Former Religious Name: Sr. Mary Kristen
Home Parish: Sacred Heart, Erie, PA

Sister Mary Drexler first heard the call to religious life at a very young age. Growing up, she was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph at Sacred Heart School and Villa Maria Academy. She was drawn to the Sisters not only because of their teaching but also because of who they were and how they served others. “I knew I wanted to be a teacher and I saw that modeled in the women who taught me in almost every grade and subject in my formative years,” she recalls. Her family life centered around parish life, and the people who served at Sacred Heart Parish instilled in her a love of God through their example of faith and dedication. These early experiences helped shape her desire to become a Sister of St. Joseph.

Sister Mary was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Villa Maria Academy in 1963, she continued her education at Villa Maria College in Erie, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. She later earned a master’s degree in administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Sister Mary entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1963 from Sacred Heart Parish and professed her final vows in 1971.

Sister Mary began her ministry in education, serving as a teacher in diocesan schools throughout the region for 20 years, from 1964 to 1984. Her assignments included Our Lady of Peace School and Our Lady’s Christian School in Erie, St. Bernard School in Bradford, Villa Maria Elementary School and Villa Maria Academy in Erie, Notre Dame School in Sharon, and St. John School in Erie. Through her work in the classroom, she helped generations of students grow in knowledge and faith, sharing with them the same commitment to education and service that had inspired her own vocation.

From 1984 to 1990, Sister Mary served as Assistant Administrator at Villa Maria Academy, continuing her commitment to Catholic education through leadership and administration. She later served the congregation for 13 years in the Vocation and Formation Office, helping support the discernment and formation of women considering religious life. From 1999 to 2006, she served as Campus Minister at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, accompanying students in their faith journeys and helping foster their spiritual growth.

Beginning in 2006, Sister Mary served as Principal of Villa Maria Academy, returning to the school that played such an important role in her own formation. In this ministry, she brought together her lifelong dedication to education, her experience in administration, and her commitment to the mission of Catholic schools. Her years of service reflect a deep belief in the importance of forming young people not only academically but also spiritually and personally. In 2019, Sr. Mary became president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania as part of the leadership team, and continues in that role today.

Throughout her life, Sister Mary has understood her religious vocation as a journey of faith, hope, and love. She reflects that many people have revealed Christ to her along the way, and she hopes that she, in turn, has helped others encounter Christ through her own life and ministry. Her understanding of vocation is rooted in relationships, the daily experience of God’s presence, and the desire to serve others with generosity and compassion.

The Gospel story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus holds a special place in Sister Mary’s spirituality. She sees in their journey a reflection of her own life: walking, talking, sharing hopes and dreams, and facing disappointments and fears, while gradually discovering the presence of Jesus along the way. She recognizes that she does not always immediately see or understand Christ’s presence, but believes that he continues to walk beside her. Through the breaking of the bread, she comes to know him more deeply, see him more clearly, and respond to him more faithfully.

Sister Mary is also inspired by Mary’s visit to Elizabeth and the Magnificat. Mary serves as a model for her desire to serve the dear neighbor with love, generosity, and compassion, placing the needs of others before her own. She hopes to help draw others into oneness with God and all people. Mary’s example also reminds her of the importance of hope in times of discouragement, trust when circumstances seem hopeless, and a love that remains deep, profound, and constant.

Many people have influenced Sister Mary’s faith throughout her life. She is especially grateful to Father Jerry Simmons for his faithful friendship with the Drexler family over many decades. Through his wisdom, humor, insights, and deep care for her and her family, he has helped shape who she is today. She appreciates his ability to know when to be present and when to remain in the background, offering support and guidance when needed.

Sister Mary also credits her mother, Clara, with providing a lasting example of faith. Through challenges, difficulties, death, and loss, her mother never lost faith. Her devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, helped sustain her through difficult times. Rather than speaking often about her faith, Clara lived it quietly through prayer, Scripture, and her daily example. She also treasured time with her family, especially Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings. Her quiet joy in being together taught Sister Mary and her family the importance of caring for one another and appreciating the gift of family.

For Sister Mary, religious life continues to be a journey of discovering God’s presence and sharing Christ’s love with others. From her early years as a student at Sacred Heart School and Villa Maria Academy to her decades of teaching, leadership, campus ministry, and service as principal, she has sought to live out the faith that first inspired her vocation. Guided by the examples of Mary, her family, and the many people who have touched her life, she continues to walk with Christ, trusting that each step of the journey offers new opportunities to grow in faith, hope, and love.