Candidate Biographies for 2009 PPC Election

Vote for any 3 candidates at mass on Saturday May 16th or Sunday May 17th

Sharon Bidwell

I became a part of the Epiphany community when I joined the staff in August 2005 as the Social Responsibility Minister. Through that ministry, I was able to work with dozens of community members on a multitude of life-giving and energizing outreach ministries. Since joining the staff at JustFaith Ministries, I have continued to share my gifts with the community by co-facilitating the JustFaith program for two years.

I became a Catholic in the middle of completing a master’s degree in theology at the University of Dayton. In my studies at this Catholic university, I discovered a faith tradition that was rich in wisdom and one that preached a Gospel of loving and caring for the least of our brothers and sisters. I fell in love with the wide variety of spiritual practices that Catholicism has to offer, and I continue to be inspired by the witness of Catholics around the world.

Eugene Boland (Gene)

I moved to Louisville from Honolulu in October of 2008. At that time I began to visit different parishes to find a new community. I found Epiphany in mid December and immediately knew this was where I could find community. When my wife and children joined me in January, they agreed and we joined Epiphany as a family. During our short 4 months of membership, my two sons have become involved in the youth group, my youngest has joined the youth band and we have volunteered to be cup washers after mass.

I am a 37 year old “cradle catholic” but I don’t believe my real spiritual life began until just before my 16th birthday although I grew-up in a very religious family that attended mass weekly and was active in our local parish. Two changes occurred at that point, my parents became very involved with a charismatic prayer group and I attended my first multiday retreat through a group known as Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). This is when I learned faith was dynamic and not rote. Over the next three years I returned to work more than 6 retreats and was elected as the youngest member of the diocesan TEC board. This formed my roots in service to my faith and faith communities. My faith continued to grow as I attended Marquette University, a Jesuit school in Milwaukee, WI. St. Ignatius Loyola said spirituality is based on strong personal convictions and through those convictions we must challenge both our society and the church to be true. This need not be antagonistic but thoughtful honest conversations need to happen for growth. While the Church is experiencing challenging times today, we must remember that many times throughout history when the Church became complacent it risked losing its identity.

I believe my call for service became more than 20 years ago and I have been blessed with the opportunity to share that in many different ways and with many different people. From my early days with TEC to soup kitchens and Engineers without Boarders during college, I set a foundation that I was able to translate into church leadership on the parish councils at St. Patrick’s Church in Richmond, VA where I also served as youth minister and most recently as a council advisor and religious education teacher at Holy Trinity in Honolulu, HI. I honestly believe that I was able to impact these communities in a positive way and I can continue this work for the benefit of the Epiphany Church community.

Michael Cuyjet

I have been a member of Epiphany for more than 15 years – not one of the original folks, but not exactly a “newbie” either. Our family moved to Louisville in the fall of 1993 and we joined Epiphany in early 1994 when we found other Catholic churches in the area too liturgically rigid and structured. Our three children went through formation and the younger one was confirmed at Epiphany. I have been peripherally involved with a number of ministries at Epiphany. I was a lector at Mass for many years and an extraordinary minister of communion. I have served on several search committees for staff hirings and was one of the original members of the Undoing Racism subcommittee, serving one year as vice chair of the committee, being actively engaged in almost all of its programs over the years, and continuing my participation to the present.

I am a “cradle” Catholic, born and raised on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. I learned a sense of “participatory membership” in one’s church from my parents who were active members of St. Joachim Church in Chicago. I also think the foundation for my sense of social justice was formed as I watched our church struggle with the issues of changing demographics as the parish population changed from almost all White to almost all Black as “white flight” compelled White families to abandon their city neighbor in advance of an influx of Black home owners and buy homes in the Chicago suburbs.

I am currently an associate professor at the University of Louisville and have been employed in higher education for 37 years in Illinois, Maryland, and now Louisville. In addition to my role as university professor, I have served many of those years as a university administrator. It is in those various entry-, middle-, and senior-level administrative roles that I have developed and honed my skills as a collaborator, team player, and consensus builder. As a mid-level manager, I developed a strong sense of the importance of being a participating member of the team; while, in my several roles as department director, I insisted on providing the opportunity for all members of my staff to share their perspective and be part of the decision-making process.

