I was born in Fredricksburg, Texas, grew up in Atlanta, Texas, attended the seminary in Dallas, Texas and was named rector of the Cathedral in Tyler, Texas in June of 1994.

This is actually my second assignment to Tyler. As a newly ordained priest I was assigned to Immaculate Conception Church in Tyler in June of 1985. I was briefly a parochial vicar at Sacred Heart in Nacogdoches, pastor of St. Michael's Church in Mt. Pleasant for three years, studied canon law in Washington, D.C. for two years and then was reassigned to Tyler. I am presently rector of the Cathedral and Judicial Vicar for the Diocese of Tyler.

I was born and raised in Cottage Grove, Oregon and am the fourth of seven children. I have four brothers and two sisters. My mom and dad, Josie and Al, were married at the Cathedral in Corpus Christi, TX. in October 1943, are still happily married, and living in Oregon. My dad was a logger and my mom a teachers aide in the local schools in Cottage Grove.
I attended the University of Oregon and coached swimming for 17 years, the last five here in Tyler for Tyler Swim Team. I entered the seminary in
1998 and was ordained in June 2003. My first assignment was here at the Cathedral from my ordination until May 2005 and after a year and a half in Overton at Our Lady, Queen of Angels, I have joyfully received a second assignment to the Cathedral.

Sister Susan Seitz, through her profession of the vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience, is a member of the Franciscan congregaton located in Dubuque, Iowa. During nearly forty-eight years of consecrated life, she has sought to to live the Gospel of Jesus Christ 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 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.

My name is Terri Bolton and I am the CCDD Coordinator.

I love working with the catechists who share their faith as well as the children who come every week to learn what it is to be Catholic. I feel God has asked me not only to be a mother of three and a wife, but also to be a worker in the Church. It is not work to me...it is a pleasure

Brian Braquet has been Director of Music and Worship at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for 15 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 (24), Katie (20) and Brian (17) and one granddaughter, Bailey. Brian and Dianna are blessed with a wonderful family and a supportive, loving church and school family.

Biography Coming Soon

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.

Biography Coming Soon

Carolyn Eliasson is the proud mother of two girls and the grandmother of three girls. Carolyn's various duties at the Cathedral include the church bulletin, helping in the finance department and front desk responsibilities. Carolyn has worked at the Cathedral office almost 2 years, and enjoys her work and the people with whom she works.

Bertha Garay is the mother of four children, three boys and a girl. She has many duties at the Cathedral, with her main responsibility being the keeping of the parish sacramental records.

Bertha has worked in the church office for seven years and enjoys what she does. She is bi-lingual and happy to help those who speak Spanish.

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.

Biography Coming Soon

I came to Tyler and The Cathedral, 16 years ago, after 8 years of ministry in the Hispanic Vicariate for the Diocese of Dodge City, Kansas. I worked at Smith County Jail for 2 years. The last 13 years were in the Pediatric Clinic at UT Health Center as a LVN. I have now served nearly a year at The Cathedral, coordinating efforts of the St. Vincent de Paul, the Social Services Office, and the Hispanic Ministry and Christian Initiation in Spanish. I love my work and pray for wisdom and compassion as I handle these responsibilities for 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.

Matt Oxler was born and raised in Kansas City Missouri where he attended Archbishop O’Hara High School and later studied Theology at Rockhurst University. Matt and his wife, Jeanie, moved to Tyler in the summer of 2000 and were welcomed to the Cathedral community. He served as a junior high school catechist in the faith formation program for five years before being asked to become the youth minister for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in 2005. Jeanie and Matt are the proud parents of their daughter Anastasia.