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Claudia Dombrowski, SSJ
SisterBiography
Home Parish: Blessed Sacrament, Erie, PA
Sister Claudia Dombrowski, SSJ, was born in Erie, PA, to the late Harry and Joan (Bronakowski) Dombrowski. Her call to religious life began during her high school years, when she was inspired by the example of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Through her involvement in Church activities and her work as a catechist, she came to know several Sisters more personally and began to recognize the ways God was leading and directing her life.
After graduating from college, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1971 and professed her final vows in 1977. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Villa Maria College and later received a Master of Education degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati. She also pursued additional studies at Edinboro University and Boston College, earning certifications in both elementary and secondary administration.
Sister Claudia’s ministry has centered primarily on education. She taught at Blessed Sacrament School, St. John’s School, Villa Maria Academy, and Cathedral Preparatory School, all in Erie. She also served as principal at St. John’s, Our Lady of Peace, and Cathedral Prep, as well as assistant principal at Villa Maria Academy. While at Our Lady of Peace, she oversaw reconstruction of the existing building, as well as an addition put onto the building. She was also involved in the parish, vising the sick every First Friday.
Beyond the classroom and school administration, Sister Claudia has served in a variety of ministries. She was an administrative assistant at St. Peter’s Parish in Conneautville, PA, and currently ministers as a caregiver with Home Instead Senior Care. She has also served on the Sisters of St. Joseph Board of Directors. In 2019, she was elected to serve as a councilor-at-large. Sister Claudia was also a 2026 honoree of Women Making History.
Sister Claudia has witnessed many changes in both the Church and religious life throughout her vocation. Reflecting on the changes she experienced after entering religious life, she says, “There were many changes happening in the Church and religious life at that time — changes that brought us back to our roots and enabled us to minister to God’s people in many diverse ways.”
Looking toward the future, Sister Claudia remains hopeful about the direction of religious life. “Today religious life is again moving to something new,” she says. “These are exciting times and I know that God will never disappoint us.”
In recognition of her service to the Church and her congregation, Sister Claudia was awarded the Papal Cross pro Ecclesia et Pontifice in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI. Through her many years as an educator, administrator, parish minister, caregiver, and congregational leader, she has continued to respond to God’s call by serving others in new and diverse ways.
