Staffing Update in our ACC- Fr. Tom
As we approached the merger of our four parishes into two, we shared five areas of focus to create more effective and unified structures for our One in Christ Area Catholic Community. These five areas are: 1) to create financial and accounting structures and procedures that allow us to track each site’s income and expenses and assure that no one site’s capital costs become the responsibility of another, while fairly sharing the responsibility for joint staff positions and programs in which each site participates. 2) to review our ACC staffing to look for functions and procedures that could be combined or streamlined, alignment of job descriptions, and support and resources for staff to do their ministry well. 3) to review our faith formation (youth / young adult / adult) ministries across the ACC. 4) similarly, to review our social outreach and pastoral ministries across the ACC. 5) to review and revise the Constitution and bylaws of this ACC Council to be more clearly and effectively the primary visionary and advisory leadership body for the shared goals of the ACC, in better collaboration with the parish-level Pastoral Councils.
Some of these areas naturally overlap, and work on all of them is underway. Today, we share developments in our ACC Staffing. Some of these changes have come about as we adjust to outside circumstances, including the loss of Tom Offerdahl to cancer. His legacy at St. Francis Xavier has built a strong foundation for collaboration and dedication. By areas: Business Manager: Adam Martin was hired in late June to succeed Tom and at Tom’s recommendation. He will serve the parish of St. Francis Xavier, collaborating with Carol Hellmann at St. Stephen. Dana Howard at Sacred Heart and Cindy Gans at Annunciation will continue in their current roles of bookkeeping and coordination of staff and records management. Faith Formation: Scott Frieler has accepted the role of Young Life / Wyldlife Coordinator in our area. This position is funded by a grant from the Diocese. He will also continue to oversee Faith Formation at Sacred Heart with some reduced hours, and assisted by a new hire, Maria Dombrovski, who will work part-time to coordinate the Wednesday evening programming for grades K-4 at Sacred Heart. Melissa Fox, Danna Gasperlin, and Karen Handeland will continue in their roles at their sites. Melissa will be assisted by newly-hired Kelly Kieser. Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Jason Prigge will collaborate on youth ministry through the existing “Grounded” program at Sacred Heart and St. Francis Xavier. The Rooted program at St. Stephen will continue to be directed by Danna and the program at Annunciation will be directed by Karen. All the programs will seek to collaborate as appropriate for the best options for our young people. Kelly Kieser will also assist with St. Francis Xavier’s programs. Jason will continue to oversee Young Adult Ministry with the strong leadership team they have developed over the past several years. Pastoral Outreach: along with the priests, Deacon Joe and Sandee Kremers will continue to provide this ministry at Sacred Heart and St Francis Xavier, respectively, while Annunciation will continue to be served by a team of volunteers. Sandee will also be serving the St. Stephen community. Other staffing adaptations may occur as we continue to review our structures, but we wanted to share this update with you as you see some new faces and some changed responsibilities. Thank you for your inspiring support for all we do to share in the work of Christ for our people and beyond.
MEET THE ACC STAFF
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My name is Sandee Kremers, and I serve as the Pastoral Associate at St. Francis Xavier. I am looking forward to serving the parishioners of St. Stephen soon. I have two wonderful sons, Ronnie and Thomas. Ronnie and his wife, Kali, have blessed me with two amazing grandchildren, Jaycie and Kolby, who bring so much joy to my life. Thomas lives with me, and I truly enjoy having his company. I also have a beautiful 10-year-old Springer Spaniel, Grace. In my free time, I enjoy walking, spending time with my family, and playing cards. My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16, because it was the first Scripture I memorized as a third grader. It’s message of God's incredible love has remained close to my heart throughout my life. One of the greatest joys of my ministry is visiting our homebound parishioners and those living in nursing homes, as well as meeting with families who have lost loved ones. It is a privilege to walk alongside people during life's sacred moments and to be the hands and feet of Christ, sharing His love, compassion, hope, and peace with others.
