leo in Ridgway, and St. Bernard in Bradford. She also taught at Villa Maria College and Gannon University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College and a master’s degree in education/reading from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she also was certified as a reading specialist and studied library science. The community’s consensus statement, she says, has become an inspiration and source of frequent reflection, a constant reminder of the day-to-day striving for “more” — the love of God and love of neighbor without distinction.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Mary Therese Egan, OSB

 Celebrating 60 years with her Benedictine community, Sister Mary Therese is a prime example of sisters working well beyond the traditional age of retirement. Today, she remains in the position of director of Information Technology at Mount St. Benedict Monastery in Erie. Her technical expertise with computers was first nurtured in 1995, during assignments as a computer technician and interactive TV coordinator for the Diocese of Dodge City, Kan. A native of Oil City, her primary ministry was in education. She spent 35 years as an elementary school teacher and administrator in Sharon, Clarion, Oil City and Erie, as well as at schools in both Wickliffe, Ohio, and Vienna, Va. Sister Mary Therese says St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians — with its passage on patience, kindness, strength, endurance and constancy of love — has inspired her throughout her life as a Benedictine.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Joseph Marie Fitzgerald, SSJ

 A native of St. Peter Cathedral Parish in Erie, Sister Joseph Marie entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1958. Since 2003, she has ministered as resident supervisor of Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, East. Earlier ministries included teaching at the following Catholic schools: St. John the Baptist, Our Lady of Peace, Villa Maria Elementary and Holy Rosary, all in Erie; St. Brigid School in Meadville; and St. Bernard, Bradford. At Holy Rosary, she also served as principal. She worked in the guidance office at Villa Maria College, Erie, where she also served as assistant dean and dean of students and convent superior. She has served her congregation in formation ministries and as assistant community superior. During her ministry at Erie’s Metro Health Center from 1992 to 2003, she was pastoral counselor, discharge planner and a member of the hospital’s Ethics Committee. She believes in manifesting her vocation to all she meets, always remembering “to serve others as Joseph served Jesus and Mary.”

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Mary Fromknecht, SSJ

 In her 60th year of religious life, Sister Mary remains active in various ministries. Since 2015, she has served as executive director of Sister Services for her congregation, and for more than three decades has been the director of Erie’s St. Patrick’s Haven, a ministry she co-founded to assist homeless men. Previously, she ministered at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie in various capacities, including assistant administrator and administrator of Saint Mary’s, East. She was a teacher and administrator at several schools in the Diocese of Erie, and was pastoral minister at St. John the Baptist Parish, Erie, and parish social minister at St. Patrick in Erie. For 10 years, she served as president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. She also was director of Peace & Justice/Respect Life for the Diocese of Erie. Trained and educated in counseling, she was a counselor at the Wholistic Health Center in Hindsdale, Ill., and with the REAP program at Villa Maria College. One of her favorite Scriptures, she says, is John 21, which speaks of Jesus’ mandate of service to the “dear neighbor.”

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Justina Gutowski, OSB

 Known as a “quiet, steadfast presence” within her community, Sister Justina first became acquainted with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie in her home parish of St. Joseph, Oil City. She entered the community in 1958, upon graduation from St. Benedict Academy, Erie, and spent her first four years as a teacher at a number of elementary schools. Throughout her religious life, she has provided hospitality and comfort to the Benedictine community as both a housekeeper and later as food service manager. She also dedicated 21 years of ministry to Benet Press, the community print shop, where she eventually served as manager. Today, Sister Justina is engaged in the ministry of prayer and presence. She also volunteers clerical assistance to the business office as needs arise. Her life as a Benedictine, she says, has been guided by St. Benedict’s call to “let us prefer nothing to Christ.”

