Staff

Carolyn Eliasson

(Receptionist)

I grew up in Bossier City, La. I have been in the Tyler area for Approximately 15 years. Raised protestant and converted to Catholicism when I started to work at the Cathedral office 10 years ago.I have 2 daughters and 3 granddaughters. I have always enjoyed my work at the Cathedral office

Brian Braquet

(Director of Sacred Music & Divine Worship)
cicworship@suddenlinkmail.com

Brian Braquet has been Director of Sacred Music and Divine Worship at the Cathedral ofthe Immaculate Conception since 1987.Brian began playing the organ for Mass in the 5th grade at Assumption Catholic School in Beaumont, Texas; he graduated from Monsignor Kelly High School and received his Bachelor of Music Degree in 1976 from North Texas State University in Denton.He received his Master of Music Degree from Lamar University and served as Director of Music and Worship at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Beaumont from 1980-1982. In 1983, Brian served as director of Music and Worship at St. Philip Catholic Church in Lewisville, Texas.Brian and his wife Dianna have three “kids”: Liz, Katie & Brian, and two grandchildren,Bailey and Braiden.

Kathy Carey

(Director of Finance)
cicfinance@suddenlinkmail.com

Kathy grew up in Dallas moving to Tyler in 1969 with her family. She was raised in the Christian church and converted to Catholicism as she began to study the Catholic faith with her children. Her husband, Bo Carey was ordained a Deacon in 1981 and has since passed away. Kathy began working for the Cathedral parish in 1979 working in various positions and is now serving as Finance Officer. She enjoys working in the Cathedral parish in whatever capacity she is needed.

Peggy Hammett

(Director of Faith Formation)
cicsacrament@suddenlinkmail.com

Peggy Hammett has been a part of the faith formation team at the Cathedral since 1996. She has a deep love for the Sacraments and served in the Cathedral for many years as Director of Sacramental Formation prior to becoming Director of Faith Formation in 2010. Her son Sgt. Chad Hammett is serving in the USAF inNorth Carolinawhere he lives with his lovely wife Adriana and two awesome sons, Ayden and Felix. While Peggy grew up inErie,PA, she was blessed to be able to raiseChadinEast Texas. Prior to coming to the Cathedral, Peggy had served as DRE at St. Jude's inHenderson. Peggy has a diverse educational background coming from an artistic background she latter completed the four year college level theology program offered in Tyler by the University of Dallas and in December 2011 will receive her certification for completing the John Paul II Formation Program at the graduate theology level. Peggy is an Associate Member of the Society for Catholic Liturgy, a member of the Association of Consultants for Liturgical Space, a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, a member of the Diocesan Christian Initiation Team and serves on the Diocesan Advisory Committee for Faith Formation.

Sister Susan Seitz, OSF

(Order of Saint Francis)
srsusancathedral@suddenlinkmail.com

Sister Susan Seitz, through her reception in 1954, and her profession of the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience in 1956, is a member of the Franciscan congregation located in Dubuque, Iowa. As a consecrated religious woman, she seeks to be faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, living with simplicity and joy in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. Through her ministry, Sister Susan accompanies adults and children on their journey of religious education and spiritual/sacramental formation. Since 1988 she has ministered in the Cathedral parish and continues to be inspired by people's faith, hunger for spiritual growth and generosity in service.

Jeri Negem

(Assistant Finance Coordiantor)
negem@tyler.net

I have always lived in Tyler and was raised protestant. I converted to Catholicism in 1987. I have been married to Ernest Negem since 1985. We have 2 children, Eric & Brad who are both graduates of TK Gorman. I have been employed part-time at the Cathedral Office since Sept. 2003 as Assistant Finance Officer. I love meeting and helping people.

Shawn Pickett

(Social Services and Catholic Charities)
socailserv@suddenlinkmail.com

I arrived in Tyler and became a Cathedral parishioner at the end of November 1986. I have always felt called to help those in need so my career includes 2 1/2 years with Smith County Jail and 13 years as an LVN at UT Hospital in Family Practice and Pediatric Clinic. During this time, I volunteered with the Cathedral and helped Sister Susan with Faith Formation, then called CCD, on weekends. In 1989, I worked with Father Randy and began accompanying adults and children on their journey to full communion with the Church through the Christian Initiation Process in Spanish. I became a Cathedral staff member in December of 2001 and am now serving as a Social Service worker and Director of St. Vincent de Paul Charity and the Spanish Christian Initiation Process. I love my work and pray for wisdom and compassion as I handle these responsibilities for the Parish in His name.

