Our Priests
The Community of St. Bridget
These are the ordained catholic women who serve the Community of St. Bridget. If you have pastoral needs or questions, they are available to assist you. For liturgy schedules please follow the links for Worship and/or Ministries.
Dagmar Braun Celeste was ordained a priest on June 29, 2002. One of the original seven women ordained on a boat in the Danube River, she became a founding member of the group now known as Roman Catholic Womenpriests (RCWP). Dagmar holds a B.A. in Women's Studies from Capital University, and an M.A. in Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Ministry from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Born in Austria, Dagmar met Richard Celeste while studying at Oxford University. They married and had six children together. While Richard served as Governor of Ohio, Dagmar chaired the Ohio Recovery Council, initiated the Task Force on Family Violence, co-chaired the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism, and co-chaired the Council on Holocaust Education. Dagmar continues her priestly ministry through her daily prayer and offering support for women who are called to ordination and all women-led inclusive faith communities who serve the People of God.
Mary Eileen Collingwood was ordained a priest on May 24, 2014, and ordained a bishop in apostolic succession on September 24, 2015, with the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). She served in church ministry for over forty-five years. With her M.A. in Theology from St. Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology in Wickliffe, OH, Mary Eileen taught theology on the secondary and college levels. In the parish setting, she was Director of Religious Education, Coordinator for Marriage Preparation, and Pastoral Associate. She served as the Diocesan Director of Pro Life. Mary Eileen and her husband, Rich, continue to be blessed with seven remarkable children and six grandchildren. Animated by the Spirit’s call for a renewed priestly ministry within a community of equals, Mary Eileen welcomes all to the Table of Friendship. Her ministerial services include weekly Eucharistic liturgies, sacramental celebrations, spiritual and pastoral counseling, and faith education in our ever-evolving, contemporary world. Email mecreg6@yahoo.com
Rose Mary Gordyan was ordained a deacon on July 10, 2019, and a priest on August 28, 2021, with the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). Rose holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies, and a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, completing her field experience in hospital chaplaincy and evangelization. She has accumulated 53 Masters-level semester hours in Theology. With her 40 years of church ministry, she led catechetic programs, sacramental programs, youth ministry, adult faith formation, and ministry with bereaved and divorced members of the wider community. Rose directed retreats in biblical studies and women’s spirituality. In addition, she served as Campus Minister for Marycrest, once a residential center for young women in the greater Cleveland area. Rose and her husband, Ken (now deceased), raised two sons and have three grandchildren. Email rmgordyan@yahoo.com
Susan Marie Guzik was ordained a deacon on May 24, 2014, and a priest on June 30, 2018, with the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests (ARCWP). After years of study in theology and ministry, Susan received her certification as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Diocese of Cleveland. She was active in parish ministry for 55 years. On the diocesan level, Sue was active at the Christian Life Retreat Center. As a Lay Ecclesial Minister, she served as a Board member of the North Coast Association of Lay Ministers (NOCALM). Sue retired after working for Medical Mutual in Accounting and Medicaid Member Management. She and her husband, Matt (now deceased), raised five children and have nine grandchildren. Sue now devotes her time in the ministry of accompaniment for those in need of compassionate listening and prayer.
Susan Russell was ordained a deacon on September 28, 2022, and a priest on July 8, 2023 at the Brecksville United Church of Christ. She served in a variety of church ministries in parishes throughout Ohio. Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Kent State University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Akron. She decided to complete a Masters in Theology from John Carroll University, while completing her preparation for ordination. She is a social worker, who specializes in gender-affirming care. Susan has one daughter and three grandchildren and a wonderful Black Labrador named, Joey. Email smrussell@yahoo.com