Leadership and Staff


  • Members of the Bishop's Committee

    St. Stephen's Bishop's Committee provides administrative and pastoral directions to the members (Clergy and Laity) of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The Bishop's Committee is composed of members from the congregation, representing a diverse set of skills and gifts for leadership. The Bishop's Committee, along with the Vicar, has a responsibility for overseeing and setting the vision for the congregation, as well as care for the building, finances, and outreach opportunities. Bishop Committee Members are elected for a term of one year and hold their meetings once a month.

    • Kate Kudrewicz, Bishop’s Warden
    • Kathie Gregory, Treasurer
    • Allison Hodas
    • Kathy Scheider
    • John Snyder
    • Cindy Willis


  • Very Rev. John P. Downey, Priest in Residence

    Fr. John serves on the Diocesan Partnership Staff, with St. Stephen’s as his home congregation. He is Canon Theologian of the diocese and Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral of St. Paul in Erie. At St. Stephen’s, he is the primary priest and preacher and oversees worship.


  • Kate Thiem


    Kate Thiem is the Director of Music at St. Stephen's. Prior to her appointment, she spent seven years as the music director at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Erie. She is also a choral music teacher at Westlake Middle School in the Millcreek Township School District. She enjoys golfing and traveling with her husband, Patrick. 


  • Assisting Clergy

    Deacon Dorothy Konyha and Fr. Don Baxter are retired clergy of the diocese who assist at St. Stephen’s on a voluntary basis. 


  • Lay Worship Leaders/Preachers

    St. Stephen's has an active lay ministry periodically involved with our services using Lay Worship Leaders/Preachers. 

    • Steve Ropski
    • John Rushe
    • Cindy Willis


  • Liz Pifer

    Liz Pifer is the Office Administrator for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. She comes to us with over twenty years of office administration and human resources experience. She prepares church communications, and publications among other office duties. Liz is here to help answer your questions and can be reached by calling the church, (814) 474-5490, or by email to church@ssecfairview.org.



  • Susan Schuette

    Susan Schuette is the Director of Finance for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and St. Stephen's Nursery School.  She has volunteered and worked at St. Stephen's since 2006.  Susan has a B.S. in Accounting with over twenty-five years of experience.