Marie Stephen Kebort, SSJ, prays The Daily Examen of St. Ignatius every day and says it helps her keep a focus on the daily joys and challenges of her life. “You cannot give to others and neglect your own spiritual life,” she says. “You need to be a reservoir—not a channel—or you will have nothing to share with others.”
Sister was born on July 18, 1938 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Brigid Parish in Meadville, Pennsylvania on August 29, 1956 and professed her final vows on August 15, 1964.
She graduated from Meadville High School, 1956, and earned a BS degree in elementary education from Villa Maria College, Erie, 1967, as well as an MA in religious education from LaSalle University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1977.
Sister taught elementary education throughout several Erie Diocesan schools for nearly 40 years including: St. Andrew, Villa Maria Elementary, St. John, Blessed Sacrament, and St. Paul schools in Erie; Holy Rosary in Johnsonburg along with piano, St. Leo in Ridgway along with organ, and St. Francis in Clearfield. She also served as principal at St. Andrew School, Erie, from 1977-1984. For ten years, she taught at Holy Trinity School in Byesville, Ohio and high school religious education at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Lore City, Ohio. Since 1994, she has been the director of religious education at St. Patrick Parish in Erie.
Today, Sister Marie Stephen looks forward to remaining open to wherever the Spirit leads her. Her favorite quote is, “May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you use those gifts you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.” – St. Teresa of Avila