CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS SISTER ANNIVERSARIES

The following priests and women religious are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations in the Diocese of Erie.

80 YEARS

Sister Lucille DeStefano, SSJ

     Sister Lucille DeStefano, SSJ, was born in Ridgway, PA to the late Michael and Helen Delpozzo DeStefano. As a young girl, she was greatly influenced by the Sisters of St. Joseph as she observed their good works for members of the community in her home parish of St. Leo Magnus in Ridgway.
     Following high school, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1946 where her musical and spiritual vocations were nurtured. She then attended and graduated from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1958 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She went on to earn a master’s in music education from Chicago Musical College/Roosevelt University.
     During her ministry career, Sister Lucille taught piano at Villa Maria Conservatory of Music in Erie, and at St. Francis Parish in Clearfield, PA, where she also served as choir director. Then for many years, Sister Lucille was on staff at Villa Maria College serving as associate professor, and chairperson of the Humanities department and the Fine Arts department. She also served as associate professor of Fine Arts at Gannon University in Erie. For her religious community, Sister Lucille served as a member of the Community Living Center Team and director of liturgy.

Congratulatory messages

75 YEARS

Sister Marlene Bertke, OSB (IN MEMORIAM)

     Sister Marlene Bertke entered the Benedictine Sisters of Covington, Kentucky, in 1949 and professed first vows that same year, beginning a life of faithful monastic commitment that would span more than 75 years. A gifted educator, she taught elementary and high school students in the Covington Diocese from 1951 to 1974 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Thomas More College and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame.
     In 1974, drawn by a deep passion for peace and social justice, Sister Marlene moved to Erie to join the Pax Center, an intentional Christian community dedicated to nonviolence, peace education and outreach to those in need. What began as a temporary experience soon became a permanent call, and in 1980 she transferred her vows to the Benedictine Sisters of Erie.
     Sister Marlene was a co-founder of Benedictines for Peace in 1980 and remained an active leader in the organization for decades, helping to initiate the annual Good Friday Peace Pilgrimage and the ongoing Take Back the Site vigils in Erie. Her work for peace extended nationally and internationally through her service with Pax Christi USA and as associate director of the U.S. Secretariat of the Alliance for International Monasticism. In 2016, she was named an Erie Times-News Person of the Year in recognition of her lifelong witness.
     Sister Bertke died on March 21, 2026, at Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in Erie.

Congratulatory messages

75 YEARS

Sister Rita Marie Hettish, RSM

     Sister Rita Marie Hettish grew up in what she calls a “God-centered family” and credits the Sisters of Mercy who taught her at St. Adrian Grade School and High School in Delancey with shaping her faith and vocation.
     After graduating in 1951, she entered St. Joseph Convent in Titusville and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mercyhurst University, Erie. She went on to teach in nine Erie and Pittsburgh diocesan grade schools, concluding her classroom ministry at St. George School, Erie, in 2006. That same year she received the Papal Cross, presented “for commitment to the Catholic faith, exemplary life as a vowed religious and dedication to the work of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.
     She spent 10 years heading the Sisters of Mercy Service Fund, a philanthropic endeavor, and served on the support staff for Mercy Terrace Apartments and Mercy Center of the Arts. Today she says, “Being afforded the time to possess the inner peace of knowing that I can continue to devote myself to the service of God and others without outside distractions gives me the joy of living out and passing on the legacy of our foundress, Catherine McAuley.”

Congratulatory messages

75 YEARS

Sister Mary Carol Hoke, SSJ

     Sister Mary Carol Hoke, a native of Meadville, worked as a secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Highways for more than four years before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1951. Having attended daily Mass and received Communion regularly, she felt drawn to religious life and credited her mother’s prayers, along with the example of devoted parish priests and the Sisters of St. Joseph, for inspiring her vocation. She professed final vows in 1957.
     Sister Mary Carol earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College, Erie, and later became certified in elementary library science at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She taught at St. John, St. Andrew, St. Patrick and St. Joseph schools in Erie; St. Leo School in Ridgway; St. Francis School in Clearfield; St. Bernard School in Bradford; and St. Mary School in Reynoldsville. She also served as principal at St. Joseph School, Erie, and St. Brigid, St. Agatha and Seton Catholic schools in Meadville. In addition, she worked as a librarian at Seton Catholic School and the Sisters of St. Joseph Community Living Center, and served as a clerk at St. Agatha Parish, Meadville; and Saint Vincent Hospital, Erie.
     Throughout her decades of service, Sister Mary Carol has dedicated herself to education, pastoral care and community support. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to nurturing faith, learning and service.

