Marie Pyznar
As a lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick’s I am honored to be nominated for St. Jeanne Jugan Parish Council. Having served on both St. Patrick’s Parish Council and Finance, I am aware of the responsibility and time commitment. Currently, I am serving on St. Jeanne Jugan Parish Council. During the past few years, I’ve helped to rewrite the bylaws to merge the churches into one Parish. In the past I also taught second grade RE for 10 years and served as Youth Minister for 5 years. Being a Eucharistic Minister for over 35 years, I serve the elderly and home bound weekly, visiting Parkway Pavilion, Mark Twain, All American Assisted Living, and several parishioners. On a personal note, I am married for the past 51 years, retired, have two grown married daughters, and four grandchildren. I have been an Enfield Town Councilor since 2021. My Church, Family and Town are extremely important to me. God has given me many blessings, and I will continue to serve him in any capacity he calls me to. It would be a privilege to work together with parishioners as we move our Parish forward.
Alex Coverdill
My name is Alex Coverdill and I have been a member of St. Jeanne Jugan Parish for about one and a half years, since my wife and I moved into Enfield. However, my roots go back within the parish having altar served for years at St. Adalbert Church and received the majority of my sacraments at other Churches within the parish. Currently, I am a reader at St. Patrick’s, a 7th Grade CCD teacher alongside my wife, and a member of Knights of Columbus Council #14600. My wife and I maintain it as a priority to volunteer at events within the parish and engage in other faith-based activities, as well as serve our brothers and sisters in need at Loaves and Fishes. If I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve on the Parish Council, I will endeavor to use my talents for the good and service of the parish. I also hope to bring insights and perspectives from my time in young adult ministry to share with the council and larger parish community.
Ryan Laroche
For several years I have been an active member in the parish community. During this time, I have participated in events such as altar server for Divine Mercy, parish carnival, parish picnic, memorial mass, and the Chrismon tree preparation. I also currently serve as a Eucharistic Minister. I want to be on parish council because I can bring new ideas to the parish. I have lived in Enfield all my life. Growing up I attended Holy Family Church on a weekly basis. Faith is an important part of my life, and I enjoy being a part of the parish community. I like helping out and getting more involved with the functions. I enjoy working out, fishing, and being outside.
Rob Duperre
I have resided in Enfield and been a St. Bernard’s parishioner for the past 50 years. I am the proud parent of three children (all graduates of the parish school) and ten grandchildren ranging from 5 to 30 in age. I have previously been a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Parish Council but was forced to resign these positions due to work obligations as an account executive for a major grocery supplier. Now retired, I would like to once again become involved in this upcoming council.
Kerri Fitzsimons Work
I have always been a member of a church in the parish of St. Jeanne Jugan. I went through Holy Family’s CCD and Confirmation programs as well as receiving all of my sacraments there. My husband, Andy, went through Holy Family’s RCIA program to convert to Catholicism and we were married there in 2012.
I served as an altar server from 4th grade through high school, taught religious education and volunteered at the Holy Family Fair. As a young adult, I was the volunteer coordinator and leadership committee member of the Holy Family Fair, served on Parish Council (including serving as Council secretary) and served as a member of the Merger/Transition Team when Holy Family merged with St. Bernard’s.
When St. Jeanne Jugan Parish was formed, I continued that work on the Merger/Transition Team, the Administrative Committee and then onto the Finance Council. I worked with the Forward in Faith Campaign, was a volunteer in the Office Staff at Religious Education and with Youth Ministry. I have also been a member of the SJJ Picnic Committee since its inception at the merger. Three years ago I was elected to the Parish Council.
I was also heavily involved in the St. Nicholas Project returning to help the clients of Holy Family’s St. Vincent de Paul at Christmas and have been working with my mom Janet and sister Kristen to coordinate these efforts for the past 2 years.
I would love to return to the Council to continue the work we have started. We’ve come a long way, but there is still much work to be done.
As the principal of a Catholic school (St. Mary’s, Simsbury) I am blessed to be able to live my faith out loud every day. At the same time, I see first hand how challenging it can be to live your faith in a world that is not always welcoming to it. I meet so many families that are doing their best to live a Christ-centered life in a polarizing world. They need a strong parish community that walks alongside them and lifts them up. They need to know they have a place that shares their values and brings the love of Christ to everyday life.
I feel called to serve our parish family- to help build, strengthen and give back. I want to support our parish in continuing to reach out and engage all ages in our parish- especially our youth and young families. I would like to see us continue to build active and varied ministries and to strengthen our communication so that everyone feels connected.
Most importantly, I want every person to feel at home here at SJJ and make this faith community a central part of their lives. It would be an honor to return and serve our parish family on the Council.
Sophie Jones
I have been a parishioner my entire life and have always remained actively involved in the Church community. Currently, I serve as a CCD teacher, where I work with students to help them grow in their faith and understanding of Church teachings. In addition, I am a youth group leader, which allows me to connect with younger members of the parish and help foster a strong, supportive faith environment. Through these roles, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of community, service, and spiritual growth within the parish.
I would like to serve on the Parish Council because my lifelong involvement in the Church has given me a strong commitment to supporting and strengthening the parish community. Being both a CCD teacher and youth group leader has allowed me to see the needs and perspectives of younger parishioners, and I would value the opportunity to represent those voices. I am eager to contribute my time, ideas, and dedication to help the parish continue to grow, engage its members, and support its mission.