Meet the Formation Directors
Sr. Clare Marie Beichner, SSJ
Graduate Degrees:Masters in Social Work
University of Pittsburgh - 1993
Masters in Education
Clarion University - 1977
Pastoral Ministry:
Sisters of St. Joseph Leadership Team
2011-present
As a member of a 3-person team is responsible to direct the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Catholic Rural Ministry, Oil City
Aug 2007 - 2011
Pastoral Minister
One to one spiritual companioning; Facilitate Retreats; reflections for youth / adults – parishes Catholic Schools, Religious Education
Sisters of St. Joseph
Formation Ministry
1987-1990, 2005- present
Mentoring / Guide for those in discernment, formation and transfer
Prince of Peace Center – Catholic Charities
Social Work, Advocacy Collaboration with parishes in Mercer County and other human service providers, direct contact with needy.
Why I Am a Formation Director?
I am looking forward to my role as a Formation Director because companioning someone in their faith journey provides opportunities for growth both in the knowledge base and the integration of their relationship with God. This mutual relationship enables the Religious Education Leaders and Master Catechist to share their learning and personal integration of faith, scripture, theology and lived experiences.
Rev. Vincent Cieslewicz
Graduate degree:Masters of Divinity
St. Vincent Seminary, 2005
B.A. Social Studies
Slippery Rock Univ., 1972
Drug and Alcohol Counseling
Robert Morris College, 1993
Pastoral ministry:
Pastor, St. Joseph, Mt. Jewett; St. Elizabeth, Smethport, 2005
St. Barbara's Parish
(Polish Nat'l Catholic Church), 1994-2003
Catholic Chaplain – FCI, McKean, 2008
Why I am a formation director?
I am looking forward to my role as a Formation Director because it is an extension to my ministry in the church.
Donna Clark
Graduate degree:Masters of Divinity
St. John’s School of Theology
Collegeville, MN
Pastoral Ministry:
Our Lady of Mercy Church, Harborcreek, 2003-present
Assist the pastor with formation of parishioners in various ministries including pastoral council, liturgical ministries and stewardship. Oversee all outreach ministries in the parish (e.g. bereavement, hospital visitors, homebound ministry, grief ministry, parish communication, etc.; provide for ongoing formation for these ministries. Oversee business office matters as needed.
Why I Am a Formation Director?
I am looking forward to my role as Formation Director because journeying with someone who is seeking to deepen their understanding of God and the Church always helps to deepen my own spirituality and relationship with God. It is a gift we offer one another.
Ann Enderle Liska
Graduate degree:Masters of Liberal Arts, History
Clarion University
1977
Certificate:
Religious Education Certificate
Mercyhurst
2002
Pastoral ministry:
Director of Religious Education, Immaculate Conception, Clarion
1998-2014
Director of Campus Ministry for Clarion University,
2014-present
I am looking forward to my role as a Formation Director because:
After re-reading the mission statement for the Silo'am Project "Forming religious education leaders to serve God's reign with wisdom and integrity," I feel a call to be part of this ministry.
Sister Frances Therese Matia, SSJ
Degree:Bachelors of Science in Education
Villa Maria College, Erie 5/17/1970
Pastoral ministry:
St. Mark, Emporium
Pastoral Minister
2014-present
Assists in the pastoral care of the community of St. Mark
St. Callistus, Kane
1997-2014
Coordinator or Religious Education
Plan and implement education, worship, service and social experiences including and R.C.I.A. for the parish.
St. Leo Magnus, Ridgway – Prior
Coordinator of Religious Education
Why I am a formation director?
I feel the Spirit called me as His vessel to be present with the Religious Education leaders as they begin this Silo'am journey – through prayer, positive encouragement, with a listening heart and just to be alive with the spirit.
Msgr. Richard Siefer
Graduate degree:Masters of Divinity
St. Francis Seminary
Loretto, PA
1975
B.A. Philosophy
St. Mary's College
St. Mary, KY
1971
Spiritual Direction
Sacred Heart Univ.
Fairfield, CT
2008
Pastoral ministry:
Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena
1991-present
Director of Clergy Continuing Education and Formation
2000-present
Why I am a formation director?
I am looking forward to my role as a Formation Director because I want to assist those involved in the Silo'am Project on their journey as certified Religious Education personnel for the Erie Diocese.
Sister Dorothy Stoner, OSB
Graduate degrees:Masters in Theology – Concentration in Systematic Theology
Aquinas Institute of Theology,
Dubuque, IA
1980
Masters of Divinity Degree
Aquinas Institute of Theology,
Dubuque, IA
1980
Clinical Pastoral Education Program
Bellevue Hospital, New York, NY
Summer 1979
Pastoral ministry:
St. Benedict Education Center, Erie
2006 - present
Staff Member
A welfare-to-work program for individuals on Public Assistance.
Benediction Sisters of Erie, PA
2004-2010
Director of Monastic Formation
Coordinator or Religious Education
Mercyhurst College, Erie, PA
1996-2006
Religious Studies Department Member
St. Luke Church, Erie, PA
1981-1995
Pastoral Minister / Director of Religious Education
Why I am a formation director?
Our Catholic tradition, when understood and encountered in its fullness (at its best), offers a challenge, generosity, richness, and wisdom that often seem to be in short supply today. I want to be part of the training process to assist our religious education leaders tap into the energy and sense of hope that an exploration of this tradition can offer. I want to be part of a process that strives to discover fresh insights and life-giving truths from an ancient tradition that can speak to the longings of our people especially our youth and the stresses of our time in the Church and in the world.
Fr. Thomas L. Tyler
Graduate degrees:Master of Divinity
St. Vincent Seminary
1979
Masters of Education, Edinboro State College
1975
Pastoral ministry:
Holy Cross, Fairview, PA
Pastor
2014-present
St. Joseph, Force, PA
Pastor
2004-2014
St. Gregory, North East, PA
Pastor
1998-2004
St. Charles, New Bethlehem, PA
Pastor
1989-1998
Why I am a formation director?
I am looking forward to my role as a Formation Director because faith formation has always been a top priority in my ministry. I will enjoy supporting, encouraging, and sharing with others who also desire to become leaders in the faith formation process.
Claire Waldron
Graduate degree:Master of Religious Education
Seattle University
6/1974
Certificate in Spiritual Direction
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT
2005-2009
Pastoral ministry:
Director of Religious Education at Our Lady Queen of the Americas, Conneaut Lake
1978-2005
Director of Religious Education at St. Philip the Apostle, Lionesville 1997-2005
Currently, I am a spiritual director and enrichment teacher as needed.
Why I am a formation director?
I am looking forward to my role as formation director because the 35 years I have spent in Religious Education were important to me. I also believe bringing our children to a better understanding of faith and living in Christ is the most viable thing we can do. More importantly, it is wonderful to help another leader grow in her chosen ministry.