Bertha Garay

(Executive Assistant; Records)
cicrecords@suddenlinkmail.com

I have been working in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church office for sixteen years. I am in charge of the Sacramental Records and the Spanish bulletin, recently father McLaughlin asked me to be his assistant helping him with written and oral translations and gathering of documents for all Sacraments for the Spanish speakers. I like my job because every day I do something different, and I have the opportunity to meet and help many people. I feel that my co-workers are part of my family. I am very happy to belong to the Cathedral Staff.

Michael Johnston

(Faith Formation Leader)
cicreled@suddenlinkmail.com

Michael Johnston was born and raised inEast Texas. In 2006 he was granted admittance as a seminarian for the Diocese of Tyler to the Pontifical College Josephinum inColumbusOhiofor studies in Philosophy. After discerning that he was no longer called to the priesthood, Michael left the seminary with a BA in philosophy, and the blessing of his bishop, Most Rev. Alvaro Corrada Del Rio. Michael is now working in Faith Formation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Chad Cleckler

(Busness Manager)
cicbusinessmanager@suddenlinkmail.com

Chad Cleckler grew up in the Texas panhandle in the small town of Tulia. Chad was raised protestant and converted to Catholicism in January 2004. Chad and his wife Chris moved from West Texas to Tyler in January 2002 with their children Sarah and Daniel. Chad is currently serving as the Business Manager for the Cathedral. Chad enjoys spending time with his family and backyard barbequing/grilling. Chad has been employed with the Cathedral since 2003 and enjoys serving the Cathedral community.

Sister Luz Elena

(Faith Formation/Spanish)
valdezluzelena@yahoo.com

I am Sister Luz Elena Valdes. I was born in Atolinga,Zacatecas,Mexicoon May 28, 1971. When I was 17, I entered consecrated life in theInstituteofSaint Marianaof Jesus. For this, I studied three years in theDiocesanIntercongregationalCenterfor Religious in Aguascalientes,Mexico. I made my first profession in 1992 and was working in my apostolate for four years in the Church of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus where I worked with adolescents, systematic formation for catechist and liturgical team. I studied Holy Scripture in the Biblical Center of the Divine Word in Ecuador. There, I prepared myself for one year to take my final vows. After that, I returned to Aguascalientes,Mexico to work with youth groups, teenagers, catechists, and leaders. I studied missiology in Guadalajara,Mexico and then went to Papua New Guinea for three and a half years where I worked with women teaching home making, life skills and spirituality. I also taught systematic formation for catechists and leaders in the most remote areas of civilization. I came to the Cathedral on December 16, 2009. I am currently the Assistant Director of Faith Formation with an emphasis on helping our Spanish speaking community with all their faith formation needs.

Sr. Sarah Kohles, OSF

sistersarah@suddenlinkmail.com

I am a native Texan raised in Baytown, though I attended Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where I met the Sisters of St Francis of Dubuque, Iowa. After graduating with a B.A. in Theology, I joined the Sisters of St Francis and began working as Director of Faith Formation at a parish in Dubuque. I’ve also served in a parish and in campus ministry in Quincy, Illinois. I joined the Cathedral’s Faith Formation Team in 2007 and continue to enjoy the variety of parish life. My responsibilities include working with the Christian Initiation process (RCIA), Whole Community Catechesis, Community Retreats, and other faith formation opportunities.

Daniel and Rhapsody Onderko

(Youth Ministry), (ICY)
icytylertx@gmail.com

Daniel and Rhapsody Onderko married on the Feast of the Visitation in 2008. They met at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, married shortly after graduation, and moved to Tyler. Daniel has a degree in Biology and minors in math and chemistry, and a Masters degree in Education. He taught chemistry for several years and is currently working for Farmer's Insurance. Rhapsody has degrees in theology, catechetics, and mental health. In college she was president of Students for Life, did a youth ministry internship, and helped plan many retreats. She is currently a stay-at-home mom to their two year old son, John Daniel. They passionately love Christ, His holy Catholic Church, and in particular, feel a special call to share this joy with the youth. They have been volunteering with ICY (high school youth ministry) for over two years and enjoy helping young people grow in holiness. Our number one goal is to get to heaven and our number two goal is to bring as many people with us as we possibly can!