Congratulatory messages

75 YEARS

Sister Joan McCabe, RSM

     Sister Joan McCabe, RSM, celebrates her 75th jubilee, reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to mercy, education and compassionate care. As a high school student at Mercyhurst Preparatory School, Erie, she experienced the charisms of the Sisters of Mercy and came to know foundress Catherine McAuley’s story.
     Entering religious life in 1951, Sister Joan earned degrees in elementary education, economics, religious education and nursing, with a gerontology certification from Gannon University. She taught in elementary schools in the Erie and Pittsburgh dioceses and taught theology at Gannon University and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. Earning a registered nursing degree in 1988, she worked at several Erie-area nursing homes.
     For 25 years she served as a nurse and administrator at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse Health Care Center, where she continues her ministry by advocating for and devoting time to each resident. Sister Joan’s lifelong commitment to mercy, education and compassionate care reflects the values instilled in her by the Sisters of Mercy and guides her work in health care and education to this day.

Congratulatory messages

75 YEARS

Sister Barbara Ann Zakutney, SSJ

     Sister Barbara Ann Zakutney, SSJ, has dedicated most of her 75 years as a Sister of St. Joseph to children and the care of others. A native of Christ the King Parish (formerly Sacred Heart) in Houtzdale, she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College, Erie, and pursued further studies at the University of Dayton and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1951, inspired through prayer and by the example of her mother and a close family friend.
     She taught at St. Ann, St. John the Baptist, St. Patrick and St. Andrew schools in Erie, and St. Leo School in Ridgway. She also served as the first principal of a diocesan school merger, when St. Ann School and St. Casimir School became Spirit of Christ School in Erie. In addition, she was a housemother at the former St. Joseph Home for Children, Erie, and shared her musical gifts as a piano and organ teacher.
     Following years in education, Sister Barbara Ann became a registered nurse, attending Saint Vincent School of Nursing, Erie, and working as a staff nurse at Saint Vincent Hospital for 17 years. In January 2001, she was appointed to the Diocesan Medical/Moral Advisory Committee.
     Throughout her ministries in education, music and health care, Sister Barbara Ann has demonstrated dedication, compassion and skill, reflecting a lifelong commitment to caring for others.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Joachim Frey, OSB

     Sister Joachim Frey has devoted decades of ministry to education, administration and pastoral care, bringing dedication and skill to every community she has served. She currently contributes her talents at Mount St. Benedict Monastery in Erie, while continuing to support the ministries of her congregation in a variety of roles.
     In education, Sister Joachim taught at Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s and Queen of the World in St. Marys; St. Joseph in Lucinda and Mayfield, New York; and Elk County Catholic High School in St. Marys. She also served as principal of St. Joseph School in Mayfield, New York, guiding students and faculty with care and commitment.
     She has also served in a variety of administrative and financial roles. Her work included bookkeeping and directing finances at Elk County Catholic High School, serving as treasurer and working in the insurance office at St. Joseph Monastery in St. Marys, and supporting administrative offices at the Congregation of the Holy Ghost in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. In addition, she coordinated pastoral care at Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, ensuring compassionate support for patients and their families.
     Through decades of ministry, Sister Joachim has touched many lives through education, administration and pastoral care, reflecting a lifelong commitment to faith, service and community.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Marie Stephen Kebort, SSJ

     Sister Marie Stephen has devoted her life to education and faith formation, serving generations of students and parishioners with dedication and care. Born on July 18, 1938 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Brigid Parish in Meadville on August 29, 1956 and professed final vows on August 15, 1964.
     She graduated from Meadville High School in 1956 and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1967, as well as a master’s degree in religious education from LaSalle University in Philadelphia in 1977.
     In education, Sister Marie Stephen taught for nearly 40 years in several Erie diocesan schools, including St. Andrew, Villa Maria Elementary, St. John, Blessed Sacrament and St. Paul schools in Erie; Holy Rosary in Johnsonburg, where she also taught piano; St. Leo in Ridgway, where she also taught organ; and St. Francis in Clearfield. She also served as principal at St. Andrew School in Erie from 1977 to 1984. In addition, she taught for ten years at Holy Trinity School in Byesville, Ohio and taught high school religious education at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Lore City, Ohio. Since 1994, she has served as director of religious education at St. Patrick Parish in Erie.
     Through decades of ministry, Sister Marie Stephen has shared her gifts in education and faith formation, reflecting a lifelong commitment to serving God and others. She continues to look forward with openness to where the Spirit leads her.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Norma Jean Kingsley, OSB

