Clergy & Staff
Pastor
Fr. Tom Fangman has served in the Archdiocese of Omaha as a parish priest since his ordination. A native of Omaha, he attended Christ the King, Creighton Prep and graduated from Kansas University. Then he attended Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis where he earned two Master’s degrees: Counseling and Theology. Father Tom was ordained a priest in 1992 by Archbishop Daniel Sheehan and his first assignment was at St. Philip Neri in north Omaha. Next he became Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk, Nebraska where he was also a Theology teacher at Norfolk Catholic. Father Tom became Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Omaha in 1998. In 2016, he joined St. Patrick's Parish as its Pastor.
Fr. Tom Fangman
[email protected]
(402)289-4289
Fr. Tom Fangman has served in the Archdiocese of Omaha as a parish priest since his ordination. A native of Omaha, he attended Christ the King, Creighton Prep and graduated from Kansas University. Then he attended Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis where he earned two Master’s degrees: Counseling and Theology. Father Tom was ordained a priest in 1992 by Archbishop Daniel Sheehan and his first assignment was at St. Philip Neri in north Omaha. Next he became Associate Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Norfolk, Nebraska where he was also a Theology teacher at Norfolk Catholic. Father Tom became Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Omaha in 1998. In 2016, he joined St. Patrick's Parish as its Pastor.
Fr. Tom Fangman
[email protected]
(402)289-4289
Deacon
Jim Ricketts was ordained a permanent Deacon in 2010 in the Roman Catholic Church Archdiocese of Omaha after a four-year theology program. He is assigned to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church – Elkhorn. He serves Jesus Christ in various ministries in the Church.
Jim was honored with the Louisiana College Trustee's Distinguished Service Award (2013) and Wayne State College Alumni Achievement Award (2015). Jim is an Eagle Scout and past Scout Master.
Jim Ricketts served the mission of Opportunity Education Foundation 2010-2018 in the capacity of President and Chief Operations Officer. The Foundation served 1,688 primary schools in 11 developing countries in Africa and Asia with curriculum, technology, educational materials along with teacher development. The mission made quality education available to children in the poorest of poor so they can improve their standard of living.
Prior to OEF, Jim retired as Vice President of TD Ameritrade 1986-2006. Mr. Ricketts was an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He received his Jurist Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, and undergraduate degree from Wayne State College. He holds Bar Admission in California.
Deacon Jim Ricketts
(402)333-6667
Deacon
Jim Ricketts was ordained a permanent Deacon in 2010 in the Roman Catholic Church Archdiocese of Omaha after a four-year theology program. He is assigned to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church – Elkhorn. He serves Jesus Christ in various ministries in the Church.
Jim was honored with the Louisiana College Trustee's Distinguished Service Award (2013) and Wayne State College Alumni Achievement Award (2015). Jim is an Eagle Scout and past Scout Master.
Jim Ricketts served the mission of Opportunity Education Foundation 2010-2018 in the capacity of President and Chief Operations Officer. The Foundation served 1,688 primary schools in 11 developing countries in Africa and Asia with curriculum, technology, educational materials along with teacher development. The mission made quality education available to children in the poorest of poor so they can improve their standard of living.
Prior to OEF, Jim retired as Vice President of TD Ameritrade 1986-2006. Mr. Ricketts was an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). He received his Jurist Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, and undergraduate degree from Wayne State College. He holds Bar Admission in California.
Deacon Jim Ricketts
(402)333-6667
Deacon
Deacon Jay Wingler grew up on his family’s farm in east central Illinois. After graduating from high school, he joined the military as a law enforcement officer until retiring in 2001. Jay then joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff until retiring in 2018.
He is a convert, joining the Catholic Church shortly after marriage in 1988. Jay and his wife Carol of 33 years have two children; Austen who lives in Mesa, AZ and Megan who is a senior at UNK. The family has been members of St Patrick’s since 2003.