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Frances Therese Matia, SSJ

 Sister Frances Therese entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Christ the King Parish in Houtzdale. Since 1997, she has served as the director of religious education for St. Callistus Parish in Kane. Previous ministries included teaching at St. Patrick, Holy Rosary and St. Michael schools, all in Erie; Holy Rosary School, Johnsonburg; and St. Francis School in Clearfield. She also ministered at St. Joseph Orphanage, Erie, and Erie Day Nursery. From 1986-97, she was director of religious education at St. Leo Parish, Ridgway. She says she is inspired and strengthened by receiving the Eucharist at daily liturgy, and believes her vocation came from the example of her parents, who were strong, practicing Catholics. “The words from the hymn ‘What Wondrous Love’ remind me of my wonderful years at home with my family that formed me in choosing my vocation,” she says.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Elizabeth Ann Niebauer, SSJ

 Sister Elizabeth Ann entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Erie. In her most recent ministry, from 2001-14, she served as an accounting associate at the Erie-based Barber National Institute. Earlier ministries included teaching at several diocesan elementary schools, including St. Bernard, Bradford, where she also was principal. Her education ministry also included work as an instructor and assistant professor at the former Villa Maria College, and as an assistant professor at Mercyhurst University, both in Erie. Proficient in business, she worked as a staff accountant at firms in the Erie area. She was supervisor of accounts receivable at Spencer Hospital in Meadville, and vice president of fiscal services at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, where she also worked in accounts payable. She is an accomplished watercolor artist. One influence on her vocation, she says, was being active in Sodality, which gave young women a chance to be connected with the parish community.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Rosemary O'Brien, SSJ

 Celebrating 60 years of religious life, Sister Rosemary continues to bolster the faith by offering spiritual direction and retreats. Her current ministries also include formation and ministry to refugees, as well as serving on the boards of directors of Erie DAWN and Inter-church Ministries of Erie County. A native of St. Joseph Parish in Oil City, she taught for many years in Catholic elementary and high schools in the Diocese of Erie. She served as pastoral assistant at Immaculate Conception Parish in Erie, and in pastoral ministry at St. Patrick Parish and Our Lady of Mercy, where she also served as director of religious education. Active in her religious community, she previously was director of the SSJ Associate Program, director of the SSJ Spirituality Centre, and a member of the SSJ Leadership Council and SSJ Congregational Leadership Team. When she is most aware of God’s presence, she feels a unity and connection with all life and seeks to share that experience with others.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Margaret Pellerite, SSJ

 Sister Margaret entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Francis Parish in Clearfield. She currently ministers in campus ministry at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage, where she also served as a teacher from 1967 to 2016. She continues to head the school’s Action Club, a school service organization. A lifelong educator, she also taught at St. Francis in Clearfield, and Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart and St. Jude schools, all in Erie. She also served on the board of St. John XXIII Home in Hermitage. Recognized by the diocese for her 50 years in Catholic education, Sister Margaret also was honored as a “Hometown Hero” by WKBN-TV in Youngstown, Ohio. One of her favorite Scripture passages, she says, is Micah 6: “This is what God requires of you, only this, to act justly, to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God.” She considers this a guide of how to live her life.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Phyllis Schleicher, OSB

 A true leader, Sister Phyllis ministered for 20 years as an elementary school teacher, followed by another 40 in various administrative roles. After teaching at the grade-school level, she taught and participated on the administrative team of St. Benedict Academy in Erie. Having earned her licensure as a nursing home administrator, she oversaw the St. John XXIII Home in Hermitage until she was elected prioress of the Erie Benedictine community in 1990. After two, four-year terms, Sister Phyllis took on a new challenge as a founding member of Catholic Rural Ministry, which offers the presence of women religious to rural counties in the Diocese of Erie, under the auspices of Catholic Charities. Since 1999, Sister Phyllis and Sister Mary Hofmann, OSB, have brought a caring, welcoming presence to Potter and McKean counties, listening to the needs of the people and striving to respond through formation and outreach efforts.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Carol Ann Voltz, RSM