Hey Friends! My name is Jason Prigge and I am the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the One in Christ Catholic Community. Brittany, my wife of almost 10 years and I live in Sauk Rapids with our two kids Austin (AJ) who is 9 and Addison who is 7. In my free time you can likely find me at the baseball diamond, hanging out with friends, eating tacos or traveling. I absolutely love what I do and am so blessed that Youth and Young Adult Ministry is something that I get to do. I love empowering the young church and building relationships that lead to authentic encounters with Jesus just as the disciples experienced on the road to Emmaus. I am a very big fan of Coffee and Bubbl'r and I love going out into the community to support students at their various activities - I look forward to connecting with all of you, perhaps over coffee. :)
My name is Melissa Fox and I am the Director of Faith Formation, First Sacraments, and Children's Liturgy of the word at St. Francis Xavier. I also direct Vacation Bible School for the ACC. My husband Mike and I have been married for almost 25 years and have 3 daughters, ages 23, 18, 15 and a son age 11. They keep us very busy! In my spare time, I love to play card games with my family, I also love to scrapbook, read and take pictures. My favorite scripture passage is: John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This passage holds a very special place in my heart, as my first son was still born at 3:16am. Those numbers have reminded me of God's incredible promise, reminding me that death is not the end and that God's love is greater than my deepest sorrow. It gives me peace in knowing that because of Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life. I find walking with young people on their journey of faith, discovering it, asking questions, building a relationship with Jesus and being excited about their faith to be the most meaningful part about my job.
Hello. My name is David Walker. I’m the custodian for Sacred Heart Parish. I’ve been an active member all of my life but it really started back in 1997. I’m the oldest of 4 children. I have 2 sisters and a brother. Fraternal twins run in my family; my brother and sister, aunt and uncle and mother. I’m excited the diocese hired me. I could help out at the school I once attended and be more actively involved in the church and now the ACC community. I like being connected with others just as my father and great grandfather did while serving as the cemetery groundskeeper. One of my favorite bible verse is from Colossians 3:1-2.....It’s about setting your mind on things above and not on earthly things. As I close, I would like to say that it’s been a privilege working with you and I would like to meet you at our ACC Community Gatherings. Peace, David
Hello! My name is Karen Handeland. My husband, Dave, and I are blessed to have three wonderful adultnchildren Alyssa, Savanna, and Clayton. We have callednSauk Rapids our home for 30 years. I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Faithn Formation at Annunciation Church in Mayhew Lake. My ministry also includes serving as Youth Minister, Safe Environment Coordinator, and Children's Liturgy Coordinator. Walking alongside the people of the One in Christ ACC has been a tremendous blessing. One of my greatest passions is helping people discover the unique gifts God has given them and encouraging them to use those gifts to build up His Church. I also enjoy listening to people's stories, hearing about their joys and struggles, and seeing how God is at work in their lives. When I'm not at church, I enjoy hiking, camping, deer hunting, crafting, singing, and going on mission trips. One of my favorite scripture passages is Matthew 5:13-16: Salt and Light. We are all called to share our light with others, making the world a better, more hopeful place and bringing glory to God.
My name is Danna Gasperlin and I am the Director of Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, and OCIA for St. Stephen's Parish. I also Co-Teach the Baptismal Prep Program for our ACC. My husband Tim and I have been married for almost 29 years and have 3 children, Andrew (25), Katie (23), and Emily (21). I enjoy reading, baking, visiting with family and friends, and traveling (with family or on mission trips with the youth of St. Stephen and our ACC). I also enjoy being on many of the different committees within our ACC and getting to know others from all 4 parishes and collaborating with them. One of my favorite prayers is an excerpt from The Serenity Prayer: God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
I'm Vicki Sanborn. My husband Tim and I have 3 adult children-Patrick, Becca and Margaret. I've been the Stewardship Director and Building Maintenance Supervisor at Sacred Heart for just under 7 years. I literally have no hobbies because I have really focused on being a mom and enjoying my kids' activities for the last 20 ish years. So now that I have a little more free time I like to spend time with my parents, helping others or just relaxing on our deck couch. I love all the people I encounter in my role-meeting with new parishioners, answering questions, finding and working with volunteers, fundraising, praying with people and for people-I really love the variety of my role. A very meaningful part of my job is getting to know people and families. When I see parents of young children in Mass I want to thank them for showing their children the way and bringing them to Mass, especially because I know it is not always the easiest of things to do.
My name is Dana Howard. I am Director of Communications and Finance. I coordinate communications for the ACC and take care of the finance and human resources for Sacred Heart. I am married to Patrick and we have 8 kids (ages 29-9) I enjoy reading, crocheting, cooking and baking. Favorite Bible verse: Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. -Colossians 3:12. I like this verse because I believe that spreading kindness in the world is one of the most important things we can do. The world would be a much different place if kindness was the first thing people considered when dealing with others. Working at One in Christ ACC, I am inspired by the people! The priests who have devoted their life to the Church as well as the staff and parishioners; everyone doing their best to live a life of faith.