    Sister Norma Jean Kingsley has devoted her life to a variety of ministries, bringing faith, service and compassion to every role. She currently serves at Mount St. Benedict Monastery in Erie, providing spiritual direction, hospitality and administrative support. Her commitment to spiritual renewal also extends through her support of programs at the Ecclesia Center in Erie.
    Sister Norma Jean has served in pastoral care with Lakeland Area Hospice and Heartland Hospice in Erie, offering comfort and support to patients and their families. In education, she taught at St. Joseph schools in Sharon and Oil City, St. Michael in Fryburg, St. Leo in Ridgway and Venango Catholic High School in Oil City. She also taught religious education at St. Matthew in the Woods in Erie and served as a pastoral minister at St. Patrick in Erie.
    Her administrative and leadership skills have supported numerous ministries, including bookkeeping at St. Benedict Academy, team and camp administration at Glinodo Conference Center in Erie and instruction at St. Benedict Education Center in Erie. Across these roles, she has combined practical skill with a heart for service.
    Through decades of ministry, Sister Norma Jean has touched countless lives in education, pastoral care, spiritual formation and administration, reflecting a lifelong commitment to serving God and others wherever the need arises.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Rosanne Lindal-Hynes, OSB

    Sister Rosanne Lindal-Hynes is a native of Oil City, Pennsylvania. She entered the Benedictine Sisters two years after high school graduation and made her final profession on July 16, 1959.
    After many years teaching in Erie diocesan elementary schools, Sister Rosanne transitioned into ministry with the poor in 1976 when she became director of social services at St. Martin Center. In 1978 she helped begin the East Coast Migrant Head Start Program, which later became St. Benedict Child Development Center.
    Sister Rosanne later felt called to work with women in need. She served as a counselor at Community House for Women and then at Emmaus Ministries, where she worked as women’s advocate for thirty-five years. While living at Pax Center, an intentional community of the Erie Benedictines focused on peace education, nuclear disarmament and hospitality to homeless women, she was a founding presence of Emmaus Soup Kitchen in 1974.
    She continues her ministry of hospitality and service to guests at Emmaus and remains a constant presence at demonstrations and vigils advocating for justice.
    Throughout her decades of ministry, Sister Rosanne has dedicated herself to service with the poor and vulnerable, reflecting a lifelong commitment to justice, peace and compassionate care.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Catherine Manning, SSJ

     Sister Catherine Manning recognized her call to religious life in second grade after first encountering the Sisters of St. Joseph when her family moved to Bradford, Pennsylvania. She was born on November 10, 1938 in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Bernard Parish in Bradford on August 29, 1956 and professed final vows on August 15, 1964.
     She graduated from St. Bernard High School in Bradford in 1956 and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1966, a master’s degree in education guidance counseling from Gannon University in Erie in 1971 and a master’s degree in theology from Boston College in 1981.
     In education, Sister Catherine taught in Erie diocesan schools from 1956 to 1963 and served as principal at St. Peter Cathedral School in Erie from 1966 to 1973. She also served as director of admissions at Villa Maria College in Erie from 1973 to 1976 and academic dean at Marymount International School in Rome, Italy from 1982 to 1985.
     In healthcare and diocesan leadership, she served at Saint Vincent Hospital as vice president of patient affairs from 1985 to 1990, senior vice president from 1990 to 1991 and president and chief executive officer from 1991 to 2002. She later served the Diocese of Erie from 2003 to 2013, including as vice chancellor in 2008, becoming the first non-clergy person to hold that position.
     Throughout her ministry, Sister Catherine has served on numerous boards including Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie and the Pennsylvania Catholic Healthcare Association, reflecting a lifelong commitment to education, healthcare and service.

