Father Stanis was educated in Montrose Area public schools and is a graduate of Lackawanna Junior College, Scranton, and Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn., where he received a bachelor's degree in accounting and business in 1971.

   He enrolled at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., where he recently completed his preparatory studies for the priesthood, earning a master of divinity degree.

  Father Stanis was ordained on June 30, 2001, and celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, July 1, 2001, in Holy Name of Mary Church.

   Before coming to Friendsville, Father Stanis was the Pastor of the Church of Saint Joseph in Hudson and Sacred Heart Church in Plains.