Jay heard a voice during a Sunday Mass in 2012 saying, “I want you to be a deacon.” The significantly emotional event became more emotional after confiding in his wife who confirmed she knew as she had heard a voice as well. He said YES and was ordained by His Excellency George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, on May 4, 2019. He enjoys the fishing and hunting in his spare time.
Deacon Jay Wingler
(402)289-4289
Deacon Jay Wingler grew up on his family’s farm in east central Illinois. After graduating from high school, he joined the military as a law enforcement officer until retiring in 2001. Jay then joined the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff until retiring in 2018.
He is a convert, joining the Catholic Church shortly after marriage in 1988. Jay and his wife Carol of 33 years have two children; Austen who lives in Mesa, AZ and Megan who is a senior at UNK. The family has been members of St Patrick’s since 2003.
Jay heard a voice during a Sunday Mass in 2012 saying, “I want you to be a deacon.” The significantly emotional event became more emotional after confiding in his wife who confirmed she knew as she had heard a voice as well. He said YES and was ordained by His Excellency George J. Lucas, Archbishop of Omaha, on May 4, 2019. He enjoys the fishing and hunting in his spare time.
Deacon Jay Wingler
(402)289-4289
Deacon
Deacon Joe and his wife Pam recently joined the St. Pat’s – Elkhorn family after spending the previous 23 years at St. Pat’s – Gretna. Joe was ordained a Permanent Deacon on May 5, 2012 following four years of Diaconate formation. Both Pam & Joe have been active in Catholic Church ministries including Parish and Finance Councils, CCHD teachers, Joe as chaplain of numerous Jeff Cavins’ Bible Studies, and RCIA instructor and participant. They also enjoy assisting engaged couples with marriage preparations, as well as Baptism classes.
Pam and Joe are both life-long Nebraskans--Pam born and raised in Omaha, a graduate of Burke High School and Clarkson Nursing School, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Creighton University. Joe is a farm boy from Hubbard (Northeast), NE. He received his BSBA with a concentration in accounting from UNL and then began his CPA career in Omaha. Pam and Joe are parents of six adult sons, and they love their five (so far) daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. For fun they enjoy all things active and outdoors, as well as cooking, reading, and gardening.
Deacon Joe Hartnett
(402)289-4289
Deacon Joe and his wife Pam recently joined the St. Pat’s – Elkhorn family after spending the previous 23 years at St. Pat’s – Gretna. Joe was ordained a Permanent Deacon on May 5, 2012 following four years of Diaconate formation. Both Pam & Joe have been active in Catholic Church ministries including Parish and Finance Councils, CCHD teachers, Joe as chaplain of numerous Jeff Cavins’ Bible Studies, and RCIA instructor and participant. They also enjoy assisting engaged couples with marriage preparations, as well as Baptism classes.
Pam and Joe are both life-long Nebraskans--Pam born and raised in Omaha, a graduate of Burke High School and Clarkson Nursing School, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Creighton University. Joe is a farm boy from Hubbard (Northeast), NE. He received his BSBA with a concentration in accounting from UNL and then began his CPA career in Omaha. Pam and Joe are parents of six adult sons, and they love their five (so far) daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. For fun they enjoy all things active and outdoors, as well as cooking, reading, and gardening.
Deacon Joe Hartnett
(402)289-4289
Deacon (Retired)
Dan Perchal
Receptionist/
Administrative Assistant
Gazelle grew up mainly on the West Coast, in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and in Sonoma County, California, and moved to small-town Elkhorn in 2001 to be near family and raise her children, who are now grown. She joined the Catholic Church in 2006 along with her children, and has been involved in the parish ever since, as a volunteer in various roles, as a teacher's assistant in the school, an administrative assistant for Religious Formation, and now as a receptionist/administrative assistant for the parish. She has also worked for three years at a nearby monastery and volunteered for diocesan committees. Now you can find her most days at the Parish Welcome Desk in the main cafe on the new church campus. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting with family and friends, reading, watching television, and traveling. Gazelle feels grateful to be part of our vibrant, growing parish full of kind and generous people of faith from all walks of life.