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Margaret O'Brien, SSJ

     Sister Margaret O’Brien, SSJ, formerly known as Sister Mary Matthew, was born on March 21, 1937 in Oil City, Pennsylvania. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Joseph Parish in Oil City on August 29, 1956 and professed final vows on August 15, 1964.
     She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Oil City in 1956 and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1968. She later earned a gerontology certificate from Gannon University in 1969, a reading specialist certificate from Edinboro University in 1971 and nurse aide certification from the American Red Cross in 1986.
     In education, Sister Margaret taught for 23 years in several Erie diocesan schools, including Blessed Sacrament, Villa Maria Elementary, Holy Rosary and Our Lady of Peace schools in Erie from 1956 to 1974, as well as St. Francis in Clearfield, St. Bernard in Bradford and St. Leo in Ridgway. She also served as convent superior in Bradford from 1974 to 1980.
     Since 1986, Sister Margaret has served at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie in a variety of roles, continuing a long ministry in healthcare and service. In 2014, she was honored with the Médaille d’Or Medal from the Saint Mary’s board and administration in recognition of her years of dedication. She will celebrate 30 years in healthcare service this year.
     Throughout her ministry, Sister Margaret has built relationships with residents and families who have been a source of inspiration to her. She continues to live out the charism of the congregation, “neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God.”

Congratulatory messages

70 YEARS

Sister Claire Marie Surmik, OSB

     Sister Claire Marie Surmik entered the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Danville, Pennsylvania in 1953. With degrees in English, education and administration, she served as an elementary school teacher, a principal in several dioceses and an assistant superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Scranton.
     A desire to serve the poor and work for peace and justice led Sister Claire Marie to Erie. In 1988 she began the transfer process and made her final incorporation as an Erie Benedictine in 1991.
     For thirty-three years, until her retirement in 2020, Sister Claire Marie served at Emmaus Ministries as soup kitchen and food pantry coordinator. She also drove the Emmaus truck, picking up donated furniture and other goods and delivering them to the homes of those in need.
     For twelve years she served as oblate co-director with Sisters Karen Kosin and Lucia Marie Surmik.
     Throughout her ministry, Sister Claire Marie was a strong advocate for the poor and for issues of peace, justice and care for creation, participating in rallies and vigils for many decades.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Phyllis DiFuccia, SSJ

     Sister Phyllis DiFuccia, SSJ, was born on August 13, 1947 in Erie, Pennsylvania. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1966 and professed final vows on September 8, 1974.
     She graduated from Villa Maria Academy in Erie in 1965 and earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1969, a master’s degree in French from Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont in 1973 and a master’s degree in organization development from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois in 1996.
     In education, Sister Phyllis taught French at Villa Maria Academy, where she also served as principal and administrator from 1968 to 1979 and 1986 to 1990. She also taught at Villa Maria College in Erie, serving as dean for adult learning from 1979 to 1983.
     She later served in parish and healthcare ministry in Union City, Pennsylvania, at Saint Teresa Parish and Maria House Projects from 1983 to 1986 and as director of mission effectiveness at Saint Vincent Health System from 1991 to 1994.
Sister Phyllis spent 18 years in Chicago, Illinois, as an independent consultant in organizational development, working with universities, consulting firms and religious organizations. During this time, she deepened her appreciation for contemplative life and personal growth.
     She served on the first Sisters of St. Joseph Leadership Team from 1999 to 2003 and contributed to translation work for the U.S. Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph. From 2012 to 2019 she served as vice president of mission at Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio. She currently serves on her congregation’s Governance Committee and as a team member for Spirits on Fire.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Father Thomas Fialkowski

     Father Thomas Fialkowski was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1966 at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. Following ordination, he served on the faculty of Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie from 1966 to 1973 while also assisting on weekends at Holy Trinity Parish and Sacred Heart Parish in Erie. He served as parochial vicar at Blessed Sacrament Parish from 1973 to 1982 and in team ministry there from 1982 to 1987. He later served as parochial vicar at St. Thomas Parish in Corry from 1987 to 1988 and as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish from 1989 to 2000.
     He served as chaplain at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center from 1993 to 2005 and assisted at Mount Calvary Parish in Erie from 2000 to 2005. Since 2002 he has served as liaison to the Erie Diocesan Cemeteries and from 2005 to 2010 he served as senior associate in the Northern Vicariate of the Diocese of Erie.
     Father Fialkowski was first drawn to the priesthood while a student at St. Stanislaus Parish in Erie, where his early formation was shaped by his family and by his service as an altar server for seven years. He attended Tech Memorial High School in Erie before transferring to Cathedral Preparatory School and later studied at St. Mark Seminary. He pursued higher education at Gannon University in Erie, St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He was particularly influenced by Msgr. Joseph Reszkowski, who served as mentor, spiritual guide and lifelong friend.
     Throughout his years of priestly ministry, Father Fialkowski has dedicated himself to parish life, education and pastoral care within the Diocese of Erie.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Susan Herzing, SSJ

