Dr. Thomas Finn
Licensed Pyschologist at Franciscan Life CenterDr. Thomas Finn has over 40 years of clinical experience and works as a licensed psychologist at the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, CT. He also was in private practice for 38 years and served for three decades as director of LEAP Adventure Programs, an experiential team building and leadership training service for personal, organizational, and spiritual development conducted through the Franciscan Life Center. Dr. Finn has led workshops in the U.S. focused on anxiety management, parenting, marriage, human sexuality, and spirituality and teaches the annual Pastoral Counseling Seminar at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Italy. He received Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical-School Psychology from Hofstra University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Fairfield University.
Tom and his wife, Donna, served the Archdiocese of Hartford in the area of marriage and family ministry since the 1980s. They were a presenting team for the Engaged Encounter marriage preparation retreat program, coordinated the Archdiocesan Office of Family Life's Annual Marriage Enrichment Program and served as coordinators in Programs for Human Sexuality for the Family Life Office from 1985-2000. They have published 4 books: Love and Relationships: God’s Plan for Human Sexuality, Intimate Bedfellows: Love, Sex and the Catholic Church, Making True Love: A Guide to Lasting Relationships, and A Caregiver's Well-Being: How to Master Stress and Find Balance While Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia (to be published in April, 2025). They are recipients of the 2016 Archdiocese of Hartford St. Gianna Beretta Molla Pro-Life Award as advocates for life and marriage.
The Finns have been married for 43 years and have three children, five grandchildren. They live in Southington, CT, where they have served in various parish ministries including Baptism, Confirmation, and marriage preparation, CCD, youth ministry, and children's liturgy.
Sr. Catherine Mary Clarke, FSE
Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Franciscan Home Care and Hospice CareSister Catherine Mary Clarke, FSE is a licensed clinical social worker and known for her ability to handle multiple challenges with a caring and loving attitude. She is the primary social worker for Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, Meriden, Connecticut. Sister Catherine Mary responds with alacrity to the needs of hospice patients and their families. Sister is also the health care consultant for the priests and brothers of the Eastern province of the Passionist Community. She also serves the Franciscan Family Care Center adoption program by meeting with couples and preparing home studies in anticipation of adoption. Sister Catherine Mary is the Director of Postulants for the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
A native of Georgia, Sister Catherine Mary attended Shorter College in Rome, Georgia, where she received a bachelor degree in biology. Several years later, after entering the Franciscan Sisters, she obtained a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut.
For ten years prior to being named Director of Postulants, Sister lived in Rome and worked at the Vatican Library. She also helped begin a hospice program in Rome.
Sister’s talents go beyond her excellent professional work. She is known in the Community for her baking skills, and often provides fresh baked goods for Community meals and special occasions.
Sr. Amaris Salata, FSE
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Franciscan Life CenterSister Amaris Salata, FSE is a perpetually professed member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. She currently works as a licensed marriage and family therapist at the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, CT. She also serves in the Respect Life Ministry of the Archdiocese of Hartford as the Assistant Program Coordinator. In addition to her professional missions, Sister works in vocations outreach for her Community. One of seven siblings, she is originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan. She earned a master's degree in accounting and has worked as a CPA. She also holds master's degrees in theology and marriage and family therapy.