Rev. Dr. Shanon Sterringer

Rev. Shanon  was ordained on August 3, 2019 in Linz, Austria on the bank of Danube River. The Community of St. Hildegard opened in September 2019.  Prior to her ordination, she was engaged in full-time pastoral ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland for twenty-two years before leaving to follow her call to be a pastor.  During those years, she served as a Director of Religious Education and worked in the ministries of bereavement, sacramental preparation, liturgy, missionary activities and parish administrator.  She was certified through the Diocese as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in 2012 following years of formation and preparation.  

PhD in Ethical and Creative Leadership (focus on the leadership of St. Hildegard of Bingen) from Union Institute & University, OH (2016)

Doctor of Ministry from St. Mary's Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, OH (2012)

MA Ministry from Ursuline College, OH (2011)

MA Theology from St. Mary's Seminary and Graduate School of Theology, OH (2007)

BA from Cleveland State University, OH (2003)

Rev. Shanon is a long-time student and scholar of St. Hildegard of Bingen.   She created the Hildegard Haus (shrine to St. Hildegard) and is the founding pastor of The Community of St. Hildegard (inclusive Christian community). 

She is the author of several books and articles including::

Forbidden Grace: Hildegard of Bingen and a Modern Woman's Call to the Catholic Priesthood (PageMill Press 2022) 

30 Day Journey with St. Hildegard (Fortress Press 2019)

Rev. Shanon regularly offers online and in-person classes, retreats, and adult faith formation opportunities.

Rev. Shanon lives  in Fairport Harbor with her husband of 30+ years Richard. They have three beautiful adult daughters and an elderly cat!