People tell me that I am rather good in these roles of collaboration, teamwork, and consensus building. Those are the primary gifts I feel I can bring to the Parish Pastoral Council. I take very seriously the responsibility to be a participating member of any group in which I am a member. I recognize the responsibility of the PPC to work in union with the Pastor as well as his responsibility to work in union with the Council. After years of relatively minor (but nonetheless important) roles in the liturgy and social justice ministries as well as several other ad hoc volunteer roles here at Epiphany, I feel called at this time to step up and offer my leadership talents to this very important agency within our community.

William DeSanctis

While still in college I attended Mass at Epiphany in the old gym with Father Flynn & Father Fowler. After starting our own family, my wife and I officially joined Epiphany 22 years ago, because we wanted to raise our children in a parish where social outreach was an integral part of the community. I have been involved in their religious upbringing by helping with formation, youth group, retreats, Habitat for Humanity, walks of social awareness, grounds committee, and various special events through the years. My wife and I were on the Marriage Prep Team for several years.

I am a retired teacher - resource teacher still working part time with Jefferson County Public School teachers, implementing a knowledge building program at 12 schools. For thirty years I have been a co- owner of Metro Inventory, a business which employs 5 full time, 35-40 part time people. Through these experiences, I believe that being with others, and doing with others, is the best way to understand and grow together. The key to love is understanding. Only with understanding, can we grow and learn to live together.

Having only one child still at home and one part time job, I feel I finally have the time and energy to give to the parish without distractions. I feel through my years of involvement, I have come to realize the complexities of our parish. I hope by being involved as a Council member, I can further understand ways to meet the community needs and challenges that we will face as time passes.

Through my experiences as a teacher, resource teacher, and business owner, I have learned how to be comfortable with an organizational leadership role, one that will allow me to be flexible in my methods and approaches to ministry, as well as encouraging to others to share their gifts and talents in an accepting environment.

Connie Fowler

It was early summer 1989. Our son had graduated from a neighboring parish. During Sunday Mass my family asked, “Why are we here? Why aren’t we at Epiphany?” Good questions! We joined Epiphany that week…..over 20 years ago and never looked back!

In the early years at Epiphany while working full-time, I served as Eucharistic Minister at Frazier Rehab, Hospitality Minister, co-led a RENEW group and donated to the Red Cross Bloodmobile.

2007 to present: Community Care Ministry, Coordinator, Care of the Sick. I sew Healing Blankets and attend the retreats; schedule transportation needs; organize Christmas Caroling & Chili supper; give Communion as Eucharistic Minister at Eden Brook Nursing Home; and have attended several parish ministry classes given by ALMI.

Alan and I have been married for 22 years. We are blessed with four grown children and 10 grandchildren. We live in Gardiner Park where I serve on the neighborhood Communications Committee and maintain the website.

In 2007 I retired from a rewarding 23-year career as a professional economic developer serving in leadership positions with chambers of commerce and local, state and regional government in Kentucky and Indiana. I am, however, not a “retiring” person! I choose to remain very active working as a part-time tour guide for Visitours, a destination management company, traveling, taking yoga classes, walking daily, gardening, and volunteering for church and community activities. I am a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, St. Joseph Infirmary School of X-ray Technology (R.T.), Assumption High School and St. Raphael School.

I will bring my life’s experiences, leadership, and communication skills to the PPC and will be a team player working with others to achieve consensus through balance, objectivity, respect and fairness. I am ready to make a deeper commitment to my faith. Through my spiritual maturity and discernment process, I will prayerfully seek the inner freedom to do what is in the best interests of Epiphany, a community that means so much to me.

Brandie Grisham

I remembered attending Epiphany in high school when my religion teacher, Mary Sue Barnett, offered extra credit to the class for those who attended a special worship service on Sunday evenings where women preached. I feel in love with the aesthetics and it seemed like a progressive Catholic church, so years later when I was church shopping, I made a return visit to see if Epiphany could be my new church home. Father Bill Griner was the priest and after worship he asked if there were any visitors. He asked where I was from and how I came to know of Epiphany. I explained that my high school religion teacher had introduced me to the parish. Afterwards, there were two women sitting in front of me who turned and welcomed me. I found out that Mary Sue Barnett was the best friend of one of the women. I took that as a sign that I was in the right place. Before joining, I wanted more information on the church and that was when I was introduced to Therese Brennan. We sat and talked for two hours on our first meeting and I knew, at that point, that I had found my place of refuge. In 2000, Epiphany became my home.