 Sister Carol Ann lives by the words of St. Paul to the Philippians: “For me, to live is Christ.” She is transport liaison for the Care Center at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse in Erie. A native of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Buffalo, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1958. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Medaille College and a master’s in biology from S.U.N.Y. at Buffalo. After teaching in diocesan schools in Buffalo, she moved to Erie and taught at St. Luke and St. Jude schools, and Mercyhurst Preparatory School. She also taught for a year at St. Michael Navajo Mission School in Arizona. She developed the Service Learning Program at Mercyhurst University, Erie. From 2000-08, she was on the professional staff at Comfort Care & Resources and at Villa Maria Motherhouse, Erie, as a nurse’s aide and volunteer.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Naomi Wood, SSJ

 A native of Holy Rosary Parish, Johnsonburg, Sister Naomi entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1958 and made her final profession in 1966. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College, Erie. She taught at the following schools: St. Ann, Blessed Sacrament, St. Patrick, St. Andrew and St. Peter Cathedral, all in Erie; and at St. Agatha School in Meadville. In addition to her education ministry, Sister Naomi has also served at Saint Vincent Hospital, Erie, and at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie. She currently works as a human resources assistant at Saint Mary’s Home. She credits many people for guiding and inspiring her over the years. “My mother was a great influence in my life,” she says. “She was a woman of great faith and trust in God. She taught me to believe that nothing will happen to me today that God and I can’t handle together.”

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Rita Zottosky, OSB

 In her youth, Sister Rita moved to Erie from Aliquippa, Pa., and attended Mount Calvary School. She came to know the Erie Benedictine Sisters while a student at St. Benedict Academy. She spent the first 10 years of her religious life working in hospitality, as a housekeeper and cook at several convents throughout the Diocese of Erie. In 1968, she began 16 years of ministry in elementary school education. Her life took a new direction when she became a staff monitor and then receptionist at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, beginning in 1984. She would remain with the organization for another 16 years. Today, she remains focused on hospitality as a receptionist at Mount St. Benedict Monastery. Sister Rita finds inspiration in the ninth chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke, which she quotes: “Anyone who wants to follow me, the Christ, must put aside her own desire and carry her cross every day and keep close to me.”

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Sister Mary Ann Bader, RSM

 Since 2014, Sister Mary Ann has served as the local leader of the Sisters of Mercy in Erie. In that capacity, she is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the motherhouse, as well as the daily lives of the sisters. A native of DuBois, she entered her religious community in 1968. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Mercyhurst University, Erie, and a master’s in music education from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. From 1978-87, she was awarded several advanced certificates from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She was a teacher and then principal at St. Patrick School, Franklin, and then was administrative assistant for one year at the Mercy Center for Women. From 1996 to 2002, she served as director of teacher personnel for the Diocese of Erie’s Catholic Schools Office. For the next 11 years, she was president of Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Erie. During that time, she was elected to community leadership and served as councilor.  

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Sister Marla Bleil, OSB

 Sister Marla has ministered to both young children and the elderly, working in two different ministries during her life with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. First, she was an elementary school teacher, and later was an administrative assistant at Benetwood Apartments. For 32 years, she taught at St. Mary, St. Luke and St. Jude schools in Erie, St. Michael School in Fryburg, St. Stephen School in Oil City, and St. Gregory School in North East. Since 1999, she has remained in Erie, working as administrative assistant at Benetwood, an outreach of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. Benetwood offers monastic hospitality to people who are elderly, those with disabilities, and others who live on a low income. Sister Marla points to the importance of personal and communal prayer, Scripture reading, retreats and the love and support of the community as essential to the growth of her spiritual life.

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Msgr. Robert Brugger

 Officially retired since finishing his eight-year pastorate at St. George Parish, Erie, in February 2017, Msgr. Brugger has taken on other responsibilities for the diocese.  From June 2017 to January 2018, he was administrator of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Emlenton. Then, in February 2018, he became administrator of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Cambridge Springs, a position he held until the end of July. Previously, he was pastor at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Erie; and St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois. A native of St. Luke Parish, Erie, he was ordained in 1968. He was named parochial vicar of Holy Rosary Parish, Johnsonburg, and St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Clearfield. While in Clearfield, he was on the faculty of St. Francis High School, from 1968-71. From 1971-81, he was parochial vicar at St. Peter Cathedral Erie, and later served in the same position at Holy Rosary, Erie. He has held various diocesan posts, including president of the Priests’ Senate, dean of the DuBois area, episcopal vicar of the Western Vicariate, director of clergy personnel and a member of the Priests’ Personnel Board and Presbyteral Council.

