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
tfangman@stpatselkhorn.org
(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
tfangman@stpatselkhorn.org
(402)289-4289
Associate Pastor
Fr. Padraic Stack was born in Ithaca, NY, as was his older brother, but after 18 months, he and his family moved to College Station, TX. After 6 years and the birth of his younger sister, they moved to Amherst, MA; however, eight years later, Fr. Stack and family moved once again, this time to Hastings, NE where Fr. Stack completed his last three years of high school. Much like he wasn’t rooted physically, he also wasn’t rooted spiritually. His parents did a wonderful job raising his brother, his sister and him with many of the same morals the Church teaches; however, they were not raised in the Church.
After high school, Fr. Stack attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, graduating in 2008 with a master’s degree in architecture and two bachelor’s degrees: one in civil engineering and one in design. Upon graduation Fr. Stack accepted a full-time position with an architecture firm in Omaha. During this time of transition from school to the working world, he found his heart beginning to transition from desiring the pleasures of the world to desiring the fruits that come from a life of faith. He had been chasing after what the world promised would bring success and happiness, but found himself feeling lost, unfulfilled, and as though his only companion was darkness.
As he was seeking something to fulfill his emptiness and dispel the darkness, God provided him with an opportunity to work on the structural design of a Catholic Church. Questions started to arise about the design and liturgical layout of the Church, which in turn led to deeper questions about faith in general. With the help of the Holy Spirit working in and through some great friends and co-workers he was led to St. James parish where he went through RCIA and at the Easter Vigil in 2010 received all three Sacraments of Initiation.
The Lord had given him a new life and he was grateful beyond measure. In this spirit of gratitude and love for the Lord, Fr. Stack recognized that his life was no longer his own, but that it belonged to Christ and that he was to live this new life in and for Christ. Through much discernment and spiritual direction, he found himself being drawn toward the vocation of the priesthood. Thus, he began formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in August of 2012 in the Pre-Theology program and remained through May 2018 when he graduated valedictorian of his class and received his master of arts in theology, master of divinity, and sacred theological baccalaureate. On June 2, 2018, Fr. Stack was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha and assigned to be Associate Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Omaha. After three years of service and many blessings received, Fr. Stack was then reassigned to be Associate Pastor of St. Patrick’s in Elkhorn.
Fr. Padraic Stack
pstack@stpatselkhorn.org
(402)938-4902
Fr. Padraic Stack was born in Ithaca, NY, as was his older brother, but after 18 months, he and his family moved to College Station, TX. After 6 years and the birth of his younger sister, they moved to Amherst, MA; however, eight years later, Fr. Stack and family moved once again, this time to Hastings, NE where Fr. Stack completed his last three years of high school. Much like he wasn’t rooted physically, he also wasn’t rooted spiritually. His parents did a wonderful job raising his brother, his sister and him with many of the same morals the Church teaches; however, they were not raised in the Church.
After high school, Fr. Stack attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, graduating in 2008 with a master’s degree in architecture and two bachelor’s degrees: one in civil engineering and one in design. Upon graduation Fr. Stack accepted a full-time position with an architecture firm in Omaha. During this time of transition from school to the working world, he found his heart beginning to transition from desiring the pleasures of the world to desiring the fruits that come from a life of faith. He had been chasing after what the world promised would bring success and happiness, but found himself feeling lost, unfulfilled, and as though his only companion was darkness.
As he was seeking something to fulfill his emptiness and dispel the darkness, God provided him with an opportunity to work on the structural design of a Catholic Church. Questions started to arise about the design and liturgical layout of the Church, which in turn led to deeper questions about faith in general. With the help of the Holy Spirit working in and through some great friends and co-workers he was led to St. James parish where he went through RCIA and at the Easter Vigil in 2010 received all three Sacraments of Initiation.
The Lord had given him a new life and he was grateful beyond measure. In this spirit of gratitude and love for the Lord, Fr. Stack recognized that his life was no longer his own, but that it belonged to Christ and that he was to live this new life in and for Christ. Through much discernment and spiritual direction, he found himself being drawn toward the vocation of the priesthood. Thus, he began formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in August of 2012 in the Pre-Theology program and remained through May 2018 when he graduated valedictorian of his class and received his master of arts in theology, master of divinity, and sacred theological baccalaureate. On June 2, 2018, Fr. Stack was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha and assigned to be Associate Pastor of St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Omaha. After three years of service and many blessings received, Fr. Stack was then reassigned to be Associate Pastor of St. Patrick’s in Elkhorn.