Ms. Gazelle Bills
[email protected]
(402)289-4289
Administrative Assistant
Gazelle grew up mainly on the West Coast, in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and in Sonoma County, California, and moved to small-town Elkhorn in 2001 to be near family and raise her children, who are now grown. She joined the Catholic Church in 2006 along with her children, and has been involved in the parish ever since, as a volunteer in various roles, as a teacher's assistant in the school, an administrative assistant for Religious Formation, and now as a receptionist/administrative assistant for the parish. She has also worked for three years at a nearby monastery and volunteered for diocesan committees. Now you can find her most days at the Parish Welcome Desk in the main cafe on the new church campus. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting with family and friends, reading, watching television, and traveling. Gazelle feels grateful to be part of our vibrant, growing parish full of kind and generous people of faith from all walks of life.
Ms. Gazelle Bills
[email protected]
(402)289-4289
Executive Assistant
Kathy was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and is the oldest of eight children. She attended Marian High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln/University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNL/UNO). In 1988, she married her husband, Dave, and they built their home in Elkhorn in 1991. Together, they raised their children: Kimberly, Christian, Jack, and Julie, who all attended Elkhorn schools, St. Patrick's School, Marian High School, and Creighton Preparatory School. Kathy loves her role as a grandmother to four grandchildren, with another on the way.
Mrs. Moritz volunteered at St. Patrick's School and later worked as the school's administrative assistant for 8 years while their three younger children attended the school. In 2014, she "retired" to spend more time with her family. She served on the Parish Council and co-chaired the year-long celebration of St. Patrick's 150th anniversary in 2018. That same year, after some encouragement to come out of "retirement," she began working as an assistant to Fr. Tom. Kathy enjoys spending quality time with their family, traveling to national and international destinations, researching genealogy, and hanging out with friends. Life is good!
Mrs. Kathy Moritz
[email protected]
(402)938-4900
Kathy was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and is the oldest of eight children. She attended Marian High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln/University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNL/UNO). In 1988, she married her husband, Dave, and they built their home in Elkhorn in 1991. Together, they raised their children: Kimberly, Christian, Jack, and Julie, who all attended Elkhorn schools, St. Patrick's School, Marian High School, and Creighton Preparatory School. Kathy loves her role as a grandmother to four grandchildren, with another on the way.
Mrs. Moritz volunteered at St. Patrick's School and later worked as the school's administrative assistant for 8 years while their three younger children attended the school. In 2014, she "retired" to spend more time with her family. She served on the Parish Council and co-chaired the year-long celebration of St. Patrick's 150th anniversary in 2018. That same year, after some encouragement to come out of "retirement," she began working as an assistant to Fr. Tom. Kathy enjoys spending quality time with their family, traveling to national and international destinations, researching genealogy, and hanging out with friends. Life is good!