My previous job at Ford Motor Company limited my availability to participate in the numerous committees at Epiphany but I got involved where I could. I became an acolyte for the 11:30 am worship service on Sunday mornings and I participated in the Habitat for Humanity projects a couple of times. I no longer work at Ford and I now have time, so I would like to contribute to the parish that has offered so much to me. Also, I recently completed the training to become an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister and look forward to serving in that capacity as well.

I am currently a student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS). I originally enrolled to pursue a Masters of Divinity and Law but my course has changed direction. I am now discerning between the Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy at LPTS and the Masters of Spirituality at Bellarmine in place of the law degree. I have learned during my time at LPTS that I am attracted to the ministry aspect of my curriculum. As a requirement for my divinity degree, I have to complete an internship in a congregation. I am currently working at St. Bernadette’s and have ascertained that I really enjoy working within the church. I have also learned the importance of active participation when it comes to that sense of belonging to a community. Because I have been so involved with the community at St. Bernadette’s with such responsibilities as teaching confirmation class, helping decorate the church, developing a curriculum for a session of Theology of the Body, hosting and facilitation a small group bible study, and attending and participating in several committees my worship experience has been enriched. It is this sense of belonging that I would like to duplicate in my own parish that I am seeking for more ways to be involved. I have been led to places I would normally have not considered but I trust that God will continue to lead me if only I remain willing to follow. It is this desire to follow God’s will that would shape my ministry in a placement on Pastoral Parish Council.

As a recovering alcoholic, I have the privilege to work a twelve step program that requires a daily inventory of my actions. As such, I have learned that it is not always about me. It is not always about what I want. I have become aware of the people around me and realize they are just as important and valued as I am. Because of the tools given to me by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), I have learned not to take things personally. I view this is an attribute especially when it comes to group dynamics. That is not to say that I am not passionate about my opinions but one of the key components that AA warns against is “contempt prior to investigation.” I have learned that I don’t have all the answers and that my way is not the only way. Because of this I have learned to be more open to new ideas and suggestions. This has caused me to develop my skill of active listening. I hope to use these gifts to help unify the council and the parish as a whole.

The changes that Pope Benedict XVI is implementing in the Church universal seem to threaten the identity of Epiphany. With all of the changes that will take place I want to make sure I find out the “why” and to keep parishioners informed in order to alleviate unnecessary animosity. These changes are one of the reasons why I feel called to this ministry. I hope to be an instrument of hope and peace in the tumultuous times that lie ahead. I anticipate that my ability to put aside what I want or feel is right for the greater good of the collective whole would be crucial in an appointment to Epiphany’s Parish Pastoral Council. I have also recently delved into my creative side which affords me new ways of looking at life situations and allows me to see alternate solutions.

Anthony Raley

My wife, Lisa, and I moved here from Owensboro, KY in 1986. Shortly after, we were told about Epiphany. When we first attended, the atmosphere reminded us of Brescia College where we both graduated and me of Owensboro Catholic High. The mass atmosphere was inviting, the surroundings are stimulating and the people were welcoming. Since we joined in 1988, we have raised 2 children here, Katelyn 18 and Aaron 15. Both have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist and after this year, both will have received their Confirmation at Epiphany. Ever since I was old enough to participate in church, I served at mass. Since coming to Epiphany, I have been involved as an Acolyte, a Lector, a Eucharist Minister, a Baptismal Minister and have participate with my children in the Child Formation classes, Youth group activities and community events such as clean up of the grounds and walks for various causes.

When I left college and got married, I relocated to Atlanta, GA to start my career. During that time, I was not very involved with church and felt something was missing. There just wasn’t a connection with the church there. I did not discover exactly what was missing until we moved to Louisville and joined Epiphany.

In addition, I have spent a lot of volunteer hours working with children as my kids have grown up. I see the importance of the interaction between adults and children and that means a great deal to me. To see my own children take an interest in religion because of what is happening means a lot to me and I would like to help keep that spirit alive for others.

