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 2018 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 Manager
Darci Mierendorf
Darci graduated from St Patrick’s school in 1981. She has 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
Parish Secretary
Arley Czarnopys
Arley joined the parish staff in 2022 and assists with administrative tasks. She enjoys helping out around the school and parish wherever she is needed. Outside of work, Arley loves to spend time with her husband, Scott, and her two wonderful children, Daxton and Haven.
aczarnopys@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 800
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Education Ministry Director
Scott Czarnopys
It is a privilege and honor to serve Saint Patrick Parish and the entire Saint Patrick community. Every human is a gift from God, and it is my mission to ensure that we provide the highest quality Catholic formation for each and every person.
sczarnopys@spparnell.org | Tel: Ext 803
Assistant Education Ministry Director
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 805
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 GVSU 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
Maintenance
Gene is the head of custodial work and maintenance. 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 as we are all called to serve.
Brian Happie
Bookkeeper
Brian has been a member since 1981 and joined the staff in 2013. He is responsible for all of the parish and school accounting. All four of his children 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 804
Jay Walsh
Business Manager
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.
