Planting seeds of faith: Sisters conclude rural ministry
By Allison Mosier
09/14/2026
After nearly 20 years of serving the Oil City Deanery through Catholic Rural Ministry, Sister Marian Wehler, OSB, and Sister Tina Geiger, RSM, concluded their ministry this summer. While their daily presence will be missed, the seeds they planted throughout the region will continue to bear fruit for years to come.
Sister Marian first began this ministry alongside Sister Clare Marie Beichner, SSJ. When Sister Clare Marie returned to her congregation to serve in leadership, Sister Tina joined the mission, and together they faithfully served people across the Oil City Deanery, encompassing Venango, Clarion and Forest counties, and parts of Crawford and Warren counties.
Rather than defining their ministry by programs or events, the sisters built it through relationships. They visited parishes, encouraged local leaders, prayed with families, welcomed newcomers and walked beside those experiencing hardship. In rural areas, where isolation and limited resources can present unique challenges, their steady presence became a visible reminder of Christ’s love.
“Sister Marian and Sister Tina exemplify the steady, faithful presence that has long characterized women religious,” said Sister Nancy Fischer, SSJ, director of women religious for the Diocese of Erie. “For nearly two decades, they have helped build relationships, strengthen parishes and accompany people through both joyful and difficult moments. Their ministry reminds us that the witness of women religious continues to be an essential gift to the Church and to all those they have served.”
Sister Nancy also reflected on the conclusion of this chapter with gratitude.
“I regret deeply that we were unable to find any sisters to replace them in this valuable ministry,” she said. “We thank God for the marvelous work they have done and the tremendous gift they have been to the Oil City Deanery. We also thank Monsignor Charles Kaza and Monsignor John Swoger for their vision in establishing Catholic Rural Ministry in both the Oil City and Bradford deaneries. Their foresight created a ministry that has touched countless lives.”
Throughout the years, the sisters partnered with parishes, local agencies and organizations to respond to both spiritual and practical needs. They helped connect families with resources, supported local initiatives and encouraged collaboration wherever they served. They also welcomed priests new to the area, helping them feel at home while building lasting friendships rooted in faith.
Bishop Lawrence T. Persico expressed gratitude for the sisters’ faithful witness.
“Through their compassion and commitment to serving others, they have reflected Christ's love in countless ways,” Bishop Persico said. “Their work has strengthened parishes, enriched the region and touched the lives of many people throughout this area.”
Although Sister Marian and Sister Tina are beginning new journeys within their respective religious communities, the ministry they cultivated continues through parish leaders, volunteers and neighbors who now carry that mission forward. The relationships they nurtured, the faith they shared and the hope they inspired have become part of the foundation of the region they served.
Like seeds planted with patience and trust, their ministry will continue to grow long after their departure, bearing fruit in lives strengthened by faith, neighbors united in service and hearts drawn ever closer to Christ.
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