Mrs. Kathy Moritz
[email protected]
(402)938-4900
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Liturgy and Music Director
Anna Kolterman grew up in Blair, NE, graduated from Marian High School as well as nursing school at Creighton University. In high school and college, she was an enthusiastic singer at Sacred Heart Church and it is there that she began planning music for liturgies and where she met her dear friend, Fr. Tom Fangman. She continued her education in music liturgy as she began her nursing career, planning and coordinating liturgies in the cities of Pittsburgh and San Diego. She returned to Omaha and accepted a position as director of music liturgy at Christ the King Church. She completed 14 years of service there. Anna married her husband, Shawn and together they are raising their 5 beautiful daughters; Juliet, and Cecilia, who attend Marian High School, and Eleanor, Marielle, and Francesca who attend St. Cecilia Elementary School. Anna no longer works as a NICU nurse. She has been blessed to work with kids of all ages at Christ the King and Marian High School where she has worked as the liturgist and worship choir director in their campus ministry department for the last 6 years. Anna feels that is wonderful to be a part of this musical parish, full of singing people of all ages! She gives thanks to God who has led her to St. Patrick’s to be a part of the community and with a grateful heart, she looks forward to many life-giving liturgies with all! Mrs. Anna Kolterman [email protected] (402) 938-4904 |
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Finance Director
Daena serves as the Finance Director at St. Patrick’s. She manages the church's budget, tracks giving, oversees financial reporting, and ensures compliance with financial regulations and policies, while also working closely with senior leadership to align the church’s financial decisions with its vision and values. In addition to her professional background, Daena is an active member of the Omaha theatre community as a playwright, director, and actor. She hosts her own podcast, “Thank You 5”, which spotlights Omaha’s vibrant performing arts scene, and has narrated several audiobooks that can be found on Amazon. Ms. Daena Schweiger [email protected] (402)938-4912 |
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Advancement Director
Born and raised right here in Omaha, I’ve spent the last 17 years serving in Jesuit and Catholic education before making the exciting leap to parish life. I hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree in design and a master’s in educational leadership (PS–12). For the past seven years, I’ve been blessed to call St. Patrick’s Catholic School my home—first as a teacher, then as an administrator. I’ve been married to my husband, Eric, for 20 years—he’s a teacher and coach at Marian High School and together we are the proud parents of three amazing daughters: one headed to Rockhurst University, one at Marian, and one at St. Patrick’s. Serving our Lord and being part of this vibrant, faith-filled community is an incredible blessing. In my role, I focus on advancement—bringing our parish family together through events, communications, and marketing. I can’t wait to share my gifts and charisms while getting to welcome new parishioners and meet all of you! Mrs. Candace Thompson [email protected] (402)938-4905 |
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Faith Formation Director
Erin Keller joins St. Patrick's staff as Director of Faith Formation. The new Faith Formation Office will oversee Religious Formation, Youth, Young Adult and Adult Ministry. Prior to joining St. Patrick's staff, Erin became involved in St. Patrick's Faith Formation as a parent of a kindergartner last year when she helped to introduce the students to monthly adoration times. Erin was blessed to be led into a deep relationship with Jesus at the age of four, and has enjoyed walking with others in their relationship with Mary and the Three Persons of the Trinity. Erin is the founder and president of One Heart~One Fire Ministries, Inc., which was founded in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s call for a New Evangelization, to provide adults with tools to journey with children and teens into God’s heart. Erin works with Evangelium Institute to provide space and opportunity for Catholic School faculty and staff to encounter God’s heart and truth for them. Erin is also a spiritual director, retreat director, and author. Erin graduated from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a BA in English, as well as secondary education endorsements in English, Drama, Speech and Debate. She also holds Masters in Christian Spirituality with a Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats from Creighton University. Erin and her husband, Dave Keller, are blessed with five amazing children, four young adults, as well as a son in law, and their youngest son Keegan, who is a student at St. Patrick's School. Erin is excited and honored to be a part of what God has in store for St. Patrick's Parish family. Mrs. Erin Keller [email protected] (402)289-4947 |
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Family Faith Formation Coordinator
Elizabeth has been married for 10 years to Peter Hansen, and they have 5 children. She is from a large family in a small town, Albion, in Nebraska, and has been in ministry for the past 20 years. Her husband is from Omaha. Mrs. Elizabeth Hansen [email protected] (402)289-4947 |
Family Faith Formation Administrative Assistant
Stephanie and her husband Seth moved to Nebraska 10 years ago from Northern Virginia. Their life in the Midwest has been a true blessing. Stephanie converted to Catholicism from Greek Orthodoxy 8 years ago when they found out they were expecting their first child.
She joined the Faith Formation Team in October 2024 in order to better serve her family's needs. As the Family Faith Formation Administrative Assistant, she works part time to help the Family Faith Formation Coordinator in numerous ways from program registration, Wednesday night prep to email communications.