Hello everyone, my name is Cindy Gans. I have been the Parish Secretary and Bookkeeper at Annunciation Church for the past 15 years. I have been a member here for 45 years, but my love of this church and its people started a couple of years before that, when I met my husband Jim. I loved it here at Annunciation, so much that Jim and I were married here. Our family history is interwoven with this parish. We have been blessed with 4 sons and 1 daughter and from there more blessings of a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, and 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter. My family is most important to me, but along with them is also my church family and the close friends I have met along the way. I used to say “Stop in, my door is always open” but times have changed and the door is now locked, but now all you have to do is “knock and the door will be opened”.
Hello, My name is Scott Frieler and I am the Director of Faith Formation at Sacred Heart. I specifically lead Middle School and High School faith formation at Sacred Heart Parish along with the Sacrament of Confirmation. Additionally, in partnership with the Diocese of St Cloud, I have accepted the role of part time Area Director for the Granite City Young Life serving High School and Middle School youth in the One in Christ ACC. Personally, I have been married to wife Karey for 18 years and am blessed with 2 adult step daughters and 4 daughters. We also are blessed with 4 amazing grandchildren. It has been wonderful to see my daughter Hannah participate in Peer Ministry and Wyldlife leadership and my younger daughters participate in the children's choir at Sacred Heart. A scripture that has always guided my ministry is John's Gospel where Jesus says, "If I therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another's feet." (John 13: 14) I pray that my ministry at Sacred Heart and in the ACC brings others into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Hello! I am Adam Martin, and I have the privilege of serving as the Business Manager for St. Francis Xavier. My wife, Katie, and I have been parishioners at St. Francis Xavier for over 15 years, and we are blessed with four children, Jack, Addy, Tommy, and Drew. We are very active in the parish, youth sports, and community activities. Before joining the parish staff, I taught theology and entrepreneurship at Cathedral High School and worked in accounting and finance. I enjoy spending time with my family,running, walking, golfing, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks. I am always looking for good books and podcasts that challenge me to grow and become a better person. I especially enjoy hearing the stories and experiences of others because I believe we have much to learn from one another. The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus has always resonated with me. Jesus met them on the road, listened to their story, and walked with them before they even recognized who He was. It reminds me that much of ministry is being willing to walk with people and listen to their stories, while remaining open to finding Christ in unexpected places. What I find most meaningful about working for the Church so far is knowing that every tiny task ultimately helps create opportunities for people to grow in faith and build a stronger community. I am grateful to be part of that mission and look forward to getting to know parishioners across all four of our churches.
Peace and blessings to you and your family!! I am Deacon Terry and I am so blessed to be allowed to serve the parishes of our ACC. I have been married to Barb for a little over 38 years and live in Sauk Rapids along with our youngest son Isaiah. We also have 4 adult children who live in the Twin Cities metro area.Abby is our oldest and she has been married to her husband Jake for 8 years. They have 2 daughters (Norah and Penelope) who are the most loving girls anyone could hope for. Next in line is Michael and he has been married to Stephanie for almost 5 years.Our son Eric is next in line, and he is in a meaningful relationship with Amanda. Our youngest daughter is Theresa who has lived and worked in the Cities but now is pursuing her dream of becoming a Veterinarian at the University of Dublin in Ireland. When I am not preaching or involved in ministry, you will find me spending time with my wife, watching a movie or catching up on “The Chosen.” streaming series. I also enjoy walking or biking. I have even met a few of you while biking on the Lake Wobegon trail. One of the greatest rewards of serving the church is being invited into your story. I have been privileged to marry some of you, baptize your children, be asked to pray for you or a family member. And for that, I am humbly grateful.
