Deacon Dorothy Klemas

Deacon Dorothy Lois Klemas is currently studying for the Priesthood and was assigned to Saint Miriam Parish in November of 2011. She was ordained as a deacon by Archbishop Julius in May 20012. She was born Dorothy Dornberger in 1941, the Third daughter of Charles and Mary Dornberger of Philadelphia. She was born Dorothy Dornberger in 1941, the Third daughter of Charles and Mary Dornberger of Philadelphia. The family moved to Upper Darby when she was age 7 years and she attended St. Alice School. It was St. Alice where Dorothy began her journey toward becoming a Catholic Nun.

One day, in the fourth grade, she stopped at the church for a visit and declared that, “one day she would be a priest!” He early life was one of deep prayer and piety; she attended mass daily.

She then entered West Catholic High School and after graduation she was employed as a secretary for about one year, but discerned her call and entered the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart in July of 1960. She was fully immersed into Novitiate life as a Catholic Nun for the next three years and then began to teach for the Order for the next seven years. She remembers at her final vows asking God to ‘speak directly’, just in case God had others plans!

She then met with what at the time seemed to be an impossible situation. She encountered a young Curate named Father Joseph Klemas and they fell in love. She left the Order in 1970 and Joe and her were married two years later in 1972. They became pregnant and had a beautiful girl whom they named Allison.

Dorothy and her family moved to Kansas City, Mo. When her and her husband began Chiropractic College. They graduated with their Chiropractic Medical degrees in 1981 and returned to Pennsylvania where they began their private practice.

Dorothy began to explore her spiritual life outside the Catholic Church and searched for God and meaning. Last November in 2010, she learned of Saint Miriam. Here she had the opportunity to find the intersection of her dream back in the fourth grade and her calling; she has begun the final stages to ordained life and to serve God and neighbor.

Dorothy and Joe also enjoy two grandchildren, Jack and Sam. They reside in Plymouth Meeting.