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Father John Chaplin

 Father Chaplin retired from active priesthood in 2011, but for two years—from 2015-17—he served as sacramental assistant at St. Bernard Parish in Falls Creek. A native of Clearfield, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and a master’s in theology from the Universidad Catolica (Catholic University) of Santiago, Chile. Ordained a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, he ministered in education as a teacher and counselor in Escuela San Francisco in Santiago, and assisted in parishes and schools in Oregon for several years. Upon returning to the Diocese of Erie in 1996, he served as a chaplain at the State Correctional Institution-Houtzdale, with a weekend assignment at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Clearfield, and residence at Holy Trinity in Ramey. In 2003, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Erie. For a short period, he was administrator of St. Basil the Great Parish, Coalport. From 2008-09, he was sacramental assistant at Christ the King Manor in DuBois, the DuBois Medical Center, Holy Cross Parish in Brandy Camp, and Christ the King Parish in Houtzdale. For two years before retiring, he was a senior associate at St. Francis of Assisi.  

50 YEARS

Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ

 Sister Nancy currently serves as director of the Office for Religious and the Office for Small Communities and Lay Ministry Training and RCIA in the Diocese of Erie. A native of St. John the Baptist Parish, Erie, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1968. Previously, she was a school social worker and family minister at Sacred Heart Parish, Erie. A graduate of Villa Maria Academy, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College. She also earned a bachelor’s in social work from Villa Maria College, and a master’s in pastoral ministry from LaSalle University, Philadelphia. Her earlier ministries included serving as director of RENEW for the diocese, and teaching at several Catholic elementary schools in Erie. For two years, she was a home school visitor for the Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit. Sister Nancy was honored as a Serra Club “Woman Religious of the Year.” She serves on the boards of the North American Forum for Small Christian Communities and the National Alliance of Parishes Restructuring into Small Communities.

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Sister Susan Freitag, OSB

 Sister Susan grew up in South Bend, Ind., where she began her religious life with the Daughters of Divine Charity. After much discernment, she transferred her religious vows to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie in 1988, and has always trusted that her ministry is in the hands of God. Including her time ministering in dioceses located in New Jersey and New York, she spent 26 years working in elementary education. After various teaching assignments in the Diocese of Erie, she held the position of parish office manager at St. James Parish, Wesleyville. Sister Susan then spent nearly a decade working in a variety of positions with Benet Press, the Alliance for International Monasticism and Benetvision. Since 2013, she has served in the community’s development office and has taught at the Inner-City Neighborhood Art House.

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50 YEARS

Sister Janet Goetz, OSB

 Sister Janet grew up in North East, and attended her parish school, St. Gregory. When she entered the Benedictine community in Erie, she began her ministry as an elementary school teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Clarion and Sacred Heart School in Sharon. Eventually, she returned to school to become a registered nurse. She spent 22 years ministering in the medical community as a nurse, a nurse practitioner, and a nursing instructor. Her efforts in that position have led to countless young women and men being prepared as compassionate, caring and well-trained nurses. Sister Janet says she is inspired daily by praying the Liturgy of the Hours and by observing members of her religious community care for each other in small ways. Today, Sister Janet works as an assistant to the community archivist at Mount St. Benedict Monastery.

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50 YEARS

Sister Mary Susan Hallstein, OSB

 Sister Mary Susan is the health insurance coordinator for the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, a position she has held for the past 28 years. A native of Pittsburgh, she worked for several years after high school before entering the Benedictine Sisters of Benet Lake, Wisc. She spent 17 years as a member of that community. While there, she served as procurator and formation director. In 1986, she came to Erie when her community of origin began a merger process with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie. In 1991, she transferred her vows and was fully incorporated as an Erie Benedictine. Her community notes that Sister Mary Susan’s gentle and generous presence in her ministry and her community is based in her deep commitment to Christ.

