Pittsburgh Catholic, Volume 164, Number 10, 23 May 2008
When Father Edward Schleicher reflects on his 25th anniversary of ordination, he remembers the influences of Fathers Bernard Powell and Jim Murphy in his life that led to his decision to become a priest. He was born on Oct. 28, 1940, in Wilkinsburg and attended St. James and St. John the Baptist elementary schools. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. Prior to the priesthood, he served in the United States Air Force.
He was also employed by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in the youth ministry office and was the adolescent resident coordinator for Three Rivers Youth.
In 1983, Father Schleicher received a master’s degree in divinity from Christ the King Seminary in Aurora, N.Y. He was ordained on June 25, 1983, by Bishop Vincent Leonard at St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. His first Mass was celebrated at St. Margaret Church in Green Tree.
In 1983, Father Schleicher served as parochial vicar at St. Jerome Parish in Charleroi for four years. He was then assigned to the same position at St. Bonaventure Parish in Glenshaw from 1987-88; St. Raphael Parish in Pittsburgh’s Morningside neighborhood from 1988-89; St. Maurice Parish in Forest Hills from June 1989 to August 1989; and St. George Parish in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood from 1989-92.
He remembers each priestly assignment as memorable, especially when he was responsible for leading three parishes at the same time. While serving as administrator at St. Michael Parish in New Castle, he was also appointed in the same capacity at St. Margaret Parish in New Castle and Holy Cross Parish in West Pittsburg, from 1992-93.
In >99.3, he became administrator for Holy Rosary Parish in Muse until June 1994 and was then assigned as pastor serving until September 2000. Father Schleicher went on a sabbatical to St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore from September to December 2000. His following assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Aliquippa from 2000-02, and at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Glenshaw from 2002 to the present.
In addition. Father Schleicher held the deanery role as CCD deanery director for the Washington West Deanery from 1994-98. He was also chaplain for the Columbian Squires from 1983-87. Father is also a master catechist and is an advocate in the Diocesan Tribunal.
Looking back on his 25 years as a priest, Father Schleicher offers advice to a man interested in a vocation in ministry by suggesting that he study and live life, learn people and know his own weaknesses and strengths.
“Attach yourself to a mentor who is wise and holy. See God in every person and realize you can only minister if you have been effectively ministered to.” On Sunday, June 29, a liturgy will he held at 1 p.m. to celebrate Father Schleicher’s silver jubilee at St. Mary of the Assumption. The Mass will be followed by a buffet reception on the plaza at the church.