     Sister Susan Herzing, SSJ, was born on July 11, 1945 in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from her hometown parish, St. Mary’s, on September 8, 1966. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1969 and her final vows on September 15, 1974, following a formation rooted in parish life and early educational ministry.
     Sister Susan graduated from Elk County Christian High School in St. Marys, Pennsylvania in 1963. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College in Erie in 1972 and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1982. She later completed training at the Pittsburgh School of Massage Therapy in 1996. She taught elementary education from 1968 to 1977 at Saint Patrick School in Erie and from 1978 to 1982 at Villa Maria Academy in Erie.
     Sister Susan served in a variety of educational and pastoral ministries throughout her career. She was vocation director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania from 1978 to 1982 and worked with the Separated and Divorced Catholics program of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie in several capacities from 1970 to 1990. From 1982 to 1995 she served as pastoral minister at St. Joseph Church in Erie and also served as a mentor for Sisters of St. Joseph associates. From 1996 to 2011 she worked as a massage therapist and from 2012 to 2025 she served as agrégé director for the Sisters of St. Joseph.
     Throughout her ministry, Sister Susan has dedicated herself to education, pastoral care and accompaniment, reflecting a lifelong commitment to service, formation and community life.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Kathleen Ann Kolb, RSM

     Sister Kathleen Ann Kolb entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 11, 1966. She attended Our Lady of Mercy High School in Rochester, New York where she first encountered the Sisters of Mercy and discerned her vocation within that community.
     She attended St. James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Hornell, New York and later earned a degree in Organizational Management from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester. Her early formation combined nursing education with preparation for leadership and service within health care and community ministries.
     Sister Kathleen Ann Kolb served in nursing and health care ministries at St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, the Hornell Nursing and Health Related Facility and Ira Davenport Hospital in Bath, New York. She also served as nursing director for the Sisters of Mercy in Rochester. Her ministry expanded to include service as program assistant and day center supervisor with Independent Living for Seniors in Rochester. From 1999 to 2004 she served as director of Mercy Outreach Center in Rochester, a collaborative ministry providing care for the uninsured. She later served on the leadership team of the Sisters of Mercy of Rochester Community and, following the 2008 formation of the regional community, served as coordinator and then regional director of health and wellness for the Sisters of Mercy New York, Pennsylvania and Pacific West Community until February 2025. She also contributed to various boards and volunteer ministries in Erie.
     Throughout her years of service, Sister Kathleen Ann Kolb has focused on health care ministry, elder care and service to those in need, with a sustained commitment to compassion and community support.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Msgr. Gerald Koos

     Father Gerald J. Koos was faithfully formed in Erie, Pennsylvania where he graduated from St. Andrew Grade School and Cathedral Preparatory School. His early academic foundation and faith life in Erie shaped his pursuit of advanced study in philosophy, theology and the helping professions.
     He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in philosophy and education from St. Mary’s University in Baltimore and a Bachelor of Arts degree in theology from St. Mary’s Seminary and University. He later completed a master’s degree in counseling at Gannon University in Erie and went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Carpinteria, California. He also participated in numerous additional training and certification programs, including a Wall Street Journal scholarship summer program at Temple University and the Chaplain Training Program at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He completed advanced studies through Dialogue House in New York City, qualifying as a journal consultant, and finished a three-year spiritual direction training program in the Ignatian tradition at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.
     Father Koos pursued ongoing professional formation that integrated psychology, counseling and spiritual direction, with additional certification in journaling methods and pastoral care development. His training included clinical, educational and retreat-based formation experiences that supported his work in spiritual and psychological accompaniment.
     Throughout his years of ministry and professional service, Father Gerald J. Koos has dedicated himself to the integration of psychology, counseling and spiritual direction in service of personal growth and spiritual well-being.