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Father John Murphy

 Father Murphy currently is senior associate at St. Luke Parish, Erie. He spent most of his priestly life in the Archdiocese of Denver, but maintained strong connections to the Diocese of Erie, having been born here in 1942, and having attended St. Joseph School, Erie, from 1948-50. He returned to Erie in 2007 to serve as pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, Port Allegany, and its mission church of St. Mary in Roulette. He served a three-year term on the Liturgical Commission of the diocese. From 2009-10, he was pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Shinglehouse, and St. Mary Parish, Eldred. For a year, he was administrator of Mount Calvary Parish, Erie, when he assumed his role as chaplain at Hamot Hospital. He remained at Hamot for seven years, retiring in 2017.

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50 YEARS

Msgr. Gerald Ritchie

 For more than half of his priesthood, Msgr. Gerald Ritchie has served as pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek. He was assigned pastor there in 1990. A native of Erie, Msgr. Ritchie’s home parish is Blessed Sacrament. Following his ordination in 1968, he was named parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois, from where he also served in campus ministry at the DuBois campus of Penn State. He then joined team ministry, as parochial vicar, at Sacred Heart Parish in Erie. From 1981-85, he served as pastor of St. John Parish, Tidioute, and St. Anthony Parish, Tionesta. For the next five years, he was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Clearfield. From 1989-94, Msgr. Ritchie served on the Presbyteral Council.

Congratulatory messages

50 YEARS

Father Jerome Simmons

 Although he is retired, Father Simmons remains a chaplain to the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse, Erie. He has spent a great deal of his priesthood as a spiritual counselor. In 1989, he joined the staff of the Ecclesia Center, a residential facility designed to provide rest and renewal to church ministers. He still does Ecclesia ministry from his office at Blessed Sacrament Parish, Erie, with residence at nearby Sacred Heart Parish. Previously, he served as administrator and then pastor of St. Matthew-in-the-Woods Parish, now All Saints Parish, Waterford. For 10 years, from 1975-85, he was in campus ministry at the former Villa Maria College, Erie. Following his ordination 50 years ago, he was named parochial vicar at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Erie. He was also parochial vicar in team ministry at Ss. Cosmas and Damian Parish, Punxsutawney.

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50 YEARS

Sister Dorothy Stoner, OSB

 Sister Dorothy called Shenango Valley her home when she first entered the Erie Benedictine community from St. Joseph Parish in Sharon. She spent 26 years of her ministry in secondary and higher education. She held positions with St. Benedict Academy, Mercyhurst University, Gannon University and the diocesan Catholic Schools Office, all in Erie. She also worked in pastoral ministry, both at St. Luke Parish, Erie, and through outreach to Catholics navigating divorce or separation. Today, Sister Dorothy shares her monastic life of prayer and community at St. Benedict Education Center, a ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie that provides education and job placement services to those on public assistance. She also assists refugees in their resettlement process, improving the lives of families. Sister Dorothy remains inspired and challenged by a line in the Rule of St. Benedict, which states, “Your way of acting should be different from the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else.”

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50 YEARS

Msgr. Bernard Urbaniak

 Msgr. Urbaniak has spent 29 years of his priesthood ministering to the people of St. Stanislaus Parish in Erie. In 1989, he was first named administrator of St. Stanislaus, where he was born and raised. He became pastor in 1990, and remains in that position today. In 2017, he took on the pastorate of nearby Holy Trinity, a partnered parish with St. Stanislaus. His most recent diocesan post was as dean of the Erie East Deanery, a position he held from 2009-10. For 15 years, from 1974-89, he was administrator of St. Bernard Parish, Falls Creek. Ordained in 1968, he started teaching at Cathedral Prep, but then joined the faculty at DuBois Central Catholic, DuBois, where he remained until 1988. In addition to teaching at DCC, he also served for a period there as assistant headmaster.