Stephanie is a licensed social worker and mental health therapist. She worked at the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center for 8 years in various roles. Her youngest starts Kindergarten this year and Stephanie is excited to see what the Lord has planned for her.
Mrs. Stephanie Voyles
[email protected]
(402)289-4947
Stephanie and her husband Seth moved to Nebraska 10 years ago from Northern Virginia. Their life in the Midwest has been a true blessing. Stephanie converted to Catholicism from Greek Orthodoxy 8 years ago when they found out they were expecting their first child.
She joined the Faith Formation Team in October 2024 in order to better serve her family's needs. As the Family Faith Formation Administrative Assistant, she works part time to help the Family Faith Formation Coordinator in numerous ways from program registration, Wednesday night prep to email communications.
Stephanie is a licensed social worker and mental health therapist. She worked at the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center for 8 years in various roles. Her youngest starts Kindergarten this year and Stephanie is excited to see what the Lord has planned for her.
Mrs. Stephanie Voyles
[email protected]
(402)289-4947
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Faith Formation Minister - Adult
Mrs. Kelly Barkmeier [email protected] (402)289-4289 |
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Faith Formation Minister - Young Adult/Youth
Sheridan Banzhaf was raised in a small town in central Nebraska where she was involved in numerous school and community activities. She grew up with parents who were educators and brothers who were just as involved as she was. A huge part of her family time was being at church. Sheridan grew up in the Lutheran Church and her love for the Lord and foundation of her faith began to grow at a very young age. Shortly after accepting a new teaching job and moving to Omaha in 2021, many factors led Sheridan to joining the Catholic Church. After a tough few months living in a new city, Sheridan found herself in the back pew of St. Patrick’s Church. This was the start to an incredible journey. Sheridan started attending Alpha where she began to dive deep into her faith life. As the weeks went on, she realized the Lord was calling her to explore the Catholic faith even more. When Alpha ended, Sheridan decided to take the next step and begin RCIA and a few months later was getting confirmed into the Catholic Church at Easter Vigil Mass in 2022. The last two years, Sheridan has been actively involved with youth ministry attending FIAT and SPYRL weekly and different retreats throughout the years. Stepping into the role of Young Adult and Youth Minister felt like the next step on the Lord’s path for her. Sheridan is excited to begin this journey at St. Patrick’s and share her love of Christ with everyone she encounters. Ms. Sheridan Banzhaf [email protected] (308) 325-5936 |
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Adult Faith Formation /Pastoral Care Minister
My name is Jim Greufe and my family and I have been members of St. Patrick's for 21 years. My wife Nancy and I are blessed with six children, including five young adults and one teen. I have been a religious formation catechist for 20 years and currently serve as a member of the parish finance committee. I served on two parish capital campaign committees and hosted many Alpha courses in the parish, as well as in Nebraska prisons. Prior to my role as an Adult Faith Formation Minister here at St. Pat’s, I had a 36-year career in commercial and agricultural banking. I am excited to assist our parish family as we walk together on our lifelong faith journey. Mr. Jim Greufe [email protected] (402)938-4927 |
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Pastoral Care Minister
Mandy and her husband Jeff, along with their daughters, Lydia and Emma, have been parishioners at St Patrick's for 10 years. When they came to St. Patrick's, they both knew instantly that they were home. They have grown in faith and in love for Jesus, and have made lifelong friends along the way. They believe in giving back to the community that has given them so much, so you will find Jeff helping with OCIA, Welcome, and all things IT-related. Lydia and Emma are altar servers and faith formation volunteers. In her current role as a Pastoral Care Minister, Mandy meets with people from all walks of life who are struggling with the pain that is an inevitable part of life. This includes helping coordinate the parish's support groups and grief retreats, as well as visiting the homebound, bringing Jesus in the Eucharist to those who can't make it to Him. She particularly loves providing 1:1 support and prayer and watching how God meets His people wherever they are and brings about healing and freedom. Her Master's degree in Counseling and previous career as a mental health counselor serve her well in this role; however, you will often hear her say that "counseling helps and Jesus heals." She has completed training through the John Paul II Healing Institute with Dr. Bob Schuchts and his team to be able to offer a beautiful form of healing prayer. You will probably also find her teaching others about their charisms. Mrs. Mandy Busch [email protected] (402)938-4927 |