Congratulatory messages

60 YEARS

Sister Lisa Mary McCartney, RSM

     Sister Lisa Mary McCartney grew up in Walltown, an idyllic hamlet outside Grampian in central Pennsylvania. She was baptized at St. Bonaventure Church, her family parish, where regular participation in Sunday Mass and parish devotions nurtured her early faith life. She attended a one-room schoolhouse at Bell Run until fourth grade, then Penn-Grampian Elementary School and later Curwensville Junior-Senior Area High School as public school consolidation reshaped local education.
     Following high school, she entered the cadet teacher program at Mercyhurst College in Erie, where she encountered the Sisters of Mercy in campus and school ministry. She focused her studies on theology and literature, strengthening her interest in Catholic education and religious life. She later completed graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame.
     Sister Lisa Mary McCartney entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1966 in the college chapel at Mercyhurst. She served in education ministry at St. Luke School and Mercyhurst Preparatory School before joining the Mercyhurst College English department, where she taught for approximately 30 years. In 2008, she established the university’s first Mission Office to preserve and advance its Mercy heritage and Catholic identity. She continued in academic and mentoring roles, and following retirement was granted Professor Emerita status, with ongoing opportunities to tutor students and remain engaged in campus life.
     Throughout her years of service, Sister Lisa Mary McCartney has contributed to Catholic education and institutional mission, sustaining a lifelong commitment to teaching, faith and the Mercy tradition.

Congratulatory messages

40 YEARS

Very Rev. V. David Foradori, EV

     Very Rev. Foradori discerned a call to the priesthood while attending DuBois Central Catholic High School, with the support and encouragement of Msgr. Gerald Urbaniak and Msgr. Henry Krebs. He later visited St. Mark Seminary in Erie as part of his vocational discernment and pursued preparation for priestly ministry.
     He was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1986, at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie by Bishop Michael Murphy. In his priestly ministry, he has served in parish leadership across the Diocese of Erie, including as pastor of Beloved Disciple Parish in Grove City, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in DuBois, St. Joseph Parish in DuBois, St. Titus Parish in Titusville, St. Walburga Parish in Titusville and St. John Parish in Tidioute. He also served as parochial vicar at St. Brigid Parish in Meadville, St. Bernard Parish in Bradford and Holy Redeemer Parish in Warren. His ministry has included parish residence at St. Michael Parish in Greenville and Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage.
     Very Rev. Foradori has also served in campus ministry at Kennedy Catholic High School in Hermitage and at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
     Throughout his years of priestly ministry, he has served in a variety of pastoral settings, accompanying parish communities, students and families across the Diocese of Erie.

Congratulatory messages

40 YEARS

Father Jeffery Noble

     Father Jeffery Noble attended St. Mark Seminary’s high school program and initially discerned a vocation to the priesthood, later stepping away during his college years when he pursued work in journalism and production control. While remaining active in his home parish of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in DuBois, he experienced a renewed sense of vocation and returned to seminary formation.
     Father Jeffery Noble was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1986 at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie by Bishop Michael Murphy. In his early priestly ministry, he served in parish assignments that included Holy Rosary Parish in Erie, St. Michael Parish in Greenville and Our Lady Queen of the Americas Parish in Conneaut Lake. He later served in pastoral leadership as parochial administrator and pastor in multiple parishes across the Diocese of Erie, including St. Hippolyte Parish in Frenchtown, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Cochranton, St. Stephen Parish in Oil City, Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage and Queen of the World Parish in St. Marys, where he currently serves as pastor. He also served in sacramental ministry at St. John the Baptist Parish in Erie and as chaplain to the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse in Erie.
     In addition to parish ministry, Father Noble has contributed to diocesan service through work on the Presbyteral Council, the Clergy Personnel Board and as a marriage tribunal auditor.
     Throughout his years of priestly ministry, he has dedicated himself to pastoral care, parish leadership and service to the wider diocesan community.

