sister stories

Elizabeth Ann Niebauer, SSJ, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Blessed Sacrament parish in Erie.  In her most recent ministry, she served as an Accounting Associate at the Barber National Institute from 2001 – 2014.  Her earlier ministries included teaching at St. Andrew School, Holy Rosary School in Erie and Johnsonburg, Villa Maria Elementary,…

Sister Frances Therese Matia, SSJ, believes her vocation came from the example of her parents who were strong, practicing Catholics. “We attended Mass together as a family, the sacrament of reconciliation monthly, Stations of the Cross and prayed the rosary together,” Sister Frances Therese recalls. “The words from the hymn, What Wondrous Love remind me of…

Mary Fromknecht, SSJ, Formerly Sister Ann Raymond, entered the sisters of St. Joseph from St. John the Baptist parish in Erie. Since 2015, she has served as Executive Director of Sister Services for the sisters of St. Joseph.  Prior to that, she ministered at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie in various capacities including Assistant Administrator…

Joseph Marie Fitzgerald, SSJ, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Peter Cathedral in Erie. Since 2003, she has ministered as Resident Supervisor at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie, East. She is being recognized this month for 15 years of service at Saint Mary’s Employee Service Award Recognition Dinner.  Her earlier ministries included teaching…

Sister Ann Marie Cappello, SSJ, formerly Sister Francetta, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Sacred Heart parish in Erie.  She currently ministers as SSJ Mission Effectiveness Coordinator and Co-director of the SSJ Associates.  Previously, she taught at Blessed Sacrament, Our Lady of Peace, St. John the Baptist, St. Andrew, Holy Rosary, and St. Ann…

Kathleen Kirsch, SSJ, formerly Sister Mary Leo, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Holy Rosary parish in Erie.  She currently ministers with the Sisters of St. Joseph prayer call ministry. Sister Kathleen served as a volunteer at Saint Vincent Health Center from 2004 through 2014. Her earlier ministries included teaching at Villa Maria Academy,…

Mary Julia Scully, SSJ, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Peter cathedral parish in Erie.  Prior to retiring from active ministry, Sister Mary Julia spent 25 years teaching at St. Patrick, Holy Rosary, Sacred Heart, St. Andrew and St. Ann schools in Erie, and St. Mary’s, Reynoldsville; Holy Rosary, Johnsonburg; and St. Leo…

Jean Baptiste DiLuzio, SSJ, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Holy Rosary Parish in Erie.  She currently ministers in the development and communications offices of her congregation. Her work in the ministry of education has included teaching at Blessed Sacrament School, St. Agatha High School, Meadville; St. Leo High School, Ridgway; and Cathedral Preparatory…

On a late August Saturday in 2016, we met up at a driving range with a few sisters who’ve always had a love for the game of golf. It was a beautiful day and these ladies were ready for a long drive – off the tee, that is. Sr. Rachel McGuire was one of the…

A story about Sister Josephine DePetro Sister Josephine DePetro spent more than 20 years teaching in several Erie Diocesan schools that had her ministering with those she most desired to work with: youth. She also worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer for more than 10 years and was a Director of Religious Education. She facilitated…