Fr. Padraic Stack
pstack@stpatselkhorn.org
(402)938-4902
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
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Director of Operations
Vicki Payton joined St. Pat’s staff in April, 2007 as the Business Manager and recently became, Director of Operations. Prior to St. Patrick’s, she worked in the insurance, manufacturing and delivery industries, performing various roles including management, accounting, customer service, scheduling and dispatching. Vicki is responsible for the church and school’s finances and human resources. This includes budget preparation and management of funds. She reports the parish and school finances to the Finance Committee and parishioners. A parishioner of St. Patrick’s, Vicki and her husband, Jeff, enjoy spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also occupies her time with gardening, quilting and riding with her husband on his motorcycle. Mrs. Vicki Payton vpayton@stpatselkhorn.org (402)938-4901 |
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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 akolterman@stpatselkhorn.org (402) 938-4904 |
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Accounting & Finance Manager
Daena Schweiger joined St. Pat’s Staff as the Accounting and Finance Manager in July, 2022. Prior to St. Patrick’s, she worked as Office Manager for a tax firm and before that as the Business Manager for Mary Our Queen parish. Daena is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the church and school, including budget preparation, and provides additional support for the SPIRIT fundraiser. She reports to the Director of Parish Operations and attends monthly Finance Committee Meetings. When not hard at work at St. Pat's, Daena is an active member of the Omaha theatre community. She has been seen onstage or backstage at most of the major theatres in town including the Omaha Community Playhouse, The Blue Barn Theatre, SNAP! Productions, The Sheltebelt Theatre, Bellevue Little Theatre, Omaha Performing Arts, Opera Omaha, and The Chanticleer Theater in Council Bluffs. In 2006, Daena was privileged to portray the role of Joan of Arc (Jeannette d'Arcy) in Children of the Tree at the Hudson Guild Theatre in New York City. Ms. Daena Schweiger Dschweiger@stpatselkhorn.org (402)938-4912 |
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Advancement Director
Eric Crawford, an Omaha native, has almost 20 years of experience serving Catholic organizations and other nonprofits. Prior to joining St. Patrick’s, he served as the Chief Executive Officer at the Heart Ministry Center for five years. Before joining the Center, Eric spent time as a Development Officer at Nebraska Wesleyan University and as the Director of Admissions at Mount Michael Benedictine School. Eric sits on the board of directors for St. Vincent de Paul Society, Matt Talbot Kitchen and Outreach, the Food Bank for the Heartland, and Mount Michael Benedictine School. He is a graduate of Non-Profit of the Midlands Executive Institute, the Omaha Community Foundation's Capacity Building Program and the Omaha Development Institute. In 2019, he was the recipient of the Catholic Business Professionals Leading with Faith Award and named a Ten Outstanding Young Omahan by the Omaha Jaycees. Eric is the product of Catholic education having attended St. Pius X, Mount Michael Benedictine School and St. John's University in Collegeville, MN. In his free time, he races marathons competitively and spends time with his wife, Jami, their son, Leo, and their two dogs, Buddy and Pheidippides. Mr. Eric Crawford ecrawford@stpatselkhorn.org (402)289-4289 |
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Events & Engagement Director
Shelley Weeks was born and raised in Omaha, though with her parents being New York Natives, she has a little bit of “New York” in her, too. She and her husband, Dan, joined St. Patrick’s Parish in 2006. They have two children, Kylie and Caleb, graduates of St. Patrick’s School. During the years that the kids were students, she was involved in the Home and School Association. She also volunteered in the parish in a variety of ways-as a sports coach, a Discipleship Mentor, at Fall Festival, SPIRIT, Golf Tournament, 3-on-3 Basketball, the Cookbook Committee, the Stewardship Office, the Welcome Desk, Vacation Bible School. Shelley and her family consider St. Patrick’s their home. Shelley attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through college. She attended Blessed Sacrament for elementary and middle school, and Roncalli Catholic for high school. She graduated from College of St. Mary with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has a diverse background. She worked in a Catholic high school, in corporate American, and in a few other places in between, on top of her time as a stay-at-home mom/professional volunteer. Her family is grateful to their parish for providing them with opportunities to live out their faith. Shelley hopes to help other parishioners feel as welcome as they have felt during their years at St. Patrick’s! Mrs. Shelley Weeks sweeks@stpatselkhorn.org (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 ekeller@stpatselkhorn.org (402)289-4947 |
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Faith Formation Administrator
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. They have been members of the parish for almost 10 years. Amanda worked part time in the office of Religious Formation at St. Patrick’s since February 2020. She most recently served as President of the Women of St. Patrick’s and continues to lead the parish Human Needs Committee. Amanda also serves monthly leading the Faith Formation program for the women of the Bethlehem House. 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. Amanda is honored to be a part of God’s plan for Faith Formation at St. Patrick’s to use her time and talents to bring the children and families of the parish to the heart of Jesus. Mrs. Amanda Pfeifer apfeifer@stpatselkhorn.org (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 ehansen@stpatselkhorn.org (402)289-4947 |
Family Faith Formation Administrative Assistant
Ms. Monica Schroll
mschroll@stpatselkhorn.org
(402)289-4947
Ms. Monica Schroll
mschroll@stpatselkhorn.org
(402)289-4947
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Faith Formation Minister - Adult/Young Adult
My name is Adam Stephenson. I'm originally from Gypsum, Kansas. My wife Rachael and I moved to Omaha in 2009 to follow my career as a Sports Performance Coach and hers as a teacher, now an administrator. We are members of St. Charles Borromeo and have five kids who are constantly attached to our hips! Over the years, I've enjoyed many hobbies, but found that they would inevitably lead to boredom, an unfulfilled feeling, or lack true meaning. My one true hobby has been Jesus. He's been the only thing in my life (along with my family) that has negated the previous roadblocks. I'm excited for the opportunity to help others realize that this opportunity is very real and of utmost importance in their lives as it has been in mine. Mr. Adam Stephenson astephenson@stpatselkhorn.org (402)289-4289 |
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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 jgreufe@stpatselkhorn.org (402)938-4927 |
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Faith Formation Minister-Youth
Hello! My name is Johnny Murray. I’m a Nebraska guy born and raised in Omaha. I graduated from Burke High School in 2013. I went on to UNO, where I graduated with a double major in Marketing and Music Entrepreneurship. After working the past few years in the radio industry, God placed in my heart the call to Youth Ministry. My love for Christ is deep, and I all I want to do is talk about how great, loving, merciful, and caring our Lord is with others. It is important for our youth to have their hearts opened to the love of our Lord, and I am incredibly excited that God has blessed me with this opportunity! The Lord has blessed me in many ways, including introducing me to my beautiful fiancé, Morgan, and we will be married on December, 12th, 2020 at our parish of St. Gerald’s. I look so forward to meeting you all! Mr. Johnny Murray jmurray@stpatselkhorn.org (402)289-4289 |
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