BA; Philosophy; Wadhams Hall Seminary College, Ogdensburg, NY
MA; Theology; St. Mary’s Seminary University, Baltimore, MD
Clinical Pastoral Education; Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, NY

I began my studies for the Roman Catholic priesthood under the care of the Diocese of Syracuse, NY in 1982 and left the Seminary in 1989 after completing the exams and work for MA. I served in liturgy and music ministry in a number of parishes and campus ministry work. 

I also served as music minister with the gracious and loving people of Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD under the care of Rev. Richard Bozelli until I was ordained a deacon within the United Catholic Church at the hands of Most Rev. Robert Bowman in 2001.  I was ordained to the priesthood at the heart and  hands of the Most Rev. Kimo Keawe within the United Reform Catholic jurisdiction on September 14^th, 2002. 

The parish community of St. Sebastian began with my first Mass of Thanksgiving the next day.  We have ranged from 5 - 40 people celebrating Sunday Mass but have always kept the spirit and life of the catholic liturgical heritage alive no matter how many folks were present. 

I was called to pastor the loving and welcoming people of First United Church, United Church of Christ in 2004 and am working now towards ordination within the UCC.  I believe our two communities are truly called to grow in faith and love together and am most thankful to the folks of First United for their welcoming St. Sebastian when I came on board. 

I am blessed and honored to work with the people of this parish staff who help to craft and celebrate our catholic heritage in loving detail, life-giving humor and nurture beyond telling.   

Mr. Jon Kmetz first became involved with music ministry in 1991 with Dignity Philadelphia based at St. Marks Episcopal Church. For four years he served as minister and cantor with several other talented musicians. From 1995 until 1996, Jon lived as an expatriate in the Slovak Republic teaching English. While there, he reconnected with his ancestral Greek Catholic church, and was exposed to Byzantine liturgy and music while a parishioner at Ss. Peter & Paul church. In 2004, having moved to Baltimore a few years previously, Jon joined St. Sebastian’s parish and decided to re-enter the music ministry. In 2006, after serving for two years, the community decided to formally dedicate Jon as the Music Minister for St. Sebastian's parish where he continues to serve the community with humble gratitude.

Mr. Kevin Platte has an MBA from Old Dominion University and has been on the staff since the beginning of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in 2002.

Rev. Joan R. Stiles has a B.A. in Religion from Princeton University and an M.A. in Theology from Drew Theological School.

Besides her formal schooling in traditional theological studies, she brings a personal interest in Christian mysticism and the Wisdom tradition to her ministry.  Her specialty is spiritual companioning. Committed to the open and welcoming ideal of St. Sebastian's as well as its liturgical focus, she appreciates the opportunity to serve such a specially graced and intimate community.

Rev. Stiles was ordained to the priesthood at the hands of Most Rev. John M. Plummer on November 3^rd, 2007.