Hello my name is Deacon Joe Kresky. As the Pastoral Minister I serve in the areas of pastoral care, social outreach and faith formation (OCIA, baptism prep, marriage prep, etc.). I am married with 4 young adult children ages 25 to 33 and the cutest 9-month-old grandbaby you have ever seen! I have a passion for connecting with others, reaching out to the marginalized and helping others grow in Christ. My hobbies are reading spiritual writings, history, various outdoor activities and working with my hands. Walking with the people of God at Sacred Heart and the One in Christ faith community has blessed me in numerous ways. I will always treasure the many relationships I have built—and continue to enjoy—with so many loving and faithful people . Serving others through the Catholic faith is a joy that I continue to encounter as we strive together to realize God’s reign of love. This is reflected in Matthew 25: 31-46, Jesus’ final teaching before his passion. A favorite scripture passage that has motivated me for years. Jesus states, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
My name is Carol Hellmann, and I am the bookkeeper/secretary for St. Stephen Church. My husband, Will, and I have four adult children (three of whom are married) and eight grandchildren. Spending time with our immediate and extended families, attending our grandchildren and great-nieces' and nephews' events are important to me. I enjoy working in my flower gardens, reading, and doing word search and sudoku puzzles. When I first started working at church, my responsibilities were paying the bills, running month-end reports, and recording parishioner contributions. Over the years, my role has changed a lot. I now take care of the weekly bulletin page for St. Stephen, cemetery records, funeral coordination, parish hall rentals, baptism scheduling, preparing the church for baptisms and weddings, maintenance scheduling, church cleaning, and our monthly newsletter, The Church Steeple. I prefer working behind the scenes and enjoy working with our many volunteers: those who help with the seasonal decorations, provide the flowers and care for the plants in church, funeral lunch groups, the festival committee, and the list goes on. No one really realizes how important volunteers are to the church until they see everything that the volunteers take care of behind the scenes. This is one thing that I have found to be the most meaningful part of my job - the volunteers.
Hello! Hello! My name is Jill Kiffmeyer, and I serve as the Director of Music & Liturgy at Sacred Heart. I live in Sartell with my husband, Brad, and our son, Logan. As a family, we enjoy spending time outdoors- hiking, kayaking, biking, fishing, and traveling. I have the privilege of coordinating the music and liturgical life of our parish. I direct our Kids Choir, Teen Choir, and Resurrection Choir; plan the music for all of our liturgies; meet with families to prepare funeral Masses and with engaged couples to plan wedding liturgies; recruit and train liturgical ministers; and work with our wonderful Art & Environment Committee to prepare our worship space throughout the liturgical year. I help prepare our special liturgies, such as Christmas, Holy Week, and Corpus Christi, coordinating with ministers and musicians for these important celebrations. In addition, I handle many of the administrative details of the department, including scheduling musicians and ordering candles, hosts, and other liturgical supplies as needed. One of the greatest joys of my ministry is working with our young people in liturgy. Whether I'm training new altar servers, leading our Kids Choir, or mentoring teen cantors, I love seeing them grow in faith and confidently share their gifts. One of my favorite Scripture verses is, "God is within her, she will not fall." (Psalm 46:5). It has encouraged me through many seasons of life and serves as a constant reminder that God is always with us. I am truly grateful to be part of the Sacred Heart community and look forward to continuing to serve alongside all of you.
Hi everyone, I’m Joel Selensky and I am the choir director in St. Stephen. My wife, Shari, is our accompanist, and it is a blessing to share music ministry with her and our choir each week! We have been with the choir for about 33 years, and I have been directing for the last 20+ years. I enjoy playing guitar, singing, growing veggies (garlic is a specialty), nature, birds, and a little hunting and fishing when I get the chance. My favorite scripture passage is from Joshua (24.15), and Shari and I have it on our headstone: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” We as Catholics know that the purpose of our lives is to know, love, and serve God. I feel very blessed that I get to serve the Lord through music, which has always been my passion. I have always been so grateful that the Lord gave me a bit of musical talent, and that I get to serve him in that way!
My name is Sharon (Shari) Selensky. I’ve been married to Joel for over 32 years. I am blessed to have three adult children, 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. I was born and grew up in Braham, MN. My hobbies are flower gardening, watching movies, playing piano and singing, playing cards and different games. I enjoyed growing up on a farm. I always wanted to fly planes as my father was a pilot and instructor at the Mora and St. Cloud airports. I enjoy playing the piano and organ, as well as singing in our church choir. I went back to college at 50 years of age and received an Elementary Education Degree. I taught second grade in Sartell for several years, then taught music at Holy Family in Albany for several years. I was the Director of Faith Formation in St. Stephen for 11 years. I also directed the youth choir. I am currently the church accompanist for masses, funerals, and weddings