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50 YEARS

Father Casimir Wozniak

 Father Wozniak has dedicated his priestly ministry to education, the past 43 years spent at Gannon University in Erie. Immediately after his ordination in 1968, he began teaching at Cathedral Preparatory School, Erie, until, in 1975, he was appointed to Gannon’s faculty. Today, he continues to hold the position of assistant professor of theology. For many years, he was assistant professor of pastoral studies. He served as chair of Gannon’s Department of Theology for seven years. In 1993, he earned a doctorate in systematic and historical theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Besides his years in education, he served for five years as co-chaplain for the Sisters of the Divine Spirit, while they served in the Diocese of Erie. From 2009-14, he was the censor librorum for the diocese. According to ecclesiastical law, the censor librorum is appointed by the bishop to examine before publication those writings or other communications that are subject to the church’s supervision. He continues to serve as weekend sacramental assistant at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Erie.

Congratulatory messages

40 YEARS

Father Thomas Brooks

 In his 40 years as a priest, Father Brooks has served as the pastor or co-pastor of five parishes in the Diocese of Erie, including Blessed Sacrament, Sacred Heart, Our Lady of Peace and St. Jude the Apostle parishes, all in Erie; and St. Gregory Parish, North East. He currently is pastor of St. Gregory, a position he has held the past seven years. After his ordination in 1978, Father Brooks taught for six years at Venango Catholic High School in Oil City, and was weekend assistant at St. Michael Parish, Fryburg, and resident priest at St. Joseph Parish, Oil City.  He also served as weekend assistant at St. John Parish in Tidioute, and administrator of Our Lady, Help of Christians, Oil City. His diocesan posts have included diocesan scout chaplain, and board member of the Presbyteral Council and the Bishop’s College of Consultors.

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40 YEARS

Father Thomas Brown

 Father Brown is pastor of St. Raphael Parish in Eldred, and its secondary mission churches of St. Mary in Eldred, and St. Theresa in Shinglehouse. He has been the spiritual leader of all three communities since 2011. Ordained in 1978, Father Brown is a native of St. Luke Parish, Erie. His first assignment as parochial vicar was at St. Michael Parish, Greenville, where he served in campus ministry at nearby Thiel College. In 1982, he was named chaplain at Hamot Hospital, Erie, and was co-pastor of St. Patrick Parish for a little more than a year. Named chaplain of the Legion of Mary, he then served as parochial vicar at St. Jude the Apostle and Holy Rosary parishes, both in Erie. In 1988, he became pastor of St. Bibiana Parish, Galeton, a position he held for 12 years. He served as scout chaplain for the diocese, and was appointed to a five-year term on Presbyteral Council. From 1997 to 2000, he was administrator of Sacred Heart Parish, Genesee, and then was pastor the next 11 years of St. Elizabeth Parish, Corry. He also served a term as dean of the Warren Deanery.

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40 YEARS

Father Thomas Suppa

 For the past 19 years, Father Suppa has been pastor of St. Teresa Parish in Union City, and administrator of its secondary mission church of Our Lady of Fatima, also in Union City. He has served at various times on the bishop’s Pastors’ Review Board and Prebyteral Council. Previously, he was pastor of St. Venantius Parish, Rouseville; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Oil City; and St. Agnes, Morrisdale. From 1990-95, he was regional director of ecumenical affairs for the Eastern Vicariate. While in Oil City, he was liaison to renewal programs and chaplain to Venango County charismatics. Following his ordination in 1978, he was named parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, DuBois, and then became administrator of St. Joseph Parish, DuBois. He also served as parochial vicar at St. Leo Magnus Parish, Ridgway.

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40 YEARS

Father Edward Walk

 Father Walk is currently serving as administrator of St. Bernard Parish, Falls Creek. Previously, he was a priest in residence at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in DuBois, having taught at DuBois Central Catholic High School from 1992 to 2018. He was headmaster of DuBois Catholic from 1992-97. Since his ordination, he also taught at Elk County Catholic in Saint Marys, and at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage. While he performed his education ministry, he was a weekend assistant at the following parishes: St. Boniface, Kersey; Church of the Good Shepherd, West Middlesex; St. Joseph, Sharon; St. Ann and Immaculate Conception, both in the Brookville area; and St. Francis of Assisi in Clearfield.

