Who We Are

Sister Donna Marie Leiden, SC

Sister Donna Marie Leiden entered the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1961, from Saint Mark Parish in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Now in her 50th year of religious life, Sister Donna Marie serves as the Director of Education for the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, a position to which she was appointed in 2007. In this ministry, Sister Donna Marie enthusiastically embraces the challenge to continue the mission of Catholic education and enjoys interacting with the principals, teachers, and students of the schools that she supervises.

Prior to accepting administrative responsibilities, Sister Donna Marie had extensive experience in the field of education. Her educational roles included teacher, assistant principal, vice principal, guidance counselor, and principal at ten schools in the Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh dioceses from 1963-1989 and from 1997-2006. In addition to her ministry in education, Sister Donna Marie served as general councilor for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill from 1989-1997.

Sister Donna Marie’s dedication to serving the Church in her ministries was recognized in 2004 with the Prince Gallitzin Cross Award. This award was established by Bishop Emeritus Joseph V. Adamec of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown as a way to recognize Catholics who exemplify in their discipleship the evangelizing characteristics of the Servant of God, Demetrius Gallitzin, in being a light for those to whom they minister.

In reflection of her 50 years of religious life, Sister Donna Marie said, “It takes very little effort to recognize the hand of God in every aspect of my life. A 50 year jubilee celebration presents an opportunity to stand back and reflect on all the twists and turns in life. God has been there at every turn, sometimes pushing, sometimes prodding, but most of the time guiding me through life. How grateful I am to be able to be at this point and recognize all that has been through His grace.”

 

If you would like to make a donation in honor of  Sister Donna Marie's Jubilee, please click on the Donate Now button on the left.