Congratulatory messages

40 YEARS

Father Gregory Passauer

     Father Gregory P. Passauer recognized his call to the priesthood through sharing his faith with close friends prior to and during his seminary formation. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1986 by Bishop Michael Murphy at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie.
     Following ordination, Father Passauer served in parish ministry across the Diocese of Erie in a variety of pastoral assignments. He served as pastor of St. Mary Parish in Crown, St. Ann Parish in Marienville, St. Agatha Parish in Meadville, St. Bernadette Parish in Saegertown, St. Timothy Parish in Curwensville and St. Bonaventure Parish in Grampian. He also served as parochial administrator at St. Hippolyte Parish in Frenchtown, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Cochranton, St. Titus Parish in Titusville, St. Walburga Parish in Titusville, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in DuBois and St. Francis Xavier Parish in McKean. He served as parochial vicar at SS. Cosmas and Damian Parish in Punxsutawney and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Corry, and while in residence at St. Patrick Parish in Franklin he also served in parish ministry there. Most recently, Father Passauer served as pastor of All Saints Parish in Waterford.
     Father Passauer also served in chaplaincy and specialized ministry roles, including chaplaincy at Polk Center and SCI Forest in Marienville, as well as campus ministry at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania branch in Punxsutawney.
     Throughout his years of priestly ministry, Father Gregory P. Passauer has served in parish leadership, chaplaincy and campus ministry across multiple communities in the Diocese of Erie.

Congratulatory messages

40 YEARS

Father Paul Siebert

     Father Siebert’s home parish is St. Stephen Parish in Oil City. After completing college, he was encouraged toward seminary formation by Father Charles Skinner, who asked him why he was not in seminary, a moment that prompted his vocational discernment.
     Father Siebert was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1986, by Bishop Michael Murphy at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. In his priestly ministry, he has served as parochial vicar at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in DuBois, Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage and St. Leo Magnus Parish in Ridgway. He currently serves as pastor of St. Mark Parish in Emporium and St. James Parish in Driftwood.
     Throughout his years of priestly ministry, Father Siebert has served in parish leadership across rural and small-town communities within the Diocese of Erie.

Congratulatory messages

25 YEARS

Father Richard Toohey

     Father Richard Toohey received his early Catholic education at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie and continued his studies at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. He later pursued seminary formation while furthering his studies at Gannon University in Erie.
     Father Toohey served as a transitional deacon at St. Callistus Parish in Kane and as parochial vicar at St. Jude Parish in Erie. He also served in Catholic education as a teacher at Cathedral Preparatory School in Erie before continuing parish ministry as parochial vicar at Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage.
     Father Toohey later served as pastor of St. Mary of Grace Parish in Meadville beginning in 2007, where he also served as chaplain at Allegheny College. He went on to serve as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Warren while also serving as dean of the Warren Deanery. He additionally served as administrator of St. Luke Parish in Youngsville and St. Anthony Parish in Sheffield before assuming his current assignment as pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Erie in 2017. In 2021, he was named Priest of the Year by the Serra Club of Erie and in May of 2025 he led a pilgrimage of 42 pilgrims to Italy for the Jubilee celebration.
     Throughout his years of priestly ministry, Father Toohey has combined parish leadership, Catholic education and diocesan service with ongoing engagement in formation and pilgrimage ministry.

Congratulatory messages

INTERNATIONAL PRIESTS

On Jan. 9, 2026, a new initiative by Bishop Lawrence Persico bore its first fruit when two priests from the Diocese of Ekwulobia, Nigeria, arrived in Erie. Father Festus Okoye and Father John Nwankwo were sent here by their bishop for a term of five years to share with us the fire of the Gospel which is burning so brightly in their homeland and to give some relief to our own weary priests. They are missionaries, called to help us spread the good news of Jesus Christ to a world that hungers – unknowingly – for Him.

Father C. John Nwankwo

     Father C. John Nwankwo was ordained to the priesthood in 2017 and has served in parish ministry and administrative roles within Catholic hospitals in Nigeria. He is a trained educator and has taught English literature and religious studies at seminaries and secondary schools. He most recently served as pastor of St. Andrew Parish in Ufuma and as external confessor at St. Dominic Savio Seminary.
     In addition to his pastoral assignments, Father Nwankwo has contributed to Catholic health care ministry in Nigeria through administrative service within several Catholic hospitals, supporting both pastoral and organizational needs within those settings.
     Father Nwankwo began ministry in the Diocese of Erie at St. Luke Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Erie. He is currently assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Lucinda, where he continues his pastoral ministry within the local faith community.
     Throughout his priestly service, Father Nwankwo has brought experience in education and pastoral care to both international and diocesan ministry settings, supporting parish life and formation across diverse communities.