Congratulatory messages

25 YEARS

Father Ananias Buccicone, OSB

 A monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Father Buccicone has spent all of his priestly life in parishes, including Sacred Heart in Saint Marys in the Diocese of Erie, where he served as parochial vicar from 1993 to 2002. For the past 16 years, he served as pastor of Queen of Peace Parish, Patton, in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. A graduate of Saint Vincent College and Saint Vincent Seminary, he was trained as a graphic designer, illustrator and iconographer. Father Buccicone is best known for his baking and culinary artistry, overseeing the parish bakery and catering services in Patton, and acquiring the nickname “The bread priest.” Having renovated and restored both churches to which he was assigned, he also designed the choir chapel of the Priory in St. Marys. He has been called to a new ministry, that of assisting pastors and their parishes in the pursuit of beauty.

Congratulatory messages

25 YEARS

Father John Malthaner

 Since 2012, Father Malthaner has served as pastor of St. Luke Parish, Erie, and as dean of the Erie East Deanery. Currently, he also serves on the Presbyteral Council. In the last few years, he has taken on extra temporary roles as administrator of St. Boniface Parish, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Mercy parishes, all in Erie. Since his ordination in 1993, Father Malthaner was parochial vicar at St. Joseph/Bread of Life, and St. George parishes, both in Erie. He was administrator at St. George and at Our Lady, Help of Christians Parish, Oil City. From 1999 to 2012, Father Malthaner was on the faculty and served as headmaster of Venango Catholic High School in Oil City. He completed two separate terms on the Priests’ Personnel Board, and served his first term on the Presbyteral Council from 2004-09. Another diocesan post included two, four-year terms with Clergy Continuing Education.

Congratulatory messages

25 YEARS

Father Jerry Priscaro

 Father Priscaro currently is resident priest at Erie’s St. Ann Parish, where he was raised. He’s also the Catholic chaplain to many nursing care residences and the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Home in Erie. In the spring of 2018, he was named chaplain of the World Apostolate of Fatima (Blue Army) in the Diocese of Erie. Father Priscaro has dutifully served in various parishes throughout the diocese. After his ordination in 1993, he was assigned as parochial vicar at Good Shepherd Parish, West Middlesex, and then in the same capacity at St. Joseph Parish, Sharon. For two years, he was a full-time faculty member at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage. Father Priscaro also was parochial vicar at St. Brigid Parish, Meadville, and at St. Boniface Parish, Erie. He was resident priest at St. Paul Parish, Erie, and from 2006-07, was administrator of St. Gabriel Parish in Port Allegany.

Congratulatory messages

25 YEARS

Father John-Mary (John W.) Tompkins, OSB

 A current faculty member and director of human formation at Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Father Tompkins is a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey. During his 25-year priesthood, he also served as dean of students, vice rector and director of field education at the seminary. Father Tompkins served as a parochial vicar at parishes in Pittsburgh, Latrobe and in Virginia. At one time, he was pastor of Queen of the World Parish in Saint Marys in the Diocese of Erie. A native of Troy, N.Y., he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He served as a military police officer from 1982 until his entrance into the monastery in 1987. After earning his master’s in systematic theology in May 1993, he was ordained a priest by Greensburg Bishop Anthony Bosco.

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DEACON ANNIVERSARIES

The following deacons are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their ordinations to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Erie. All were ordained May 16, 2008, at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie.

10 YEARS

Deacon Lawrence Caggeso

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, St. Leo Magnus Parish, Ridgway
• Permanent Deacon Council

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Denis Coan

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, St. John the Baptist Parish, Erie
• Teacher, Permanent Diaconate Formation Program

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Raymond Ehrensberger

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, St. Mary Parish, Saint Marys
• Emmaus Committee

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Francis Lombardo

Current assignment:

• Permanent deacon, Holy Rosary Parish, Erie

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon John Mang

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, Our Lady of Peace Parish, Erie
• Chaplain ministry, Lakeland Area Hospice, Erie

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Thomas Matusiak

Currently retired after years of service as a permanent deacon at Holy Trinity Parish, Erie.


Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Kenneth Reisenweber

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, St. Brigid Parish, Meadville
• Chaplain ministry, State Correctional Institution-Cambridge Springs

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Owen Wagner

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, Church of the Beloved Disciple, Grove City
• Ministry staff, Shenango Valley Catholic School System

Congratulatory messages

10 YEARS

Deacon Timothy Wren

Current assignments:

• Permanent deacon, partnered parishes of St. Joseph and St. Stephen, Oil City
• Permanent Deacon Council

Congratulatory messages

NEWLY ORDAINED

Father Andrew Boyd

 Ordained June 8 at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie, Father Boyd now serves as parochial vicar of St. Agatha, St. Brigid and St. Mary of Grace parishes, all in Meadville. A native of Erie, he was raised at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, but then moved with his family to St. James Parish. He graduated from Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and Cathedral Preparatory School, both in Erie. He entered St. Mark Seminary and studied at Gannon University, Erie, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 2014. In May 2018, he earned his master of divinity degree from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe. He received the Diakonia Award for exhibiting praiseworthy academic performance and service to the seminary community through building student morale and spirit, exercising leadership within the community and demonstrating creative outreach to others.

Congratulatory messages

NEWLY ORDAINED

Father Ian McElrath

 A native of St. Joseph Parish in Sharon, Father McElrath was ordained June 8 at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. He currently is parochial vicar at St. Joseph and St. Stephen parishes, both in Oil City. He is a graduate of St. Joseph School, Sharon, and Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage. In 2010, he entered St. Mark Seminary, Erie, while attending Gannon University. He graduated from Gannon in 2014, having earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He continued his priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Baltimore, Md., graduating in May 2018 with a master’s in divinity and a bachelor’s in sacred theology. During his transitional diaconate year, he served at St. Joseph Parish in Warren.

Congratulatory messages

Bader, RSM, Sister Mary Ann
Bleil, OSB, Sister Marla
Boyd, Father Andrew
Brooks, Father Thomas
Brown, Father Thomas
Brugger, Msgr. Robert
Buccicone, OSB, Father Ananias
Caggeso, Deacon Lawrence
Cappello, SSJ, Sister Ann Marie
Chaplin, Father John
Coan, Deacon Denis
DiLuzio, SSJ, Sister Jean Baptiste
Egan, OSB, Sister Mary Therese
Ehrensberger, Deacon Raymond
Fischer, SSJ, Sister Nancy
Fitzgerald, SSJ, Sister Joseph Marie
Freitag, OSB, Sister Susan
Fromknecht, SSJ, Sister Mary

Goetz, OSB, Sister Janet
Gutowski, OSB, Sister Justina
Hallstein, OSB, Sister Mary Susan
Kirsch, SSJ, Sister Kathleen
Lombardo, Deacon Francis
Malthaner, Father John
Mang, Deacon John
Matia, SSJ, Sister Frances Therese
Matusiak, Deacon Thomas
McElrath, Father Ian
Murphy, Father John
Niebauer, SSJ, Sister Elizabeth Ann
O’Brien, SSJ, Sister Rosemary
Pellerite, SSJ, Sister Margaret
Priscaro, Father Jerry
Reisenweber, Deacon Kenneth
Ritchie, Msgr. Gerald

Schleicher, OSB, Sister Phyllis
Scully, SSJ, Sister Mary Julia
Simmons, Father Jerome
Stoner, OSB, Sister Dorothy
Suppa, Father Thomas
Tompkins, OSB, Father John-Mary
Urbaniak, Msgr. Bernard
Voltz, RSM, Sister Carol Ann
Wagner, Deacon Owen
Walk, Father Edward
Wolfel, OSB, Father Daniel
Wood, SSJ, Sister Naomi
Wozniak, Father Casimir
Wren, Deacon Timothy
Zattosky, OSB, Sister Rita