Meet Our Staff
Pastor
Fr. Tom Cavera
Having grown up in nearby Rockford, Fr. Tom is delighted to be assigned to this beautiful parish community. He has been serving here at St. Patrick since 2017 and hopes to continue to bring the gospel message to the people of Parnell for many years to come. Fr. Tom loves hiking and climbing mountains.
frtcavera@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 801
Parish Office Manager & Secretary
Darci Mierendorf
Darci graduated from St Patrick’s school in 1981. She later joined St Jude Parish, she’s been back to St Patrick’s for over 20 years. She joined the staff in July of 2016. Her responsibilities include administrative assistance to the parish staff, the editor of the parish bulletin, and much more. She enjoys walking, traveling and spending time with her family.
dmierendorf@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 802
Director of Faith Formation
Robin Welsh
Robin has been a member here since 1997. and joined the staff in 2022. Her past experiences include working as an Art Director for a Christian publisher and homeschooling her three daughters for over 15 years. She enjoys intentional conversations, quiet spaces for prayer and reading, and any activity that involves family and the great outdoors.
rwelsh@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 803
.png)
Director or Youth Ministry & Communication Coordinator
Cassie Herrington
Cassie attended St. Patrick School from 2003-2008 and has been part of the St. Patrick staff since 2020. She graduated from Aquinas College where she studied Theology and Communication. She seeks to walk with young people on their journey toward Christ through a Eucharist-centered ministry. When she's not working, Cassie writes children's books about the saints!
cherrington@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 805
.png)
Director of Music
Quyên VanHouten
Quyên joined the St. Patrick parish with her husband, Jacob, and daughter Esther in June of 2022. She graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Vocal Music Education degree and is beyond thrilled to take on music ministry at this parish community that is blessed with a strong singing culture. Quyên enjoys reading, crocheting, and cooking in her spare time.
qvanhouten@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 806
Gene McMurray
Gene is the head of maintenance and custodial work at St. Patrick Parnell. He joined the parish in 2014 and has been in his current position since July 2019. Gene also serves as a member of the Buildings and Ground Committee. He is eager to work wherever his services are needed around the parish as we are all called to serve.
Maintenance
Bookkeeper
Brian Happie
Brian has been a member here since 1981. He joined the staff as bookkeeper in 2013. He is responsible for all of the parish and school accounting. All four of his children attended and graduated from St. Patrick School and he currently has several grandchildren enrolled here. He enjoys boating with his wife Deb, children and grandchildren.
Business Manager
Jay Walsh
Jay has been a parishioner at St. Patrick Parish since 2005. He acts as a financial advisor to Fr Tom and the parish Finance Council. He also works with Brian Happie who prepares the parish financial statements. He coordinates the annual budgeting process with staff and the Finance Council