I was born in Belfast, N. Ireland and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tyler, on December 21, 1997. I ministered at the Cathedral as a transitional deacon in the summer of 1997 and upon my ordination as a priest I served as parochial vicar from February 1998 to May 2000. During that time I also taught Latin at Bishop T.K. Gorman High School. I have served in several other parishes since my time at the cathedral: Sacred Heart, Texarkana, and St. Catherine of Siena, Atlanta, May 2000-August 2001; Our Lady of Sorrows, Jacksonville, Summer of 2002 and St. Matthews, Longview, summer of 2003.

In 2001, I was assigned to the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, for canon law studies and graduated with a license in canon law (J.C.L.) in 2003. In May 2004, having completed a year of doctorate work, I returned to the diocese and was appointed pastor of Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Malakoff, and judge to our diocesan tribunal. In January 2009, I returned to the Catholic University to complete my doctorate work and in January 2010 I successfully defended my research and was granted the doctorate in canon law (J.C.D.). Effective February 2, 2010 I was appointed rector of the cathedral and judicial vicar for the diocese

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.

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. 

My name is Terri Bolton and I am the Children’s Faith Formation Coordinator.

love sharing my Catholic faith with the children and their families as they deepen their understanding of God, Jesus Christ and the Church.  I believe God has asked me not only to be a wife and a mother of three, but also to be a worker in the Church.  It is not work for me…it is a pleasure.  

Brian Braquet has been Director of Music and Worship at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for 22 years.  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 (30), Katie (26) and Brian (24) and one granddaughter, Bailey.  Brian and Dianna are blessed with a wonderful family and a supportive, loving church and school family.

Biography Not Available

Chris Carey Cleckler grew up in the Cathedral Parish where her father, Bo Carey, served as a deacon for many years. She and her husband, Chad, moved from West Texas back to Tyler in January, 2002 with their children Sarah and Daniel. Chris is currently serving as Administrative Assistant to the Sacramental Preparation Program and is actively involved in record keeping, workshops and conferences with parents and students. She enjoys her job and is always willing to help.

I was born in Dallas and raised in Tyler .  Married to Ernest Negem who is a CPA.  We have two sons Eric, 21 & Brad, 18.  Just like their dad, they attended and graduated the Tyler Catholic School System.  I have been married 23 years.  I was raised protestant but converted to Catholicism in 1987. I have been involved with many areas of the church including, MYC, PTO, Cub and Boy Scout leader, St. Vincent De Paul are just a few.  I have been the Finance Office Assistant for 5 years.  I love my job and the people I work with.

Carolyn Eliasson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and grew up in Bossier City, Louisiana.
I was raised protestant and became Catholic about a year after going to work for the Cathedral in 2001. I have enjoyed working at the Cathedral and doing my various duties of the front desk.
I am the proud mother of two girls and grand mother of 3 girls.

Bertha Garay has been working at the Cathedral for 13 years. She is bi-lingual and helps those who speak Spanish. Bertha has many duties at the Cathedral. Her main responsibility is maintaining the parish sacramental records.

As Director for the sacramental programs for the Cathedral, I am blessed to work with our families as they prepare their children for First Confession, First Communion, and Confirmation. As a parent, I have recognized the need to grow in my own faith so that I could live out my responsibility to my son as his primary educator in the Faith. I completed the Professional Ministry program the Diocese of Tyler offered in conjunction with the preparation of the last group of Deacons. I have been blessed to work with, and learn from, some great lay people, deacons and priests. I really enjoy seeing the Spirit work in the lives of families as they prepare for the celebration of a sacrament. Whatever I can do to help you and your family prepare for the sacraments, I am delighted to be of service.

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. 

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 Maintenance Supervisor 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.