While Mother Ann is out on sabbatical (8/29 – 11/20), the Very Rev. Dr. John P. Downey will be with us on Sunday mornings and generally overseeing things from Erie, PA during the week.
The Very Rev. Dr. John P. Downey is Dean Emeritus of the Cathedral of Saint Paul in Erie and Canon Theologian of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Since retiring from the Cathedral at the end of 2019, he has been working for the Diocesan Partnership, providing a ministry of Word and Sacrament throughout the region in support of clergy and congregations during sabbaticals or times of transition. Dean Downey’s interests include reading, gardening, music, sports (including the Bills), and being “grandpa.” His wife Sharon has recently retired as Canon Musician at the Cathedral in Erie and is currently Music Director for the Youth Chorale of the Erie Philharmonic which provides vocal and keyboard training for children in second through eighth grade. John has three daughters and two amazing grandsons.
Our Vestry and a number of others have met Dean Downey and every one has said what wonderful people he and his wife, Sharon, are, and what a perfect fit for us!
Saint Matthias' Episcopal Church 