I strongly believe in the value of family and the family unit. I have seen my kids grow up here, take on their own beliefs and morals and learn how to treat others no matter what their background, ethnicity, education or economic situation. In these difficult economic times, it is important to help keep everyone involved and understanding that we can make a difference for ourselves and those with whom we come in contact.

I found a very strong gift was given to me from Epiphany when my daughter was ill and that touched me. I have another family here and want to share that feeling with others.

Rosemary Smith

I have been a member of Epiphany for more than 20 years. In the past, I worked with Gather the Children, was a facilitator with RCIA for 5 years, and was a Eucharistic Minister. Liturgically, I am a lector, and “break open the Word” with RCIA, and “dance” on special feast days. I am also a member of the Bell Choir.

I have been a member of the Social Responsibility Steering Committee for more than 10 years, and co-chaired that committee for two years. I have chaired or co-chaired the Women’s Concerns sub-committee for many years. I am a member of the Latino Concerns sub-committee, and of the newly-formed Mission Solidarity sub-committee. As a member of that committee, I have made mission trips to Appalachia and Honduras. Being librarian for almost 20 years is one of my proudest accomplishments here at Epiphany.

I would like other community members to know that I am a people-person, that I love to talk to others and also listen to them. I am a thinker, and like to ponder new ideas, as well as rethink old ones. As a retired person, I am able to share my extra time with my community. I have two grown children and two granddaughters. I have a B.S. in Elementary Education, and was a school librarian for 22 years at St. Bernard School here in Louisville.

Those who know me, know that I am easy to talk with, and willing to listen to other’s ideas. Having just served on PPC for two years, I feel I can be of more value because of that recent experience. I was trained as a mediator here at Epiphany, a skill I used for 13 years in my last job as a Human Resources Manager and one I could use if elected to PPC. I speak Spanish on an intermediate level, a skill that would help me continue to work with our Hispanic parishioners. I have lots of enthusiasm and energy to give to my community.

Michael G. Sostarich

My journey at Epiphany began the year I was married in 1985. As a Louisville native, I grew up at St. Agnes and my wife, Linda, at St. Edwards. As a young married couple, we desired to find a parish that could be ours. We were both drawn to Epiphany because of the music, the liturgy, and the warmth we felt from the parish community. As a young couple we were continually inspired by a number of faith filled families in this community.
Before long I found various ways to serve in the community. I was a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and my wife and I were asked to co-chair the Community Care Committee (then called Community Spirit). Serving in this capacity for a few years with a standing seat on PPC, was eye opening, educational, and a rewarding experience. I was also part of the first Pathways group. At the Archdiocese level, Linda and I served as Retreat Leaders in the marriage preparation program, Engaged Encounter, for more than 10 years. During this time we were also elected and served as the leadership couple for the Louisville EE community, during which time Louisville hosted the National Convention. In 1997, after 12 years of marriage, our first child, Sydney, was born and we entered into a new season of life.

Having attended various churches since then, I’ve returned to Epiphany with a renewed enthusiasm for the richness and traditions of our Catholic faith. Once again, I find myself attracted to the community of Epiphany for the beauty of the liturgy, the quality of preaching, and the spirit within its’ parishioners. Its’ the same welcoming parish I was attracted to 24 years ago. In addition to attending weekly mass, I’ve also grown to appreciate attending the daily mass at Epiphany when my schedule allows. I cannot think of a better way to start the day than listening to God’s Word, reflecting, praying and receiving Jesus. Professionally, I’ve been self employed since 1993. I’ve developed strategy, managed employees, put business processes in place, and have made some very tough business decisions over the years. The skill set required to create and build a business, coupled with my passion for the Catholic faith, love for people of this parish and for a desire to seek God’s Will are a few of the gifts I offer as a potential member of Parish Council.

Is this my time to serve in this capacity? I’m not sure. I can only say that I felt the nudge that Davis Bowles and Father Jeff have referred to when speaking of the upcoming election of the Parish Council. If I indeed possess the gifts needed for a time such as this for our Community then I humbly and prayerfully submit.

If can be used in the position to listen to your concerns and prayerfully join with other members on Council to seek God’s best for our community then I offer my services to the community that has given so much to me over the years.

I humbly put forth my nomination for your consideration.