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 is beginning his third year as the Canonical Administrator 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.

 |  Tel: Ext 11

Parish 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.

 |  Tel: Ext 10

Music Director

Simon Vernon

Simon, a graduate of Aquinas college, is the Director of Music Ministry and Liturgy. He joined the staff in 2019. Simon is passionate about music and its vital role in our faith. Simon loves working with all members of St. Patrick Parish and is inspired by their passion and love for music. 

 |  Tel: Ext 13

Director of Religious Education

Lindsey Wilbur

Lindsey joined the St. Patrick Parnell staff in 2018. She coordinates religious education for St. Patrick’s parish children and leads Christian Initiation for Adults.  She studied theology at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and is now pursuing a Master’s from Franciscan University of Steubenville. 

 |  Tel: Ext 41

Director or Youth Ministry & Communication Coordinator

Cassie Herrington

Cassie attended St. Patrick School from 2003-2008 and is excited to be back as a part of the St. Patrick Parnell staff. 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. 

 |  Tel: Ext 10

Maintenance

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.

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.

 |  Tel: Ext 39

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