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Children's Faith Formation Minister
Taylor serves as the Children’s Faith Formation Minister for our parish, working with children from both the parish and school. She is a trained catechist in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Levels 1 & 2 and loves guiding children to grow in their relationship with Jesus through adoration, the lives of the saints, and the rhythms of the liturgical year. In addition to her work in the atrium, Taylor directs Vacation Bible School, coordinates Totus Tuus, and helps lead parish faith events throughout the year. A graduate of Benedictine College with degrees in Elementary Education and Theology, Taylor taught elementary school for five years before moving into parish ministry in the summer of 2022. She has been serving in children’s faith formation since 2018 in various parishes throughout the Midwest. Her own faith took root in a powerful way when she encountered Jesus in the Eucharist as a seventh grader — an encounter that set her on a lifelong adventure with Him. Taylor is passionate about helping children hear God’s voice and discover the depth and joy of our Catholic faith. She is especially devoted to sharing the beauty of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, the dignity of the human person through Theology of the Body, and the sacramental richness of the Church. Outside of ministry, Taylor loves traveling and hopes to one day visit every Cathedral in the United States. Miss Taylor Wiester [email protected] (402)289-4947 |
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Community Outreach and Staff Support
Amanda Pfeifer is an energetic and driven community leader with a desire to serve her Heavenly Father, bring others to Jesus and help make the world a better place. She is a busy mom to two boys, Harrison and Tommy, and has happily married for over ten years to Aaron. Amanda worked part time in the office of Religious Formation at St. Patrick’s since February 2020. She served as President of the Women of St. Patrick’s and continues to lead the parish Human Needs Committee. Prior to her role a homemaker and community volunteer, Amanda was a logistics professional. She spent a decade working for a Fortune 200 company in various leadership roles in Finance, Commercial Pricing and Sales. Her responsibilities included oversight of operations and the management of a large and diverse team of employees in the US and Mexico. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Creighton University. Mrs. Amanda Pfeifer [email protected] (402)289-4947 |
Event Coordinators
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Megan Dickinson is a dedicated and detail-oriented event professional with a passion for creating organized, welcoming, and meaningful experiences for others.
Originally from Sioux City, she moved to Omaha this year and has quickly made it home! Megan attended the University of Central Florida, where she majored in Event Management. She has worked in the event industry for the last 13 years. She is also a National Sales Manager at Visit Omaha. In her free time, Megan enjoys exploring new places, Target, and reading a good book while snuggling her cat Teddy. Megan brings a warm, steady presence, a sense of humor, and a heart for creating wedding days that feel relaxed and full of celebration! Ms. Megan Dickinson [email protected] (402)938-4906 |
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Safe Environment Coordinator
My wife, Danielle, and I have been blessed to call St. Patrick’s our parish home since 2008. I completed RCIA here in the spring of 2009, and together we’ve raised our daughter, Cora, in the faith. She’s received Baptism, First Communion, and Reconciliation through the Family Faith Formation program, which has been such a gift to our family. Professionally, I’ve spent over 15 years working in the non-profit sector, serving in both Children and Family Services and Social Services. Today, I’m honored to serve full-time as the Social Services Director for The Salvation Army. At St. Pat’s, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Family Faith Formation advisory committee, leading Men’s Welcome, and leading Alpha. I’ve also enjoyed teaching as a catechist for third and seventh grades. I’m excited to take on the role of Safe Environment Coordinator because I believe deeply in creating a safe, welcoming space for every child and family in our parish. If you ever have questions about becoming Safe Environment certified or need help with your certification status, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at . I’m here to help! Mr. Ryan LeGrande [email protected] |