Congratulatory messages

Father Festus Okoye

     Father Festus Okoye was ordained to the priesthood in 2009 and brings experience in parish ministry, education and diocesan leadership in Nigeria. He has served in roles including pastor, vice principal, academic dean and director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and has also contributed to several diocesan committees. He most recently served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Umuchu.
     Father Okoye began his ministry in the Diocese of Erie at St. Luke Parish and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Erie. He is currently assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Oil City, where he continues his pastoral ministry within the diocese.
     Throughout his priestly ministry, Father Festus Okoye has combined pastoral leadership, educational service and diocesan coordination in support of parish life and mission.

Congratulatory messages

DEACON ANNIVERSARIES

The following deacons are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations to the permanent diaconate in the Diocese of Erie.

25 YEARS

Deacon John Brophy

     Deacon John E. Brophy served as a permanent deacon at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Harborcreek from 2001 to 2014. Following his retirement, he relocated to Ellenton, Florida. During his years in the Diocese of Erie, he and his wife, Kathi, were actively engaged in ministry with the refugee community, providing both material and spiritual assistance.
     Deacon Brophy also had a long professional career of 30 years as a health administrator at the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In addition to his professional and parish responsibilities, he supported refugee outreach efforts in Erie by assisting with the delivery of donated appliances and helping to coordinate adopt-a-family and seasonal gift-giving initiatives. The Brophys also participated in community gatherings such as the annual Feast of the Epiphany celebration, with Kathi contributing through preparation of meals for participating families.
     In retirement, Deacon Brophy has remained active in faith life and travel with his wife, including pilgrimages to Portugal, Spain, Greece and Turkey, as well as visits to Lourdes and Fatima. They are the parents of three adult children and eight grandchildren.
     Throughout his years of ministry and community involvement, Deacon John E. Brophy has been dedicated to service rooted in charity, hospitality and support for vulnerable populations.

Congratulatory messages

25 YEARS

Deacon Jerome Peterson

     Deacon Jerome Peterson was ordained on June 1, 2001 and served as a permanent deacon at St. Patrick Parish in Erie until June 30, 2010. He later transferred to St. Julia Parish in Erie on July 1, where he continues his ministry. His diaconal vocation has included parish service and outreach in both liturgical and pastoral settings.
     Deacon Peterson has been actively involved in prison ministry at SCI Albion, extending his service beyond the parish into pastoral care for those in correctional settings. During his years at St. Patrick Parish, he and his wife were deeply engaged in parish life, including support of the Erie Irish Festival. Together they were also inducted into the Knights and Ladies of St. Patrick, reflecting their longstanding commitment to parish and cultural community life.
     In addition to his parish and outreach ministry, Deacon Peterson has shared significant moments of family and sacramental life, including baptizing one of his grandchildren and preaching at several family funerals, including those of his parents and his stepson, Gary King.
     Throughout his years of diaconal ministry, Deacon Jerome Peterson has remained committed to service rooted in faith, family and pastoral presence within parish and community life.

Congratulatory messages

Bertke, OSB, Sister Marlene
Brophy, Deacon John
DiFuccia, SSJ, Sister Phyllis
DeStefano, SSJ, Sister Lucille
Fialkowski, Father Thomas
Foradori, Very Rev. David
Frey, OSB, Sister Joachim
Hettish, RSM, Sister Rita Marie
Herzing, SSJ, Sister Susan
Hoke, SSJ, Sister Mary Carol

Kebort, SSJ, Sister Marie Stephen
Kingsley, OSB, Sister Norma Jean
Kolb, RSM, Sister Kathleen Ann
Koos, Msgr. Gerald
Lindal-Hynes, OSB, Sister Rosanne
Manning, SSJ, Sister Catherine
McCabe, RSM, Sister Joan
McCartney, RSM, Sister Lisa Mary
Noble, Father Jeffery
Nwankwo, Father C. John

O'Brien, SSJ, Sister Margaret
Okoye, Father Festus
Passauer, Father Gregory
Peterson, Deacon Jerome
Siebert, Father Paul
Surmik, OSB, Sister Claire Marie
Toohey, Father Richard
Zakutney, SSJ, Sister Barbara Ann